6 Tips for Writing a Resume Objective

by Ms. Lisa Swan

You may want to write a resume objective, so that employers can see what you are looking for in a job. This is an optional feature on your resume; you do not need to write one. Some employers may want to see it, to get an understanding of who you are, and what you are looking for. Others find the resume objective an annoyance, while others do not care either way.

Some employers may want to see a resume objective to show that you know what you are talking about when it comes to the position, and are experienced in and knowledgeable about the field.  If you do need to write a resume objective, here are some tips for doing so

The objective should be job-related

If you are looking to ride every rollercoaster in the United States, or climb Mount Everest, that is nice, but that is not an objective that you should have on a resume.

Don’t just say that you are looking for a job

Maybe your objective is to simply find a job. That is a good objective for yourself, but it is not something you should list as a resume objective. Employers will read it and think that you just want any job, without any concern of whether it is the right fit for you.

Tailor your objective to the job

If you are applying to be a web designer, for example, your resume should emphasize your skills in that field, as well as your goals. You could write something about how you are looking for a web design position where you can use your skills in order to create web sites that could increase page views and enhance user experience. You don’t want to talk about being an expert at accounting, even if you have skills in that field, if you are applying for a web design position, as it will come across as irrelevant.

Think about what you have to offer from your past

Give some thought as to what your career goals are, as well as what your experience in the field is.Emphasize what skills and experience you can bring to the position. What skills do you have that will most impress a future employer?

Think about what you have to offer for the future

Explain how you can help increase sales or improve things at the company, so that the employer would know how you could potentially help the firm’s bottom line. For example, you could say if applying for an accounting position, you could explain how you can help better manage the company’s costs.

Show awareness of the company

If you are applying for a sports-related job, you shouldn’t talk about music, or some other unrelated field. Your objective should be specific to that company, and to their workplace culture.

This post was written by Ms. Lisa Swan

Lisa Swan writes for the Institute for Coaching -- career, executive, and life coaching.

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