Optimize your Resume, Craft Compelling Objectives
January 18, 2010 
5 Comments
Good advertising is directed toward a specific target, which is why both the Objectives and Summary sections of your resume should be focused toward a specific job opening.
You wouldn’t use the same ad to pitch your restaurant to seniors as you would to twenty-somethings, because each group is looking for something completely different. Treat your resume the same way by customizing the Summary and your Objectives to a specific company and position. That takes more work because you’ll probably need multiple resumes, but this attention to detail gives you a leg up in a competitive job market.
Objectives have become less important with the advent of the Summary. However, a concise, focused Objectives statement gives you an additional opportunity in your resume to assert yourself as the ideal candidate.
If you’ve done your homework, you already have a good idea of what would be the perfect candidate for the job you’re applying for. Use that information to craft a resume Objectives statement that portrays you as being very clear about what direction your career is heading in – AND, that your career direction coincides perfectly with what the company is looking for.
If you aren’t clear where you’re going and what you’re looking for, now is the time to determine what career path will be most fulfilling. Back up a few steps and get clear about what your goals are before tackling your resume.
If you’re a little unsure, you can still move ahead, but you can’t be vague in the Objectives section of your resume or you’ll notify the prospective employer that you’re unsure if this job is for you. Instead, lead off with a strong statement that lets the employer know this IS the job for you – and that you’re the person they’ve been looking for.
Always remember that the prospective employer is not interested in what you think the job can do for you and your agenda (“advance my stapling skills”) but rather what you can do for them. The Objectives section of your resume is not the place to be self-centered.
Develop a power statement that incorporates the employer’s most important needs to serve as the Objectives section of your resume.
What are the two or three key things that would make someone stand out as an exceptional candidate for this job? If this is a sales position, among other things they’re looking for is someone who can generate new accounts. Make that the first point to get across in your Objectives statement of your resume – your objective is “a position in a company that is seeking an exceptional record of generating new accounts”.
Leave out the fluff that doesn’t really mean anything. Be concise and to the point. Give that Objectives statement as much clearly focused bang as possible so you get their attention right away.
Use this formula to craft a compelling Objectives Statement:
A (name of the position you’re applying for) in an organization seeking Y and Z.
Or:
A (name of the position you’re applying for) in an organization where Y and Z are needed.
Y and Z are your most compelling qualities – those that really make you stand out in the areas that are most important to the employer.
For example:
* Internet Marketing Manager in an organization where a strong track record of expanding eCommerce market share is needed.
* Senior Staff position with a financial organization that offers the opportunity to use my expertise in real estate lending and strategic management.
* An entry-level position in the hospitality industry where a background in advertising and public relations would be needed.
Once you have a compelling Objectives statement, be sure to back it up by providing evidence of specific, measurable accomplishments in the appropriate sections of your resume.
Related Posts
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Your Resume – Your Personal Ad Campaign
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This only makes sense, but is overlooked by so many that are sending out a “Master Blaster Resume”. Hoping that someone will like what you have on your generic objective statement…Great article and very good advise.
Yes it’s very important to optimize your resume.With the competition that you are face with today you need all the breaks you can get.This was a great article.Pass this on other people they need to know!!!
Thanks/Jimmy
im looking for a job
I believe an Objective or Summary section is unnecessary and maybe even redundant if you are targeting a position. By submitting your resume, it goes without saying that your objective is an interview for the job.
Try a Qualifications or Accomplishments lead in as a very effective marketing tool. This format gives a firsthand view of what you’ve done in your career and how you’re going to add value in a new position. IMHO
LOL? FAE