Jan

26

Dating Your Resume: Objective Statements

Posted by Dan

January 26, 2008 |

One of the easiest ways to make your resume’ seem outdated and irrelevant is to include that ol’ resume’ clunker- the “objective statement”. Generally listed at the top of a resume’, objective statements make sweeping goal-based, unnecessary objectives the first thing a prospective employer sees about you. Applicants returning to the job market after several years in a different field or with a single employer, often find themselves dredging up a dusty resume’ complete with its dated devices. So why are objective statements the 8-tracks of resume’ items?

  • First, employers know what your objective is- to get the job they have to offer. If that wasn’t the case, why would they have your resume’ in their hands (or on their computer screen)?  
  • Second, the objective statement gives you a chance to make yourself wrong for their position. A statement of your objective such as, “an exciting position with a growing firm with opportunities for advancement and career mentorship,” is fine- unless the position you’ve applied for is in an established firm at the top of the food chain where there will be no one more qualified than you to act as mentor. Why pass up a leadership position by positioning yourself as a person who needs to grow before being ready to lead?
  • Third, your resume’ is valuable real estate. Why take up acreage with unnecessary objectives when you could be listing even more of your experience or education in that space? Unless you are in a field, such as writing or academia where the never-ending CV is used,  a resume’ should be as brief as possible.  Very few hiring executives have the time to wade through more than two pages- one page is ideal if you in the first ten years of your career.  Save that space wasted on your objective statement for something you’ve already achieved.

 If you still feel the need to let your prospective employer know what your objectives are, don’t despair. A well-written cover letter can incorporate your career goals in light of how you and their position are a great fit. Tailor your words to fit what you know of their company, the position, and your own strengths and weaknesses.

But leave the objective statement in the dust- just like you’re leaving that old job for the career you’ve always wanted.

Posted by Amy Loveridge.


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  1. Pages tagged "sweeping" on January 26, 2008 10:00 pm

    [...] bookmarks tagged sweeping Dating Your Resume: Objective Statements saved by 4 others     TheSeventhHokage bookmarked on 01/26/08 | [...]

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