In some situations, limiting oneself actually is a compelling reason
in favor of using an objective. In one recent letter to the Career
Doctor, Dr. Randall Hansen, the job-seeker said he used his objective
to state his desire not to relocate out of the city in which he
was living. Although this limiting factor spoke more to the job
seeker's needs than the employer's, it could save a lot of time.
Employers would not waste time interviewing him only to discover
that he would not relocate. The job seeker also had the option of
mentioning his desire not to relocate in his cover letter instead
of his resume objective
One survey indicates that about 40 percent of employers want to
see an objective on jobseekers' resumes. That 40 percent figure
should give the "objecti-phobe" pause; it's a pretty convincing
argument in favor of using an objective. If
40 percent of employers would be annoyed not to see an objective
on your resume, using one may be the safest choice.
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As someone who doesn't care much for objectives, I'm not annoyed
when jobseekers include them (unless they are dreadfully and self-servingly
written), and I suspect like-minded employers would feel the same
way.
On the other hand, those still uncomfortable with committing themselves to an objective on their resume can use their cover letters to help them tailor their resumes to the specific jobs they're applying for.
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The cover letter can help bring the resume into sharper focus by elaborating on what the jobseeker wants to do and what he or she can specifically contribute to a particular job. Increasingly, jobseekers are supplementing - or replacing - their objectives with a section called "Summary," "Skills Summary," "Qualifications," "Profile," or the like. Spotlighting skills can be quite appealing to employers, and the keywords used in such sections can be an important element of a resume that's electronically scanned. |
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Bottom line? Whether or not to list an objective on your resume
is a highly personal decision, but a decision in favor of the objective
is worth considering because many employers like to see them. Further: |
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The cover letter can help bring the resume into sharper focus by elaborating on what the jobseeker wants to do and what he or she can specifically contribute to a particular job. Increasingly, jobseekers are supplementing - or replacing - their objectives with a section called "Summary," "Skills Summary," "Qualifications," "Profile," or the like. Spotlighting skills can be quite appealing to employers, and the keywords used in such sections can be an important element of a resume that's electronically scanned. |
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Objectives should reflect the employer's perspective, not
the jobseeker's, and should tell what the jobseeker can contribute.
An objective should demonstrate the value the candidate will add
to the organization. |
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Objectives should be as concise as possible. |
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Objectives may help sharpen the focus of your resume, especially
if your experience is very diverse, or you are switching into a
career not supported by the experience listed on your resume. |
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If you choose not to list an objective on your resume, you
may choose to discuss your objective in your cover letter. |
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Whether or not you choose to include an objective, you may
wish to present a skills or qualifications section on your resume. |
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About the Author
Katharine Hansen is a former speechwriter and college instructor
who provides content for Quintessential Careers, edits QuintZine,
an electronic newsletter for jobseekers, and prepares job-search
correspondence as chief writer for Quintessential
Resumes and Cover Letters. She is author of Dynamic Cover Letter
for New Graduates; A Foot in the Door: Networking Your Way into
the Hidden Job Market; and, with Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D., Dynamic
Cover Letters and Write Your Way to a Higher GPA, all published
by Ten Speed Press. She can be reached by e-mail at kathy@quintcareers.com. |
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