How to Draft an Effective Resume Objective

Your resume is your first impression to any prospective employer. A well organized and clear calling card is the first step in getting a prospective employer interested in you. The best resumes are organized into sections showing experience and skills; however, some resumes include an Objectives section. While this section is option, if well written it can let an employer know whether you are the right person for their company.

What is A Resume Objective?

When you send out your resume, it's obvious that you want a job. Adding an objective on your resume goes beyond explaining that you simply want work. The objective communicates to an employer your career goals and that their position is part of your career plan.

Customize and Not Summarize

On a resume, an objective may be as brief as a job title or as detailed as a paragraph. The length and function of the objective will depend on the position the job seeker is applying. In writing an effective objective, the statement or comments should relate to the position sought and outline how the position relates to ultimate career path.

While some people choose not to state their job objective on the resume, if included, an objective should be focused and should never restate things found elsewhere on the resume, such as experience or skills.

In addition, the objective should offer some clarity as to why the job seeker has applied for a specific position. It should compliment the job hunters application, resume and cover letter. An objective inconsistent with any of these could sink any chance for an interview.

One Subjective Does Not Fit All

Most job seekers have a variety of talents and experiences. Degrees and experience are not limitations, but avenues. A person with a computer science degree can be a teacher, programmer, analyst, or trainer. Diversity of career options requires having more than one resume and/or objective.

Objective Dos and Don'ts

Even though an objective may be the shorter portion of a resume, it can draw a great deal of attention if not well written or edited. Be sure that objectives are clearly written and do not include typos, slang, colloquialisms or acronyms. Also, don't forget punctuation.

Statements should not be written in first person. No "I" or "my" statements. Any statement that appears self serving will catch an employers' attention and possibly not for the right reasons. Companies interested in team players will seek statements or comments that emphasize working in team environments. Companies looking for leaders will look for decisive goals.

Sample Objectives

Just as there are many websites that help draft cover letters and resumes, there are many resources that offer sample objectives. Statements such as "obtain a position so I can feed my family" are not on the top of the list. Some of the better examples are as follows:

• Obtain a position at [insert name of company/business] in which I can maximize my leadership, customer service and management skills.

• Systems analyst position at {insert name of company/business.]

• Position as copy editor for non-profit organization, utilizing writing, research and leadership skills.

• Art teacher position in alternative or specialized educational environment.

With an employer receiving hundreds of resumes, you want yours to stand out. Writing an objective may be the key. An effective objective could open the door to a new career and great job prospects. With this in mind, a weak or poorly edited resume objective can end your application process quickly. Objectives should be a value adding, clear and concise statements on your well organized resume. If written well, an objective can help an employer realize that you are the right person for their company.