Many resumes start with an objective statement. This can be a great way to start your resume, or it can make a very bad impression. It all depends on what you write. This week, I’m going to look at Objective Statements in detail. Today and tomorrow, I’ll have a couple articles on how to write an objective, and later in the week, I’ll provide examples of actual resumes.
Do You Need an Objective
The first question regarding objective statements is whether you need one. Objective statements are not a required element on a resume. In our 2008 Resume Benchmarking Survey, we found that 56% of resumes have an objective statement.
If you are seeking a position similar to your current role, an objective isn’t important. Most hiring managers will assume you want to do what you are already doing.
If you want to make a shift into a different role or industry, an objective will help. The bigger the change you want to make, the more important an objective statement is. If you want to change careers but don’t have an objective, it’s very unlikely that a hiring manager will see your background as a fit in a different field. You need to get them thinking about suitability in the different role.
Tomorrow, I’m going to look at what makes a good objective statement.