How to Write an Objective for a Resume
As important as all other aspects of your resume, it is essential to learn how to write an objective for a resume. While it is only one or two sentences at the top of your resume, its importance cannot be downplayed. It is one sentence that says why you are the best candidate for the job. As such, many people often stare at a blank computer screen for hours on end trying to figure out how to write a good objective.
What is the Goal of the Objective
Simply put, the goal of any objective on a resume is to increase the possibility of a positive response from the potential employer. The objective should encourage the employer to read the rest of your resume. It is for you to use to transmit the idea that you are the best possible person for the job opening.
Why it is Vital to Understand how to Write an Objective for a Resume
First of all, your objective will get attention. Write what you think would gain the attention of the human resources department, employer, or job recruiter. To grab attention, the objective needs to be specific in demonstrating how you can use your current skills to impact the job opening. It is great bait to reel someone in to read your resume.
Objectives also set the tone for the resume. People read from the top down, so of course they will see your resume first. It is how you set the tone, much like the title of a book. We pick up a book at a bookstore and read the back if the title catches our eye. Your objective needs to do the same thing.
While many believe the objective to be redundant when written along with a cover letter, keep this in mind – many job recruiters skip over the cover letter and first read the resume. Therefore, the objective is what will keep you in the mind of the recruiter when going through piles of resumes.
What you Need to Include in your Objective Statement
There are three vital components to writing an objective statement. The first component is mentioning the position you are applying for. State the position you want and do not be vague. By stating the specific title of the position applied for, you clarify to the ‘gatekeeper,’ whether the human relations department of a job recruiter, what job you want and it eliminates any confusion if there are multiple positions being filled. It demonstrates that you are interested and informed of the position.
Next, you need to mention your key skills that qualify you for the job. Give the selling points so the person reads the rest of your resume. Identify the skills that make you the best candidate for the position. Keep it relevant and demonstrate how that skill will translate into the position.
Lastly, show how those skills will translate into value for the employer and the company as a whole. While an employer can try to figure it out on their own, it is best to just present it to them in a clear written format. Say in a few words how you will be an asset to the company.
An objective is like the bait on a fishing hook. You want the fish to grab the bait so you can reel it in. The same holds true for an objective statement. When you learn how to write an objective for a resume, you are hooking the employer in so you can reel them in with your resume.
How to Write a Resume for a Job when you do not have Experience
Nothing can be more difficult than figuring out how to write a resume for a job when you are lacking experience. When looking to land that first “real-world” job, you may find that you are faced with having to demonstrate background knowledge to succeed because of a lack of experience.
While many think that a lack of experience may hold them back when competing against other potential candidates that have an education and experience, by producing a good resume, it is still quite possible to get your foot in the door.
Make your Cover Letter Memorable
While your cover letter is a cut-and-dry document listing all accomplishments and skills, the cover letter is where you can shine. Use it to discuss why you want to work for the company and in the position being offered. Speak with passion and do not sound like a robot with, “I want this job because…” As well, do not write a biography, just three to four important points. Try to not go over a paragraph.
Do not Forget to Format for Optimal Results
A resume should not be some strewn together words; it needs to provide information in a sequence that is not only logical, but also very easy to read. Do not be afraid to use italics, bold-face, and underlines to assist in guiding the potential employer through the resume. Keep it consistent.
Tell the Employer your Personal Information
While it may seem obvious, many people do not know to include personal information in their resume, including name, phone number, address, and email address. These should be right at the top of the resume. You do not have to include items such as age, marital status or political affiliation as employers are prohibited from asking.
Articulate Strengths and Goals in your Objective Statement
The objective statement is a very mini cover letter. It further assists in identifying the position you are applying for. You can quickly list the accomplishments and skills right at the beginning so the employer can look for them in the actual resume.
Market Yourself Like a Pro
When understanding how to write a resume, the most important thing to remember is that you are marketing yourself, trying to show your best side. List all relevant experiences, such as internships and how they relate to the new job you are applying for. You need to turn your achievements into professional credentials.
You may not have any jobs under your belt, but you probably accomplished a lot. For example, a heading written under the “relevant experience” section might be “volunteer experience,” project management experience,” or “writing experience.”
Under this point, always use action verbs to highlight all accomplishments and skills. It strengthens the resume and creates a positive, lasting impression.
One pit fall many people run into is that they write too much. Only include relevant information with a bit of detail to demonstrate your skills. A good resume should be no more than a page. If you have any major skills or accomplishments you want to identify, do it in the cover letter. Most likely the employer will have the resume in front of them when interviewing you, so if they have a question about something written, you can then verbally market yourself better.
Do not Forget your Educational Information
Highlight your education in your resume. If you just completed university and took a lot of courses that fit with the job opening, make a section for “relevant course work.” Do not forget if you have graduated with honors, what degrees you received and any certifications.
Proofread!
Nothing is worse than sending in a resume that has spelling and grammatical errors. It makes you not only look sloppy, but that you do not really care about the position currently being offered. This is the time to be a total perfectionist. Read it yourself or have someone else do it to guarantee the resume is perfect. A well written resume can go a long way in making a good first impression.
While it can feel very intimidating to compete against those who have the experience, remember that in the end, the employer is just looking for the candidate they feel can do the best job. When determining how to write a resume, prove that you can do the job and you just may land the position.
