Career Objective

A career objective is best used to focus a resume when you know what position you are interested in. This section appears at the beginning of a resume after the name and contact information. If you are sending your resume to a company in the hopes of landing any job, a qualifications summary would be better for you. It's a good idea to have one or the other, before leaping into the heart of your resume.

The purpose of a career objective is to tell the employer what it is that you want to do. The rest of the resume focuses on supporting this objective and convincing the employer of your ability to do it. If you do decide to use an objective, do not use vague words and phrases. They will not add value to your application. Do not write: "To obtain a position in a progressive company where I can use my skills to increase sales and contribute to the overall success of the organization". Rather, be specific in outlining exactly what you are looking for: "To direct a sales organization at a consumer products company."

Keep your objective focused and precise. As a guide, make it 12 words or less; don't go over this limit unless you feel it will really help you land your job. Ensure that the rest of your resume supports your objective. After you have it written, ask yourself:

• Does my objective position me as a qualified candidate for the position I am seeking?

• Does it emphasize the contribution I can make to the organization?

• Does it entice the employer to read the rest of my application?

Remember that if you do use an objective in your resume, be sure to adjust your resume for the different types of jobs that you apply for.

Objective Examples

Seeking a position in sales where five years of customer service experience will add value.

Position where three years of management experience will contribute.

Corporate trainer, where a thorough understanding of English will be useful. Skilled in public speaking and instructing.

Should I include a career objective in my resume?

Well, that really depends on your objectives. The table below may help you decide.

Advantages

• It tells the employer exactly what you want; this will give you an edge over people sending a resume to the company in the hopes of hitting any job matching their qualifications.

• If you are applying for a specific position, then an objective will convey a long run outlook.

• It shows the employer that you have direction.

• If your previous jobs are different from the type of job that you are now seeking, then an objective communicates your decision to change careers.

Disadvantages

• If you are applying to the company, and not necessarily for a specific position, then an objective can limit your chances of getting a job with that firm.

• Having both a career objective and a cover letter may be redundant.

If you're still not sure, as a general rule of thumb, use an objective if you know what job you want. If you're not sure, you're better off with a summary of your qualifications. It's best to have either one or the other; do not omit both.