Writing a Winning Resume Objective

Perhaps the area where most job seekers and applicants run into trouble with their resumes is in the wording of the resume objective. It seems like such a simple thing, and this is probably the assumption that leads people down the wrong path in their wording.

First of all, what exactly is a resume objective? A resume objective is a brief yet potent statement made in the first line of your resume, meant to inform the employer of what skills and usefulness you will bring to their corporation. However, too many aspiring employees make the mistake of focusing this statement on themselves; what they hope to get out of the job. This is not what the employer is looking for, nor is it what they want to see.

You need to focus on the employer and their needs. How will hiring you benefit them? That's what they want to know!
Wording your objective in the ways so common to most resumes is a mistake, and often one that can cost you an interview. For instance: "Seeking challenging position that will utilize my interpersonal skills, experience in sales and has room for advancement," reads to the employer like: " I want a job that is not too boring, where I can put to work for you the skills I choose and continue to get promoted and make more money."

Okay, not exactly, but you get the picture. Now, try a resume objective worded thusly: "Sales professional hoping to increase revenue in your company by implementing new ideas and strategies for improvement. Hoping to give 110% and become an essential member of your team."

That is an objective that is going to cause an employer to take a second, and maybe a third look.

Now, although it's important to get strong resume- objective -writing skills down pat, should you always include a resume objective? The answer is no. When to leave it out? When there is more than one position in the company for which you qualify for and are interested in. This would make it impossible to customize and strong and attention getting statement, so it is best to not include one at all.

It is going to be up to you to use your judgment on when to use resume objectives, but it's not as hard as it sounds. Familiarize yourself with all aspects of the process by doing Web searches, talking to professionals in the resume writing business, and reading any other articles you can find regarding the subject.

Before you know it you will be more comfortable than you even dreamed possible with the whole concept of resume objectives.

Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information on resumes or for a samples resume checkout his recommended websites.