What ARE objective statements anyway?

While I look at a variety of resumes on a daily basis, all with their own unique flavor and design, the one thing I find myself catching over and over again are issues with objective statements. So let's take a more in-depth look at what they're all about.

What are objective statements?
Simply put, objective statements are a one sentence declaration of what you’re looking for and why you’re sending your resume in to the employer. It should be short, clear, and focused. The main purpose is to make it simpler for the hiring manager to know exactly what you are looking for. Therefore, just like with a cover letter, object statements need to be tailored to a specific position, so make a new one each time!

Really? I have to make a new one each time?
Unfortunately yes. But lucky for you, changing them is incredibly simple as they really are only one sentence long. But they must be changed because they must be specific, and catered to each job you’re seeking.

What if I’m attending a Career Fair?
In a situation like this I’ve usually recommended students just take their objective statement off completely. It’s important to note here that objective statements are not mandatory, and most every employer will not have an issue if you chose to omit this section.

What do they have to include?
Objective statements are very basic, but very specific. Having a general statement like: “I’m a driven young professional looking for a career with a great company” is, in all honesty, just fluff. It doesn’t add much to your resume, and really just winds up being a space waster in the end. Instead, you need to include at least two, and ideally three basic components.

• Who you’re applying to (Kaiser, Project Open Hand, Ernst & Young…)
• What position you’re applying for (Intern, Marketing Assistant, Accountant…)
• What you can bring to them (communication skills, leadership ability…)
• This point is not necessary, but may add to the overall feel

Or to put this all together more clearly, here is the basic template we show to all resume writers:

To obtain a position with ________ company as a _________ utilizing my _______, __________, and ___________ skills.

Of course this is a stock example, and is certainly not your only option in terms of objective statement structure. What we want you to take away from this template, though, is the necessity of being specific with what you’re applying for, and where to include your personal skills if you chose to do so.

Some other clear, focused examples to consider:

• An internship position with Wright and Young inc. with a focus on counseling issues related to older adults, their adult children, and their families.
• To obtain a position in a Registered Nurse New Grad Training Program in Pediatrics.

To sum it all up

• Objectives can be helpful, but are not a mandatory part of your resume writing process. If you’re struggling with space on the resume, or if you’re attending a career fair or similar event, it might be in your best interest to remove the objective statement entirely.
• If you are going to include an object statement, make sure it’s specific, make sure it gives a basic overview of what you’re applying for, and make sure it has one to two examples of what you can bring to the organization.

Hope this cleared some things up!

-Sarah