In the past, writing a resume objective allowed you to formally introduce yourself on paper and to explain what you were seeking from a company before meeting face to face with a hiring manager. Nowadays, writing a resume objective is considered an outdated technique used to present vague qualifications. It's since been replaced by the summary statement, which tells the company exactly why they should hire you without repeating certain points or stating the obvious.
How You Used to Write an Operations Manager Resume Objective
The objective was a basic, almost mandatory aspect of resume formatting and content. Job candidates rarely considered submitting a resume without it. Back then, the objective would state information hiring managers now consider to be painfully obvious, such as "I am a manager with experience in operations seeking an opportunity to hone my skills with a successful, established company," or "I am seeking employment as an operations manager with a corporation in which I can grow and advance my career." Today, job recruiters safely assume every resume on their desk has been submitted by someone who is reasonably qualified and interested in employment with their company. Stating the obvious in a traditional resume objective is a dated job-hunting technique.
How to Write an Operations Manager Resume Summary Statement
The summary statement has taken over where writing a resume objective once reigned. Rather than stating the obvious, display your overall value and potential to their company with a summary statement that highlights important facts that may not fit in your work experience section. For example, if you want to convey that you are gifted at improving process efficiency but process efficiency wasn't a specific responsibility of your previous roles, use your summary statement to share that with the hiring manager. Describe your transferable skills, relevant personality traits and a brief description of your goals regarding the job in your summary statement. Think of it as the answer to the "so what?" question that many resumes beg.
An effective operations manager summary statement may sound something like, "Proven leader with eleven years of experience directing the safe execution of management operations in the waste management industry. Excellent rate of success identifying, creating and implementing efficiency-improving initiatives in the recycling and land application areas of waste management. Directed teams with effective communication and accountability practices resulting in exceeding production goals and reducing downtime as a result of workplace accidents."
Instead of writing a resume objective, convince hiring managers you're the right candidate for their open role in operations management with a clear, compelling resume summary statement. Read your performance reviews for recent years and recall instances where your unique contributions improved the company's success or reduced inefficiency. Remember to share accounts of measurable successes in your summary statement. Research your desired industry and company to find out what their top executives did to earn promotions, and compare their experiences to yours. Ask yourself what you've done that aligns with their path to success, and share it through your resume summary statement.
You might also want to look through the library of resources at LiveCareer to ensure you submit the most effective, informative resume summary statement to advance your career in operations management. Writing a resume objective is no longer necessary. With planning and careful thought, your resume will propel you to the top of the list of candidates for the job.
Be sure to check out more helpful resume formats and cover letter formats !
