How to Write a Resume Objective: Tips and Examples
A great resume starts with a strong resume objective statement. Learn the differences between a resume objective and a professional summary and how to write a stand out objective.
What is a Resume Objective?
A resume objective statement is a job seeker’s elevator pitch. In two to five sentences, it outlines your professional goals and highlights your most relevant skills.
Like the more commonly used professional summary, a resume objective sits at the top of the page and is the first thing recruiters see when scanning your document. Whereas a professional summary tells hiring managers what you will bring to the table by describing your skills and experience, the function of a resume objective statement is to tell a potential employer more about your career goals.
When to use a resume objective vs. a
professional summary
While most job seekers should use a professional summary, there are some applicants for whom a resume objective is ideal. Use a resume objective statement if:
You’re applying for your first job.
A resume objective is ideal for entry-level applicants with little-to-no work history since it allows you to instead outline your professional goals. Even if you are new to the workforce, you should also include information about the skills you’ve acquired in school or through other non-work experiences.
You’re switching careers.
A resume objective is a great opportunity to explain your career goals and outline the transferable skills you’ll bring to the table. Use this section to highlight your most impressive achievements and explain how these relate to the role to which you are applying.
You have gaps in your employment history.
If you have been raising children or stepped away from work to deal with a health crisis, using a resume objective statement allows you to explain why you have been away from the workforce. Keep your explanation short and simple; there will be time to elaborate in a job interview.
Resume objectives for every career stage
Your resume objective will change over the course of your career. As your professional ambitions evolve, so should your objective statement. Here are five compelling examples, by job level:
High School Student
Resume objective: Motivated high school senior seeks restaurant hostess or other front-of-house role. Possess excellent communication skills and friendly personality. CPR and first-aid certified.
College Student
Resume objective: Responsible college sophomore looking to make use of customer service skills in a summertime server job. Hard worker with friendly demeanor. Currently holds an up-to-date food handler’s license.
Entry-level applicant
Resume objective: Recent college graduate in search of entry-level administrative assistant role. Well-spoken and cheerful. Motivated to provide clients with stellar customer service and coworkers with top-notch clerical support.
Change of career
Resume objective: Former law enforcement officer looking to capitalize on conflict-resolution and communication skills in new security guard position. Decisive, empathetic and physically fit. Able to employ well-honed firearms and driving skills if necessary.
Reentering the workforce
Resume objective: Seasoned, CDL-carrying transportation professional seeking long-haul truck driver position. Offering over two years of freight transport experience and additional eight years of prior bus- and van-driving experience. Clean driving record with full-liability insurance coverage.
Resume objectives by job title
Child care provider resume objective:
Compassionate and attentive child care provider seeking entry-level role in early childhood education or daycare setting. Looking for an opportunity to share cultivated instructional, culinary and disciplinary skills. Especially experienced supervising toddlers and infants.
Call center representative resume objective:
Call center representative looking for growth opportunities that capitalize on customer service and communication skill sets developed in retail settings. Skilled in data entry and maintaining a positive attitude. Able to deliver detailed product information while addressing and prioritizing customer needs. Patient and kind.
Construction general laborer resume objective:
Dedicated general laborer seeking to move into a construction position requiring materials expertise and carpentry knowledge. High level of accuracy and attention to detail. Strong understanding of OSHA standards to a team-oriented workplace. Skilled machine operator with solid blueprint comprehension.
Software engineer resume objective:
Highly analytical and iterative software designer looking to pivot into software engineering role. Veteran developer eager to apply five years of at-home Python and Java programming experience while leveraging deep familiarity with technical design principles. Passionate worker with creative background excited to expand skill set.
Training and development intern resume objective:
Outgoing training and development intern in search of associate-level role within insurance or financial services company. Highly motivated and organized independent thinker. Looking to grow knowledge and experience in a paid internship.
Electrical engineer resume objective:
Hands-on electrical engineer returning to the workforce after a three-year hiatus. Seven years of experience designing and maintaining electrical systems. Excel in fabrication of circuit components. Extremely adaptable to different management styles and technical demands.
Office assistant resume objective:
Detail-oriented and capable professional with three years of reception experience ready to provide administrative assistance in a fast-paced work environment. Adept at organizing calendars and managing detailed schedules. Conscientious and communicative. Proficient with basic office equipment and MS Office software.
Personal driver resume objective:
Personal driver with extensive rideshare driving experience in search of full-time opportunity. Hope to provide consistent and punctual transportation services for a new client. Boast impeccable driving record, flexible schedule and knowledge of basic automobile maintenance.
College professor resume objective:
Engaging adjunct college professor looking to secure a full-time teaching position teaching economics at an accredited university. Equally suited to instruct students in macroeconomics and microeconomics-focused upper-division courses. Possess finely tuned advising skills. Keep flexible and accommodating office hours.
Accountant resume objective:
Organized and newly CPA-certified financial analyst who recently founded accountancy firm. Equipped to render comprehensive budgeting, financial forecasting and tax preparation services. Can ensure complete client satisfaction and discretion while adhering to ethical standards. Seeking to apply experience gained in large-scale financial management bodies.
Team lead resume objective:
Experienced team lead in search of retail or other customer-facing work. Practiced supervising sales teams while assessing employee performance. Collaborative leader able to enact process improvements and staff growth while providing complete customer service.
Lawyer resume objective:
Seasoned lawyer looking to return to full-time work. Seeking to provide representation and myriad legal services to new corporate clients. Active and analytical listener ready to serve as dedicated counsel to C-suite and other executive teams. Able to distill easily digestible summaries of complex regulations or legal codes.
Security officer resume objective:
Hard-working and observant security officer. Offering private employers a decade’s worth of experience ensuring safety and surveillance as a public servant. Skilled in remaining calm and vigilant under pressure while imparting basic self-defense practices to clients and colleagues.
6 Dos and Don’ts for writing a resume objective
- Do state your professional goals.
- Do mention your experience level — if you are new to the workforce, that’s OK.
- Do explain why you are qualified for the job, even if you have limited experience.
- Don’t write in the first person.
- Don’t forget to list your relevant skills.
- Don’t forget to personalize your resume objective for each role.
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Resume objective FAQs
- 1. What can I put on my resume instead of an objective?
- 2. Do resumes need an objective?
- 3. How long should an objective be on a resume?
1. What can I put on my resume instead of an objective?
Instead of an objective, you can put a professional summary section at the top of your resume. If you’re applying for your first job, switching industries or have a long gap in your employment history, stick with an objective statement. If these situations don’t apply, opt for a professional summary instead.
2. Do resumes need an objective?
Not all resumes need an objective statement, but they do require an introductory section that tells a hiring manager who you are. If an objective statement doesn’t fit your situation, be sure to instead include a professional summary, which is actually the more common choice among most applicants.
3. How long should an objective be on a resume?
Your resume objective should be as long as two to five sentences, not unlike the more popular professional summary section. Regardless of which you choose, this part of your document should extend no further than a single paragraph at the top of the page.
