Resume Objective: Examples and Tips for Your Career Objective
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.
Contents
What is a Resume Objective?
A resume objective statement is a job seeker’s elevator pitch. In two to five sentences, it outlines your training and skills and any relevant work experience you might have.
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, a resume objective statement tells a potential employer more about your career goals.
BUILD MY RESUMEWho should use a Resume Objective?
Resume objective statements are used in three specific scenarios. You should write a resume objective 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.
If none of the above situations describe you, you should use a professional summary.
What to Include in a Resume Objective
If you have determined that a career objective is appropriate for your resume, there are four critical elements to include:
- The job title to which you are applying.
- Keywords from the job description. Study the job description to determine which critical skills and experience to include.
- Relevant education, skills and training. If you are pursuing but haven’t yet completed a degree or professional certification, mention it in the resume objective and make a note of when you anticipate completing
- Transferable skills related to the role. Even if you are applying for your first job, you likely have skills that you have gleaned through school, internships or volunteering that will apply in the workplace, such as leadership experience or relevant computer skills.
Resume Objective Examples for Every Career Stage
A good resume objective is a very specific, targeted way to let a potential employer know that your experiences would make you a great fit for the role. The examples below cover a variety of career scenarios to help you craft your own objective statement.
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.
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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 an additional eight years of bus- and van-driving experience. Clean driving record with full-liability insurance coverage.
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No experience
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.
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College students and recent graduates
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.
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High school students
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.
Customize This ResumeResume Objective Examples by Job title
Call center representative
Call center representative looking to apply my customer service and communication skills in a new role. Six years of sales experience in a retail setting. Skilled in data entry and maintaining a positive attitude. Able to deliver detailed product information while addressing and prioritizing customer needs.
Child care provider
Compassionate and attentive child care provider seeking entry-level role in early childhood education or daycare setting. B.S. in Early Childhood Education from University of Georgia. Looking for an opportunity to care for and teach toddlers and young children in a daycare.
Construction general laborer
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.
Electrical engineer
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
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.
Pharmacist
Recent graduate with Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy. Seeking full-time pharmacist role in a hospital or clinic setting. Deep understanding of medicines, human health, and how pharmacology can advance human health and health systems. Compassionate and passionate about patient education. Strong critical-thinking and research skills.
View All Resume Objectives6 Dos and Don’ts for Writing a Resume Objective Statement
Do
- 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
- 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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