Ways to Shape the Objective Statement on Your Resume

The “Objective” section of your resume is, after your work history, the single most important aspect to get right. It’s the first piece of content a reader sees, and MUST present an effective summarization of key skills, as well as building interest in delving further. Here are some proven strategies for creating an outstanding “Objective” section:

1) ANALYZE JOB POSTINGS TO IDENTIFY KEY SKILLS

The first step is analyzing postings for jobs you’d like to apply to. Notice a pattern? Almost all related jobs ask for 3-5 key skills. Identify which ones you possess. For example, IT Project Manager jobs typically request experience in the following areas:

-Network management
-Risk Mitigation
-Technology Integration
-System Management, Upgrading
-Technical Team Leadership

These are the skills which must be highlighted in your “Objective” section.

2) DEMONSTRATE SKILLS INSTEAD OF MERELY LISTING THEM

Simply cramming the “Objective” section full of words such as “Network Management” and “Risk Mitigation” will not suffice. Recruiters/hiring agents want to know the CONTEXT behind these skills. For example, a candidate for an IT Project Manager position could end up with an “Objective” along the lines of:

“Seasoned professional dedicated to developing IT solutions yielding marked performance gains and cost savings. Able to provide hands-on leadership across all project phases, deploy networks, and capitalize on emerging technologies. Expert in upgrading critical systems, mitigating risk, and guiding technical teams to on-time and under-budget completion of initiatives.”

Always think in terms of stressing the unique BENEFIT you can provide a company. Keep sentences brief and avoid listing particular metrics or project successes: the place to tackle these is within your work history.

Anish Majumdar is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Owner at Resume Orbit. 95% of clients report a significant increase in interviews within 30 days, and all work comes backed by a 100% Satisfaction or Money Back Guarantee (in writing).

Please submit your existing resume for a FREE CRITIQUE spanning structure, language, and content.