How to Write a Career Objective: 10 Examples

When conducting a job search, you will often find yourself looking for ways to gain an advantage over other candidates in the application process. You should tailor your resume by including skills that match a particular position, but what else can you do? Another option to consider is including a career objective.

A career objective can help you make a solid first impression with a hiring manager and quickly outline why you are a perfect fit for the job. It is brief, but you can convey your professional intentions and goals to an employer. In this article, we will look at what a career objective is through ten examples, which will help give you an idea of how to write one yourself.

What is a Career Objective

First, it is important to mention that a career objective is optional. You will need to decide whether you will benefit from the application process by including one. To decide, you will need to understand what a career objective is.

A career objective is the first section of your resume that an employer will look at. It is your two or three-sentence personal pitch to a hiring manager that will be located at the top of the page. Employers will receive a high volume of applicants in many positions they post nowadays. Due to this, these sentences will need to be well-crafted to advertise yourself correctly and concisely.

How to Write a Career Objective

If your career objective is compelling enough to convince a hiring manager to read further, then you increase your chances of securing an interview. It can be difficult knowing what to put in these two or three sentences, however. Here are some tips for how you can write a career objective.

1. Tailor your objective to the job application

   Tailor your resume to the job you're applying for - not just the career objective. Write your career objective with the job in mind and only include relevant information that will be useful to the employer. Each job position that you apply for will require a unique career objective.

2. Mention your key strengths

   Play to your strengths in your career objective. Include the valuable skills you possess to have an edge over other candidates. If you are 'detail-orientated' or have 'leadership skills' that will fit the role, then let the hiring manager know!

3. Include relevant qualifications or requirements

   This will only apply to specific jobs that require certain qualifications or requirements. In your career objective, introduce that you are qualified for the position. This will instantly alert an employer that you are a serious candidate for the position.

4. Describe the value you'll add to the company

   It is a great idea to show an employer the value that you'll add to their company but be careful not to write too much. As a career objective is concise, only include your key contributions to the company and what makes you unique. You don't need to explain why in this section - just inform an employer what they can expect from you.

10 Examples of a Career Objective

Now we have a good grasp of what a career objective is and how we can write one, let's look at ten varying examples for different jobs.

1. Teacher

   A motivated individual with a passion for helping students to achieve their goals. With 10 years of teaching experience and a PGCE, my goal is to continue building on my experience in a new working environment. Hoping to find an opportunity to teach on the West Coast.

2. Shop Assistant

   Current high school student looking to step foot into the professional working world. I have a passion for business and I'm looking for some hands-on work where I can learn valuable customer service skills.

3. IT Consultant

   IT consultant looking for an opportunity to work with some start-up companies. I am detail-orientated, flexible, and open to relocating anywhere in the States.

4. Marketing Manager

   Result-orientated and initiative-taking marketing manager seeking to break into the television industry. Strategic requirements and company goals will be fulfilled by utilizing my years of experience in skilled leadership.

5. Copywriter

   A creative thinker who writes about a variety of topics in the food and beverage industry. Looking to sharpen my writing skills and explore the vegetarian and vegan food industry. Open to remote work.

6. Accountant

   An MBA graduate with a specialization in accounting. Seeking a role in (company) where I can add value with my calculation abilities and challenge myself in day-to-day situations in a team environment.

7. Chef

   Chef with years of experience in Mexican and Pan-Asian cuisine. Looking to assist in the development of new recipes and engage in a new cuisine. Open to relocating to New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania.

8. Charity worker

   A caring and selfless individual looking to work with underrepresented populations. Previous volunteering experience with (charity) has driven a passion to help make positive change in the world. Open to positions in any city in North America.

9. Nurse

   Licensed nurse with experience in fast-paced hospital settings. Customer-care orientated and not intimidated by pressure. Looking to improve patient satisfaction by utilizing my many years of experience.

10. Social Media manager

    Social media manager looking for an exciting new challenge. Previously helped rebrand (social media page) and increased user engagement by 300% in three months. Hoping to utilize my current skills and learn new ones to yield better results.