How to Write a Resume Objective (With Examples)

It is vital to tailor your resume to the job that you are applying for. This includes your work history, education, and skills section. One other resume component to include and tailor is a resume objective.

A resume objective can make a direct link from your resume to the hiring manager. It will help you stand out and show an employer what your intentions are. Let's find out how to write one for your resume today.

What is a Resume Objective?

A resume objective is a way for you to outline your professional goals and intentions when you apply for a job. The reason for including a resume objective is to provoke interest from a hiring manager. Use one to convince them that you should be considered as a primary candidate for the position in question.

A resume objective should be located at the top of the resume and serve to introduce you to the hiring manager. It should be brief and consist of one or two sentences. In it, you should articulate to an employer who you are and why you want to work for them.

How Should You Use a Resume Objective

You can use a resume objective during the application process for many jobs. If you have limited experience, a resume objective can help you let a hiring manager know your true intentions behind your application. Using one allows you to personalize your resume that little bit extra, to give yourself a better chance of being invited to an interview.

When you think about writing a resume objective, it is important to consider these three components.

1. Your current career status
2. The company and position you are interested in
3. Your most relevant skills and qualifications

Each of these is vital for building your resume objective statement. You should include information about of all these in your two sentences as a way of giving a quick (but rounded) impression of yourself to a hiring manager. Miss one out and you may leave a gap that makes the overall statement unclear.

A well-written resume objective will attract the attention of an employer. Be clear and concise, and highlight only areas that are relevant to your application. Don't write too much as this section isn't intended to be long.

Resume Objective Examples

Now we know what a resume objective is and how we can use one, let's look at some examples.

Entry-level candidate

• Recent graduate with an MBA in marketing and a passion for being creative. Looking for an opportunity in an organization where I can apply my passion for marketing in a digital space.
• Aspiring teacher seeking an opportunity to gain practical experience and help students attain their full potential.
• A junior architect wishing to assist clients with planning and submitting construction documents. A strong team player with the ability to make decisions under pressure.

Looking for a career change

• Successful junior accountant that is seeking to break into a leadership position. Strong communication and collaboration skills with experience in managing smaller teams.
• Accomplished journalist who is looking for a new career as a sales representative. A proven track record with a key eye for detail and a passion for making connections with new people.
• Enthusiastic individual with 10 years of experience in project management looking to join your team as a university lecturer. Possesses a drive to share expertise with the next generation of professionals.

Wanting to relocate

• Head chef looking for an opportunity to assist in creating the finest French cuisine. Open to relocating to New York.
• A seasoned traveler and author wishing to find stories in new environments for your company. Has proven success in publishing and hopes to continue to let underrepresented people's stories shine.
• A doctor who specializes in dermatology looking to help and serve the community in a new area. Open to relocating to Europe or Australia.

Final Thoughts

The above examples can be used to help you build your own resume objective. Make sure you convey the information that you want to share clearly and concisely. As you can trigger a hiring manager's interest from your resume objective, it is important to get it right.