Resume Objective - Should You Have One?

Friday, May 2, 2008

Free Resume Articles : Resume Objective - Should You Have One? by Mike Woods


Every time we submit a job application, we are oftentimes confronted with the predicament on whether to put a resume objective in our CV or not. If you go and ask career experts, you most probably will get varied views and opinions. Some career advisers would say that a resume objective must be included to provide the employer an idea on what types of roles you are interested in and would likely perform best. Other advisers, on the other hand, would be saying that including a resume objective would be a complete waste of time as it is often ignored by employers and sometimes would turn their interest off.

Whatever the case, the decision to put a resume objective in your job application is a matter of personal preference. While it is true that some employers would regard it as nothing more than hype and would ignore it, there are also a number of employers who want to see a resume objective in place to get an immediate insight on whether you are the right person for the role being offered. The reality of the matter is, you can never please everybody. But by making that early decision on whether or not to include a resume objective will make the process of job seeking one step easier.

If you do make the decision to write a resume objective, there are a few important points that you need to take into consideration to make sure that it is up to standard and not be the reason why your application will be declined.

Make sure that your resume objective is relevant to the role that you are seeking.

Do not include a resume objective for the simple reason of just having one. Prospective recruiters can immediately identify whether the resume objective addresses the key competencies required of the position. If found to be irrelevant, it usually ends up in your application being declined on the spot. This is not what you want to happen. You want to get the position so you need to ensure that your resume objective encourages employers to know more about you and discuss your competencies through an interview.

Your resume objective must be simple and must be clear.

You don't want it to be too vague to be understandable only by you and not your prospective employer. Keep in mind that you are trying to sell yourself to them. The resume objective must clearly define your potential without being boastful. While it is perfectly fine to give them an insight on your key skills and competencies that your can bring to a role, be honest. Outright lies can easily be found out during the interview and gone will be your chances of being hired. Honesty still pays but it is not good to be too modest either. Your resume objective must also be written to sell.

Ensure your resume objective focuses on what you can bring to a role.

You are the one seeking for a position so it will be in your best interest to make sure that your resume objective puts you in a positive light in the employer's view. It should clearly communicate the message that you have something beneficial to offer if ever hired. We are not referring to monetary items but specific competencies and skills required of the role.

While the preference to write a resume objective in your CV depends entirely on you, these important points can make the decision process a whole lot easier. However, you have to remember that your goal is to acquire the job you desire and while there are a lot of other factors that bear an impact on that goal, a properly written resume objective can bring you one step closer to achieving that.


About the Author
Fact: Most resumes end up in the trash before spending any useful time in the employer's hand. Don't let yours end up with the same fate. Learn how to write a resume that works and how your resume objective can play a part in finally getting that interview.


Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=868383