What to Write in a Resume Objective

A resume objective is usually placed at the very top of a resume, and therefore is often the first thing a potential employer reads. Because of this, a resume objective is the applicant's first and best chance to catch the eye of a hiring manager in order to secure a great job. Here are some tips on writing a strong, unique and eye-catching resume objective.

Make It Relevant

Research the job duties of the position you're applying for, and the needs and priorities of the company that posted the job. Using that information, craft the objective to appeal to what the business needs. For instance, if you're using the resume to apply for sales manager jobs at electronics stores, your resume objective might include something like, "Work in a high-tech environment using my sales skills to lead others."

Most Impressive Skills

If you've got some very impressive qualifications for your target job, work that experience into your objective. For instance, an objective might begin with, "Leveraging my 10 years of accounting experience, my goal is to...."

Show a Desire to Improve

Understand that your resume objective should not just be a goal for obtaining a job; employers will be more impressed if your objective shows your commitment to long-term growth. Express a desire to learn from and grow with the company you've targeted.

Keep it Short and Simple

Hiring managers are turned off by resume objectives that go on for a paragraph or two, to the point that they may not even finish reading them. Limit your resume objective to one sentence; it's acceptable for your objective to a somewhat long sentence.

Make It Stand Out

Remember that the hiring manager will be looking at many other resumes and resume objectives. What will make yours stand out from all of the others? If you can't answer that question, your hiring manager won't either. Stand out with your understanding of the duties of the job, your relevant experience or your unique plans for business growth.