How to Write an Objective for a Resume

The second item on many resumes after contact information is an objective statement. An objective is an optional resume section, but many employers want to see them, especially when it is not obvious from an experience section what the job applicant wants to do. Career changers need an objective. If you choose to include an objective on your resume, learn how to write one here.

Instructions

1. Research your target job. Look through job advertisements on online job boards or in the classified section of your local newspaper to determine the typical qualifications you must have for an employer to consider you for the position.

2. Tailor your objective for one specific job. If you want to apply for several different jobs, create different versions of your resume with different objectives. Name a specific job title in your objective, or at least a generalized version of the job title. For example, "cashier" is very specific, whereas "customer service representative" is more general.

3. Mention what you can contribute. Use the information you gathered from your research to decide what information to include in your objective. Match a qualification the employer needs to a qualification you have. Mention it in your objective, such as "knowledge of accounting principles."

4. Include specific key words in your objective that are relevant for your target job. Many employers use electronic scanners to screen resumes, and using key words increases your chances of getting in the further consideration pile. For example, words like "project management," "CDL" or "Microsoft Office" are key words that certain employers want to see.

5. Look at resume samples for ideas. An example of a good objective is, "A warehouse position with a company desiring shipping and receiving experience and a CDL license."

Resources

• Quintessential Careers provides resume samples.