How to Write a Good Objective Sentence for a Resume

Get the job you want with a strong resume objective.

A good objective statement in a resume adds focus to your resume and ties it all together. A job or career objective line is not always necessary in a resume, and one that is too restrictive or expansively general may do you more harm than good. Consider how your interviewer will see the objective. It should summarize for him what you offer his organization and how you would fit in at the company.

Instructions

1. Start the resume objective sentence with the name of the position you are looking to fill. If you're applying for a particular job, tailor this element to that exact position. If you are applying for more than one position, be as specific as you can without boxing yourself into a tight job description.

2. Highlight the skills or experience factors that will contribute to the position for which you are applying. Use action words that connect to the skills you describe later in the resume.

3. Conclude with a summary of what you can do for the company with the skills you offer. In this phrase, tie the first two elements of the objective statement together by explaining how the skills and experience you described make you the perfect candidate for the position you want. Use action words to help the reader picture you performing the job.

4. Rearrange the wording and edit down to a concise, confident-sounding single sentence.

Tips & Warnings

• Create a new resume objective sentence for each job application.

• Do not waste space in your resume with an objective statement that is too vague or that focuses only on your career goals.

References

• "The Guide to Basic Resume Writing"; Public Library Association, et al.; 2004