Does a Resume Need an Objective?

Are you revising your resume to make it as strong and compelling as possible?

Creating the perfect resume is an art form, and it needs to be composed of several different sections. The objective statement is one of the main sections that most people include, and it usually goes at the top.

However, the objective statement takes up valuable space, and many people believe it is not really necessary. There are both pros and cons to including an objective statement in your resume.

So, let’s take an in-depth look at…

Does a Resume Need an Objective Statement?

What is an Objective Statement?

An objective statement consists of a single paragraph and is added close to the top of your resume. It provides you with the opportunity to present your career goals and key skills to the employer. The objective statement is designed to grab the attention of hiring managers and make you stand out from the crowd.

In short, the objective statement is designed to tell the reader exactly who you are and what you are looking for. This can be especially useful if you are planning to change career paths slightly. You can explain your reason for changing and the assets that you will bring to your new job.

The Benefits Of An Objective Statement

Before we look at the negative side of the objective statement, let’s start with the positive aspects. After all, objective statements have been used by job seekers for many years. Some of the reasons you may want to add them to your resume include the following:

It makes an impact

Placing the objective statement at the top of your resume helps to break up the format a little. Instead of starting with a list of your employment or education, the reader is invited to get to know you. This can be a refreshing change and may stick in the minds of some hiring managers.

It includes keywords

You can include certain keywords and buzzwords that will jump out at the reader and pique their interest. Certain hiring managers also use special software to scan resumes and submit those that contain particular keywords. Placing these keywords in your objective statement helps to make sure it goes on the top of the pile.

Highlights your strengths

The objective statement can be used to highlight particular strengths and skills. If you have extensive experience, you can state it clearly to make sure it does not go unnoticed. If you have a unique skill that is in demand, this is also a good place to mention it.

How To Create A Strong Objective Statement?

Because it is so short, it can be difficult expressing yourself clearly in an objective statement. You need to make sure that it makes an impact and increases your chances of securing an interview. Here are some ways to make sure that your objective statement is especially impactful.

Review the job description

The job description should reveal the key values and desires of the company. You should be able to pick out at least two skills that the company is looking for. Make sure you highlight these skills when writing your objective statement.

Focus on unique qualities

Take the time to work out what makes you especially valuable as an employee. You should be able to come up with a list of desirable traits that you can mirror in your objective statement. These could be elements like ambitious, reliable, and motivated.

Keep it short and simple

It is important to limit your objective statement to a single paragraph and ideally one or two sentences. The reader should be able to scan the objective statement in a couple of seconds.

Choose the correct formatting

As we have already discussed, the ideal place for the objective statement is underneath your name and contact information. However, it is also important to choose the right formatting to make the objective statement stand out. You could choose to make the text italicized or bold or even change the font size.

Reasons to Skip it

While an objective statement can be useful, there are also certain cons to using one. Technically, the objective statement does not have anything to do with your career path. Here are some reasons why you may want to skip it altogether.

It takes up valuable space

It can be hard enough to fit all your employment, education, and key skills onto a single resume page. Therefore, you simply may not have the space for an objective statement. It may not be worthwhile sacrificing some key information for one.

They can make you seem self-centered

The objective statement is all about you and what makes you a great employee. While this can make you sound confident and valuable, it can also make you sound egocentric if you are not careful. Therefore, it is essential to make sure you choose the right tone.

They are old fashioned

An objective statement is an older resume trend and is often seen as being outdated. Therefore, choosing to use one could outdate both you and your resume. If you are older, the reader could get the impression that you are out of touch with the latest trends.

Needing More Resume Info And Advice?

Look no further with my advice on Job Titles On Resume, Hobbies Interests To Put On Resume, Achievements To List On Your Resume, How To List References On A Resume, How To List Education On A Resume, the Most Important Skills To Put On A Resume, the Best Cover Letter Format and the Best Resume Format Guide in 2023.

If you’re applying with a Linkedin Profile, then you should take a look at the Marketing Yourself in the Age of Digital: CVs, Applications, Interviews, Social Media, LinkedIn, CVs, Resumes, and LinkedIn: A Guide to Professional English, or the Expert Resumes and Linkedin Profiles for Managers & Executives available online.

For resumes, CV’s or profiles, we’ve got the How to Write an Amazing IT Resume, Optimize Your Resume: DOs and DON’Ts the SamNova Way, the Resume Formats book, Land Your Dream Job: Join the 2% Who Make it Past Resumé Screening, Resume Writing: 10 Ridiculously Simple Tips, English for Academic CVs, Resumes, and Online Profiles, as well as the Resume Format Guide.

Final Thoughts

In the past, the acceptable length for a resume was two or even three pages. Therefore, there was plenty of space to include an objective statement and a range of other information.

However, these days the acceptable length is just one page, meaning that finding the available space can be tricky. In most cases, the objective statement has been replaced by the cover letter that accompanies email applications.

However, many online application forms only allow you to upload a resume, and the objective statement allows you to introduce yourself. Ultimately, whether or not you decide to include it depends on your circumstances and preferences.

All the very best with your resume writing!