T.A.P. Q#338 – What’s the Deal With Objective Statements on Resumes?

Hello Erica,
Q#338 Twitter Project

You are likely to receive a myriad of answers to this question, regarding objective statements.

They have pro's and con's.

Cons: Most job seekers insert an OS that focuses on them, rather than the employer. We need to realize, as crass as it sounds, that employers don't care about us, they care about what we can do for them. The three crucial needs of employers: can you make me money/save me money? Improve something? Or increase efficiency.

Incidentally, I read a survey on linkedin.com by Beth C. today that said companies' number ONE priority is (especially in recruiting) is efficiency improvement.

Another con is that if you make your OS too vague, it may allow the reader (a recruiter or HR Mgr who scans the resume for 10 seconds) to pass over you. Usually the lame (sorry), unimaginative OS"s have no gusto or zest in them.

If you must include an OS, quantify with numbers, dollars and percentages.
Or include the OS and your qualifications, capitalizing on (________) one of the three employer wishes I spoke about.

Companies hire based on 3 R's: referrals, recommendations and reputation. They don't hire generic employees, so don't make your OS lifeless on the page.

Another strategy, put a testimonial near your OS. Testimonials cannot be manipulated, if done the right way.

The pro's of using objective statements?

The more specific you can convince the employer that you're a good ROI (return on investment) and that it would be wise to hire you, the better. Use a maximum of 3 sentences with competencies, talents and strengths.

Remember, the top half of a resume is critical as far as content.

Don't allow your OS to have a mortality factor, but one that is on the critical list of employers' desired criteria.

Best wishes.

Melissa Martin
bilingual career coach
www.careercoachingbyphone.com

As with the title of a book, the Objective Statement of a resume is the author's opportunity to influence the reader and send him/her off in a direction of his his/her choosing. If the book title read "Last Fifty Years of the Indy 500" without cracking open the book one would believe it was a history and about racing...and probably specific to the sort of racing associated with the Indainapolis 500. It's doubtful someone would say "Hmm, the title of book tells it's all about skiing in the Italian Alps."

Likewise, the objective statement is your first opportunity to drive someone's thinking in the direction of your choice. It should always be short, precise and impressive. Look at the following Objective Statement of one person's resume:

MANUFACTURING FINANCIAL MANAGER
Process Improvement ... Financial & Operations Management

Since this is at the top of the page and for the most part, even when scanning, we start at the top, the reader will see your objective before anything else and will likely deduce that the person is 1) a financial manager in 2) manufacturing, involved in 3) process improvement and operations, yes? Is there any chance the reader of that resume will first and foremost dismiss it as lure or say, 'I'm not looking for an Interior Designer"? I think not.

To continue leading the reader, you can have what I refer to as a "Mind-Set Paragraph" following the objective statement or a list of skills or attibutes using specific key words or phrases. Using the book analogy again, the mind-set paragraph is similar to the preface in the book; and one more opportunity to further guide the reader and influence his/her thinking.

Hope this helps!

YT, Rob Taub of the Job Search Corner