I work as a recruiter for a large insurance company, and lately I’ve seen a lot of resumes that would have been better off without an objective statement. These days, you don’t need to include an objective on your resume, but some people still do. Be warned: there are two major ways to screw up an objective statement:
- Not matching your application to the position you’ve applied to or
- Writing an objective so painfully bland that it could apply to virtually anything
Let’s discuss some examples.
Objectives that have nothing to do with the job
Although our company has many different types of positions we look to fill on an ongoing basis, there are some pretty obvious backgrounds that will not be a fit for our company. These are actual objectives from resumes I've received in the last week alone (and remember – I work at at an insurance company):
- "To obtain a position as an engineering specialist in the field of maintenance"
- "To obtain a part-time tutoring position in Chemistry or Mathematics"
- "To obtain a position as a food server"
- "To continue my career as a veterinary assistant"
- "To get a position as an oilfield rig hand"
- "Seeking a challenging Architectural Design/Drafter position"
- "To re-enter the Beauty Industry"
- "To obtain a long-term position as an Estate Manager for a celebrity"
So really here, what am I supposed to do with these people? It makes me mad that they expect me to take my time seriously considering their resume when they clearly couldn't even take two minutes to at least adjust their objective to generically match my particular job description or just remove it completely. They have shown me that they are either careless or unwilling to make this small adjustment; so I don't feel one ounce of regret when I shred their applications.
Objectives that make me yawn
They are either so ridiculously generic or unbelievably plain that it makes the chances of the job seeker getting an interview with my boss slim to none.
Here are some objectives I've received recently:
- "To grow personally and excel professionally"
- "To obtain a full time position"
- "To perform or expand my abilities"
- "To seek employment with a company that recognizes one's natural desire to embrace and take on new challenges, who encourages growth and always offers the ability for advancement"
- "To further my knowledge in the booming economy"
- "To better myself"
- "To utilize a position in a company where I may utilize my skills. And/or professional growth."
- "To fulfill my desire to work for a group that is looking for an extremely intelligent individual much like myself."
- "Securing a job with an established organization that could lead into a fortuitous and lasting relationship."
- "To climb the ladder of success"
- "Financial security"
- "To obtain employment with a company or institution that would allow me to continue to enhance my skills in business or related areas."
- "To do my best and give my all in everything that I do, I don't like to do things halfway I always like to complete it or not do anything at all."
Do you see what I mean here? The statements aren’t really saying anything unique that relates to the hiring process, and that space could have been used for something meaningful like a profile of skills or a list of education and accolades… Or the job seeker could have just jumped right in with a list of work experience.
So just say no to objectives; you'll place yourself miles above the rest of the crowd.
Happy resume writing!
I’ve long believed that objective statements are only there to make a resume look fuller. Recruiters don’t read them and I bet an applicant couldn’t remember it if asked.
It’s spelled ‘guarantee’, BTW.
Your “spot on” with your take Josh!
I’ve heard from SO MANY people in HR (or who are simply responsible for hiring within their organization) that they completely ignore the objective lines in resumes. Everyone seems to regard them as chaff and completely irrelevant. Besides, isn’t everyone’s REAL objective to “get this job”. Certainly no one puts in what is really going through their minds:
Objective: To get this job and build out my resume, pay down my student loans, then leave for a better paying opportunity in 5-10 years.
Excellent point Josh!
I think if the employer really needs your skill set the objective statement is a mute point. After all they have their job for a reason, I am sure only the best rise to the top of the Corporate ladder and social connections and attitudes also have no impact.
I also firmly believe that having a subservient attitude and constantly agreeing with them and submissive nature also goes a long way.
What are you willing to do for your money?
My guess for the objectives that didn’t match the job description is, they took their original resume and used it for this position, and forgot to edit the objective. I did this once but caught it before I submitted it
I think this is a bold statement to make. I love that dropping the objective is finally out and is accepted.
Can’t you just move your objective to a cover letter and move on?
“she channels her irreverent and snarky personality on her blog Best.Resume.”
Excuse me, however, I must be “old fashioned”. The above description pertaining to “Stephanie M.” is absolutely unacceptable.
Laura Brodrick Piazza
Hi Laura, thanks for your feedback. Each author here writes their own bio as an introduction to the audience, but if there’s something in particular that offends you we can bring it to her attention. Is there something specific that you feel is inappropriate?
It isn’t hard to type an objective that just copies the job description and experience requirements. If you work at a large insurance company then I know exactly the type of people you hire. You hire people with car salesman personalities, there is no skill set involved you just study a book and take a state licensing test that is easy to pass. The only way you won’t be hired is if you try to negotiate a livable salary or have a felonious criminal background.
It makes me mad that they expect me to take my time seriously considering their resume when they clearly couldn't even take two minutes to at least adjust their objective to generically match my particular job description or just remove it completely. thats nice.
My objective on my resume is “To obtain a position that will enable me to use my strong organizational skills and ability to work well with people.” But, after reading this article, I feel like that is not enough and is boring. I want to work with the community part time, Should I word my objective differently?
Hi Gabriela! Objective statements have been fading with time. I would just leave it out all together. You can describe what you are looking for and your passions in a cover letter.
What should be in a cover letter? I need to compose one and at a loss.
Hi Melvin! Great question. Check out this article: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/5-steps-to-a-successful-cover-letter/ and let me know if you have any questions. Good luck!
Hello Kim, kind of an awkward question but I wouldnt be suprised if you’ve received it before. If I were to email you a copy of my resume could yoh evaluate for me. I’m only eighteen but I have a very business oriented mind frame. I’d like to believe im doing this right but could use a second and proffesional opinion. If at all possible please via email for I fear it may be difficult for me to locate this page again when seeking a response.
Hi Gage! I sometimes review resumes during my breaks. You can email it to facebooK@snagajob.com and I will try to take a look at it!