Step 4: Objective

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What do I need an objective for?
I know what you are thinking – “My objective is to get a job that I want and STAT!” I agree. However, a clear and concise objective helps get your resume reviewed for the right position and conveys your career goals. Having a defined goal makes you look very good compared to someone who has a sketchy goal or no goal at all. You will want your objective to focus on the position or the employer or both. Keep in mind a few objectives to fit the appropriate position or employer. As stated before, you will want variations of your resume template to send to prospective employers. Never think in terms of one size fits all.

The objective is the first thing that the prospective employer will read so you want the objective to set the tone for the rest of your resume. If it is not in line with the employer’s perspective, he/she may not view the rest of the resume. You should focus on three items of interest with a possible fourth item centering on your top skills. The objective should include the type of position (full time, part time, contract), the career field (marketing, accounting, engineering), the industry (medical, defense, environment), and the skills (organization, research, communication). Avoid being vague in your objective. You don’t want an employer to think that you don’t have a firm understanding of what you want and can do.

Your objective template should look something like this:
To secure a _________ position in ______________ within a _______________ with opportunity to use my strong __________________ skills.

Here are some examples:

OBJECTIVE: To secure a full-time management position in sales or promotions within a retail corporation with opportunity to use my strong organizational and communication skills.

OBJECTIVE: To secure an internship position to gain knowledge and experience in the field of publishing with a major consumer magazine.

OBJECTIVE: To secure a contract position with an engineering services agency to gain knowledge and experience in the military defense field.

OBJECTIVE: To secure a part-time high school teaching position within a city school district using my strong leadership skills.

OBJECTIVE: To secure an entry-level position as an accountant with a CPA firm in the pharmaceutical industry.

Easy – right?