Would you read a book with a dull title? When you apply for a job, the professional objective statement is like a title describing your résumé. If it’s intriguing, the hiring manager might want to see what else your résumé has to say about you. If it’s lackluster, your résumé might not hold much interest for her. You can write a professional objective that will invite hiring managers to read beyond it. But how?
Know what you want.
By definition, an objective is a goal, something you intend to do. How can you communicate your objective if you don’t know what it is? Just as a vague title gives little information about a book, an ambiguous objective doesn’t tell a potential employer why you’re right for the position. Only after you have defined your exact aim should you try to write your professional objective.
Know what your employer needs.
Your career goals should align with the needs of the employer. If they don’t, why apply? Find out which specific qualities and skills the position requires. If possible, consult the information provided in the job posting. Then, make a list of specific character traits you have that show you can fill a need in the company. When you write your statement, choose a few traits that best describe your value as an employee in the field.
Write the objective statement after you write the rest of your résumé.
The objective should summarize your experience and positive qualities. But to add credibility, you must substantiate your claims. Make sure your résumé lists concrete examples of your education and experience that support your objective statement.
Don’t ramble.
Most book titles are just a few words long. Your objective should also be short. If you have followed the first two tips, you should be able to write a concise statement that shows what you want to do for the company based on what they need.
Be specific.
Describe yourself in terms that are directly relevant to the job. How would you rewrite this objective to show your suitability for a teaching job in a high school?
I am an experienced individual seeking a full-time position in education.
Did you replace “experienced individual” with a better adjective and a specific job title, such as “creative teacher” or “certified professional educator”? Did you change “in education” to “in a high school” or “in secondary education”? Remember, this line may be the first thing a recruiter looks at on your résumé. If it’s not convincing, it may be the last!
Hiring managers may receive hundreds of résumés for one open position. It’s unrealistic to think they will read every word of each one. Your professional objective is like a book title that conveys what you have to offer at the top of the page. When you use specific terms to target the specific job you’re applying for, the recruiter will see your effort to demonstrate your worthiness for that particular job. In a highly competitive job market, it may be the thing that sets you apart from other candidates. So, what’s your objective? If it’s to improve your chances of finding a job, make sure your objective meets the criteria above.
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