January 23, 2014
Here are three reasons why the resume objective just doesn’t work for job seekers anymore.
By Jessica Holbrook Hernandez, Expert Resume Writer
I remember when I used to think having “to obtain a position that utilizes my education and previous work experience while providing opportunities for growth and advancement …" on my resume was cool. Not just cool but what I was supposed to put on my resume. That was ten years ago...at least...so if you’re still using this outdated statement or something similar, let me provide you with three good reasons to stop now.
1. It’s outdated. Enough said. If it wasn’t working ten years ago, then it sure isn’t going to work in this job market.
2. It’s generic. If everyone else can use it too, then you sure aren’t going to stand out from the crowd, are you?
3. It’s boring. Your resume needs to grab the hiring manager’s attention from the beginning, and all this statement will do is bore the employer.
| |
Okay, so now that you know why you shouldn’t have a resume objective, what do you replace it with? Here are three key elements to include on your resume instead of that dated objective statement.
1. A job target/title.
Put this at the very top and use the title of the job you want or are applying for. It shows exactly what you’re applying for and presumably that you’re qualified (you shouldn’t be applying for it if you’re not, but that’s a whole other article).
2. A personal branding statement.
A great one-liner that will go underneath your job target title and speaks quickly and succinctly to who you are and what you bring to the table.
3. A very specific and accomplishment-focused career summary.
Create a three to five sentence paragraph at the top of your resume that is specific but summarizes your most noteworthy achievements as relevant to the position for which you are applying. Don’t use blanket statements. As a general rule of thumb, if it can be said about a lot of people, it’s not specific enough to you.
Keep these pointers in mind when pulling together your next resume. Also, remember to customize each resume as you apply for different positions. For more information on how to target your resume to specific jobs, read my latest article: 5 Key Areas to Target When Branding Your Resume.
About the Author
Jessica Hernandez, is a resume authority for the Job Talk America radio program and multi-published expert author for resume, career, and job search publications. She boasts more than ten years in human resources management and hiring for Fortune 500 companies and utilizes her extensive experience to support job seekers in their quest to move onward and upward in their careers. Find out more at Great Resumes Fast.
Find more biotech jobs here!
Check out the latest Career Insider eNewsletter - January 23, 2014.
Sign up for the free weekly Career Insider eNewsletter.
Related Articles
* 4 Resume Writing Strategies For A Competitive Market
* 3 Biggest Resume Myths Put To The Test
* Tapping The Power Of Keywords To Enhance Your Resume
