Do I need an Objective Statement

Article on frequently asked resume question "Do I need an Objective Statement"

So often, people who are either creating a resume for the first time or editing one for the millionth time; wonder just what importance an objective might give their resume, and how potential employers think about objective statements. It is, of course, most often referred to as “optional” in most resume reference, but is it really? Is including it or not including it more likely to get you the job? Below, we discuss an objective statement, its function, and what factors may make it a beneficial or negative addition to your resume.

What is an objective statement and what is its purpose? To best understand if it is something you want to add to your resume and if your prospective employer would appreciate it, you must first-understand its basic intention. An objective statement-if articulated correctly-offers an applicant’s goals in the short and long term as regards their career. It should also encapsulate what the candidate brings to the table of their career goals, such as, “to use my qualifications in advertising towards a career as an advertising executive”.

General or Specific
Objectives can be general or specific, and depending on which you choose for what particular job and industry-will determine if it adds something or detracts something from your resume presentation. So, if the job calls for someone with a clear focus on a career in advertising, your objective if you list one-should show this in a specific manner. If, however, a job doesn’t ask that a candidate have a vision for that industry, consider it implicit-and draft your own-that is, if you decide to use one.

Industry
Depending on how focused and analytical your industry is should tell you whether or not an objective is needed. So, if you are furthering a study in medicine as a psychologist; you would probably want to include an objective to that end-that talks about the purpose of your industry and profession.

Unclear Intentions
Another common reason that someone might be benefited by the use of an objective is if their career history is all over the place-in various industries and disciplines. By creating a somewhat general objective, a candidate can piece together skills and experiences that they have had in these various jobs in a manner that makes the overall career goal coherent and acceptable.