What is a Resume Objective

Article on frequently asked resume question "What is a Resume Objective"

Resume objectives are a common facet to even the most standard or simple resume format; but still, not all applicants use one in their particular presentation of their career histories to prospective employers. Do you know what one is? It’s purpose? It’s function? Most importantly, do you understand its significance to your getting the interview and possibly the job that you are applying to? There are a whole host of factors that support why implementing an objective section in your resume may or may not benefit your search for the job of your dreams, and actually land you the interview. In this section, we explain exactly what an objective is and what its possible value might be to your short and long term career goals.

There are both resume objectives and cover letter objectives, and depending on what yours is-you may want to include it in both. In the function of the cover letter, it is simply a part of bolstering the potency of your cover letter-by stating what your short and long term career goals are, and how they relate to both the position that you are applying to; as well as the experience and qualifications that you have won so far in your career history. In your cover letter, that is your job, to state as concisely as possible the highlights of your professional career experience and education, and what skills make you a great candidate for the job you are applying for at their company. In a resume, an objective is not always expected. In today’s career discipline, it is merely optional that you let your prospective employers know what your objective is-whether it be short or long term.

Why is this? The reason that an objective is only optional in the resume, but expected in a cover letter; is because it is a different kind of objective statement that is expected in a cover letter. The cover letter can offer a general listing of a person’s career highlights as they pertain to a specific career path; whereas, when it is included in a resume, it is often understood that whatever is stated there, be more to our career; and less specific to our achievements and skills-though these should not be entirely stricken from mentioning, if you are to create an effective objective statement. Where a cover letter introduces an applicant and their career history to a potential employer, a resume objective substantiates why they should be hired-since their goals or objective matches that of the company.