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Writing Compelling Resume Objectives

The First Step in Writing a Quality Resume

Jul 23, 2009 Steve Brady

Writing a resume can be a rewarding experience if certain guidelines are followed; the first being the creation of a compelling objective.

The job search process can be one of the most terrifying or the most exciting experiences of an adult's professional life. It all depends on how it is approached. One of the first things the prospective searcher needs is to create a quality resume. Building a resume takes time and effort, but there are guidelines to follow that will make the task manageable.

All resumes require a minimum of four main sections: Objective, Summary, History and Education. There is quite a bit of flexibility in how each individual section is written and organized, but the information is critical to creating a top quality resume.

Definition of a Resume Objective

The objective is one aspect of the resume that is easily overlooked. Most job seekers realize that they need to create a compelling Work History and to make their Education section really shine, but often the objective ends up being a dry statement that does nothing but take up space at the top of the resume.

Objectives help to create the first impression that a potential employer will develop of a candidate and they need to be powerfully crafted with a clear statement of purpose. It is also important to do a little research and be sure to include targeted keywords to grab the reader's attention.

Creating a Compelling Objective

The first step is to write a general statement that details what position the resume writer is applying for and why. For example, " I am an experienced accountant looking for a job in finance." This statement will be used as a very rough draft of the objective. The applicant now needs to flesh out and detail the objective.

Adjectives, words that modify or further explain a noun, are the resume writer's strongest tool. As long as they are not overdone, and are explicit, they can create a powerful picture for the potential employer. Instead of "experienced accountant," the phrase, "innovative certified accountant with over 10 years experience," or "accomplished and industry-tested professional," delivers a more vivid image.

Targeted Keywords

Including targeted keywords and phrases is of vital importance, especially if the company or firm the applicant is sending the resume to uses auto-scanners. Without keywords the resume could end up in the junk pile before it is ever given a chance.

Job descriptions will often have the keywords for a particular job embedded in them. This is often the most challenging task in crafting a quality objective, but with perseverance and some research, the right words can be ferreted out. One of the keywords to be included is the actual job title – be specific.

Last, a phrase or two about the company itself is often advantageous. For example, "An innovative and industry-tested finance professional with experience in AP/AR, staff leadership and tax justification seeks an Account Manager position in a growing firm that values team-work while rewarding individual achievement."

If the applicant's writing skills are less than ideal a professional resume service can always be used.

Those who found this article helpful may also enjoy reading Writing a Compelling Resume and Writing a Post-Interview Thank You Letter

The copyright of the article Writing Compelling Resume Objectives in Career Advice is owned by Steve Brady. Permission to republish Writing Compelling Resume Objectives in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Objectives are Vital to Strong Resumes