FREE Does a Resume Need an Objective? [ Difference & Samples ]

You might be confused about whether you should use objectives in resumes or not. You have probably heard and read that they are actually starting to become out of fashion and there’s a debate on whether they should still be used or not. Some still say that they are still pretty useful while others say that they should be left out. All this debate about resume profile vs. resume objective just adds to the confusion on whether you should use one or not.

So, do you really need to put resume objectives on your resume? Or should you start making use of a professional summary? Keep reading to find out more.

Sample Resume Objective Statements

Career Objective on Resume Guide

Difference: Resume Profile and Resume Objective

Before we jump to whether you should use a resume objective or otherwise, let us first differentiate a resume profile and a resume objective.

Resume Profile

A resume profile is a short summary of your best skills and qualifications. This is a strong opening to your resume as you are letting the hiring officer know what you can offer right off the bat. If it is well-written, you can actually land a ton of job interview invitations as this helps you stand out from the other applicants.

Resume Objective

Resume career objectives are typically short statements about your career goals. Most of the time, it is just about one to two sentences long. Despite the limited number of sentences you can use, it should be easy to understand in order to be an effective one.

Using Resume Profiles and Resume Objectives

You might ask if it is really necessary to make use of a resume profile or resume objective. The simple answer would be “yes.” However, you need to know when to use each. Hiring officer will not spend a lot of time going through your resume, so short paragraphs are ideal. So now you ask, “When do I use a resume objective?” and “When do I use a resume profile?”

A resume objective is best used when you are

• applying for entry-level positions,
• a fresh graduate looking for a job,
• have a gap in your employment history, or
• currently in the middle of changing your career path.

 

You are better off with a resume summary if you do not fall into any of the mentioned circumstances.

Sample Resume Profile Statements and Objectives

Resume Styles – Objective Statement vs Profile Summary

Resume Guide Objective

Sample Career Objectives

Career Objective Statement

If applied properly on the resume, your resume objective statement can be the game changer to your job search. Remember to highlight what it is that you can offer to the company instead of talking about what you want from the company. Another thing to put in mind is to take your time in making it, especially since these are customized according to the position you have applied for. Lastly, since this is a very important section of your resume, make sure that it is of high quality and can capture the attention of the hiring manager. Good luck with the job search!