Resume Objective Examples

When writing a resume, the key component job-seekers tend to focus on is their employment history. However, it’s also important to craft a compelling introduction for yourself. One way to do this is with a resume objective that details your goals and what value you bring to potential employers.

This article will review when to include an objective in your resume, break down the components of a compelling resume objective, and provide specific examples of resume objectives for various situations. Intelligent.com’s chief education and career development advisor Huy Nguyen also offers on writing effective resume objectives.

What is a Resume Objective?

A resume objective is a brief statement at the beginning of a resume that details the applicant’s career goals and why they are applying for a specific job.

Objective statements are typically one to two sentences long. If you are including a resume objective, it should be the first item on your resume, below the header with your name and contact information.

“Your resume objective should be a statement that catches the reader’s attention and makes them want to continue reading more about you and your experiences in your resume,” Nguyen says. “Research the company and job description, so you can tailor this section to match the specific role you are applying for. Be concise and focus on your strengths as they relate to the job you’re seeking.”

Depending on the situation, some job applicants may include a resume summary instead of a resume objective. Although the two have similarities, they have slight differences. A resume objective focuses on goals and intentions, while a summary reflects an applicant’s professional accomplishments and skills.

Individuals seeking promotions within a single industry may find a resume summary more beneficial, as it’s a convenient way to summarize their achievements and make a case for advancement.

Key Elements of a Resume Objective Statement

While a strong resume objective is brief, it should touch on a few important points to be most effective.

Career goal: A resume objective is so-called because it focuses on the job applicant’s career objective and goals. Clearly state your specific goal related to the position for which you’re applying, so the hiring manager understands why you’re interested in the position.
Contribution or value proposition: If the career goal addresses why you want the position, this element demonstrates why the company should want you. Briefly review the unique skills and qualities that make you an ideal candidate for the role.
Relevant skills, experiences, or accomplishments: Even if you are changing careers or entering the workforce, there’s likely an experience or accomplishment that connects to the job you seek. Highlighting this information here can engage the hiring manager and encourage them to keep reading.
Alignment with the job: It’s important to always be as specific as possible with a resume objective, as potential employers want to know that applicants have researched and understand the job they’re applying for.

How to Write a Resume Objective Statement

When writing a resume objective statement, there are a few instructions to remember.

Be concise and specific

Objective statements are brief, at most two sentences, so you don’t want to waste space and your audience’s attention on unnecessary words and information. It may take a few tries to get your statement as short and specific as possible, but don’t get discouraged. It’s okay to write a longer version and cut or replace words and phrases as needed.

Tailor the statement to each specific position

This elevates your resume by showing you are detail-oriented, attentive, and understand the specifics of the position you’re seeking. Reading the job description is the best way to find relevant details for tailoring your objective, but you can also visit the company’s website or social media for information.

Highlight a key attribute, skill, or accomplishment

This is an opportunity to tell potential employers upfront what makes you special and an ideal fit for the position. It’s okay to be selective — your full resume will detail all of your skills, achievements, and experiences. For your objective statement, home in on one or two relevant, unique points to showcase.

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Note relevant professional credentials

It also helps catch a hiring manager’s eye to include any relevant professional credentials in your objective statement. This quickly demonstrates that you have any mandatory or optional credentials for your field, which can encourage the hiring manager to keep reading.

When to Include an Objective Statement on Your Resume (With Examples)

The following are common scenarios in which including an objective statement in your resume can be beneficial.

Recent college or high school graduates

At the start of your career, you’ll want to focus on demonstrating to potential employers how a particular job opening aligns with your professional goals. This includes an objective that addresses why you’re a good fit for a position based on your existing knowledge and projected career path.

Nguyen encourages these types of job-seekers to continue learning and developing skills as they apply for positions. “Find and join groups and communities in the industry that you’re interested in, so you can learn from them by observing, asking questions, and taking advantage of their available resources,” he says. “Following content creators who focus on helping early-career job-seekers can also be a great way to learn more and stay up-to-date on industry trends.”

Examples:
“Reliable, friendly high school senior seeking part-time server position to gain hospitality and food service experience for a future career as a chef.”

“Driven and detail-oriented recent college graduate with a BS in electrical engineering and experience installing circuit breakers and transformers in residential and commercial buildings seeking apprenticeship opportunities to support master electricians and further develop engineering and customer service skills.”

“Motivated recent MBA graduate and student government president seeking a full-time position in economics to apply expertise in policy development to support organization’s mission of bridging economic gaps in the U.S.”

Professionals with employment gaps

Employment gaps are common for many reasons, including medical issues, family commitments, education, and more. Individuals returning to the workforce after a significant break (typically six months or more) can use a resume objective to address the gap and review their goals for rejoining the workforce.

Examples:
“Enthusiastic, collaborative graphic designer with eight years of experience seeking full-time employment after a brief hiatus to care for elderly parents. I look forward to sharing ideas and expertise to help clients develop brand identities in print and digital formats.”

“Compassionate and dedicated social worker seeking an administrative position working with children and adolescents. Re-entering the workforce after a volunteer experience that strengthened my leadership, cultural sensitivity, and communication skills.”

Career changers

A resume objective is a helpful tool for individuals switching to a new field, an increasingly common phenomenon. In this case, job-seekers can use the resume objective to explain their pivot and illustrate how the skills and knowledge they have from their previous career are transferable.

Examples:
“Dynamic copywriter seeking to leverage exceptional writing, critical thinking, and storytelling skills in the classroom as an English and creative writing teacher. Committed to providing middle and high school students a supportive and engaging educational environment.”

“Accounting professional with over a decade of experience and proven track record of managing finances for small and mid-size businesses seeking the opportunity to serve the state government as a budget analyst.”

Job-seekers with diverse backgrounds and skills

If your experience spans different industries or areas of expertise, an objective statement is an opportunity to tell a story about how those pieces fit together to make you an ideal candidate.

“With the rapid pace of technology and industry change, employers are increasingly placing more value on candidates that can adapt, learn new skills on demand, thrive in uncertainty, and creatively solve challenges,” Nguyen says. Other in-demand skills across industries include effective communication, collaboration in remote and in-person environments, emotional intelligence and self-awareness, and time management.

Examples:
“Detail-oriented and collaborative writer seeking an opportunity to write for a higher education-focused website. I combine writing and editing expertise with 10 years of experience in higher education to provide well-researched, accessible content regarding college preparation.”

“Experienced theater director seeking the opportunity to apply leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills to a project management position with a tech start-up.”

Seeking advancement or a leadership role

A resume objective can efficiently demonstrate your qualifications for and interest in an advanced role within your current company or field. Use this statement to articulate how this promotion or leadership role extends your experience and education.

Examples:
“Reliable and organized nursing unit clerk seeking shift coordinator role. I bring five years of experience, strong communication and problem-solving skills, expertise in effective health care operations and management, and a commitment to compassionate care for patients and staff members.”

“Experienced elementary school teacher and recent M.Ed graduate seeking the opportunity to serve as elementary/middle school principal. Proven track record of leadership, innovation, and student success.”

Candidates for non-traditional roles

Perhaps you’re seeking part-time or freelance work. You can use a resume objective to provide more details on your availability and interest in this particular kind of work.

Examples:
“Highly motivated and creative copywriter seeking opportunities to contribute to a popular lifestyle website as a freelance writer. I bring seven years of freelancing experience, a collaborative work ethic, and a passion for punctuation. Available for 2-3 weekly assignments.”

“Reliable, driven college freshman with strong organizational and time management skills seeking a part-time position as a sales associate at a local department store. Available for evening and weekend shifts.”

Relocating

If you are applying for a new role in anticipation of moving to a new geographic area, an objective is useful in explaining to hiring managers why you’re seeking employment in a different city or state, so your resume isn’t disqualified.

Examples:
“Highly-motivated and detail-oriented RHIT relocating to Austin in September, seeking employment in a private practice setting.”

“Experienced kitchen manager at Michelin-starred restaurant relocating to San Francisco in April. I am seeking a sous chef position at an established institution to further develop culinary skills and support a fine-dining experience.”