Sample Resume Objectives: Good, But Summaries Are Smokin!

Since college I've been told that a resume ought to have an "objective statement" at the top. Maybe you've been told the same.

I'm here to tell you somebody's been lying to you!

Well, not necessarily, but maybe. Every resume has an objective, but not every resume has to have an objective statement. So before you get the urge to search online for sample resume objectives, keep reading.

Every resume has an objective. How you TALK about that objective in the resume is a different matter entirely.

An objective statement simply states your objective. I got a four-year degree so I could make brilliant statements like that. But it's true, and most of the sample resume objectives you'll find online are statements of what the job seeker wants.

That's a mistake. A bad mistake.

A good resume objective statement should tell the reader what the candidate will do for him. Specifically, it ought to tell him what profit the candidate will add.

No, I'm not kidding. Here's an example of what I mean:

"A highly experienced sales and marketing professional with comprehensive strategic planning and implementation skills, and $27 million in total profit improvement added in 8 years, seeking a position as a Sales Manager where these skills will add similar or greater value."

Wow! That objective statement screams, "Keep reading!" Do YOU know any hiring manager or executive who would turn his nose up at $27 million in 8 years? I don't. It's at least worth talking to you about, which means you'll get an interview. What if it was only $1 million, or $100,000? Whatever the number, it's money, and that counts.

And that, folks, is the magic. Everything in the job search process should have a focused purpose, and be done on purpose. The purpose of your resume and cover letter is to compel an interview. A strong objective statement like that can help.

Feel free to start with a sample or three. Just be sure to modify any sample you use. Keep the good and scrap the bad.

But is that the best you can do? Hardly.

I have nothing against objective statements, and you can find some solid sample resume objectives online. My only gripe is that using a solid objective statement is settling for good when there's a (typically) better alternative.

That alternative is the resume summary. Some might call it a "Profile," or a "Summary of Qualifications," or even just "Qualifications." Whatever the name, it's a grab-'em-by-the-throat killer. Here's an example of what I'm talking about:

"Savvy, results-oriented leader with proven success in managing multimillion-dollar software product rollouts to disparate sales channels. Background includes launching a high-productivity expert development team, increasing revenue by $2.5 million and achieving unit profitability within nine months (six months ahead of plan), at Widgets, Inc., with leading technology and feature-rich product releases to meet known demand. Critical thinker and adept negotiator who can apply extensive industry knowledge to profitable vendor partnerships and revenue-enhancing co-branding opportunities. Expertly directs development, technology integration, and customer demand discovery. Published author, and frequent keynote speaker at industry conferences."

Good grief! If the example resume objective a few paragraphs ago was solid, that summary will leave a reader gasping for air.

Put a summary like that in a resume (with your own qualifications in it, of course), and you'll almost certainly get a phone call for a job interview.

I can hear you saying that whoever has the summary you just read can walk on water. What about lowly old you? Here's what I used on my last resume, and I wasn't a high-powered executive either:

"Results-oreinted software developer and consulting project manager with six years' experience at Big 5 firm. Experienced OO developer with particular expertise in Java and Extreme Programming (XP). Over seven years' experience developing software and managing projects in challenging, fast-paced consulting environments. Demonstrated ability to acquire technical knowledge and skills rapidly. Innovative problem solver, able to see the business and technical sides of a problem. Proven leadership, negotiation and problem resolution abilities. Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written. Published author and conference speaker."

See? That summary needs some improvement, but it shows mere mortals can do it too. That means you can.

A powerfully stated objective statement makes your resume pop. A powerfully stated summary makes it a thermonuclear explosion. Most others in the resume pile (and there's always a pile) have objectives that translate into "get a job." Then you come along with a Sherman tank summary. They're dead meat.

Make no mistake, job search is war. Powerful summaries give you an advantage.

(c) Copyright 2005 by Roy Miller

An article by Roy Miller, creator of http://www.Job-Search-Guidepost.com. A quick, successful job search is about more than copying sample resume objectives. Go here to find out how to analyze any sample resume objective you find online: Sample Resume Objectives -- Stick With The Good Stuff. And if you liked this article, be sure to sign up for Roy's free weekly newsletter.

This article may be reprinted for use in newsletters and on websites provided that this information box is kept intact. Email notice of intent to publish is appreciated but not required: roy@job-search-guidepost.com.


More Resources

5 Things You Need To Know Before Deciding On A Certification Training
The right certification trainingTrainings vary a lot when it comes to quality. It's essential to choose your certification training provider based on things such as the quality of materials, trainers' competence and skills, counseling facilities, track record etc.
Business Dress for Women: Making Impact
Buying a suit can be an important investment when you are trying to improve your look for business or career advancement. Wearing a standard off-the rack suit for business or a job interview does not always mean success.
Layoff Survival Guide - Do You Have The Career Management Horsepower It Will Take To Survive?
In a recent survey of over 662 career seekers, some disturbing trends identified that MOST career seekers don't have a clue what career management skills they have or what those skills are! As a result, it will be difficult for these career seekers to succeed.In fact, only 71% of the respondents recognized they had any career management skills at all! That's why they are particularly vulnerable to future layoffsBefore skipping to the answers, try your hand at identifying YOUR career management skills.
Why a Professional Resume?
As a job search tool your Resume is your main calling card. It explains who you are and what you have to offer.
Confidence Is Critical to YOUR Success....
Make EYE contact when you look at another person. Look at them!! Don't look down at your shoes or away from the other person.
Is a Career Change on Your Horizon?
Making a career change is nothing new in today's job market.I've heard it said that the average American changescareers at least once in his or her life.
We Rejected Your Résumé Today
Hi, I am Mr. Employer.
Reinvent Yourself in a New Career
Some people reserve the word "vocation" for religious calling. Contemporary career guides encourage us to think of a "life purpose" that guides and gives meaning to a life, regardless of career.
Interview Thank-You Letters
The number one etiquette tip for interviews is writing a thank-you letter. This is not a tool commonly used by job seekers right now.
Managing Emotions During Career Change and Job Search, Part One
How can you manage your emotions during your career change or job search? To answer this practical and wise question, let's first define what emotions are.
Why Well Produced Career Portfolios Are Replacing CVs
What is a Career Portfolio?The original portfolio used by artists looking for work was simply a collection of works demonstrative of the artists style and ability. Because their works varied in size and shape, portfolios came in all sizes and shapes.
Why You Should Never Complain About Former Bosses
You're at a job interview. You're doing great, answering questions left and right.
2 Job-Search Success Stories
Here are two success stories from my readers who found great new jobs last week. As you read each story, ask yourself, "How could I apply this to my job hunt?"1) Job-search goal cards workHere's a story sent in by Fred, from Chanhassen, Minn.
Make a Great First Impression
Searching for employment is one of the most nerve-racking activities to engage in. As if the direct need for income is not stressful enough, the process of writing a résumé, networking in your industry, and applying for jobs can leave anyone shaking in their tracks.
Take the Personal Out of the Workplace: Leave Your Troubles at the Door!
Bringing your emotional baggage into the work place is inappropriate for all the reasons you may imagine. Yet employees, managers and business owners do it all the time.
20 Questions That Helped Me Take A Leap Of Faith And Change Careers
When I was working more than 45 hours a week in a job with a two hour commute each day, the challenge of a new husband, new step children, two beagle dogs and maintaining a home was more than a stretch! Something had to give, and unfortunately I was the one starting to not be able to hold it together!It was a Catch 22 situation. We had an expensive home near the city center with large mortgage costs, which demanded feeding through joint incomes.
Common Résumé Mistakes
Using a general résumé.DON'T DO IT! You cannot successfully use the same résumé to apply to several different jobs.
Write Resume Keywords That Gets Your Application Read
As children we often used to read stories where magical words can open caves filled with treasures or magicians using words like abracadabra..
Interview Quicksand
How will you respond when you're asked the following two questions?1.What type of boss do you like to work for?2.
Self Describing Skills - Key Strengths
You need to be the best you can at describing your best qualities; particularly your key strengths. In my coaching practice I generally, at some point, ask my client: "What are you good at?" purely as a means to establish if they have already thought through this most important question.

More Careers & Employment Information:

Related Articles

Lets Talk About Trust
I agree with Brooker T. Washington, "Few things help an individual more than to place responsibility upon him, and to let him know that you trust him.
Overcome Interview Nerves: Be Better Prepared than Your Interviewer
Although interview preparation is everything it's sad to say that perhaps as many as half of all interviewers you're going to meet will be unprepared or incompetent. It's not all their fault, it's just lack of interview preparation time or responsibility; some of them will be co-opted at the last minute to meet you and won't have had time to prepare.
Career Change: Success Tips
Successful career change is based on first making an honest assessment of your skills and experiences. Then you match them against the current market conditions.
How To Tap Into the Invisible Job Market
Is there a company in your area that you'd love to work for? Do you assume that, because you don't see them advertising in the classifieds or posting jobs on their website, they have no openings? That may or may not be the case. That truth is, only about one-fifth of job openings are actually advertised!Here's how to tap into the huge "invisible" job market.
Leaders Meet Challenge Heads-UP With Confidence --
Maybe "buck" is better referred to as the Boss' Challenge. Business owners are faced with making lots of decisions - some quickly made - others take more time with greater consequences.
Sawbones
I was rushing through the white-tented terminal building at Denver International Airport when my attention was diverted - as if often is -- by a storefront massage business. Checking my wristwatch, I calculated I had just enough time for a 20-minute chair massage.
Writing Powerful Resumes - 10 Golden Rules
Your resume is your sales letter. It may not get you the job.
Telephone Job Interview Preparation Tips
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW BACKGROUNDTelephone interviews are quite common in today's job market.They are offered for a variety of reasons including cost savings,screening of candidates and out-of-town applicants.
Are Your References Ready?
One of the most common forms of background check performed by companies hiring new employees is the reference check. They typically request that candidates provide them with three names of previous bosses.
Whiners Need Not Apply
Sometime last summer I decided to host a pity party and invite all my friends. Well, not all my friends, exactly.
10 Tips For Writing A Winning Resume
Your resume (or curriculum vitae), combined with the coverletter, are the master keys to opening the prospectiveemployer's mind and door so that you can proceed to thenext step in the process - the big interview!RESUME WRITING TIPS AND STRATEGIESHere are 10 valuable tips for anyone writing their ownresume, or who is having someone else write one for them.These tips and strategies are an abridged version of whatis contained in my new eBook, "Instant Home Writing Kit".
The 6 Stages of Modern Career Development
Career experts say that people will change careers (not jobs) 5-7 times in a lifetime. This being true, career management is an important life skill to develop and cultivate.
Signs of a Healthy Work Environment
There's no denying that a healthy work environment is a top concern for most employees. Review any employee satisfaction survey and you're apt to find this issue among the top five concerns of your staff - sometimes above the issue of pay.
Do What You Love, Love What You Do
Everyone dreams of a life full of love and adventure. But we fill ourselves with reasons not to follow our dreams.
How Much Can You Earn Working As A Proofreader?
Thinking of a career as a proofreader? Then you will most likely want to know about salaries. Are you hoping to hear that you will make thousands and thousands of dollars a month in this field? It is very possible that you will barely make a few hundred when you are first starting out.
Mystery Shopping for Fun and Profit
How would you like to get paid to go shopping? That's right! Get paid to shop for clothes, eat in restaurants, watch movies, play golf, travel, and so on.You can have your cake and eat it too! Enjoy the best ofboth worlds.
How to Turn Career Mistakes into Career Wins
I recently talked with a client who was paralyzed at the thought of making another "mistake" in her career.She was stuck and unable to choose a direction.
Reading the Want Ads--Not for Jobs--For Information
What? Want ads are where job announcementsare, not information!Wait! Job want ads are full of information ifyou know what to do and how to use them.Doubtful? Here are some ideas of the kindsof information you can find as a job seeker.
Tips on How to Write High Impact Letters of Recommendation
Congratulations. You've been asked to write a letter ofrecommendation for an employee or colleague.
A Career In Medical Assisting
My name is Danni R, and I am a certified medical assistant and online educator. I am writing this article to introduce you to an exciting career in the allied health profession that has existed for quite a long time but is just recently gaining the attention and recognition it deserves.