The "objective" section of the resume
Is is still acceptable to state an objective at the beginning of the resume? If not, why not?
Cesar G ,
It's funny; I hear people regularly on both sides of the issue. Personally, I can see value in having one or not, but it seems that these days employers prefer not to see them..but of course that could change next week!
Elizabeth Kemler
I believe that stating an objective at the beginning of your resume is important. It will give the employer a better idea as to what position you are interested in. In this fast paced world a general statement might get them in the "not interested" pile. A specific objective with the employer name and position will entice the employer and any one else that reviews to read on.
Kandice ,
I have heard the same thing; I agree that a cover letter is where you can make clear what you otherwise would in the objective.
Elizabeth Kemler
The more employers that I talk to, the more I'm finding that they aren't interested in an objective anymore. With the amount of resumes they receive, they find themselves skipping the Objective section completely and going straight to the employment history. They have expressed, on numerous occasions that a cover letter is what they look at to decipher who the candidate is, what they are applying for and why.
Riley,
This sounds like a great idea--and it can serve as a good opener in interviews.
Elizabeth Kemler
I always encourage my students to include an objective as an introduction to their resume. Most of my students are career changers looking to enter into a completely new industry. I find that the objective is a great couple of sentences that helps employers understand the motives and goals of the student who is making a major life change or even simply understand what made them choose this particular industry.
Missy,
I can go either way; I've seen some that really set a great tone and others that kind of leave you flat.
Elizabeth Kemler
I always let it up to my students. Some employees in our area love the objective while others feel that it is a complete waste of time. I personally love it though.
I feel that an objective is helpful especially with students that are career changers. The objective will let the employer know why they are applying especially with a background that seems irrelevant at first glance.
Thacha,
Not every wants a cover letter these days but many still do. The problem is, many prospspective employees don't know that they need to include a objective if there is not cover letter.
Elizabeth Kemler
Yes, yes, and yes, I've looked through many resume and many do not include a cover letter which is fine by me so my first go to is the "objective". If your goal for working for me is not something that i am looking for in your opening line then I'm on the the next resume.
Shelisa,
There are different schools of thought on this but I do feel that its acceptable to include an objective, so long as it's relevant to the job one is applying to.
Elizabeth Kemler
