In a job market that's growing more competitive every day, having an effective, impressive resume that stands out from the crowd is key. Looking to fine tune yours but not sure where to start? No worries, our Resume Rescue series is here to help! Headline or Objective?
Is it better to start your resume with an objective that states what you're looking for or a headline that says what you have to offer? Some experts argue that an objective is redundant because by submitting a resume it's obvious that both you want a job and that you want a job at whatever company you've sent it to. So wouldn't it be more effective to catch the reader's eye with a headline about what you bring to the table that other applicants might not? On the other hand, an objective gives a potential employer a better idea of what you want, which is just as important in determining a good fit as what you can do.
What do you think? Would love to hear arguments for both sides (objective vs headline) in the comments!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Sean Degnan says: (8:34AM on Jul 27th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
I believe that the associated cover letter should be sufficient to state your objective as to what position you are applying to. Most companies will retain your resume for a certain amount of time. If you use an objective in the resume, it will pigeon-hole you into one particular position. I'd stick to using a headline. Your skills may be transferrable to another position within the company.
Sean
http://www.linkedin.com/in/seandegnan
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Stephen says: (10:26AM on Jul 27th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
I have always suggested skipping both of these and addnig a summary section instead that related your experience specifically as it relates to the position to which you are applying. This will give the recruiter/manager/resume screener the ability to best relate your skillsets to what they are looking for...
Sean, companies typically keep your resume in a database once you have applied, but you are unlikely to hear anything after the initial application. Has this worked for anyone? Also, I would apply to positions each time they are posted to keep your resume fresh and also let them know you are still looking.
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Gillian Gabriel says: (10:40AM on Aug 7th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
May I add to this excellent advice? See http://gilliangabriel.com for more resume-writing advice. Particularly: http://www.gilliangabriel.com/best-foot-forward/2009/7/9/backpacked-through-india-a-stint-in-rehab-how-to-deal-with-g.html
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MJF says: (11:19AM on Sep 13th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
As one who has hired many and read by this point in my career thousands of resumes, I don't list an objective on my resume because I don't read them except as a joke. They are pointless and inane and who came up with the idea for them needs to be locked away in a room wallpapered with just those silly little vague oneliners. It's a more recent trend than you think and like all fads it's time will hopefully pass.
What information you hope to convey in an objective statement should be covered in the cover letter. Here's another tip -- hiring managers don't really read for much content in the cover letter (sometimes not in the resume either). We're looking for language skills and the ability to write a business letter, attention to detail and logical thought. We're not looking for a form letter you downloaded.
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MJF says: (11:23AM on Sep 13th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
As one who has hired many and read by this point in my career thousands of resumes, I don't list an objective on my resume because I don't read them except as a joke. They are pointless and inane and whoever came up with the idea for them needs to be locked away in a room wallpapered with just those silly, vague oneliners. It's a more recent trend than you think and like all fads it's time will hopefully
pass.
What information you hope to convey in an objective statement should be covered in the cover letter. Here's another tip -- hiring managers don't really read for much content in the cover letter (sometimes not
in the resume either). We're looking for language skills and the ability to write a business letter, attention to detail and logical thought. We're not looking for a form letter you downloaded.
Reply