EDITOR'S POST
Do I mention a "career objective" on my resume?
Q. Do I mention a "career objective" on my resume?
A. Some resume screeners like resumes with targeted job objectives because they make it easier to toss the resume if if no req matches the narrow objective. There may be opportunities which you qualify for and would be interested in, but which you reject by putting a narrowly focused objective on the resume. For example, a programmer who states that her objective is to write programs under Unix may not be considered for a development position under WNT, even though she may be qualified and interested. A broader objective, such as "A position to make use of my people skills or training in data processing", tells almost nothing, but may exclude you from consideration for a very interesting opportunity that doesn't require "people skills".
Most job seekers are better off without a "career objective" on a resume. Unless you have a very clear idea of what you are seeking from a particular employer (which might be a case if you are responding to a very specific advertisement), it's better to explain your interests in a cover letter or during the interview -- after the employers express their interest in you.
Some posters feel that stating a career objective conveys a sense of direction on your part. Such a statement does not have to be limiting if it is worded in an open-ended, but not vague, fashion. In this case, the objective briefly describes your primary functional goal (type of work desired), your primary organizational goal (type of place where you want to work), and may contain a phrase about a particular interest area or short or long term professional goals. Try to answer the question: "What would you like to be doing in the next few years?" Never mention a specific job title.
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Posted by: Editor at July 5, 2005 06:04 AM