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Resumes should focus on objective

One of the more difficult exercises job seekers go through is trying to determine an appropriate objective for a resume.

For some employers and jobs this opening statement is not extremely important, while for others it is crucial.

Many job-hunters use the same objective for every position. For some with a specific career focus this may be appropriate. For people without such a clear purpose, this is the wrong approach.

Here are some things to consider to avoid mistakes:

  • An objective is a statement of what you want to do for an employer. It needs to be supported by information in your resume that shows you can indeed perform what you promise in your objective. Without this backup, it is meaningless.
  • A resume should consider your abilities, skills, education and interests as they pertain to the position you are applying for. In other words you are saying “this is what I want to do and the information that follows is why I can perform the job duties.”
  • Review your past. Write down what jobs you have held, what you liked, what you have accomplished and what type of education you have had. Ask yourself what really motivates you.
  • This should help you narrow your personal objective. Without insight into yourself, you may have no career focus. Without that it is hard to have an overall career direction.
  • Each job you apply for can have a unique objective within the framework of your personal objective. It should not only consider what you want, but should also be about the needs of the employer. It should tell the employer what you could do for them.

    To create your opening statement, determine your audience. Is it a hiring manager looking for an employee who can produce more quantity, or a commissioned recruiter concerned with quality results?

    If you are looking for a position in sales, for instance, the objective may be one based on producing quantity. If you are looking for a position as an accountant, it may be based on quality results.

    Try not to be too general. Let the hiring manager see a results-oriented person who really wants to do the job.

    Spend time writing your objective. Too often, prospective employees spend lots of time on their resume and virtually no time on their objective.

    The lack of effort could cost you your dream job.

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