Three Reasons Why Objective Statements Are Out

With all the “do’s and don’ts” of resume writing, do you ever wonder the reasons why objective statements are out?  The objective statement falls in the category of a “don’t.” There are at least three reasons why objective statements are no longer recommended for professional resumes.

ONE:  It places the focus on your needs (objective) rather than the employer’s needs.

The purpose of your resume is to help the hiring manager understand what you can do for them, not what you want. Naturally, an employer is more concerned with filling their needs than your wants.

TWO:  An objective fails to promote the candidate effectively.

It is challenging to sell yourself in a short phrase when you are focusing on your goal.  The following are two examples of objectives that do not effectively promoting the candidate:  “Accomplished Network Administrator seeking to use experience in exciting enterprise setting” and “Self-motivated product manager seeking company who cares about quality and creates ground-breaking products.”  In fact, these read more like descriptions found in a job posting when a company is promoting a job vacancy to attract candidates.

THREE: It signals to the reader that you are out of touch with current resume standards.

Because objective statements are widely-regarded as obsolete and strategically flawed, including one on your resume shows that you are out of touch and did not take the time to research current resume trends. If you are unsure of current résumé trends, the employer may perceive you as outdated in other aspects of your career.

Some may wonder, “If I don’t include an objective, how will the reader know what position I want?”  As harsh as this may sound, the employer is not interested in your desires as a candidate.  The hiring manager is seeking a candidate who meets the requirements of the role and will make a lasting and positive contribution. True, you want the reader to identify you clearly as a candidate for a particular position. However, it should be accomplished by presenting your unique values that demonstrate how you fill the needs of the employer. A well-crafted summary statement (also called a profile statement) will showcase your top skills, experience, and achievements that are most relevant to the target job.

If your resume summary statement is written well, the reader will clearly understand that you are well suited for the position.  As a recruiter, HR manager, and hiring manager see that you are a fit, they are more likely to continue reading your resume to see examples of accomplishments that further sell you as a candidate for an interview.  As you update your resume, remember to skip an objective statement showing what you want; instead write a compelling summary with the reader in mind.