The opening section sets the tone for your resume. To generate interviews during the job search, it’s important to grab the hiring manager’s attention as quickly as possible. Previously, job seekers relied on a resume objective to introduce themselves to prospective employers. In recent years, however, the hiring process has evolved in many ways. This guide will explore the resume objective example and assess its value within the contemporary job market.
What Is a Resume Objective?
A resume objective is a concise opening statement that explains your career goals and why you’re applying for a particular job. A well-crafted objective statement can briefly summarize your qualifications while aligning them with the company’s needs. However, it’s important to ensure that your objective statement focuses on value rather than just your goals. While resume objectives were widely used for many years, they’re now considered outdated by most resume writers and recruiters.
An objective for resume writing focuses on concise career goals aligned with the employer’s needs. Job seekers in today’s market have adopted what is referred to as a professional summary. For inspiration, explore resume summary examples.
The primary reason for this shift is that a resume objective focuses on the candidate’s goals, whereas a professional summary demonstrates why the candidate is qualified for the job they’re applying for. A resume’s main goal is to generate interviews, and the best way to make a positive impression on the hiring manager is to emphasize the potential value you can bring to their organization. When writing an objective for your resume, create a statement that demonstrates how your skills and experience align with the needs of the employer. For additional clarity on building strong introductions for resumes, consider checking out resume summary examples.
Should I Include a Resume Objective?
The short answer is no in most cases. Not only does the resume objective example take the emphasis away from your qualifications, but it risks making you appear dated in the eyes of potential employers. Even when writing a resume for a grad school or internship application, you’ll be better served by simply building a strong summary that emphasizes your most impressive academic achievements and relevant skill sets. However, a well-crafted objective for your resume can be helpful for entry-level candidates who need to establish their qualifications and career direction.
Although resume objectives are less common, they may still have a place in specific scenarios. If you’re unsure whether to include a resume objective, check out what to put on a resume for tips on structuring your application.
Are Resume Objectives Helpful During a Career Change?
At a cursory glance, one might think this is a situation where having a resume objective might be useful. It does present an opportunity to explain your desire to transition into a new field. However, once you look deeper, the same drawbacks continue to emerge.
In some cases, well-crafted resume objectives can help career changers bridge the skills gap. If you’re changing careers, learning how to craft an effective objective statement is essential to avoid common mistakes. Showcasing transferable resume skills with a targeted resume objective statement is key to bridging the gap during a career change.
Hiring managers aren’t interested in learning about your long-term career goals when reviewing your resume. They understand that you’re interested in the job because you’ve applied for it. Rather than explaining your objectives, emphasize relevant experience and qualifications from your previous industry that will allow you to excel in the new position.
Should I Use a Resume Objective To Explain an Employment Gap?
Using resume objectives to address gaps can draw unnecessary attention to them. Employment gaps can be incredibly challenging to overcome in the competitive job market, and providing context for the hiring manager seems like a viable strategy. Unfortunately, this approach tends to make the gap even more glaring and diverts attention away from your qualifications. An employment gap is better addressed during the interview and, in some cases, even the cover letter. It should never be the first thing you draw attention to on your resume. Consider learning how to list certifications on your resume to strengthen your application and demonstrate ongoing professional development.
How To Write a Great Resume Objective
While we can’t recommend using a resume objective example, if you do opt for this approach, there are ways to heighten its impact. To write an impactful objective for a resume, tailor it to the specific job description by emphasizing relevant skills and showing how you can add value to the company. Rather than only highlighting your career goals, create an objective statement that emphasizes how your unique background and skills can create value for potential employers. Also, mention something specific about the company and why you’re seeking this opportunity. This allows you to tell some of your story while also demonstrating how your qualifications align with the roles you’re targeting.
For optimal formatting, you can explore best resume formats to ensure your document appears polished and professional.
Resume Objective Examples
Below are tailored examples of how to craft an objective for a resume that aligns with various roles, including new graduates, career changers, and professionals seeking advancement.
New graduate resume objective example
A recent graduate with a degree in web design, specializing in user experience (UX) design, front-end development, and graphic design. Seeking a position with Pantheon Technologies to apply user-centered design principles in a forward-thinking work environment centered on innovation and real-world solutions.
A recent nursing graduate with entry-level work experience specializing in patient relations, post-anesthesia care, and process improvement. Seeking a registered nurse (RN) position with University of Pennsylvania Hospital to deliver exceptional patient-centered care and grow as a medical professional within one of the nation’s leading hospitals.
A recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree in economics, specializing in finance, financial modeling, accounting principles, and risk assessment. Seeking an internship position at Vanguard to forecast long-term business outlooks and identify financial risks for clients at one of the world’s largest investment firms.
New graduates can highlight their relevant coursework to complement their objective statement.
Career or industry change resume objective example
If you’re transitioning industries, how to make a resume can provide valuable guidance. Career changers can benefit from tailored resume objective examples that emphasize transferable skills.
A military veteran with over 10 years of experience in supply chain management, logistics, fleet management, and procurement. Seeking a position at Olsen Manufacturing to transition from a military career to the private sector. A proven track record of overseeing multi-million-dollar supply chains to support military operations.
A server with seven years of professional experience specializing in upselling, client relations, customer service, and communication. Seeking a sales representative position with Morgan Electronics to transition from the hospitality industry to a sales career at an industry-leading technology company.
An event manager with eight years of experience advertising, planning, and executing virtual events. Seeking a marketing coordinator position with Cadence Inc. to transition from the events space to a digital marketing career. Adept at developing impactful marketing strategies to drive customer engagement.
Seeking advancement resume objective example
Use resume outline examples to structure your advancement resume effectively.
A software developer with seven years of experience specializing in Agile software development, back-end development, Python, and web development. A strong history of developing innovative application features and software solutions to enhance the UX. Seeking a technical project manager position with Aiden Corporation to advance into a leadership role.
A construction worker with eight years of experience supporting commercial and residential projects, including construction, home renovations, and landscaping. Adept at coordinating with diverse teams to execute complex projects on-time and under budget. Seeking a construction manager position with Ajax Construction Co. to further leadership growth.
A principal with nine years of professional experience specializing in policy development, program management, educational leadership, and school administration. Seeking a superintendent position with the Swarthmore School District to drive the success of students and teachers at one of the state’s highest-performing districts.
A software developer with seven years of experience specializing in Agile software development, back-end development, Python, and web development. A strong history of developing innovative application features and software solutions to enhance the UX. Seeking a technical project manager position with Aiden Corporation to advance into a leadership role.
A construction worker with eight years of experience supporting commercial and residential projects, including construction, home renovations, and landscaping. Adept at coordinating with diverse teams to execute complex projects on-time and under budget. Seeking a construction manager position with Ajax Construction Co. to further leadership growth.
A principal with nine years of professional experience specializing in policy development, program management, educational leadership, and school administration. Seeking a superintendent position with the Swarthmore School District to drive the success of students and teachers at one of the state’s highest-performing districts.
Resume Objective Examples by Job Title
Administrative assistant resume objective example
A results-driven medical administrative assistant with five years of experience specializing in office administration, calendar management, and patient relations. Seeking a position with St. Mark’s Medical Center to apply administrative expertise in a fast-paced clinical setting at one of the state’s finest hospitals.
Office manager resume objective example
A dynamic office manager with eight years of experience supporting daily operations and managing calendars for C-level executives. A proven track record of identifying opportunities to enhance client communications and administrative functions. Seeking an office manager position with Allied Marketing Corp. to transition into a leadership role.
Sales representative resume objective example
A sales representative with four years of experience specializing in cross-selling, cold calling, lead generation, and client relations. A strong history of developing customer relationships and identifying appropriate products based on client needs. Seeking a sales representative position with State Farm to continue career growth at one of the best insurance providers in the U.S.
Account manager resume objective example
An account manager with six years of experience within the technology industry, specializing in business-to-business (B2B) sales and Software as a service (SaaS). A proven track record of exceeding sales quotas and collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve the sales process. Seeking a position with Starlight Inc. to drive revenue growth in a fast-paced startup environment.
Software developer resume objective example
A software developer with six years of experience specializing in Agile software development, back-end development, Python, and web development. A strong history of developing innovative application features to enhance the UX. Seeking a developer role with Cubix to provide valuable contributions to cutting-edge software solutions.
Software engineer resume objective example
A lead software engineer with eight years of experience developing innovative software solutions for enterprise customers. A proven track record of executing multi-million-dollar technology projects. Seeking a software development manager position with Genetech Solutions to fuel leadership growth at one of the world’s best innovators in the technology space.
Digital marketing specialist resume objective example
A digital marketing specialist with seven years of experience specializing in brand messaging, Google Analytics, and SEO strategy. A proven track record of executing digital campaigns to enhance user engagement and drive market penetration. Seeking a digital marketing manager position at Impossible Foods to drive brand awareness for a leading plant-based food company.
Marketing manager resume objective example
An experienced leader and brand marketing professional with over 10 years in health care, specializing in content marketing, brand messaging, and ad campaigns. A strong history of guiding dynamic marketing teams to execute high-impact digital campaigns. Seeking a marketing manager position with Better Help to raise awareness of mental health resources.
Manager resume objective example
A customer service manager with over 10 years of experience specializing in continuous improvement, client relations, and cross-functional leadership. A proven track record identifying opportunities to enhance the customer experience and improve satisfaction ratings. Seeking to advance into a customer service manager role with TD Bank.
Customer service representative resume objective example
A customer service representative with six years of experience supporting sales teams and turning cancellations into satisfied customers. Seeking a customer service team lead position with Astound Broadband to enhance client retention for a premiere internet provider.
Registered nurse resume objective example
A registered nurse (RN) with over seven years of clinical experience providing quality care to critically ill patients in intensive care unit (ICU), oncology, and surgical units. A strong history of identifying opportunities to drive patient-centered care and improve clinical operations. Seeking a position at Columbia University Hospital to grow as a health care professional at one of the nation’s leading hospitals.
Medical surgical nurse resume objective example
A certified medical surgical nurse with eight years of experience specializing in surgical care and patient education. A strong background of collaborating with interdisciplinary health care teams to deliver patient-centered care within high-volume acute care environments. Seeking to advance into a nurse manager position at St. Mark’s Medical Center.
Lawyer resume objective example
A senior immigration lawyer with seven years of experience managing and navigating complex immigration, citizenship, and asylum cases. A strong history of serving as a client advocate and consistently achieving high approval rates. Seeking a position with Rosenberg LLP to provide exceptional legal services to clients at a reputable immigration law firm.
Attorney resume objective example
An associate attorney with four years of experience specializing in regulatory compliance, court litigation, legal research, and environmental law. A proven track record of navigating complex legal landscapes to obtain favorable outcomes. Seeking a position at Nelson Legal Associates to manage high-value cases related to environmental regulatory violations.
Project manager resume objective example
A construction project manager with eight years of experience overseeing large build-outs and commercial construction projects valued at up to $25 million. A strong history of leading diverse construction teams and identifying cost-saving opportunities. Seeking a superintendent position with Ranson Construction Inc. to advance at one of the state’s top firms.
Technical project manager resume objective example
An information technology (IT) project manager with 10 years of professional experience managing and building cross-functional teams from the ground up to execute multimillion-dollar enterprise-level projects. Seeking an IT director position with Cadence Technologies to advance as an industry leader at a company centered on innovation and real-world solutions.
HR recruiter resume objective example
A human resources (HR) recruiter with six years of experience specializing in talent acquisition, recruiting, sourcing strategies, and learning and development. A proven track record of running high-impact recruitment initiatives to drive the retention of top talent. Seeking an HR manager role at Deloitte to grow within one of the nation’s leading financial firms.
Human resources specialist resume objective example
A results-driven HR specialist with eight years of experience coordinating and enhancing HR operations. A proven track record of developing HR programs to improve employee satisfaction and retention. Seeking an HR manager role at Accenture to support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) recruiting initiatives at an enterprise-level company.
Graphic designer resume objective example
A senior graphic designer with over 10 years of experience specializing in brand messaging, digital marketing, project management, and UX design. A proven track record of defining high-impact visual solutions to drive brand awareness and sales growth. Seeking to advance into a digital design manager position with Arkline Inc.
UX designer resume objective example
A UX designer with six years of experience specializing in UX research, design systems, user interface (UI) prototyping, and user-centered design. A proven track record of managing UX teams to develop design solutions for an unparalleled UX. Seeking a UX manager position at Ascension Inc. to drive innovation at one of the nation’s best web solution providers.
Resume Objective Examples
These resume objective examples include full resume examples — see how resume objectives integrate within a resume.
John Smith
[Contact Information]
Objective:
Recent marketing graduate specializing in social media strategy and content creation. Seeking an opportunity with Brightside Media to apply analytical skills and creativity to develop innovative campaigns and drive engagement.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
University of California, Los Angeles | Graduated May 2024
- Relevant Coursework: Digital Marketing Strategies, Social Media Analytics, Content Marketing, Marketing Research
- GPA: 3.8/4.0
Skills
- Social Media Strategy (Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn)
- Content Creation and Copywriting
- Google Analytics and SEO Tools
- Graphic Design (Canva, Adobe Photoshop)
- Market Research and Trend Analysis
Experience
Marketing Intern
Brightside Media, Los Angeles, CA | Jan 2024 – May 2024
- Assisted in developing and scheduling social media posts across Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, increasing engagement by 25%.
- Conducted competitor analysis to identify trends and optimize campaign strategies.
- Wrote engaging blog posts and website content that improved organic search rankings by 15%.
Social Media Coordinator (Student Organization)
UCLA Marketing Club, Los Angeles, CA | Sep 2022 – May 2024
- Managed social media channels, creating weekly content calendars and designing posts.
- Increased follower count by 30% through targeted campaigns and engagement activities.
- Collaborated with team members to organize and promote campus events, resulting in a 20% increase in attendance.
Jane Doe
[Contact Information]
Objective:
Experienced educator with 10 years of classroom teaching expertise, specializing in curriculum design and e-learning tools. Seeking to transition into an instructional design role with EdTech Solutions to create engaging digital learning experiences.
Education
Master of Education in Educational Technology
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | May 2023
Bachelor of Arts in English Education
University of Michigan | May 2013
Skills
- Curriculum Design and Development
- E-Learning Tools (Articulate 360, Adobe Captivate)
- Learning Management Systems (Canvas, Blackboard)
- Instructional Strategies and Learning Theories
- Multimedia Content Creation
Experience
High School English Teacher
Lincoln High School, Detroit, MI | Aug 2013 – May 2023
- Designed and implemented English curricula aligned with state standards, achieving a 15% improvement in student performance metrics.
- Utilized technology such as Google Classroom and Kahoot to enhance learning engagement.
- Developed online learning modules during remote teaching, receiving positive feedback from students and parents.
Freelance Instructional Designer
Self-Employed, Detroit, MI | Jan 2023 – Present
- Created online training programs for local businesses, focusing on employee onboarding and skill development.
- Developed interactive e-learning modules using Articulate Storyline.
- Worked with SMEs to identify training needs and translate them into effective learning solutions.
Robert Johnson
[Contact Information]
Objective:
Sales manager with over eight years of experience exceeding sales quotas and leading high-performing teams. Seeking a regional director role with Global Tech Corp to expand sales operations and drive strategic growth across multiple markets.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration
University of Texas, Austin | May 2012
Skills
- Sales Strategy and Leadership
- Revenue Growth and Forecasting
- Cross-Functional Team Collaboration
- CRM Platforms (Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Market Expansion and Client Acquisition
Experience
Sales Manager
Tech Solutions Inc., Dallas, TX | Jan 2018 – Present
- Led a sales team of 15 representatives, achieving 120% of quarterly sales targets consistently.
- Implemented a new lead qualification system that improved conversion rates by 35%.
- Developed strategic partnerships with B2B clients, increasing regional revenue by $2.5 million annually.
Account Executive
MarketHub Solutions, Austin, TX | Jun 2013 – Dec 2017
- Managed a portfolio of 50+ accounts, maintaining a 90% client retention rate.
- Exceeded annual sales quotas by an average of 15% through proactive client engagement and tailored solutions.
- Collaborated with the marketing team to identify market trends and launch targeted campaigns.
Certifications
Certified Sales Leadership Professional (CSLP) | 2021
Frequently Asked Questions About Resume Objectives
Should I use a resume objective instead of a summary?-
In most cases, it’s best to avoid using a resume objective in today’s job market. Career objectives have been largely phased out in favor of professional summaries, as they divert the focus of your resume away from your relevant qualifications and skills. If you’re looking for resume objective examples that can make a strong impression, refer to our curated examples. An objective for your resume should be concise, clearly demonstrating your ability to meet the employer's needs while aligning with the company's goals.
Whether you use an objective or summary, ensure your resume remains concise. See our guide on should a resume be one page for more advice.
Why are resume objectives considered outdated?+
Resume objectives are considered outdated because they aren’t an effective way to grab the hiring manager’s attention quickly. Many recruiters consider resume objectives outdated because they focus on the applicant's goals rather than their value to the company. Discussing your career goals is a topic much better suited for the interview, as your top priority should be marketing your skills and experience to potential employers.
How can I write a great resume objective?+
While it’s not advisable to clutter your resume with unnecessary details about your long-term career objectives, if you choose to include one, explain why you’re interested in this particular company and how you can provide value to their team. Crafting an impactful objective for resume writing requires aligning with the company's vision. To ensure your resume is visually appealing, explore recommendations on best fonts for resumes.
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