An objective or summary statement is a crucial component of a resume, as it introduces the candidate and highlights their professional goals and qualifications. The statement appears at the top of the resume, making it the first thing potential employers will read. Therefore, it is essential to craft a concise, impactful, and attention-grabbing statement that will entice the reader to continue reading the resume.
Here are some tips for writing an effective resume objective or summary statement:
- Understand the difference between an objective and a summary statement. An objective statement focuses on the candidate’s career goals and what they hope to achieve through employment, while a summary statement highlights their qualifications, skills, and experience.
- Tailor the statement to the specific job and employer. Use keywords and phrases from the job description to demonstrate that you fit the position well.
- Keep it concise. The statement should be no longer than two or three sentences. Avoid using unnecessary words or phrases that do not add value to the statement.
- Highlight your unique selling points. Identify what differentiates you from other candidates and highlight your most relevant skills and accomplishments.
- Use action verbs to describe your skills and experience. Action verbs are more impactful and show that you have taken the initiative in your career.
- Be confident and positive in your language. Avoid using passive or negative language, as this can give a negative impression to the reader.
- Avoid generic statements. Statements such as “hard-working” or “team player” do not add value to the statement and can make the candidate appear unoriginal.
Examples:
Objective Statement: A recent graduate seeking a position as a marketing assistant to utilize my skills in social media marketing, content creation, and analytics to help grow the company’s online presence.
Summary Statement: An experienced marketing professional with five years of experience in digital marketing, SEO, and SEM. Skilled in creating and executing successful marketing campaigns, conducting market research, and analyzing data to identify trends and opportunities for growth. Adept at managing multiple projects simultaneously and working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to achieve business goals.
In conclusion, the objective or summary statement is critical to any resume. It is the potential employers’ first impression of the candidate and can influence their decision to read the rest of the resume. By following these tips, candidates can craft a statement that effectively showcases their qualifications, experience, and professional goals.