Sample Resume Objectives: Good, But Summaries Are Smokin!

Since college I've been told that a resume ought to have an "objective statement" at the top. Maybe you've been told the same.

I'm here to tell you somebody's been lying to you!

Well, not necessarily, but maybe. Every resume has an objective, but not every resume has to have an objective statement. So before you get the urge to search online for sample resume objectives, keep reading.

Every resume has an objective. How you TALK about that objective in the resume is a different matter entirely.

An objective statement simply states your objective. I got a four-year degree so I could make brilliant statements like that. But it's true, and most of the sample resume objectives you'll find online are statements of what the job seeker wants.

That's a mistake. A bad mistake.

A good resume objective statement should tell the reader what the candidate will do for him. Specifically, it ought to tell him what profit the candidate will add.

No, I'm not kidding. Here's an example of what I mean:

"A highly experienced sales and marketing professional with comprehensive strategic planning and implementation skills, and $27 million in total profit improvement added in 8 years, seeking a position as a Sales Manager where these skills will add similar or greater value."

Wow! That objective statement screams, "Keep reading!" Do YOU know any hiring manager or executive who would turn his nose up at $27 million in 8 years? I don't. It's at least worth talking to you about, which means you'll get an interview. What if it was only $1 million, or $100,000? Whatever the number, it's money, and that counts.

And that, folks, is the magic. Everything in the job search process should have a focused purpose, and be done on purpose. The purpose of your resume and cover letter is to compel an interview. A strong objective statement like that can help.

Feel free to start with a sample or three. Just be sure to modify any sample you use. Keep the good and scrap the bad.

But is that the best you can do? Hardly.

I have nothing against objective statements, and you can find some solid sample resume objectives online. My only gripe is that using a solid objective statement is settling for good when there's a (typically) better alternative.

That alternative is the resume summary. Some might call it a "Profile," or a "Summary of Qualifications," or even just "Qualifications." Whatever the name, it's a grab-'em-by-the-throat killer. Here's an example of what I'm talking about:

"Savvy, results-oriented leader with proven success in managing multimillion-dollar software product rollouts to disparate sales channels. Background includes launching a high-productivity expert development team, increasing revenue by $2.5 million and achieving unit profitability within nine months (six months ahead of plan), at Widgets, Inc., with leading technology and feature-rich product releases to meet known demand. Critical thinker and adept negotiator who can apply extensive industry knowledge to profitable vendor partnerships and revenue-enhancing co-branding opportunities. Expertly directs development, technology integration, and customer demand discovery. Published author, and frequent keynote speaker at industry conferences."

Good grief! If the example resume objective a few paragraphs ago was solid, that summary will leave a reader gasping for air.

Put a summary like that in a resume (with your own qualifications in it, of course), and you'll almost certainly get a phone call for a job interview.

I can hear you saying that whoever has the summary you just read can walk on water. What about lowly old you? Here's what I used on my last resume, and I wasn't a high-powered executive either:

"Results-oreinted software developer and consulting project manager with six years' experience at Big 5 firm. Experienced OO developer with particular expertise in Java and Extreme Programming (XP). Over seven years' experience developing software and managing projects in challenging, fast-paced consulting environments. Demonstrated ability to acquire technical knowledge and skills rapidly. Innovative problem solver, able to see the business and technical sides of a problem. Proven leadership, negotiation and problem resolution abilities. Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written. Published author and conference speaker."

See? That summary needs some improvement, but it shows mere mortals can do it too. That means you can.

A powerfully stated objective statement makes your resume pop. A powerfully stated summary makes it a thermonuclear explosion. Most others in the resume pile (and there's always a pile) have objectives that translate into "get a job." Then you come along with a Sherman tank summary. They're dead meat.

Make no mistake, job search is war. Powerful summaries give you an advantage.

(c) Copyright 2005 by Roy Miller

An article by Roy Miller, creator of http://www.Job-Search-Guidepost.com. A quick, successful job search is about more than copying sample resume objectives. Go here to find out how to analyze any sample resume objective you find online: Sample Resume Objectives -- Stick With The Good Stuff. And if you liked this article, be sure to sign up for Roy's free weekly newsletter.

This article may be reprinted for use in newsletters and on websites provided that this information box is kept intact. Email notice of intent to publish is appreciated but not required: roy@job-search-guidepost.com.

---

Google News Updated : Fri, 09 Jan 2009 22:11:53 GMT U.S. Supreme Court to hear two appeals on 'race politics' - Los Angeles Times Reuters U.S. Supreme Court to hear two appeals on 'race politics' Los Angeles Times - 43 minutes ago Justices will decide whether to strike down laws that provide special protections to minorities in the workplace and in the voting booth. Supreme Court to Rule on Voting Rights Act Washington Post Supreme Court to hear challenge to voting rights act USA Today New York Times - Reuters - CNN - The Associated Press all 250 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:28:02 GMT Officials Still Seek Source of Salmonella Outbreak - Washington Post ABC News Officials Still Seek Source of Salmonella Outbreak Washington Post - 1 hour ago By Steven Reinberg FRIDAY, Jan. 9 (HealthDay News) -- The source of a salmonella outbreak that has sickened almost 400 Americans in 42 states remains unknown, US health officials said Friday, adding that more cases are expected. New Salmonella Outbreak: Here's How to Reduce Your Risk U.S. News & World Report North Carolina resident tests positive for Salmonella Asheville Citizen-Times PRWeek - The Chattanoogan - abc11tv.com - News & Observer all 1,018 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 09 Jan 2009 20:46:09 GMT RPT-Obama tries to allay concerns over stimulus package - Reuters Times Online RPT-Obama tries to allay concerns over stimulus package Reuters - 1 hour ago By Caren Bohan and Jeremy Pelofsky WASHINGTON, Jan 9 (Reuters) - President-elect Barack Obama said on Friday that the latest grim unemployment report added urgency to the need to pass his $800 billion stimulus proposal, even as his efforts ran into ... Video: Obama: New Layoffs Show Need for Urgent Action AssociatedPress Borger: Do congressional Dems need intervention? CNN International Bizjournals.com - FOXNews - Los Angeles Times - Washington Post all 7,442 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:08:22 GMT A guide to the Blagojevich impeachment - MSNBC USA Today A guide to the Blagojevich impeachment MSNBC - 37 minutes ago By Tom Curry Here is a guide to the process by which Gov. Rod Blagojevich of Illinois might be removed from office Impeachment is the formal accusation of wrongdoing, lobbed by a legislative body against an executive branch official, such as a governor ... CQ Transcripts Wire Washington Post Blagojevich impeached over alleged Senate-for-sale scandal Salt Lake Tribune New York Times - ABC News - CNN - NECN all 4,092 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:34:17 GMT Costa Rica earthquake death toll rises to 15 - CNN International Globe and Mail Costa Rica earthquake death toll rises to 15 CNN International - 4 hours ago SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (CNN) -- The official count of confirmed deaths grew to 15 Friday afternoon, one day after a 6.1-magnitude earthquake shook north central Costa Rica, a government emergency official said. Tourists evacuated after fatal Costa Rica quake Reuters UK Costa Rica Earthquake Rescuers Try to Help Thousands Bloomberg The Associated Press - Reuters India - Inquirer.net - Los Angeles Times all 845 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:37:39 GMT Payment to Pirates Ends Tanker Hijacking - Wall Street Journal WELT ONLINE Payment to Pirates Ends Tanker Hijacking Wall Street Journal - 36 minutes ago By CHIP CUMMINS DUBAI -- The US Navy said Friday it expected a Saudi Arabian oil tanker hijacked in November to be freed and underway in the next 24 hours, potentially ending the most dramatic of several, recent pirate attacks in the waters offshore ... Somali Pirates Release Saudi Tanker Voice of America Saudi oil tanker said to be released by pirates for ransom International Herald Tribune CNN International - guardian.co.uk - Bloomberg - PRESS TV all 520 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:35:44 GMT Rubin resigns from Citigroup following criticism - MarketWatch ABC News Rubin resigns from Citigroup following criticism MarketWatch - 29 minutes ago By Alistair Barr, MarketWatch SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Robert Rubin, former Treasury secretary who has come under fire for his role in the financial crisis, has decided to leave Citigroup Inc., the banking giant announced Friday. Citigroup Statement on Rubin's Departure; Rubin's Letter Wall Street Journal Citigroup's Rubin steps down CNNMoney.com New York Times - Forbes - Houston Chronicle - USA Today all 294 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:42:14 GMT RSS Software Website Traffic Promotion

PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Adsense websites

Job Interviews -- How to Follow Up Effectively

Getting a job is not just about your performance in... Read More

How to Insure Job Security

The attorneys I coach have one common problem. They don't... Read More

Factual Employment Screening Part 2

An Employment Screening OutlinePolicy DevelopmentA policy of Factual Employment Screening;... Read More

Dont Be Defeated - Be Empowered

Taking a job out of fear and desperation will never... Read More

Four Important Questions to Ask Your Interviewer; Do You Really Want to Work for This Person?

Many job seekers miss a golden opportunity when they are... Read More

Losing Your Job Without Losing Yourself

When we lose our jobs, no matter the reason, we... Read More

Tips For Successful Job Hunting: How To Get A Job Without A Resume

I am in my mid-thirties, and, as you can imagine,... Read More

Interpersonal Skill Building -- Yank The Suckers & Weeds

According to the National Gardening Association, suckers are rapidly growing... Read More

You Are Lucky in Your Career!

You Are Lucky in Being Satisfied in Your CareerJust for... Read More

21st Century Career Success

When it comes to modern career development, one thing we... Read More

Always Have a Current Resume

What is the biggest mistake people make with resumes?People write... Read More

The Myths of Career Change

Chances are you already have many ideas about what it... Read More

Reading the Want Ads--Not for Jobs--For Information

What? Want ads are where job announcements are, not information!Wait!... Read More

Aptitude Tests Reveal the Difference Between Your Aptitude & Ability

Aptitude tests measure your skills, abilities, values, interests and personality... Read More

The Role of a Medical Assistant in a Modern Medical Practice

Many physicians are unsure of what tasks are appropriate to... Read More

Career Transitions: Creating Complementary Careers in a Day

Down-sized? Outsourced? Burned-out? Wizened up? That's what I said. Wizened... Read More

Negotiate Better Job Offers with This Twelve-Point Checklist

You've been through an employer's interview process successfully and have... Read More

Retirement: Is It A Career Change Option?

Retirement might be the answer when you ask yourself "why... Read More

References: Choose Wisely

Sophisticated job seekers know and understand that sometime during the... Read More

Make Your Career Offshore Proof

There has been a lot of talk recently about American... Read More

Planning To Work Abroad

Working abroad can be an exciting, rewarding and horizon broadening... Read More

When Bad Interviews Happen to Good Candidates

Going through the motions of a bad interview is like... Read More

The Springtime of Your Career

Rick Jarow, author of Creating the Work You Love, introduced... Read More

Top Ten Guidelines For Working With Executive Recruiters

1. Select the right type of recruitment partnerDetermine whether you... Read More

Cover Letter Magic: 4 Ways To ASK For The Job Interview - And Get It!

Just how important it is to ASK for the job... Read More