Is an Objective Necessary on a Resume?

There was a time when putting an “objective” statement at the top of your
resume was considered desirable, even forward thinking.

However, objective statements too often discussed what the candidate wanted, and not what the candidate could offer the company. In the human resource world, that is a big no-no. Forbes has concluded that it takes just 8 seconds for someone to make a first impression of you. Is wasting 8 seconds of reading on an objective putting you in the best spotlight?

Just as the job market has evolved, so too has the structure for writing a resume.

There are various fundamental resume platforms that fit for different types of careers. In the business world, both a “summary” statement, which replaces the “objective” statement, and no statement at all have become the new norm for structuring a resume. With everyone talking about what should be in a resume, not enough people are talking about what shouldn’t be in a resume.

So take out your red pens, Area Temps is going to help you mark up your resume!

Why a summary statement over an objective statement is a good thing.
Summary statements showcase your value to the company you’re applying with. In two or three short sentences, you can highlight your experience and how it impacts the job you’re applying to. Right out of the gate, you have told the company why you’re the ideal candidate. Don’t have enough experience? No big deal. Instead of highlighting actual field experience, highlight volunteer work that applies, and list education. This shows HR that you have put great thought into the construction of your resume; targeting them. And those 15 seconds to win them over- you may have just done that.

Delete extra curricula’s others may not understand.
While you may be into your local jousting club or like spending your weekend’s ghost busting, it sends the wrong message to a potential employer. Go through your community activities or personal interest sections and delete anything that may not directly impact the job you’re applying to. For instance, if you have done Habitat for Humanity work and notice on a potential employer’s website that they sit on the board or are actively involved, then this is a good community interest to highlight in your resume. Remember, you don’t know the personal values or beliefs of those viewing your resume. The last thing you want to do is offend someone who doesn’t see your hobby as such a great thing. Unless it can kick start a terrific conversation in an interview, leave it off the resume.

If you can’t remember the details from a job from years before, it doesn’t need to be on a resume.
This holds true for both the summary statement and job history. A resume should only be one to two pages max. If you have a job from 12 years earlier on your resume, but you barely remember the important tasks you completed, it’s safe to say it no longer belongs on your resume. Make sure to only target the most current experience you have that is relevant to the jobs you are applying to. If you highlight experience in your summary that isn’t in your job history, then you need to decide if it’s important enough to add in the job section. If it is, you better remember all the details of what you did in that job and how it relates to the job you’re currently applying for.

Strategic construction of a resume tells a potential employer that you’ve done your homework, know the current market and understand what they are looking for.

Looking for Additional Resources to
Help You Land Your Next Job?

Contact the expert recruiters at Area Temps for more information. We have the experts on hand to assist you with your job search and are happy to assist you!

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