When writing an objective on your resume, you want to make sure that it’s relevant to the job you are applying for. Everyone wants to find a job that will pay well, that they’ll enjoy, and that has opportunities for promotion. However, that should never be what you write on your resume. The goal of a resume is to show the employer what you can do for them, not what they can do for you.
A great objective works by demonstrating that your goals align with the company’s goals. Every employer is more concerned with the welfare of their company than they are about you. Unless they hire you, you are just another name in a resume pile. So, take the time to write a relevant objective that will matter to the company and you’ll stand out from that pile.
A great place to begin is to list your career goals. Since the hiring director will never see this list, it’s ok to write a goal salary and position down. Just list everything you hope to achieve.
Next, think about the company you are applying to. Research their goals. Think about how your goals overlap with theirs. If you want to be promoted to a manager’s position someday, you may have to prove that you are capable of improving sales (a company goal). If you want to be head engineer at the company, you may have to prove that you can create solid bridge designs. Make a list of how you can achieve your personal goals at the company you are applying to.
Once you have this list of overlapping goals, try to focus on the most relevant ones. If the company’s number one goal is to improve customer service ratings, then that is the one you should focus on. If you could help them improve their ratings, you will most likely be promoted, thus receiving better pay and moving up in the company. Try to brainstorm and make a list of the skills you have that can help the company achieve this goal.
Your objective should mention those relevant skills and how you’d use them. For instance, while your real objective may be to improve sales so you get a promotion, your resume objective should read: To use my communications skills to please customers and improve company ratings. This objective will show a hiring director that you know what the company needs and you are capable of providing it. Only you will know that your goal is also self-serving.
