resume

Before we get back to the Professional Experience resume category mentioned in the 3/31/2009 post, let's talk about the Objective category listed in that post.

If you decide to use an Objective category, it should start your resume. It should be the first BOLD print category in the far left margin, immediately following your name, address, and phone numbers.

A focused, concise objective is important because it's the first place in your resume where you can link your talents to the field (occupation) you want to enter. However, if you are 'exploring' a field you may want to keep your objective broader, more general. In this case, it would be better to omit the Objective Category on your resume, and instead, work this information into an effective cover letter.

The Objective Category should include field / industry; level of responsibility; opportunity for growth / development / advancement. Use terminology common to the field / job / position. If you are exploring two or three different options, you will need two or three Objectives - possibly two or three resumes also, emphasizing your most relevant skills, experience and education for a particular position.

A focused job objective highlights your job request in case the employer does not immediately connect your experience with his or her company needs / requirements. However, a broader objective may allow you to fit into more than one slot.

Following are a few examples of job OBJECTIVES:

• OBJECTIVE: To obtain a Marketing Communications position, utilizing professional experience, education, and interpersonal abilities, where opportunity exists for professional growth and development.
• OBJECTIVE: Training and Development in a Human Resources environment. Specialty: design / implementation of personnel training programs.
• OBJECTIVE: An Educational Consultant position working with professionals, parents, students in developmental and problem- centered areas, which will utilize my extensive professional experience and excellent interpersonal / communication abilities.
• OBJECTIVE: To obtain a Personnel Administration / Planning position in a Health Care environment, utilizing my community outreach and consumer education knowledge, where opportunity exists for personal and professional growth.
• OBJECTIVE: Sales training and motivation on a Management Team for a software firm, specializing in user consulting / analysis / help desk.

Remember to use the language and skills of the career you are pursuing, not of the one you are leaving ...

• Example: You are a teacher, moving into industry, describe your skills in terms of training, development, planning, evaluation ..
• Example: You are a nurse moving into sales - use terms such as product knowledge, utilization, interpersonal / communication skills, establish confidence and rapport ..

This can be an effective category when worded properly, however, this wording would be much better used in the first paragraph of an excellent cover letter. The space on your resume would be best utilized by facts and figures, and dates, and abilities ....

Please see an earlier post concerning cover letters for more examples of how to work an Objective into your letter.