Insider Tips On Writing A Resume Objective: Don't Write One!

If you've been searching for an answer on how to write a resume objective, you are likely to come away from your research more confused than when you started.

The reason for your confusion is almost surely because you've found two pieces of advice from resume writing professionals that seem at first glance as if they are inconsistent, although you are told they are both equally true.

1) It is utterly vital that you be completely unambiguous about your job objective when you write your resume. Resumes only get a quick, few-second glance and if the reader doesn't instantly understand where you would fit in their company and add value, they'll toss your resume aside for the next one in the stack.

2) These days, it is uncommon to include the traditional "objective statement" in your resume. In fact, you should consider leaving the objective statement off your resume altogether, instead writing a "summary of qualifications." Objective statements only communicate to the reader what you want from them. A summary of qualifications, on the other hand, tells the reader what you offer them. This is a slight but key difference.

How can both of these tips be true? It's simple. Your summary of qualifications should be written to convey your objective and focus, but do so in a way that clearly demonstrates to the reader that you have the ability to solve their problems and meet their goals within the position you are focused on filling. To create an effective summary of qualifications, do you have to know the exact position that is the objective of your resume? No. But you should be as focused as possible. You could, for example, write a focused and effective resume around the objective "associate marketing position in a consumer products company." But, if you can be more specific, for example, developing it around the objective "associate marketing position in a large, established consumer software products company interested in launching new products," your resume will be even more powerful and effective. The more specific you are in your own mind about your objective, the more specific you can be at showing the recipient of your resume that you understand their needs and have the proven ability to meet them.

As you write your summary of qualifications, try to be distinguishing, achievements-focused, and specific. Be careful not to make the mistake of writing one that is so general that it could apply to anyone that does the type of work you do. It should showcase your differentiators and distinguishing qualifications rather than just the baseline qualifications that are common and expected in your profession. Having read the summary, the reader should come away with a unambiguous understanding of exactly how you would fit in the company and how you will produce benefits. Edit out cliches and jargon. Additionally, it isn't enough to tell a reader that you have certain abilities or traits; you must show them through examples of past accomplishments. Prove impact! Your summary of qualifications is a great place to include mention of your most notable achievements.

Once you've created your summary of qualifications, put some effort into creating a headline statement that sums it all up in a few words. More than any other component on your resume, it is often the headline statement that ensures the focus of your resume is instantly clear to the recipient. You can also use the headline statement to promote your "personal branding" and unique value proposition that will differentiate you from other candidates. For example, from the objective in the previous paragraph, you may come up with a two-line headline statement similar to this one:

Accomplished Marketing Professional with Consumer Software Products Expertise

More than 15 years of success opening international markets and launching new consumer software products throughout North America, Asia, and Europe

When composing the remainder of your resume, never forget that it is a marketing document meant to sell you as the most competitive candidate for your target position. Obviously, this doesn't mean that you need to write a autobiography as many job candidates make the mistake of doing. Instead, you must highlight your most pertinent experience, qualifications, and accomplishments that you bring to the table for the position you are targeting. Don't just include content for the sake of filling page space. Make sure that every single word has a reason. While you must be meticulously honest, you can be selective. Simply deemphasize or leave out any irrelevant information that does not help your cause.

In short, focus on the future when you write your resume. What is your ideal next position? Write your resume from a perspective of how you can bring real value to the employer when they hire you for your target. Be very focused and never, ever generic. Showcase the qualifications and accomplishments most pertinent to your focus that will also distinguish you from your competitors for the same position. Don't leave the resume recipient guessing at any point. Include accomplishments and success stories that make it clear that you have solved past employers problems and so can solve theirs as well. And, if you get stumped, don't hesitate to contact a professional resume writer for advice or assistance. Good luck!