Turn Ho-Hum Resume Objective Statements Into Powerful Assertions

Resume objectives are outdated. In order tobring to the table.
capture the attention of a decision maker, theRevision #1: "Comprehensive experience in
introduction of your resume should outline youraccount management and customer retention
experience, not provide a weak sentence or twocombined with superior customer service skills.
that focuses on your needs. An example of this:Provide inside support to sales representatives to
"Seeking a position that will utilize my educationrealize bottom-line results. Convey a professional,
and experience." This type of introduction is boringpolite, and courteous manner when managing
and won't move the interviewer to pick up thecustomer concerns."
phone to call you.Boring Resume Objective #2: "A position that will
Other resume objectives don't work for thechallenge and enhance my sales skills, and provide
following reasons:an opportunity to contribute to a quality
- The objective statements are generally tooorganization and expand my professional
vague and do not provide the reader with enoughdevelopment." This statement is better than #1,
information to determine whether or not there isbut it still misses the mark because of the "me"
a fit.orientation and the fact that the skills aren't
- Most objectives are "me" oriented where thefleshed out.
focus is on what the job seeker wants in aRevision #2: "Sales strategist with a verifiable
position as opposed to what he could offer.track record in capturing profitable business
- Most resume objectives sound similar, making itopportunities. Achieve client buy-in through
difficult for the reader to differentiate betweenconsultative selling techniques. Accelerate sales
candidates.and realized bottom-line strength through the
- A resume objective does not allow for thedisplacement of competitor presence in 100% of
flexibility you need to highlight your selling points.sites within assigned territory."
On the contrary, a profile statement:Boring Objective #3: "To be a nurse in a hospital
- Is a decisive, informative paragraph thatsetting." This short and simple introduction leaves
provides a quick synopsis of your background.the reader with zero substance to evaluate.
- Tells the interviewer the characteristics andRevision #3: "Direct patient education and serve
job-related skills you have to offer.as a resource to ensure patients' medical needs
- Is unique in that the statement showcases yourare met. Balance compassion with a commitment
unique accomplishments rather than generalizedto deliver quality patient care. Maintain up-to-date
phrases that could apply to anyone.knowledge on new treatment concepts and their
Below are three examples of boring resumeincorporation into current practice."
objectives, followed by powerful statements youAs you may have noted, while the resume
can use instead.objective is dry and lacks creativity, a profile
Boring Resume Objective #1: "To obtain a positionstatement masterfully provides readers with a
using my wide range of skills and experience." Thisglimpse of your professional offerings and skills
objective doesn't work because it is too vague.set.
The reader doesn't know the specific skills you