Objective Statements vs. Summary Statements on Your Resume
Introduction
When it comes to putting together a resume, there are a lot of things to consider. You need to make sure that you're presenting your experience and skills in a way that is clear, concise, and compelling. One of the key decisions you'll need to make is how to start your resume. Should you include an objective statement? Or should you include a summary statement? In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of both objective statements and summary statements, and help you determine which one is right for your resume.
Objective Statements
An objective statement is a short statement that outlines your career goals and objectives. It typically appears at the top of your resume, just below your contact information. An objective statement is a good option if you're just starting out in your career, or if you're transitioning to a new field. It can help you focus your job search and make it clear to potential employers what you're looking for.
However, objective statements have fallen out of favor in recent years. One of the main reasons for this is that they tend to be generic and uninformative. For example, a common objective statement might read: "To obtain a challenging position in a dynamic organization where I can utilize my skills and experience." This statement doesn't really tell the employer anything about what you can do, or what makes you stand out from other candidates.
Pros of Objective Statements
- They can help you focus your job search
- They can demonstrate your career goals and objectives
- They can be helpful if you're just starting out in your career or transitioning to a new field
Cons of Objective Statements
- They tend to be generic and uninformative
- They don't really tell the employer anything about your skills or experience
- They can take up valuable space on your resume
Summary Statements
A summary statement, on the other hand, is a brief summary of your experience and skills. It's typically located at the top of your resume, just below your contact information, and is designed to give employers a quick overview of what you can do. A summary statement is a good option if you have a lot of experience in your field and want to quickly highlight your strengths.
A good summary statement should be tailored to the job you're applying for and should highlight the specific skills and experience you have that make you a good fit for the position. For example, if you're applying for a marketing position, your summary statement might read: "Experienced marketing professional with a track record of developing successful campaigns and driving revenue growth."
Pros of Summary Statements
- They're concise and informative
- They can quickly highlight your strengths
- They're tailored to the job you're applying for
Cons of Summary Statements
- They can be difficult to write, since they need to be tailored to each job you apply for
- They require a good understanding of the job you're applying for and the skills and experience required
Which one is right for you?
Ultimately, the decision to include an objective statement or a summary statement on your resume comes down to your individual circumstances. If you're just starting out in your career, or if you're transitioning to a new field, an objective statement can help you focus your job search and make it clear to potential employers what you're looking for. However, if you have a lot of experience in your field and want to quickly highlight your strengths, a summary statement may be a better option.
No matter which option you choose, it's important to make sure that your resume is clear, concise, and tailored to the job you're applying for. Your resume should highlight your skills and experience, and demonstrate how you can add value to the organization you're applying to. With a well-written resume, you'll be one step closer to landing your dream job.