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How To Write a Resume Objective For a Career Change

Not sure if an objective still belongs on your resume? Here are recruiter-backed tips on how to write an effective resume objective in 2024, with specific advice for career changers.

a year ago   •   8 min read

Job hunting is never easy, but it’s even harder when you’re changing careers. That’s where a modern resume objective comes in. It’s a concise statement at the top of your resume that contextualizes your past experience, signals your intent to change careers, and highlights relevant skills or achievements.

If your first question is, “aren’t resume objectives outdated?” then the answer is yes, but they don’t have to be. Here’s how to write a modern, recruiter-friendly resume objective , with specific advice for people aiming to change careers in 2024 .

Resume objectives vs resume summaries

First, before we go any further, let’s address the elephant in the room: Yes, traditional resume objectives are outdated and do not belong on a modern resume.

There are many reasons why, but it basically boils down to the fact that hiring managers want to know what you can do for them, and resume objectives typically focus on what a company can do for you.

But, while traditional resume objectives might be outdated, a modernized version can be a powerful tool for those looking to change careers. This new and improved version, often called a 'resume summary,' can showcase your professional highlights, relevant skills, and your intention to shift careers.

In short, resume objectives are out, and resume summaries are in. So, for the rest of this article, when we’re talking about your resume objective, we’re really talking about your new and improved resume summary.

Do I need a resume objective for a career change resume?

If we're talking about a traditional resume objective, then No. It’s better to remove it and take advantage of the extra space to include more relevant work experience and hard skills.

But if we’re talking about a resume summary, then Yes!

When you’re changing careers, it’s important to include your new/proposed job title somewhere on your resume to get past ATS , and a resume summary is a great place to do that. A summary objective can also help explain to hiring managers why you’re applying for a position that doesn’t directly align with your experience and helps highlight relevant qualifications or recent training.

How to write a career change resume objective

• Put your objective at the top of your resume, just below your contact information, under the optional title of ‘ Summary .’
• Include the title of the job you’re applying for and the company name.
• Mention any relevant skills or experience you can bring to the role, including any impressive accomplishments you want to highlight.
• Keep it brief — a resume objective can be as short as a single line.
• Tailor your objective to the job you’re applying for by mentioning relevant transferable skills.
• Check whether you’ve hit the mark with our free Targeted Resume tool.

Now let's delve into more details about what your resume objective should (and shouldn’t) include, with examples you can use to create your own career change resume objective.

Examples of resume objectives for a career change

A resume objective doesn’t need to be complicated. A single line explaining what role you’re applying for can be enough to bypass ATS and indicate your intent to a hiring manager. For example:

To become a graphic designer at Kool Grafix, Inc.

When changing careers, it can be useful to highlight any similar experience or transferable skills upfront. For example:

To bring my two years of volunteer experience to the events coordinator role at Inner City Events.

A longer summary-style objective is ideal for career changers who want a little more space to contextualize past experience and highlight any standout accomplishments:

Ex-Sales Associate transitioning into an Administrative Assistant role. Diverse experience resolving customer inquiries, opening accounts and managing schedules. Over 3 years of experience managing teams of 5-15 people. Exceeded sales target by 95% in 2022, winning the Business Store Award.

Follow these examples to write your own objective, or try out our Resume Summary Generator to help get you started.

Do’s and don’ts of writing a resume objective

Let’s start by taking a look at what (and what not) to do when writing a resume objective for a career change.

Don’t: Write a traditional resume objective

Here’s an example of a fairly typical resume objective that recruiters don’t want to see:

To use my excellent people skills to obtain a position that will allow me to grow professionally and reach my fullest potential.

Recruiters don’t care about what you want from them, so don’t focus on that, and avoid buzzwords and vague long-term career aspirations.

Instead, focus on your acomplishments and what you bring to the table. To be effective, your resume objective should highlight relevant experience, quantifiable achievements, and transferable skills. To find out if your resume does just that, upload it to the tool below — it’ll give you a detailed analysis of your career change resume objective and suggestions for improvements.

Do: Be concise and specific

A good resume objective should focus on your specific, short-term professional goals. It should include:

• The specific position and company you’re applying for
• The key skills or experience you will bring to the role

That’s it! There’s no need to dive into who you are as a person, why you need a job right now, or what you want out of life.

Here’s an example of a brief but effective resume objective:

To become a sales representative at Elite Motors.

If you want to use your resume objective to highlight transferable skills, you can add more to it — but not too much. For example:

To bring my 5 years of experience in project management to the operations manager role at West Coast Pipeline.

The key is to focus on what rather than why — what job you’re seeking, what company you’re applying to, and what makes you stand out from the rest.

Do: Emphasize metrics and quantifiable achievements

Use metrics and quantifiable achievements to enhance your new resume objective. This approach is particularly effective for career changers as it provides concrete evidence of your skills and accomplishments.

For example, instead of simply stating your previous role, mention specific achievements such as “Increased sales by 30% over two years” or “Led a team that successfully completed a major project under budget and ahead of schedule.”

Do: Include a summary of your key qualifications

A summary-style resume objective should:

• Briefly outline your past experience
• State any new or relevant qualifications
• Highlight a few transferable skills or notable accomplishments

Here’s a basic resume summary format you can adapt to fit your situation:

Ex-[Current Job Title] transitioning into an [Future Job Title] role after [completing X relevant certification] and [relevant accomplishment]. Diverse experience [doing X transferrable skill in new job], [Y transferable skill in new job] and [Z transferable skill in new job]. Over 5 years of experience managing global teams of 5-20 people and working with C-Suite executives. [Describe one significant accomplishment in the format of Action Verb + Accomplishment + Metric].

Do: Research and incorporate current industry trends

When crafting your resume objective, demonstrate your up-to-date knowledge and commitment to your new field by researching current trends in your target industry, and incorporating these into your statement.

For example, if you are transitioning to a tech role, mention your familiarity with emerging technologies and new software.

For example:

Ex-project manager transitioning to a software development role with a keen focus on emerging technologies in cloud computing and machine learning. Recently completed a specialized course in AI-driven development.

Do: Keep your resume objective updated and current

As you progress through your career change, it's crucial to keep your resume objective updated, so it accurately represents your current capabilities. Regular updates show your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, which is particularly important for career changers actively acquiring new skills and qualifications.

In this example, the candidate demonstrates how they have actively worked to bridge the gap between their past experience and their new career path:

Ex-project manager recently certified in SEO and digital marketing, with a background in sales management, now seeking to leverage my combined expertise in an online marketing strategist role.

How to identify and highlight transferable skills in your resume objective

As a career changer, one of your most powerful tools is the ability to showcase transferable skills. Transferable skills are competencies that are relevant to a variety of different industries and can include things like leadership, project management, communication, and analytical abilities.

By mentioning transferable skills in your resume objective, you can show potential employers why your seemingly unrelated past experience makes you a great fit for this new role.

To showcase transferable skills in your resume objective:

• Look at the job description for your desired position and compare the skills to those you've developed in previous jobs, even if they seem unrelated. For instance, project management skills in an IT role can be relevant in a managerial position in another sector.
• Showcase those skills in a way that explains their relevance to the new industry by changing the terminology to match your desired field or focusing on one particular aspect of a larger role.
• Highlight your experience with these skills using quantifiable metrics. For example, if your leadership in a previous job led to a 20% increase in team efficiency, mention it.

Here is an example of a resume objective that highlights transferable skills:

Ex-Sales Manager transitioning into an HR Manager role after completing HR CIPD Level 5 certificate. Over 5 years of experience managing global teams of 5-20 people and working with C-Suite executives.

The benefits of including a resume objective when changing careers

Wondering why you should bother including a resume objective at all? Here are a few good reasons:

To confirm that you’re deliberately aiming for a career change

If you’re changing careers, sometimes the first hurdle can be explaining that, yes, you do want this job as a software developer, and no, you didn’t apply by accident. Even a one-line resume objective can help with this — putting the title of the job you’re applying for in your objective can help your resume get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and signal a deliberate intent to change careers.

To address a gap in your resume

You can use your resume objective to address a gap in your resume and negate any potential recruiter concerns regarding your time away from work. Focus on the skills and experiences you gained during the time away by highlighting any training or qualifications you gained, and discuss how the period contributed positively to your career goals.

For example, a marketing professional transitioning to user experience design might mention completing a UX certification and engaging in freelance projects during a career break. This approach demonstrates a proactive attitude and readiness for new challenges, showing potential employers that the gap was a valuable investment in your future career.

To replace (or accompany) a cover letter

Not all positions ask for (or require) a cover letter . Even if you did write one, including a quick line at the top of your resume clearly stating the role you’re applying for can help ensure that your resume ends up in the right place.

To quickly outline your key skills and experience

Recruiters tend to briefly skim resumes rather than carefully reading each section. That means that you’ll want to put the most important information at the top of your resume where it’s more likely to stand out. Use your resume objective to pull out a few key accomplishments from your resume that you don’t want the hiring manager to miss.

Try to include skills that are relevant to the career you want to move into. if you're not sure what skills those are, search for your target role or industry in the tool below.

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How to Write a Career Change Resume [With Template]

Starting a career in a new field is exciting, but getting your foot in the door often presents a challenge. If you’re worried about your application being overshadowed by candidates with more experience than you, don’t underestimate the role that a well-written resume can play in the hiring process. Even if you don’t have the work experience an employer is looking for, your resume can effectively convey why you’d be a great fit for the job. 

According to iHire’s 2020 Talent Retention Report , 66% of survey respondents have recently considered changing careers. The report also found that not knowing how to write a career change resume was a commonly cited roadblock for would-be career switchers. 

In this guide, we explain what a career change resume is and how to write one. We’ve also included a free template, so you can get to work on crafting a resume for your dream role.

How to Write a Resume for a Career Change

In general, most best practices for writing a resume also apply to career change resumes. However, there are a few areas you’ll want to be sure to emphasize when writing a resume for a new career path. While a traditional resume focuses heavily on work experience, career change resumes focus more on transferable skills.

In terms of how your resume is structured, a combination resume format may be the way to go. This type of resume places an equal emphasis on both skills and experience. Instead of starting the resume with your work experience, combination resume templates typically begin with an objective and a summary of relevant skills. 

The steps listed below can help you adapt your existing resume into one that is tailored for career switching. 

1. Craft a resume objective  

A resume objective is a short summary of your professional experience, skills, accomplishments, and career goals. 

Resume objectives and summaries are often considered optional, especially if you are trying to save room on your resume, but this section is crucial for those looking to change careers. The hiring manager may not make an immediate connection between your experience and the role you’re applying for, so your resume objective is essential for helping convey why you’re interested in this industry. 

Your objective should be no longer than a couple sentences. If it takes up more than two or three lines on your resume, try to shorten it.

2. Include a skills summary 

If you’re in the midst of changing careers, you’ll want to feature your skills prominently on your resume. In fact, we recommend listing them above your work experience. 

In the skills summary section, list a few skills you want to highlight, and add bullet points underneath each skill that provide examples of when you’ve used this skill. 

Not sure what type of skills to include in this section? Scan the job description for the position you’re applying for and use some of the required skills as your starting point. Some soft skills—such as leadership skills —are applicable for almost any job. Including some of the same keywords as the job description can help ensure that your resume makes it past automatic review filters.

In some situations, you might also choose to make a separate section for “Technical Skills.” In this section, you can briefly list your proficiency with various industry tools or software. This can be a great way to capture additional keywords from the job description, without having to list full examples of when you’ve used each tool. 

3. Focus on the most relevant work experience 

For a career change resume, the work experience section is all about transferable skills. You don’t necessarily need to list all of the responsibilities you had at your old job. Instead, focus on the responsibilities that are the most relevant for the new position you’re applying for. For example, if you’re a customer service representative hoping to land a job in digital marketing, you may choose to narrow in on your ability to find creative solutions for your customers. 

Here are a few tips for describing your work experience:

• Connect your work experience back to the skills listed in your skills summary section
• Focus on achievements, providing numbers and data whenever possible
• Tailor your descriptions to each job you apply for, working in keywords from the job description

If you’re running out of space on your resume, keep in mind that you don’t need to list every job you’ve ever had. Stick to your most recent two or three jobs, and leave older, irrelevant jobs behind. 

Related: How to Successfully Navigate a Midlife Career Change and Avoid a Crisis

4. Highlight your education (including certificates) 

Whether or not your education is directly related to the job you’re applying for, it’s still important to include this section on your resume. If you have limited professional experience, you can bolster your resume with some descriptions of your academic achievements, such as your GPA or relevant coursework you’ve completed. 

For example, imagine you have an undergraduate degree in history and are applying for a role as a business analyst. If you took any courses in business or analytics during college, be sure to mention them. They might not have been a part of your degree, but they show that you’ve had an ongoing interest in understanding how businesses operate. 

If you’ve earned any certificates outside of a degree program, be sure to list these, too. Online programs and certificates offer a way to expand your knowledge in a specific subject area, without the time commitment of a full degree program. They can show employers that you are serious about your professional development and would like to gain more experience in a particular industry. 

Related: Top 10 Most In-Demand Online Courses from Wharton Online Right Now

5. Add in notable projects and accomplishments 

Dedicating a section of your resume to projects and accomplishments isn’t always necessary, but if you’re changing careers or do not have much work experience, this can be a valuable way to round out your resume. You can use this space to highlight any personal achievements that are not directly related to work or school—for example, personal projects, volunteer work, or involvement in industry-related clubs or organizations. 

If you choose to include a section for projects or accomplishments, make sure that everything you list ties back to a key skill or characteristic that is relevant for your desired career path.

Career Change Resume Example 

Now that we’ve covered some tips for creating a resume tailored to a career change, let’s explore an example. We crafted this resume for a customer service representative who is applying for a digital marketing specialist position. 

Name and Contact Information 

Abigail Jacobs 

Philadelphia, PA

267-555-0176 | [email protected]

linkedin.com/in/abigail-jacobs-example

Driven and hardworking professional with a proven track record of increasing customer satisfaction levels. Looking to leverage my problem-solving skills and build upon my 3+ years of customer service experience by transitioning into the digital marketing space.

Professional Skills 

Problem Solving

• Developed creative solutions for unsatisfied customers at Platinum Auto Insurance and Accelerate Call Center
• Lead brainstorming sessions with team members to improve customer satisfaction metrics

Communication 

• 3+ years of experience in customer services roles, frequently communicating with customers both on the phone and over email 
• Completed a B.A. in Communications and was an active member of the Public Speaking Club while in college 

Organization 

• Used Excel to organize and track customer service metrics, and compiled these metrics into weekly reports for management 

Technical Skills 

• Microsoft Word
• Google Suite 
• Google Analytics 
• Google Search Console 

Work Experience

Senior Customer Service Advisor

Platinum Auto Insurance | Sept 2019 – Present

• Resolved over 100 customer complaints per week, communicating with customers via phone and email 
• Tracked KPIs for each ticket and delivered weekly customer satisfaction reports for management, consistently exceeding target satisfaction ratings by 5-10%
• Collaborated with team members to identify creative solutions for customers

Customer Service Representative 

Accelerate Call Center | Jul 2018 – Sept 2019 

• Responded to 50+ calls per day, answering questions from customers and redirecting to other departments as needed 
• Demonstrated written communication skills by revamping customer service phone scripts, resulting in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction ratings 

Bachelor of Arts in Communication

University of Pennsylvania | Jun 2018

• Completed courses in advertising and social media

Digital Marketing Certificate 

Wharton Online | Mar 2022

• Completed a six-week program from The Wharton School
• Learned about topics such as marketing analytics, customer relationships, social media, and e-commerce marketing 

Personal Projects

Marketing Assistant for Public Speaking Club 

2017 – 2018

• As a member of the Public Speaking Club at University of Pennsylvania, assisted the club with creating a monthly newsletter
• Managed social media accounts for the club, consistently posting content and engaging with followers 

Marketing Consultant 

2020 – Present 

• Assisted a friend with the creation and management of photography business website
• Used Google Analytics and Google Search Console to measure the performance of website content 

Career Change Resume Template

We’ve adapted this example into three different template formats, with the hope that it can serve as a jumping off point for your own career change resume. Click on the links below to download the template:

• Microsoft Word .DOCX
• Google Docs (click on “File > Make a copy” to save to your own Google Docs folder)

Stand Out From the Crowd With Wharton Online

If you’re looking to switch careers in the near future, an online certificate program can help set you up for success. In addition to gaining valuable insights into a specific industry, you’ll be able to list your certificate on your resume and LinkedIn. This can give you a competitive edge during your job search. 

Wharton Online offers certificate programs in subjects such as leadership and management, asset and portfolio management, and digital marketing. All of our courses are conducted 100% online, giving you the flexibility to complete coursework on your own schedule. Explore our online programs today , or reach out to us with any questions. 

For more tips on how to navigate a career change, download our free guide, “ The Career-Switching Handbook for 30‑Somethings .”

Download our eBook: The Career-Switching Handbook for 30‑Somethings

Job-hopping is a growing trend among young professionals, and for many good reasons. Download our free eBook, “The Career-Switching Handbook for 30‑Somethings,” for the latest career-switching tips, strategies, and data.

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How To Write A Resume Objective Statement (Examples Included)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

UPDATED 5/18/2022

Resumes. We all know what they are. We all know how important having a good one is…and how much a bad one can hurt your ability to get your dream job. That’s why reviewing different resume objective examples is essential, ensuring you can create well-crafted, carefully targeted resumes for hiring managers.

So, how do you make sure your resume objective – and entire application – stands out? We’ll tell you. Come with us as we explore some resume objective statement examples, as well as tips on how to ensure yours shines.

What is a Resume Objective?

“My objective? Well, that’s easy. My objective is to get the job.”

Absolutely, we couldn’t agree more. But an objective on your resume is so much more than just writing, “Hey, hire me. I’m super awesome.”

So, what is an objective for a resume?

Well, according to the Marquette University College of Business Administration , “an objective statement is a concise, position-centered statement describing the value you can add and the needs you can fulfill.”

Our friends over at Indeed.com take it a step further, saying: “A well-written resume objective statement can be customized for the job you’re applying for and add value to your resume that sets it apart from other applicants.”

Essentially, a resume objective is a targeted snippet that clearly outlines your career direction while simultaneously positioning you as someone who fits what the employer is looking for exactly.

Sounds pretty ingenious, right? So why don’t more people have them on their resumes?

Resume objectives can be a bit controversial. Some people think they can make you look amateurish…which, if you don’t do it correctly, is absolutely true. But that can be said for any section of your resume.

Other schools of thought think that the objectives should be taken out entirely and replaced with the more popular “ resume summary statement .”

You may be wondering, “What if I use a resume objective and the hiring manager looks at it and laughs? Are they going to throw out my resume…or worse, put it on the wall of shame?”

Now, nobody is going to laugh at your resume objective as long as you use the right approach. Additionally, if your career is moving in certain directions, using a resume objective makes more sense than the alternatives.

When Should You Use a Resume Objective?

Are you relatively new to the job search market or lack work experience?

Are you changing industries?

Are you targeting a specific job or position?

If you answered “YES” to any of these above questions, then the resume objective is potentially perfect. If you answered “NO” to all of the above questions, you might be better off with a “Resume Summary Statement.”

For those of you in the middle of a career change or who might just be starting out, a resume objective statement allows you to define your goal to a potential employer…something that your work history might not otherwise be able to do for you.

Imagine how confused a hiring manager would be if they were looking for candidates to fill an office coordinator position and you sent in a resume with ten years of experience in marketing. Without an objective statement, the hiring manager might just assume your resume has been accidentally sent to them and simply discard it.

With an objective statement, you can not only let the hiring manager know that your resume IS in the right spot but also explain that you’re making the switch and show that your skill set does align with this new career path.

If you’re targeting a specific job or position, a resume objective statement can help reinforce that idea that you know EXACTLY what you’re after. That can work in your favor, too.

Overall, and most importantly, the biggest reason to put an objective on your resume is…it’s better than having nothing. Remember, your goal is to catch the hiring manager’s eye and stand out from the rest of the paper in that pile.

Common Mistakes

There are several common mistakes job seekers can make when writing their statement with the number one being using the same objective for every job application.

1) Using the Same Objective For Every Job Application

To obtain a job within my chosen field that will challenge me and allow me to use my education, skills and past experiences in a way that is mutually beneficial to both myself and my employer and allow for future growth and advancement.

Your goal is to be the ideal candidate and that means making sure you’re exactly what the hiring manager is looking for…and unless you’re applying to a cookie cutter factory in a cookie cutter job town where every job every employer is listing is exactly the same then I guarantee you 100% that your statement will NOT be a “one size fits all” statement.

2) Making It All About You

This is a trap that many job seekers fall into, as they can’t resist to use the objective to list off all of the things that they want to get out of the position.

Hi, I’m Joe Jobseeker and I really want a job in a company where I make a ton of money doing as little as possible. Oh, and a corner office. A company car would be nice too. While we’re at it, let’s talk benefits, retirement…and the company vacation policy.

Yes, we’re being over the top with this one, but we need you to look at this and laugh…because even a slightly toned down one where you list only what YOU want is going to come off just as ridiculous to the hiring manager as the one we’ve blown out of proportion.

3) Being Too Vague

Mistake number three is being vague. Like we said, this isn’t a one size fits all so by being ambiguous in the hopes of somewhat fitting what they’re looking for is going to get your resume sent directly to the circular file. (In case you don’t know, the circular file is the trash can. It just sounds fancier but the end result is the same…no job.)

Looking for a long term full time job where I can apply my extensive skills and knowledge to the position for which I am hired.

Blah. Who is this person? All we know by reading this statement is that they have skills and knowledge…but other than that, not much else. What skills do they have? Do they really apply to the job? And what knowledge can they draw from that will benefit the company? See what we mean? It’s so generic you could literally fit anything into those blanks…it’s like Resume Mad Libs!

4) Going On… And On… And On… And On… and zzzzzzzzzzzzz….

Mistake number four is being too long. This isn’t a novel. It’s a quick little blurb to catch their attention so they can bring you in for an interview…then you can get into more detail!

Not going to put one here. Why? Because the example we were going to do was going to be so long and ridiculous that you and everyone else reading this post would just get bored and move onto another article. Just remember, it’s all about short and sweet. Anything over a sentence or two is TOO LONG. Remember that.

5) Adding Absolutely No Value

Mistake number five is probably the worst…and the easiest to fall into (outside of mistake number two, the “all about me” statement.) Mistake number five is writing a statement that basically fills space but doesn’t tell the hiring manager anything about the value you bring to the table. This can also be confused with the too vague statement…

To obtain a position within my chosen field where I can utilize my skills as a hard-working, well-educated employee in exchange for a steady market-fair paycheck.

Congratulations. You’re educated and you’re hard working and you want to make money. So what? So are 90% of the people you’re going up against. Why are YOU the ideal candidate? What makes the hiring manager want to bring YOU in over everyone else? See what we mean?

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY:

How are you going to fulfill the needs of the company?

When writing your resume objective, you should always have the intention of answering this question.

How To Write An Effective Resume Objective

So how do you write a GOOD resume objective?

One thing every one of these bad examples has in common is the fact that not a single one of them is tailored to the position you’re looking for. Any hiring manager who looks at a resume with objectives like those is going to immediately move on to the next candidate.

Because whoever those potential hires are, they’re not ideal candidates. You need to not only catch the hiring manager’s eye; you must make sure that they look at your statement and say, “Here’s the perfect fit!”

So, how do you make it happen? Well, a really good place to start is by looking at the job description. According to Indeed.com , “…when you include an objective that’s specific to the job role, the recruiter is more likely to dig deeper and learn more details about your professional experience.”

After that, make sure it’s tailored to not only the position but the company as well. By incorporating a few tidbits that speak to the company’s mission and values, you can take that quick statement up a notch.

Nice, right?

Additionally, focus on how you’re a benefit to the company, not how the company can benefit you. Showcase value, ensuring you point out what you bring to the table.

Keep it short and sweet, too. Skip overblown adjectives in favor of action verbs, which will help “raise the energy levels” of your objective and ensure that it is more dynamic and interesting.

If you’re someone who is changing careers, demonstrate how your past experiences relate to your future tasks. The same goes for those who are just starting out or who are relatively inexperienced.

Resume Objective Examples

In some cases, nothing makes the points above clearer quite like a few resume objective examples. Here are a handful of samples, each targeting different situations.

New to Workforce, No High School Diploma

“Diligent, dedicated individual looking to apply communication and collaboration skills in a fast-paced customer service role. A self-motivated team player with an outgoing personality who’s ready to learn the ins and outs of a new industry and provide ample value to a retail employer.”

New to Workforce, No College

“Well-organized high school honor graduate with exceptional problem-solving and collaboration skills seeking opportunities in the office administration field where strong communication, time management, and research skills can provide excellent value to an employer.”

College Student, Aspiring Intern

“Current accounting student with an emphasis on accounts payable and accounts receivable seeking developmental opportunities with a local firm. Diligent, focused, and tech-savvy, looking to provide value to a skilled team.”

Recent College Graduate

“Hard-working business administration graduate with proven leadership and organizational skills. Looking to leverage knowledge or operational processes, emerging commercial trends, and supply machine management to increase efficiency and support broader productivity goals.”

Recent College Graduate with Internship Experience

“Honor graduate with a Bachelor’s in Human Resources and one year of experience at a leading staffing firm looking to leverage a deep understanding of leading ATS solutions, modern interview techniques, and conflict resolution strategies to support the goals of an enterprise-level HR department.”

Career Change

“Ambitious professional looking to leverage 5+ years of customer service experience and exceptional communication skills in the fast-paced field of real estate. Proven ability to build lasting, long-term relationships, understand client needs, and find solutions designed to ensure customer satisfaction.”

Career Change with New Education

“Experienced accounting professional and recent college graduate with a Bachelor’s in IT looking to leverage mathematical and analytical capabilities in a data analyst role with an enterprise-level employer. Impeccable attention to detail and organizational skills, as well as strong desire to learn and grow on the job.”

Targeting Specific Role

“Skilled software developer with 7+ years of experience with Java, Python, and C++ seeking out opportunities in team-oriented environments that prioritize Agile methodologies, Lean strategies, and DevOps principles to accelerate timelines and achieve challenging goals.”

Speaking of specific roles, we thought that it might be prudent to dig deeper into a couple careers that we get the most questions about (in terms of resume objectives). Here are our deep-dive articles into Teacher Resume Objectives , Customer Service Resume Objectives and Nursing Resume Objectives . Enjoy!

Putting It All Together

So, there you have it. We’ve covered what a resume objective statement is, who should use one, and how to properly execute it. Plus, there are some handy resume objective examples that can serve as inspiration.

While some people might claim that the objective statement for a resume is outdated, if done properly, it can make a difference. Use all of the information above to your advantage. That way, you’ll be one step closer to your dream job.

FREE : Resume Objective PDF Cheat Sheet

Ok the next thing you should do is get our handy Resume Objective Cheat Sheet PDF .

In it you'll get word-for-word sample resume objectives covering a variety of scenarios you can use right away .

CLICK HERE TO GET THE RESUME OBJECTIVE CHEAT SHEET

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Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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Resume Objective Examples: A Career Objective Guide

20 min read · Updated on March 27, 2024

The formula and some good examples for creating a resume objective to get you noticed

You're searching for a new (or perhaps your first) job, and you know your objective. However, do you know how to communicate it effectively on your resume? A resume objective is a great way to let employers see a snapshot of your skills and experiences and ensure that you stand out from other candidates. However, as our great resume objective examples will demonstrate, your objective matters less than the employer's needs.

In this post, we'll explain the resume objective and how it has evolved. We'll also offer insight into the differences between an objective statement and a summary statement - and how to know which one to use. Then we'll offer some tips to help you craft an objective for your resume and look at 27 great resume objective statement examples that you can customize for your own resume.

What is a resume objective?

The resume objective used to be the gold standard of resume introductions. This brief, three or four-sentence paragraph had long been used to capture employers' attention by focusing on a job seeker's skills, experiences, and achievements while also highlighting the candidate's career goals. These days, it's less common to find professional resume objective examples since most job seekers rely on a resume summary instead.

The basic components of a good resume objective statement

A good resume objective provides three kinds of information to employers:

Who you are, which is generally a statement of your current job title as well as any skills, education , or certifications relevant to the job you're after

What you will bring that's of value to that company, such as your years of experience or specific training

 How you will use your talents to help the company reach its goals

This isn't a hard and fast structure, but knowing these components can help you to create an effective career objective for your resume. This is the structure you'll see in many of the resume job objective examples included later in this post.

Resume objective vs summary statement

It's important to understand how these two career statements differ from one another. On the surface, they would seem to have much in common. After all, they're both designed to serve as introductions that summarize your main qualifications for the job. Moreover, each is intended to capture the reader's attention and inspire them to continue reading the resume .

The differences, however, can be stark. For example:

Resume summaries focus primarily on the candidate's past record of achievements; objective statements emphasize future goals

Resume summaries provide quantifiable results, using real numbers to demonstrate value; objective statements rarely do that since it is difficult to quantify goals

Resume summaries are designed to align achievements with the company's needs; objective statements have traditionally focused more on the candidate's priorities and needs

Resume summaries are great for people who have experience and achievements; objective statements can be useful for those who lack that experience

Which one should you use?

If you've been following our resume guidance in recent years, you're probably aware of the fact that we recommend the resume summary for most job seekers. And make no mistake: if you're an experienced professional who is still moving ahead in the same field and industry, the resume summary is almost certainly your best option. However, there are two situations in which you might find that a resume objective statement will serve your interests better.

If you're new to the workforce. Recent graduates will rarely have the type of real-world experience needed for an effective summary statement. In most instances, a newcomer to the working world will likely need to rely on a resume objective to highlight skills and demonstrate how their goals align with the company's vision.

When you're interested in switching careers . In most cases, you'll have the transferable skills needed to do the job, but may struggle to align your quantifiable achievements with the company's needs. If that's the case, a resume objective can help you to showcase your skills in a way that demonstrates how they can positively benefit the company.

Tips for writing your own resume objective

Because resume objectives have lost some of their luster in recent years, many job seekers may not be familiar with the best way to craft them. To assist you in that process, we've compiled some simple tips you can use to make sure that your objective statement achieves your goals.

State how you'll help the company, not just how qualified you are. While you may not have the experiences or achievements needed to directly convey that value, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't still focus on what the company needs rather than your own desires and goals.

Use specific facts, numbers, and details whenever possible, without bragging or generalizing.

Keep it simple. Don't use flowery or expansive words, as they can sometimes make you appear arrogant. Make it as easy as possible for a recruiter to quickly see you as a qualified candidate.

Review the job posting to ensure that you have the information you need to make your resume objective specific to the job and company.

Tailor your objective to the specific job, career, and industry you're applying for. This means that you should create a separate, customized resume for each application.

Expert tip: Don't make the mistake of creating an outdated resume objective centered on your own goals. Instead, incorporate the best elements of a resume summary into your objective statement by taking the time to tie your goals to the company's needs.

Great resume objective statements you can use for your resume

With all this in mind, here are some good resume  objective examples to help you create a great career objective of your own. If your job isn't listed, don't panic. While these examples don't cover every job out there, they should help you to build a strong, targeted objective for your specific needs. As we said, each objective should be tailored to a specific role - that's why you won't find any resume objective examples for multiple job types. 

1.     Resume objective examples for a new jobseeker

You might not have a ton of experience, but creating a good resume objective will absolutely help to differentiate you from other applicants in a recruiter's eyes. The trick here is to emphasize your strongest personal skills and characteristics, as well as any educational successes, since you can't provide specific work experience or accomplishments.

Here are two general resume objective examples for new jobseekers:

“Organized, fast-learning, and hard-working employee looking to join [company name] as an Administrator. Looking to take advantage of skills in Microsoft Word and QuickBooks to help [company name] meet their objectives through organization and team support.”

“Recent graduate with a B.A. in Accounting, looking to start a career in finance at [company name]. Experienced in creating annual reports and analyzing financial statements for several university activities. Seeking to combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience to help [company name] continue their strong market presence.”

2.     Resume objective examples for those looking for a career change

Your goal here is to clearly show how your skills and experience from your previous career can be effective in your next job. Do this by mentioning your talents and knowledge that are relevant to the new job and stating how your previous career background will help you to succeed and excel in the role.

“Customer Service Associate with over four years of experience in accounting technical support, looking to leverage Excel skills and Great Plains knowledge as a Staff Accountant with [company name]. Proven customer satisfaction record solving complicated technical and accounting issues while in a remote role.”

3.Resume objective examples for finance roles

“Experienced individual with solid analytical and quantitative skills and 5 years of experience seeks the job of Financial Analyst with [company name], to leverage outstanding knowledge of financial analysis and modeling to provide accurate and sound financial decision-making at all levels.”

“Experienced Junior Financial Analyst seeking role of Senior Financial Specialist with [company name]. Skills include making targeted and time-sensitive financial decisions by merging solid analytical, accounting, and quantitative skills with a strong passion for the finance industry.”

4.     Resume objective examples for Accountant roles

“Detail-oriented graduate with an AS degree, problem-solving abilities, and analytical skills seeking the role of Accounting Associate with [company name], to effectively apply exceptional knowledge of tax and accounting software for accurate budgeting and forecasting.”

“Current CPA looking to fill the role of Accounts Manager at [company name]. As well as being disciplined and self-motivated, I have extensive experience with financial reporting and modeling along with a proven knowledge of various accounting software models, all of which contribute to effective financial operations.”

5.     Resume objective examples for banking roles

“Highly talented Head Teller with 8 years of experience in the banking sector, seeking a position as a Relationship Manager with [bank name] to increase revenue by combining a banking background with excellent interpersonal and communication skills to bring in new clients, maintain relationships with existing clients, and develop effective media campaigns.”

“Seasoned banking professional seeking a Bank Manager position with [name of bank], where I can use my business and banking experience along with strong communication skills to provide effective problem-solving, customer service, and employee retention and interact with bank customers in a positive, beneficial manner.”

“Self-motivated, reliable, number-loving individual looking for a position as a Bank Teller with [bank name] to apply exceptional math and customer service skills for customers. Key traits include trustworthiness, efficiency, and willingness to learn new tasks.”

6.     Resume objective example for Computer Engineer roles

“Highly motivated individual with 7 years of solid computer engineering experience and proven leadership skills seeking the position of SharePoint Administrator at [company name] where I hope to use demonstrated SharePoint expertise, knowledge of SharePoint solutions architecture, and advanced knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server to ensure exceptional technical performance.”

7.     Resume objective example for a Network Administrator

“Experienced IT professional with BA in Computer Science and proven technical, management, and communication skills seeking the position of Network Engineer at [company name] to use proven experience in systems management and configuration to benefit both internal staff and external customers.”

8.     Resume objective example for IT professionals

“Talented Information Technology Specialist in search of a Senior IT Manager position at [company name], where proven technical and team management skills can help to improve existing processes for handling IT requests and efficiently delivering various technical projects.”

9.     Resume objective example for a Programmer

“Technical and database professional seeks the role of SQL Programmer within [company name] where I will use my excellent programming and organizational skills to enhance company market presence while also gaining a deeper understanding of the newest IT trends.”

10.  Resume objective examples for customer service roles

“Smart and creative Customer Service Representative desires similar position with [company name]. Brings strong communication abilities, proven organizational skills, and a supportive, patient personality to help the company retain and grow its customer base in both existing and new markets.”

“Experienced customer service professional seeking a position at [company name] as a Customer Support Analyst, where I can apply excellent communication and organizational skills to provide customers with effective and efficient support which ensures ongoing retention.”

“Credentialed and experienced Sales Administrator seeks the post of a Contact Center Agent at [company name] where I can provide exceptional verbal, listening, and analytical abilities to ensure clients reach their desired objectives by correctly using [company name]'s products.”

“Diligent Customer Service Agent with 5+ years of experience at a high-volume call center seeks a career move to a similar role at a company such as [company name]. I thrive in a fast-paced work environment and am committed to delivering the top-rated customer service you provide. My organization and support skills can help to meet current and future customer demand.”

11.  Resume objective examples for Engineers

“Graduate of [school name] with a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering and two years of work experience at ABC Company seeks a Mechanical Engineer role with [company name]. Possess excellent skills in research, data analysis, and time management. Hold patents for several innovative mechanical devices.”

“Experienced individual with 7+ years of experience managing engineering operations seeks a Civil Engineer role at [company name]. Proven ability to handle simultaneous projects with minimal supervision and bring a committed focus on health, safety, and the environment to the position.”

12.  Resume objective example for human resources positions 

“Human resource management professional looking for the opportunity to augment the overall strategic plan and market direction of [company name] as VP of Human Resources. Over nine years of experience in managing staff, handling employee relations, and deliveirng projects. Strong skills in HRIS.”

“Established, successful HR recruiter seeks a Human Resources Coordinator position with [company name] where I can use my experience and in-depth knowledge of hiring processes, negotiation, conflict resolution, and policy development for payroll and benefits.”

“Experienced and approachable Human Resources Coordinator with four years of experience seeks position as Human Resources Manager with [company name], where I can use my industry knowledge and HR experience to implement employee satisfaction policies and improvements, develop hiring protocols, and create an environment where employees feel valued and satisfied.”

“Results-driven graduate with a degree in psychology (GPA: 3.8) and a minor in business operations looking for a role as a Junior HR Recruitment Agent at [company name]. Prior experience in interviewing and providing feedback as part of college projects in business classes. I will bring well-honed soft skills and strong knowledge of workplace psychology to assist overall HR operations, while fine-tuning my skills in the recruitment process.”

13. Resume objective examples for internships

“Hard-working student (3.5/4.0 GPA) majoring in [specific area] seeks the Intern role with [company name]. Abilities include proven leadership and organizational skills and strong attention to detail. Dedicated team player who can be relied upon to help [company name] achieve its goals as I learn more about your market space.”

“Energetic, talented college student at [school name] working toward a Marketing Degree, seeks to fill the Marketing Intern role at [company name]. General experience and knowledge of PR, advertising, consumer research, and product development strategies to help build customer base in emerging markets.”

14.  Resume objective example for legal roles

“Accomplished Corporate Attorney with 8 years of direct experience, seeking a top-level Lawyer role at [name of legal firm]. Brings skills including legal drafting, arbitration, corporate affairs, and labor laws to assist clients both inside and outside the courtroom.”

“Current Public Legal Advocate seeks position as Senior Legal Researcher for [name of court district/city/legal firm]. I have two years of experience working in district and session courts in the areas of home development, land development, and commercial property development, that will allow me to take on more challenging research projects to meet client needs in these areas.”

15.  Resume objective examples for marketing positions

“Technically oriented graduate with a B.A. in Internet Marketing seeking a Junior SEO Specialist position at [company name]. Possesses a working knowledge of SEO, as well as some hands-on experience with Google Analytics. Looking to further develop online marketing skills as part of the [company name] team.”

“Certified Digital Marketer with strong content writing skills, SEO experience, and 5 years of proven online marketing experience seeking the role of Digital Marketer with [company name] to help expand customer base into new markets.”

“Enthusiastic Marketer skilled in copywriting and graphic design looking for a Social Media Marketing position at [company name]. Personally started and grew an Instagram page to 5,000+ followers and a Facebook page to 8,000+ likes. I believe my skills will help [company name]'s clients improve sales via social media marketing through a strong online presence.”

16.  Resume objective example for Physical Therapist roles

“Licensed, experienced Physical Therapist seeking similar role at [hospital or clinic name]. With 6+ years of experience in treating children and adults with physical disabilities, injuries, and illnesses, I can contribute to the healing of each person's physical challenges and help them learn to navigate them successfully.”

17.  Resume objective example for nursing roles

“Registered Nurse seeking a new career as a Neonatal Nurse Specialist at [hospital name]. Ten years of general nursing combined with a certification in neonatal nursing will allow me to provide outstanding care for both infants and their families, educating them about different health conditions and how to handle them. Working nights and weekends is not a problem.”

“Experienced Home Health Aide seeks to obtain a position as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at [name of home health agency] applying my course knowledge and proven healthcare skills to support and care for home-bound patients with various health needs.”

18.  Resume objective example for pharmacy role

“Licensed Pharmacy Technician with 8 years of experience, in search of a similar position at [pharmacy or hospital name]. Assists patients by successfully applying extensive experience and knowledge of pharmacy operations, technology, and drug distribution.”

19. Resume objective examples for office and administrative roles

“Former Nurse seeking a part-time job as a Receptionist at [company name]. Experience in working directly with people in nursing and for the last five years as an Avon Representative. Organized, with strong computer skills and professional presence.”

“Business-savvy office employee looking to work at [company name] as an Administrative Assistant. Experience as an Executive Assistant (1 year) and as a Department Secretary (3 years). Supported several key projects through strong organizational skills, timeliness, and solid computer abilities.”

“Freelance VA (Virtual Assistant) looking to transition to an on-site role as an Executive Assistant. Worked with 10+ online businesses, helping with everything from creating training documents to customer service and management support. Excellent organizational abilities and strong attention to detail. Proficient in Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud. Strong copywriting skills.”

20.  Resume objective example for an Office Manager position

“Experienced Office Manager seeking a leadership role to help [company name] provide outstanding customer satisfaction. Experienced in managing teams of 15+ at [current or former company names], handling responsibilities from hiring new staff to managing data input groups.”

21.  Resume objective examples for operations roles

“Experienced MBA graduate with outstanding time and project management skills and 10+ years of experience seeks the position as Director of Operations with [company name]. Can ensure the company's ongoing success through exceptional interpersonal and negotiation skills and the ability to lead large multi-departmental operations.”

“Dynamic individual with exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills looking to fill the role of Manager of Clinical Operations at [company name]. I bring experience and expertise in overseeing clinical operations and managing technical and professional staff, as well 8+ years of clinical research and supervisory experience in the medical field.”

22.  Resume objective example for Project Manager positions

“Deadline-focused professional with proven experience in project administration, searching for a project management position where I can use my knowledge and skills in the areas of leadership, problem solving, team management, and budget control to help [company name] exceed targets.”

23.  Resume objective examples for real estate roles

“Real Estate Broker with a passion for organization and excellence seeks a similar role with [company name], using experience with the sale and lease of commercial and residential properties in [location]. Recurrent sales and leasing of properties to large corporations in the last 5 years allowed me to increase revenue to 12% on a year-over-year basis, significantly contributing to the growth of the company.”

“Successful Salesperson seeks high-level position as Real Estate Broker at [company name]. Recent experience handling a customer base of over 150 clients at another reputable real estate firm [or name the company]. Skill set includes creating daily and monthly sales reports and assisting the implementation of customer retention strategies for senior management.”

24.  Resume objective examples for service industry roles

“Excellent communicator and multi-tasker with experience in massage and esthetic services, interested in the position of Front Desk Wellness Sales Executive with [company name]. I bring various strengths including a professional phone manner, bookkeeping knowledge, and customer service skills that will help your front desk to run smoothly.”

“Hardworking, organized, and reliable Housekeeper looking for a janitorial position at [company name] to clean interior spaces. Possesses knowledge of efficient and safe cleaning practices, the use of cleaning equipment, and environmentally sound cleaning agents, as well as excellent customer service.”

25.  Resume objective examples for food service positions

“Entrepreneurial and highly experienced Caterer with 7+ years in the foodservice sector seeking the position of Catering Manager at [company name]. Brings proven management experience, culinary expertise, interpersonal skills, and a strong customer service approach to the role.”

“Friendly, upbeat, and detail-oriented individual looking for an entry-level, fast-paced Line Cook position at [restaurant name], where I can use my outstanding food preparation skills safely and efficiently.”

26.  Resume objective examples for education workers

“Talented Preschool Teacher with 3 years of experience seeking the role of Kindergarten Teacher at [school name]. I have excellent skills and connections with special needs students and collaborated with my Superintendent to create and implement effective teaching practices for these children that can be used throughout the district.”

“Experienced elementary school English Teacher looking to fill the role of Reading Specialist at [school name.] This position in a progressive institution like [school name] would allow me to use my sound teaching skills to assist students in reaching their full potential by helping them to become strong readers.”

“Passionate, enthusiastic and experienced Teaching Assistant seeking the position of Para-Educator at [school name]. Brings interpersonal skills and classroom experience to aid in the development of each student by interacting with them, providing support and resources, and directly supporting the Teacher's lessons in the classroom.”

27.  Resume objective examples for Writers and Editors

“Articulate recent graduate with a B.A. degree in Media and Mass Communication desires a Content Creator Role at [company name]. Hoping to use writing skills and experience in writing articles for local newspapers and online magazines to improve [company name]'s blog, expanding current industry presence.”

“Editor with extensive writing and management experience looking to fill the position of Senior Editor with [company name], using time-management skills to ensure all projects meet deadlines and supervisory experience to effectively manage a team of Writers and Editors.”

Key things to remember

As you can see from the resume objective examples that we've included throughout this post, there's a right way to create this type of professional summary. As you craft your own objective, keep these keen insights in mind:

Try to include some measurable achievements in your statement, to show how you can add value to the employer's bottom line. If you're new to the workplace, however, focus instead on highlighting the benefits that your skills can provide to that employer.

Keep it short, focused on relevant details, and packed with keywords from the job description. 

Make sure that everything you write in your objective statement is supported by the information included in your skills and work experience sections .

Always put yourself in the employer's shoes and try to imagine what kind of information they might be looking for as they review your resume.

Try to only rely on an objective statement if you have little or no real-world experience in the industry you're trying to join. If you do have experience, you'll probably be better served by a summary statement.

Wrapping it up

Once again, this is by no means a complete list of resume objective examples, but it should help you to understand the formula for creating a specific resume objective for whatever job you're after.

Take the time to do this right. Create a tailored objective for each position you want and you'll be easily found by both recruiters and applicant tracking systems searching for the keywords that are right there at the top of your resume.

The result? You'll be starting your new job well ahead of the crowd!

Still not sure about your resume objective or other aspects of your resume? Make sure that it's submission-ready with a free resume review or professional rewrite .

This article was originally written by Lisa Tynan and has been updated by Marsha Hebert and Ken Chase.

Recommended reading:

How to Tailor Your Resume to a Specific Job Description

How to Use Action Verbs in a Resume

How to Write a Resume Headline (With Examples)

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

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• Career Change Resume Objective

Career Change Resume Objective Examples

A career change resume objective should highlight your transferable skills and competencies as they relate directly to the new job opportunity.

There are a number of job skills and behaviors that are necessary for successful job performance in a range of different career fields. Focus on these in your resume objective.

In your objective statement demonstrate what you can contribute to the new position and the company and why you are a good fit for your new career.

How to write a persuasive objective for your career change resume

Focus on Transferable Skills

There are certain core skills and competencies that can be applied to several different careers. These include:

• planning, organizing and prioritizing
• verbal and written communication skills
• problem analysis and problem solving
• decision-making and judgment

12 Core Competencies for job success

List of Job Skills

Your resume objective statement should articulate your skills in such a way that their relevancy to the new job you are applying for is immediately clear to the employer.

Highlight Personal Qualities

You will also want to include personal qualities that will benefit a new employer. Highlight the relevant behaviors that employers look for, including:

• reliability
• flexibility
• hard working

List of employee strengths

Use Relevant Keywords

Keywords are essential to getting your resume found and noticed by potential employers. This can be a challenge for a career changer as your experience may not include the necessary keywords for the new job.

The best way to get around this is to carefully study the job description and similar job postings and find the keywords that do match up to your skills, experience and strengths.

Include these keywords in your career change resume objective statement. You may be surprised at how many matching and relevant skills you find.

Resume Keywords

Career change resume objective examples

Here we look at the transferable skills and strengths required in different career fields

"To leverage over ten years experience in a deadline-driven office environment to quickly learn and grow in a sales career. Strong communication skills combined with the proven ability to build robust relationships and effectively manage competing demands result in the achievement of challenging goals. A highly motivated self-starter who is fully committed to proving herself in a new career."

Build a persuasive, personal objective statement using these phrases.

• ability to effectively communicate at all levels
• results-driven self starter with high energy levels
• proven planning and organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities effectively
• ability to develop and present winning presentations
• able to effectively analyze data to determine appropriate actions
• well developed listening and negotiation skills

Customer Service Jobs

"Capable and professional administrator seeking a customer service position that will utilize a strong background in efficiently managing multiple priorities and successfully meeting client demands. Hard working and committed career changer who is eager to make a positive contribution to your company's customer experience."

Create your own personal objective statement using these phrases.

• high degree of accuracy and close attention to detail
• proven ability to efficiently handle multiple responsibilities
• excellent organizational and planning skills
• proven track record of maintaining composure and professionalism in a fast-paced environment
• able to problem-solve and make sound decisions in a high energy environment
• clear and effective verbal and written communication skills
• ability to work independently and as a team member

Hospitality Jobs

"Seeking a hospitality position that will effectively maximize X years experience in meeting the demands of a fast-paced work environment.  Strong organizational and communication skills, the ability to effectively multitask and demonstrated success in building positive working relationships at all levels. A high-energy individual eager for a career in the hospitality industry."

Develop your own personal career change resume objective using these phrases.

• able to work well under pressure and balance competing demands
• intense focus on creating an outstanding customer experience
• demonstrated ability to make independent decisions based on sound judgment
• consistently achieved high work standards and company objectives

well developed communication and listening skills

• ability to interact effectively with a diverse customer base

Career Change for T eachers

One of the most common career changes is from teaching into a variety of jobs including human resources, administration, sales and marketing. Teachers have a wide range of in-demand skills and competencies that can be successfully transferred to another career. These include:

• analysis, evaluation and problem-solving
• able to quickly adapt to changing situations and diverse individuals
• communication skills, active listening and the ability to convey information in a clear and concise manner
• judgment and decision-making
• planning and organizing
• persuading and influencing

How to highlight being a fast learner in your resume objective

When changing careers the willingness and ability to quickly master and apply new skills is key to your success. Good phrases to use to highlight this, include:

"Able to assimilate new information quickly and efficiently"

"Able to quickly and effectively adapt to new situations"

"Able to quickly and successfully react to changing demands"

"Adept at learning and applying new skills"

How to write a career change cover letter

CAREER CHANGE

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What is a Career Change Resume Objective?

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Entry Level Resume Objectives

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40+ Real-Life Resume Objective Examples in 2024 [+How-to Guide]

You’re scrolling down your LinkedIn, mindlessly browsing through countless irrelevant job ads, when you come across something unexpected.

There it is, the Perfect Job !

You’ve been looking for it for ages.

This job will not only help you with your student loans and crippling debt but it will also help you figure out the meaning of life and even get your crush to notice you. 

There’s a small problem, though. You don’t exactly have the right experience for the job.

If only there was a way to convince the hiring manager that you’re a good fit for the job, despite this drawback.

Well, here’s some good news - there is! You can win over the HR manager with a well-written resume objective. You can show them that you make up for your lack of relevant experience with passion and enthusiasm.

In this guide, we’re going to teach you everything you need to know about resume objectives, including:

• What is a resume objective? (and why is it important?)
• When to use a resume objective
• How to write a convincing resume objective [w/ 5 pro tips]

Looking for inspiration? We’ll also offer 40+ practical examples for all sorts of career fields. Skip ahead if you’re interested in any of the specific sections:

• Business & Management - marketing manager, project manager, human resources, business analyst
• Marketing - junior SEO specialist, social media marketing manager, content creator, PPC specialist
• Food & Service Industry - waiter/waitress, bartender, line cook, restaurant manager
• Education - teacher, tutor
• Sales & Customer Support - sales associate, store manager, account manager, CSR specialist, technical support specialist, cashier
• Finance & Accounting - accountant, financial analyst, bank teller, data-entry
• Technical resume - computer scientist, IT specialist, data analyst, engineer, data scientist
• Medical Resume - nurse, medical assistant, dental assistant
• Other - warehouse worker, housekeeper

This guide is part of our larger series on resumes. Want to learn everything there is to know on how to make a resume ? Start with our comprehensive guide.

What is a Resume Objective? (And Why Is It Important?)

A resume objective is an eye-catching statement of your career intent that’s placed on top of your resume. 

The resume objective provides a 2-3 sentence snapshot of your professional experience , skills , and achievements , and explains why they make you the right candidate for the job.

When to Use a Resume Objective

Over the past few years, a resume objective has, in most cases, become optional. If you’re an experienced professional, you’re much better off sticking to a Resume Summary , as it helps describe your top skills and experiences much better.

• You’re searching for your first job - Maybe you’re a high school graduate looking for your very first job . Or maybe, you’re a student signing up for your first internship . A resume objective will show the hiring manager that you have the desire to develop your skill-set and grow within the company.
• You’re making a career change - Let’s say you have worked as an engineer in an app development company for the past three years and are now applying for a marketing job in a start-up. Your resume objective will highlight how your current skills are relevant to the position.

How to Write a Convincing Resume Objective [w/ 5 Pro Tips]

Resume objectives get a bad rep because they’re hard to write and even harder to write well. At their worst, they’re overly generic and say nothing new about the applicant. When done right, though, they can really help your resume stand out.

The resume objective is structured in three main parts: (1) Who you are (2) What you offer to the company (3) How you’ll help the company accomplish its goals.

Doesn’t sound too hard now, does it? To make this even easier, you can just follow our tried-and-tested resume objective template:

(1) [SKILL/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION RELEVANT TO THE JOB WITH JOB TITLE] . Looking to apply my (2) [years/months of EXPERIENCE RELEVANT TO THE JOB DESCRIPTION] at [COMPANY YOU ARE APPLYING TO] , to help (3) [TYPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES YOU WILL HELP OUT WITH SUCCESSFULLY] . 

In practice, it looks something like this:

“ CPA-certified forensic accountant with demonstrated experience in financial record examination. Looking to apply my 3 years of experience at Deloitte, to help the team of XYZ improve their activity-based accounting techniques in the role of a managerial accountant. ”

If you follow the formatting, you’re already 90% ready with your resume objective. Now, all you have to do is ensure that your resume objective is in sync with the following 5 pro tips , and we’re done!

TIP 1:  Make sure to tailor your resume objective to the specific position or organization you are applying to. After all, a vague “Engineer looking for an Engineering job” doesn’t impress anyone.

TIP 2: You should include skills, knowledge, and abilities that you know will help the company achieve its goals . The resume objective isn’t about yourself or your own career - it’s about how you’re going to help the company.

TIP 3: Do not brag or use subjective language in your resume objective. Use as many facts and numbers as possible to back up your experience. It’s one thing to say “Expert at Advertising” and another to say “Facebook Marketer, experienced in managing 5-figure advertising spend.”

TIP 4: If you want to reach a career goal (usually when you have very little experience or are just starting out), make sure that it’s something related to the company you’re applying to.  

If you’re applying for a job as a Customer Support Representative , for example, you shouldn’t go on and on about your ambitions to eventually become a Professor.

TIP 5: Do not use complicated language on purpose. Don’t try to sound smart. It almost always makes a bad impression and makes you come off a bit arrogant.

Instead of “contemplate” for example, opt for “think” , or use “do” instead of “undertake” . They both mean the same thing anyway, and you want your achievements to speak more than your fancy word choices.

Job Description: 

XYZ Inc. is looking for a sales representative manager for its German branch . Minimum of 3 years of working experience in management. Daily duties: planning, directing, and overseeing the sales representative team.

“I am looking to appertain my exceptional skills in management by being part of a groundbreaking and innovative company for a few years, then eventually switching to a job in AI.”

Why it’s bad :

• “Exceptional” is subjective. Be ready to be put to test for that claim. 
• Why use “appertain” when you can use “apply” ? 
• Almost every company in the world looks at themselves as “groundbreaking” or innovative, you’re not saying anything real about them. 
• It sounds like this is more about you than them, and yet, at the same time, there’s no real information mentioned about the writer. 
• You have just informed them you’ll be switching careers again in a few years. That’s a no-no. 

“Sales manager trained in Berlin. Looking to apply my 5+ years of management experience in XYZ Inc. by making sure the sales representative team is staffed and follows quality standards, helping XYZ increase revenue and market share in the process.”

Why it’s good:  

• You sum up your work experience factually.
• You mention abilities that make you stand out, like being educated and trained in Europe.
• You understand the role and responsibilities the position requires and describe how you’ll do them successfully.
• You include the skills and experience relevant to the management position.
• Your language is simple, down-to-earth, and objective. You show that you genuinely care about the overall goals of the company.

Resume Objective Examples [3 Most Common Cases]

Now that you know how to write a resume objective, you’re ready to write your own. Before you get started, though, you might need some inspiration.

In this section, we’re going to cover 40+ resume objective examples for every field, as well as examples for the top 3 most common cases.

Career Change Resume Objective Example

The most common situation you’d use a resume objective for is during a career change . 

A resume objective helps the reader understand how your skillset from a previous field helps translate into the job you’re applying for.

In such a case, you can mention:

• Your relevant skills / work experience
• How you think your background would help you excel at the job

And here’s how this works in practice:

“Customer support rep. with 3+ years of experience in over-the-phone technical support looking to leverage communication skills as a Sales Rep. at XYZ inc. Excellent track record in delivering quality support service, having maintained a 4.6+ star “Helpful” rating over the past 1.5 years.”

No Experience / Education Resume Objective

Even if you don’t have any work experience or education, you can still use a resume objective to stand out from the rest of the applicants.

In this case, you’d want to focus on your best personal traits and skills (instead of work experience / achievements / education)

So, for example:

“Organized & hard-working employee looking to join XYZ Inc. as a marketing assistant. Looking to take advantage of my skills in Photoshop and Copywriting to help XYZ inc. with their marketing efforts.”

Internship Resume Objective Example

Looking for your first professional job ? Writing a good resume objective is a good way to stand out from the rest and land that internship.

In this case, you want to focus on:

• Your educational achievements
• Top skills and personal traits
• Any relevant experience (university / personal projects, volunteering experience, industry-related competitions, etc.)

And here’s a practical example:

“Recent Graduate with a B.A. in business administration looking to start their career in Finance with an internship at XYZ Inc. Experienced in analyzing financial statements & annual reports for several university projects. Seeking to further develop my theoretical know-how with strong mentorship at XYZ Inc.”

40+ Resume Objective Examples for All Fields

Office / administrative jobs resume objective examples.

Office Manager Resume Objective

“Experienced office manager seeking to help XYZ Inc. provide a stellar customer experience & take the Portsmouth branch to the next level. Experienced in managing teams of 15+ in several different restaurants, such as Restaurant A and Restaurant B. Handled every aspect of the business, from hiring new staff to managing marketing initiatives.”

Click here for a complete office manager resume example .

Executive Assistant Resume Objective

“Freelance VA (virtual assistant) looking to transition to the position of an Executive Assistant. Worked with 5+ online businesses, helping with everything from data entry to customer support. Excellent attention to detail & organizational skills. Proficient in Excel, Photoshop. Intermediate copywriting skills.”

Click here for a complete executive assistant resume example .

Receptionist Resume Objective

“3rd-year Medical Student looking for a summer job as a receptionist at XYZ Inc. Experience in working face-to-face with customers, having worked part-time jobs as cashier and waitress. Social, positive, and hard-working.”

Click here for a complete receptionist resume example . 

Secretary Resume Objective

“Recent Communications graduate looking to apply for the role of a Secretary at XYZ inc. Extremely organized with good writing and multitasking skills. Practical experience in management gained through several university projects, which involves coordinating tasks between different team members and ensuring that everyone was in sync with the latest information.”

Administrative Assistant Resume Objective

“Organized & hardworking employee looking to work at XYZ Inc. as an Administrative Assistant. Previous experience in several related fields, such as working as a Secretary for 3 years, in addition to being an Executive Assistant for 1 year. Strong organizational skills, as well as a keen eye for detail.”

Click here for a complete administrative assistant resume example . 

Business & Management Resume Objective Examples

Marketing Manager Resume Objective

“Recent graduate with a B.A. in Marketing looking to start my career in Advertising at XYZ Inc. Strong skills in copywriting and graphic design, coupled with a creative mind. Practical experience in creating social media ads (Facebook, Instagram) as a marketing intern.”

Click here for a complete marketing manager resume example . 

Project Manager Resume Objective

“Detail-oriented software engineer with 5+ years of experience in Node.js and React looking to transition into the role of an IT-focused project manager. Practical experience conducting daily scrum meetings and following agile project management methodologies.”

Click here for a complete project manager resume example . 

Human Resources Resume Objective

“Psychology graduate looking for a position in recruitment at XYZ Inc. Completed an HR internship at Recruitment Agency X. Solid entry-level experience doing recruitment work, which included pre-selecting qualified candidates and filtering them based on client needs. Looking to further develop my experience in the HR field and help XYZ Inc. go above and beyond their hiring needs.”

Business Analyst Resume Objective

“Business Student at University X seeking a summer internship as a Business Analyst at XYZ Inc. Strong business know-how, with a focus on analyzing and interpreting data. Completed 10+ real-life business consulting case studies as university projects. Skilled in financial and managerial accounting.”

Click here for a complete business analyst resume example .

Marketing Resume Objective Examples

Junior SEO Specialist

“Detail-oriented graduate with a B.A. in Business Administration looking to apply for a Junior SEO Specialist position at Digital XYZ Inc. Theoretical knowledge of SEO, including some practical experience in using Google Analytics. Seeking to further develop my online marketing skills as part of the Digital XYZ team.”

Social Media Marketing Manager

“Enthusiastic Marketing graduate with a passion for all things digital seeking an entry-level Social Media Marketing position at Digital XYZ Inc. Skilled in copywriting & basic graphic design. Personally started and grew a Facebook page to 5,000+ likes, and an Instagram page to 8,000+ followers. Looking to help Digital XYZ’s clients improve their social media marketing and establish an online presence.”

Content Creator

“Articulate graduate with a B.A. in Media and Mass Communication seeking a content creator position at XYZ Startup. Experienced in writing articles for local newspapers and online magazines. Hoping to apply my journalistic writing abilities to improve XYZ Startup’s blog on ABC Industry/Category.”

PPC Specialist

“Result-driven SEO specialist with 3+ years of experience designing and implementing SEO campaigns for e-commerce companies. Looking for a PPC specialist position at XYZ Agency to leverage strong knack for web analytics and SEM to drive traffic and increase sales.”

Food & Service Industry Resume Objective Examples

Waiter / Waitress Resume Objective

“Experienced service industry worker seeking to apply for the position of a waiter at XYZ Restaurant. Past experience includes working as a bartender, busser, and line cook. Thrives in fast-paced, high-stress environment.”

Click here for a complete server resume example . 

Line Cook Resume Objective

“Recent graduate from Houston Culinary Arts School seeking a position as a line cook at Fancy Restaurant XYZ. Looking to further develop cooking skills learned at school. Previous experience working in a high-stress environment as a part-time Sandwich Maker at Fast Food Place X.”

Restaurant Manager Resume Objective

“Seasoned Server with 10+ years of hospitality industry experience looking to help Restaurant XYZ take its business to the next level. During my time as a server, helped 3+ restaurants with hiring and training new staff, as well as coming up with promotional strategies for specific foods and drinks.”

Click here for a complete bar manager resume example . 

Education Resume Objective Examples

Teacher Resume Objective

“B.S. in Education from University XYZ with a concentration in Chemistry seeking to start my career as a teacher at XYZ High School. Passionate about teaching, both in and out of the classroom.” 

Click here for a complete teacher resume example . 

Tutor Resume Objective

“Skilled Mathematics graduate looking to apply for the position of a Math tutor at XYZ School. Worked as a part-time Linear Algebra tutor during my time at University X. Strong knowledge of Advanced Linear Algebra, Calculus I-IV, Mathematical Statistics, and Trigonometry.”

Sales and Customer Support Resume Objective Examples

Sales Associate Resume Objective

“Charismatic, communicative employee seeking an entry-level sales job at XYX Inc. Tech-savvy, with the ability to pick up product knowledge fast. Previous experience as a sales clerk at Random Retail Store X.”

Click here for a complete sales associate resume example . 

Store Manager Resume Objective

“Experienced employee looking for a job as a Store Manager at XYZ Inc. Skilled in inventory management, having worked as a warehouse manager in two separate organizations. Dependable math skills from working as a cashier at Company X.”

Account Manager Resume Objective

“Diligent graduate with a B.A. in Business Management at University Y seeking to provide excellent client service at XYZ Inc. as an account manager. Strong communication skills from my job as a Sales Manager at Company X. Outstanding project management skills, having worked on over a dozen business projects in university.”

Customer Service Specialist Resume Objective

“Multi-lingual employee looking to help XYZ Inc. provide stellar customer experience. Strong communication skills. Fluent in English, French, and Russian. Basic knowledge of CRM systems.”

Click here for a complete customer service specialist resume example . 

Technical Support Specialist Resume Objective

“Information Technology student seeking a part-time role as a Technical Support Specialist at XYZ Inc. Experienced in using help desk & CRM systems. Skilled in written communication with an intermediate knowledge in the IT-sphere.”

Cashier Resume Objective

“Enthusiastic, courteous waiter seeking the role of a Cashier at XYZ Inc. Currently working part-time at Restaurant ABC, looking to fill up the rest of my time. Strong communication skills, and a genuine love for working with people. Good at carrying out mathematical calculations.”

Click here for a complete cashier resume example . 

Finance & Accounting Resume Objective Examples

Accountant Resume Objective

“Graduate with an M.A. in Accounting and Finance seeking the position of a Junior Accountant at XYZ Inc. Highest grades in relevant courses, including Intermediate Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Advanced Finance, and more.” 

Click here for a complete accountant resume example .

Financial Analyst Resume Objective

“Finance student with 3.92 GPA seeking an entry-level Financial Analyst position at XYZ Inc. Skilled in financial data analysis, reading financial sheets, with excellent knowledge of accounting and tax legislation.”

Click here for a complete financial analyst resume example .

Bank Teller Resume Objective

“Customer Support Representative with 2+ years working client-facing roles seeking a job as a Bank Teller at XYZ Inc. Experienced in working with customers over the phone, as well as by email. Excellent math skills, having graduated high school with a specialization in Mathematics.”

Click here for a complete bank teller resume example .

Data Entry Resume Objective

“Meticulous graduate with a B.A. in business administration looking for a data entry clerk position at company XYZ Inc. Skilful typer with an average typing speed of 85 WPM. Possessing 2+ years of experience using typing tools such as Ms Word and Ms Excel for task tracking and automation.”

Click here for a complete data entry clerk resume example .

Technical Resume Objective Examples

Computer Scientist Resume Objective

“Graduate with an M.Sc. in Computer Science and Information Systems seeking a position as a Research Assistant in the computer science department of XYZ University. 2+ years of experience in designing and implementing deep convolutional neural networks with TensorFlow and Scala. Enthusiastic about furthering research conducted on the study of artificial intelligence.”

Click here for a complete computer scientist resume example .

IT Specialist Resume Objective

“Competent Support Specialist with 3+ years of experience in AWS storage cloud services. Maintained constant customer satisfaction rate at 98% while working at XYZ Agency. Currently looking for a position as an IT Specialist with a focus on cloud services at ABC Inc.”

Click here for a complete IT specialist resume example . 

Data Analyst Resume Objective

“Enthusiastic recent graduate with a B.A. in Business Administration and Mathematics seeking a Data Analyst position at Data Analysis Co.. Competent in mathematical statistics and possessing a certification in business analysis from ABC Institute. Hoping to apply my extensive knowledge of SQL databases and SQL as a querying language to help Data Analysis Co. fulfil its goals.”

Click here for a complete data analyst resume example . 

Software Engineer Resume Objective

“Result-oriented QA Engineer with 5+ years of experience in the banking and finance sector looking for a Junior Software Engineer job at XYZ Bank. Strong understanding of software engineering paradigms and testing frameworks for C++, Java, .NET (C#).”

Click here for a complete software engineer resume example .

Data Scientist Resume Objective

“Diligent Computer Science and Mathematics student with a 3.98 GPA looking for an internship at XYZ Inc. as a Junior Data Scientist. Specialized in statistical analysis and experienced with packages such as R, SQL, STATA, and Python.”

Click here for a complete data scientist resume example .

Medical Resume Objective Examples

Nurse Resume Objective

“Recent RN graduate seeking to help Hospital XYZ provide an excellent level of patient care. Experienced in working in high-stress environments. An excellent team-player who thrives under pressure. Passionate about helping people and making an impact.

Click here for a complete nurse resume example . 

Medical Assistant Resume Objective

“Certified, energetic medical assistant with volunteering experience for XYZ Hospital looking for a position as a Medical Assistant at ABC Clinic. Dedicated team player with the ability to work both day and night shifts.”

Click here for a complete medical assistant resume example .

Dental Assistant Resume Objective

“Licensed and enthusiastic dental practitioner with 1+ years of experience working at a private Dental Practice ABC seeking a Dental Assistant position at XYZ Dental Inc. Highly meticulous at carrying out dental procedures and assisting during surgeries.”

Other Resume Objective Examples

Warehouse Worker Resume Objective

“Retail worker seeking the position of a warehouse worker at XYZ Supermarket. Previous experience doing several retail jobs, including working as a stocker for produce and groceries at XYZ Family Market. Skilled in stocking, inventory replenishment / tracking, processing relevant paperwork and utilizing electrical pallet stackers / pallet jacks.”

Click here for a complete warehouse worker resume example .

Housekeeper Resume Objective

“Seasonal worker seeking a Housekeeping job at XYZ Hotel. Diligent and organized, having spent the past 3 summers working in Nantucket. Previous roles include bussing at Restaurant Y and prep cooking at Local Restaurant X.”

Key Takeaways

So, let’s go through everything we’ve learned...

• A resume objective is a 2-3 sentence career intent summary placed at the top of your resume. You should only use a resume objective if you don’t have enough work experience in the field you are applying for or if you are switching careers .
• When writing a resume objective, try to avoid cliches or generalizations. Don’t make it about you, tailor it to the specific organization you are applying to. Don’t use subjective or pompous language, and mention a career goal you can reach within the same organization.
• The objective should also be backed up by the information you list in the other resume sections , such as work experience or education .

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60+ Resume Objective Examples for 2024 & How-to Guide

• Objective in a Nutshell
• Do I Need an Objective?
• Write a Resume Objective That Rocks
• 3 General Objectives

As a job seeker, you know getting a job isn’t easy. Even with the increase in salary information, thanks to new  pay transparency laws , finding a job that suits your talents is challenging.

Now it’s time to start writing your resume, which means deciding if you’ll add optional sections like an objective statement. An objective can add valuable information, but knowing when to include one is tricky. Plus, a career objective is often confused with a  resume summary .

We’ll tell you the differences between the two, and we’ll help you write an objective that highlights the best parts of your resume. Whether you’re currently  building your resume  or wondering where to start, we’ve got the answers you need to write an amazing objective. 

Resume Objective in a Nutshell

First: What is a resume objective? Well, it’s basically a snapshot of your best and most relevant expertise, given the position you’re hoping to snag.  The primary purpose of your career objective  is to quickly highlight your relevant skills and alignment with the specific company’s values and/or goals.

You want to ensure that any recruiter or potential employer sees why it would be ridiculous  not  to hire you! Your objective should hook the reader, persuading them to continue reviewing your resume—and, ultimately, shoot you an email or a phone call.

How do I know the difference between a resume objective and a summary?

Don’t worry if you’re confused about whether an objective or  resume summary  is the best choice for your resume. They’re pretty similar, and their contents can overlap quite a bit depending on the applicant, so there’s no need to overthink it! Still, there are a couple of differences to keep in mind if you’re struggling to decide:

Resume objective:

If you’re either switching careers or just starting in your field, then an objective statement could be the perfect intro to let employers know you’re the right pick. Resume objectives should stay between two and three sentences and  focus on your short-term career goals and how you’re qualified to start pursuing them .

Resume summary:

A summary, which is also two or three sentences, usually best fits folks with more experience within their career. This statement summarizes a candidate’s extensive skills and work history. The  resume summary  could be your ideal option if you want to progress in a career where you’ve already experienced success.

Do I Need a Resume Objective ?

To start, consider whether you need an objective at all. Any stellar resume will fall at a page, and you’ll need to make every bit of space count. So, it’s essential to consider whether your objective will add value to your resume or just waste space.

An objective generally suits those who are entry-level or are changing careers. This statement summarizes a candidate’s most relevant, job-specific skills and identifies why they want to work for a target business.

Adding a resume objective could be wise if you want to break into a new career, show the employer you genuinely desire to work for their business, or resourcefully fill up a little extra white space.

Resume objectives can add value if:

• You’re an entry-level candidate
• Your work history is light
• You’ve decided to make a career change

But when should you discard the objective statement entirely?

Keep in mind that, on average, hiring managers spend just over seven seconds reviewing your resume before determining whether they’ll take a closer look. That’s a narrow window, so if your resume errs on the side of generic or bland, omitting it is best.

How to Write an Objective for a Resume

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, especially if this is your first time writing your resume objective statement. Luckily, seeing samples of how others have handled similar obstacles can help—just remember to inject your personality and make each objective statement as unique as you are. And while comparing others’ statements to your own, ask yourself: “Which of my achievements look the most impressive?”

Plus, we’ve got a fantastic formula for you that will further uncomplicate things:

The process is as easy as X + Y + Z = Eye-catching resume objective!

X = Your characteristics and personality traits Y = Years of experience and quantified success/results Z = How these results apply to the specific job role

Keep this formula in mind, and you’ll surprise yourself with professional and engaging results like the objective below:

X =  Ambitious, adaptable, eager, self-motivated, and efficient

Y =  2 years of intern experience within the field, learned skills/experience

Z =  Technical and soft skills tie in with forging strong teams and client connections

7 ingredients to resume objective success

Not sure where to start? Check out these seven tips on how to add the maximum value to your resume objective and launch yourself into the top  20 percent of job applicants who actually get interviewed  for a single job:

Don’t worry if this is a little overwhelming at first glance! Many job seekers linearly work through their resumes, but  save your objective for last,  even though it appears first. Once you fine-tune other sections, it’ll be easier to pinpoint choice details to fill in the formula and complete your perfect objective. (And who says you have to nail your statement the first time you write it?! Go through as many iterations as you need when you  outline your resume .)

1.  Inject your personality

Bonus points if you tie your personality traits in with the company’s values through skillful word choices! No one wants to read a bland resume objective that doesn’t connect the person with the company—they want to know  who  they’re hiring.

2.  Lead with strengths

These strengths could be notable projects or extensive educational background for entry-level applicants or graduates. For anyone changing careers, include successes like past work projects that demonstrate overlapping skills/values with the role you’re currently seeking. Mention relevant certifications in your objective, too!

3.  Minimize personal pronouns and contractions

Details like these may seem inconsequential and even helpful when trying to save space, but they can make your resume too informal. Also, referring to yourself instead of your skills can make it seem like you’re only interested in what the company will do for you.

(Hint: Gauge the company’s tone in its  job description  and website. You can get away with contractions more readily with informal companies).

4.  Keep it at two or three sentences

Again, resume space is invaluable! Make the most of this real estate by ensuring your objective is long enough to provide eye-catching value but short enough that it won’t get skipped. Save the details for writing a cover letter . Critique it visually, too—how does it look on the page?

5.  Talk about your relevant skills

 Revisit the job listing for crucial skills that match your expertise and leverage that in your objective statement.

6.  State why you’re interested and why you fit the role 

Other skilled applicants undoubtedly applied for this same role—so what makes you the right fit? Mentioning why you’re interested in the position and how you’re a good match will help you stand out from the crowd.

7.  Use a resume template that gives you the option to include an objective

Why reinvent the wheel? All our  free Google Docs resume templates  have space for your objective. Take advantage of a  resume template  (you can edit the one just below!) already laid out for your specific needs rather than dealing with the frustration of a template breaking because you tried to add one.

Middle School History Teacher Resume

Common resume objective roadblocks

If you’re struggling, remember that starting in the wrong place is a common but avoidable pitfall: many applicants try writing their objective first, only to find they don’t know where to begin.  Lessen your stress by drafting the rest of your resume first . Writing a quality resume objective will become easier once your qualifications are laid out on the table. 

Since your objective needs to take up so little space, get selective while skimming the cream of the crop from your resume bullet points. What previous roles resulted in your most impressive contributions to a company? Put yourself in the recruiter’s shoes and think of what they’d want in their next hire, then write your objective based on your most dazzling selling points. 

Return to our objective samples in this post anytime you need some inspiration. You can also better prepare with a  resume outline . Planning out the arrangement of your background and skills will simplify filling out your resume when the time comes. 

Resume objective knockouts, hopefuls, and wannabes

To give you some examples of what we’ve been talking about, let’s look at a mock  job description for a data scientist  and compare three resume objective statements to see what passes muster.

Data scientist job description example:

Currently seeking a remote data scientist for Infinity Solars who is self-starting, innovative, and skilled with various data tools to design/create predictive customer behavioral models. Must be able to translate data for all levels of communication to support leadership groups, give team members actionable business insights, and lead machine-learning algorithm development. Must exhibit exceptional critical thinking skills by gauging the effectiveness and accuracy of data quality and mining techniques.

Now, let’s see how these example resume objective statements stack up:

I can definitely talk to people since I just got out of college for biology. I’m good with group projects and know a lot about computers.

Why it’s not a winner :   Leave out bland objectives like this one, which lacks the valuable info necessary to justify taking up space. What kind of job is this even for?

I love solar power and could use my background in data analysis to help your company. I’m also a big team player and have plenty of qualifying technical skills.

Why it’s just okay:  At least there’s some personality here, although it’s a little informal. This candidate should also specify skills that would benefit the specific company.

Knockout:  Check out our example!

Why it’s great:  Nice—personality traits and skills that align with the job description! We also see years of experience with well-rounded skills that would benefit the company, presented with compelling and enthusiastic word choices.

3 Resume Objectives That Are General but Not Generic

Keeping a few general (but not generic!) resume objective statements nearby enables you to customize your resume at any time quickly! Take a look at these general examples and note how to make them specific to you: 

Make resume objective #1 specific to you by:

• Speaking to the exact obstacles the company mentions in its job ad
• Mentioning the company name

Make resume objective #2 specific to you by:

• Mentioning your relevant educational or professional background
• Connecting your goals with the company’s

Make resume objective #3 specific to you by:

• Mentioning a notable company from your extensive experience
• Presenting your abilities as solutions to company obstacles

7 Resume Objective Examples by Career Stage

The current stage of your career journey is crucial regarding the tone of your resume objective—a senior-level candidate who’s changing careers, for example, should sound different from a fresh graduate. See what we mean?

1. Entry-level resume objective

Entry-level resume examples >>

2. No experience resume objective

3. Internship resume objective

4. Changing locations resume objective

5. Student resume objective

Graduate student resume examples >> College student resume examples >> High school student resume examples >>

6. College graduate resume objective

College graduate resume examples >> MBA resume examples >>

7. Changing careers resume objective

Career change resume examples >>

20 Resume Objective Examples Tailored to the Job Description

Now that you’ve made it this far, we’ve put together 20 more resume objectives—specific to various professions—so you can see how they exemplify our tips and tricks from earlier!

1.  Accountant resume objective

Accountant job description  key details:

• Critical thinking and adept organizational skills, especially concerning client information and records
• Information gathering and the ability to handle large data sets
• Strong ethics and integrity with sensitive personal information

Accountant resume objective:

Why this resume works

• This candidate addresses skills emphasized in the job description while injecting personality and enthusiasm for the role. 
• They also make up for their limited background experience by focusing on the skills that will make them great accountants while demonstrating an eagerness to learn.

Accountant resume examples >> Accountant cover letter examples >>

2. Attorney resume objective

Attorney job description  key details:

• Ability to handle fast-paced and high-stress settings
• Compassionate and caring
• Logical and creative 

Attorney resume objective:

• Applicant leads in with necessary and location-specific qualifications and knowledge. 
• The objective mentions compassion and determination to find justice, tying these values with the organization by name.

Attorney resume examples >> Attorney cover letter examples >>

3.  Business analyst resume objective

Business analyst job description  key details:

• Analyze, evaluate, and improve business processes
• Incredible communication and listening skills
• Detail-oriented, innovative, and technically competent

Business analyst resume objective: 

• This candidate uses language from the company site to exhibit relevance despite having limited professional experience. 
• Applicant quickly provides experience and desirable skills that mirror the job description.

Business analyst resume examples >> Business analyst cover letter examples >>

4.  Customer service resume objective

Customer service job description  key details:

• Critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
• Flexible and adaptable 
• Dependable team player

Customer service resume objective: 

• The candidate shows efficiency by quickly laying out experience and applicable skills. 
• This resume objective responds directly to the company’s mission statement in both phrasing and qualification choices.

Customer service resume examples >> Customer service cover letter examples >>

5.  Data analyst resume objective

Data analyst job description  key details:

• Exemplary analytical and data gathering skills
• Ability to translate large data sets into actionable points
• Monitor KPIs and generate reader-friendly reports

Data analyst resume objective: 

• This candidate may not have traditional work experience but leverages freelance work to prove knowledge and impact. 
• It’s a good idea to tie your qualifications to the company’s mission statements, just like this applicant shows how their skill set will benefit the organization.

Data analyst resume examples >> Data analyst cover letter examples >>

6.  Data engineer resume objective

Data engineer job description  key details:

• Mine data via modern tools and programming languages
• Ideas for innovative and creative solutions
• Teamwork and strong collaboration skills

Data engineer resume objective:

• Work culture and environment are casual here, so the candidate matches this tone. 
• The candidate emphasizes teamwork and other skills emphasized in the job description.

Data engineer resume examples >> Data engineer cover letter examples >>

7.  Data scientist resume objective

Data scientist job description  key details:

• Understanding of how to apply scientific methods to data analysis
• Use algorithms KPIs to generate business insights 

Data scientist resume objective:

• The applicant doesn’t have tons of experience, but they dive right into their educational and technical qualifications to make up for it.
• The tone of this resume objective mirrors that of Barilla’s company culture, and it pulls in some unique phrasing from their website.

Data scientist resume examples >> Data scientist cover letter examples >>

8.  Graphic designer resume objective

Graphic designer job description  key details:

• Creativity and technical ability
• Strong understanding of how to captivate customers with visual media
• Ability to think outside of the box and implement new ideas within the creative team

Graphic designer resume objective: 

• While the candidate’s field is creative, Felicity’s tone is professional, so the objective statement reflects this.
• We see qualifications right out the gate, followed by a strong tie-in with company values.

Graphic designer resume examples >> Graphic designer cover letter examples >>

9.  Human resources (HR) resume objective

Human resources (HR) job description  key details:

• Policy adherence, problem-solving, and conflict resolution
• Super communication while educating employees and handling paperwork
• Hiring and intake process 

Human resources resume objective:

• We immediately see language pulled from the company site and key skills from the job description. 
• The candidate then brings in personal traits that make them an ideal fit for the role.

Human resources (HR) resume examples >> Human resources (HR) cover letter examples >>

10.  Nursing resume objective

Nursing job description  key details:

• Checking, recording, and reporting patient vitals 
• Compassionate and caring bedside manner
• Resilience during long shifts and difficult situations

Nurse resume objective:

• This candidate covers all the key points from the job description perfectly.
• The applicant also explicitly mentions the job setting by name.

Nursing resume examples >> Nursing cover letter examples >>

11.  Operations manager resume objective

Operations manager job description  key details:

• Increase profits by improving efficiency 
• Leadership and administration
• Strategizing and problem-solving

Operations manager resume objective:

• The applicant establishes a personal connection with Hilldrup and provides valuable skills.
• This candidate may not have much experience to share, but they demonstrate specific abilities from the job description and reference the company mission statement.

Operations manager resume examples >> Operations manager cover letter examples >>

12.  Product manager resume objective

Product manager job description  key details:

• Ensuring congruence between products and company strategy/goals
• Ability to oversee all functions and aspects of a product’s lifecycle
• Communication, collaboration, and facilitation 

Product manager resume objective:

• All the key “skill categories” are covered! This candidate sounds well-rounded and capable.
• The applicant also references the company vision and specific nuances from the job description.

Product manager resume examples >> Product manager cover letter examples >>

13.  Program manager resume objective

Program manager job description  key details:

• Leadership, delegation, and coordination abilities
• Planning, guiding, and driving projects to enhance the company’s portfolio
• Policy adherence and optimization

Program manager resume objective: 

• This applicant may be an intern, but they nail the ideal attitude of a confident program manager.
• We see plenty of key terms from the job description with a little spark of personality from the company site.

Program manager resume examples >> Program manager cover letter examples >>

14.  Project manager resume objective

Project manager job description  key details:

• Ability to work cross-functionally with multiple departments

Project manager resume objective: 

• Applicant makes up for limited-to-no professional experience by diving into powerful, relevant skills. 
• Key phrasing from goals on the company site also makes an appearance.

Project manager resume examples >> Project manager cover letter examples >>

15.  Recruiter resume objective

Recruiter job description  key details:

• Interpersonal skills and an eye for talent
• Strong decision-making and organizational skills
• Ability to guide new hires through onboarding

Recruiter resume objective: 

• The soft skills are strong here and immediately tie in with other impressive qualifications. 
• The candidate references the company’s name, goals, and mission statement.

Recruiter resume examples >> Recruiter cover letter examples >>

16.  Sales resume objective

Sales job description  key details:

• Team leadership abilities and ability to self-motivate
• Ability to research and analyze market trends
• Familiarity with software as it applies to customer assistance and troubleshooting

Sales associate resume objective:

• We see relevant personality traits, skills, and experience immediately.
• The candidate ties personal abilities and past experience with a brand-new role and the company vision.

Sales resume examples >> Sales cover letter examples >>

17.  Scrum master resume objective

Scrum Master job description  key details:

• Ability to serve as the point of contact for external communication
• Results-driven personality and ability to pinpoint areas for improvement
• Adaptability while teaching and adhering to Agile/Scrum values and empowering team members

Scrum master resume objective: 

• The applicant’s personality shines through as they highlight personal skill growth.
• The tone of this resume objective is ambitious and knowledgeable.

Scrum Master resume examples >> Scrum Master cover letter examples >>

18.  Social media manager resume objective

Social media manager job description  key details:

• Ability to strategize, plan, and execute ad campaigns
• Knack for keeping up with market trends
• Increase target audience reach via analytics and targeting

Social media manager resume objective:

• This candidate gets straight to the point, citing an impressive metric and relating it to the company.
• Worthington’s company vision also makes an appearance. Nice!

Social media manager resume examples >> Social media manager cover letter examples >>

19.  Software engineer resume objective

Software engineer job description  key details:

• Engineering mindset applied to software development
• Analyze, enhance, and test existing software and code
• Creativity while engineering new programming solutions

Software engineer resume objective:

• The candidate mirrors the conversational, storytelling tone of the company site and pulls specific phrases from its vision statements. 
• Technical skills and a go-getter attitude make up for a sparse professional history.

Software engineer resume examples >> Software engineer cover letter examples >>

20.  Teacher resume objective

Teacher job description  key details:

• Fantastic communication and listening skills
• Ability to pleasantly keep control of the room
• Organization and record-keeping abilities 

Teacher resume objective:

• The applicant leads with a robust set of personal qualities that demonstrate the ideal archetype of a caring teacher. 
• The candidate highlights  how  their skills will benefit people at the school where they apply.

Teacher resume examples >> Teacher cover letter examples >>

30 More Job-Specific Resume Objectives

While you look through these next 30 resume objective samples, imagine they’re tailored to a specific job description—and look for ways you can do the same while writing your own.

1.  Account manager resume objective

2.  Barista resume objective

3.  Chef resume objective

4.  Computer science resume objective

5.  Construction worker resume objective

6.  Consulting resume objective

7.  Dentist resume objective

8.  Electrician resume objective

9.  Front desk receptionist resume objective

10.  Full-stack engineer resume objective

11.  Hostess resume objective

12.  Medical assistant resume objective

13.  Network engineer resume objective

14.  Personal trainer resume objective

15.  Pharmacist resume objective

16.  Product owner resume objective

17.  Programmer resume objective

18.  Real estate agent resume objective

19.  Truck driver resume objective

20.  Web developer resume objective

21.  High school student resume objective

22.  Stay at home mom resume objective

23.  Server resume objective

24.  Nanny resume objective

25.  Data entry resume objective

26.  Marketing resume objective

27.  Teacher assistant resume objective

28.  Caregiver resume objective

29.  Social worker resume objective

30.  Dental assistant resume objective

On a resume, your objective is your goal . Where do you want to be in your field, and what qualifying skills, personal traits, or experiences will help you get there? How does the next step in your career journey relate to the job description? How do your professional goals benefit the company you’re connecting with?

A good objective statement tells readers why you want the job and how you can contribute if you’re hired. Your objective should also forge your first link with the company by connecting over mutual values or goals. You also want to keep things concise and avoid repeating yourself later in the resume: Keep everything fresh!

Your resume objective should state that you want the job and then make your reader want to give it to you by supporting your qualifications with a few skills. Connect with the company to demonstrate thoroughness and ambition! If you have an example of how you align with the company or have overcome one of their current obstacles, include it briefly if you have room.

It’s almost always effective to open your objective with a few skills that demonstrate your understanding of the job. (“Given my background in networking and my extensive knowledge of MongoDB, . . .”).

Then, you can segue into how your skills align with the job description of the company you’re applying to. You can also open with your personal connection to the organization’s values.

Your career objective should just be a few concise, skillfully crafted sentences! You don’t want to use too much page space, and you want recruiters to get to your attention-grabbing credentials and experiences quickly. Show your written communication skills by limiting your objective to around 30 to 50 words.

The purpose of an objective is to help entry-level candidates (or others with limited experience or a career switch on the horizon) sum up how their personal professional goals align with the company’s. Your objective should express enthusiasm for the core mission of the job role and demonstrate that you’re a strong candidate with examples.

Resume Objective Takeaways and Your Next Steps

We know it’s easy to get lost amid so many details and tidbits of information: But don’t lose sight of the forest for the trees. Refer to the above objective examples and take inspiration from our  1,000+ resume examples . 

And when it’s time to write your resume objective statement, take a step back and don’t forget about our easy formula: 

X + Y + Z = Eye-catching objective statement! 

X =  Your applicable personal characteristics and traits 

Y =  Years of experience and/or quantified success/results 

Z =  How these results (or other relevant and comparable qualifications) apply to the specific job role 

This formula will be your resume objective statement’s lifesaver! If you don’t have experience yet, try to balance that out with your previous achievements or character traits that align with the company and its vision—these will show you’re a desirable hire even if you haven’t had the chance to prove it just yet. 

Lastly, remember that we have plenty of other helpful tools to ensure the rest of your resume is as stunning as your objective statement! Stop by and check out our  resume builder  and handy  resume tips . You’ve got everything you need to get started—so get ready to let yourself shine!

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How to Address a Resume Gap When Switching Careers

• Rebecca Knight

The do’s and don’ts of navigating a career transition that’s taking longer than you hoped.

The prospect of a new career can hold a sense of excitement. But what should you do if your job search has become a disheartening slog and the gap on your resume just seems to be growing wider by the day? What can you do to protect your mental health and rekindle your optimism for the future? In this article, the author offers practical advice  to help you navigate your career switch when you’re worried about a widening gap on your resume. 

You likely felt a surge of excitement when you made the decision to switch careers . But what should you do if your job hunt starts to become a tedious and disheartening slog — and the  gap on your resume is growing wider by the day? How can you address your extended absence from the workforce without making excuses? And how can you stay motivated and resolved in the face of setbacks?

• RK Rebecca Knight is a journalist who writes about all things related to the changing nature of careers and the workplace. Her essays and reported stories have been featured in The Boston Globe, Business Insider, The New York Times, BBC, and The Christian Science Monitor. She was shortlisted as a Reuters Institute Fellow at Oxford University in 2023. Earlier in her career, she spent a decade as an editor and reporter at the Financial Times in New York, London, and Boston.

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