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Objection! How NOT to Start Your Resume
copyright (c) 2003 by Kevin Donlin

Well begun is half-done. But far too many resumes begin with objective
statements that can only be described as … half-baked.

As a professional resume writer, I review and analyze nearly 2,000 resumes
every year. And in the vast majority of cases, almost every job seeker
could use a better opening objective.

To show you what I mean, here are three example objectives from actual
resumes sent to me for analysis. (My comments are in parentheses.) Each
resume got off to a horrible start as a result of these objectionable
objectives.

Objective 1
To obtain a responsible (as opposed to irresponsible?) and challenging
(what, you don't like dull work?) position where my education and work
experience will have valuable application (instead of a worthless one?)

Objective 2
To contribute professionalism and experience to a challenging position
offering ample skill utilization and growth opportunities. (This is just
plain gobbledygook, and could describe any job on earth, really.)

Objective 3
Seeking a challenging career with a progressive organization which will
utilize my skills, abilities and education in management, product
management, operations, purchasing and buying … (Sorry, I gave up halfway
through. Chances are, employers reading that sleep-inducing sentence will,
too.)

OK. So much for how not to start your resume.

You can stand out from the crowd if you'll just start your from the
employer’s point of view, instead of your own. And use everyday language as
you write.

Sounds simple, doesn't it?

It is.

When writing your objective, make sure it answers this question: “What’s in
it for me?” That’s the question on every employer’s mind as he or she reads
your resume.

Here’s an example objective, to get you started:

OBJECTIVE
Management position in procurement where over 10 years of experience will
add value to operations.

Avoid such trite phrases as: “seeking a chance for advancement,” “where my
skills will be utilized,” or “where I can further my career.” I've seen
each of these on resumes that were badly hampered as a result.

So, to keep your objective from being objectionable (and torpedoing your
job search), put the focus where it belongs -- on the employer and their
needs.

And don't try to impress readers with your vocabulary. Write the way you
would talk to your manager during a meeting. To see if you've succeeded,
read your objective out loud.

Best of luck to you!

---------

Kevin Donlin owns and operates Guarantee.d Resumes. Since 1995, he has
provided resumes, cover letters and online job-search assistance to clients
on five continents.

Kevin has been interviewed by WCCO and WLTE radio, and KMSP TV, among
others. His articles have appeared in the National Business Employment
Weekly, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Twin Cities Employment Weekly and others.

As a reader of this publication, you're eligible for a special offer. Get
your F-ree Job Search Kit ($25.00 value) at the Guarantee.d Resumes Web
site - http://www.gresumes.com