Why your Objective Statement hurts your resume

Show confidence in your resume

Objective Statements

I don’t like to see an objective statement in a resume and try to steer people away from them. I realize they are wildly popular, but they set the wrong tone for a resume. Objective Statements stand out like a child raising their hand, saying, “Ooohh, oh, pick me, pick me.” The writer’s mentality is one of “hope and luck” vs “confidence.”

” Fingers crossed vs. Bring it on, Biatch!”

All resumes typically include a section between the contact information and the experience. Let’s think about what an Objective Statement is for just a minute. The definition of the word “objective” is as follows:

Objective: something that one’s efforts or actions are intended to obtain or accomplish

With an objective statement, we set the tone for the rest of the document. The reader is put in a mental state in which the candidate is “striving” to attain a role. “Objective” implies that you have not yet reached your intended goal. You have not achieved your target. This is why I wouldn’t say I like objective statements on resumes. I especially don’t like them when the resume has a section titled “Objective.” They subconsciously convey to the reader that this candidate lacks the necessary skills. You just said, “I am not qualified.”

Recruiters review approximately 50 resumes per day. I can see why they might be needed if you are just out of school or have minimal experience, but I think they set the wrong tone in the document. Candidates with little or no experience can avoid these statements.

Below are a few examples of Objective Statement formats

• I am an ambitious, hardworking, driven, and responsible individual. I am looking for a (your adjective here) company/position where I can leverage my (your skill set here) and help move a company forward. I bring (more overused skill sets here) and (yes, more skill sets) a positive attitude.
• Looking for a challenging position in marketing where I can use my customer service skills and “blah blah blah.”
• Objective: A position with Acme Publishing as a marketing analyst where I can combine my customer service skills with my technology experience in the printing industry.

None of the statements tells the reader what skill sets you have. The above explains what you want to do. It doesn’t say whether you are qualified. The above “objective statements” sound like the top portion of every other candidate’s resume.   

Adjectives are overused

These adjectives are overused and a dime a dozen. They drone on and on. Candidates are trying to fit in too much. Trying to cover way too many bases with these statements hurts us. These statements ONLY mean something to the individual and their personal experience. The reader will not be able to infer the intent.  Objective statements usually describe some trait or skill without using an example. I am not a mind reader.  These don’t stand out from one resume, position, or industry to another. Think about that. If you can put your objective into a resume for a job or industry other than the one you’re applying for, it is too generic. Recruiters have read some version of it 100 times in the past week. “I’m just saying”.

Candidates think that all of these adjectives separate them from everyone else. In their mind, they can relate these adjectives to their specific experience. Sorry, all I see are adjectives.

Objective statements put the reader into a frame of mind. You are either “begging” for a job or “peddling your wares.”

Executive resumes do not use an Objective Statement

On the other hand, executive resumes do not state “looking for.” They list their skill set in a way that says, “This is me, hear me roar.” BOOM!!! These are branding documents.  

I have a good friend, Ari. She created the Mona Lisa of resumes as an executive assistant to C-level execs. I am sharing the top ¼ of the first page used with their permission. I think that this section sets the tone for the entire document. The “objective statement” isn’t an objective statement at all but takes the space below the name and above the experience.  

QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY

Skilled and dedicated Professional Executive Assistant with over 6 years of experience supporting senior-level executives: coordinating, planning, and supporting daily operational and administrative functions.

• Excellent calendar management skills
• Liaison between all departments to ensure proper lines of communication and reporting practices
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Visio, PowerPoint,  and Excel

My work as an Executive Assistant has exposed me to many different business sectors, including Human Resources, Online Marketing, Sales, Information Technology, Mobile, and Legal. I am a dedicated professional who consistently demonstrates a high level of ethics, character, and leadership. I have always had a strong, positive attitude towards life, people, and my career.

The above “objective” states what the candidate is looking for without explicitly stating, “I need a job; please pick me.” It tells the reader that they possess the required skill set, are capable of performing the job, and are qualified for most EA positions. 

Gets it done

The reader sees a solid picture of this candidate’s skill set.  The last paragraph says very firmly, “My work as an . . . .” and “I am a constantly. . .”. Lastly, “I always have a strong, positive attitude towards life, people, and career.”  It exudes confidence and lets me know she has done this job not just once but multiple times.  She is not “striving” for the skill set. She has arrived.  Yes, it has a few adjectives. The way they are presented it is more like the colored sprinkles on the ice cream Sundae. Not just a bowl of iced milk. It is a brand.

I could scan this in less than 2 seconds, see what I needed to see, and be inspired to read on. That is what the top ¼ of the page should do: inspire me to stay engaged.

Yes, I just heard a lioness roar. I review numerous resumes every week. This is a strong resume. It called to me. This, to me, oozes professional confidence.

See you at the after party,

Ringo “HRNasty” Nishioka

nasty: an unreal maneuver of incredible technique, something that is ridiculously good, tricky, and manipulative but with a result that can’t help but be admired, a phrase used to describe someone good at something. “He has a nasty forkball”.

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Ringo Nishioka writes about how managers actually make career decisions. Follow on LinkedIn and Bluesky.