As you update or create your resume you want to make sure that it’s current, including the format of your resume. One of the biggest changes over the years in resume writing is the elimination of the objective statement. The objective statement is now considered to be obsolete.
Why is an objective statement outdated? Because it tells the hiring manager what YOU want for a job and not what the prospective hiring manager wants for a new employee.
Today, hiring managers want to see only applicable attributes to the open position they’re hiring for. They want to know if you have the particular skills needed for that position, any relevant experience, and what you can offer them to help them succeed. If you begin your resume with an objective statement, chances are a hiring manager will cringe and put your resume aside.
The obsolete objective statement is replaced with the professional or career summary. This is where you describe your achievements, experience level, skills, and what values you can offer to a prospective employer. You should give this section careful thought as it is usually the first section listed at the top of your resume, and it’s usually read by hiring managers. If they don’t like what they’re reading, your resume will most likely be rejected. So, make sure to describe your skills, achievements, and values that are relevant to the job you’re applying to. For instance, if you’re applying for an IT Technician position, don’t mention that you used to be in customer service and can type 65 words per minute. It’s not relevant.
Unfortunately, if you’re scanning the Internet for resume samples in your field, you will find many templates that still list the objective statement. Don't use them! Most hiring managers and recruiters know this and will probably lose interest in reviewing your resume and that’s not what you want to happen. Please contact the Career Services Department today for assistance with updating and modernizing your resume.
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