Resume Objective Statements: Tell the Hiring Manager Why He Should Read the Rest of Your Resume

Don’t be fooled by people who tell you that resume objective statements are optional, or that you shouldn’t have one at all.  Their reasoning is usually that objective statements fence you in and limit your job-seeking focus.

I’m here to tell you that you need an objective statement on your resume.  Why?

  • An objective statement tells me why I should keep reading the rest of your resume.

It’s advertising, basically.  It’s the teaser that will draw me in to reading the rest of your resume.  (The cover letter won’t do it.  Recruiters don’t generally have the time to read a cover letter–we go straight to the resume.  So, make sure the first few lines of your resume make me want to read more.)  Read about how to craft a compelling objective statement.  At it’s core, it’s about creating a statement that fits your capabilities to fulfilling the needs of the organization.  What are a few of your key qualities that will make you a good fit for this job?  Be careful that you don’t make this too generic (boring).

  • An objective statement makes it easier for me to figure out who you are and what you want.

Don’t be vague:  Think of your resume objective as a Personal Branding Statement (thanks, Phil Rosenburg of reCareered).  It’s not only saying what you want, but it’s also indicating what problems you can solve and how you can bring value to the organization.  In that way, it’s tailored to the job you’re applying for.  Jessica Holbrook’s article on Career Rocketeer agrees:  Don’t start off by telling the hiring manager what you want, tell the hiring manager what you can do for the company.

Don’t worry:  a well-crafted, tailored objective statement won’t stop you from being considered for other jobs.  For instance, as a medical sales recruiter, I’m always looking for the best candidate to submit to my clients for consideration for jobs in medical sales, laboratory sales, medical device sales, health care IT, and more.  If your objective statement has led me to read the rest of your resume to see what you can do (and what you have done), I’m going to think about you for any job you might be a good fit for because that’s what’s in the best interests of me and my client companies.



Written by Peggy McKee - the medical sales recruiter
Get top medical sales candidates at PHC Consulting

How to Get Into Medical Sales
Learn how to get into this great field - insider secrets & tips.

30/60/90 Day Sales Plans
Sales plan templates with audio coaching - nail your interview.


No related posts.

Comments

6 Responses to “Resume Objective Statements: Tell the Hiring Manager Why He Should Read the Rest of Your Resume”

  1. [...] A resume objective is a great way to get that summary of who you are and what you want, [...]

  2. [...] objective statement. Think elevator pitch.  Don’t make the mistake of assuming that a resume objective statement will limit your opportunities.  It won’t.  What it will do is capture the reader’s [...]

  3. [...] objective statement. Think elevator pitch.  Don’t make the mistake of assuming that a resume objective statement will limit your opportunities.  It won’t.  What it will do is capture the reader’s [...]

  4. [...] objective statement. Think elevator pitch.  Don’t make the mistake of assuming that a resume objective statement will limit your opportunities.  It won’t.  What it will do is capture the reader’s [...]

  5. [...] objective statement. Think elevator pitch.  Don’t make the mistake of assuming that a resume objective statement will limit your opportunities.  It won’t.  What it will do is capture the reader’s [...]

  6. [...] objective statement. Think elevator pitch. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that a resume objective statement will limit your opportunities. It won’t. What it will do is capture the reader’s [...]

Leave a Reply




  •  

    MedReps - Mdical Device Sales Jobs

     

  • Suggested Articles

  • Career Tools

     

  • Free Report

    winning the job search warsWinning the Job Search Wars

    This valuable report will give you insider tips on how to put yourself head and shoulders above other candidates - absolutely FREE!

     

    First Name *
    Email *
    * - required

    checkbox Sign me up for the PHC Consulting Newsletter

     Sign me up for the Career Confidential Newsletter too!

     

  • Career Podcasts

    PODCASTS
    Only $17

    Telephone Interview Preparation
    OMG, They Asked for References
    Polish Up Your Brag Book
  • Gorilla Medical Sales
  • Ace Your Sales Interview
    If you are a sales professional, or want to become one, looking for a new job, you will face one of the toughest interview processes of any job seeker.

    Now you can ace your interview with the 30 60 90 Day Sales Plan template with audio coaching. This simple tool will help you knock the socks off your interviewer and bury your competition. Over 30 minutes of concentrated instruction that jobseekers can use to get multiple offers from their next interview process.

    Click here to get the details of the 30/60/90 Day Plan template with audio coaching


  • Mailing List

     

  • Posts by Date

    January 2010
    M T W T F S S
    « Dec   Feb »
     123
    45678910
    11121314151617
    18192021222324
    25262728293031
  • Pages