How to Write an Effective and Original Objective Statement

A career objective is a brief statement at the top of your resume that outlines your career goals. It might seem simple — you want a good job, use your skills, and get paid well. But crafting an effective objective statement is actually quite challenging. 

You need to convey your professional expertise, job expectations, and career goals in just one or two sentences. Here’s how to do it right.

Common Mistakes

1. Not Including an Objective: Many people skip the objective because they think it’s obvious —they want the job they’re applying for. But employers look for an objective to understand your goals and see if you’re a good fit for the company.

2. Using Generic Statements: Avoid vague statements like, “To obtain a position where my experience and education can be utilized and expanded.” This doesn’t tell employers anything specific about your goals or qualifications and makes you seem unfocused.

Tips for a Winning Objective Statement

1. Make It Personal: Think of your objective as your opening statement. It should reflect your personal career goals, not just something anyone could say.

2. Show Commitment: Be clear about what you want. If you don’t seem sure about your goals, employers might think you’re just looking for any job, not specifically theirs.

3. Be Action-Oriented: Indicate what you’re willing to do to achieve your career goals. This shows you’re proactive and determined.

4. Be Specific: Avoid generic terms. Clearly state what kind of job you’re looking for and what you bring to the table.

Example Revision

Instead of saying, “To obtain a position where my experience and education can be utilized and expanded,” try something more specific and tailored:

“To obtain a position as a sales representative in the health insurance industry, where I can utilize my management and customer relations skills, with the opportunity for performance-based advancement.”

This revised statement tells potential employers exactly what kind of job you want, highlights your relevant experience, and shows your ambition for growth within the company.

Let’s take a look at another way to revise a generic objective statement into a more effective and original one.

Original Generic Statement:

"To obtain a challenging position where I can utilize my skills and grow professionally."

Improved Specific Statement:

"To secure a marketing coordinator role at a leading tech company where I can apply my digital marketing expertise and creativity to drive successful campaigns and contribute to team success."

This revised statement clearly defines the type of job you’re seeking, mentions your specific skills (digital marketing and creativity), and shows your commitment to contributing to the company’s success. It’s tailored to the role and demonstrates your clear career goals and qualifications.

By following these tips, you can create a strong, effective objective statement that makes your resume stand out and helps you get your foot in the door. Good luck!