While objective statements are ideal for some job seekers, resume summaries work better for others. Each type of introductory statement highlights a different set of goals and serves a different purpose. And, for many job seekers, neither resume introduction statement will be the right fit.
Below, we will go over the difference between a resume summary vs objective, when to use each, and how to create the best one possible.
What is a resume objective?
Resume objective statements focus on the job seeker’s objective. They are concise and tailored to the job you are applying to. Resume objective statements are less commonly used in today’s job searches due to the fact that for most job seekers, they take up space without offering value.
If you’ve been at this for a while, your resume objective statement is the introductory statement you are probably familiar with. Traditional resume objective statements simply state the objective of the job seeker. For example:
“To obtain a search engine marketing position in the advertising industry.”
However, objective statements have evolved in recent years to include additional context or the job seeker’s broader goals. For example:
“Email marketing professional with 10 years of experience looking to transfer my skills into SEM and Advertising.”
What is a resume summary?
Your resume summary statement highlights your skills and the proven ways in which you’ve used those skills to achieve results. Specifically, summary statements use work history to show the hiring manager why you are the best fit for the position.
Unlike the resume objective statement, career summary statements focus more on the company’s needs, not the needs of the job seeker. For example:
“With 15 years of financial planning experience, I’ve maintained over 200 client relationships while helping develop, and eventually managing, the company’s CRM system.”
The career summary (or summary statement) answers “what can I do for you?” It uses your work experience and accomplishments to prove your value. In order to do this, it often includes your credentials, certifications, and measurable accomplishments.
Resume summary vs. resume objective: What are the differences?
When you write your resume summary or objective, look at the job posting. It has key words and requirements that matter. However, the voice, use of metrics, goals, and purpose of the two introductory statements are different.
We’ve highlighted the major differences between resume summaries and objective statements below.
Voice
A resume objective uses passive voice, whereas resume summaries use active voice and action words (“Increased sales goals…”).
Active voice makes a job seeker sound more confident, crediting their own hard work for positive outcomes. Passive voice sounds weak and lacking in confidence.
Metrics
While a resume objective typically does not call out metrics, resume summaries do. Metrics help prove your accomplishments using hard evidence like percentages, dollar amounts or years.
For example, “Increased sales goals by 13% between August 2017 and March 2018.”
Goals
Both resume objectives and resume summaries include goals. However, resume objectives tend to focus on your goals. Summary statements shift the focus from the you to the company, describing goals that relate directly to the company’s needs.
How to write your resume summary
Your resume summary is a short paragraph at the top of your resume. It gives hiring managers a quick look at your top skills, work history, and strengths. It’s best for job seekers with some experience who want to highlight their best qualities right away.
Are you still wondering what to put in the summary section of your resume?
- Your job title and years of experience: Example: “Experienced Sales Manager with 6 years in retail and e-commerce.”
- Key skills or certifications: Highlight 2–3 relevant strengths (e.g., customer service, project management, CPA certified).
- Major accomplishments or results: Include one or two achievements that show real impact.
- Industry or job-specific keywords: Use terms from the job posting so your resume is more likely to pass ATS scans.
Once you’ve written your resume summary, it’s important to make sure it matches the job you’re applying for. The best way to do this is by using a tool like Jobscan’s resume scanner.
The scanner works by comparing your resume to a specific job description. It checks if your summary and other sections include the right keywords, if the job title matches, and whether the formatting is easy for an applicant tracking system (ATS) to read. This matters because our latest study shows that 98.4% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS to manage their hiring process.
- Upload your resume.
- Paste the job description.
- Scan your resume!
It’s that easy.
After scanning, you’ll get a Match Rate score that tells you how well your resume fits the job. The scanner also gives suggestions to improve your resume, like adding missing skills or changing how your experience is described.
Below is an example of a Match rate score after scanning, along with the specific resume summary field.
By using Jobscan’s resume scanner, you can quickly fix weak areas and feel more confident that your summary, and the whole resume, is ready to impress recruiters.
When to include a resume summary
Add your resume summary if you have a few years of work experience. It helps highlight your key skills and achievements at the top. It’s a smart choice if you’re applying for a job in the same field. It helps you show the employer why you’re a great fit right away. A summary highlights your best qualifications and captures attention in a short time.
Who needs a summary?
If you’re embarking on a career change or just joining the workforce, a strong, modern resume objective is often a good fit.
For job seekers with a lot of experience in an unrelated field, a resume objective helps set up that work experience in a way that highlights transferable skills. For example, if you are applying for a job in advertising but only has experience in consumer sales, you could write your resume objective that says:
“Throughout my 13 years in Native Advertising, I have learned how to analyze data and metrics strategically and collaborate with team members. I am looking forward to utilizing and expanding my skills in consumer sales.“
The career change objective statement above focuses on the job seeker’s top skills, helping the hiring manager to find relevance in the resume that follows.
Resume objective statements and resume summary statements are often thought to be one and the same. However, introductory statements should be used strategically when writing your resume, as both summary statements and objective statements serve different purposes.
Key takeaways: Resume summary vs. objective
A resume objective focuses on the job seeker’s career goals, while a resume summary highlights relevant skills and experience. Objectives are more suitable for those with limited experience or changing careers, while summaries are better for experienced professionals.
FAQs
A resume summary focuses on past achievements; a resume objective highlights future goals and career direction.
Include a summary when you have experience and want to showcase your top skills and accomplishments quickly.
Your resume summary is a brief intro that highlights your key skills, work experience, and major accomplishments.
A resume objective is optional and usually only helpful for entry-level workers or those changing careers.
A resume objective is a short statement about your career goals and how they relate to the job you’re applying for.
Start with your career goal, add key skills, and connect them to the company or role you’re targeting.
Include your job title, years of experience, key skills, and a major achievement relevant to the job.
A summary shows what you can do for the employer, while an objective focuses on what you want instead.
Experienced job seekers who want to highlight their strongest qualifications right at the top of their resume.
