A resume objective is a short, goal-focused statement at the top of your resume explaining who you are, what job you want, and what value you bring.
When to use it (and when not to):
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Use it if you are: A recent graduate, changing careers, relocating, returning to work after a break, or want to highlight a niche skill.
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Don’t use it if you are: An experienced professional in your field. In this case, a resume summary (which focuses on your measurable accomplishments) is a much stronger choice.
How to Write an Effective Objective:
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Formula: Who you are + What you want + What you bring to the table.
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Key Tips:
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Keep it short (1-2 sentences).
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Be specific about the job title and tailor it to the company.
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Show how you will add value to the employer, not just what you want.
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Use job-specific keywords from the job description so the recruiter can easily find you in their applicant tracking systems (ATS).
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Are you wondering if you should include an objective on your resume? You’re not alone.
Resume objectives aren’t as common as they used to be. But in the right situations, they can still make a strong first impression.
In this article, we’ll break down what a resume objective is, when to use one (and when not to), and how to write one that actually works.
Plus we’ll share plenty of examples to help you get started.
What is a resume objective?
A resume objective is a short statement at the top of your resume, just below your resume headline, that explains who you are, what kind of job you’re looking for, and what you bring to the table.
Think of your objective as a quick snapshot that helps recruiters understand your goals right away, before you dive into your resume sections.
Resume objectives are especially helpful if you’re a recent graduate or changing careers.
Here are a couple of examples:
“Recent marketing graduate eager to apply SEO and analytics skills in a digital advertising role with a fast-growing agency.”
“Former teacher transitioning into corporate learning and development, combining classroom experience with a passion for employee growth.”
Keep reading: What to Put on a Resume to Stand Out to Recruiters
What is a resume objective vs. resume summary?
Resume objectives and resume summaries both go at the top of your resume, but they serve different purposes.
- Objectives focus on where you’re headed in your career.
- Summaries focus on what you’ve already accomplished.
If you have relevant experience, a summary lets you highlight your top achievements. But if you’re early in your career or switching fields, an objective can help clarify your goals.
Still not sure which one to use? You can combine the two by writing a summary that incorporates your objective.
As you move forward in your career, you can easily change your resume objective into a summary with a few simple tweaks.
Keep reading: How to Write a Resume and How to Write a Beginner Summary for Resume
Do you need a resume objective?
Resume objectives aren’t necessary for every job seeker. In some cases, they can work against you.
That’s because your resume objective focuses on what you want, not necessarily what you can offer.
If you have several years of experience in your field, a resume summary is usually a stronger choice. It highlights your accomplishments and shows the impact you’ve already made.
When should you use a resume objective?
Here are the times when including your resume objective makes the most sense:
Should you use a resume objective if you’re new to the workforce?
If you’re applying to your first job and you have little work experience, your resume objective is a great place to highlight your education on your resume (and any accolades, like Magna Cum Laude on your resume), interests, informal job experience, and enthusiasm for your first entry-level role.
If you haven’t graduated yet, but are starting your job hunt, clearly state your expected graduation date on your resume.
Read more: Expert Tips for Including High School Diploma on Resume and How to List High School on Your Resume
Should you use a resume objective if you’re changing careers?
If you’re switching your career path, your resume objective can explain your career change and spotlight transferable skills (e.g., leadership skills, organization skills, creativity, etc.), freelance work, relevant educational background, awards, and certifications. Leave out details that may not be relevant, which might mean excluding your education.
Keep reading: How Far Back Should Your Resume Go?
Should you use a resume objective if you want to highlight a niche?
If you bring a specific value of specialized skills within a broad industry, like a marketer who specializes in startups, your resume objective can help you stand out right away.
Should you use a resume objective if you’re relocating?
If your professional experience is tied to a different city or country, your resume objective can clarify that you’re intentionally moving and actively looking in your new location.
Should you use a resume objective after an employment gap?
Whether due to family leave, travel, layoffs, or time off for mental health, your resume objective can briefly address a resume gap and focus attention on your readiness to re-enter the workforce.
If you have been working on behalf of an organization during that time, you can also consider how to include that. Volunteer work can also be an asset here.
If you’ve participated in any extracurricular activities or hobbies that you can tie into your skillset, adding them to your resume could give you a cutting edge to the recruiter.
Read more:
How do you write an objective for a resume?
With just seconds to grab a recruiter’s attention, your resume objective needs to be clear, focused, and relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Here’s a simple formula to guide you:
Resume Objective = Who you are + What you want + What you bring to the table
- Who you are: Your current role, years of experience, or education/training.
- What you want: The specific role you’re targeting.
- What you bring to the table: Key skills, strengths, or value you offer.
Here’s an example:
“Recent computer science graduate seeking a junior software developer role at TechNova. Skilled in Python, JavaScript, and team collaboration, with a strong foundation in building responsive web applications and solving real-world problems through code.”
This example is tailored to a specific job description, includes relevant keywords, and connects the applicant’s experience to the company’s goals.
Read more: 5 Things Not to Include on Your Resume
What are some tips for writing an effective objective for a resume?
If a resume objective is right for your situation, here are some things you need to know so you can write one that works:
1. How long should my resume objective be?
Aim for 1–2 sentences that quickly highlight who you are, what you want, and what you bring to the role.
Avoid generic statements or repeating information that appears elsewhere on your resume.
You can always add a link to your portfolio, personal website, or LinkedIn, so. the recruiter has more information without taking up resume space.
Read more: FAQ: Should I Include it On My Resume?
2. Does your resume objective have to be specific to the job?
Mention the exact job title and tailor your objective to match the industry or company.
This shows you’re not sending the same resume to every employer and that you know what you’re looking for.
3. What should your resume objective show?
Your objective shouldn’t just be about your goals. It should also touch on how you’ll contribute to the company.
Use the job description to identify what the employer is looking for, then connect your strengths to those needs.
4. Do resume objectives need to include skills?
Focus on one or two standout strengths—whether it’s relevant resume skills, a certification, or targeted experience.
Choose details that directly support your ability to succeed in the role you’re applying for. Don’t embellish the truth or lie on your resume to make yourself a better fit for the role. Linking your existing experience with a relevant spin is less likely to get you tongue-tied in an interview.
Keep reading: Is it Illegal to Lie on a Resume?
5. Do you need to use job-specific keywords in your resume objective?
Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS), so make sure to include key terms from the job description, especially the job title.
You can find the keywords—typically technical skills, soft skills, job-specific tools, or qualifications—in the job posting.
Keep reading: How to Highlight Skill Levels on Your Resume
6. What’s included in a strong resume objective?
Buzzwords like “hardworking” or “results-driven” don’t say much on their own.
Instead, be specific about your strengths. Mention the tools you’ve used, industries you’ve worked in, languages you speak (and your level of language proficiency), or types of problems you’re great at solving.
Include action verbs (and powerful resume adjectives) to boost your impact and strengthen your resume objective to make an impact on the hiring team.
7. Do you need to tailor your resume objective to every job application?
Generic objectives are easy to spot and easy to ignore.
Use keywords from the job description and focus on how your background aligns with that specific role.
How can you tailor your resume to the job description?
Jobscan’s resume scanner can help you optimize your resume for any job, fast.
Upload or paste in your resume alongside the job description. Click “Scan” to generate a report with Match Rate. The comprehensive report will tell you what skills you’re missing, if there are any formatting errors, and provide recruiter tips to increase your interview chances.
Try the scanner below:
Keep reading: Crafting a Standout STAR Method Resume
Include the job title from the job description in your resume objective.
Jobscan’s State of the Job Search report outlines the factors that contribute to job interview invitations.
Based on 2.5 million job applications, we found that applicants who included the exact job title to match the job listing were 10.6 times more likely to land an interview.
As a bonus, we surveyed 384 recruiters and 55% of them begin their ATS search with job title match.
Read more: 60 Resume Tips to Help You Land Interviews
What are some resume objective examples by situation?
No matter your situation, a well-written resume objective can help you stand out by showing where you’re headed and what you bring to the table.
Here are examples tailored to common job search scenarios.
What is an entry-level resume objective?
If you’re starting your career, your resume objective can highlight your education, enthusiasm, and transferable skills.
“Recent psychology graduate with strong communication and research skills, seeking an entry-level role in human resources to support talent development and employee engagement.”
Why this works: It states the candidate’s background, expresses interest in the field, and highlights relevant soft skills that align with the role.
What is an internship resume objective?
For internships, use your objective to show your eagerness to learn and how your coursework, shadowing roles, or projects align with the role.
“Business student with a focus in marketing analytics, seeking a summer internship at a data-driven agency to apply classroom knowledge of consumer behavior and data visualization tools like Tableau.”
Why this works: It connects the student’s academic focus to the internship’s needs, demonstrates initiative, and names specific tools.
What is a career change resume objective?
When changing careers, your objective can explain the shift and focus on transferable strengths.
“Former elementary school teacher transitioning into instructional design, bringing 6+ years of curriculum development, classroom technology integration, and learner engagement strategies to a corporate training role.”
Why this works: It frames the career pivot, emphasizes transferable experience, and shows how past strengths will add value in the new role.
What is a returning to work resume objective?
If you’ve been away from the workforce, your objective can briefly acknowledge your return while focusing on your readiness and relevant skills.
“Experienced administrative professional re-entering the workforce after a career break, eager to bring strong organizational skills, calendar management, and customer support experience to a dynamic office team.”
Why this works: It addresses the career break, highlights relevant skills, and shows enthusiasm for working in a collaborative environment.
Keep reading: How to Update Your Resume
What is a relocating resume objective?
If your work history is tied to another location, use your objective to clarify your move and interest in the new market.
“Project coordinator relocating to Denver and seeking a role in construction management. Offers 4+ years of experience supporting site planning, vendor communication, and safety compliance for commercial builds.”
Why this works: Clarifies the reason for the job search, reinforces commitment to the new location, and highlights relevant experience.
What are some specific resume objective examples for various industries?
Here are some more examples of objectives for resumes across different industries.
- Accounting/Finance
- Banking
- Computer industry
- Customer service
- Engineering
- Human resources
- Legal
- Marketing/Sales
- Medical
- Office/Administrative
- Project management
- Real estate
- Service industry
- Retail
- Teaching
- Writing
What are resume objective examples for accounting/finance roles?
Financial analyst resume objective
Finance professional with 7+ years of experience in banking, seeking a Financial Analyst role at JPMorgan Chase. Skilled in financial modeling, risk analysis, and data visualization to support data-driven decision-making.
Staff accountant resume objective
Recent CPA and former marketing specialist transitioning into accounting. Seeking a staff accountant role at PwC to apply strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a solid foundation in financial reporting and compliance.
CFO resume objective
Finance leader with 10+ years of corporate finance experience seeking promotion to CFO at Johnson & Johnson. Offers proven expertise in financial strategy, budgeting, and risk management to drive performance and support long-term growth.
What are resume objective examples for banking positions?
Bank teller
Experienced bank teller with 5 years at Wells Fargo, seeking promotion to Senior Relationship Manager. Skilled in client service, credit assessment, and financial solutions to support high-value portfolios and strengthen customer relationships.
Bank employee
Banking professional with 8+ years at JPMorgan Chase, seeking advancement to Assistant Branch Manager. Experienced in team leadership, customer service, and compliance, with a track record of exceeding sales targets and driving operational excellence.
Recent management graduate
Recent management graduate seeking an entry-level role at Security Bank to build a career in finance. Eager to apply academic knowledge in financial analysis, risk management, and customer service to support branch operations and client success.
What are resume objective examples for computer industry positions?
Software engineer
Software engineer with 5+ years of experience in Java and Python, seeking a Senior Software Engineer role at Microsoft. Skilled in agile development and solving complex problems to build innovative, high-impact software solutions.
IT project manager
IT project manager with 8 years of experience leading cross-functional teams and large-scale tech initiatives, seeking a Project Manager role at Google. Skilled in Agile and Scrum, with a focus on delivering user-centered solutions and driving project success.
Cybersecurity analyst
Cybersecurity analyst with 4+ years of experience in threat detection, incident response, and network security, seeking a role at Amazon. Proficient in SIEM and IDS/IPS tools, with a strong commitment to protecting systems and reducing risk.
What are resume objective examples for customer service jobs?
Customer experience specialist
Customer service professional with 5+ years in hospitality, seeking a Customer Experience Specialist role at Airbnb. Skilled in Zendesk and Salesforce, with a focus on resolving issues and creating exceptional guest experiences through clear communication and service excellence.
Customer support representative
Career changer transitioning from retail management to customer service, seeking a Customer Support Representative role at Tesla. Brings strong leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills to deliver high-quality support in a fast-paced environment.
Customer care specialist
Customer service representative with telecommunications experience, seeking a Customer Care Specialist role at Verizon. Skilled in resolving complex issues and using technical support knowledge to deliver effective solutions and enhance customer satisfaction.
What are resume objective examples for engineering roles?
Project engineer
Civil engineer with 8+ years of experience in infrastructure development, seeking a Project Engineer role at Jacobs Engineering. Proficient in AutoCAD and Primavera P6, with a strong track record of managing complex projects and delivering high-quality engineering solutions.
Electrical engineer
Software developer transitioning into electrical engineering, seeking a position at SpaceX. Brings a strong foundation in Python and C++, with a passion for developing innovative electrical systems that support next-generation space technology.
Mechanical engineer
Mechanical engineering graduate with a focus on robotics and automation, seeking an entry-level Mechanical Engineer role at Tesla. Proficient in SolidWorks and MATLAB, with a passion for sustainable energy and a drive to contribute to innovative product development.
What are resume objective examples for human resources positions?
Senior recruiter
HR professional with 10+ years of talent acquisition experience, seeking a Senior Recruiter role at LinkedIn. Skilled in Workday and Greenhouse, with a strategic approach to sourcing and a track record of attracting top talent in fast-paced environments.
HR coordinator
Marketing specialist seeking an HR Coordinator role at Uber. Brings strong project management and communication skills to support HR initiatives and enhance employee relations.
HR generalist
HR graduate specializing in organizational development, seeking an entry-level HR Generalist role at IBM. Proficient in ADP and BambooHR, with strong analytical skills and a passion for employee engagement and positive organizational change.
What are resume objective examples for legal jobs?
Corporate counsel
Attorney with 10+ years of corporate law experience, seeking a Corporate Counsel role at Apple. Skilled in Westlaw and LexisNexis, with a track record of providing strategic legal guidance to support compliance, risk management, and business growth.
Legal assistant
Finance professional transitioning into law, seeking an entry-level Legal Assistant role at Baker McKenzie. Brings strong analytical and research skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to supporting legal teams with accuracy and efficiency.
Paralegal
Paralegal graduate with a passion for litigation, seeking a Paralegal role at Hogan Lovells. Proficient in CaseMap and Relativity, with strong organizational skills and legal knowledge to support trial preparation and research.
What are resume objective examples for marketing or sales positions?
Sales manager
Sales professional with 8+ years in the pharmaceutical industry, seeking a Sales Manager role at Pfizer. Skilled in Salesforce and HubSpot, with a proven ability to lead teams, grow client relationships, and drive sales performance.
Marketing coordinator
Graphic designer transitioning into marketing, seeking an entry-level Marketing Coordinator role at Coca-Cola. Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite and social media tools, with a passion for brand management and creating engaging visual content.
Digital marketing specialist
Marketing graduate specializing in digital marketing, seeking a Digital Marketing Specialist role at Google. Proficient in Google Analytics, SEO tools, content creation, and social media ads, with a passion for using data to optimize campaigns and drive engagement.
What are resume objective examples for medical roles?
Clinical research coordinator
Healthcare professional with 10+ years in clinical research, seeking a Clinical Research Coordinator role at Mayo Clinic. Skilled in Medidata Rave and RedCap, with expertise in regulatory compliance and trial management to support high-impact research and patient care.
Healthcare administrator
Finance professional transitioning into healthcare administration, seeking an entry-level role at Cleveland Clinic. Brings strong analytical and organizational skills to support operational efficiency and enhance the patient experience.
Nurse
Registered nurse with 5+ years of critical care experience, seeking a Nurse Educator role at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Proficient in Epic and passionate about teaching, with a strong foundation in nursing education and a commitment to promoting evidence-based care.
What are resume objective examples for office or administrative roles?
Administrative assistant
Recent Business Administration graduate eager to bring strong organizational skills, reliability, and a proactive mindset to an Administrative Assistant role at Canva. Ready to support teams, streamline operations, and thrive in a fast-paced, creative environment.
Office manager
Administrative professional with 5+ years of healthcare experience, seeking an Office Manager role at Massachusetts General Hospital. Skilled in optimizing office operations, coordinating complex schedules, and improving administrative workflows. Committed to supporting high-quality patient care through efficient, collaborative team management.
Executive assistant
Administrative professional with a diverse industry background, seeking an Executive Assistant role at LeaderBuilder Co. Known for strong communication, discretion, and attention to detail, with hands-on experience using tools like Asana and Trello to streamline workflows and support executive-level operations.
What are resume objective examples for project management positions?
Project manager
PMP-certified project manager with 8+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams and delivering complex projects. Skilled in Agile and Scrum methodologies, with hands-on expertise in Microsoft Project and JIRA. Seeking to drive project success and innovation at Yahoo.
Management trainee
Ambitious Business Administration graduate seeking a Management Trainee role at Johnson & Johnson. Brings a strong foundation in strategy, team leadership, and problem-solving, along with adaptability and a strong work ethic. Eager to grow within the company, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to J&J’s continued success.
Senior manager
Engineering professional with a strong technical background and recent project management certification, seeking a senior management role at GE. Known for critical thinking and the ability to lead complex projects, with a focus on driving efficiency, optimizing resources, and delivering high-impact results across diverse industries.
What are resume objective examples for real estate jobs?
Leasing agent
Recent Real Estate Management graduate seeking an entry-level Leasing Agent role at JLL. Skilled in property inspections, client relationship management, and real estate tools like CoStar. Committed to delivering exceptional leasing services and helping clients find the right space.
Property manager
Finance Manager with 5+ years of experience, seeking a Property Manager role at CBRE. Brings strong analytical skills, market insight, and attention to detail to optimize property operations, boost revenue, and ensure tenant satisfaction across CBRE’s portfolio.
Senior broker
Real estate professional with 10+ years of experience in commercial property sales, seeking a Senior Broker role at Keller Williams. Skilled in market analysis, contract negotiation, and client relationship management. Focused on driving growth, surpassing sales targets, and delivering outstanding service in a fast-paced market.
What are resume objective examples for service industry jobs?
Front desk supervisor
Hotel and restaurant management graduate with a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences, seeking a Front Desk Supervisor role at Hilton Hotels. Known for outstanding customer service, strong team leadership, and proficiency in hotel systems like Opera. Ready to contribute to Hilton’s reputation for excellence.
Guest services manager
Marketing professional seeking a Guest Services Manager role at Disney Parks and Resorts. Brings strong communication skills, strategic thinking, and a customer-first mindset to deliver exceptional guest experiences and uphold Disney’s world-class service standards.
Store manager
Retail management professional with 7+ years of service industry experience, seeking a Store Manager role at Sephora. Brings strong leadership, in-depth product knowledge, and expertise in retail systems to drive sales, enhance the customer experience, and cultivate a vibrant, high-performing team culture.
What are resume objective examples for retail industry jobs?
Visual merchandiser
Dedicated retail professional with 5+ years of experience in luxury fashion, seeking a Visual Merchandiser role at Nordstrom. Skilled in crafting eye-catching displays, analyzing style and market trends, and using tools like Adobe Creative Suite to enhance the in-store experience and drive sales.
Assistant buyer
Customer-focused management graduate seeking an Assistant Buyer role at Best Buy. Offers strong market insight, analytical skills, and proficiency in tools like SAP to support the buying team, optimize inventory, and contribute to strategic merchandising decisions.
Retail operations manager
Experienced retail professional with a diverse background across industries, seeking a Retail Operations Manager role at Walmart. Known for leading high-performing teams, improving day-to-day operations, and using retail systems to support sales growth and create a seamless customer experience.
What are resume objective examples for teaching positions?
ESL teacher
Educator with 8+ years of experience teaching English as a second language, seeking an ESL Teacher role at Berlitz Language Center. Skilled in designing engaging curricula, assessing student progress, and using educational technology to support effective learning.
Preschool teacher
Early childhood educator with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, seeking a Preschool Teacher role at Bright Horizons. Committed to creating a nurturing, engaging environment that supports social-emotional development and instills a lifelong love of learning.
Review center teacher
Experienced test prep instructor seeking an SAT/ACT teaching role at The Princeton Review. Known for helping students reach their academic goals through strong content knowledge, engaging instruction, and effective use of online teaching tools. Committed to supporting student success and upholding Princeton Review’s standard of excellence.
What are resume objective examples for writing jobs?
Content writer
Creative and detail-oriented writer with a Bachelor’s in Journalism, seeking a Content Writer role at BuzzFeed. Brings a passion for storytelling, strong research skills, and experience with content management to craft engaging, shareable content.
Editorial assistant
Entry-level writer with a Bachelor’s in English Literature, seeking an Editorial Assistant role at Penguin Random House. Offers strong language skills, sharp proofreading abilities, and experience with manuscript editing tools like Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat.
Senior technical writer
Technical writer with 5+ years of experience, seeking a Senior Technical Writer role at Microsoft. Skilled at translating complex concepts into clear, user-friendly documentation using tools like MadCap Flare and Adobe FrameMaker. Committed to improving user experience and supporting Microsoft’s innovation.
Read more: These Famous Quotes Will Give You Resume Help
FAQs
An objective statement is an introduction to the resume. It tells a hiring manager your background, professional goals, and the value you bring to the company.
A resume objective focuses on your career goals and what you hope to accomplish within the company.
On the other hand, a resume summary focuses on your measurable achievements and explains what you can give to the company.
In recent years, recruiters have preferred resume summaries to resume objectives. This is because the resume summary provides a clearer picture of the value you bring to the table.
A good objective statement tells the hiring manager the goal of your resume.
Here’s an example: “Experienced social media manager with a proven track record of measurable results aiming to work for a brand focused on social justice initiatives.”
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- Job References: Everything You Need to Know
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