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 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.
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.”
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.
Is a resume objective necessary?
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 you should use a resume objective
Here are the times when including your resume objective makes the most sense:
You’re new to the workforce
If you’re just starting your career, your resume objective is a great place to highlight your education on your resume, interests, and enthusiasm for your first entry-level role.
You’re changing careers
If you’re switching careers, your resume objective can explain your career pivot and spotlight transferable skills.
You want to highlight a niche
If you bring a specific value within a broad industry, like a marketer who specializes in startups, your resume objective can help you stand out right away.
You’re relocating
If your work history 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.
You’re returning after a break
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.
How to 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.
Tips for writing an effective objective for a resume
If a resume objective is right for your situation, here are some simple tips to help you write one that works:
1. Keep it short and focused
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.
2. Be specific about 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. Show how you’ll add value
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. Highlight your best qualifications
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.
5. Use job-specific keywords
Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS), so make sure to include key terms from the job description, especially the job title.
Jobscan’s research shows that resumes containing the exact job title from the job listing are 10.6 times more likely to result in an interview.
6. Avoid vague or generic statements
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, or types of problems you’re great at solving.
7. Tailor it to every 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.
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.
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.
Internship resume objective
For internships, use your objective to show your eagerness to learn and how your coursework 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 knowledge to deliver effective solutions and enhance customer satisfaction.
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.
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 the employee experience.
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.
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.
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, and social media ads, with a passion for using data to optimize campaigns and drive engagement.
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.
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.
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.
Resume objective 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Key takeaways
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Tailor your objective: Every resume objective should be customized to the specific job title and company you’re applying to. Generic statements won’t stand out.
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Highlight your value: Focus on the skills, experience, and qualities that show how you’ll contribute to the company—not just what you want from the role.
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Keep it concise: Aim for 2–3 sentences that clearly state your background, strengths, and goals.
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Use keywords wisely: Incorporating the job title and relevant industry terms helps your resume get noticed by both ATS and human reviewers.
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Make career pivots clear: If you’re transitioning into a new role or industry, your objective is the perfect place to connect the dots for the hiring manager.
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Entry-level? Focus on potential: Recent grads or career starters can emphasize education, transferable skills, and eagerness to grow.
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Avoid buzzwords: Phrases like “results-driven” or “go-getter” are vague. Instead, show your strengths through specific skills and context.
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.”
