Resume Objective Samples

What Not to Do

These resume objective samples show how a poorly conceived and written job objective can do more harm than good.

Resume objectives may – in certain situations – serve a purpose. But if you use them – and many resume writing experts today recommend that you don't – make sure they don't look like the ones we've collected here!

(Read more about the pros and cons of using resume objectives) here

In case you haven't run into the page yet, you might also want to take a look at the article where I explain how a summary of qualifications is often a better way to go than a resume objective, simply because it can provide a much better snapshot of who you are and what you have to offer an employer.

But a resume objective can do that too and is actually preferred in a few situations, such as entry level job applicants, new graduates, or career changers. But it has to be written well to work well for you in securing job interviews.

And the sad fact is that most resume objectives that hiring managers read aren't written well.

Ineffective Resume Objective Samples

Take a gander now at what not to do...

From CareerJournal.com and Robert Half:

"To work for a company with a warm environment and great pay."

"To utilize my skills and experience working for an aggressive company, but more important, a well-balanced company."

"Prepare myself to become president of a large corporation. I would like to do this through continued exposure to top management who are willing to mentor me. At the same time, I have a pilot's license and am presently studying for my instrument rating. This will enable me to rapidly move myself and my mentors in all weather conditions."

"To work as a bookkeeper where acuracy is appreciated."

"A job that challenges me. Challenge is the core and mainstay of my life, whether it's scaling a high mountain or riding out a storm in my sailboat. Without a challenge, a man might as well be dead."

Here's one of the most typical meaningless resume objective samples:

"________position allowing me to fully utilize my skills and attributes and providing professional advancement opportunities."

Does that say anything to you about what this candidate has to offer? Me neither!

These are just a few examples of job objectives that won't be effective in securing job interviews. Click the link to see more effective resume objective samples. Or, even better in some experts' eyes, are power statements or career summaries.

Learn More About Writing a Resume

• Start here to learn how to create a resume
• Get tips for effective resume writing
• Learn about the different resume formats you can use
• Use the right resume fonts, for maximum impact
• Should you use resume objectives or a power statement?
• Find out about resume layouts
• Why specific resume wording matters

Here are some more pages you might like...

• Read & share job hunting horror stories
• Supplement your income with your own home biz?
• Pay attention the resume layouts you use