Should I use a Career Objective or Summary?
Find A Job
In the past, everyone used a career objective. However, career objectives come off as very one-sided – they simply show the employer what YOU want
What is a career objective?
- 2-3 line statement
- Summarizes your personal goals
- Summarizes your goals for the position you seek
- Example: “Seeking a position in the sales department with an opportunity for faster career advancement”
- WARNING: Be careful! The biggest mistake job seekers can make is customizing an objective and then forgetting to change or update the same objective before it is sent to a different company.
- WARNING: Do not pigeon hole your experience and skills
What is an summary?
- Discusses results that you have achieved
- Highlights the potential you possess
- Shows how you can contribute to the organization
- Shows how your skills, abilities, and strengths relate to the position that you are targeting
Which one is better?
In the past, everyone used a career objective. However, career objectives come off as very one-sided – they simply show the employer what YOU want. An executive summary, on the other hand, puts the employers’ needs on the table and shows how you can help them achieve their goals. By showing how you can benefit the organization, you will look better in the eyes of the hiring manager. If you have strong enough experience, neither is necessary.
