You are here

Home » Six Steps to Job Search Success » Step 2: Create a Compelling Marketing Campaign, Part I: Résumé » Header and Objective

Objective

19 January, 2016 - 17:43
Available under Creative Commons-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Recruiters appreciate clarity, and an objective can help a recruiter understand exactly what you offer or what business would best suit your background. Objectives can be very targeted and mention a specific position or can be a bit broader in describing a job function. Whatever objective you choose, it should state what you are looking for and what you have to contribute. It’s not only about you. It’s about what you can do for them. Here are some examples of effective objectives:

  • An entry-level accounting position in audit, allowing me to use my analytical and detail orientation to ensure accuracy in all reports and reviews.
  • A communications internship at a top media company that will allow me to use my knowledge and experience to produce and edit clear and effective communications.
  • An entry-level position in the health-care industry, enabling me to use my business and communications skills to enhance a company’s bottom line.
  • A full-time marketing position at a Fortune 500 company, enabling me to utilize my knowledge and experience to enhance marketing efforts firm-wide.

Your objective should not ramble past two lines because no recruiter appreciates reading a paragraphsized objective.

Using the four preceding items, Figure 4.2 "Sample Résumé—Header and Objective" illustrates how our sample résumé looks thus far.

media/image4.png
Figure 4.3 Sample Résumé—Header and Objective 
 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • A header is the first thing a recruiter sees on your résumé. This information should make a strong and professional impression of your candidacy.
  • A professional voice mail recording is critical to being considered for a position.
  • An objective should be clear and succinct, allowing the reader to understand what type of position you are looking for.

EXERCISES

  1. Draft the header to your résumé, including all core components.
  2. Create professional voice mails for your cell phone and your home phone if they will be used for your job search.
  3. Create a professional e-mail address separate from your school e-mail address, unless you already have one. This is especially important when you enter your senior year.
  4. Draft two objectives: one that references a specific job and another that references an entrylevel position in a certain industry.
  • 1071 reads