A resume objective sits at the beginning of your resume and cherry picks two high-value skills or qualifications to grab a hiring manager’s attention quickly. These resume objective samples and writing tips help you maximize this crucial resume section.
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A resume objective statement sits just below your name and contact information, based on a standard resume layout. This is your formal introduction and your first chance to effectively pitch yourself as the best candidate for a job. This two to three sentence paragraph cherry highlights a few skills or accomplishments to give hiring managers an idea of who you are, what they can expect from you and what you hope to accomplish if hired.
Writing a resume objective is appropriate if:
You can boost the effectiveness of your resume by choosing a skills-friendly resume format like the functional or hybrid resume. For job seekers with 10+ years of experience, we recommend the chronological format.
“Recent digital content graduate passionate about developing video, photography and written content. Seeking an opportunity to use a creative content approach and writing skills to master new digital platforms and improve results. Adequate knowledge of content management programs like Monday, Asana and Figma.”
We underlined the relevant information that can help persuade a hiring manager to hire you, an entry-level applicant.
Here’s why this is a good objective for a resume:
For decades, the resume objective was the traditional method used to introduce your strongest qualifications and reasoning for wanting a job. Today, most employers are less interested in how they can support your career growth and more concerned with how hiring you resolves their immediate workplace needs.
A resume objective works best if you have little to no formal experience but want to explain how your transferable skills and experience make you the best candidate for the open job. Use a resume summary if you have:
An objective statement is shorter and usually comprises one to two sentences where you discuss your career goals or list the job skills you hope to develop in the new role.
Example
“Seeking a position as a warehouse associate to help streamline the ordering and distribution process through my ability to learn quickly on the job. Want to apply my strong work ethic, physical strength, organizational skills and general problem-solving to increase the company’s productivity.”
The resume summary, or summary statement, is the new standard for resume introductions. This paragraph focuses on resolving the immediate hiring needs advertised in a job description.
Example
“Hardworking and dedicated warehouse worker with a successful six-year track record of maintaining inventory controls by collecting stock location orders and recording amounts of materials received. Solid reputation for performing order pulling, labeling, and transporting duties safely within large warehouse environments. Possess current forklift certification. Bilingual in English and Spanish.”
What is a good objective for a resume? Here is a list of good resume objectives for popular job titles. Simply click a job title to see the full resume objective example.
Accountant resume objective example:
“Certified Public Accountant with five years of management experience seeking a leadership position to apply analytical skills and leadership experience to lead the financial department to organizational effectiveness and cost-effective solutions.”
Administrative assistant resume objective example:
“Looking to contribute to the open position of logistics administrative assistant. Have two years of experience as an administrative assistant and can apply professional knowledge in supply management and inventory control to support the workplace logistics operation.”
Amazon delivery driver resume objective example:
“Hardworking individual with a clean driving record and attention to detail seeks job as a delivery driver to improve Amazon’s overall customer experience.”
Bank teller resume objective example:
“Personable and responsible candidate seeking an entry-level bank teller position. Previous experience in bartending and customer service instilled professional cash handling and financial management experience ideal for a customer-facing role at your financial institution.”
Cashier resume objective example:
“Motivated individual developed warm customer service skills to be a top fundraiser for two years straight. Looking to contribute and develop said skills as your new cashier.”
Computer scientist resume objective example:
“Freshly trained computer science major seeks to put new abilities to the test. Skilled in debugging and algorithm creation skills will help your team complete projects on time.”
Construction worker resume objective example:
“Hardworking and eager to learn worker seek a construction role to gain experience using tools, solving problems and performing general maintenance. Proven ability to follow instructions and anticipate being a valuable asset to your crew.”
Content creator resume objective example:
“Visionary writer seeks first role as paid content creator. Professional portfolio of work portrays dynamic ability to tell a story and keep readers engaged. Intuitive ability to appeal to readers will positively influence click-through and conversion rates.”
Customer service representative resume objective example:
“Diligent and personable customer service representative with strong communication skills and an ability to learn and advertise products and services looking to transition to B2B sales and marketing.”
Data analyst resume objective example:
“Deeply knowledgeable data analyst looking to expand infrastructure knowledge and establish a career with a company that designs database processes and procedures for the enterprise environment.”
Dental assistant resume objective example:
“Postgrad dental hygienist seeks first role working in an office. Eager to bring professional attention to detail, gentle touch and patient-first attitude to your practice.”
Dog walker resume objective example:
“Recently retired teacher seeks a dog walking opportunity to nurture and care for pets. Hoping to spend more time outdoors on long walks to ensure dogs get the perfect mix of exercise and socialization.”
Executive assistant resume objective example:
“Organized candidate seeks an opportunity as an executive assistant. Ready to bring professional demeanor and attention to detail to ensure necessary tasks and duties are handled according to existing protocol.”
Financial analyst resume objective example:
“A highly motivated individual looking to advance professional career as a financial analyst. Can use accounting and financial reporting skills to analyze and provide deep insight in variance research analysis to improve the company’s financial structures.”
Hair stylist resume objective example:
“Recent cosmetology school graduate excelling in haircutting. Seeking to build a large client base and improve practical knowledge of Aveda products and color techniques via your salon. Eager to supply junior support to your senior stylists and hairdressers.”
Housekeeper resume objective example:
“Mother of four seeks a housekeeping post. Possess existing home maintenance, laundry, and budgeting skills to ensure your home is immaculate, clothes rigidly ironed and social events run without a hitch.”
Human resources recruiter resume objective example:
“Self-motivated professional with five years of experience in a human resource field. Looking to gain employment as a U.S. Army recruiter to utilize human resources and interpersonal skills abilities to conduct thorough and effective background investigations within the HR unit.”
IT project manager resume objective example:
“Highly analytical IT project manager skilled at planning and developing the components and staff for the network systems and technical support. Looking to identify staffing needs and effectively manage the project staff.”
Line cook resume objective example:
“Hardworking kitchen apprentice seeking to bring professional knife skills and pantry chef experience. Looking forward to learning your method of operations and growing culinary skill set.”
Nursing assistant resume objective example:
“Dedicated nurse looking to obtain a CNA position at the regional hospital to apply knowledge of pain management and unique nursing practices through excellent patient care to help with quick recovery and revitalization of patients.”
Office manager resume objective example:
“Administrative professional with more than seven years of experience seeks to expand responsibilities and improve your office workflow. Can bring attention to detail and interpersonal skills will help ensure the office is efficient and organized.”
Receptionist resume objective example:
“A friendly and committed receptionist with proven efficiency in operating a multi-line phone system, providing support for an after-hours medical helpline. Seeking an opportunity to join the virtual medical receptionist position to contribute to patient satisfaction.”
Restaurant manager resume objective example:
“Experienced server previously tasked with financial closing responsibilities seeks growth in the hospitality industry. Professional background in fine dining and problem-solving abilities reflect the personal potential for floor manager responsible and can help improve your level of service.”
Retail associate resume objective example:
“Fashion-conscious and responsible individual seeking a retail associate position. Aim to develop customer service skills and knowledge of the boutique garment industry and help increase.”
Sales associate resume objective example:
“Professional sales associate highly skilled in developing customer relationships, attention to detail and problem-solving skills. Seeking a position at an ethically strong business to continue professional development.”
Salon assistant resume objective example:
“Cosmetology student seeks to apply and develop beauty skills by working in a cutting-edge, trend-setting salon. Looking to learn from your stylists and use bubbly personality to greet, prepare and establish clients.”
Secretary resume objective example:
“After a career hiatus to care for children, seeking to reenter the workforce and offer attentive secretarial skills. Adept at scheduling, multi-line phone handling and organizational tasks that will help the office run smoothly.”
SEO specialist resume objective example:
“After completing a Udemy course on data analytics, seeking to hone additional skills in identifying keywords and ranking strategies with a growing and dynamic company like yours.”
Server resume objective
example:
“Friendly and knowledgeable university student seeks part-time server position. Hope to develop customer service skills and contribute as a dynamic team player.”
Social media manager resume objective example:
“Aspiring social media manager with personal experience creating stories, videos and photos that attract user ‘likes,’ boosts post shares and overall engagement.”
Software engineer resume objective example:
“Seeking a software engineer position, bringing eight years of hands-on experience in Java, HTML, C++ and core web design. Looking to apply coding knowledge and pre-existing IT experience to a senior staff engineer position to improve designing and implementing systems.”
Teacher resume objective example:
“Recent George Mason graduate wants to impact students’ lives in the Raleigh school system. Hoping to use an inspirational personality and creative lesson planning to help keep students engaged and improve their academic performance.”
Technical support specialist resume objective example:
“Eager to leverage recently acquired technical support skills into a career. Aim to help company’s users solve issues and technical problems and provide a great customer experience.”
Tutor resume objective
example:
“Successful test-taker aiming to share skills and tactics with students who want to improve their college prep exam scores. Proven ability to explain and engage students to help your clients do well!”
Web developer resume objective example:
“Well-trained AppAcademy graduate seeks to utilize app development and debugging skills in a fast-paced and innovative environment. Hoping to prove programming skills and learn by working as part of a dynamic team.”
Since most hiring managers prefer the resume summary now, you should use an objective statement only if:
A detailed resume objective statement is great for first-time job applicants and recent graduates because it shifts the focus from your lack of experience to where and how your skills align with a company’s goals.
Start with a clear definition of your career goals, add two to three skills, and state what you hope to do for the company.
Name the position you’re applying for and include the company’s name.
Keep the paragraph to two or three sentences — you have seven seconds to impress a hiring manager.
Customize your resume objective statement specific to the role you are applying for. Before you begin writing, read the job description carefully. Learn what the employer values from the job description. Identify the skills and competencies required. Phrase your resume objective focused on the company’s needs.
Resume objective example template:
Motivated and hardworking [INSERT JOB TITLE] seeks to grow with your company. Seeking to apply professional skills in [INSERT 2-3 SKILLS] to help achieve [LIST BENEFITS YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE: e.g., company growth, customer service excellence.]
GOOD EXAMPLE:
“Highly driven business student seeking to develop and improve business skills in communication, advertisement, quantitative reasoning and teamwork. I am looking to join a progressive organization as an intern to utilize my passion for business in helping the company’s growth while gaining more experience.”
This job seeker focuses on realistic expectations. See how they pick skills from their work experience section to include in the resume objective? They also acknowledge that they’re applying for a short-term, entry-level internship position and pitch four crucial skills that help contribute to typical business strategies.
GOOD EXAMPLE:
“Brand manager, providing professional services for start-ups and rapid-growth enterprises, wants to come out of retirement to grow a global brand. Seeking an opportunity to use my decades of experience and in-depth knowledge of integrated marketing campaign tactics as a Senior Brand Consultant.”
This former freelancer downplays their lack of a formal employer by emphasizing their decades of experience. They outline the types of industries they’ve worked with before and describe their marketing knowledge.
GOOD EXAMPLE:
“A hard worker looking for an entry-level position as a front desk receptionist in the hospitality industry where my strong customer service orientation and communication skills can complete reservations and check-in.”
This job seeker clarifies that they’re looking for an entry-level position, immediately pitches customer-facing skills and describes how these skills can transition to typical hotel responsibilities. A hiring manager may hire them based on their general understanding of the job’s responsibilities.
We understand the pressure to identify and advertise your best qualifications to a potential employer. Why not simply the process with an intuitive Resume Builder? Answer a few questions about your preferred working style and skills, and we’ll auto-generate a few resume objectives samples for you to customize. Your answers will also help us suggest additional drafted sections to wrap up your resume. Try it today.
