How can you write resume objectives and summaries for any career level?

1 What is the difference between resume objectives and summaries?

A resume objective is a brief statement that describes your career aspirations and how you can contribute to the employer's success. It is usually used by entry-level candidates or career changers who want to highlight their transferable skills and motivation. A resume summary is a concise overview of your professional experience, skills, and accomplishments that demonstrate your value and fit for the role. It is usually used by mid-level or senior candidates who have a solid track record and relevant expertise.

2 How to write a resume objective?

A resume objective should be tailored to the job and employer you are applying for. It should answer who you are, what you are looking for, and why you are a good fit in no longer than two sentences, including keywords from the job description. For example, an entry-level applicant might seek a customer service representative position at ABC Company to utilize their communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills; a career changer may look to transition to a project manager role at XYZ Organization with their organizational, leadership, and analytical skills; and a senior-level candidate may leverage their creativity, innovation, and expertise as a marketing director with over 10 years of experience to drive growth and profitability at LMN Inc.

3 How to write a resume summary?

A resume summary should be a succinct showcase of your most relevant and impressive achievements, skills, and qualifications that match the job and employer's needs. It should demonstrate your unique value proposition and what makes you stand out from other candidates. A resume summary should be no longer than four sentences and should use quantifiable metrics and action verbs. Examples of resume summaries for different career levels include an entry-level recent graduate with a bachelor's degree in accounting and a 3.8 GPA, proficient in Excel, QuickBooks, and SAP; a mid-level certified project manager with over five years of experience in managing complex IT projects for Fortune 500 clients; and a senior-level dynamic leader with over 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Each has demonstrated their ability to deliver projects on time, within budget, and with high quality, as well as their capacity to develop innovative strategies, policies, and programs to improve patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and stakeholder engagement.

4 How to choose between resume objectives and summaries?

The choice between resume objectives and summaries depends on your career level, goals, and situation. Generally, resume objectives are more suitable for candidates who are new to the workforce, changing careers, or have gaps in their employment history. Resume summaries are more suitable for candidates who have relevant and consistent experience, skills, and achievements that match the job and employer's expectations. However, there is no hard and fast rule, and you should always consider the purpose, audience, and context of your resume when deciding which type of statement to use.

5 How to format resume objectives and summaries?

Resume objectives and summaries should be placed at the top of your resume, below your contact information and before your education, work experience, and other sections. They should be written in a clear, concise, and professional tone, using active voice and positive words. They should also be aligned with the rest of your resume, using the same font, size, and style. You can use bullet points or paragraphs to format your resume objectives and summaries, depending on your preference and space availability. However, make sure to keep them short and avoid unnecessary details or filler words.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?