Should you use an objective or a summary statement?

An objective tells the employer what your client wants.

A recent graduate, for example, submits a resume to a hiring manager without an objective or other identifying feature that tells the reader of the job wanted. Failing to include an intro paragraph could greatly hinder the effectiveness of a resume because within a tight market, hiring managers won’t take time to extensively review resumes to match individuals to positions. Design each resume around the client’s focus, including a fine-tuned introductory statement.

Some don’t understand.

There’s a distinctive difference between an objective and a summary statement.

An objective is perfect for career changers or individuals trying to tie together two career fields whereas a summary is ideal for those with long-standing, relevant work histories. Both provide unique opportunities to outline the person’s skill set and position titles … or in the case of an objective, outline the capabilities and potential.

Basic intro statements are no longer advisable due to the employment market and based on resume-management systems now incorporated into the employment process. With companies introducing these tools to streamline hiring, it’s up to you to take basic objectives one step further by including relevant keywords and other notables.

Take the following before and after examples:

Before

Seeking an entry-level sales position that will utilize my college education.

After

ENTRY-LEVEL SALES PROFESSIONAL | Strong and loyal sales candidate who has demonstrated the ability to perform, achieve and exceed an employer’s expectations by supporting a sales department consisting of sales representatives, sales managers, and director of sales. Candidate possesses the groundwork necessary to enter into a sales position utilizing continuing education and covering sales management, principles of marketing, and sales concepts while focusing on the company’s short- and long-term goals. Professional with the ability to …

 Maintain and expand an existing client base using relationship building and marketing strategies
 Forge a business development plan that concentrates on strong sales and increased revenue
 Participate in lead-generating and business-networking forums
 Maintain an existing client base or carve out new markets/territories
 Perform as an inside/outside sales representative

Although the client’s recent employment title appeared sales focused, her tasks were actually administratively oriented and made it challenging to reflect her as a sales candidate when she was nothing more than a secretary for the sales department. By applying a unique approach to the objective statement, such as incorporating wording like “ability to,” you open the door to outlining the candidate’s potential and enable sales-specific keywords to be weaved into the top section.

Now, she appears like a seasoned, entry-level candidate.