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60+ Resume Objective Examples for 2024 & How-to Guide

Stephen Greet

  • Objective in a Nutshell
  • Do I Need an Objective?
  • Write a Resume Objective That Rocks
  • 3 General Objectives

As a job seeker, you know getting a job isn’t easy. Even with the increase in salary information, thanks to new  pay transparency laws , finding a job that suits your talents is challenging.

Now it’s time to start writing your resume, which means deciding if you’ll add optional sections like an objective statement. An objective can add valuable information, but knowing when to include one is tricky. Plus, a career objective is often confused with a  resume summary .

We’ll tell you the differences between the two, and we’ll help you write an objective that highlights the best parts of your resume. Whether you’re currently  building your resume  or wondering where to start, we’ve got the answers you need to write an amazing objective. 

objective for resume for graduate students

Resume Objective in a Nutshell

Young man in front of his laptop reading his resume

First: What is a resume objective? Well, it’s basically a snapshot of your best and most relevant expertise, given the position you’re hoping to snag.  The primary purpose of your career objective  is to quickly highlight your relevant skills and alignment with the specific company’s values and/or goals.

You want to ensure that any recruiter or potential employer sees why it would be ridiculous  not  to hire you! Your objective should hook the reader, persuading them to continue reviewing your resume—and, ultimately, shoot you an email or a phone call.

How do I know the difference between a resume objective and a summary?

Don’t worry if you’re confused about whether an objective or  resume summary  is the best choice for your resume. They’re pretty similar, and their contents can overlap quite a bit depending on the applicant, so there’s no need to overthink it! Still, there are a couple of differences to keep in mind if you’re struggling to decide:

Resume objective:

If you’re either switching careers or just starting in your field, then an objective statement could be the perfect intro to let employers know you’re the right pick. Resume objectives should stay between two and three sentences and  focus on your short-term career goals and how you’re qualified to start pursuing them .

Resume summary:

A summary, which is also two or three sentences, usually best fits folks with more experience within their career. This statement summarizes a candidate’s extensive skills and work history. The  resume summary  could be your ideal option if you want to progress in a career where you’ve already experienced success.

Do I Need a Resume Objective ?

Young lady sitting at her laptop writing her resume

To start, consider whether you need an objective at all. Any stellar resume will fall at a page, and you’ll need to make every bit of space count. So, it’s essential to consider whether your objective will add value to your resume or just waste space.

An objective generally suits those who are entry-level or are changing careers. This statement summarizes a candidate’s most relevant, job-specific skills and identifies why they want to work for a target business.

Adding a resume objective could be wise if you want to break into a new career, show the employer you genuinely desire to work for their business, or resourcefully fill up a little extra white space.

Resume objectives can add value if:

  • You’re an entry-level candidate
  • Your work history is light
  • You’ve decided to make a career change

But when should you discard the objective statement entirely?

Keep in mind that, on average, hiring managers spend just over seven seconds reviewing your resume before determining whether they’ll take a closer look. That’s a narrow window, so if your resume errs on the side of generic or bland, omitting it is best.

How to Write an Objective for a Resume

A PC monitor and laptop showing well written resumes

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, especially if this is your first time writing your resume objective statement. Luckily, seeing samples of how others have handled similar obstacles can help—just remember to inject your personality and make each objective statement as unique as you are. And while comparing others’ statements to your own, ask yourself: “Which of my achievements look the most impressive?”

Plus, we’ve got a fantastic formula for you that will further uncomplicate things:

The process is as easy as X + Y + Z = Eye-catching resume objective!

X = Your characteristics and personality traits Y = Years of experience and quantified success/results Z = How these results apply to the specific job role

Keep this formula in mind, and you’ll surprise yourself with professional and engaging results like the objective below:

Project manager career objective

X =  Ambitious, adaptable, eager, self-motivated, and efficient

Y =  2 years of intern experience within the field, learned skills/experience

Z =  Technical and soft skills tie in with forging strong teams and client connections

7 ingredients to resume objective success

Not sure where to start? Check out these seven tips on how to add the maximum value to your resume objective and launch yourself into the top  20 percent of job applicants who actually get interviewed  for a single job:

Don’t worry if this is a little overwhelming at first glance! Many job seekers linearly work through their resumes, but  save your objective for last,  even though it appears first. Once you fine-tune other sections, it’ll be easier to pinpoint choice details to fill in the formula and complete your perfect objective. (And who says you have to nail your statement the first time you write it?! Go through as many iterations as you need when you  outline your resume .)

1.  Inject your personality

Bonus points if you tie your personality traits in with the company’s values through skillful word choices! No one wants to read a bland resume objective that doesn’t connect the person with the company—they want to know  who  they’re hiring.

2.  Lead with strengths

These strengths could be notable projects or extensive educational background for entry-level applicants or graduates. For anyone changing careers, include successes like past work projects that demonstrate overlapping skills/values with the role you’re currently seeking. Mention relevant certifications in your objective, too!

3.  Minimize personal pronouns and contractions

Details like these may seem inconsequential and even helpful when trying to save space, but they can make your resume too informal. Also, referring to yourself instead of your skills can make it seem like you’re only interested in what the company will do for you.

(Hint: Gauge the company’s tone in its  job description  and website. You can get away with contractions more readily with informal companies).

4.  Keep it at two or three sentences

Again, resume space is invaluable! Make the most of this real estate by ensuring your objective is long enough to provide eye-catching value but short enough that it won’t get skipped. Save the details for writing a cover letter . Critique it visually, too—how does it look on the page?

5.  Talk about your relevant skills

 Revisit the job listing for crucial skills that match your expertise and leverage that in your objective statement.

6.  State why you’re interested and why you fit the role 

Other skilled applicants undoubtedly applied for this same role—so what makes you the right fit? Mentioning why you’re interested in the position and how you’re a good match will help you stand out from the crowd.

7.  Use a resume template that gives you the option to include an objective

Why reinvent the wheel? All our  free Google Docs resume templates  have space for your objective. Take advantage of a  resume template  (you can edit the one just below!) already laid out for your specific needs rather than dealing with the frustration of a template breaking because you tried to add one.

Middle School History Teacher Resume

Middle school history teacher resume example with 3 years experience

Common resume objective roadblocks

If you’re struggling, remember that starting in the wrong place is a common but avoidable pitfall: many applicants try writing their objective first, only to find they don’t know where to begin.  Lessen your stress by drafting the rest of your resume first . Writing a quality resume objective will become easier once your qualifications are laid out on the table. 

Since your objective needs to take up so little space, get selective while skimming the cream of the crop from your resume bullet points. What previous roles resulted in your most impressive contributions to a company? Put yourself in the recruiter’s shoes and think of what they’d want in their next hire, then write your objective based on your most dazzling selling points. 

Return to our objective samples in this post anytime you need some inspiration. You can also better prepare with a  resume outline . Planning out the arrangement of your background and skills will simplify filling out your resume when the time comes. 

Resume objective knockouts, hopefuls, and wannabes

To give you some examples of what we’ve been talking about, let’s look at a mock  job description for a data scientist  and compare three resume objective statements to see what passes muster.

Data scientist job description example:

Currently seeking a remote data scientist for Infinity Solars who is self-starting, innovative, and skilled with various data tools to design/create predictive customer behavioral models. Must be able to translate data for all levels of communication to support leadership groups, give team members actionable business insights, and lead machine-learning algorithm development. Must exhibit exceptional critical thinking skills by gauging the effectiveness and accuracy of data quality and mining techniques.

Now, let’s see how these example resume objective statements stack up:

I can definitely talk to people since I just got out of college for biology. I’m good with group projects and know a lot about computers.

Why it’s not a winner :   Leave out bland objectives like this one, which lacks the valuable info necessary to justify taking up space. What kind of job is this even for?

I love solar power and could use my background in data analysis to help your company. I’m also a big team player and have plenty of qualifying technical skills.

Why it’s just okay:  At least there’s some personality here, although it’s a little informal. This candidate should also specify skills that would benefit the specific company.

Knockout:  Check out our example!

Data scientist career objective

Why it’s great:  Nice—personality traits and skills that align with the job description! We also see years of experience with well-rounded skills that would benefit the company, presented with compelling and enthusiastic word choices.

3 Resume Objectives That Are General but Not Generic

Young man sitting behind his computer screen happily typing away

Keeping a few general (but not generic!) resume objective statements nearby enables you to customize your resume at any time quickly! Take a look at these general examples and note how to make them specific to you: 

Software engineer resume objective

Make resume objective #1 specific to you by:

  • Speaking to the exact obstacles the company mentions in its job ad
  • Mentioning the company name

Elementary teacher resume objective

Make resume objective #2 specific to you by:

  • Mentioning your relevant educational or professional background
  • Connecting your goals with the company’s

Business analyst resume objective

Make resume objective #3 specific to you by:

  • Mentioning a notable company from your extensive experience
  • Presenting your abilities as solutions to company obstacles

7 Resume Objective Examples by Career Stage

Young lady going over notes on a blackboard

The current stage of your career journey is crucial regarding the tone of your resume objective—a senior-level candidate who’s changing careers, for example, should sound different from a fresh graduate. See what we mean?

1. Entry-level resume objective

Data scientist career objective

Entry-level resume examples >>

2. No experience resume objective

Store associate career objective

3. Internship resume objective

Product manager career objective

4. Changing locations resume objective

Program manager career objective

5. Student resume objective

Recruiting assistant career objective

Graduate student resume examples >> College student resume examples >> High school student resume examples >>

6. College graduate resume objective

Marketing assistant career objective

College graduate resume examples >> MBA resume examples >>

7. Changing careers resume objective

Business analyst career objective

Career change resume examples >>

20 Resume Objective Examples Tailored to the Job Description

Now that you’ve made it this far, we’ve put together 20 more resume objectives—specific to various professions—so you can see how they exemplify our tips and tricks from earlier!

1.  Accountant resume objective

Accountant job description  key details:

  • Critical thinking and adept organizational skills, especially concerning client information and records
  • Information gathering and the ability to handle large data sets
  • Strong ethics and integrity with sensitive personal information

Accountant resume objective:

Accountant resume objective

Why this resume works

  • This candidate addresses skills emphasized in the job description while injecting personality and enthusiasm for the role. 
  • They also make up for their limited background experience by focusing on the skills that will make them great accountants while demonstrating an eagerness to learn.

Accountant resume examples >> Accountant cover letter examples >>

2. Attorney resume objective

Attorney job description  key details:

  • Ability to handle fast-paced and high-stress settings
  • Compassionate and caring
  • Logical and creative 

Attorney resume objective:

Attorney resume objective

  • Applicant leads in with necessary and location-specific qualifications and knowledge. 
  • The objective mentions compassion and determination to find justice, tying these values with the organization by name.

Attorney resume examples >> Attorney cover letter examples >>

3.  Business analyst resume objective

Business analyst job description  key details:

  • Analyze, evaluate, and improve business processes
  • Incredible communication and listening skills
  • Detail-oriented, innovative, and technically competent

Business analyst resume objective: 

Business analyst resume objective

  • This candidate uses language from the company site to exhibit relevance despite having limited professional experience. 
  • Applicant quickly provides experience and desirable skills that mirror the job description.

Business analyst resume examples >> Business analyst cover letter examples >>

4.  Customer service resume objective

Customer service job description  key details:

  • Critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
  • Flexible and adaptable 
  • Dependable team player

Customer service resume objective: 

Customer service resume objective

  • The candidate shows efficiency by quickly laying out experience and applicable skills. 
  • This resume objective responds directly to the company’s mission statement in both phrasing and qualification choices.

Customer service resume examples >> Customer service cover letter examples >>

5.  Data analyst resume objective

Data analyst job description  key details:

  • Exemplary analytical and data gathering skills
  • Ability to translate large data sets into actionable points
  • Monitor KPIs and generate reader-friendly reports

Data analyst resume objective: 

Data analyst resume objective

  • This candidate may not have traditional work experience but leverages freelance work to prove knowledge and impact. 
  • It’s a good idea to tie your qualifications to the company’s mission statements, just like this applicant shows how their skill set will benefit the organization.

Data analyst resume examples >> Data analyst cover letter examples >>

6.  Data engineer resume objective

Data engineer job description  key details:

  • Mine data via modern tools and programming languages
  • Ideas for innovative and creative solutions
  • Teamwork and strong collaboration skills

Data engineer resume objective:

Data engineer resume objective

  • Work culture and environment are casual here, so the candidate matches this tone. 
  • The candidate emphasizes teamwork and other skills emphasized in the job description.

Data engineer resume examples >> Data engineer cover letter examples >>

7.  Data scientist resume objective

Data scientist job description  key details:

  • Understanding of how to apply scientific methods to data analysis
  • Use algorithms KPIs to generate business insights 

Data scientist resume objective:

Data scientist resume objective

  • The applicant doesn’t have tons of experience, but they dive right into their educational and technical qualifications to make up for it.
  • The tone of this resume objective mirrors that of Barilla’s company culture, and it pulls in some unique phrasing from their website.

Data scientist resume examples >> Data scientist cover letter examples >>

8.  Graphic designer resume objective

Graphic designer job description  key details:

  • Creativity and technical ability
  • Strong understanding of how to captivate customers with visual media
  • Ability to think outside of the box and implement new ideas within the creative team

Graphic designer resume objective: 

Graphic designer resume objective

  • While the candidate’s field is creative, Felicity’s tone is professional, so the objective statement reflects this.
  • We see qualifications right out the gate, followed by a strong tie-in with company values.

Graphic designer resume examples >> Graphic designer cover letter examples >>

9.  Human resources (HR) resume objective

Human resources (HR) job description  key details:

  • Policy adherence, problem-solving, and conflict resolution
  • Super communication while educating employees and handling paperwork
  • Hiring and intake process 

Human resources resume objective:

Human resources resume objective

  • We immediately see language pulled from the company site and key skills from the job description. 
  • The candidate then brings in personal traits that make them an ideal fit for the role.

Human resources (HR) resume examples >> Human resources (HR) cover letter examples >>

10.  Nursing resume objective

Nursing job description  key details:

  • Checking, recording, and reporting patient vitals 
  • Compassionate and caring bedside manner
  • Resilience during long shifts and difficult situations

Nurse resume objective:

Nurse resume objective

  • This candidate covers all the key points from the job description perfectly.
  • The applicant also explicitly mentions the job setting by name.

Nursing resume examples >> Nursing cover letter examples >>

11.  Operations manager resume objective

Operations manager job description  key details:

  • Increase profits by improving efficiency 
  • Leadership and administration
  • Strategizing and problem-solving

Operations manager resume objective:

Operations manager resume objective

  • The applicant establishes a personal connection with Hilldrup and provides valuable skills.
  • This candidate may not have much experience to share, but they demonstrate specific abilities from the job description and reference the company mission statement.

Operations manager resume examples >> Operations manager cover letter examples >>

12.  Product manager resume objective

Product manager job description  key details:

  • Ensuring congruence between products and company strategy/goals
  • Ability to oversee all functions and aspects of a product’s lifecycle
  • Communication, collaboration, and facilitation 

Product manager resume objective:

Product manager resume objective

  • All the key “skill categories” are covered! This candidate sounds well-rounded and capable.
  • The applicant also references the company vision and specific nuances from the job description.

Product manager resume examples >> Product manager cover letter examples >>

13.  Program manager resume objective

Program manager job description  key details:

  • Leadership, delegation, and coordination abilities
  • Planning, guiding, and driving projects to enhance the company’s portfolio
  • Policy adherence and optimization

Program manager resume objective: 

Program manager resume objective

  • This applicant may be an intern, but they nail the ideal attitude of a confident program manager.
  • We see plenty of key terms from the job description with a little spark of personality from the company site.

Program manager resume examples >> Program manager cover letter examples >>

14.  Project manager resume objective

Project manager job description  key details:

  • Ability to work cross-functionally with multiple departments

Project manager resume objective: 

Project manager resume objective

  • Applicant makes up for limited-to-no professional experience by diving into powerful, relevant skills. 
  • Key phrasing from goals on the company site also makes an appearance.

Project manager resume examples >> Project manager cover letter examples >>

15.  Recruiter resume objective

Recruiter job description  key details:

  • Interpersonal skills and an eye for talent
  • Strong decision-making and organizational skills
  • Ability to guide new hires through onboarding

Recruiter resume objective: 

Recruiter resume objective

  • The soft skills are strong here and immediately tie in with other impressive qualifications. 
  • The candidate references the company’s name, goals, and mission statement.

Recruiter resume examples >> Recruiter cover letter examples >>

16.  Sales resume objective

Sales job description  key details:

  • Team leadership abilities and ability to self-motivate
  • Ability to research and analyze market trends
  • Familiarity with software as it applies to customer assistance and troubleshooting

Sales associate resume objective:

Sales associate resume objective

  • We see relevant personality traits, skills, and experience immediately.
  • The candidate ties personal abilities and past experience with a brand-new role and the company vision.

Sales resume examples >> Sales cover letter examples >>

17.  Scrum master resume objective

Scrum Master job description  key details:

  • Ability to serve as the point of contact for external communication
  • Results-driven personality and ability to pinpoint areas for improvement
  • Adaptability while teaching and adhering to Agile/Scrum values and empowering team members

Scrum master resume objective: 

Scrum master resume objective

  • The applicant’s personality shines through as they highlight personal skill growth.
  • The tone of this resume objective is ambitious and knowledgeable.

Scrum Master resume examples >> Scrum Master cover letter examples >>

18.  Social media manager resume objective

Social media manager job description  key details:

  • Ability to strategize, plan, and execute ad campaigns
  • Knack for keeping up with market trends
  • Increase target audience reach via analytics and targeting

Social media manager resume objective:

Social media manager resume objective

  • This candidate gets straight to the point, citing an impressive metric and relating it to the company.
  • Worthington’s company vision also makes an appearance. Nice!

Social media manager resume examples >> Social media manager cover letter examples >>

19.  Software engineer resume objective

Software engineer job description  key details:

  • Engineering mindset applied to software development
  • Analyze, enhance, and test existing software and code
  • Creativity while engineering new programming solutions

Software engineer resume objective:

Software engineer resume objective

  • The candidate mirrors the conversational, storytelling tone of the company site and pulls specific phrases from its vision statements. 
  • Technical skills and a go-getter attitude make up for a sparse professional history.

Software engineer resume examples >> Software engineer cover letter examples >>

20.  Teacher resume objective

Teacher job description  key details:

  • Fantastic communication and listening skills
  • Ability to pleasantly keep control of the room
  • Organization and record-keeping abilities 

Teacher resume objective:

Teacher resume objective

  • The applicant leads with a robust set of personal qualities that demonstrate the ideal archetype of a caring teacher. 
  • The candidate highlights  how  their skills will benefit people at the school where they apply.

Teacher resume examples >> Teacher cover letter examples >>

30 More Job-Specific Resume Objectives

While you look through these next 30 resume objective samples, imagine they’re tailored to a specific job description—and look for ways you can do the same while writing your own.

1.  Account manager resume objective

Account manager resume objective

2.  Barista resume objective

Barista resume objective

3.  Chef resume objective

Chef resume objective

4.  Computer science resume objective

Computer science resume objective

5.  Construction worker resume objective

Construction worker resume objective

6.  Consulting resume objective

Consulting resume objective

7.  Dentist resume objective

Dentist resume objective

8.  Electrician resume objective

Electrician resume objective

9.  Front desk receptionist resume objective

Front-desk receptionist career objective example

10.  Full-stack engineer resume objective

Full-stack engineer resume objective

11.  Hostess resume objective

Hostess resume objective

12.  Medical assistant resume objective

Medical assistant resume objective

13.  Network engineer resume objective

Network engineer resume objective

14.  Personal trainer resume objective

Personal trainer resume objective

15.  Pharmacist resume objective

Pharmacist resume objective

16.  Product owner resume objective

Product owner resume objective

17.  Programmer resume objective

Programmer resume objective

18.  Real estate agent resume objective

Real estate agent resume objective

19.  Truck driver resume objective

Truck driver career objective example

20.  Web developer resume objective

Career objective example for a web developer with JavaScript, PHP, and Mongo DB experience

21.  High school student resume objective

High school student career objective example for a cashier role

22.  Stay at home mom resume objective

Stay-at-home mom career objective example with 8 years of parenting

23.  Server resume objective

Career objective example for server position at Olive Garden

24.  Nanny resume objective

Nanny career objective with 5 years of experience

25.  Data entry resume objective

Career objective example for data entry clerk role with experience in improving record accessibility

26.  Marketing resume objective

Career objective example for a marketing associate role with experience in Hootsuite

27.  Teacher assistant resume objective

Career objective for a teacher assistant with 4 years of experience

28.  Caregiver resume objective

Caregiver career objective with 7 years of experience in pain management and motivation

29.  Social worker resume objective

Career objective for a social worker with success in increasing students' success rates

30.  Dental assistant resume objective

Career objective example for dental assistant with five years of experience

On a resume, your objective is your goal . Where do you want to be in your field, and what qualifying skills, personal traits, or experiences will help you get there? How does the next step in your career journey relate to the job description? How do your professional goals benefit the company you’re connecting with?

A good objective statement tells readers why you want the job and how you can contribute if you’re hired. Your objective should also forge your first link with the company by connecting over mutual values or goals. You also want to keep things concise and avoid repeating yourself later in the resume: Keep everything fresh!

Your resume objective should state that you want the job and then make your reader want to give it to you by supporting your qualifications with a few skills. Connect with the company to demonstrate thoroughness and ambition! If you have an example of how you align with the company or have overcome one of their current obstacles, include it briefly if you have room.

It’s almost always effective to open your objective with a few skills that demonstrate your understanding of the job. (“Given my background in networking and my extensive knowledge of MongoDB, . . .”).

Then, you can segue into how your skills align with the job description of the company you’re applying to. You can also open with your personal connection to the organization’s values.

Your career objective should just be a few concise, skillfully crafted sentences! You don’t want to use too much page space, and you want recruiters to get to your attention-grabbing credentials and experiences quickly. Show your written communication skills by limiting your objective to around 30 to 50 words.

The purpose of an objective is to help entry-level candidates (or others with limited experience or a career switch on the horizon) sum up how their personal professional goals align with the company’s. Your objective should express enthusiasm for the core mission of the job role and demonstrate that you’re a strong candidate with examples.

Resume Objective Takeaways and Your Next Steps

We know it’s easy to get lost amid so many details and tidbits of information: But don’t lose sight of the forest for the trees. Refer to the above objective examples and take inspiration from our  1,000+ resume examples . 

And when it’s time to write your resume objective statement, take a step back and don’t forget about our easy formula: 

X + Y + Z = Eye-catching objective statement! 

X =  Your applicable personal characteristics and traits 

Y =  Years of experience and/or quantified success/results 

Z =  How these results (or other relevant and comparable qualifications) apply to the specific job role 

This formula will be your resume objective statement’s lifesaver! If you don’t have experience yet, try to balance that out with your previous achievements or character traits that align with the company and its vision—these will show you’re a desirable hire even if you haven’t had the chance to prove it just yet. 

Lastly, remember that we have plenty of other helpful tools to ensure the rest of your resume is as stunning as your objective statement! Stop by and check out our  resume builder  and handy  resume tips . You’ve got everything you need to get started—so get ready to let yourself shine!

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How To Write A Resume Objective Statement (Examples Included)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

objective for resume

By Mike Simpson

UPDATED 5/18/2022

Resumes. We all know what they are. We all know how important having a good one is…and how much a bad one can hurt your ability to get your dream job. That’s why reviewing different resume objective examples is essential, ensuring you can create well-crafted, carefully targeted resumes for hiring managers.

So, how do you make sure your resume objective – and entire application – stands out? We’ll tell you. Come with us as we explore some resume objective statement examples, as well as tips on how to ensure yours shines.

What is a Resume Objective?

objective for resume for graduate students

“My objective? Well, that’s easy. My objective is to get the job.”

Absolutely, we couldn’t agree more. But an objective on your resume is so much more than just writing, “Hey, hire me. I’m super awesome.”

So, what is an objective for a resume?

Well, according to the Marquette University College of Business Administration , “an objective statement is a concise, position-centered statement describing the value you can add and the needs you can fulfill.”

Our friends over at Indeed.com take it a step further, saying: “A well-written resume objective statement can be customized for the job you’re applying for and add value to your resume that sets it apart from other applicants.”

Essentially, a resume objective is a targeted snippet that clearly outlines your career direction while simultaneously positioning you as someone who fits what the employer is looking for exactly.

Sounds pretty ingenious, right? So why don’t more people have them on their resumes?

Resume objectives can be a bit controversial. Some people think they can make you look amateurish…which, if you don’t do it correctly, is absolutely true. But that can be said for any section of your resume.

Other schools of thought think that the objectives should be taken out entirely and replaced with the more popular “ resume summary statement .”

You may be wondering, “What if I use a resume objective and the hiring manager looks at it and laughs? Are they going to throw out my resume…or worse, put it on the wall of shame?”

Now, nobody is going to laugh at your resume objective as long as you use the right approach. Additionally, if your career is moving in certain directions, using a resume objective makes more sense than the alternatives.

When Should You Use a Resume Objective?

Are you relatively new to the job search market or lack work experience?

Are you changing industries?

Are you targeting a specific job or position?

If you answered “YES” to any of these above questions, then the resume objective is potentially perfect. If you answered “NO” to all of the above questions, you might be better off with a “Resume Summary Statement.”

For those of you in the middle of a career change or who might just be starting out, a resume objective statement allows you to define your goal to a potential employer…something that your work history might not otherwise be able to do for you.

Imagine how confused a hiring manager would be if they were looking for candidates to fill an office coordinator position and you sent in a resume with ten years of experience in marketing. Without an objective statement, the hiring manager might just assume your resume has been accidentally sent to them and simply discard it.

With an objective statement, you can not only let the hiring manager know that your resume IS in the right spot but also explain that you’re making the switch and show that your skill set does align with this new career path.

If you’re targeting a specific job or position, a resume objective statement can help reinforce that idea that you know EXACTLY what you’re after. That can work in your favor, too.

Overall, and most importantly, the biggest reason to put an objective on your resume is…it’s better than having nothing. Remember, your goal is to catch the hiring manager’s eye and stand out from the rest of the paper in that pile.

Common Mistakes

There are several common mistakes job seekers can make when writing their statement with the number one being using the same objective for every job application.

1) Using the Same Objective For Every Job Application

To obtain a job within my chosen field that will challenge me and allow me to use my education, skills and past experiences in a way that is mutually beneficial to both myself and my employer and allow for future growth and advancement.

Your goal is to be the ideal candidate and that means making sure you’re exactly what the hiring manager is looking for…and unless you’re applying to a cookie cutter factory in a cookie cutter job town where every job every employer is listing is exactly the same then I guarantee you 100% that your statement will NOT be a “one size fits all” statement.

2) Making It All About You

This is a trap that many job seekers fall into, as they can’t resist to use the objective to list off all of the things that they want to get out of the position.

Hi, I’m Joe Jobseeker and I really want a job in a company where I make a ton of money doing as little as possible. Oh, and a corner office. A company car would be nice too. While we’re at it, let’s talk benefits, retirement…and the company vacation policy.

Yes, we’re being over the top with this one, but we need you to look at this and laugh…because even a slightly toned down one where you list only what YOU want is going to come off just as ridiculous to the hiring manager as the one we’ve blown out of proportion.

3) Being Too Vague

Mistake number three is being vague. Like we said, this isn’t a one size fits all so by being ambiguous in the hopes of somewhat fitting what they’re looking for is going to get your resume sent directly to the circular file. (In case you don’t know, the circular file is the trash can. It just sounds fancier but the end result is the same…no job.)

Looking for a long term full time job where I can apply my extensive skills and knowledge to the position for which I am hired.

Blah. Who is this person? All we know by reading this statement is that they have skills and knowledge…but other than that, not much else. What skills do they have? Do they really apply to the job? And what knowledge can they draw from that will benefit the company? See what we mean? It’s so generic you could literally fit anything into those blanks…it’s like Resume Mad Libs!

4) Going On… And On… And On… And On… and zzzzzzzzzzzzz….

Mistake number four is being too long. This isn’t a novel. It’s a quick little blurb to catch their attention so they can bring you in for an interview…then you can get into more detail!

Not going to put one here. Why? Because the example we were going to do was going to be so long and ridiculous that you and everyone else reading this post would just get bored and move onto another article. Just remember, it’s all about short and sweet. Anything over a sentence or two is TOO LONG. Remember that.

5) Adding Absolutely No Value

Mistake number five is probably the worst…and the easiest to fall into (outside of mistake number two, the “all about me” statement.) Mistake number five is writing a statement that basically fills space but doesn’t tell the hiring manager anything about the value you bring to the table. This can also be confused with the too vague statement…

To obtain a position within my chosen field where I can utilize my skills as a hard-working, well-educated employee in exchange for a steady market-fair paycheck.

Congratulations. You’re educated and you’re hard working and you want to make money. So what? So are 90% of the people you’re going up against. Why are YOU the ideal candidate? What makes the hiring manager want to bring YOU in over everyone else? See what we mean?

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY:

How are you going to fulfill the needs of the company?

When writing your resume objective, you should always have the intention of answering this question.

How To Write An Effective Resume Objective

So how do you write a GOOD resume objective?

One thing every one of these bad examples has in common is the fact that not a single one of them is tailored to the position you’re looking for. Any hiring manager who looks at a resume with objectives like those is going to immediately move on to the next candidate.

Because whoever those potential hires are, they’re not ideal candidates. You need to not only catch the hiring manager’s eye; you must make sure that they look at your statement and say, “Here’s the perfect fit!”

So, how do you make it happen? Well, a really good place to start is by looking at the job description. According to Indeed.com , “…when you include an objective that’s specific to the job role, the recruiter is more likely to dig deeper and learn more details about your professional experience.”

After that, make sure it’s tailored to not only the position but the company as well. By incorporating a few tidbits that speak to the company’s mission and values, you can take that quick statement up a notch.

Nice, right?

Additionally, focus on how you’re a benefit to the company, not how the company can benefit you. Showcase value, ensuring you point out what you bring to the table.

Keep it short and sweet, too. Skip overblown adjectives in favor of action verbs, which will help “raise the energy levels” of your objective and ensure that it is more dynamic and interesting.

If you’re someone who is changing careers, demonstrate how your past experiences relate to your future tasks. The same goes for those who are just starting out or who are relatively inexperienced.

Resume Objective Examples

In some cases, nothing makes the points above clearer quite like a few resume objective examples. Here are a handful of samples, each targeting different situations.

New to Workforce, No High School Diploma

“Diligent, dedicated individual looking to apply communication and collaboration skills in a fast-paced customer service role. A self-motivated team player with an outgoing personality who’s ready to learn the ins and outs of a new industry and provide ample value to a retail employer.”

New to Workforce, No College

“Well-organized high school honor graduate with exceptional problem-solving and collaboration skills seeking opportunities in the office administration field where strong communication, time management, and research skills can provide excellent value to an employer.”

College Student, Aspiring Intern

“Current accounting student with an emphasis on accounts payable and accounts receivable seeking developmental opportunities with a local firm. Diligent, focused, and tech-savvy, looking to provide value to a skilled team.”

Recent College Graduate

“Hard-working business administration graduate with proven leadership and organizational skills. Looking to leverage knowledge or operational processes, emerging commercial trends, and supply machine management to increase efficiency and support broader productivity goals.”

Recent College Graduate with Internship Experience

“Honor graduate with a Bachelor’s in Human Resources and one year of experience at a leading staffing firm looking to leverage a deep understanding of leading ATS solutions, modern interview techniques, and conflict resolution strategies to support the goals of an enterprise-level HR department.”

Career Change

“Ambitious professional looking to leverage 5+ years of customer service experience and exceptional communication skills in the fast-paced field of real estate. Proven ability to build lasting, long-term relationships, understand client needs, and find solutions designed to ensure customer satisfaction.”

Career Change with New Education

“Experienced accounting professional and recent college graduate with a Bachelor’s in IT looking to leverage mathematical and analytical capabilities in a data analyst role with an enterprise-level employer. Impeccable attention to detail and organizational skills, as well as strong desire to learn and grow on the job.”

Targeting Specific Role

“Skilled software developer with 7+ years of experience with Java, Python, and C++ seeking out opportunities in team-oriented environments that prioritize Agile methodologies, Lean strategies, and DevOps principles to accelerate timelines and achieve challenging goals.”

Speaking of specific roles, we thought that it might be prudent to dig deeper into a couple careers that we get the most questions about (in terms of resume objectives). Here are our deep-dive articles into Teacher Resume Objectives , Customer Service Resume Objectives and Nursing Resume Objectives . Enjoy!

Putting It All Together

So, there you have it. We’ve covered what a resume objective statement is, who should use one, and how to properly execute it. Plus, there are some handy resume objective examples that can serve as inspiration.

While some people might claim that the objective statement for a resume is outdated, if done properly, it can make a difference. Use all of the information above to your advantage. That way, you’ll be one step closer to your dream job.

FREE : Resume Objective PDF Cheat Sheet

Ok the next thing you should do is get our handy Resume Objective Cheat Sheet PDF .

In it you'll get word-for-word sample resume objectives covering a variety of scenarios you can use right away .

CLICK HERE TO GET THE RESUME OBJECTIVE CHEAT SHEET

objective for resume for graduate students

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

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Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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objective for resume for graduate students

75+ Real-Life Resume Objective Examples [+How-to Guide]

Background Image

You’re looking to enter the workforce and find the perfect first job in your chosen field. As you’re scrolling through job boards, mindlessly browsing through countless irrelevant ads, you come across an interesting posting.

There it is—the perfect job!

This is what you’ve been looking for all along.

It’s the job that will ease your student loans, cover your crippling debt, help you figure out the meaning of life, and even get your crush to notice you. 

There’s just one small problem, though.

You’re not sure how to convince the hiring manager that you’re a good fit for the job.

This is where the resume objective comes in.

Done right, a resume objective can win over the hiring manager and show them that you make up for your lack of relevant experience with passion and enthusiasm.

In this article, we’re going to teach you everything you need to know about resume objectives, including:

  • What a Resume Objective Is (And Why It Matters!)
  • How to Write the Perfect Resume Objective
  • Real-Life Resume Objective Examples for Every Field

Let’s dive right in.

This guide is part of our larger resume series. If you want to start at the beginning, take a look at our comprehensive guide on how to make a resume .

What is a Resume Objective?

A resume objective is an eye-catching statement of your career intent that’s placed at the top of your resume. Its goal is to pique the hiring manager’s curiosity and get them to read the rest of your application.

The resume objective provides a two to three-sentence snapshot of your professional experience, skills, and achievements and aims to explain why they make you the right candidate for the job.

Here’s an example:

resume objective

When Should You Use a Resume Objective?

Resume objectives aren’t that common. If you’re an experienced professional, you’re much better off sticking to a resume summary to describe your top skills and experiences.

That said, there are a few cases when you should stick to a resume objective instead, including:

  • Searching for your first job. Whether you’re a fresh graduate looking for your very first job or a student signing up for your first internship, a resume objective will show the hiring manager that you have the drive to develop your skill set and grow within the company.
  • Making a career change. If you worked as an engineer in an app development company for the past three years and you’re now applying for a marketing job in a start-up, a resume summary just won’t do. A well-written resume objective, on the other hand, can highlight how your current skills are relevant to the position and how enthusiastic you are for this next step in your career.

career masterclass

How to Write a Convincing Resume Objective

Your resume objective can tip the scales in your favor during your job search .

Resume objectives are structured in three main parts:

  • Who you are. You can mention what your level of experience is and why it’s relevant. (E.g.: Recent Finance graduate, looking to kickstart my career in accounting. )
  • What you offer the company. This is where you can highlight skills that would make you a good fit for the job. (E.g.: Proficient in MS Excel, Word, and Mathematics. )
  • How you’ll help the company accomplish its goals. Mention what your goal within the company is. (E .g.: Eager to contribute to Business X’s growth by reducing costs. )

Not too hard, right?

To make things even easier, you can just follow our tried-and-tested resume objective template:

In a nutshell, a resume objective is a great way to draw attention away from your lack of relevant work experience and, instead, show the hiring manager what essential skills and other experiences you have and how they can help you succeed in the company.

(1) [SKILL/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION RELEVANT TO THE JOB WITH JOB TITLE] . Looking to apply my (2) [years/months of EXPERIENCE RELEVANT TO THE JOB DESCRIPTION] at [COMPANY YOU ARE APPLYING TO] , to help (3) [TYPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES YOU WILL HELP OUT WITH SUCCESSFULLY] . 

In practice, it looks something like this:

  • CPA-certified forensic accountant with demonstrated experience in financial record examination. Looking to apply my 3 years of experience at Company X to help the team at ABC Inc. improve their activity-based accounting techniques in the role of a managerial accountant.

So, basically,  a badly written resume objective is overly generic and doesn’t say anything new about the candidate. But when done right, a resume objective can help your application stand out.

5 Tips for Writing an Awesome Resume Objective

If you follow the formatting we laid out for you, then you’re already 90% ready with your resume objective.

Now, all you have to do is take it to the next level by following these tips:

#1. Tailor Your Resume Objective to the Job

Make sure to tailor your resume objective to the specific position or organization you are applying to. After all, a vague “ engineer looking for an engineering job ” doesn’t impress anyone.

A tailored resume objective shows the employer that you've taken the time to research the company and the position and that you've carefully thought about how your goals align with the company.

Start by thoroughly reading the job description and picking out the key skills, work experience , and qualifications that the employer is looking for. You can also check their website to learn more about their mission statement or company culture. Then, think about how your background makes you a good match for them.

For example, if you're applying for a marketing position at a company that promotes sustainability, your objective might be:

  • Aspiring Marketing Coordinator seeking a role at EcoTextile Innovations. Strong foundation in communication and ethical business practices, aimed at promoting fair-trade textiles. Ready to drive innovative marketing strategies in a dynamic team environment with a deep commitment to sustainability.

When you match your resume objective to the employer’s needs, it shows you're not just looking for any job—you want this job. As such, tailoring your resume objective like this can make a strong impression and convey your genuine interest in the role.

#2. Include Relevant Skills

Your resume objective should include skills, knowledge, and abilities that you know will help the company achieve its goals.

This paragraph isn’t just about yourself or your career—it’s about how you’re going to help the company, which is what the hiring manager is looking to find out.

So, even when you’re professionally inexperienced, you might have skills that you’ve acquired in other ways, such as through internships, volunteer work, or any relevant coursework . What you need to do is focus on listing those in your resume objective instead of traditional work experience, and show that you’re prepared to add value from day one. Just go through the job description and reflect on what your transferable skills are and how you match the job requirements.

Always be specific and use concrete examples of where you gained those skills. For example, if you are applying for a human resources position, your resume objective could be:

  • Psychology graduate seeking an entry-level Human Resources Assistant role at Bright Futures Inc. Eager to apply strong organizational and communication skills honed through academic projects and volunteer work. Aimed at contributing to team management and enhancing employee satisfaction within a dynamic corporate environment.

This shows that you have plenty of the knowledge and soft skills that the job needs and that you can bring value to the team.

#3. Stick to the Facts

It might be tempting to use grand statements to impress your potential employer, but bragging and vague language have no place in your resume objective.

So, instead of making yourself sound cool with vast words and declarations, use as many facts and numbers as possible to back up your experience. Say, for example, that you’re going from Marketing to Advertising. It’s one thing to say “Expert at Advertising” and another to say “Experienced in managing 5-figure advertising spend from my previous position as a Facebook Marketer.”

Sticking to the facts gives you a lot more credibility. When you back up your skills and experiences with hard data, you're not just telling the employer what you can do; you're proving it.

So, how do you put this into practice? Just dig into your professional and academic history. Think about when and how you made a difference.

Did you increase sales, cut costs, or improve efficiency? Maybe you did something during an internship, any of your courses, or while working a part-time job? Quantify any of those impressive achievements you want to add to your resume objective, and you’re good to go.

Focusing on the facts shows that you know your stuff, and it demonstrates a level of professionalism and attention to detail that employers love. It’s exactly those details that can tell your story and make your resume stand out from the crowd.

#4. Relate Your Goals to the Company

If you have a resume with no work experience , you can include a career goal in your resume objective. Just make sure it’s something related to the company you’re applying to. 

Your focus should always be on showing the hiring manager how your goals support the company’s needs. For example, if you’re applying for a customer support representative position, your resume objective should relate to customer service excellence, not your dream to eventually become a professor.

For example, if you’re applying to a tech firm for a customer support role, here’s what your resume objective can be:

  • IT graduate Looking to join Company XYZ as a Customer Support Representative. Eager to use my interpersonal skills and understanding of technology to improve customer satisfaction and contribute to the company’s tech advancements.

Framing your career goals to reflect the company’s objectives shows the hiring manager that you understand the role and that you’re ready to contribute right from the start.

#5. Keep It Simple

There’s no need to use complex words in your resume objective.

Using complicated language and words to make yourself sound smart usually leaves a bad impression and makes you come off as arrogant.

For example, instead of "contemplate,” just say "think." Instead of using "undertake,” use "do.” They both mean the same thing anyway, and you want your achievements to speak louder than the fancy words you use.

This makes your resume objective much more straightforward to understand and serves as a subtle hint that shows you can communicate clearly . After all, your resume objective aims to make you shine as a candidate, not show off your vocabulary.

Good Example VS Bad Example

Let’s drive the point home by showing you the difference between a resume objective that follows our tips and one that doesn’t.

XYZ Inc. is looking for a sales representative manager for its German branch . Minimum of 3 years of working experience in management. Daily duties: planning, directing, and overseeing the sales representative team.

And here is a no-no kind of resume objective:

  • I am looking to appertain my exceptional skills in management by being part of a groundbreaking and innovative company for a few years, then eventually switching to a job in AI.

This is what makes the above a bad resume objective:

  • “Exceptional” is subjective. The hiring manager has no way of knowing whether this bold statement is true. 
  • The language needs to be simplified. Why use “appertain” when you can just say “apply”? 
  • Giving the company empty flattery doesn’t leave a great impression. Most companies think of themselves as “groundbreaking” or "innovative," so you’re not showing the company why you’re interested in them.
  • The entire resume objective sounds more focused on you than on the company, and yet it doesn’t tell them anything relevant about you as a candidate.
  • Your career goal tells them you won’t be sticking with them for too long. That’s a major red flag for any employer, so you’re not getting a call.

On the other hand, here is a great resume objective: 

  • Sales manager trained in Berlin. Looking to apply my BA in Business Management and acquired skills at XYZ Inc. by making sure the sales representative team is staffed and follows quality standards, helping XYZ increase revenue and market share in the process.

Here’s why this resume objective is good:

  • The professional experience is summarized and backed up with concrete facts.
  • It mentions abilities that make you stand out and match the job requirements, like being trained in Germany.
  • The resume objective shows that you understand the role and responsibilities the position requires, and you describe how you’ll do them successfully.
  • It also includes the skills and experience relevant to the management position.
  • The overall language is simple, down-to-earth, and objective, and it’s tailored to show that you genuinely care about the overall goals of the company.

3 Most Common Cases for a Resume Objective

By now, you have all the information you need to write an amazing resume objective.

So, let’s look at the three most common cases when you’ll need to write one.

#1. Recent Graduate Resume Objective

The most common situation where you’d need a resume objective is when you don’t have any work experience and need a way to stand out from the rest of the applicants.

So, if you’re a recent graduate looking for a job , your resume objective should focus more on your education, internships, and extracurricular activities , if applicable. Here’s an example:

  • Motivated Liberal Arts graduate eager to join ABC Inc. as a junior graphic designer. Looking forward to applying skills in Photoshop and Canva to create eye-catching visuals that captivate audiences.

You can also write an eye-catching resume objective that will grab the hiring manager’s attention, even if you’re a job-seeker without a relevant degree in the field. You just have to focus on your best personal traits, skills, and motivation instead of work experience or education.

  • Organized and hard-working professional looking to join XYZ Inc. as a marketing assistant. Looking to take advantage of my copywriting and editing skills to help XYZ Inc. with their marketing efforts.

#2. Internship Resume Objective

If you’re looking to land an internship, writing a great resume objective can be just as beneficial.

It’s your best bet at piquing the hiring manager’s attention, getting them to read the rest of your resume, and getting that internship .

In this case, you want to focus on:

  • Your educational background and achievements
  • Your most relevant hard and soft skills
  • Any other relevant experience, such as personal projects or volunteering experience

And here’s a practical example:

  • Recent graduate with a B.A. in Business Administration, looking to start a career in Finance through an internship at XYZ Inc. Experienced in analyzing financial statements and annual reports for several university projects. Seeking to further develop my theoretical know-how with strong mentorship at XYZ Inc.

#3. Career Change Resume Objective

The next most common situation where you’d use a resume objective is if you’re going for a career change . 

A resume objective helps the hiring manager understand how your skillset from a previous field helps translate into the job you’re applying for.

Here, you can mention:

  • Relevant skills for the job you’re applying for
  • Previous work experience
  • How your background will help you excel at the job

Here’s how this looks in practice:

  • Customer Support Representative with 3+ years of experience in over-the-phone technical support looking to leverage communication skills as a Sales Representative at XYZ Inc. Excellent track record in delivering quality support service, having maintained a 4.6+ star “Helpful” rating over the past 2 years.

75+ Resume Objective Examples

Now, you’re ready to write your resume objective!

But before you get started, though, you might need some inspiration.

So let’s go through our list of 75+ resume objective examples for different professions!

Sales and Customer Service Resume Objective Examples

#1. sales associate resume objective.

“Charismatic, communicative worker seeking an entry-level sales job at XYX Inc. Tech-savvy, who can pick up product knowledge quickly. Previous experience as a Sales Clerk at Random Retail Store X.”

Read the full sales associate resume example here.

#2. Account Manager Resume Objective

“Diligent graduate with a B.A. in Business Management at University Y seeking to provide excellent client service at XYZ Inc. as an Account Manager. Strong communication skills from my job as a Sales Manager at Company X. Outstanding project management skills, having worked on over a dozen business projects in university.”

#3. Technical Support Specialist Resume Objective

“IT student seeking a part-time role as a Technical Support Specialist at XYZ Inc. Experienced using help desks and CRM systems. Skilled in written communication with intermediate knowledge in the IT-sphere.”

#4. Customer Service Representative Resume Objective

“Multi-lingual communicator looking to help XYZ Inc. provide stellar customer experience. Strong communication skills. Fluent in English, French, and Russian. Basic knowledge of CRM systems.”

Read the full customer service resume example here.

#5. Cashier Resume Objective

“Enthusiastic, courteous waiter seeking the role of a Cashier at XYZ Inc. Currently working part-time at Restaurant ABC, looking to fill up the rest of my time. Strong communication skills and a genuine love for working with people. Good at carrying out mathematical calculations.”

Read the full cashier resume example here.

#6. Retail Manager Resume Objective

“Experienced retail worker looking for a job as a Retail Manager at XYZ Inc. Skilled in inventory management, having worked as a warehouse manager in two separate organizations. Dependable math skills from working as a cashier at Company X.”

Read the full retail manager resume example here.

#7. Barista Resume Objective

“Customer-focused individual with a passion for creating delightful coffee experiences, looking for a position as a barista at Coffee House X. Strong communication and teamwork skills, dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction, and a positive attitude.”

Read the full barista resume example here.

#8. Server Resume Objective

"Aspiring Server with years of restaurant experience as an expo and host. Demonstrated ability to maintain a clean and efficient dining environment, combined with a strong commitment to exceptional customer service. Eager to leverage my restaurant expertise to enhance the dining experience at Fine Dining Bistro."

Read the full server resume example here.

#9. Waiter Resume Objective

“Experienced service industry worker seeking to apply for the position of Waiter at XYZ Restaurant. Experience includes working as a bartender, busser, and line cook. Thrives in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.”

Read the full waiter resume example here.

#10. Front Desk Agent Resume Objective

“3rd-year Medical Student looking for a summer job as a Front Desk Agent at XYZ Hotel. Experience in working face-to-face with customers, having worked part-time jobs as a cashier and waitress. Social, positive, and hard-working.”

#11. Housekeeper Resume Objective

“Seasonal worker seeking a housekeeping job at XYZ Hotel. Diligent and organized, having spent the past 3 summers working in Nantucket. Previous roles include bussing at Restaurant Y and prep cooking at Local Restaurant X.”

#12. Line Cook Resume Objective

“Recent graduate from Houston Culinary Arts School seeking a position as a line cook at Fancy Restaurant XYZ. Looking to further develop cooking skills learned at school. Previous experience working in a high-stress environment as a part-time Sandwich Maker at Fast Food Place X.”

#13. Food and Beverage Management Resume Objective

“Seasoned Server with 10+ years of hospitality industry experience looking to help Restaurant XYZ take its business to the next level. During my time as a server, I helped 3+ restaurants with hiring and training new staff, as well as coming up with promotional strategies for specific foods and drinks.”

Read the full bar manager resume example here.

Administrative and HR Resume Objective Examples

#14. receptionist resume objective.

"Friendly and efficient multitasker with a knack for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, seeking a role as a Receptionist at ABC Office Solutions. Strong organizational and communication skills and dedication to providing exceptional service in a professional setting."

Read the full receptionist resume example here.

#15. Recruiter Resume Objective

"Recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, equipped with a solid academic foundation and a passion for connecting talent with opportunities. Hands-on experience in conducting interviews, strong communication skills, and a commitment to finding the best candidates. Eager to launch a career as a Recruiter at XYZ Talent Solutions, where I can contribute to building exceptional teams."

Read the full recruiter resume example here.

#16. Human Resources Specialist Resume Objective

“Psychology graduate looking for a position as a Human Resources Specialist at XYZ Inc. Completed an internship at Company X. Looking to further develop my experience in the field and help XYZ Inc. go above and beyond with satisfying their employees’ needs.”

Read the full human resources resume example here.

#17. Office Manager Resume Objective

“Experienced Office Manager seeking to help XYZ Inc. provide a stellar customer experience and take the Portsmouth branch to the next level. Experienced in managing teams of 15+ in several different restaurants, such as Restaurant A and Restaurant B. Handled every aspect of the business, from hiring new staff to managing marketing initiatives.”

Read the full office manager resume example here.

#18. Secretary Resume Objective

“Recent Communications graduate looking to apply for the role of Secretary at XYZ Inc. Extremely organized with good writing and multitasking skills. Practical experience in management gained through several university projects, which involves coordinating tasks between different team members and ensuring that everyone was in sync with the latest information.”

#19. Executive Assistant Resume Objective

“Freelance Virtual Assistant looking to switch to the position of an Executive Assistant. Worked with 5+ online businesses, helping with everything from data entry to customer support. Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills. Proficient in Excel, and Photoshop. Intermediate copywriting skills.”

Read the full executive assistant resume example here.

#20. Administrative Assistant Resume Objective

“Organized and hardworking professional looking to work at XYZ Inc. as an Administrative Assistant. Previous experience in several related fields, such as working as a Secretary for 3 years, in addition to being an Executive Assistant for 1 year. Strong organizational skills, as well as a keen eye for detail.”

Read the full administrative assistant resume example here.

#21. Data Entry Resume Objective

“Meticulous graduate with a B.A. in Business Administration looking to fill the Data Entry Clerk position at company XYZ Inc. Skilful typer with an average typing speed of 85 WPM. Possessing 2+ years of experience using typing tools such as MS Word and MS Excel for task tracking and automation.”

Read the full data entry resume example here.

Finance Resume Objective Examples

#22. accountant resume objective.

“Graduate with an M.A. in Accounting and Finance seeking the position of a Junior Accountant at XYZ Inc. Highest grades in relevant courses, including Intermediate Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Advanced Finance, and more.”

Read the full accountant resume example here.

#23. Financial Analyst Resume Objective

“Finance student with 3.92 GPA seeking an entry-level Financial Analyst position at XYZ Inc. Skilled in financial data analysis, reading financial sheets, with excellent knowledge of accounting and tax legislation.”

Read the full financial analyst resume example here.

#24. Bank Teller Resume Objective

“Customer Support Representative with 2+ years working client-facing roles seeking a job as a Bank Teller at XYZ Inc. Experienced in working with customers over the phone as well as by email. Excellent math skills, having graduated high school with a specialization in mathematics.”

Read the full bank teller resume example here.

#25. Banker Resume Objective

"Recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Finance, equipped with strong analytical and mathematical skills. Eager to launch my career in banking at XYZ Bank, where I can apply my knowledge gained through coursework and internships to help clients achieve their financial goals."

Read the full banker resume example here.

Business Resume Objective Examples

#26. business analyst resume objective.

“Business Student at University X seeking a summer internship as a Business Analyst at XYZ Inc. Strong business know-how, with a focus on analyzing and interpreting data. Completed 10+ real-life business consulting case studies as university projects. Skilled in financial and managerial accounting.”

Read the full business analyst resume example here.

#27. Business Development Manager Resume Objective

"Experienced Project Manager skilled in overseeing complex initiatives and achieving project goals. Seeking a role as a Business Development Manager to utilize my expertise in project planning, client relations, and market analysis for driving growth and expansion at XYZ Company.”

Read the full business development manager resume example here.

#28. Project Manager Resume Objective

“Detail-oriented software engineer with 5+ years of experience in Node.js and React looking to transition into the role of an IT-focused Project Manager. Practical experience conducting daily scrum meetings and following agile project management methodologies.”

Read the full project manager resume example here.

Marketing and Advertising Resume Objective Examples

#29. marketing executive resume objective.

"Experienced Sales Lead with a background in driving revenue growth and customer engagement. Looking to put my skills into a Marketing Executive role at XYZ Inc. Proven success in building and managing teams and a solid understanding of consumer behavior to help craft effective marketing strategies."

Read the full marketing executive resume example here.

#30. Marketing Manager Resume Objective

“Recent graduate with an M.A. in Marketing Strategy looking to further my career in advertising at XYZ Inc. Strong skills in copywriting and graphic design, coupled with a creative mind. Practical experience in creating social media ads (Facebook, Instagram) as a marketing intern.”

Read the full marketing manager resume example here.

#31. Social Media Marketing Manager Resume Objective

“Enthusiastic Marketing graduate with a passion for all things digital seeking a Social Media Marketing position at Digital XYZ Inc. Skilled in copywriting and basic graphic design. Personally started and grew a Facebook page to 5,000+ likes, and an Instagram page to 8,000+ followers. Looking to help Digital XYZ’s clients improve their social media marketing and establish an online presence.”

#32. Content Creator Resume Objective

“Articulate graduate with a B.A. in Media and Mass Communication seeking a Content Creator position at XYZ Startup. Experienced in writing articles for local newspapers and online magazines. Hoping to apply my journalistic writing abilities to improve XYZ Startup’s blog on ABC Industry/Category.”

#33. SEO Specialist Resume Objective

“Detail-oriented graduate with a B.A. in Business Administration looking to apply for a Junior SEO Specialist position at Digital XYZ Inc. Theoretical knowledge of SEO, including some practical experience in using Google Analytics. Seeking to further develop my online marketing skills as part of the Digital XYZ team.”

Read the full digital marketing resume here.

#34. PPC Specialist Resume Objective

“Result-driven SEO specialist with 3+ years of experience designing and implementing SEO campaigns for e-commerce companies. Looking for a PPC Specialist position at XYZ Agency to leverage strong knack for web analytics and SEM to drive traffic and increase sales.”

IT and Software Development Resume Objective Examples

#35. it specialist resume objective.

“Competent Support Specialist with 3+ years of experience in AWS storage cloud services. Maintained a constant customer satisfaction rate of 98% while working at XYZ Agency. Currently looking for a position as an IT Specialist with a focus on cloud services at ABC Inc.”

Read the full IT resume example here.

#36. Software Engineer Resume Objective

“Result-oriented QA Engineer with 5+ years of experience in the banking and finance sector looking for a Junior Software Engineer job at XYZ Bank. Strong understanding of software engineering paradigms and testing frameworks for C++, Java, .NET (C#).”

Read the full software engineer resume example here.

#37. Cyber Security Resume Objective

"Computer Science student with an interest in cyber security, seeking an internship at XYZ Tech. Strong analytical skills and a foundational understanding of network security, gained through academic coursework and personal projects. Committed to skills in a practical setting and contributing to XYZ Tech's cyber security initiatives while gaining hands-on experience in the field."

#38. Web Developer Resume Objective

"Recent graduate with a Bachelor's in Computer Science, focusing on web development. Engaged in university projects and freelance work, developing proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and responsive design. Excited to bring technical skills and creative problem-solving to ABC Web Solutions."

Read the full web developer resume example here.

#39. Computer Scientist Resume Objective

“Graduate with an M.Sc. in Computer Science and Information Systems seeking a position as a Research Assistant in the computer science department of XYZ University. 2+ years of experience in designing and implementing deep convolutional neural networks with TensorFlow and Scala. Enthusiastic about furthering research conducted on the study of artificial intelligence.”

Read the full computer scientist resume example here.

#40. Data Scientist Resume Objective

“Diligent Computer Science and Mathematics student with a 3.98 GPA looking for an internship at XYZ Inc. as a Junior Data Scientist. Specialized in statistical analysis, experienced with packages such as R, SQL, STATA, and Python.”

Read the full data scientist resume example here.

#41. Data Analyst Resume Objective

“Enthusiastic recent graduate with a B.A. in Business Administration and Mathematics seeking a Data Analyst position at Company XYZ. Competent in mathematical statistics and possessing a certification in business analysis from ABC Institute. Hoping to apply my extensive knowledge of SQL databases and SQL as a querying language to help Data Analysis Co. fulfill its goals.”

Read the full data analyst resume example here.

#42. DevOps Engineer Resume Objective

"Experienced IT professional looking for a DevOps Engineer role. Proven expertise in software development and system administration, including skills in automation, continuous integration, and cloud technologies. Looking to bring a comprehensive technical background to XYZ Company's DevOps team, driving efficiency and innovation."

Read the full DevOps engineer resume example here.

#43. AI Engineer Resume Objective

"Recent graduate with a Master's in IT and a minor in Artificial Intelligence. Solid foundation in machine learning, neural networks, and data analysis through academic projects and research. Eager to apply this knowledge at ABC Tech Company and contribute to cutting-edge AI solutions and advancements."

Read the full AI engineer resume example here.

#44. Java Developer Resume Objective

"BA Software Engineering student seeking an internship at XYZ Company. Hands-on experience with Java-based projects and collaborative coding initiatives, now eager to enhance real-world development skills and contribute to Java-based solutions."

Read the full Java developer resume example here.

Health and Medicine Resume Objective Examples

#45. nurse resume objective.

“Recent RN graduate seeking to help Hospital XYZ provide an excellent level of patient care. Experienced in working in high-stress environments. An excellent team player who thrives under pressure. Passionate about helping people and making an impact.”

Read the full nurse resume example here.

#46. Medical Assistant Resume Objective

“Certified, energetic medical professional with volunteer experience for XYZ Hospital looking for a position as a Medical Assistant at ABC Clinic. Dedicated team player with the ability to work both day and night shifts.”

Read the full medical assistant resume example here.

#47. Dental Assistant Resume Objective

“Licensed and enthusiastic dental practitioner with 1+ years of experience working at a private Dental Practice ABC seeking a Dental Assistant position at XYZ Dental Inc. Highly meticulous at carrying out dental procedures and assisting during surgeries.”

#48. Dentist Resume Objective

"Recent graduate with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, skilled in various dental procedures and patient care. Participated in multiple clinical rotations, gaining hands-on experience in preventive and restorative dentistry. Keen to apply this expertise at ABC Dental Clinic, delivering quality dental care and contributing to patient wellness."

Read the full dentist resume example here.

#49. Pharmacist Resume Objective

"Pharmacy student in the final year of study, with a focus on clinical pharmacology and patient care. Engaged in practical training through internships and university-led clinics, developing skills in medication management and patient counseling. Seeking a position at XYZ Pharmacy to further enhance practical knowledge and community healthcare."

Read the full pharmacist resume example here.

Creative Resume Objective Examples

#50. graphic designer resume objective.

"Fine Art student with a focus on graphic arts, skilled in Adobe Creative Suite and digital illustration. Proven skills through various class projects and freelance assignments. Seeking an internship at XYZ Design Agency to contribute to innovative design projects and gain professional experience."

Read the full graphic designer resume example here.

#51. Game Designer Resume Objective

"Recent graduate with a degree in Game Design, equipped with knowledge of in-game mechanics and storytelling. Collaborated on university-led game projects, showcasing creativity and teamwork. Eager to join XYZ Game Studio to create engaging player experiences."

Read the full game designer resume example here.

#52. Animator Resume Objective

"Experienced Concept Artist moving towards an Animator role. Solid background in storyboarding and character design, with recent training in animation techniques. Looking to apply a unique artistic perspective and animation skills at XYZ Animations."

Read the full animator resume example here.

#53. Illustrator Resume Objective

"Aspiring Illustrator with a portfolio of freelance and personal projects. Proficient in various illustration techniques and mediums, both traditional and digital. Committed to bringing creative ideas to life at XYZ Company."

Read the full illustrator resume example here.

#54. Photographer Resume Objective

"Former model with a keen eye for composition and detail, shifting focus to professional photography. Hands-on experience behind the camera in various freelance projects. Ready to capture unique perspectives and contribute to the team at Photography Agency ABC."

Read the full photographer resume example here.

#55. Actor Resume Objective

"Drama and Theater Arts graduate, with a strong stage presence and versatility in various roles. Participated in several university theater productions, honing acting and improvisation skills. Excited to bring dramatic flair and dedication to the ensemble at XYZ Theater."

Read the full actor resume example here.

#56. Writer Resume Objective

"Aspiring Writer with a talent for storytelling and content creation honed through personal blogs and freelance assignments. Skilled in research, editing, and creative writing. Aiming to bring fresh ideas and narrative skills to the content team at XYZ Company."

Read the full writer resume here.

#57. Editor Resume Objective

"English Literature student with a minor in Translation Studies, with a passion for languages and a keen eye for detail. Experienced in proofreading and editing university publications, which further honed my understanding of grammar, style, and text clarity. Seeking an internship at XYZ Publishing to refine editing skills and contribute to high-quality publications."

Read the full editor resume example here.

Education Resume Objective Examples

#58. professor resume objective.

"Best-selling author with a rich background in contemporary literature, now aspiring to educate and inspire as a Professor of English Literature. Deep understanding of literary analysis and creative writing, eager to share knowledge and foster a love for literature at ABC University."

Read the full academic CV example here.

#59. Teacher Resume Objective

“B.Sc. in Education from University XYZ with a concentration in Chemistry seeking to start my career as a teacher at XYZ High School. Passionate about teaching, both in and out of the classroom.” 

Read the full teacher resume example here.

#60. Tutor Resume Objective

“Skilled Mathematics graduate looking to apply for the position of Math Tutor at XYZ School. Worked as a part-time Linear Algebra tutor during my time at University X. Strong knowledge of Advanced Linear Algebra, Calculus I-IV, Mathematical Statistics, and Trigonometry.”

#61. College Student Resume Objective

"College Freshman majoring in Sociology, seeking an internship to apply academic learning in a practical environment. Strong analytical skills and a passion for social research and mutual aid, aiming to contribute to meaningful projects at XYZ Nonprofit Organization."

Read the full college freshman resume example here.

#62. High School Student Resume Objective

"High school student with excellent time-management and navigational skills, looking for a part-time position as a pizza delivery driver at Delicious Pizzeria X. Responsible, reliable, and committed to providing prompt, friendly service."

Read the full high school resume example here.

Other Resume Objective Examples

#63. architect resume objective.

"Recent Architecture graduate with a strong portfolio of academic and personal design projects. Skilled in CAD software and sustainable design principles, ready to contribute innovative ideas to XYZ Architecture Firm."

Read the full architect resume example here.

#64. Electrical Engineer Resume Resume Objective

"Engineering student with a focus on mechanical and electrical systems, seeking an internship at Company X. Practical experience from university labs and team projects, aiming to apply technical skills in a professional engineering setting."

Read the full electrical engineer resume example here.

#65. Interior Designer Resume Objective

"Interior Designer with a Bachelor's in Design and a successful Instagram page showcasing personal projects. Innovative, trend-aware, and skilled in client-focused design solutions, eager to bring a unique aesthetic to Design Studio Q."

Read the full interior designer resume example here.

#67. Construction Project Manager Resume Objective

"Experienced Logistics Manager now aiming to apply organizational and leadership skills as a Construction Project Manager. Proven ability in managing resources and coordinating complex projects, ready to ensure efficiency and quality at MNO Construction."

Read the full construction project manager resume example here.

#68. Operations Manager Resume Objective

"MBA student with a focus on operations management, seeking an internship at XYZ Corp. Strong background in business analytics and process optimization, looking to apply and enhance these skills in a real-world business environment."

Read the full operations manager resume example here.

#69. Event Planner Resume Objective

"Experienced professional seeking to leverage my extensive professional background in logistics and project management to excel in the field of event planning. Proven track record of coordinating complex projects and ensuring smooth operations. Excited to contribute my skills to the dynamic world of event management at DEF Event Solutions, where precision and creativity intersect to deliver extraordinary events."

Read the full event planner resume example here.

#70. Warehouse Worker Resume Objective

“Retail worker seeking the position of a Warehouse Worker at XYZ Supermarket. Previous experience doing several retail jobs, including working as a stocker for produce and groceries at XYZ Family Market. Skilled in stocking, inventory replenishment, tracking and processing relevant paperwork, and using pallet jacks.”

Read the full warehouse worker resume example here.

#71. Welder Resume Objective

"Diligent individual skilled in various welding techniques, seeking a position as a Welder at ABC Metalworks. Proven ability in MIG and TIG welding from personal projects and vocational training. Committed to safety, precision, and high-quality craftsmanship."

Read the full welder resume example here.

#72. Real Estate Agent Resume Objective

"Former Sales Professional now pursuing a career as a Real Estate Agent. Extensive experience in client relations, negotiation, and market analysis. Ready to leverage these skills at XYZ Realty to deliver exceptional service and successful property transactions."

Read the full real estate agent resume example here.

#73. Flight Attendant Resume Objective

"Hospitality graduate with a passion for travel and customer service, aspiring to be a Flight Attendant at AirGlobal. Trained in emergency procedures and customer care, enthusiastic about ensuring passenger comfort and safety."

Read the full flight attendant resume example here.

#74. Paralegal Resume Objective

"Law student with a strong foundation in legal research and documentation, seeking a paralegal internship at XYZ Law Firm. Experience in drafting legal documents and assisting in case preparation through academic projects and volunteer work."

Read the full paralegal resume example here.

#75. Social Worker Resume Objective

"Recent graduate with a Master's in Childhood Development and Psychology, equipped with knowledge in case management, counseling, and community resources. Internship experience in child and family services, eager to contribute to the team at ABC Community Services."

Read the full social worker resume example here.

Key Takeaways

That’s a wrap on resume objectives!

We’re sure you’re ready to conquer that new career on the horizon.

But before you go, let’s go over what we mentioned so far:

  • Resume objectives are a great choice for candidates who are switching careers or don’t have enough work experience to write a resume summary.
  • The three most common cases when you’d need a resume objective are at the very beginning of your career when you have no work experience, when applying for an internship, or during a career change.
  • A good resume objective can sway the hiring manager to give you a chance if you do it right. Start by tailoring it to the job description, matching your career goals with the company’s, and focusing on your most relevant skills.
  • If you’re having trouble thinking up a resume objective, you can just scroll back up for some inspiration! Check out the examples we gave for different professions and get inspired.

Want to get the most out of your career? Don’t forget to follow our career blog for some industry-leading career advice!

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Gre prep online guides and tips, what’s a good objective for your graduate school resume.

objective for resume for graduate students

Once a staple of the resume template, the resume objective has fallen out of style for most job applications. But do you still need a resume objective for a graduate school resume?  What are the cases where a graduate school resume objective helps rather than harms you?

In this guide, I explain what objectives are, when you should use them, and how to craft a perfect one for your grad school resume.

What’s a Resume Objective?

A resume objective is a one to two sentence formal statement, placed at the beginning of your resume, about how your skills match up with the description of the specific position you’re applying for.

Resume objectives are most often used to pull together your disparate experiences into a coherent package that the person reviewing the resume can easily digest.

Do You Need a Resume Objective for Graduate School?

For the most part, no, you don’t need an objective for your graduate school resume .

Objectives on resumes for grad school make even less sense than regular resume objectives. Most grad programs require some sort of personal statement, which is where you’ll get the best opportunity to tell the school why your experiences and interests make you the best candidate for the program.

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If you’re applying to grad school during or right after college, your personal statement is where you should show that you have clear goals in applying to that specific graduate program.

Your resume, on the other hand, is where you’ll showcase your work and research experience, publications and presentations, and any organizations or affiliations that are relevant to the program you’re applying to.

A graduate school resume objective only makes sense if your past positions don’t seem to directly relate to the program you’re applying for and you need a way to emphasize how the narrative of your resume supports your application.

Writing a Graduate School Resume Objective

If you’re applying to programs that do not directly relate to the field you’ve been working or studying in, a resume objective can be helpful in framing how the person reviewing your application will see your resume .

For instance, let’s say that you graduated with a BA in Psychology, did Teach for America and taught elementary school for eight years, getting your Masters in Education along the way, but now want to apply to med school.

Your statement of purpose will be where you put the bulk of your explanation for why you now want to pursue a career in medicine. Adding in a clear statement of your objective at the beginning of your resume, however, can enhance your application, if done skillfully.

Next, we’ll look at three examples of bad objectives for a grad school resume, followed by one well-written objective. For each objective, I’ve continued to use the med school applicant I described a couple of paragraphs ago.

Bad Resume Objective: Inaccurate or Misleading

Recent college grad with a BA in Psychology looking to achieve her career goals of becoming an adolescent psychiatrist by attending ABC School of Medicine.

Yes, it’s true that you have a BA in Psychology, but at eight years out, you’re hardly a recent college grad. Plus, your eight years of teaching experience are right there on your resume. If you don’t mention your most recent job experience as having been at all valuable in your resume objective, that’s going to raise a red flag.

Bad Resume Objective: Too General

Passionate, ambitious, and experienced educator looking to take the next step in her career by attending ABC School of Medicine.

This objective barely mentions the pertinent detai l that makes you stand out from everyone else (your teaching experience) and instead wastes space on adjectives that aren’t backed up by any evidence.

Bad Resume Objective: Too Informal

Teacher for 8 years in the trenches of an urban public school, with a Masters of Education along the way. Looking to take advantage of my love of learning and talent for keeping it real with teens by attending ABC Med School and becoming an adolescent psychiatrist.

This resume objective provides some useful information about your background and experience, but the tone is too informal for a resume objective for graduate school.

Good Resume Objective: Specific and Tailored to You

Innovative and passionate educator with eight years of teaching expertise, parent-student conflict mediation skills, and experience working for a national nonprofit organization looking to gain the necessary education and training at ABC School of Medicine to begin a career as an adolescent psychiatrist.

This resume objective mentions both your specific expertise and what you’re hoping to get out of med school . When the admissions officers reviewing your resume continue reading through, they’ll be able to fit your various experiences into the story you’ve started for them with your resume objective.

body_thinkingaboutgradschool

What’s Next?

Struggling with the resume part of your grad school application? Learn how to write a grad school resume or CV , take a look at some great resume samples , or jump right into using our grad school resume templates .

The best place to explain why you want to go to grad school is in your personal statement. We go over what you must include in your statement of purpose for grad schools in this article .

How should you choose what grad schools to apply to, and when do you need to apply by? Read more about grad school rankings , requirements , and application deadlines .

Ready to improve your GRE score by 7 points?

objective for resume for graduate students

Author: Laura Staffaroni

Laura graduated magna cum laude from Wellesley College with a BA in Music and Psychology, and earned a Master's degree in Composition from the Longy School of Music of Bard College. She scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and GRE and loves advising students on how to excel and fulfill their college and grad school dreams. View all posts by Laura Staffaroni

objective for resume for graduate students

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  • Resume Objective Examples: A...

Resume Objective Examples: A Career Objective Guide

20 min read · Updated on March 27, 2024

Ken Chase

The formula and some good examples for creating a resume objective to get you noticed

You're searching for a new (or perhaps your first) job, and you know your objective. However, do you know how to communicate it effectively on your resume? A resume objective is a great way to let employers see a snapshot of your skills and experiences and ensure that you stand out from other candidates. However, as our great resume objective examples will demonstrate, your objective matters less than the employer's needs.

In this post, we'll explain the resume objective and how it has evolved. We'll also offer insight into the differences between an objective statement and a summary statement - and how to know which one to use. Then we'll offer some tips to help you craft an objective for your resume and look at 27 great resume objective statement examples that you can customize for your own resume.

What is a resume objective?

The resume objective used to be the gold standard of resume introductions. This brief, three or four-sentence paragraph had long been used to capture employers' attention by focusing on a job seeker's skills, experiences, and achievements while also highlighting the candidate's career goals. These days, it's less common to find professional resume objective examples since most job seekers rely on a resume summary instead.

The basic components of a good resume objective statement

A good resume objective provides three kinds of information to employers:

Who you are, which is generally a statement of your current job title as well as any skills, education , or certifications relevant to the job you're after

What you will bring that's of value to that company, such as your years of experience or specific training

 How you will use your talents to help the company reach its goals

This isn't a hard and fast structure, but knowing these components can help you to create an effective career objective for your resume. This is the structure you'll see in many of the resume job objective examples included later in this post.

Resume objective vs summary statement

It's important to understand how these two career statements differ from one another. On the surface, they would seem to have much in common. After all, they're both designed to serve as introductions that summarize your main qualifications for the job. Moreover, each is intended to capture the reader's attention and inspire them to continue reading the resume .

The differences, however, can be stark. For example:

Resume summaries focus primarily on the candidate's past record of achievements; objective statements emphasize future goals

Resume summaries provide quantifiable results, using real numbers to demonstrate value; objective statements rarely do that since it is difficult to quantify goals

Resume summaries are designed to align achievements with the company's needs; objective statements have traditionally focused more on the candidate's priorities and needs

Resume summaries are great for people who have experience and achievements; objective statements can be useful for those who lack that experience

Which one should you use?

If you've been following our resume guidance in recent years, you're probably aware of the fact that we recommend the resume summary for most job seekers. And make no mistake: if you're an experienced professional who is still moving ahead in the same field and industry, the resume summary is almost certainly your best option. However, there are two situations in which you might find that a resume objective statement will serve your interests better.

If you're new to the workforce. Recent graduates will rarely have the type of real-world experience needed for an effective summary statement. In most instances, a newcomer to the working world will likely need to rely on a resume objective to highlight skills and demonstrate how their goals align with the company's vision.

When you're interested in switching careers . In most cases, you'll have the transferable skills needed to do the job, but may struggle to align your quantifiable achievements with the company's needs. If that's the case, a resume objective can help you to showcase your skills in a way that demonstrates how they can positively benefit the company.

Tips for writing your own resume objective

Because resume objectives have lost some of their luster in recent years, many job seekers may not be familiar with the best way to craft them. To assist you in that process, we've compiled some simple tips you can use to make sure that your objective statement achieves your goals.

State how you'll help the company, not just how qualified you are. While you may not have the experiences or achievements needed to directly convey that value, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't still focus on what the company needs rather than your own desires and goals.

Use specific facts, numbers, and details whenever possible, without bragging or generalizing.

Keep it simple. Don't use flowery or expansive words, as they can sometimes make you appear arrogant. Make it as easy as possible for a recruiter to quickly see you as a qualified candidate.

Review the job posting to ensure that you have the information you need to make your resume objective specific to the job and company.

Tailor your objective to the specific job, career, and industry you're applying for. This means that you should create a separate, customized resume for each application.

Expert tip: Don't make the mistake of creating an outdated resume objective centered on your own goals. Instead, incorporate the best elements of a resume summary into your objective statement by taking the time to tie your goals to the company's needs.

Great resume objective statements you can use for your resume

With all this in mind, here are some good resume  objective examples to help you create a great career objective of your own. If your job isn't listed, don't panic. While these examples don't cover every job out there, they should help you to build a strong, targeted objective for your specific needs. As we said, each objective should be tailored to a specific role - that's why you won't find any resume objective examples for multiple job types. 

1.     Resume objective examples for a new jobseeker

You might not have a ton of experience, but creating a good resume objective will absolutely help to differentiate you from other applicants in a recruiter's eyes. The trick here is to emphasize your strongest personal skills and characteristics, as well as any educational successes, since you can't provide specific work experience or accomplishments.

Here are two general resume objective examples for new jobseekers:

“Organized, fast-learning, and hard-working employee looking to join [company name] as an Administrator. Looking to take advantage of skills in Microsoft Word and QuickBooks to help [company name] meet their objectives through organization and team support.”

“Recent graduate with a B.A. in Accounting, looking to start a career in finance at [company name]. Experienced in creating annual reports and analyzing financial statements for several university activities. Seeking to combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience to help [company name] continue their strong market presence.”

2.     Resume objective examples for those looking for a career change

Your goal here is to clearly show how your skills and experience from your previous career can be effective in your next job. Do this by mentioning your talents and knowledge that are relevant to the new job and stating how your previous career background will help you to succeed and excel in the role.

“Customer Service Associate with over four years of experience in accounting technical support, looking to leverage Excel skills and Great Plains knowledge as a Staff Accountant with [company name]. Proven customer satisfaction record solving complicated technical and accounting issues while in a remote role.”

3.Resume objective examples for finance roles

“Experienced individual with solid analytical and quantitative skills and 5 years of experience seeks the job of Financial Analyst with [company name], to leverage outstanding knowledge of financial analysis and modeling to provide accurate and sound financial decision-making at all levels.”

“Experienced Junior Financial Analyst seeking role of Senior Financial Specialist with [company name]. Skills include making targeted and time-sensitive financial decisions by merging solid analytical, accounting, and quantitative skills with a strong passion for the finance industry.”

4.     Resume objective examples for Accountant roles

“Detail-oriented graduate with an AS degree, problem-solving abilities, and analytical skills seeking the role of Accounting Associate with [company name], to effectively apply exceptional knowledge of tax and accounting software for accurate budgeting and forecasting.”

“Current CPA looking to fill the role of Accounts Manager at [company name]. As well as being disciplined and self-motivated, I have extensive experience with financial reporting and modeling along with a proven knowledge of various accounting software models, all of which contribute to effective financial operations.”

5.     Resume objective examples for banking roles

“Highly talented Head Teller with 8 years of experience in the banking sector, seeking a position as a Relationship Manager with [bank name] to increase revenue by combining a banking background with excellent interpersonal and communication skills to bring in new clients, maintain relationships with existing clients, and develop effective media campaigns.”

“Seasoned banking professional seeking a Bank Manager position with [name of bank], where I can use my business and banking experience along with strong communication skills to provide effective problem-solving, customer service, and employee retention and interact with bank customers in a positive, beneficial manner.”

“Self-motivated, reliable, number-loving individual looking for a position as a Bank Teller with [bank name] to apply exceptional math and customer service skills for customers. Key traits include trustworthiness, efficiency, and willingness to learn new tasks.”

6.     Resume objective example for Computer Engineer roles

“Highly motivated individual with 7 years of solid computer engineering experience and proven leadership skills seeking the position of SharePoint Administrator at [company name] where I hope to use demonstrated SharePoint expertise, knowledge of SharePoint solutions architecture, and advanced knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server to ensure exceptional technical performance.”

7.     Resume objective example for a Network Administrator

“Experienced IT professional with BA in Computer Science and proven technical, management, and communication skills seeking the position of Network Engineer at [company name] to use proven experience in systems management and configuration to benefit both internal staff and external customers.”

8.     Resume objective example for IT professionals

“Talented Information Technology Specialist in search of a Senior IT Manager position at [company name], where proven technical and team management skills can help to improve existing processes for handling IT requests and efficiently delivering various technical projects.”

9.     Resume objective example for a Programmer

“Technical and database professional seeks the role of SQL Programmer within [company name] where I will use my excellent programming and organizational skills to enhance company market presence while also gaining a deeper understanding of the newest IT trends.”

10.  Resume objective examples for customer service roles

“Smart and creative Customer Service Representative desires similar position with [company name]. Brings strong communication abilities, proven organizational skills, and a supportive, patient personality to help the company retain and grow its customer base in both existing and new markets.”

“Experienced customer service professional seeking a position at [company name] as a Customer Support Analyst, where I can apply excellent communication and organizational skills to provide customers with effective and efficient support which ensures ongoing retention.”

“Credentialed and experienced Sales Administrator seeks the post of a Contact Center Agent at [company name] where I can provide exceptional verbal, listening, and analytical abilities to ensure clients reach their desired objectives by correctly using [company name]'s products.”

“Diligent Customer Service Agent with 5+ years of experience at a high-volume call center seeks a career move to a similar role at a company such as [company name]. I thrive in a fast-paced work environment and am committed to delivering the top-rated customer service you provide. My organization and support skills can help to meet current and future customer demand.”

11.  Resume objective examples for Engineers

“Graduate of [school name] with a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering and two years of work experience at ABC Company seeks a Mechanical Engineer role with [company name]. Possess excellent skills in research, data analysis, and time management. Hold patents for several innovative mechanical devices.”

“Experienced individual with 7+ years of experience managing engineering operations seeks a Civil Engineer role at [company name]. Proven ability to handle simultaneous projects with minimal supervision and bring a committed focus on health, safety, and the environment to the position.”

12.  Resume objective example for human resources positions 

“Human resource management professional looking for the opportunity to augment the overall strategic plan and market direction of [company name] as VP of Human Resources. Over nine years of experience in managing staff, handling employee relations, and deliveirng projects. Strong skills in HRIS.”

“Established, successful HR recruiter seeks a Human Resources Coordinator position with [company name] where I can use my experience and in-depth knowledge of hiring processes, negotiation, conflict resolution, and policy development for payroll and benefits.”

“Experienced and approachable Human Resources Coordinator with four years of experience seeks position as Human Resources Manager with [company name], where I can use my industry knowledge and HR experience to implement employee satisfaction policies and improvements, develop hiring protocols, and create an environment where employees feel valued and satisfied.”

“Results-driven graduate with a degree in psychology (GPA: 3.8) and a minor in business operations looking for a role as a Junior HR Recruitment Agent at [company name]. Prior experience in interviewing and providing feedback as part of college projects in business classes. I will bring well-honed soft skills and strong knowledge of workplace psychology to assist overall HR operations, while fine-tuning my skills in the recruitment process.”

13. Resume objective examples for internships

“Hard-working student (3.5/4.0 GPA) majoring in [specific area] seeks the Intern role with [company name]. Abilities include proven leadership and organizational skills and strong attention to detail. Dedicated team player who can be relied upon to help [company name] achieve its goals as I learn more about your market space.”

“Energetic, talented college student at [school name] working toward a Marketing Degree, seeks to fill the Marketing Intern role at [company name]. General experience and knowledge of PR, advertising, consumer research, and product development strategies to help build customer base in emerging markets.”

14.  Resume objective example for legal roles

“Accomplished Corporate Attorney with 8 years of direct experience, seeking a top-level Lawyer role at [name of legal firm]. Brings skills including legal drafting, arbitration, corporate affairs, and labor laws to assist clients both inside and outside the courtroom.”

“Current Public Legal Advocate seeks position as Senior Legal Researcher for [name of court district/city/legal firm]. I have two years of experience working in district and session courts in the areas of home development, land development, and commercial property development, that will allow me to take on more challenging research projects to meet client needs in these areas.”

15.  Resume objective examples for marketing positions

“Technically oriented graduate with a B.A. in Internet Marketing seeking a Junior SEO Specialist position at [company name]. Possesses a working knowledge of SEO, as well as some hands-on experience with Google Analytics. Looking to further develop online marketing skills as part of the [company name] team.”

“Certified Digital Marketer with strong content writing skills, SEO experience, and 5 years of proven online marketing experience seeking the role of Digital Marketer with [company name] to help expand customer base into new markets.”

“Enthusiastic Marketer skilled in copywriting and graphic design looking for a Social Media Marketing position at [company name]. Personally started and grew an Instagram page to 5,000+ followers and a Facebook page to 8,000+ likes. I believe my skills will help [company name]'s clients improve sales via social media marketing through a strong online presence.”

16.  Resume objective example for Physical Therapist roles

“Licensed, experienced Physical Therapist seeking similar role at [hospital or clinic name]. With 6+ years of experience in treating children and adults with physical disabilities, injuries, and illnesses, I can contribute to the healing of each person's physical challenges and help them learn to navigate them successfully.”

17.  Resume objective example for nursing roles

“Registered Nurse seeking a new career as a Neonatal Nurse Specialist at [hospital name]. Ten years of general nursing combined with a certification in neonatal nursing will allow me to provide outstanding care for both infants and their families, educating them about different health conditions and how to handle them. Working nights and weekends is not a problem.”

“Experienced Home Health Aide seeks to obtain a position as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at [name of home health agency] applying my course knowledge and proven healthcare skills to support and care for home-bound patients with various health needs.”

18.  Resume objective example for pharmacy role

“Licensed Pharmacy Technician with 8 years of experience, in search of a similar position at [pharmacy or hospital name]. Assists patients by successfully applying extensive experience and knowledge of pharmacy operations, technology, and drug distribution.”

19. Resume objective examples for office and administrative roles

“Former Nurse seeking a part-time job as a Receptionist at [company name]. Experience in working directly with people in nursing and for the last five years as an Avon Representative. Organized, with strong computer skills and professional presence.”

“Business-savvy office employee looking to work at [company name] as an Administrative Assistant. Experience as an Executive Assistant (1 year) and as a Department Secretary (3 years). Supported several key projects through strong organizational skills, timeliness, and solid computer abilities.”

“Freelance VA (Virtual Assistant) looking to transition to an on-site role as an Executive Assistant. Worked with 10+ online businesses, helping with everything from creating training documents to customer service and management support. Excellent organizational abilities and strong attention to detail. Proficient in Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud. Strong copywriting skills.”

20.  Resume objective example for an Office Manager position

“Experienced Office Manager seeking a leadership role to help [company name] provide outstanding customer satisfaction. Experienced in managing teams of 15+ at [current or former company names], handling responsibilities from hiring new staff to managing data input groups.”

21.  Resume objective examples for operations roles

“Experienced MBA graduate with outstanding time and project management skills and 10+ years of experience seeks the position as Director of Operations with [company name]. Can ensure the company's ongoing success through exceptional interpersonal and negotiation skills and the ability to lead large multi-departmental operations.”

“Dynamic individual with exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills looking to fill the role of Manager of Clinical Operations at [company name]. I bring experience and expertise in overseeing clinical operations and managing technical and professional staff, as well 8+ years of clinical research and supervisory experience in the medical field.”

22.  Resume objective example for Project Manager positions

“Deadline-focused professional with proven experience in project administration, searching for a project management position where I can use my knowledge and skills in the areas of leadership, problem solving, team management, and budget control to help [company name] exceed targets.”

23.  Resume objective examples for real estate roles

“Real Estate Broker with a passion for organization and excellence seeks a similar role with [company name], using experience with the sale and lease of commercial and residential properties in [location]. Recurrent sales and leasing of properties to large corporations in the last 5 years allowed me to increase revenue to 12% on a year-over-year basis, significantly contributing to the growth of the company.”

“Successful Salesperson seeks high-level position as Real Estate Broker at [company name]. Recent experience handling a customer base of over 150 clients at another reputable real estate firm [or name the company]. Skill set includes creating daily and monthly sales reports and assisting the implementation of customer retention strategies for senior management.”

24.  Resume objective examples for service industry roles

“Excellent communicator and multi-tasker with experience in massage and esthetic services, interested in the position of Front Desk Wellness Sales Executive with [company name]. I bring various strengths including a professional phone manner, bookkeeping knowledge, and customer service skills that will help your front desk to run smoothly.”

“Hardworking, organized, and reliable Housekeeper looking for a janitorial position at [company name] to clean interior spaces. Possesses knowledge of efficient and safe cleaning practices, the use of cleaning equipment, and environmentally sound cleaning agents, as well as excellent customer service.”

25.  Resume objective examples for food service positions

“Entrepreneurial and highly experienced Caterer with 7+ years in the foodservice sector seeking the position of Catering Manager at [company name]. Brings proven management experience, culinary expertise, interpersonal skills, and a strong customer service approach to the role.”

“Friendly, upbeat, and detail-oriented individual looking for an entry-level, fast-paced Line Cook position at [restaurant name], where I can use my outstanding food preparation skills safely and efficiently.”

26.  Resume objective examples for education workers

“Talented Preschool Teacher with 3 years of experience seeking the role of Kindergarten Teacher at [school name]. I have excellent skills and connections with special needs students and collaborated with my Superintendent to create and implement effective teaching practices for these children that can be used throughout the district.”

“Experienced elementary school English Teacher looking to fill the role of Reading Specialist at [school name.] This position in a progressive institution like [school name] would allow me to use my sound teaching skills to assist students in reaching their full potential by helping them to become strong readers.”

“Passionate, enthusiastic and experienced Teaching Assistant seeking the position of Para-Educator at [school name]. Brings interpersonal skills and classroom experience to aid in the development of each student by interacting with them, providing support and resources, and directly supporting the Teacher's lessons in the classroom.”

27.  Resume objective examples for Writers and Editors

“Articulate recent graduate with a B.A. degree in Media and Mass Communication desires a Content Creator Role at [company name]. Hoping to use writing skills and experience in writing articles for local newspapers and online magazines to improve [company name]'s blog, expanding current industry presence.”

“Editor with extensive writing and management experience looking to fill the position of Senior Editor with [company name], using time-management skills to ensure all projects meet deadlines and supervisory experience to effectively manage a team of Writers and Editors.”

Key things to remember

As you can see from the resume objective examples that we've included throughout this post, there's a right way to create this type of professional summary. As you craft your own objective, keep these keen insights in mind:

Try to include some measurable achievements in your statement, to show how you can add value to the employer's bottom line. If you're new to the workplace, however, focus instead on highlighting the benefits that your skills can provide to that employer.

Keep it short, focused on relevant details, and packed with keywords from the job description. 

Make sure that everything you write in your objective statement is supported by the information included in your skills and work experience sections .

Always put yourself in the employer's shoes and try to imagine what kind of information they might be looking for as they review your resume.

Try to only rely on an objective statement if you have little or no real-world experience in the industry you're trying to join. If you do have experience, you'll probably be better served by a summary statement.

Wrapping it up

Once again, this is by no means a complete list of resume objective examples, but it should help you to understand the formula for creating a specific resume objective for whatever job you're after.

Take the time to do this right. Create a tailored objective for each position you want and you'll be easily found by both recruiters and applicant tracking systems searching for the keywords that are right there at the top of your resume.

The result? You'll be starting your new job well ahead of the crowd!

Still not sure about your resume objective or other aspects of your resume? Make sure that it's submission-ready with a free resume review or professional rewrite .

This article was originally written by Lisa Tynan and has been updated by Marsha Hebert and Ken Chase.

Recommended reading:

How to Tailor Your Resume to a Specific Job Description

How to Use Action Verbs in a Resume

How to Write a Resume Headline (With Examples)

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

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35 Impressive College Student Resume Objective Examples

The objective statement is the first place you get to pitch yourself to a potential employer. It’s the hook to draw a reader into looking at your resume in full. In your objective statement, you need to concisely convince the hiring manager that you understand what the job entails and that you are the best candidate for the job. Whether you are looking for a part-time job while studying, or for your first job out of college, you will want to make your very best first impression.

Examples of College Student Objective Statements

Below are some examples of objectives statements for college students and college graduates to guide you in writing a powerful opening to your resume:

  • Computer science student seeking part-time work with ABC University in IT support, eager to gain first-hand experience while contributing to troubleshooting problems experienced by members of the university community.
  • Courteous and responsible student with a stellar driving record and well-maintained 4-door vehicle seeking a position as a part-time rideshare driver.
  • Recent graduate with B.S. in Accounting looking for a data entry and bookkeeping position at Fin Corporation, bringing excellent attention-to-detail, enthusiasm to learn and adaptability to take on new tasks.
  • Flexible and joyful student pursuing a degree in early childhood education, seeking a role as a teaching assistant and coming with fluency in online tools and the capability to learn quickly.
  • Dependable and flexible animal-lover seeking a position as a pet sitter with Creature Comforts LLC, coming with the ability to work independently and an excellent attention-to-detail.
  • Reliable book enthusiast and current English major looking to work as a library assistant, bringing an understanding of the library system and an eagerness to learn library management processes.
  • Self-motivated, focused and friendly student with a reliable car, insurance and a clean driving record seeking an on-demand runner or delivery driver position, coming with ability to provide a great experience to customers.
  • Forward-thinking and dedicated team player seeking part-time work as a graphic designer with XYZ College, leveraging extensive knowledge of a wide variety of design software and tools, and superior command of layout principals and aesthetic design concepts.
  • Responsible and outgoing student seeking a part-time host or waiting position at a restaurant, coming with two years of barista experience and an excitement for learning new skills.
  • Highly motivated software engineering graduate with strong customer service and communication skills seeking to join Great North Casualty Company, leveraging ability to write code in JAVA, HTML5, and CSS3.
  • Personable student looking for a part-time job as a sales clerk at a retail clothing store, coming with two summers of experience working at a café and gift shop.
  • Punctual, responsible and hardworking student looking for a job as a barista at Café Coffee, leveraging a love of coffee, a team-oriented attitude, and an enthusiasm for making people smile.
  • Emotionally mature and adaptable recent college graduate with a passion for bringing smiles to children, looking for a nanny position, coming with reliable transportation, CPR and First Aid certification, and references.
  • Looking for a part-time job as a social media assistant at ABC Staffing, leveraging deep knowledge of various social media platforms, strong organizational skills and attention-to-detail to develop and maintain a professional and welcoming online presence for the benefit of the company.
  • Chemistry student with an excellent academic track record, seeking a summer job as a lab assistant at First Labs to support research scientists and explore the possibility of pursuing a research career.
  • Friendly and professional team player seeking a part-time job as a customer service associate, leveraging flexibility, great phone presence, and highly organized ability to work quickly and accurately.
  • Accomplished student with an aptitude for programming, seeking part-time work with Big Time Realty in support of its IT requirements, bringing superior customer service skills, strong knowledge of various computer hardware and software, and an unbeatable work ethic.
  • Outstanding mathematics student seeking part-time work as a math tutor, leveraging exemplary academic track record and ability to communicate complex mathematical concepts to children from primary to secondary levels.
  • Detail-oriented accounting college senior (GPA 3.8) seeking a part-time job with Alton Accountants to gain practical experience in accounting, coming with knowledge from coursework and excitement about starting a career in accounting.
  • Dependable student seeking weekend job as a lifeguard at Community Pool, leveraging Red Cross First Aid and CPR certifications, and three summers of experience in lifeguarding.
  • Punctual and organized art student with a passion for oil painting seeks part-time job in an art supply shop, coming with two years of customer service experience gained through work in cafes and restaurants.
  • To obtain a part-time dental office assistant position at Henley Clinic to utilize administrative experience while increasing knowledge of dentistry as a pre-med student.
  • Reliable finance student looking to gain work experience as a part-time bank teller, coming with excellent customer service skills and an interest in banking.
  • Political science student hoping to pursue a career in law, seeking a summer job as an office assistant at Gray Law Firm to gain first-hand insight into legal practice.
  • To secure part-time work as an office assistant, experienced in providing administrative support as a receptionist and coming with fast typing ability (45+ wpm), superior organizational skills, and a desire to work hard.
  • Mechanically inclined and reliable student seeking a part-time job at Cycle Store, bringing a passion for cycling and an understanding of cycle maintenance and repair.
  • Self-starter and current culinary student seeking a part-time position as a kitchen assistant, confident in fast-paced kitchens and bringing skills in various cuisines.
  • Statistics student planning on pursuing a career in business analytics, looking for a part-time job to gain understanding of practical applications of analyses and to contribute to fulfilling the analytical needs of a corporate team.
  • Innovative and solutions-oriented student seeking a part-time position within a marketing agency to leverage creativity to gain practical experience for the benefit of the company.
  • Art student seeking a part-time job as a receptionist at Art Museum, bringing excellent reception skills gained as a restaurant hostess and a passion for art, particularly oil painting.
  • Hardworking and punctual student seeking warehouse packing work, bringing endless energy, optimism, and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Biology student seeking to obtain a position as part-time receptionist at Medical Office, drawing on over two years of office support and reception experience.
  • Enthusiastic sophomore seeking a part-time position as a tour guide at State University, looking to apply excellent communication and hosting skills gained as a waitress to show prospective students and their families around campus and give them insight into student life.
  • Responsible and driven student eager to gain work experience through part-time work, willing to learn new skills and perform ad hoc duties as required.
  • To obtain a part-time analyst position with Econo Analytics, bringing skills gained through mathematics and statistics studies, able to contribute insights into both macro and microeconomic trends.

Getting a good job that is in line with your career goals while you are still in college is a great way to roadtest your career choice and gain experience. If jobs within your future profession aren’t available, getting a different job with transferable skills is another good idea. Think about talking to people you know who might be able to put your resume in front of decision-makers. Whether you have a warm lead from someone in your network or are applying cold to an online job posting, make sure your objective statement is compelling and free from error. This is will get your resume noticed and make a strong first impression.

objective-statement-tips

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  • What is a Career objective?
  • Key elements of a good career objective:
  • Why Do You Need A Career Objective?
  • Career Objective Examples for Freshers
  • Career Objective For Resume
  • How to Write a Career Objective?
  • Common Resume Objectives
  • Resume Career Objective Examples
  • Career Objectives with No Work Experience 
  • How to write career objectives resume for freshers?
  • Career Objectives for Career Change
  • Resume Objectives for Career Change
  • Resume Objective for College Students with No Work Experience
  • Resume Objective for College Students with Experience
  • Industry-Specific Career Objective: Examples
  • Career Objective for Business Resume
  • Customer Service and Sales Objectives
  • Technical Resume Objectives
  • Wrapping Up
  • Career Objectives FAQ

Career Objective for Resume for Freshers (with Examples)

Coming up with those perfect career objective or resume objective for freshers may seem like a challenging task. You want it to be just right to strike a chord with the interviewer but also do not want to overdo it. It is no secret that recruiters will focus on the career objective in your resume when you kickstart your career or wish to revamp your CV.

They will try to interpret your personality, your future goals, and your aspirations from it. So, be mindful of what all you mention.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of crafting a compelling and effective career objective for resume. We’ve curated examples tailored to various career paths and objectives to assist you in creating a meaningful and persuasive statement.

A career objective is a short statement that explains what you want to achieve in your career. It usually highlights your goals and aspirations for professional growth.

It is typically placed at the beginning of a resume and is used to catch the attention of employers. It gives them a quick insight into what you aim to achieve professionally and how it aligns with the job you’re applying for. 

A well-crafted career objective serves multiple purposes:

  • Clarity: It provides a clear direction for yourself and potential employers regarding your career goals and aspirations.
  • Vision: It demonstrates a focused vision of where you want to progress and the milestones you aim to achieve in your career journey.
  • Guidance: It offers advice for making informed career decisions, ensuring alignment with your long-term objectives and aspirations.
  • Compatibility Assessment: It assists employers in evaluating your suitability for their organization and specific job roles based on your career trajectory and objectives.
  • Commitment and Passion: It showcases your dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to your chosen field, enhancing your appeal as a candidate.
  • Skills and Experience Alignment: It highlights how your skills, experiences, and achievements align with the requirements of the position you’re pursuing, emphasizing your suitability for the role.
  • Genuine Interest Display: It reflects your genuine interest in and passion for the field, conveying your eagerness to contribute meaningfully within the organization.
  • Career Goals : It clearly states your short-term and long-term career goals or outlines the path you want to take in your professional life.
  • Alignment with Job Requirements : It demonstrates how your skills, experiences, and aspirations are relevant to the job you are applying for.
  • Professional Skills and Qualities : It highlights your key professional skills, strengths, and qualities that are pertinent to the role or industry.
  • Brevity and Clarity : It is typically concise, usually no more than two to three sentences, and is clear and straightforward, avoiding vague or generic statements.
  • Personalization for the Role : It’s tailored to each job application, showing how you specifically fit the role and contribute to the organization.

Don’t let outdated resumes hold you back. Join our Free Resume Building Course and create resumes that speak directly to your career objectives.

career objective for resume for freshers

Having a career objective is essential for several reasons, as it provides a clear roadmap for your professional journey while also aiding potential employers in understanding your aspirations and suitability for their organization. Here’s why you need a career objective:

  • Employer Insight: It offers employers valuable insight into your career goals and ambitions, helping them assess your alignment with their organization and specific job roles.
  • Focused Vision: By articulating your career objective, you demonstrate a concentrated vision of your future endeavors, showcasing your determination to pursue opportunities that resonate with your goals.
  • Enhanced Relevance: Tailoring your career objective to match the requirements of the position you’re applying for enhances your relevance as a candidate, emphasizing your suitability and commitment to the role.
  • Self-awareness: Crafting a career objective requires self-reflection and awareness of your strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations, fostering personal growth and development.

Crafting a compelling career objective is essential for freshers entering the job market. Below are some career objective examples for freshers to help guide you in writing your resume.

  • I am seeking a challenging position in an organization where I can learn new skills, expand my knowledge, and help the organization accomplish its ambitions.
  • I am dedicated to getting an opportunity where I can maximize my potential and significantly contribute to the organization’s growth.
  • I am enthusiastic about seeking a position in a company where I can kickstart my career and build a valuable skill set.
  • Seeking a role in an MNC where I can upgrade my skills with time and take the company to the next level.
  • A highly motivated, hardworking individual looking for a responsible role in a reputable organization.
  • I am seeking a role in a company where I can contribute my ideas and be mentored towards a successful career.
  • An organized and motivated employee capable of time management and working under pressure in all environments. Seeking to join ‘ company name’  as a  ‘position’  to ensure good internal communications and budget management.

A career objective for a resume is a brief statement which typically appears at the beginning of the resume and serves as an introduction to the applicant’s skills, experiences, and career path. The objective should be concise, tailored to the specific job or industry, and highlight what the candidate hopes to achieve in their career. It provides potential employers with insights into the candidate’s motivations and how they align with the position they are applying for.

Career Objectives come in different forms, depending upon the purpose of a resume. They are essentially divided into two broad categories, namely, generic career objectives and specific career objectives. As the names suggest, generic objectives play a role for a wide variety of positions in different fields. On the other hand, specific objects come into play while applying for a specific job that requires specialized skills as per your strengths. Whatever the type, it is essential to understand what is put where while building your resume.

Want recruiters to take notice of your profile? Explore our blog for expert insights on the Top Skills To Include In Your Resume .

A career objective is typically placed at the top of a resume and is designed to provide employers with a quick overview of what you aim to achieve in your professional life. 

A well-crafted career objective can help you stand out to potential employers by clearly stating how your skills, experiences, and goals align with the job you’re applying for.

Whether you are a fresher who is starting his/her career or someone experienced who wants to change your job, a well-written career objective in your resume will prove to your employer that you are just the perfect candidate that they have been waiting for.

Here’s are few key points to remember while creating an impactful objective for resume to grab recruiters’ attention:

  • Understand yourself: Get a better understanding of your goals, your strengths, and all your positive traits. 
  • Identify your strengths: Begin with a strong trait, then add 2–3 skills, describe your career goals, and explain what you hope to do for the company.
  • Be specific about your career goals: It is also a good idea to state the position that you are applying to along with the name of the company.
  • Avoid beating around the bush: Whatever you want to deliver,  keep it to the point. Either 2–3 sentences or 30–50 words must do the job.
  • Avoid first-person pronouns: First-person pronouns such as I, or me. For example, if you are an administrative assistant, instead of saying “I coordinated for information management,” a better idea would be to say “Coordinated for information management.”

Here is a list of common resume objectives that you can use:

  • A fresher who wishes to equip myself with additional skills and hone my leadership skills by working with a team that enables me to develop and work hard.
  • Seeking a position in a dynamic organization where I can launch my career and work towards building a strong skill set. 
  • A hard working individual looking for a challenging position where I can showcase my skills and contribute to the growth of the organization. 
  • I would like to enhance my technical and soft skills by taking up challenging assignments and expanding my knowledge. 
  • Looking for a role where I have the opportunity to discuss my ideas and receive feedback while being mentored towards building my career. 
  • Looking to work in an organization that can provide a variety of opportunities that allow me to expand my skills and knowledge while working towards achieving the organizational goals. 
  • A dedicated and detail-oriented individual looking for an entry-level position at a well-reputed organization to gain experience and exposure and expand my knowledge. 
  • Seeking an entry-level position where I can augment my knowledge, skills, and experience and contribute to the success of the organization. 

Check out our blog, “ Soft Skills for Resume, ” to learn which soft skills are essential for your CV’s objective and boost your job prospects.

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Get Noticed by Employers! Browse Our Free Resume Templates , Tailored with Expert Career Objective Advice

Writing a career objective when you have no work experience can be challenging, but it’s an opportunity to focus on your skills, education, and the value you can bring to a potential employer. Here’s a guide to crafting an effective career objective in this situation:

  • Focus on Your Educational Achievements : Highlight your academic accomplishments, relevant coursework, or any academic honors. This can demonstrate your dedication and capability to succeed in a professional environment.
  • Emphasize Soft Skills and Strengths : Mention soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. These are highly valued in the workplace and can be applied to various job roles.
  • State Your Career Goals Clearly : Be specific about what you hope to achieve in your career. This shows that you have direction and are motivated to pursue your professional goals.
  • Include Relevant Extracurricular Activities or Volunteer Work : Any leadership roles in clubs, participation in sports teams, or volunteer experience can be highlighted. These experiences can demonstrate teamwork, leadership, and commitment.
  • Show Enthusiasm for the Industry or Role : Express your interest and enthusiasm for the field or position you are applying for. This can compensate for the lack of professional experience.
  • Customize for Each Job Application : Tailor your objective to each job you apply for, showing how your skills and goals align with the job description and company culture.
  • Keep it Concise and Professional : Write in a professional tone and keep your objective brief and to the point, ideally no more than two to three sentences.
For a Recent Graduate: Fresh graduate with a Bachelor’s in [Your Major] from [Your University], eager to apply academic knowledge and a passion for [Industry/Field]. Highly motivated to learn and contribute in a [specific role or department] position, bringing strong [mention any relevant skills like communication, analytical skills] and a commitment to achieving company goals
For a High School Graduate: Newly graduated high school student with strong academic record and outstanding communication skills, seeking an entry-level position in [Industry/Field]. Brings enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and a dedication to contributing positively to the [specific role or team]. Keen interest in developing practical skills in a hands-on environment.
For an Internship Applicant: Undergraduate student majoring in [Your Major], seeking an internship in [Industry/Field] to gain hands-on experience. Brings a solid foundation in [relevant coursework or skills] and a strong desire to contribute to and learn from a dynamic team. Enthusiastic about applying academic learnings in a real-world setting.
For a Career Changer or Continuing Education Student: Motivated individual currently pursuing [Degree or Certification] in [Field] after a successful career in [Previous Field]. Looking to leverage transferable skills such as [list relevant skills] and a fresh academic perspective in [new industry/field]. Committed to making a meaningful contribution while acquiring new skills and insights.
For a Volunteer or Part-Time Role: Highly motivated and reliable individual seeking a [volunteer/part-time] position in [Field/Industry]. Offering a strong work ethic, adaptability, and excellent [mention specific skills such as interpersonal, organizational skills]. Aiming to utilize and expand skills while contributing positively to [specific goal or role].
For a Technical or IT-focused Position: Recent graduate with a degree in [Your Degree], specializing in [specific area, e.g., software development, network administration]. Strong foundation in [mention specific technical skills or software proficiencies]. Eager to apply these skills in a [specific role], contributing to the success of tech-driven projects.

To write the career objective resume for fresher, check out the below details:

Your Career Objective Statement will include:

  • An extremely strong trait.
  • A set of skills.
  • Name of the position and the company applied to.
  • The value you would add to your employer.

An Example of a beginner’s resume objective examples

An organized and motivated employee capable of time management and working under pressure in all environments. Seeking to join Acme Corp as an Administrative Assistant to assist in ensuring good internal communications and budget management.

Entry-level Career Objectives for Fresh Graduates 

Here is what your statement will include if you are aiming to enter the workforce after having graduated:

  • Lead with your strongest trait.
  • Include how your education will assist you well for the job.
  • Include your average graduate score if needed. 
  • Name the position and company applied to.
  • Explain your value to the company.

Career Objective for Freshers Example

Extremely motivated English Literature graduate with a 4.2 CGPA, looking to fill the position of a Copywriter Intern at The Hindu. Wishing to use my Research skills to help your company generate good quality content.

If you have landed a job, but you are trying to transition into a different industry altogether, here is how you would craft your objective:

  • Begin with a strong trait.
  • Use your current job title to your advantage.
  • Describe your previous experience to enhance your skills.
  • Mention the company’s name and the position you are looking to target.
  • Describe how your skills will translate to add value to their organization.

Career Objective for Career Change Example

Diligent customer support representative with over 3 years of experience at a high-volume call center. Seeking to leverage a fast-paced work ethic with top-rated customer service to help DHL grow and meet future demand as the new delivery driver.

If you’re a professional looking to master the art of explaining job changes, dive into our latest blog on ‘ How to Answer ‘Reason for a Job Change ‘

When crafting resume objectives for a career change, it’s essential to tailor your statement to highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and aspirations. Here are some key points to consider:

  • Research and Tailoring : Research the desired role and industry to understand the required qualifications and skills. Tailor your resume objective to align with these expectations.
  • Highlight Transferable Skills : Identify transferable skills from previous experiences that apply to the new career path. Emphasize these skills in your objective to demonstrate your suitability for the position.
  • Express Enthusiasm and Commitment : Clearly express your enthusiasm for transitioning into the new field and your commitment to acquiring the necessary skills or knowledge.
  • Focus on the Future : Instead of dwelling on your past career, focus on your future goals and how they align with the new role. This helps recruiters see your potential and vision for the transition.
  • Keep it Concise and Clear : Your resume objective should be concise, preferably within 2-3 sentences, and clear and easy to understand. Avoid jargon or overly complicated language.
  • Customize for Each Application : Tailor your resume objective for each job application to directly address the requirements and objectives of the specific role and company.

Crafting a compelling resume objective for a career change requires thoughtful consideration of your skills, experiences, and aspirations, effectively showcasing your suitability and enthusiasm for the new role.

Pro Tip: Add relevant keywords: Don’t forget to keep keywords that match your profile.
Seeking to secure the Learning Consultant profile at Great Learning as it will help me bring my educational background and sales & marketing skills to use.
To land a challenging job in a reputable company so I may broaden my knowledge, skills, and learnings. Obtain a responsible career path that will allow me to make the most of my education and experience while significantly contributing to the organization’s growth.

Take your resume from average to exceptional with our blog on 7 Universal Tips to Write a Resume: What Employers Really Want , including essential tips on crafting a compelling career objective.

Career Objective For Project Manager

Enthusiastic Junior Project Manager with a proven history of successful work with cross-functional teams. With over 5+ years of work experience at Agile, along with a PMP-Certification, seeking to deliver excellent project management to Google.

Career Objective For Marketing Manager

Performance Marketer with 4+ years of experience at MC Crates. Passionate about KPIs and growing customer base, looking to leverage quantitative measurement and data visualization.

Human Resources Career Objective

Energetic entry-level Human Resources Specialist seeking to obtain an HR Assistant role at KPMG. Along with event management and employee management organizations, I have also assisted with the administration of HR for a mediocre retail company.

Customer Service Resume Objective

Attentive, engaging, and enthusiastic customer service specialist trained in conflict resolution aiming to leverage interpersonal and communicative skills to build customer loyalty for Center Cable Systems.

Sales Resume Objective

Passionate Sales representative seeking to improve sales figures for Azult Medical. With a strong background in relationship building and customer engagement, I have part-time work experience as a sales rep for Fluid Kayaks for three years.

Call Center Career Objective

Enthusiastic and passionate call center agent with customer service and communicative skills seeking for a position at SpeedyCollect. Having provided excellent customer satisfaction both in person and on the phone, I have received 5 accolades from customers as well as managers

Resume objective for fresher for the following job profiles

Career objectives for information technology ( it manager).

Diligent Manager with 8+ years of experience with a large cloud services agency. Seeking to further IT career as a Department Manager at Aptive by leveraging my statistical, managerial, and communicative skills.

Career Objectives For Artificial Intelligence ( AI Programmer)

Dedicated and competent AI Program mer with 8+ years of experience in designing and developing gaming applications. Possess first-hand experience in writing codes and building complicated neural networks. Aiming to emerge as a Machine Learning Programmer to build and manage associated projects.

Take your expertise in AI to new heights with our collection of T op Artificial Intelligence Courses Onlin e. From machine learning to natural language processing, explore cutting-edge topics and emerge as a leader in this dynamic field.

Career Objectives for Machine Learning

Passionate machine learning engineer with x+ years of experience in predictive modelling and data mining. Excited to implement statistical machine learning solutions for Macro Globe. At XYZ Company, implemented demand forecasting models improving forecast accuracy by 34%. Check out our machine learning course .

objective for resume for graduate students

PGP – Artificial Intelligence u0026 Machine LearningrnBuild a successful career in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Career Objectives for Data Science 

Highly-motivated, passionate and certified Scientific Programmer with over 5 years of experience in developing, maintaining, and upgrading versions of software used for scientific research. Possess a strong background of mathematics and statistics and looking to emerge as a Junior Data Scientist.

Don’t Miss Out! Explore the Hottest Data Scientist Resume Trends for 2024!

Career Objective for Cloud Computing

Advanced-level IT specialist with immense experience in implementing network technology for businesses. An aspiring junior/senior-level Cloud Computing Engineer keen to apply my knowledge of cloud infrastructure, programming, network security, and cloud-based development into practice.

Career Objective for Cybersecurity

A seasoned cybersecurity professional with 5+ years of experience in investigating and analyzing various security issues. An aspiring Security Specialist possessing exceptional reasoning and problem-solving skills.

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Career Objectives for Marketing

To secure an entry-level marketing position with an organization that provides a positive learning environment. Ideate and implement novel strategies for the company’s marketing department and simultaneously grow my skills as a marketing professional and contribute to the overall success of a company.

Career Objectives Finance Professionals

An aspiring finance professional seeking entry/mid-level roles in an organization that could help me learn new skills. Excited to deliver my potential of financial analysis and strategic implementation with a novel approach toward the development of the company

Career Objectives for Digital Marketing

Exceptionally organized Digital Marketing professional with SEO, Social Media, and Email Marketing skills . Offering a proven record of success in managing Marketing campaigns which increased sales by 55%.

Must read our latest blog post: “ Everything You Need To Know To Start A Career In Digital Marketing in 2024 ” for expert insights and tips on launching your digital marketing career successfully

Career Objectives for a Content Writer

Creative individual with a flair for writing and curating content in technology, finance, travel, and health field. I wish to leverage my 3 years of freelance content writing experience and further my career as a content writer at XYZ company.

Career Objectives for Hospitality & Hotel Management

A self-motivated and highly passionate individual, seeking a management position that will help me utilize my educational and training experience in Hotel Management to offer my insights and steer the business towards success.

Crafting a compelling career objective for a fresher’s resume is crucial for making a lasting impression on potential employers. By focusing on your aspirations, skills, and what you bring to the table, you can effectively communicate your value. Remember, the objective in a resume serves as your professional introduction, so it’s essential to tailor it to the specific job and company you’re applying to.  Great learning resources can help you create a standout resume and offer Free Interview Preparation Courses , ensuring you’re well-prepared for every step of the job application process. Whether you’re aiming to land your first job or seeking to transition into a new field, Great Learning has your back with resources to support your career journey from start to finish.

A career objective is primarily the pitch of your resume and mentions the goal and objective of your career. The career objective works best when tailored to the job you are applying for.

Your Career Objective Statement will include: An extremely strong trait. A set of skills. Name of the position and the company applied to. The value you would add to your employer.

Example of an objective: I want to utilize my skill and knowledge effectively for the growth of my organization and become a valuable asset.

The SMART criteria for objectives stand for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.

It should be brief and precise. The shorter and crisper, the more effective it is.

An objective in the resume makes it clear to the recruiter about the job and role that you are seeking in a company.

An objective is a defined outcome that you strive to achieve with your efforts and actions.

A performance objective is a result that contributes to the success of the organization that you as an employee are expected to achieve.

To leverage my strong analytical skills and passion for data science in a challenging role that allows me to contribute to meaningful projects.” “Seeking a marketing position where I can apply my creativity and strategic thinking to develop innovative campaigns for business growth.” “Looking for an entry-level software engineering role to utilize my coding skills and collaborate within a dynamic team environment.”

In your career objective, express your career goals, skills, and what you intend to achieve in your desired position. Tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for and focus on how you can bring value to the company.

To secure an entry-level [industry] position where I can apply my [relevant skills] and [personal attributes] to contribute effectively to the team and develop professionally in a supportive environment.

A career summary is a brief overview of your professional background, skills, and accomplishments, often used in lieu of an objective statement for experienced professionals. An objective statement, on the other hand, focuses on your immediate career goals. The summary emphasizes what you bring to the table, while the objective states what you aim to achieve.

Contact Information: Include your name, phone number, email, and location. Objective Statement: Mention your career goals and what you want to achieve. Education: List your educational qualifications in reverse chronological order. Skills: Highlight relevant skills such as technical skills, languages, and software proficiency. Projects: Include any academic or personal projects relevant to your desired role. Internships/Volunteer Work: If applicable, list any relevant experiences. Achievements/Awards: Showcase any academic or extracurricular achievements. Extracurricular Activities: Mention clubs, sports, or other activities that demonstrate your skills and qualities. References: Generally, you don’t need to include references on a resume unless explicitly asked.

Take the first step towards a brighter future with our diverse selection of free online courses . In today’s fast-paced world, staying relevant and continuously developing your skills is essential. Whether you’re interested in protecting digital assets through Cybersecurity, leading teams to success with Management expertise, harnessing the power of Cloud Computing, or creating innovative IT and Software solutions, our courses cover a wide range of in-demand domains.

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Table of contents

How to write an MBA resume and make sure it stands out in the stack

Person writing resume on laptop.

Applying to business school, or an MBA program, can be nerve-racking. You’ll need to lasso together transcripts and test scores, fill out an application, and likely ace an interview—but perhaps the most critical piece of it all is an MBA resume. This important document will list out many of the same elements as a traditional resume, such as your educational background and work experience. 

But an MBA resume also has a different primary function than the typical resume you might submit to try and land a job: It’s designed to land you a spot in an MBA program. If writing an MBA resume feels intimidating, knowing what to put on it, and some other framing tactics, may help calm your nerves.

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Mba resume vs. a job resume  .

As noted, an MBA resume should feel familiar to many prospective business school students. 

“An MBA resume is very similar to a job resume,” says Kaneisha Grayson, the founder and CEO of The Art of Applying , an MBA admissions consultancy. She adds that both types of resumes will, or should, comprise a single page, incorporate clear, professional formatting, and lay out an applicant’s educational and career accomplishments. 

“I’d say one difference between the two is that I advise our clients to put their education at the top—whereas with a job resume, you’d see education at the bottom,” Grayson says. She recommends this variation because an MBA resume’s specific aim of landing an applicant at an educational institution. 

So, in that sense, there may not be a whole lot of differences between an MBA resume and a job resume, but there will be some additional focus on specific aspects of your background, all in an effort to win over an MBA program’s selection or admissions committee. 

How to write an MBA resume

Again, writing an MBA resume shouldn’t differ a whole lot from writing a traditional resume, but you’ll want to try and keep your end goal in mind, which is landing a spot in an MBA program. As you write your MBA resume, keeping that goal in mind should prove helpful, because it can help you parse out the information you’ll want to include, and the things you won’t.

“An MBA resume is very specialized toward the application cycle,” says Ellin Lolis, President and Founder of Ellin Lolis MBA Consulting . So, again, keep the end goal in mind. “Your education section is going to be important,” Lolis says, “but we mostly want to see your career focus.”

As for the nuts and bolts of writing an MBA resume? Keep it simple by deciding what to rope in, what to leave out, and how to structure it all so that it’s easy to read. 

What to include in your MBA resume

The main elements that your MBA resume should include are an education section, a job experience or professional experience section, and a portion that details a bit more about you, personally, such as your hobbies and interests. 

You can leave out photographs, information related to your high school, and even most of your contact information—that’ll be included on your program application, the experts say. 

Again, do your best to keep what you include to one page. The only time you could probably get a pass for using more than one page is if you have extensive professional experience, and are applying to an executive MBA program. A good rule of thumb? “When you have more than seven years of full-time, post-college work experience,” says Grayson. 

How to structure an MBA resume

As for structuring an MBA resume, do your best to contain most elements to the aforementioned sections: Education, professional background and experience, and a section dedicated to your personal hobbies, interests, skills and certifications, and community service work.

List the schools you attended and the degrees you earned, perhaps with any relevant coursework and GPAs in the education section. Your professional section may differ depending on your specific experiences and industries you’ve worked in, but try to frame it as a sort of professional “story,” which can showcase how an MBA can help you take the next step.

Professional background

“Generally speaking, the MBA is not a purely academic degree, as a majority of people are going to earn one to get a better job,” says Lolis. “They’re doing it to boost their career—and at that point, the most relevant thing is your recent job and your professional track record,” she says.

Get into the weeds, too, about your accomplishments. “Don’t just reiterate your job responsibilities,” says Grayson. “Communicate the results of your efforts. Quantifying the results is much more significant and meaningful—describe the impact,” she says.

Hobbies, interests, and more

As for the more personal portion? “One of the main things that’s different from a job resume is that they want you to share some of your hobbies and interests,” Lolis says. “Be very specific,” adds Grayson, “because 90% of people will list ‘travel’ as a hobby. “But that’s not interesting—maybe something like ‘slow traveling to find the best street food.’ That’s interesting.” This, she says, can help spark a conversation, or help your resume stand out from the pile.

In addition to specific hobbies or interests, you might include, add volunteer or community work as well, and perhaps relevant technical or language skills. Again, this may help tip the scales in your favor by showing you have specific know-how related to a given industry or task. Any applicable awards you’ve earned may be good to include, too, as they showcase that you’re capable of excelling in a given area.

Should you customize your resume for each business school?

Experts generally don’t recommend changing up your MBA resume when applying to different schools. Instead, look for specific instructions relayed by the school, if there are any, and make any needed changes accordingly. So, unless you have a really compelling reason, you can probably use the same resume for a number of applications.

Also, don’t go overboard in terms of design to make your resume stand out. “Just stick to traditional formatting,” says Lolis, since that’s what most admissions teams are used to seeing, and are generally looking for. Let the contents of the resume speak for you—not the design.

Where to go if you need help  

For many prospective MBA students, piecing together a resume shouldn’t be terribly difficult, given that it’s mostly the same process as writing a traditional resume. However, if you need help, you can reach out to consultants, or even check out some of the resources schools make available to help you along the process. 

  • Consultants : There are many MBA consultancies out there, including the firms that Lolis and Grayson founded. They can help create, review, and critique an MBA resume and get it into shape. 
  • Examples and templates : Some schools even make templates available , and example resumes to help students create their own. 

The takeaway  

In all, you should write an MBA resume in the same way you’d write a traditional resume, with some slight variations. The resume should focus on your professional background and previous education, while also detailing some of your personal interests, too. Stick to classic resume formatting as well, and keep it to one page, if possible.

It’s also important, experts say, to use some basic formatting and style—use 11 or 12-point font, a normal font style (Arial, Times New Roman, etc.), and overall, keep it professional. And remember: don’t go overboard trying to score style points with the resume’s design or other elements.

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COMMENTS

  1. 20 Example Resume Objectives For Applying to Graduate School

    20 resume objectives for graduate school applications. Use these sample resume objectives to get an idea of what kinds of skills, experiences and accomplishments you can showcase in your own resume objective when applying for graduate school: Curious and dedicated recent graduate with three years' experience as a laboratory assistant and ...

  2. 54+ Good Resume Objective Examples & Writing Guide

    College student resume objective. Hardworking college freshman majoring in International Business. Gained communication skills as a part-time barista throughout all four years of high school. Confident I can make a positive impact on prospective students and increase enrollment as a Tour Guide at Regent University.

  3. 60+ Resume Objective Examples for 2024 & How-to Guide

    Y = Years of experience and quantified success/results. Z = How these results apply to the specific job role. Keep this formula in mind, and you'll surprise yourself with professional and engaging results like the objective below: X = Ambitious, adaptable, eager, self-motivated, and efficient.

  4. Grad School Resume Examples, Templates, and Guide

    Provable skills. University and program name you're applying to. Here's an example of a well-written graduate school resume objective: Undergraduate Economics student (3.8 GPA) with proven leadership and research skills. Six months of international internship experience with the UNHCR.

  5. 100+ Resume Objective Statement Examples & Templates

    College student resume objective examples. College students should highlight coursework, part-time work experience, awards and related extracurricular activities in their career objectives. ... Recent college graduate resume objectives examples. If you're applying for a professional job for the first time, a good objective for a resume should ...

  6. Resume Objective: 20+ Career Statement Examples

    Resume Objective Sample: Legal Assistant. Right. Engaged, organized graduate with Duke Continuing Studies Legal Assistant Certificate, specializing in real estate law (1). 2+ years of experience in coordinating and organizing (2) key communications (3) and scheduling executive calendars (4) for the Tiffany Group team.

  7. How To Write A Resume Objective Statement (Examples Included)

    2) Making It All About You. This is a trap that many job seekers fall into, as they can't resist to use the objective to list off all of the things that they want to get out of the position. EXAMPLE: Hi, I'm Joe Jobseeker and I really want a job in a company where I make a ton of money doing as little as possible.

  8. Recent College Graduate Resume Examples (Plus Writing Tips)

    Here are three expert tips for assembling the perfect job application as a recent college graduate: 1. Highlight your experience as a student. As a fresh graduate, your college education is your biggest asset in entering the job market. Employers understand that earning a degree requires a variety of marketable skills.

  9. 51+ Resume Objective Samples [W/ Writing Guide & Tips]

    Project Manager Resume Objective Statement Example. "Detail-oriented employee with 6+ years of experience in Consulting seeking to use my deductive problem solving and project planning skills as a Project Manager for ABC Company. Excellent planning, time management, critical thinking, and leadership skills.".

  10. 75+ Real-Life Resume Objective Examples [+How-to Guide]

    Good at carrying out mathematical calculations.". Read the full cashier resume example here. #6. Retail Manager Resume Objective. "Experienced retail worker looking for a job as a Retail Manager at XYZ Inc. Skilled in inventory management, having worked as a warehouse manager in two separate organizations.

  11. What's a Good Objective for Your Graduate School Resume?

    Good Resume Objective: Specific and Tailored to You. Innovative and passionate educator with eight years of teaching expertise, parent-student conflict mediation skills, and experience working for a national nonprofit organization looking to gain the necessary education and training at ABC School of Medicine to begin a career as an adolescent ...

  12. Resume Objective Examples: A Career Objective Guide

    14. Resume objective example for legal roles. "Accomplished Corporate Attorney with 8 years of direct experience, seeking a top-level Lawyer role at [name of legal firm]. Brings skills including legal drafting, arbitration, corporate affairs, and labor laws to assist clients both inside and outside the courtroom.".

  13. 24 Resume Objective Examples: Career Objectives for 2024

    Secretary Resume Objective Sample. Your secretary resume objective should prove that you've got the skills for the job—even if you've never worked as a secretary. Reliable college graduate with proven MS Office expertise. Assisted my college department with paperwork and project management.

  14. 35 Impressive College Student Resume Objective Examples

    The objective statement is the first place you get to pitch yourself to a potential employer. It's the hook to draw a reader into looking at your resume in full. In your objective statement, you need to concisely convince the hiring manager that you understand what the job entails and that you are the best candidate for the job. Whether you are looking for a part-time job while studying, or ...

  15. PDF Resumes & CVs for Graduate Students and Postdocs

    Resumes and CVs for Graduate Students and Postdocs 2 (314) 935-5930 careerswustl.edu careercenter.wustl.edu The Career Center - Washington University in St. Louis Curriculum Vitae vs Resume C.V. Resume Comprehensive list (unlimited length) of your educational, academic, professional, and work experience Shorter more focused document (1-2 pages)

  16. How To Write a Graduate Student Resume (With Example)

    How to write a graduate student resume. Here are some steps you can follow to write a resume as a graduate student: 1. Choose a format. There are a few types of resume formats to choose from, but the most common is typically a chronological resume. This format prioritizes professional experience and lists previous jobs in reverse-chronological ...

  17. Career Objective for Resumes for Freshers (with Examples)

    For a High School Graduate: Newly graduated high school student with strong academic record and outstanding communication skills, seeking an entry-level position in [Industry/Field]. Brings enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and a dedication to contributing positively to the [specific role or team]. ... Resume Objective for College Students ...

  18. How to write an MBA resume, section by section

    MBA resume vs. a job resume . As noted, an MBA resume should feel familiar to many prospective business school students. "An MBA resume is very similar to a job resume," says Kaneisha Grayson ...

  19. Best Resume Formats for 2024 [8+ Professional Examples]

    This resume format is ideal for college students because it features a detailed education section and a simple, modern design. ... Resume Objective. Motivated [industry name] professional with [# of years] years of experience. ... I'm a recent graduate with transferable skills, relevant work or volunteer experience, extracurriculars, or have ...

  20. Why and how to develop resilience as a graduate student (opinion)

    Doing so leads to successful transitions throughout their career, as well as helps them cope more effectively with life in general, writes Rhonda Sutton. Graduate school is an experience shared by a rather small group of people—14.4 percent according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Without doubt, pursuing a graduate degree involves a lot of work, and that may lead to graduate students feeling ...