Page 105 - Complete Idiot's Guide to The Perfect Resume

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Chapter 6 ➤ Step One: Heading Your Way

Wording with an Objective

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Less is more! You need to
say everything as concisely as possible, starting with your Job
Objective statement.
Putting your Job Objective statement near the top of your resume
is the clearest way to tell the reader what you want for your imme- Job-Hunt Hint
diate future.
If you’re a professional consult-
Some resumes have flowery opening statements with job objectives ant with a Web site about your
buried deep inside them. They use phrases like “challenging posi- services, be sure to include your
tion,” “room for advancement,” and “opportunity to grow.” Give site’s URL in your resume
the reader of your resume a break—cut out all the fluff because it heading.
doesn’t say much anyway. Stick to what’s important:

➤ The job title you’d like next, if you know it (for example,
Manager or Sales Representative).
➤ The area of work you want to be in (for example, Marketing or
Sales). On rare occasions, this might include an area of spe-
cialization (for example, “with an emphasis on new business
development” or “focusing on graphic design”).

Take a look at the following examples: Career Casualty
Not so good: A challenging position that will utilize my skills A resume without a Job Objec-
and experience as Director of Marketing tive effectively says, “This is what
I’ve done. Could you figure out
Yawn! Everyone wants to be challenged, and of course you’ll be what I should do next?” That’s a
using your skills and experience. weak approach! A Job Objective
gives your resume focus and
Much better: Director of Marketing
strength and makes a powerful
Not so good: An administrative position in a growth- first move toward title and salary
oriented company where I can use my background in finance negotiations.
to promote the firm

This statement sounds like you’re judging the company’s ability to provide for your future.
Much better: Administrative position with a focus on finance
Not so good: A position as Associate Field Producer in TV Programming that offers
room for advancement and high rewards

Bad idea! It sounds like you want the job of the person reading the resume!
Much better: Associate Field Producer, TV Programming

Want to see this concept at work? Review the concise Job Objective statements in the
following resumes.

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