Sample Resume Objectives: Read, Dont Copy

The resume objective statement is typically something that trips people up.

Confronted by the silent challenge of the blank page, most folks Google for "sample resume objectives". They hope that'll help.

Probably not.

I say that because sample resume objectives often are like sample resumes, or sample cover letters, or sample anything. They're samples. They aren't exactly what you need. They're fine for generating ideas, I suppose, but they come with a temptation.

Remember that apple affair in Eden? Well, the serpent made an attractive offer, and swept the downside under the rug. Adam and Eve went along. It seemed okay at the time.

The temptation with sample resume objectives is to copy them. You know, copy and paste? That's not necessarily evil, but it's often a lazy way out. Nobody will ever know, right? Maybe, maybe not.

Maybe nobody has ever said this to you before exactly this way, but you need to hear it. Your resume needs to be all yours. It's fine to get ideas from samples, but it's unwise to copy them.

The way I describe this to people is that your resume needs to talk like you do.

By all means, put your best foot forward. A resume isn't supposed to be conversational. It's supposed to be professional. It'll be at least a little more polished than the typical lunchroom chat.

But if you don't use the word "conceptualized" in normal speech, and you can't define it off the top of your head, you probably don't want it on your resume.

The same goes for sample resume objectives.

If you copy and paste a sample resume objective (or work experience, or qualifications, or anything), at least make sure you know what all the words mean. Maybe change the order of the points in there. Replace words you don't know with equally good ones you do. Learn to love your thesaurus (but don't go for weird words).

In other words, own your objective.

Remember, your resume should be selling you, not some mythical person writing checks your real-life performance can't cash. Don't set yourself up for failure.

(c) Copyright 2005 by Roy Miller

An article by Roy Miller, creator of http://www.Job-Search-Guidepost.com. A quick, successful job search is about more than copying sample resume objectives. Go here to find a simple technique to analyze any sample resume objective you find online: Sample Resume Objectives -- Stick With The Good Stuff. And if you liked this article, be sure to sign up for Roy's free weekly newsletter.

This article may be reprinted for use in newsletters and on websites provided that this information box is kept intact. Email notice of intent to publish is appreciated but not required: roy@job-search-guidepost.com.

---

3 Questions No Job Seeker Ever Wants To Be Asked?

Employer and interviewers expect you to answer tough question during... Read More

Resume That Effectively Promotes You!

Imagine for a moment that you have created a wonderful... Read More

No Degree, No Problem

According to a recent survey, 52% of job candidates polled... Read More

Are You an Ex-career Woman Living In a New Country?

Were you once a successful, professional woman who had a... Read More

How to Manage Your Career Like a Business

Look upon yourself as a company with a product or... Read More

Resume Outline - Add Structure & Flow to Your Resume

Building your resume, based on a resume outline will give... Read More

Recruiting on the Web Requires Special Record Keeping for Legal Purposes

by Lesli Peterson, Business Analyst, VCGwith Phil McCutchen,... Read More

For My Second Career, I Want to Do Nothing!

Q. For my second career, I'd like to know "What... Read More

Five Qualities Employers Want

More than ever, employers want employees who can produce results!... Read More

Dont Quit Your Day Job! Convincing Your Boss To Let You Telecommute, Part 1 of 2

Are you desperately trying to find a telecommute job so... Read More

What is a Career Anyway?

A career is the sum total of all of your... Read More

A Bit of Pollyanna

"Stop being such a Pollyanna," a trusted, more experienced colleague... Read More

Dont Settle

Chuck was the best of the twenty-four candidates. Still, he... Read More

Sample Resume Objectives: Good, But Summaries Are Smokin!

Since college I've been told that a resume ought to... Read More

Why Should We Hire You?

This is one of those broad questions that can take... Read More

You?re Ready for a Career Change - Is Your Resume?

You finally did it. You made the decision to leave... Read More

Experience Hear-See-Do

Research indicates that we retain only 10% of what we... Read More

Do I Have to Provide a Salary History?

Often you see job postings with a request such as... Read More

Seven Steps to Making a Successful Career Change

My first job was secretary to Moses. Having to transcribe... Read More

Kill the Hype

She was waiting for me when I returned from a... Read More

Find Passion for Your Work

Most people spend approximately 25% to over 67% of their... Read More

Why a Professional Resume?

As a job search tool your Resume is your main... Read More

Job Interviews: Identifying & Using Your Most Important Asset

When you're looking to get hired or get promoted, what... Read More

Does Your Resume Lack Vision?

You're just getting over the shock of having become unemployed.... Read More

How You Can Find Opportunities For Foreign Language Proof Reading Work

For those who are fluent in another language, foreign language... Read More

Can You Tell Me Something About Yourself!

Interview Question, "Tell Me Something About Yourself?""Tell me about yourself"... Read More

Professional Moms: How to Get Ready to Re-Enter the Workforce

Finally! Your youngest is in school and you are ready... Read More

The Perfect Fit: Women & Franchising

An interesting combination of factors at this time in history... Read More

A Workplace Romance Can Be Detrimental to Your Career

Over 70% of single employees will become romantically involved with... Read More

Talented People

I was asked last week for an article about employment,... Read More

Evaluating Job Offers -- Eleven Warning Signs You Must Watch Out For

Moving into a new job always involves some degree of... Read More

Career Change Is Not For Wimps! 3 Powerful Steps to Do Work You Love

Tough words... but I truly believe that folks who make... Read More

5 Things You Need To Know Before Deciding On A Certification Training

The right certification trainingTrainings vary a lot when it comes... Read More