Biron Clark is a former executive recruiter who has worked individually with hundreds of job seekers, reviewed thousands of resumes and LinkedIn profiles, and recruited for top venture-backed startups and Fortune 500 companies. He has been advising job seekers since 2012 to think differently in their job search and land high-paying, competitive positions.
Well, I have to disagree a bit. If I’ve been unemployed for a while and need to get a job quick, sure I play by the “make your resume look like everyone else’s” rules. However, my “just browsing, thanks,” resume has four very specific objectives at the top of page one that describe exactly what types of companies and jobs I’m looking for and what types I don’t want to hear about. It saves me a LOT of casual calls from the churn and burn recruiters and outfits in town.
I am a college student looking for a summer internship. I don’t have a career summary- should I be including an objective?
You do have a professional summary. You’re a current student specializing in __ and __, skilled in __ and looking for an internship to do __.
(So yes, it can be partly an objective, but still include some pieces from a summary too. Even students can write a summary).
Hi. Im 62 and been a teaches aide for past 15 yrs. One semester of college major bi-lingual education but why mention .. it was only one semester?? Im so glad I came upon your site. its rather refreshing that your site is on the money shall we say. Im a touchy, feely learner. Yes DO write a resume that your suggesting. That would be helpful. Is that asking too much. maybe! ok. For the first time in my life after 15 yrs. experience with special education both in elementary and High School I am finally working on turning in a “RESUME”!. Dont say anything or think anythingOK? :0 Actually ty Have a great day!
Hi Biron,
Your posts are really meaningful and unearthing precious tips for jobseekers.
In regard to this article, I totally agree with your suggestion.
I had recently my resume redone by professional resume writers and, following their experience, adding that objective section only gets to put room off from your resume presentation.
In addition to this, it’s useless: since I have learned that the right concern it’s not about you, but about the employer and what’s in it for the recipient of your resume.
I think having an objective can still be helpful too. just don’t make it like everyone else’s generic objective.
I think having an objective can still be helpful if you just take out the generic stuff that this article talks about.. stuff like “i want to be offered a job”.
But if you put non-obvious stuff, it’s still helpful to have.