I will admit that the standard, generic executive resume objectives drive me up a wall. Well meaning, intelligent job seekers spend so much energy writing "me-oriented" career objectives.
Some of my favorite resume objective blunders - do NOT send your resume out with anything like these:
Resume Objective: "To obtain a position where I can maximize my
multilayer of skills managing my own successful business, successful sales
executive, general contractor, marketing, training experience, office manager,
office assistant, customer service, organization, and motivation."
Gee - that's a whole lot going on there - what are you seeking?
Resume Objective: "To contribute to the
continual success of the administration utilizing my skills in management and
supervision."
Okay - whose administration - the Bush administration?
Employers want and need to know how you will help them. According to a recent survey of hiring managers by Katherine Hansen, the author of Top-Notch Executive Resumes (with a resume sample from yours truly), the resume objective is one of many pet peeves. An excerpt from her report states:
"Most people in hiring positions do not read Objective statements. "Omit objective statements [because]
the applicant, as a matter of principal, has no objective; the company has the objective," advised
Kennedy. "Whatever you write, your objective is to get a job," said Alison, a corporate recruiter for
a specialized information provider.
"I can never figure out why people think employers are breathlessly waiting to provide them with opportunities. I am especially puzzled when it is in an executive resume," noted Joy Montgomery, owner of Structural Integrity in California."
Instead of stating the obvious combine a title header with a strong branding statement and summary section. Which candidate sounds better to you:
Candidate A: Seeking a challenging leadership position where I can utilize my strengths in manufacturing and production.
Candidate B:
SENIOR MANUFACTURING EXECUTIVE
Bringing World-Class Performance and Compliance To Manufacturing and Production Operations
Infusing global manufacturing operations with advanced, state-of-the art
engineering solutions that streamline processes, curtail hazardous waste costs,
and elevate environmental and safety standards
It's the same candidate, just a stronger message....remember it's all about what the employers want.
