Resume Objectives - Focus Focus Focus.

You should absolutely ALWAYS begin your resume with a sharply focused objective statement relevant to both the role AND the company you are applying at, neatly describing why you are the wo/man for the job.

Some people have conflicting opinions on these opening statements. When you ask the reasons why, it appears to be the fact that its because most of them are so badly written, you are left wondering why they bothered.

So, yes, it’s our opinion that you DO need an Objective or summary in one of your how to make a resume task list, but which, what should you say and how long should it be?

The Objective or Summary helps describe the value you can bring to a would-be employer through your skills and experience. It’s much easier for a hiring manager to find that value in a short paragraph than to try piecing it together from a lengthy history of professional experience and education. A strong, well-written Objective or Summary that's tailored to the position you're targeting can spur the hiring manager to read more of your resume.

Use an Objective if:

• You are new to the work force, a fresh grad for example
• You are coming back into the work fold after a career break
• You are totally changing your career or focus

If you don’t fall into these categories, then you are better off with a summary as your work history should give away your career objectives quite succinctly.

It’s all about the employer, not you. What I mean is – focus on what YOU can do for Them, not what you want from them. It’s flattering and shows commitment. Very important in these economic times.

Pull out the most relevant highlights of your professional history and present them in a brief, high-impact statement. Avoid personal pronouns (I, me, my) and remove unnecessary words. And don't write complete sentences.

This statement should be no longer than 50 words. I know, it’s REALLY hard to get your pitch down this small, but it’s oh so necessary. Many resumes get a glance of anything up to 7 seconds from potential employers so you have to hit them with the relevant information, and quickly. It’s your very short, but very first impression and it’s got to count.

Your communication as a job seeker falls with you, not the employer. It’s a tough market out there, but for the well rehearsed, prepared seeker, it shouldn’t be too difficult to pin point your necessary targets and head in there with the right message.

Good Luck!