What should I write on my resume under "objective"- see details?

Question

I'm going to start college this fall and I am going to attend a job fair for an on campus job. I dont really have any specific job in mind- ill do anything i am capable of doing. So I was just wondering, what do you think I should write under "Objective" on my resume? Something really general, like, "on campus job".......
any suggestions?

Answer 1

Never, EVER, put an objective on a resume. An objective is your "wish list" and will get you screened out faster than anything.

Instead, put a "Value Statement" in the place of an objective.

It should go something like this:

Value Offered

A bright, outgoing and conscientious person with experience in X, Y, Z who is majoring in X.

This carries over into your professional career. Just continue to refine your value statement as you go through life.

Just as an example - here is how mine reads after 20 years of expereince:

"A Senior Human Resources and Benefits Manager/Business Partner with heavy human resources generalist experience, as well as expertise in designing, implementing and managing/administering employee benefits plans, who is fiscally responsible, vigorously solution oriented and focused on achieving business goals and increasing revenues/margins through effective staffing and consulting practices. A hands-on manager, comfortable in the boardroom or the field, who has the demonstrated ability to work in a team setting or as an individual contributor to design and implement balanced programs that deliver results for both employees and employers. A top-notch recruiter/negotiator and employee relations professional who quickly analyzes and resolves employee issues and is known for building solid and lasting client relationships, providing world-class client service and the ability to rapidly build complex human infrastructures."

Finally - you would be amazed at how often I interview and hire people for jobs that they did not apply for because I ignore objectives. In fact, the first thing I do when I get a resume in is delete the objective off of the resume.

PS - if the objective is really dumb, or really restrictive, I delete the entire resume....

Answer 2

The objective section should be a summary of what you want to accomplish and what kind of job you are looking for. It should also be presented in a flattering manner. Since you are going to a job fair and looking for an on-campus job I would put something like this.

Objective: To obtain a job on the campus where I intend to further my education.

or perhaps,

Objective: To obtain employment in an on-campus location while allowing for my higher education.

As much as people may think the section is worthless, some people will read it, intentionally or otherwise. You should take every opportunity to show your intelligence and shine. Intelligent workers generally make good workers. Remember to smile genuinely and often :)

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Re-title the "Objective" section and make it a "Skills Summary" section. You make a better impression by describing what you have to offer an employer than by talking about what you want. Then write a sentence or two explaining the skills you most enjoy using, for example:

"Skills Summary:
I am quick and careful writer and Internet researcher, also accomplished at using spreadsheets and word processing software."

Of course, fill in the things you prefer spending time doing (these are just examples).

I hope you get a job you love and do well in school!

Marilyn Haight

Answer 4

Be daring; Leave it out. I read lots of resumes & I have no idea who came up with that business of putting an applicant's objective on them. I couldn't care care less about an employee's stated objective. MY OBJECTIVE is have someone show up & do what I tell them. If they're really good they'll get more to do & higher pay.

Answer 5

The "objective" section of a resume is obsolete.

Answer 6

I'm not an expert but I believe it should like why you would want to work for a certain company. what you can offer, such as a team player,motivated and dependable. etc....