on a resume do you always have to put an objective or not?

Answer 1

I did place my objective on my resume, sometimes it helps !

Answer 2

Some will tell you that's it's optional but as a manager with hiring authority I would disagree. Strongly.

Your objective statement should be custom written for every position that you apply for. It should make you look like the only logical candidate for the position.

The objective statement is the first thing we look at -- and often the only thing that we look at.

If it's generic, we may not bother reading any farther. That tells me that the candidate isn't serious in their job search and hasn't taken enough time to review the position description and requirements or the company. That's NOT a good starting point!

If it's missing entirely I'm NOT going to waste my time trying to figure out what the candidate might want. There are too many other applicants who took a few minutes to get it right for me to waste time on someone who appears to not care.

IMHO, the HR Specialist who said it's not necessary should consider a different career path. My HR department is under strict instructions to NOT forward a resume that doesn't have an objective statement. I may have as many as a dozen openings at any given time and I'm NOT going to waste my time trying to figure out what position the candidate might be interested in. While the cover letter SHOULD have this information, cover letters and resumes get separated all the time.

Answer 3

No you do not HAVE to, but it's highly recommended. The reason is that HR people don't have a lot of time to read through the whole resume to figure you out. You can help them by writing a couple of sentences at the top describing you or the position you're looking for, so they can immediately see that you are perfect for the job! I put this as a "Profile" at the top underneath my name/address/phone so it's the first thing they read.

Answer 4

An Objective is a section that gives recruiters an immediate sense of who you are and what you're looking for, without forcing them to wade through the entire resume. If you decide to include an objective, stress what you'll add to the company, not what you're looking to take away.

Answer 5

No, you don't HAVE to... but it is a good idea to have a "blurb" stating what you are looking for in a job or what your goal is and how long term you are looking for what kind of environment you want to work in...etc. Definately state what you have to offer to them in there.

Employers ask this of people at interviews and its a good idea to give them lots of information about yourself on your resume to make it stand out.

I instead of just listing your last job, put a little bit of information about what skills you used in that job.... "this job required excellent communication and multi-tasking ability"..."thinking fast on your feet and common sense".

When an employer gets a lot of resumes its your first chance to make a good impression, they sift through them and choose the good ones to interview. Presentation is important.

Answer 6

Yes. It tells employers/recruiters what I am seeking. Not all the time I read the job posting that it will be the "perfect" fit. The objective summarized what type of position you are looking for.

Answer 7

Objectives are not required in resumes anymore. It really just states the obvious of why you are submitting your resume. If you feel comfortable leaving it out, then do so. Skills and work history and experience are more the focus of your resume anyway.

Answer 8

It helps to show the potential employer that you are objective driven. With the advent of computers you can modify your objective to meet the current critera of the job you are applying for. Very handy.

Answer 9

Not necessarily but its good for the employer as they get to glance at a quick window of what you can do & what would make you the person to employ for their company.

Answer 10

Yes you do. They would like to know what position your applying for. They may be a few opportunities open.