Resume Objective Statement Examples and Tips
A great resume objective statement highlights why you’re the best fit for a job. We’ll help you construct an amazing objective statement that matches company goals.
What is a Resume Objective Statement?
A resume objective statement (also known as a career objective statement) explains your purpose for applying for a specific job. Your objective statement is a description of who you are as a potential employee and why you’re the best person for the job, as well as a “mission statement” that explains your professional goals.
To write a resume objective statement that will impress recruiters, no matter what the job is, follow our expert tips and examples below.
When to use a Resume Objective Statement
Resume objective statements are particularly useful for these situations:
First-time job seeker: If you’re fresh out of school or are applying for a job for the first time, introduce yourself to employers through an objective statement that states where you want to take your career.
Example: Well-trained economics graduate specializing in international copyright law. Keen on securing opportunities to fully utilize my training and skills in the biotech industry.
Job seeker changing careers: If you’re switching career fields, an objective statement can help pinpoint transferable skills that fit your new career path, and explain why you’re shifting gears.
Example: Experienced graphic designer eager to use visual skills, attention to detail and organizational capabilities to begin a new career in social media marketing.
Job seeker applying for goal-oriented job: Show employers that you’re ready and willing to tackle a position that favors someone who can grow and make progress in the role.
Example: Enthusiastic banking specialist specializing in home loan products, ready to continue developing knowledge and skills in branch manager role.
Objective Statement vs. Summary Statement
For job opportunities other than the ones described above, you may be better off using a resume summary statement instead of an objective statement. For example, if you have experience in a particular career field and are looking to move into a more senior position, there’s no need to explain your objective in seeking the job.
Objective statement: Reliable administrative professional seeks to bring supervisory skills to a warehouse manager position. Has 3 years’ experience in organizational support for hardware store chain, including handling product inventory and shipping invoices.
Summary statement: Warehouse associate with 5 years’ top-notch experience in logistics. Fully versed in inventory management and storage processes, and brings excellent communication and leadership skills with staff of 5+ employees.
Both of these examples are targeted for a warehouse manager job, but the objective statement explains transferable skills that the candidate is bringing over from previous work, while the summary statement emphasizes knowledge and experience already gained in the same career field.
For more details and tips on writing a summary statement, visit our page How to Write the Perfect Resume Summary Section.
How to write an Objective Statement: 5 steps
1. Study the job description
Look over the job posting — what qualities and skills does the job require? What are the major responsibilities of the position? Draw on your own skills and experience to find ways to address these requirements, and then apply them to your statement.
Job description example:
Skills required:
- Customer service skills
- Creating and implementing SOPs
- Skills to motivate and build a team of leaders
- Timeline management/deadline delivery
- Planning and goal setting
- Budget management
- Knowledgeable of the construction industry and up to date on the ever-changing trends
Responsibilities:
- Oversee construction from pre-construction through close out.
- Responsible for keeping the project on schedule and within budget.
- Review all architectural plans, shop drawings, lighting proposals, and other documentation related to design development and construction processes.
- Ensure work is done in compliance with all relevant building and safety codes.
- Maintain cost estimates of assigned projects and assist in soliciting and obtaining bids from contractors, subcontractors and material suppliers.
Using the job statement for your objective statement
Objective Statement Example:
Accomplished construction coordinator with 10+ years experience overseeing construction schedules, budgets and processes. Customer-focused leader well-versed in SOPs, and ensuring work is completed on deadline, following safety parameters. Seeking to apply knowledge of construction techniques and vendors to a position that focuses on $5 million+ office construction projects.
2. Emphasize your unique qualities and accomplishments
You can be sure that applicants for an office assistant position will mention how well they know Microsoft Office, but how many can mention the time they helped streamline expense processes for a team of 100 employees? Be specific in your objective statement about achievements and abilities that are above the norm, and make you stand out.
Bad: Enthusiastic teacher with experience teaching high school classes. Seeking tenured position in prestigious private school.
Good: Enthusiastic teacher with experience teaching AP English and Social Studies to high school classes of 30+ students. Seeking tenured position in prestigious private school.
3. Show how you’ll add value to a company
It’s the prime question on every employer’s mind: How can you help a company succeed? To answer that question, refer back to the job description, pinpoint responsibilities where you can contribute the most, and state them up front in your objective. Include specifics on your length of experience. For example, for a software engineer job that focuses on creating reliable and scalable reporting services for clients, you could write your objective statement this way:
Reliable, detail-oriented software engineer with 10 years of expertise in core web design. Looking to design reporting services for companies ranging from start-ups to large corporations.
4. Be concise and punchy
The objective statement will be the first thing an employer will read on your resume — don’t lose them by getting long-winded. Keep your sentences brief, and cut to the chase: your best qualifications, and how you can help a company.
Bad: I am looking for an opportunity where I can use my strong administrative skills and my ability to relate to others to further my career as a community organizer.
Good: Organizer with strong administrative and interpersonal skills. Seeking opportunities to further serve the community.
Notice how the good example uses punchy phrases rather than complete sentences to get the point across.
5. Integrate the rest of your resume with your objective statement
Think of your objective statement as your tone-setter — you’re describing your best attributes up front. The rest of your resume should provide specific examples of how you’ve used those attributes successfully. If you state that you’re an experienced paralegal in your objective statement, give details in your work history section about accomplishments in this area, and show how you’ve contributed to a firm’s success (e.g., “Worked closely with senior law partners to manage complex, deadline-intensive projects. Recognized by law practice of 15 attorneys as key contributor”).
Remember, the more unique and specific your experiences and skills, the more you’ll stand out. If you’re a restaurant manager, writing “Managed kitchen and customer services for restaurant” won’t make as much of an impact as “Managed kitchen and customer services for 200-seat restaurant with 5-star Yelp rating.”
Prime Objective Statement Examples
Below are objective statement examples for specific situations — use them as a foundation for creating your own objective statement. For more help crafting your statement, you can also use our Resume Builder tools.
High School Student:
Reliable and mature high school junior seeking part-time retail sales associate position. Looking to gain department store experience for a future career in sales and marketing.
Self-motivated high school graduate with three months experience in administrative work seeking administrative assistant role. Experienced in MS Office, with strong attention to detail and collaborative skills.
Intern:
Graphic design student with proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite seeking position at ABC Designs. Experienced in dealing with deadlines and producing work to specifications as freelance designer.
Hard-working technical school student seeking internship in building construction to gain more expertise in project management and processes. Offers solid background in electrical and plumbing work.
Entry-level job:
Recent visual arts graduate looking to secure entry-level position in marketing. Well-trained in social media management and collaboration through volunteer work with local nonprofit organizations.
Highly motivated high school graduate with 2 years experience in business environments. Seeking salesperson position that utilizes my skills in customer service and organizational abilities.
Mid-level job:
Highly detailed financial analyst with 3 years’ experience in progressive accounting. Proven history of successful work with cross-functional teams. Proficient with Excel formulas and functions.
Accomplished human resources assistant looking for opportunities to excel in recruitment. Strong interpersonal skills, relationship building abilities, and knowledge of employment laws.
High-level job:
Highly motivated real estate professional looking to obtain property manager position. Well-versed in setting rental rates and utilizing marketing to attract tenants. Offers exceptional communication and customer service skills.
High-achieving office manager with over 10 years experience in 100+ employee office environments. Seeking opportunity to enhance managerial skills in a dynamic setting. Strong communication, decision making, multi-tasking, and leadership skills.
Looking for an Office Manager position with ABC Company offering an opportunity for professional development in management; and to enhance skills in a dynamic, yet stable environment.
To obtain an Office Manager post with Hurst Law Firm; adequately prepared to contribute to the development of the organization with extensive office management experience; and to build a long-term career with opportunity for professional growth.
Objective Statement Examples for Top Professions
Use these examples to create your own objective statement for these in-demand professions. For complete resume examples for these job titles and more, visit our Resume Examples section.
Bank Teller
Motivated professional seeking bank teller position which requires excellent communication and customer service skills. Offers collaboration abilities, attention to detail, and solid math and financial transaction processing skills.
Bartender
Reliable bartender pursuing position in boutique hotel lounge. Three years’ experience providing alcohol service in bars serving 200+ guests daily, with emphasis on superior customer service and maintaining a safe, clean environment.
Caregiver
Compassionate individual pursuing caregiver opportunities that require patient-focused services. Trustworthy, state-licensed caregiver with positive demeanor and experience looking after geriatric patients on a daily basis.
Cosmetologist
Friendly cosmetologist eager to find position in a fast-paced, fun environment. Experienced in providing top-notch pedicure and manicure treatments. State-licensed esthetician, with strong time management skills.
Electrician
Recent technical school graduate looking for opportunity to apply electrical knowledge and customer service skills to electrician position. Fully trained in installing circuit breakers and transformers in residential and business buildings.
Executive Assistant
Detail-oriented administrative professional seeking employment as an executive assistant. Offers excellent communication and office management skills, including experience with bookkeeping, databases, creating presentations, and assisting senior employees at 200-person firm.
Flight Attendant
Energetic flight attendant in search of opportunity with major airline. Experienced in providing excellent hospitality skills over 4,000 hours of domestic flights. Displays friendly demeanor, a calm problem-solving approach, and full knowledge of emergency procedures.
Intern
Computer science student eager to tackle internship opportunities in web development. Has full range of HTML/CSS, testing and debugging skills, as well as an efficient, deadline-focused approach to work.
Manager
Driven graduate with exceptional organizational and leadership skills. Seeking product management position that makes use of strong marketing, project design and development, and customer engagement skills.
Medical Assistant
Motivated medical assistant seeking opportunity to benefit both patients and healthcare providers. Passionate about helping those in need, and brings organizational and communication experience in hospice settings of 50+ patients.
Office Assistant
Energetic Office Assistant eager to streamline work processes and provide top-notch support in a fast-paced office environment. Proactive problem-solver with in-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google applications.
Paralegal
Seeking position in real estate law firm that requires expertise in legal research, analyzing issues, and drafting legal documents. Experienced with managing casework and administrative duties for legal group of 12 attorneys.
Pharmacy Technician
Hard-working Pharmacy Technician seeking to leverage 4 years’ experience in medication management in hospital position. Extensive knowledge of IV admixture and aseptic technique. Proficient in providing efficient, courteous and safe pharmacotherapy services.
Police Officer
Hard-working individual seeking entry-level Police Officer position. Brings expertise in security training via 6 years’ experience in the U.S. Army, as well as passion for community service and strong communication skills.
Project Manager
Motivated Project Manager looking for position at technologically-advanced startup company. Proficient in strategizing and implementing mobile app projects for company of 50+ employees, and ensuring that deadlines are met.
Receptionist
Competent administrator seeking receptionist position. Proficient with scheduling, operating multi-line telephones, and Microsoft Office apps. Brings excellent customer service and attention to detail.
Registered Nurse
Motivated Nurse with proven skills in quality healthcare seeking employment as a RN. Brings 5 years of experience in crisis management and pediatric care in 200-bed hospital.
Sales Associate
Dedicated Sales Associate looking for opportunities in big-box retail. Articulate and persuasive, well-versed in providing superior customer service for department store that sees 500 visitors a day.
Sales Manager
Dedicated Sales Manager with proven record of sales results, and maintaining relationships with clients and customers. Over 10 years experience as marketing manager with major clothing distributor.
Security Guard
Veteran Police Officer with 20 years of experience seeking senior-level Security Guard position. Displays excellent judgment, knowledge of safety and security procedures, and proficiency with the latest surveillance technologies.
Supervisor
Performance-driven professional with 5 years of experience managing production lines in manufacturing. Looking to obtain supervisor position that utilizes workload organization and interpersonal skills, and problem-solving abilities.
Teacher
Accomplished English teacher seeking opportunities at the high school teaching level. Experienced teaching AP English to classes of 30+ students, and managing successful successful summer programs for at-risk youth.
Trucker
CDL-licensed driver interested in long-haul trucking position. Has superior navigation skills, a spotless driving record, and a 97% on-time delivery rate. Experienced with flat-bed, tanker and freight truck transportation.
Writer
Multi-talented writer looking for opportunities in technical writing. Knowledgeable in web development and design, and co-author of how-to books on programming and software, with 30,000 copies sold on Amazon.com.
Objective Statement Examples for top Industries
Get a foothold in these top industries by using these objective statement examples for your resume. For resume examples for these and other career fields, visit our Resume Examples section.
Accounting
Recent graduate with Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, seeking position that makes use of analytical, decision-making and problem-solving skills. Fully versed in Microsoft Excel functions, including pivot tables, and proficient in Hyperion and Oracle. Brings collaborative, positive, deadline-focused approach to work.
Child Care
Compassionate child care worker with 5 years’ experience with preschool-age children in day care settings. Eager to find position that focuses on child care management, activity planning, and the opportunity to supervise students and ensure a safe environment.
Construction
Highly motivated team player interested in construction management position. Well-versed in collaboration with architects and vendors, budget management and compliance, and successfully completing multi-million-dollar office building projects and renovations.
Customer Service
Hard-working retail associate with 3 years experience in physical and online stores looking to make an impact in customer service. Excels in communication, team support and collaboration, and managing customer queries in person and online.
Dental
Certified dental assistant eager to move up to position of more responsibility. Top skills include X-rays and lab tasks, coronal polishing, and fluoride application. Strong attention to detail and administrative skills, including patient billing and record organization.
Healthcare
Diligent Medical Assistant seeking nursing assistant position. Has strong background in managing patient records, prepping patients for procedures and operations, and administering medications. Has 5 years experience in hospice settings of 100+ patients.
Housekeeping
Organized domestic worker with strong communication skills and attention to detail looking to obtain a Domestic Helper position. Excellent multi-tasking skills, flexibility and work ethic. Three years of experience in cleaning and household organization for service company, cleaning 10 homes a week.
Human Resources
Dedicated, resourceful human resources admin seeking senior-level position in HR management. Adept at interviews, administration, mentoring and leading junior employees. Proficient with handling hiring for companies of up to 200 employees, in all facets of the tech industry.
IT
Seasoned IT professional with knowledge of server system set-up and maintenance, and office computer installations and troubleshooting. Eager to expand responsibilities with a position overseeing the IT needs of a major company.
Maintenance
Reliable maintenance worker interested in facility manager position. Six years’ experience with building repair and renovation, as well as strong knowledge of large-scale construction, administration, and scheduling.
Marketing
Marketing associate specializing in food and beverage branding looking to move into coordinator role. Headed marketing campaign that increased soft drink group’s profits by 23% in previous year. Adept with social media and email marketing, with strong collaborative and creative skills.
Nursing
Registered nurse with 4 years’ experience in hospitals and nursing homes, looking for permanent position on hospital staff. Knowledgeable in geriatric and pediatric care, CNA oversight, and patient chart and records organization.
Retail
Seeking retail position in sporting goods that applies excellent communication skills and customer service abilities. Energetic problem-solver with 5+ years of proven success at generating sales, with strong product and market knowledge.
Resume Objective FAQ
- 1. What is a good objective statement for a resume?
- 2. What is a good objective statement for a first-time resume?
- 3. What’s the difference between an objective statement and a summary statement?
1. What is a good objective statement for a resume?
An objective clearly states the position you’re interested in pursuing, and also provides a snapshot of your best skills and experiences that show why you’re a fit for the position. A good objective provides specific details on your abilities and achievements. For example, don’t just write “Proficient with software”; specify the software you’re proficient in.
2. What is a good objective statement for a first-time resume?
If you’re a first-time job seeker, you likely won’t have much professional experience you can show off in your objective. Instead, focus on key skills and training you already have that fit the job, such as certification in Microsoft Office for an administration job. You can also highlight internships or volunteer/extracurricular activities that make use of skills the job requires. For instance, if you’re applying for an event coordinator role, it’s very appropriate to mention a volunteer summer activity in which you helped organize activities for a major event.
3. What’s the difference between an objective statement and a summary statement?
The major difference between an objective and a summary is that the summary focuses on your top abilities and experiences, minus any statements about your career goals or the type of job you want. For more on summaries and how to write them, visit our resume summary section.
