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Kat · Guest

Resume objectives seem very redundant to me....the content they are supposed to contain is the same thing that the cover letter is for, right? Telling what kind of job I want (obviously, the one in the ad I'm replying to) and what I have to offer (the things listed on my resume and in my cover letter). So why should I waste my time trying to figure out how to write in one sentence what I just said in my cover letter?

Perhaps it's just the fact that I'm not applying for the exact same type of job over and over but all are slightly different, but I'm having to change my objective for every resume I send....and I thought that's why I sent my cover letter, especially since I send them in response to specific job ads so it's not like the employer needs to be told what I want in a job. Yet from what I've read, employers like to see them anyway.

Is there something I'm missing here about objectives? Is there something else I'm supposed to be including that the prospective employer can't get from my cover letter or my resume itself?

ResumeCoachDeb

There is a HUGE difference between a resume objective / profile and cover letters. First, your resume and cover letter should complement one another and be tailored to the reader, however main purpose of the cover letter is to establish rapport. Resumes show you can do the work; cover letters express your desire to do the work.

Make it clear in the cover letter that you really want the job. If the company is having particular problems ... bullet point some of the successes you have had resolving similar problems and how you can be an asset to the organization and hit the ground running !! Remember, this is a marketing / sales pitch exercise.

Research the potential employer and make mention of bits of information recently in the news about them ... all good of course !! You can also highlight attributes that are not mentioned in your resume.

You need to be aggressive !!

Resume Coach Deb

Katja144 · Expert Joined: 22 Aug 2005 Posts: 177 Career Advice: +2/-0

But if, as I've read, my objective is supposed to be something like "seeking X position" and early in my cover letter I state that I'm writing in response to X position, isn't it just redundant?

Or, if I make it generic and say something like "seeking a career using skills X, Y, and Z"--well, my resume AND my cover letter both tell what my skills are, so why put it into the objective as well?

(I should note...the original post was made by me before I joined)

Richard · Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 12:31 am Post subject:

I must admit I kind of sympathise with you. An objective could be seen as a double edged sword in that while it's nice to have goals, putting down an objective that bears little relation to the job you' re applying for may signal to your potential employer that you've no intention of staying for long. I've only used one for a short while because it was fashionable to do so in the 90s but largely for the earlier reason (although if I'm being honest, I never had an objective other than to be happy. I never did the career thing!). I can't say whether or not it affected my chances of landing the job but while I was using one, I was unemployed for 22 months.

If you have a career or vocation then advancement within that career is expected and in that case an objective based around your expected career progression would be extremely relevant, especially if it was directed towards a specialism or attaining high office. Don't put down that you want to be Prime Minister or The President though unless you're after a job as a stand-up.

ResumeCoachDeb · Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 1:19 am Post subject: Objective / Career Focus

Here's what I tell my clients with regard to focuses and profiles. Keep in mind that you may need more than one resume depending on the focus.

First, start with a career focus, an actual career title at the top of your document under your letterhead. Objective statements are out of style. You want this title to JUMP out at them. Focused resumes are powerful job search tools! Hiring managers and recruiters appreciate applicants who know what skills they offer and where they can best fit into a company. Don't make the reader guess what position you're applying to. The most effective resumes leave no doubt as to the job seeker's career objective. If you have more than one career focus, you may need more than one resume.

Follow with your professional profile. Consider this an abstract and branding message -- a concise synopsis that tells employers who you are and what you have to offer. A resume profile is the calling card for your resume - the "headline" that captures the reader's attention and compels them to read further. Your brand is your reputation. To be outstanding, you must stand out and get a creditable brand message out. The profile must be so strong that the reader will be ready to consider you as a viable candidate before ever reading the rest of the resume because they will know you are a perfect fit and answer to their dreams.

HTH
Deb

David · Newbie Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Posts: 2 Career Advice: +0/-0

If you have a career goal that you are committed to then an objective can add weight to your resume. Use your cover letter to introduce and draw parrallels between your skills and experience and the job requirements.

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