Are you struggling tirelessly over the keyboard? It’s not an unheard-of scenario if you are working on a resume. The first few times, you aren’t even sure what is supposed to be put on it. Should you include a resume objective? Well, to us, it depends on the situation. In some instances, it’s a good call. However, in others, you would be better served by a summary statement.
Comparing an Objective With a Summary Statement
First, we need to clearly differentiate between the two. Resume objectives have been included in job applications for many years. Typically, it tells the potential employer what you, as the employee, are looking for. In contrast, summary statements let employers know what you have to offer. Using your own judgment, it shouldn’t be difficult to see the difference. Nevertheless, knowing when to use each of them is vital.
Benefits of Using an Objective
Resume objectives can send a very powerful message to potential employers. However, you must be taken seriously. Otherwise, its effect will be detrimental. When applied appropriately, it can be powerful.
Key Advantages
- Better for Experienced Professionals: Have you been working in the industry for years? In that case, you may want to consider using a resume objective. Truthfully, the more employers want you, the better it is for you to include this.
- Useful for When the Recruiter Contacts You: Are you responding to a cold contact? In that case, you know that your skills are desirable. Therefore, it makes sense to start with a strong bargaining position. You can assume they will be willing to negotiate. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have contacted you in the first place.
- Tells Them What You Want: What are you looking for out of the job? If you feel this is important to communicate, then you should include a resume objective. It’s, by far, the easiest way to do so.
Benefits of Using the Summary Statement
Now, we can take a closer peek at summary statements. Typically, these are great to include on applications for entry-level job positions. In most instances, you’ll want to make the best impression possible. Thus, showing them what you have to offer is a great idea. As soon as they open up your packet, your best qualities will jump right out.
Key Advantages
- Perfect for Your First Interview: Have you ever interviewed for a job? If you haven’t, summary statements are a great way to minimize the pressure. They show your potential employer you are eager to do your best.
- Let the Interviewer Know What You Can Offer: Interviewers read the summary statements first. By carefully crafting yours, you can show them your best qualities. Then, they will read the resume with a new perspective. Once you arrive for your interview, you’ll already have made a great impression.
- Distills Your Essential Traits: Would you like to work for a specific company? In that case, you know how you can contribute to the endeavor. Use this as an opportunity to show them what you can do. That way, they will be the ones who are eager to hire you.
When to Use Both
Of course, you should also evaluate each situation independently. In some instances, experienced professionals would be better choosing one over the other. However, it’s impossible for us to provide you with a blanket scenario. Consequently, we’ve cobbled together a few examples. Glance over them a few times. Then, you should start to see a clear pattern. Once you’ve entered the job market, rely on your intuition. Then, craft an appropriate resume. If you use an online cv you can start with a proven template, so the entire process is streamlined.
Resume Objective
- You’ve Received a Cold Contact: When someone contacts you, you can use an objective. They only contact you if they want to hire you. When you’ve already been given the job, it’s okay for you to make some clear demands. Ultimately, you might get something added to the offer. Why would you leave anything on the table if you could avoid it?
- Your Credentials Are Phenomenal: Of course, highly qualified individuals know they are usually. If that is a good description for you, then the resume objective would be the best bet. By using it, you can score better job offers. You probably don’t struggle to get enough of them. However, you might not get offers that are substantial enough. You can change that with this.
- You’ve Got Some Form of Leverage: Is the job in the bag? In that case, feel free to use your leverage. When you know that you’ve got a great chance, it never hurts to ask for a little more.
Summary Statement
- You’d Like to Make the Best Impression: How many career level positions have you held? If this is your first, make your best impression. It’s difficult to get your foot in the door. Depending on the industry, it can be nearly impossible. However, by making a great first impression, you up the odds. That way, you can even the playing field.
- You Are Interviewing for Your First Major Career Position: Sure, you’ve worked at a few different places. Nevertheless, you would not call any of them a career. Now, you are applying for a new opportunity. In that case, you’ll want to show your potential employer how valuable you can be. In that case, we recommend using the summary statement. These are a great way for you to showcase your talents. Plus, it puts the reviewer in a better mood. Once they begin reading the rest of the resume, they’ll be more likely to cast things in a good light.
- You Just Graduated College: Did you just enter the job market? Scoring your first job after graduating is always difficult. Nevertheless, you can minimize your challenges. By implementing an appropriately designed resume, you’ll have interviewers calling you all day. Simply use the tips listed above. As soon as you are done, the results will impress you.