Resume Guide
Resume Objective Examples: When and How to Use One
A resume objective is a one or two line statement of the role you want and what you bring. It works for people with little experience or who are changing fields. For everyone else, a summary is usually stronger.
Download Free →Objective or summary?
| Use an objective if | Use a summary if |
|---|---|
| You are a student or recent graduate | You have several years in your field |
| You are changing careers | You can state results quickly |
Formula
[Who you are] seeking [role] at [type of company] where I can use [skills] to [value for employer]. Keep the focus on what you offer.
Examples
- Student: Marketing student seeking a summer internship where I can apply social media and analytics coursework to help grow a local brand.
- Career changer: Experienced retail manager seeking a customer success role where I can apply team leadership and problem-solving skills to improve client retention.
- First job: Reliable high school graduate seeking a part-time retail position where I can bring strong customer service skills and flexible availability.
Examples are illustrative; tailor each to your own background.
Tips
- Name the actual job title in the posting.
- Skip "seeking a challenging position" and other filler.
- Keep it under 40 words.
For experienced workers, see resume summary examples.
Frequently asked questions
Are resume objectives outdated?
Generic ones are. A specific, short objective for a career change or first job is still useful.