What is your "Objective"?

Recently, I attended a career fair and I proactively sought out employers in hopes to get more insight into what they are looking for on a resume. I truly hoped, that I they could answer the question that so many people ask me when I write a resume and I do not add the traditional section for “objectives”. Do employers really want an objective at the top of a resume?"

A little over 90% of employers that I spoke to were either indifferent or simply did not want objectives on resumes. Only a very small portion, less than 10%, said that they always read the objective. Most seemed to think that the objective was fluff. One employer told me, "When you give me your resume, you imply that your objective is to work for us. Why would I want you to waste 2-3 inches on your resume column space telling me something that I already know?" The same recruiter also told me, “and the same goes for 'References provided upon request'. Do job seekers really think that they need to tell me that?” Everyone knows that if you want the job, you are going to have to provide references, so why would you waste space on your resume telling me that?” Use that space to add more talking points and career accomplishments that make the case why you would be a great fit for the job.

I have questioned over 50 employers recently and apparently the objective is falling out of grace with recruiters and HR specialists. Here are a few alternatives that recruiters suggested to replace your objective, and 'References provided upon request':

1. References should be a separate page (and I agree). Use the same heading as your resume and cover letter. If you really want the job, provide 3-5 references, with at least 3 of them being professional or professorial (from professors) references. No more than one or two personal references. List their name, title, street address, email address, phone number and their relationship to you. This is the proper way to construct a references page. This also makes it easier on the HR specialist or hiring manager because then, they do not have to take time to call you and actually request references; not that it is good practice to send references with each resume.

2. If you feel that there is not enough information on your resume, you can replace your objective with a "Key Skills and Characteristics" (or whatever you wish to call it) section. This would consist of very short statements, placed in two columns (to conserve space), listing skills and personal characteristics that are highly reflective of you, and well-matched to both the job, and to the bullet points that the recruiter will read later in the resume. Words like “dedicated”, “Highly-motivated” and “great interpersonal skills” are merely fluff words and hold no value on a resume. Save your descriptive personality traits for a cover letter. Be work specific and avoid generalizations.

3. If you have not worked in your desired field yet (clinical experience is not work experience) your education should be the first thing listed on your resume followed by your clinical internship/externship. According to a 2008 study of resume preferences of businesses, internships and relevant experience is still the most desirable feature a resume. If you are a recent grad, your college education should rise to the top (please do not put your high school on your resume, it is neither recent, nor relevant, unless you are applying for a job at your high school, or unless the hiring manager is also an alum). Your education should be followed by relevant experience, such as internships. Only then do you list "other employment".

4. One recruiter suggested a testimonial to replace the objective. Take a quote from one of your letters of reference and list it under the heading "Observation by Supervisor". Obviously the quote should be in quotes, it must not be corny sounding and should clearly indicate at the end, the author and their relationship to you. "From letter of reference by Dr. Jim Smith, former supervisor". Be prepared to share the full letter of reference in your complete application package, and have copies available in a portfolio.

In any case, it seems there are various ways to begin your resume. But no matter your approach, make sure the document ultimately meets "the big 5" criteria. Recent, relevant, clear, concise and consistent. Oh, and for goodness sake, please proofread it!

If you need help with a resume, you can always contact me. richardfruscione@hotmail.com