Rewriting your resume every time you go to apply for a job can be daunting. Of course, it's worth the effort to find a great job—but sometimes you don't need to totally revamp the whole thing. Instead, you can tweak the specifics and rework your resume objective so that it's applicable to multiple jobs.
The resume objective is right at the top of your file and it's usually the first thing a recruiter sees. So, whenever you're applying for a new position, it's crucial to update this section and include keywords related to that specific job. Here are 35 resume objective examples for multiple jobs—plus, some mistakes to avoid.
A resume objective is the blurb usually found at the top of a resume that explains your career goals and overall intentions. While it may be as simple as your desired job title, a good one can also very briefly describe your experiences thus far and the career you're hoping to manifest as a result of it all. It may even skip the past and only focus on the future, simply quickly detailing your career plans and/or a hopeful agenda.
Many argue that resume objectives are antiquated and/or unnecessary. But they can be helpful for employers to glance at before diving into your work experiences. This way they know exactly what you're hoping to achieve, and they can look at your resume with that knowledge in mind.
If you're set on including a resume objective for your resume, there's a way to write one that works. Writing a good resume objective requires you to keep a few things in mind. Keep it honest. What are you really looking to achieve? Keep it relevant. What types of jobs and/or companies are you targeting? And keep it short, sweet and to the point.
“You don't need to be a professional resume writer or resume builder to make sure you've got a great resume objective,” said Georgene Huang, Fairygodboss founder. “Take time to thoughtfully consider what to say in your resume objective, make sure it's well-written and does more than simply explaining what you want.”
Use a portion of the space to point out key information about your experience and accomplishments. “As counter-intuitive as that sounds, an effective resume objective should also be a selling statement that is a summary statement of your strengths as a job seeker,” she noted.
Here are 35 examples of resume objective statements from various industries, which you can use as inspiration to tailor your own:
What is a good objective for a resume for a high school student? Here's an example:
Highly motivated Economics graduate with a 3.8 GPA looking for a full-time position as a management assistant at [COMPANY NAME]. Looking to use strong data-analysis and management skills to help with the company's complex challenges.
What is a good objective for an entry-level resume? Here's an example:
An organized and adaptable employee seeking full-time work. Looking to join [COMPANY NAME] in an assistant role to utilize organizational and communication skills and get to know the ins and outs of the company.
What is a good objective for a resume for a career changer? Here's an example:
Data-driven backend developer with 10 years of experience looking to tap into and utilize my frontend skills at [COMPANY NAME]. Have developed five mobile apps and three web apps, and want to make the company's ideal projects come to fruition.
What is a good objective for a resume for an office assistant? Here's an example:
Affable and social office assistant with experience performing a multitude of administrative tasks, seeking to leverage communication and organization skills.
What is a good objective for a resume for a secretary? Here's an example:
Efficient, organized professional with years of secretarial experience. Seeking to utilize my organizational and time-management skills while providing support for [COMPANY NAME].
What is a good objective for a resume for an office manager? Here's an example:
Diligent, organized and communicative office manager who has trained and overseen more than 20 staff members. Looking to leverage my management skills to help [COMPANY NAME] grow.
What is a good objective for a resume for an executive assistant? Here's an example:
Enthusiastic executive assistant with years of experience at small- and mid-level firms. Looking to utilize my time-management and organizational skills to help [COMPANY NAME] streamline executive tasks.
What is a good objective for a resume for a sales representative? Here's an example:
Experienced sales representative with established relationships with key clients. Seeking to enhance sales figures for [COMPANY NAME].
What is a good objective for a resume for a cashier? Here's an example:
Reliable, trusted cashier with strong interpersonal skills, ability to handle stressful situations, knowledge of basic math. Three years of experience as a cashier and customer service representative.
What is a good objective for a resume for a nurse? Here's an example:
Committed, licensed RN trained to stay calm in highly stressful environments. Looking to gain more experience at the reputable [COMPANY NAME].
What is a good objective for a resume for a retailer? Here's an example:
Hardworking retail associate with five years of experience at [X COMPANIES]. Skills in POS tech and inventory management, which I'm looking to leverage at [COMPANY NAME].
What is a good objective for a resume for an accountant? Here's an example:
Detail- and data-driven accountant with one year of experience. Prepared 20 tax returns in the past six months and consulted two local businesses as a CPA. Looking to leverage my skills and gain more experience at [COMPANY NAME].
What is a good objective for a resume for a dental assistant? Here's an example:
Highly efficient, certified dental assistant with two years of professional experience and another year of volunteered dental experience at two different dental practices.
What is a good objective for a resume for a tutor? Here's an example:
Dedicated tutor with proven skills in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). Have worked with Spanish-speaking students to raise their ACT and SAT scores, scoring in the top .05 percent in the nation, myself.
What is a good objective for a resume in customer service? Here's an example:
Experienced customer service representative eager to apply communication and organization skills in a receptionist role with [COMPANY NAME].
What is a good objective for a resume for a banker? Here's an example:
Reliable and detail-focused bank teller with three years of experience in record keeping and accounting. Eager to help [COMPANY NAME] with current goals.
What is a good objective for a resume for a bartender? Here's an example:
Hardworking undergraduate with two years of experience as a barista at a local coffee shop. Looking to leverage that experience and apply it to bartending at [COMPANY NAME].
What is a good objective for a resume for a server? Here's an example:
Experienced waitress with five years of experience serving at different restaurants, from higher-end four- and five-star eateries to mom-and-pop shops. Looking to help [COMPANY NAME] attract and retain customers.
What is a good objective for a resume for a teacher? Here's an example:
Motivated and enthusiastic teacher with a mathematics degree looking to fill [SCHOOL NAME] position as a math teacher.
What is a good objective for a resume for a data entry professional? Here's an example:
Data-driven and detail-oriented data entry professional with 15,000 KPH 10-Key typing speed seeking a full-time position with [COMPANY NAME].
What is a good objective for a resume for a marketing professional?
Here's an example: Experienced marketing professional, passionate about growing [COMPANY NAME]'s customer base. Seeking to use my strong knack for quantitative measurement, data visualization and results tracking skills.
What is a good objective for a resume for an IT professional? Here's an example:
Seeking to further IT career by growing with the renowned [COMPANY NAME] as an IT technician. I bring 3 years of experience in fast-paced environments and collaboration with global teams.
What is a good objective for a resume for a flight attendant? Here's an example:
Friendly and responsible professional with three years of experience in the travel industry, working in hotels and airports. Seeking to further my career and pursue my passion for travel by joining the team at [COMPANY NAME].
What is a good objective for a resume for human resources? Here's an example:
Enthusiastic and dedicated human resources representative with one year of experience at a mid-sized company. Seeking to utilize my experience to help [COMPANY NAME] as a startup achieve its growth goals.
What is a good objective for a resume for a mechanic? Here's an example:
Skilled mechanic with years of experience in auto body repair at the family-owned business. Seeking to gain further experience and advance my career by joining the team at [COMPANY NAME].
What is a good objective for a resume for an intern? Here's an example:
Enthusiastic and hardworking undergraduate with a 3.9 grade point average, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in finance. Looking to explore what I've studied in the real-world environment at [COMPANY NAME] as a financial analyst intern.
What is a good objective for a resume for a project manager? Here's an example:
Organized and results-driven project manager with a proven track record of success with cross-functional teams. Looking to offer project management skills to [COMPANY NAME].
What is a good objective for a resume for a social worker? Here's an example:
Empathic, certified social worker commended for high EQ during counseling services at previous companies and in volunteer positions. Looking to specialize with youth at [COMPANY NAME] to hone in on my passion and advance my career.
What is a good objective for a resume for a graphic designer? Here's an example:
Creative and detail-oriented graphic designer with strong problem-solving skills and a keen eye for aesthetics. Excel in tools such as Illustrator and Photoshop, and looking to use those skills to make [COMPANY NAME]'s design dreams a reality.
What is a good objective for a resume for a legal assistant? Here's an example:
Recent graduate with a paralegal certificate specialized in bankruptcy law. Looking to use my studies in legal research to assist in foreclosure trials as a junior paralegal with [COMPANY NAME].
What is a good objective for a resume for a financial analyst? Here's an example:
Results-driven financial analyst seeking employment with [COMPANY]. With 15 years of experience in the banking industry, I possess strong critical thinking and leadership skills, and the ability to organize and perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
What is a good objective for a resume for a software developer? Here's an example:
Senior software developer eager to apply my strong analytical and problem solving skills as lead developer at [COMPANY]. Skilled in Java programming languages and Oracle SQL.
What is a good objective for a resume for a content analyst? Here's an example:
Experienced professional with strong time management skills, seeking a content manager position with [COMPANY]. I excel under pressure and deliver high-quality projects on time.
What is a good objective for a resume for a data scientist? Here's an example:
Detail-oriented data scientist with a master's degree in computer science, seeking an entry-level position in the games industry to leverage my expertise in Python, R, SQL, Tableau, and Excel. Dedicated to helping [COMPANY] deliver high-quality computer vision experiences.
What is a good objective for a resume for an accountant? Here's an example:
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with extensive experience in state and local tax filings. Proficient in Excel, pivot tables, and ERP systems. Seeking a staff accountant position.
There are certain mistakes to avoid when writing a resume objective so that it doesn't read as generic or unnecessary. Here's what you should keep in mind:
Don't add career goals irrelevant to the companies or roles for which you're applying. Always tailor your resume for each application.
Don't be too vague in explaining your career goals. State specifically what you're looking for, but don't overdo it. Be clear and succinct.
Don't clutter it with too much fluff. There are other sections of your resume to further explain your qualifications.
Don't make it only about you. You don't want to only focus on what kind of job you want or would be willing to take—this can come off as entitled.
Don't focus on money or prestige that will turn prospective employers off. Your resume objective is not the place to discuss salary expectations.
Keep in mind that some employers and recruiters don't approve of resume objectives altogether, calling them “cringeworthy” and “outdated.” Resume summaries are often preferred these days. However, there are times when an objective statement is the best way to explain why you're applying for a specific role—like when you're changing careers and your past experience doesn't quite fit the new role you want.
If you're set on writing one, make it sound impactful enough without reading too general. Follow the aforementioned steps and take lessons from the examples above, and you'll be sure to write a resume objective that'll get read.