Objectives on a resume

capricorn · #1 01-09-2007, 07:08 PM

Got a quick question for all you hiring managers out there. How important is it to have an objective line on your resume?

TIA!!

Oz · #2 01-09-2007, 08:48 PM

I would think it would depend on the type of industry you're in, and what sort of job you're applying for.

And I think it's more important to have a well laid out, well presented, overall good quality resume than to worry about that one specific line.

TexasF355F1 · #3 01-09-2007, 09:39 PM

I was always told, even had my resume done by a professional service, that it's optional. If one is used it should be one sentence, straight to the point.

kris · #4 01-09-2007, 11:46 PM

I don't like them on resumes I get. I know what their objective is. Its to get a job. I skip right over those, and go for the quals.

'97ventureowner · #5 01-10-2007, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kris

I don't like them on resumes I get. I know what their objective is. Its to get a job. I skip right over those, and go for the quals.

I agree. I know we are reminded and taught in school that we should always include an objective line, but as Kris stated, most people who do the hiring know the main reason someone is there applying is that they want/ need a job. When I got my first job 25 years ago it seemed more important as the economy in my area was mostly manufacturing/ "long term employment based" ( something you could work 40+ years at the same company and retire from it.) Today's job market in our area is totally different. We've gone from manufacturing to a service based economy with generally lower paying jobs that people generally do not stay long at. Gone are the days when you could graduate from high school and get a job at a company,(a lot of times the same company your father, uncle, brother,etc works at,) and stay there until you retire. It seems that most people think nothing of switching jobs/careers on a regular basis in today's job market.

capricorn · #6 01-10-2007, 11:57 AM

That's good to know. I haven't had a chance to update my resume in a while now and don't really know if the objective line is necessary any more. I'll leave it out.

How do you guys account for missing timeframes between jobs? I've took a couple years out of work to finish off my MBA then a couple of years off thereafter to help take care of my sister's kids before I got myself a job. I've always been asked about this "unaccounted" time. Is there some elegant way of inserting that into the resume? How would you guys do it? Leave it out?

fredjacksonsan · #7 01-10-2007, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capricorn

How do you guys account for missing timeframes between jobs? I've took a couple years out of work to finish off my MBA then a couple of years off thereafter to help take care of my sister's kids before I got myself a job. I've always been asked about this "unaccounted" time. Is there some elegant way of inserting that into the resume? How would you guys do it? Leave it out?

For the MBA, I'd definitely list that in your job history, to show that you were pursuing it. Most employers like to "fill the gaps" and pursuit of an MBA makes for good filler.

As far as taking care of your sister's children, I'd go with complete honesty and state the truth - that you were helping out in exchange for room and board while you searched for employment.

However if you feel the need to put in some actual employment, you could put in there that you worked various part time and/or temporary positions while searching for employment. They might ask you what you did during that time, so have some sort of a response ready. Waiting tables is usually a good one.

Oz · #8 01-10-2007, 02:43 PM

Just leave the time unaccounted for, explain in the initial phone conversation or interview.

capricorn · #9 01-11-2007, 12:17 PM

Thanks for the tips. I think I've got a good handle on it thus far.

I always dread working on my resume but my new year's resolution is to find a new job. This will pave the way for that. Thanks again!

cap

Gohan Ryu · #10 01-11-2007, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capricorn

How do you guys account for missing timeframes between jobs? I've took a couple years out of work to finish off my MBA then a couple of years off thereafter to help take care of my sister's kids before I got myself a job. I've always been asked about this "unaccounted" time. Is there some elegant way of inserting that into the resume? How would you guys do it? Leave it out?

Put it in your resume..."Domestic Maintenance Engineer".

capricorn · #11 01-12-2007, 01:18 PM

Well... I think I've come across another dilemma that I need opinions on. What do you folks feel about chronological vs reverse chronological order for work experience? Typically, I've only done reverse chronological (most recent first). However, my most recent work experience is not in the field I want to be in and want to highlight my prior experiences first. In this case, chronologically. Is listing your work experience chronologically frowned upon? My resume is a bit long and I don't want to put my highlighted experience at the top of page 2 rather than on the front of page 1. Thoughts???

fredjacksonsan · #12 01-12-2007, 02:01 PM

Consider putting your "Related Experience" first to showcase it, then have a section for "Other Experience".

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