The Real Problem with Resume Objective Statements
By: Kurtis Tompkins
A Lesson in Marketing
In marketing, whether you use digital or traditional means, you must have an effective strategy to land clients. Shooting blindly and expecting clients to line up at your doorstep will not only prove to be ineffective, but will cost you loads of money. A resume is often referred to as your “marketing piece” to “sell yourself” as the right candidate for the position you are applying for, and rightfully so. If you market yourself the right way, you could land your desired position. To help bring this point home, we will use the tech giant Apple as an example. When a new product is introduced (let’s use the iPhone 📱 as an example), strategic marketing is needed to tell customers why they would want this new product, and convince them to make a purchase.
If you went into the Apple store and began to read iPhone specs like this:
“A product developed by Apple looking to generate $600M within 5 months, and surpass Samsung’s sales by at least 50%.”
How would you feel? If you say confused I’m with you! This has NOTHING to do with the customer's needs and tells only what Apple is looking for. However, when you go to check a product out you see specs tailored to what the customer wants!
Example Specs:
You get the point. The advertisement is tailored to catch your attention, based on items the marketing team knows YOU will be looking for. It is the same with the resume's introduction (professional summary; not an objective statement)! Recruiters and hiring managers are looking for candidates that will be able to fill their needs. Where can you find their needs? In the job description! Combine your experience with their specific needs based on the job description and craft a professional summary that will market you as a great candidate.
Comparing an Objective Statement to a Professional Summary:
Objective Statement:
“To obtain a position where I can utilize my talents to succeed in the IT department of any organization.”
Or
Professional Summary:
“Computer Support Technician possessing 7+ years’ experience diagnosing, repairing and maintaining technological equipment for Fortune 100 clients. Knowledgeable of PC configurations, upgrades, system imaging and cyber security protocol. Proficient with developing lasting customer relationships and presenting complex jargon in a comprehensive way.”
Which of the two would capture your attention?
If you said the professional summary, you are right on the money. A professional summary should be revised for each position you are applying for (along with the remainder of the resume) to capture the needs of the employer based on the job description. This section can get the recruiter or hiring manager excited about you as a candidate and cause them to want to read more of your resume! You have 6-10 seconds to get their attention; why not start off with a bang? Don’t kill your “marketing” efforts with an objective statement; be like Apple! Tailor your marketing efforts (professional summary) to your customer (the recruiter or hiring manager). Looking for help creating a resume to get the attention of recruiters or hiring managers? Contact Jobready2dey, as we are here to get you on track!
Disclaimer: Kurtis Tompkins nor Jobready2dey holds any affiliation with Apple Inc., mainly referred to in this article as “Apple”. Apple (Copyright © 2020 Apple Inc.) and their assumed sales strategies are used by the author to make a point for the readers. The author receives no compensation or benefits (tangible or intangible) for mentioning Apple in this article.
***Article Originally Published on LinkedIn***
In marketing, whether you use digital or traditional means, you must have an effective strategy to land clients. Shooting blindly and expecting clients to line up at your doorstep will not only prove to be ineffective, but will cost you loads of money. A resume is often referred to as your “marketing piece” to “sell yourself” as the right candidate for the position you are applying for, and rightfully so. If you market yourself the right way, you could land your desired position. To help bring this point home, we will use the tech giant Apple as an example. When a new product is introduced (let’s use the iPhone 📱 as an example), strategic marketing is needed to tell customers why they would want this new product, and convince them to make a purchase.
If you went into the Apple store and began to read iPhone specs like this:
“A product developed by Apple looking to generate $600M within 5 months, and surpass Samsung’s sales by at least 50%.”
How would you feel? If you say confused I’m with you! This has NOTHING to do with the customer's needs and tells only what Apple is looking for. However, when you go to check a product out you see specs tailored to what the customer wants!
Example Specs:
- 3 -15mp Camera’s
- Ultra 3D Video Recording
- Super Evening Mode
- Double Waterproof
- Shatter Resistant Glass
- Dent Proof Body
You get the point. The advertisement is tailored to catch your attention, based on items the marketing team knows YOU will be looking for. It is the same with the resume's introduction (professional summary; not an objective statement)! Recruiters and hiring managers are looking for candidates that will be able to fill their needs. Where can you find their needs? In the job description! Combine your experience with their specific needs based on the job description and craft a professional summary that will market you as a great candidate.
Comparing an Objective Statement to a Professional Summary:
Objective Statement:
“To obtain a position where I can utilize my talents to succeed in the IT department of any organization.”
Or
Professional Summary:
“Computer Support Technician possessing 7+ years’ experience diagnosing, repairing and maintaining technological equipment for Fortune 100 clients. Knowledgeable of PC configurations, upgrades, system imaging and cyber security protocol. Proficient with developing lasting customer relationships and presenting complex jargon in a comprehensive way.”
Which of the two would capture your attention?
If you said the professional summary, you are right on the money. A professional summary should be revised for each position you are applying for (along with the remainder of the resume) to capture the needs of the employer based on the job description. This section can get the recruiter or hiring manager excited about you as a candidate and cause them to want to read more of your resume! You have 6-10 seconds to get their attention; why not start off with a bang? Don’t kill your “marketing” efforts with an objective statement; be like Apple! Tailor your marketing efforts (professional summary) to your customer (the recruiter or hiring manager). Looking for help creating a resume to get the attention of recruiters or hiring managers? Contact Jobready2dey, as we are here to get you on track!
Disclaimer: Kurtis Tompkins nor Jobready2dey holds any affiliation with Apple Inc., mainly referred to in this article as “Apple”. Apple (Copyright © 2020 Apple Inc.) and their assumed sales strategies are used by the author to make a point for the readers. The author receives no compensation or benefits (tangible or intangible) for mentioning Apple in this article.
***Article Originally Published on LinkedIn***
