The Top of Your Resume: Objective or Professional Profile?

Jeffrey Metzger, Your Resume Consultant

I’ll preface by acknowledging that there are as many opinions about this subject as there are resumes in circulation.  You will always need to do what’s best for you in your job search.

That said, my opinion and that of many career professionals is that an objective on a resume is an outdated and ineffective element.

An objective, in most cases is about you.  What you want and the job you’re hoping to find. After all…it’s your objective.  Today’s resumes are not about you, they’re about your next employer.  What they want and how you can solve their business opportunity.

A well-written professional profile tells your next employer (or recruiter, or HR professional) what you can do for them.  It describes your unique talents and value proposition.  Try and stay away from tired and overused language like “excellent communicator” and ability to “multi-task”.  How you ever met anyone who doesn’t claim those skills?

The top of your resume is prime real estate.  The most impactful words and phrases should be there.  It’s up to you to capture and hold the reader’s attention and make them want to read further.  It’s my opinion that a strong professional profile is the best strategy.

By: Jeffrey Metzger

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.