Resume Objectives - Do You Even Need Them?

Job-hunting classes and textbooks have long recommended the use of "objectives" on resumes. This is a statement that tells the employer what kind of job you're after. Here's an example of a resume objective used by job seekers:

"Obtain a position in sales where I can exercise my initiative and customer-relations skills as part of a dynamic team."

The question that job seekers ask is: Do I really need an objective on my resume? The short answer is that it depends. It's something to be considered on a case-by-case basis. But most resumes can do without the objective statement, and I've explained why below.

As former hiring manager, I have the following advice about resume objective statements. Unless you're going for an upper-management job, or an executive position, you can probably do without the objective part. If you do include one, you shouldn't spend too much time on it. There are far more important parts of a resume, such as your skills and accomplishments.

For the most part, I've never really understand the concept of objective statements. The only time they serve a purpose is when you send a batch of resumes to a large number of potential employers (i.e., the shotgun approach), and that's the kind of "strategy" you should avoid.

The best way to apply for a job is to tailor a resume for the specific position. Of course, you can start with a master resume to save time, and to avoid recreating the wheel. But you need to get specific with the process, and avoid the shotgun technique entirely. You want to give the employer the impression that you're after their job -- not just a job in general.

And this brings us to the resume objective, and why I feel they're unnecessary. If you're applying for a specific position, there is no need to state it on your resume. You can (and should) mention the job you seek within your cover letter / email. But it doesn't need to be on your resume. It's implied.

The objective is only useful when you send unsolicited resumes to multiple companies, which is something to avoid. That's where the whole concept came from in the first place. The idea was this. You would print out 100 or so of the same exact resume, and then you would mail or email them to every company in the city where you wanted to work. With this approach, the objective was a must, because you weren't applying in response to a specific job posting. You were carpet-bombing the entire town, in hopes of landing a job. So you had to tell them what kind of position you wanted. I think you'll agree that this is hardly the way to conduct a job search.

There's one other situation where resume objectives might be useful. If you're applying for a company, as opposed to a particular job, you'll need to clarify your resume in some way. For example, let's say you want to work for Apple. You know they have several types of jobs available, and you'd be happy to do any of them. In this scenario, you would have to include an objective statement on your resume, so the hiring manager would know what you're after. But in the current economy, this kind of job-hunting strategy is a shot in the dark.

How to Prepare for a Job Interview

Many job seekers get themselves all worked up before a job interview, to the point that they literally lose sleep over it. I know what this is like, because I've been there myself. So in this article, I'll explain how to prepare for a job interview thoroughly, so you can relax a little more.

In my experience, preparation and serenity go hand in hand. If you take the necessary steps to prepare for your interview, you'll be much calmer about it -- before and during the meeting. Speaking to an employer without preparing for it is like going into a college exam without studying. It's a surefire recipe for stress.

Preparing for Your Job Interview

Okay. I've convinced you it's important to prepare. But how do you go about it? What should you be doing in the days before your interview, to make yourself better prepared and more relaxed? Here's a checklist of some key steps:

1. Learn about the company.

Most companies have plenty of background information on their websites (company news, mission statements, press releases and the like). Read some of this information. There are two primary reasons for doing this. First of all, you'll be learning some important details about a company you might work for someday.

Secondly, you'll be better prepared for interview questions. It's common for employers to ask questions like: "So, what do you know about our company?" If your answer is "not much," you can probably kiss the job goodbye. Personally, I wouldn't hire somebody who didn't care enough to research my company.

2. Think about how your skills relate to the job.

What skills and experience do you have, and how will they help you perform the duties of the job? You should spend some time thinking about this connection, before you speak to the hiring manager. This is one of the best things you can do to prepare for a job interview, because it will help you articulate your thoughts during the meeting. It will also prevent you from forgetting important details that could make the difference between "welcome aboard" and "no thanks."

3. Study recent news within the industry.

This is something that can really make you stand out during an interview. Let's say I'm applying for a job in the information technology / IT sector. To prepare for my interview, I spend a few hours reading up on recent developments within this industry. I try to find news that is very specific to the job I'm seeking. During the casual conversation part of my interview, I mention some of these developments.

What might the potential employer think of this? Probably something like this: "Now here is someone who truly knows what's going on ... and cares about it." That's a big plus that could easily tip the scales in my favor. This is how to prepare for a job interview, in a way that sets you apart from the rest of the field. Learn about the company, but don't stop there. Learn about the industry they serve, and what's happening in that industry.

These are obviously not the only things you can do to prepare for an interview, but they are some of the most important. Remember, if you've been called in for an interview, you've probably already made it past the "basic skills" checkpoint. Now they want to see how well you communicate, and what you know about their mission, customers, etc. This is your chance to shine. And you can shine brighter by performing the steps I've recommended above.

This article explains how to prepare for a job interview thoroughly. If you want to learn more about this topic, you can do a search at the top of the website. We publish new tips and tutorials on a regular basis.

Good luck with your job search.

What should my resume look like to stand out?

Question: "I'm starting to send resumes out again, after losing my job during the recession. It's been a while since I did this. What should my resume look like in order to stand out? What do employers want to see?"

It should look like a professional, well-organized document listing your major accomplishments. Aside from that, I wouldn't be overly concerned with the look of your resume. Instead, I recommend focusing on the content that goes into it. That's what will get you a job, in the end.

The Look of a Resume

The notion that a certain type of job requires a certain resume layout is an outdated notion, as far as I'm concerned. Most employers today cannot even name the different types of resume formats (chronological, skills-based, etc.), so how could they prefer one format over the other? Of course, if the job posting actually specifies a certain type of application or resume, then it's a different story entirely. But generally speaking, good organization is more important than the type of format. That's what a resume should look like to get noticed.

When I was in the resume-screening business, I looked for neatness first and foremost. If the document was initially easy to read, and organized in some logical way, then I would read deeper into it. But if it was a jumbled mess, I would toss it aside. The way I saw it, if a person didn't care enough to make his or her resume readable, then why should I care enough to read it? To be honest, I probably tossed aside some qualified applicants. But that's just the way it goes. You have to take something seriously, if you want to be taken seriously.

What should your resume look like to stand out? Well, the overall appearance is not enough to make it stand out. Having a neatly organized resume will help ensure that it gets read, but it won't necessarily make it stand out. Your skills and experience are the things that make you stand out. But the look of your resume is important to a degree, in the sense that it helps you get a closer read. If it's disorganized or otherwise hard to read, you're shooting yourself in the foot.

This article answers the question: What does a professional resume look like these days? If you have other questions about the job-hunting process, try using the search tool at the top of the page. We put new articles online regularly.

Good luck with your job search!

Create a Job-Hunting Schedule and Stick to It

Tips on Finding a Job >> Create a Schedule

Treat the job-search process like a job. Arrive on time, do your work for the day, and then check out. By taking a consistent, repetitive approach like this, you will increase your chances of finding a job. Why? Because you'll be much more productive and less likely to miss a golden opportunity.

When I first moved to Austin, Texas, I spent the first two months looking for a job. We lived in an apartment at that time, with a small computer desk tucked into a corner nook of the hallway. Every day, after having my coffee, I would tell my wife I was off to work. Then I would walk three steps down the hall, sit down at the desk, and start my daily routine.

Sample Job-Hunting Schedule

You need to find a schedule and system that works for you. But you can certainly benefit from reviewing the steps I went through every day. Heck, you can probably follow these exact same steps and find a job. It has worked for me more than once, so it's worth a shot.

• Step 1 - Start your day by checking the job websites for new opportunities. Sometimes, getting your resume in early can make all of the difference (provided you are qualified for the position). Many employers have a sense of urgency about filling positions. So try to beat the masses.
• Step 2 - If you find new job postings that match your qualifications, send resumes as soon as possible. Be sure to review the employer's instructions for responding -- their preferred method of contact, the items they are requesting, etc. Be sure to tailor your resume as needed for each posting.
• Step 3 - Review the jobs section of your local newspaper. Have a highlighter or sharpie in hand. Mark any jobs that fit your skills and accomplishments. Send a resume or call in response to those jobs, paying close attention to the employer's instructions.
• Step 4 - Make any follow-up phone calls you need to make. This might include jobs you've applied for, any new voicemails you have, etc. Be sure you read (and respect) the application instructions for each posted jobs. Some employers do not want phone calls, and they will state this in the job advertisement. You should honor this request. Otherwise, it's okay to call a week or so after sending your resume.
  

Learn More: This blog post is part of an ongoing series of lessons. Visit the table of contents page to get more tips on finding a job.

Find Upcoming Job Fairs in Your Local Area

Introduction: CNN has a list of upcoming job fairs all across the United States. In this article, I'll tell you all about this and other helpful websites.

We experienced another 650,000 job losses across the United States last month, on top of the millions we have already seen over the last year or so. While these numbers are certainly disturbing, you can't succumb to the doom and gloom. I know it's hard. I know it makes you angry / frustrated / depressed to lose your job. But you have to stick out your chin, freshen up your resume, and get back out there.

Job fairs are an excellent place to get started, and there are many upcoming fairs all over the country. If you plan on attending such an event, CNN's website is a good place to start. They have an interactive map that lets you search for upcoming job fairs by state and city, most of them hosted by Monster.com or Career Builder. Below the map, you can find links to even more events.

Other Job Fair Websites

Like I said, the CNN website is a great place to start when looking for upcoming local job fairs. But there are many other websites you can use as well. The more fairs you attend, the more likely you are to find employment. Here are some other sites you might want to check out:

• www.NationalCareerFairs.com
• www.EmploymentGuide.com
• www.CareerBuilder.com
• www.FlipDog.com

I also recommend doing a Google search for upcoming job fairs in your local area. Google is the most sophisticated and frequently updated search engine online today. So if there's any news out there about upcoming events in your area, you'll find it through Google. Do a search for the phrase "job fairs" plus your city name. You should find plenty of information through that kind of search. If you live in a small city, do the same kind of search for your state (to find upcoming job fairs in bigger cities nearby).

Other Helpful Tips

You'll need an updated resume for the job fair, and you should take about 20 copies of it to the event. You might only give out a dozen or so, but it's better to be prepared. If it has been a while since you last updated your resume, and you need a little direction, check out our guide to finding a job in 2009.

Be sure to dress for the kind of job you want. When in doubt, err on the side of being dressed up instead of down. A good business suit is always appropriate for job fairs, and it shows employers that you're serious about the process. This is always a good thing.

Work on your "30-second pitch." This is critical for job fairs because you don't always know what to expect, or who might approach you out of the blue. By your pitch, I'm talking about a brief summary of your skills and experience, along with the type of work you're seeking. For example, if I walked up and asked you "What can you offer to a potential employer?" ... what would you say? What if I asked about your ideal job, or your specific accomplishments from past jobs? Could you answer it in 30 seconds, or would you stumble?

Lastly, I'd like to offer you a tip that's often left out of articles like this. Have a positive attitude when you attend job fair events. Show some enthusiasm. I've attended these events from a hiring perspective, and I've always noticed a general sense of despair in the air. Many of the people I've spoken to at job fairs seemed down and defeated. I can understand the reasons for this, but it certainly doesn't help a person get hired. Who wants to bring such negativity into their organization? I know I didn't. So regardless of what you've endured leading up to the event, put your best foot forward when you walk in the door.

Learn More: This blog post is part of an ongoing series of lessons. Visit the table of contents page to get more tips on finding a job.

Make Your Resume Accomplishment Statements as Specific as Possible

Tips on Finding a Job >> List Your Specific Accomplishments

Pop quiz. In terms of resume accomplishments, what's the difference between managing "a lot" of projects and managing 73 projects over a three-year period? Give up? The difference is specifics.

The second accomplishment is much more specific than the first, and it could make the difference between securing or losing a job opportunity. Keep this in mind when you're working your resume accomplishment statements. The more specific you can be, the stronger your resume will be.

Why? Several reasons:

• Specific accomplishments are more concrete and believable than general statements.
• Specific numbers stand out on a resume. In fact, they stand out in any kind of written document. That's why advertisers use numbers all the time (like Listerine killing 99% of germs).
• By providing specific information, you're also showing potential employers that you are a detail-oriented person. And detail-oriented is always a good thing.

This is why I always tell people to keep a work journal or "job log" near their work desk. I've always had one of these little notebooks, and I actually made it a requirement for the people I managed. Every time they would complete a big project or some other form of accomplishment, I would tell them to write it down in their work journals.

The conversation would go something like this:

• Me: "Be sure to write that accomplishment down in your work journal?"
• Employee: "Why do I need to do that?"
• Me: "Because later on, when you ask me for a raise, you'll have something to back it up with. You can also use your journal to create accomplishment statements on your future resumes."
• Employee: "But I'm not looking for a job. I like it here."
• Me: "And we like having you here, and hope to keep you for a long time. But I would be failing as a manager if I didn't help you prepare for your future -- whether it's with this company or some other company."

Eventually, the light bulb would turn on, and they would see the value of a work journal. Without one, it's difficult to create specific accomplishment statements on a new resume. But with such a journal, it's simply a matter of transferring details from the notebook onto your resume.

That's good advice for going forward. But what about here in the present? What if you don't have a work journal to help with your resume? You can still create specific accomplishment statements, you'll just have to do more homework to gather the details. You might have to contact former coworkers or employers for input, or dig through some old paperwork (including your previous performance evaluations). But the end result is worth it. Your resume will be much stronger if you include specific accomplishments.

Here are some areas where you can get specific in your resume statements:

• The number of people you supervised, managed, trained, etc.
• The amount of money you saved the company through your actions.
• The amount of revenue you generated through your actions.
• The number of clients or customers you served.
• The number and types of equipment you maintained, managed, etc.
• Any other numbers relating to accomplishments.

Keeping track of your accomplishments can certainly help you write a stronger resume, but it helps in other areas as well. For example, asking for an increase in pay is much easier when you have specific accomplishments to back it up. Instead of saying, "I deserve a raise because I'm a good worker," you can actually present a list of things you've done (and how it has helped the company).

That last parenthetical is important. When writing your accomplishment statements on your resume, always tie them back to the company. State what you did, and then explain how it helped the company. For example: "I streamlined an online ordering process used by more 2,500 customers a week. This improved customer satisfaction while also reducing the number of customer service phone calls by more than 30 percent."

Now that's a solid accomplishment statement, filled with specific information! Build a resume full of items like this, and you'll greatly increase your chances of getting the job.

Learn More: This blog post is part of an ongoing series of lessons. Visit the table of contents page to get more tips on finding a job.

Don't Create a Job Description Resume

Tips on Finding a Job >> The Job Description Resume

Back in my resume screening days, nothing frustrated me more than the dreaded "job description resume." Instead of listing a series of accomplishments, this type of resume merely contains a list of previous job descriptions from the applicant's past. If you're serious about getting a job, you need to avoid this common pitfall.

How do you know if your resume falls into this trap? Here's a simple test. Scan your resume for the words "responsible for" as in the following phrase: "I was responsible for producing TPS reports on a daily basis..."

If you have an abundance of these phrases, then you probably have a job description resume. Why do hiring managers dislike this kind of resume? Because it only says what you were responsible for in your previous jobs. It doesn't say what you actually did. In other words, a job description resume is like saying, "I showed up for work every day." You won't get very many offers from that!

Notice the difference between these two resume bullet points:

• I was responsible for producing TPS reports on a daily basis, with the appropriate cover sheets on them. [blah]
• I created an inter-departmental reporting system that streamlined the production process and eliminated mistakes across the board. [hooray]

You can clearly see the difference in the above comparison. In the first example, I didn't actually do anything. I'm simply saying what my responsibilities were. Did I meet them? Did I exceed them? Nobody knows. But in the second example, I'm explaining a specific accomplishment and how it helped the company.



No hiring manager likes to receive a list of responsibilities, because it doesn't help evaluate the job candidate. And if a hiring manager cannot evaluate you through your resume, you can forget about an interview. When they have a stack of resumes before them, managers will not call you for clarification about your resume. They'll simply toss it aside. But you can avoid this fate by listing specific accomplishments.

Learn More: This blog post is part of an ongoing series of lessons. Visit the table of contents page to get more tips on finding a job.