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In this highly competitive market, I’m surprised at how many executive resumes come to my office from six-figure job seekers with me-focused objective statements. I’m sure that recruiters must think that these candidates are more than a little bit self-absorbed.

Objective statements are generally unsuitable for professionals — and especially inappropriate if they are asking for a six-figure salary.

If you are a senior-level professional in a career transition, then you better ensure that you are not acting like a junior job seeker. Job seekers submit resumes with objective statements because they want to say one or all of these three things:

• I’ve never done this job before, but here is my objective.
• Please give me a job doing this — I’ll prove myself.
• Help me to achieve my personal goals.

To put it bluntly, it’s not all about you. 

Do you lead in your resume with an objective statement?

Consider that your resume is not for you – it’s for your next employer. Objective statements are typically self-centered and self-serving.

As a six-figure professional, you should accompany your portfolio with an executive resume that tells employers what you can do for them. Rather than writing out your personal objective that tells readers what you want, tell them what you offer. Don’t discuss your interests and desires. Instead, create a strong profile that will entice the prospective employer by addressing your qualifications and credentials in terms of the job requirements.

By focusing on the employer’s needs rather than your own, you’ll demonstrate right off the bat that you are different from other candidates. By showing them that their success is your first priority, you will beat your competitors and get the job offer.

To find out what else you can eliminate from your resume to make it more effective, read Executive Resume Pitfalls to Avoid.

Thank you for reading my blog! Please email me if you spot any errors in this post.

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