Resume Objectives vs. Resume Profile
Adapted from two articles by Alison Doyle
1. Sample Resume Objectives http://jobsearch.about.com/od/sampleresumes/a/sampleobjective.htm
2. Resume Profile vs. Resume Objective http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resumes/a/resume-profile.htm
Stating an objective can convince employers that you know what you want to do and
are familiar with the field…
The more specific your resume objective is the better chance you have of being considered
for the job.
Sample Resume Objective Statements
Obtain a position at XYZ Company where I can maximize my management skills,
quality assurance, program development, and training experience.
Account executive trainee at ABCD advertising agency.
Position as clinical practice assistant for health maintenance organization utilizing
writing, research, and leadership skills.
Create integrated strategies to develop and expand existing customer sales,
brand/product evolution, and media endorsement.
Management position where I can effectively utilize my expertise in human relations,
project management, and staff recruitment and retention.
Search engine optimization position where I can use my SEO skills and experience to
increase site traffic and search engine placement.
A resume profile is a brief summary of an applicant’s skills, experiences, and goals as
they relate to a specific job opening. While a resume objective states the type of
position you are seeking.
Essentially, a profile is a very condensed version of a cover letter. A resume profile is also
referred to as career summary, personal profile statement, profile statement, resume
summary, and summary of qualifications. All refer to profiling your key qualifications for
the job on your resume.
Benefits of Using a Profile
…even if employers only reads your profile (located directly beneath your heading and
contact information), they will still have a clear idea of your unique qualifications.
Resume Profile vs. Resume Objective
Stating an objective on your resume is a way to convince employers that you know what
you want in a job, while a profile explains what you have to offer the employer and can
help sell your candidacy.
For example, while an objective might state, "Experienced English teacher seeking
position at independent school," a profile might state, “English teacher with ten years of
experience in independent school systems. Success in developing creative teaching
strategies to achieve passing grade levels on statewide exams."
Unlike the objective, the profile answers the question, "What can this applicant offer the
employer?"
Tips for Writing a Resume Profile
Keep Your Profile Concise. A resume profile should be between one and four (brief)
sentences long. You can write your profile as a short paragraph or in bullet form.
Focus on the Job Listing. In your profile, only include the skills and qualifications that
relate to the specific job for which you are applying. A profile is particularly helpful if you
have work history that is unrelated to your current career goals – it allows you to highlight
only your most relevant experience.
Focus on the Future. A profile serves to show what you have to offer an employer – what
you will do for the company in the future. Look at the job listing for insights into what the
company is looking for in an employee. In your profile, explain how you will meet the
company’s expectations. Does a sales director position require someone who can improve
the company’s sales record? Your profile may state you are an "Accomplished sales
director with success in developing strategies that have generated 6- and 7-figure revenue
growth." Explain what you have done as a way of showing the hiring manager what you
will do in the future.
Location Matters. It's important that your resume objective is listed where an employer
can see it when they first review your resume, so list your profile at the top of the page,
above your work history.
Resume Profile Examples
It's always helpful to review samples to get ideas for your own resume. Here are samples
of resume profiles for a variety of job openings.
