Posted By Amanda Collins on June 30, 2010

Back when I started writing résumés in 1996, they all started with an objective. But, if you look back at objectives, they’re often all about you, when we all know that a résumé’s true job is to share the value you’ll provide an employer.

Although the function of an objective remains the same, its name has changed. Now, we call it either a headline or a title, remaining in line with the marketing function of résumés. The goal of a title is to set the tone for the rest of the document and let the reader know who you are for him. Something simple and clear, such as the job title, is the way to go.

Objective: To obtain a full-time position in which I can apply my acquired skills in health care to better benefit the organization and myself.

Title: Staff Nurse

One of the above is clear and succinct, while the other talks around the issue without saying much. To continue with this example, it will be much easier to stay on target with the content of the résumé using this title. The objective here could mean the person is a healthcare administrator, CNA, or any other manner of positions.

So stick with a short title or headline. Elaborate in a branding statement and add more about your value in your summary.

Category: Resumes | No Comments »
Tags: resume, resume objective

Posted By Amanda Collins on February 28, 2010

There is a lot of power in a résumé – well, at least there is potential. So many times, I review résumés that lack a focus and strategy. Essentially, they are a brain dump of everything the person has done across his or her career. Typically, there are many areas for potential improvement, but it all starts with the top. Whether you call it an objective, title, or headline, how you present yourself starts with your first words.

When I first started writing résumés (in 1996), an objective was something like:
To obtain a position in which I can apply my experiences in child development and education.

Now, however, titles / headlines have replaced that long, not very to-the-point statement:
Preschool Teacher

Just like a newspaper headline draws readers to learn more, a résumé headline should do the same. To expand on the newspaper similarities, in journalism “above the fold” is where all writers want to be – because it’s the first part readers see when the paper is delivered. On your résumé, your “above the fold” section is the first third of your document, where you will have your contact information, headline, summary, and keywords. Employers have a lot of choices in résumés these days, so attract their attention immediately!

Even if you include a headline, it can be poorly written. At an event I attended yesterday, a hiring manager said he’d received a résumé that said “Banking Executive.” His first response? “Huh?” That basically meant nothing to him, so he didn’t bother to read further. His suggestion? Your headline should match the position for which you’re applying.

So be specific, succinct, and definitely include a headline on your résumé so employers are sure who you are for them. Questions on a résumé are never good.

Category: Resumes | No Comments »
Tags: Job Search, resume, resume headline, resume objective