The objective statement has been taken off most resumes recently and been replaced with a summary statement. The objective was originally intended to tell employers what position you were applying for. However, most applications are handed in via Internet, email, and inter-personal means so the need for the objective statement is only relevant for special situations. For example, if a biology major is applying to a finance position, he may put an objective statement explaining why he wants the job despite having a background in biology.
Now, many are writing summary statements in place of the objective. The summary statement is essentially an elevator pitch on your resume and can be translated to your other profiles such as LinkedIn or portfolio sites. The summary is a general, mini biography that tells employers about what you are interested in and how it may relate to the position you are applying for. It can also be called your “Competencies” or “Qualification Summary.” It is a great way to add some personality and clarity to your resume.
A great structure to consider is:
Background Information
Skills and Qualifications
Relevance to the position
Some tips to keep in mind when creating your summary statement:
- Limit your summary to four sentences maximum. The shorter the better.
- Read the job description carefully and see what the employer is seeking in order to tailor your summary to fit the job.
- Think about your top selling points and skills and make sure to weave them into your summary.
Here are some examples:
Interior design student with work experience in architecture firms as well as leadership and research skills. Versatile, bilingual professional with experience ranging in size from small private projects to full-scale interior architecture projects. Will bring passion and an evidence-based design approach to any position.
Policy Analysis and Management student with work experience in finance and data analysis. Areas of expertise include asset allocation, investment strategy, and risk management.
If you need any help in developing your summary or elevator pitch, stop by the Career Exploration Center in MVR 162 and pick up our guide on Developing your Personal Narrative and Elevator Pitch!