Your resume objective should be no longer than 2–3 sentences, ideally around 30–50 words. Keep it concise, specific to your target role, and focused on what you bring to the employer rather than what you hope to gain.
A good resume objective is short, direct, and targeted. It should typically be one to three sentences long, or about 30–50 words in total. The purpose of a resume objective is to quickly communicate who you are as a professional, what role you’re applying for, and how your skills or experience make you a fit for the position.
Because it appears at the top of your resume, the objective needs to grab attention fast. Recruiters often spend just a few seconds scanning resumes, so you want to deliver your message in a clear and efficient way.
Resume Objective Structure
Here’s a basic structure that works well for most resume objectives:
- Start with your professional identity (e.g., “Recent marketing graduate,” “Experienced software engineer,” “Certified nursing assistant”).
- Mention your top skills or areas of expertise that relate directly to the role.
- Conclude with your career goal or the value you’ll bring to the employer.
Example:
Detail-oriented accounting graduate with strong Excel and data analysis skills seeking an entry-level accountant position at Deloitte to contribute to accurate financial reporting and process improvements.
This example is only 32 words long — short enough to scan quickly, but still specific and tailored.
Resume Objective Tips
Tips for writing your resume objective:
- Avoid vague or generic statements. Don’t just say you want a “challenging role” or to “grow professionally.” Focus on what you offer instead.
- Tailor it for each job. Use keywords and phrasing that match the job description to make your resume more relevant.
- Skip the objective entirely if you’re writing a mid- or senior-level resume — a professional summary or headline might be more effective at that stage.
In short: think of your resume objective as a concise pitch, not a paragraph. Keep it focused, specific, and always employer-centered.
Michael Tomaszewski
Michael Tomaszewski, CPRW, is a resume and career advice expert with 7+ years of experience in the hiring industry. He has helped millions of readers and dozens of one-on-one clients create resumes and cover letters that *finally* do their talents and accomplishments justice.
