Last updated: 15th Feb 2026
I need to talk to you about resume objectives. If you’re Googling for examples to use in your resume, I have some bad news for you – they’re more old-fashioned than dial-up internet and fax machines.
Yes, they were in vogue back in the day.
Around the same time Muammar al-Qaddafi was in power.
Modern resumes, however, are value-driven – not wish-driven.
Why Recruiters Skip Resume Objectives.
Recruiters are overwhelmed with a deluge of resumes hitting their inboxes on a daily basis.
For context, a mid-level role at a large corporate (e.g., Telstra, CBA) can attract 200-500 job applications.
Attention goes to candidates who present themselves as the solution to a specific business problem.
Candidates who waste precious real estate on their resumes writing self-indulgent, ponderous resume objectives get the dreaded “Thank you for applying, but…” autoresponder email.
They get paid to find someone who can drive their client’s business objectives.
Expert Tip.
If your resume kicks off with “Seeking a challenging position where I can grow…” – you’ve kneecapped yourself right out of the gate.
5 Resume Objective Statement Examples (Old-School).
Let me show you a few examples, so you know an abomination when you see one.
Above: This example is, of course, a bit of a joke – but it illustrates the limitations of an objective statement nicely.
A reader isn’t interested in your narcissistic aspirations.
They’re interested in:
- The business challenges you have solved (backed up by evidence).
- Whether you will fit into the company’s culture (e.g., do you thrive in unpredictable environments, or do you need a lot of structure?)
Above: This is a perfect example of an objective statement that graced most resumes in the 1990s.
Notice the boilerplate generic fluff in this objective.
First, it commits the crime of placing what I call “tablestakes” cliches front and centre.
Every project manager is expected to have leadership abilities and organisational skills. Listing those won’t get you hired.
Important!
You must demonstrate your leadership and organisational skills indirectly – by showcasing the impact you’ve had on the business (see below for examples).
When a Resume Objective Might Still Make Sense.
I’ll let you off the hook in one scenario. And one scenario only.
If you’re a recent graduate applying for your first role (or an internship).
If that is you, you can get away with a resume objective at the top of your resume – because you don’t yet have many selling points and differentiators to help you sell yourself.
Above: Notice how this example sells the graduate – instead of sharing their wildest dreams.
But don’t make the mistake of painting yourself as a –
Use the space to flaunt your biggest academic and sports achievements. Then describe what challenges you had to overcome to reach those goals.
In the example above, you see Brianna not stopping at the fact that she played rugby and excelled in Commerce.
She highlights that this wouldn’t be possible without her superior discipline, resilience and team leadership skills.
Expert Tip.
This is more elegant – and believable – than just claiming you’re a disciplined and resilient leader.
But this type of objective is not an objective at all. It crosses well into the territory of a resume summary.
Resume Objective vs Resume Summary: What’s the Difference?
By now, you see the difference between old-school objectives and their modern-day incarnations – resume summaries.
| Resume Objective | Resume Summary | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | What you want | The value you deliver |
| Tone | Aspirational | Commercial |
| Content | Vague goals, statements inspired by the job description | Clear claims, quantified achievements |
I recommend you ditch the former for the latter – if you want to get more interviews and better job offers.
3 Resume Summary Examples (What to Use Instead).
Here’s an example you can use to explain a career pivot.
A recruiter doesn’t have the time to connect the dots. A good objective – I mean, summary – can help them experience less frustration.
It means you’re more likely to get a phone call.
Above: Tom Ford may very well be looking for a new job soon 🙂
Here’s an example of an executive pivoting away from a world of marketing agencies into a corporate career.
(Related: Australia’s #1 Executive Resume Writers).
He is using the “objective” to explain how his background in managing agencies transfers into a senior operations role.
Important!
He isn’t pitching himself as “yet another operations manager”. Rather, he highlights his unique value – i.e., the ability to reduce overhead during rapid growth.
Above: Jeff here is a star. He has a lot of potential.
But what if you’re not a hotshot executive?
Here’s an example of a Business Analyst pitching himself for a mid-level professional position. Notice the abundance of achievements. Notice the story.
This guy isn’t pitching himself as just a BA – he is telling the reader that he has the power to affect the business’s bottom line – despite the fact that he’s a relatively junior candidate.
That’s a great example of how to sell yourself on your resume.
Irene
