Objective Statement vs. Executive Summary. Which should you choose to introduce yourself on paper? I know that writing a resume can be scary, especially if you’re unsure what goes into each section.
At least on this particular topic, there is NO gray area. Use the executive summary. Ditch the objective statement and toss it in the trash. Resumes have changed in the last 10 years, and this is just one example. If you continue to use the out-dated objective statement, then rest assured that your resume will probably not see the light of day.
First, a few guidelines:
The executive summary is typically a maximum of 3-4 sentences and no more than 4 lines long. Any more than that and the text is too dense. If the text is too dense, no one will want to read it.
Now, here comes my favorite part. The star of the show. The content. This little paragraph should make the hiring manager excited to meet you. It should make them want to immediately pick up the phone and schedule an interview. My secret is to stay away from describing my clients. Adjectives are great, but what really hooks hiring managers are action words. The hiring manager doesn’t actually want to know you. They want to know what you can DO for them.
For example, take the phrase “Acts as team player”. Just describing yourself isn’t going to cut it. You have to ask yourself what is the result of being a team player? Does it increase team effectiveness? Does it make your job more efficient? Does it increase sales or customer satisfaction? That is what belongs in the executive summary. Instead of the bland statement “acts as a team player”, write “galvanizes team cooperation and increases overall efficiency through teamwork”.
As a professional resume writer, the biggest thing I do for my clients isn’t writing resumes. Yes, I write resumes, but more importantly, I help my clients discover their personal brand. Define yourself or let me help you. Send your resume to krista@virtuosoresumes.com for a free resume evaluation.
