An applicant’s goals and strengths are summarized in a statement of career objectives. Prospective employers can use a resume, curriculum vitae (CV), or job application to see if a candidate is a good fit for a company and a position. Some fellowship applications, postgraduate education applications, and other similar opportunities also require career objectives, which provide information about applicants that may aid admissions committees in making decisions. This brief statement serves as an introduction and can influence whether the reader investigates further or dismisses a candidate.
Unless an applicant has been specifically directed otherwise, a statement of career objectives should be no more than a few sentences long and no more than two paragraphs long. It’s upbeat in tone, emphasizing strengths and credentials. With positive wording, someone with limited education or experience in the field can demonstrate suitability for the position despite these disadvantages. In general, the statement of career objectives informs the reader of the applicant’s goals and may reveal information about the applicant’s working philosophy.
To ensure the best match, these statements are frequently customized for the employer rather than being used generically on a resume. To demonstrate a good fit, an applicant can mention a prospective employer’s values or history in addition to highlighting skills and interests. Someone applying for a job with an environmentally conscious company, for example, might express an interest in environmentally friendly activities or the development of new technologies and techniques for environmental preservation.
Employers do not expect a statement of career objectives for entry-level positions to indicate a desire to stay in such positions for the rest of one’s life. Instead, the statement could indicate a desire to gain industry knowledge and experience. This also shows that the applicant is motivated and interested in building a long-term career rather than focusing solely on short-term employment opportunities. In contrast, a candidate for a high-ranking position that might be considered a “dream job” could openly admit that leading a large organization or taking the lead on a project is a career goal.
It can be difficult to prepare resumes and other components of job applications. It’s difficult to avoid making cliched or empty statements that don’t give prospective employers much information and could be a turnoff. A friend can review a statement of career objectives to ensure that it is interesting and well-written, with the goal of attracting the reader’s attention. If appropriate to the employer, a statement with empty phrases like “to develop professionally” and “to take an active role in teamwork” is less likely to appeal than one that stands out for originality or quirkiness.