This time around, we are going to discuss objective statements on your CV.
Depending on who you listen to, you either need them, or you don’t need them, and everyone has a differing opinion with facts and figures to validate their opinions.
I happen to like objective statements, and I see their value… let me clarify, I like GOOD objective statements. I like objective statements that tell me:
1) Who you are
This time around, we are going to discuss objective statements on your CV.
Depending on who you listen to, you either need them, or you don’t need them, and everyone has a differing opinion with facts and figures to validate their opinions.
I happen to like objective statements, and I see their value… let me clarify, I like GOOD objective statements. I like objective statements that tell me:
1) Who you are
2) And why you matter to me.
That’s all you want, something short and sweet that makes your case.
This is where most objective statements become… well, they become objectionable… they are usually either vague nonsense, OR they are so dense with information, they lack clarity and can’t be understood.
RULE ONE: Objective statements must make sense to more people than just you. If others can’t fathom why they should interview you, that’s your fault for not telling them.
Here’s an example of vague nonsense… if your CV has this or anything like it, go delete it now… I mean it, stop reading, delete it, and then come back… it’s that important. OK, here is what NOT to write:
OBJECTIVE: To work with a progressive, growth oriented company that will allow me to utilize my expertise in achieving established goals and advance professionally within the company.
Here’s one that says too much, without really saying anything:
OBJECTIVE Healthcare professional with experience in the Pharmaceutical and Managed Care industry in a constantly changing environment. Career highlighted by special project assignments in a broad array of functions combining clinical and analytical skills while incorporating thought leader education and development.
So what to do? Do you continue with the objective statements that don’t work, or do you follow the new school of thought that says to leave objective statements off the CV entirely?
I advocate a third way:
Figuring out two or three things I would want the hiring authority to know about me the most, and then telling them in a way that is
a) sensible
b) and easy to read.
An example I used in my biocareers.com webinar (if you missed it, shame on you) concerned an anatomic pathologist who didn’t use any objective statement at all, and the CV was just a laundry list of appointments, positions, and publications… I’m sure he had all the talent in the world, and was a great guy, but good luck figuring out what kind of position he wanted, or his specialties, or what made him valuable, just from reading the resume.
After some in depth questioning on my part about what he wanted, what he could do, etc, we crafted this for him:
Board certified Surgical Pathologist.
My experience in academic settings, commercial laboratories, and community hospitals makes me a versatile surgical pathologist. Having made the transition to commercial hospital labs from academia, I have proven experience conducting biopsies in high throughput diagnostic environments.
NOW, anyone from an HR person to a laboratory director can figure out in ten seconds if this guy fits, and if they want to talk to him… note that it covers the three things he wanted known the most: His specialties, the environments he’s worked in, and that he had already transitioned from academia to the commercial lab world. All presented in an easy breezy format.
So this is Coach Tom’s bottom line: It is your responsibility to help the hiring authorities help you.
This is where having a coach is valuable… it is one thing for you to see these examples, but it’s quite another for you to integrate and apply this to yourself… maybe you do great in interviews, but can’t explain yourself adequately on paper… if that’s an issue for you, consider a private coach… it doesn’t even have to be me… find someone you relate to, and go get help if you need it.
Until next time
All the best,
Coach Tom
Thomas Patrick Chuna is a certified Five O’Clock Club job search coach and experienced independent recruiter specializing in molecular oncology research scientists & MD’s.The Five O’Clock club is a nationally recognized outplacement firm with a proven job search methodology that helps job seekers get better jobs faster.
Learn more: http://www.fiveoclockclub.com http://www.patrick-international.net
