When you begin applying for jobs, there is one crucial thing you need to be thinking about: your objective statement. In order to set yourself apart from other applicants, your objective needs to be detailed, tailored to your career goals, and tailored to the job you are applying for. If your overall career goals don’t align with the company or position you are applying for, then you need to rethink applying. Crafting the perfect objective for resumes can be difficult, but with a few questions in mind, you have a great statement sure to capture and engage your future employer.

Writing an objective for your resume is actually more important than just putting a sentence at the top of your resume. It’s a process that needs time and consideration. Ultimately, this statement needs to reflect who you are and what your career goals are. Here are a few questions to help you get started:

What type of work environment do you thrive in?

While it may not be the most important question, you still need to know what type of work environment and culture you want to work in and be a part of. When you know these things, you can seek out companies that offer these settings. Accepting a position at a job in which you don’t fit with the environment can lead to unhappiness and eventually leaving the job. Be upfront with potential employers about the type of environment you work best in.

What skills do you hope to cultivate and develop?

Your job isn’t just about getting work done. It’s about advancing your role and your career. By telling a potential employer about the skills you want to develop and the skills you want to utilize, they get a better understanding of who you are as an employee. As an employee, you should always be looking for ways to be better at your job, gain valuable skills that transfer from company to company and increase your knowledge in special areas.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Looking to the future can be intimidating sometimes, but having some sort of career plan can help land you your dream job. By having a career plan, you set goals for yourself. Potential employers want to see that you’re motivated and dedicated when it comes to your professional life because that more than likely means you are motivated and dedicated to doing a fantastic job.

What type of work are you seeking out?
Your objective statement needs to have one overall theme: what type of work do you do better than anyone else? By answering that question you are establishing your personal differentiator. You’re telling potential employers what you do and why you do it so well. Maybe it’s your analytical mind or your own creative process. Whatever it is, be sure you explain what type of work you do well and the type of work you want to be doing.

Do you have any recommendations for writing objectives for resumes? Leave your tips and suggestions in the comments section below!