Dear Cindy – Résumé Objectives

I've seen advice in several places recommending that I state an objective on my résumé. What do you think?

Sincerely,

What's Your Objective Opinion?

Based on the résumés that have come across my desk, I'm under the impression that objectives are somewhat less popular for healthcare professionals than they are for people in other fields. Furthermore, I asked a couple of nurse recruiters, and they said they don't bother to read them when they do see them, and instead skip to the important stuff: the applicant's education, skills, and experience.

People tend to be firmly for or against objectives. The pro-objective camp feels that stating an objective gives focus to a résumé.

But from what I've seen, there is one type of useful objective, and there are three types of non-useful objectives. The useful type flags the fact that a person is seeking a change, e.g., when one is switching careers or wants to apply for a more senior position. Otherwise, there are the non-useful objectives:

Generally, by providing a well-written cover letter and a clear, accurate résumé, you can sell yourself more effectively, and better explain anything that needs to be explained. And if there's anything in particular that you want to foreground, e.g., ACLS certification, international experience, I would recommend that you highlight it in point form in a "Summary" or "Summary of Skills" at the start of your résumé.