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The opening statement on a resume also referred to as objective or personal branding statement, should state three things about you.
1. Who you are
2. Your biggest strength
3. The benefit you offer a company
Who you are
This is similar to a job target or the title of position you are applying for. It tells the employer what you specialize in. For example: C# Software Developer, Human Resources Manager, VP of Marketing, Account Manager.
Your biggest strength
Highlight your biggest strength that would benefit an employer. Employers want to know what you can do for them and how you will be able to do it. For example: developing new business, solving complex problems, improving processes, creating marketing campaigns.
The benefit you offer a company
The last part of the opening statement tells the employer what benefit you offer them by being who you are and your biggest strength. It tells the employer why you are an asset to them and how they will benefit by hiring you. For example: reducing down-time, increasing profits, improving production, reducing turn-over, saving the company money
The opening statement should be an attention grabber and make the reader want to find out more about you. Here’s an example of an opening statement after you put together the three parts listed above.
Example of opening statement
Human Resources Manager establishing new personnel programs for hiring, training, and motivating new employees which reduces turnover by 50%.
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Comments
I've hired dozens of people.
Objective or opening statements are always generic, contrived, and phony.
No one wants to read them.
They are not necessary at all.
It's a gimmick invented in the 70s by someone to sell books.
You can say anything relevant in the cover letter.
Hi Patio,
Thanks for your comment. The above opening statement is not like a generic statement. It's funny how you mention cover letter because as a recruiter for 11 years, I hardly ever read a cover letter and have talked with many other recruiters and managers who say the same. I think today's strategy for an opening statement/objective has changed into a statement that tells the employer why they should even bother reading further.
I agree with Patio...many articles, placement advisors, resume writers suggest not to include an "objective". My resume was redone recently via resume writer and he did not show an objective - much more activity now than when I shown one. Best.
I agree with Patio...many articles, placement advisors, resume writers suggest not to include an "objective". My resume was redone recently via resume writer and he did not show an objective - much more activity now than when I shown one. Best.
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