Riffing on Resumes, Part 8: Objective

Here's a frequently asked question when I edit or create resumes for clients or teach resume writing in a corporate class: Do I really need an objective in my resume? The answer: no and yes.

The answer is a resounding no, do not include an objective in a resume, in two cases:

• if you do not plan to customize your objective to the prospective employer's concerns
• if you plan to write words and phrases like accomplished, dedicated, driven, hardworking, maven, out-of-the-box thinker, passionate, people person, self-starter, and synergetic.

And the answer is yes, do include an objective in a resume when you want to show prospective employers you understand how your goals and theirs connect. Here are three examples.

1. A recent college graduate applying to an economic consulting firm: A junior economist position in an economic consulting firm that will grow my interest in bankruptcy and financial distress litigation and support my legal counseling aspirations. This objective points specifically to one of the firm's 28 practice areas, demonstrating some knowledge of what the firm does. While you may argue that such a choice may limit this candidate's employment chances, it confidently indicates a passion without saying passion. And while it may seem self-destructive for the candidate to mention the goal of becoming a lawyer, not an economist, it proves an awareness of the firm's legal counseling needs. 

2. A project manager with 10 years of experience applying to a major architectural-engineering business: A senior project management position specializing in capital construction projects in an architectural-engineering firm that values interdisciplinary communication and end-to-end construction management. The candidate does not need to write with ten years of experience or seasoned project manager because the experience section of the resume illustrates these points. What matters to this candidate is an elevation to senior status as well as the employer's valuing excellent communication skills and total project management knowledge. 

3. A government administrative assistant applying for a promotion within the agency: A clerical supervisory assignment that tests my time, project, and people management skills in my commitment to continued self-development. The candidate's use of clerical, assignment, commitment, and self-development indicates that even this next position is a temporary stop for the employee in an ongoing personal and professional evolution. The candidate suggests that the government agency has an opportunity to help fashion an employee with leadership aspirations—and the agency should want such career-focused employees..   

Does this mean you need to customize your objective for every job possibility? Of course. Don't you want your employer to know the real you, your career objectives, and your potential contributions?  

Riffing on Resumes, Part 7: Identity

Here's another post for the not-as-obvious-as-you-think files. What to include for the applicant's identifying information in a resume has become an issue for people who feel they are entitled to confidentiality. I have heard a quite a few say they need not include their address or phone number.

But they should. Transparency is a big part of job applications. Some fields require full disclosure of investments because of competition considerations. Others demand to know for conflict of interest purposes whether the applicant coaches a little league team (the team may play in the employers' right of way), serves on an association board (the board's policies may be at odd with the employer's goals), or performs summer missionary work (the period may occur during the employer's peak season). For these reasons and to facilitate applicant-employer communication, include everything: your address, land line, mobile number, and, of course, email address. 

What about including in the resume social media, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook? If you are using these outlets for business purposes (as I do), include these contact points as well. Many say their social media information is their business only, and many a judge have agreed with this sentiment. Nevertheless, social media is fair game for background checks, so what are you hiding? Include those too if you use them to promote your professional image.

Riffing on Resumes, Part 6: Sending

In tandem with the previous WORDS ON THE LINE post on printing a resume, this brief entry covers transmission considerations.

If you are sending the resume electronically, use a PDF version, not a Word file, to ensure the employer won't accidentally alter it. Use a conventional file name, such as Resume - Vassallo, Philip; Cover Message - Vassallo, Philip; and Recommendation - Vassallo, Philip. Or use files names as instructed by the employer.

If you are mailing the resume, use a neatly typed #10 envelope that matches the resume paper. Tri-fold in even panels. Include with the resume a cover letter and, when appropriate, recommendations. Weigh the sealed envelope to comply with postal regulations. You can use a 9" X 12" envelope to avoid folding your enclosures.

And that's that.

Riffing on Resumes, Part 5: Printing

I know, I know. You're looking at the topic of printing a resume thinking, "This guy is a dinosaur. No one snail-mails a printed resume these days. That is so twentieth century!" So if you really feel that way, stop reading here. But for the very reason that Gutenberg is edging toward extinction, how would those unversed in antiquity respond to a rare instance when a prospective employer requests a posted resume? And wouldn't you want to print two copies for the day of the interview, one for yourself and one for an absentminded interviewer (I've met them) who does not have the presence of mind to have your resume on hand for reference during the interview? Really, it won't hurt to read these three brief tips.

1. Choose a white or light-colored matted 8½" X 11" 20- to 40-pound paper stock. These are universal standards. Stick to them. No need to get too fancy with something like a card stock, but don't be too cheap either by using what amount to tissue paper.

2. Use black ink. I would imagine a deep blue would be all right for those who are obsessed with being different, as long as they remember that conformance has its place too.

3. Print originals, not photocopies. Show some professional pride. You are worth the extra investment of spent ink. The sharpness of your print facilitates scanning.

That didn't hurt, did it?