--- title: Objectives on Resumes Are So Last Century - Really?? description: Do you use an objective on your resume or not? Find out what's absolutely wrong to do and what's critical to do. image: https://www.aresumefortoday.com/hs-fs/file-13780119-jpg/images/image-crossroads-resized-600.jpg --- [![A Resume for Today](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/hs-fs/file-324385420-png/images/logo.png?width=285&height=103&name=logo.png "A Resume for Today")](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/) [Home](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/) | [Contact Us](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/contact-us/) | [Blog](http://aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes) ![Phone-icon](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/hs-fs/file-323327772-png/images/Phone.png?width=11&name=Phone.png) 888-737-3963 # Executive Resumes, Personal Branding & Executive Job Search ## [Objectives on Resumes Are So Last Century - Really??](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/objectives-on-resumes-are-so-last-century---really) Posted by [Tyrone Norwood](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/author/tyrone-norwood) Find me on: [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tnorwood/) Oct 18, 2013 4:07:40 PM ![image-crossroads-resized-600](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/hs-fs/file-13780119-jpg/images/image-crossroads-resized-600.jpg?width=137&name=image-crossroads-resized-600.jpg) People have been telling you for years now to drop the objective on your resume - it automatically dates you and makes your resume look old-fashioned. Well, that is undeniably true, if we're talking about the typical objective statement that reads like: Objective: Seeking a position as a Project Manager where I can contribute to the company and continue to upgrade my skills. Ditch it, if you've got one like it. But let's not throw the baby out with the bath water. True, the old Objective statement was usually self-serving and even when it was about making contributions, it was usually boiler plate and boring. But it did serve one very useful purpose - one that most resumes that get sent to me fail to achieve. It told the reader what job you are going after. Why is this important? Because the recruiter or hiring manager with just 6 seconds to spend reviewing a resume needs to know whether what you want is a match with what's on offer. If it's not, they'll pass on the resume. If it is, they'll take the full 6 seconds :) Often it is unclear whether the candidate is seeking a promotion - a title that is one level higher than the job title they currently hold - or looking for another one of the same. You can't afford not to tell the reader this right at the top of the resume. Or, it's hard to tell what industry the candidate is looking for. Again, if you don't tell them, they won't know and take action on your resume. Your industry is also a key piece of your brand. If you promote the industry you've been in for awhile at the top of the resume, then you give the impression of having a determined focus and exertise in a sector - something that is REALLY important to recruiters. My recommendation? DO NOT use the word "Objective." Do not under any circumstances say something self-serving about your goal and how the job will benefit you in some way. But DO give yourself a headline, a title. By boldly stating it and your industry at the top of your resume, the recruiter already can breathe a sigh of relief that they don't have to struggle to find out if you're any kind of fit for their open position. Feel free to give even more enticing and valuable information in your heading as well. This is where you can elaborate on your niche expertise and your brand in a quick snapshot - so helpful to the reader, which means it's helpful to YOU. It might look something like this:   **Senior IT Director** **Targeting: Vice President or Senior Director** Global Operations | IT Service Delivery | P&L | Global Supply Chain | Fortune 500 ***Transformational leader with ability to optimize business & IT performance in support of global expansion, enhanced efficiencies, growth to $250M & cost reduction to $60M+ ***   The recruiter hiring for either a VP or Senior Director level in IT will be saying to herself: "OK, this guy is definitly someone I want to find out more about." And isn't that exactly what you want to have happen? So let's bring the objective statement into the modern world. Make it about your brand and let it help the reader to decide whether to read further!   What's new in high tech resumes, executive resumes, cover letters, job search, and personal branding for executives in technology. ### Subscribe to Email Updates [![New Call-to-Action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/34101/b3903229-6f81-4757-8d87-6e2a99c80ca1.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/34101/b3903229-6f81-4757-8d87-6e2a99c80ca1) ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [executive resumes (52)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/executive-resumes) - [career management (49)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/career-management) - [personal branding (49)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/personal-branding) - [job search (48)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/job-search) - [executive resume (32)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/executive-resume) - [career planning (30)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/career-planning) - [executive resume writing (27)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/executive-resume-writing) - [Get a Job (20)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/get-a-job) - [executive job search (18)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/executive-job-search) - [CIO resumes (17)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/cio-resumes) - [LinkedIn (16)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/linkedin) - [interviewing (15)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/interviewing) - [personal brand (15)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/personal-brand) - [career services (13)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/career-services) - [job interview (13)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/job-interview) - [personal brands (12)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/personal-brands) - [technology executive resumes (12)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/technology-executive-resumes) - [networking (11)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/networking) - [career brand (10)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/career-brand) - [IT resumes (9)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/it-resumes) - [reputation management (9)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/reputation-management) - [resumes (8)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/resumes) - [Job Interviews (7)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/job-interviews) - [LinkedIn Profiles (7)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/linkedin-profiles) - [Working (7)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/working) - [technology resumes (7)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/technology-resumes) - [Online ID (6)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/online-id) - [Twitter (6)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/twitter) - [careers in retirement (6)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/careers-in-retirement) - [ATS (5)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/ats) - [IT executive resume (5)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/it-executive-resume) - [Jobs (5)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/jobs) - [branded executive resume (5)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/branded-executive-resume) - [executive recruiters (5)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/executive-recruiters) - [recruiters (5)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/recruiters) - [Facebook (4)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/facebook) - [LinkedIn profile (4)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/linkedin-profile) - [Social media job search (4)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/social-media-job-search) - [interview style (4)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/interview-style) - [IT job search (3)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/it-job-search) - [LinkedIn Profile Writing (3)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/linkedin-profile-writing) - [Tech careers (3)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/tech-careers) - [applicant tracking systems (3)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/applicant-tracking-systems) - [career marketing (3)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/career-marketing) - [executive search (3)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/executive-search) - [online identity (3)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/online-identity) - [resume (3)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/resume) - [resume writing (3)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/resume-writing) - [ATS systems (2)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/ats-systems) - [LinkedIn photo career management (2)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/linkedin-photo-career-management) - [Pinterest (2)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/pinterest) - [Resume Writing & IT Executive Titles (2)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/resume-writing-it-executive-titles) - [Retirement Planning (2)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/retirement-planning) - [applicant tracking software (2)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/applicant-tracking-software) - [career (2)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/career) - [cloud technology (2)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/cloud-technology) - [compensation (2)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/compensation) - [cover letter writing (2)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/cover-letter-writing) - [cover letters (2)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/cover-letters) - [employment trends (2)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/employment-trends) - [interview (2)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/interview) - [interview questions (2)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/interview-questions) - [interviewing style (2)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/interviewing-style) - [keywords (2)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/keywords) - [letters of recommendation (2)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/letters-of-recommendation) - [online reputation management (2)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/online-reputation-management) - [power of attraction (2)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/power-of-attraction) - [retained recruiters (2)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/retained-recruiters) - [salary negotiation (2)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/salary-negotiation) - [salary negotiations (2)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/salary-negotiations) - [the social search (2)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/the-social-search) - [youtube (2)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/youtube) - [Alzheimer's disease (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/alzheimer39s-disease) - [BYOC (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/byoc) - [Buddhism (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/buddhism) - [CIO jobs (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/cio-jobs) - [CIO resume (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/cio-resume) - [CTO resume (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/cto-resume) - [Cloud jobs (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/cloud-jobs) - [Executive Resume Writer Massachusetts (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/executive-resume-writer-massachusetts) - [High Tech Resumes, (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/high-tech-resumes) - [IT career planning (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/it-career-planning) - [IT careers (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/it-careers) - [IT director jobs (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/it-director-jobs) - [IT job (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/it-job) - [IT job interview (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/it-job-interview) - [IT jobs (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/it-jobs) - [IT management job search (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/it-management-job-search) - [IT manager jobs (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/it-manager-jobs) - [Job Requirements, (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/job-requirements) - [Job Search Emails (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/job-search-emails) - [LinkedIn accept all invites (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/linkedin-accept-all-invites) - [LinkedIn for job search (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/linkedin-for-job-search) - [LinkedIn optimization (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/linkedin-optimization) - [LinkedIn photo (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/linkedin-photo) - [Monster.com (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/monstercom) - [Phone Interview (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/phone-interview) - [SaaS jobs (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/saas-jobs) - [Skype interview (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/skype-interview) - [VP of IT resume (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/vp-of-it-resume) - [Xmas (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/xmas) - [Zen (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/zen) - [age discrimination (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/age-discrimination) - [aging (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/aging) - [badge systems (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/badge-systems) - [badging (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/badging) - [career brands (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/career-brands) - [color on resumes (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/color-on-resumes) - [company pages (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/company-pages) - [conference networking (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/conference-networking) - [confidential job search (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/confidential-job-search) - [consultant (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/consultant) - [consultants (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/consultants) - [consulting (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/consulting) - [consumerization (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/consumerization) - [cover letter example, (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/cover-letter-example) - [cover letter sample (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/cover-letter-sample) - [customer service (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/customer-service) - [dimentia (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/dimentia) - [eBay (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/ebay) - [faceboook (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/faceboook) - [follow your bliss (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/follow-your-bliss) - [free cover letter sample (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/free-cover-letter-sample) - [gender differences in hiring (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/gender-differences-in-hiring) - [hiring (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/hiring) - [hobbies (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/hobbies) - [how people get jobs (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/how-people-get-jobs) - [how to write a LinkedIn Profile (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/how-to-write-a-linkedin-profile) - [human resources (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/human-resources) - [interview attire (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/interview-attire) - [job boards (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/job-boards) - [job interview, phone etiquette (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/job-interview-phone-etiquette) - [killer bees (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/killer-bees) - [knowledge workers (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/knowledge-workers) - [open badges (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/open-badges) - [recruitment (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/recruitment) - [resume format (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/resume-format) - [resume objective (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/resume-objective) - [resume objectives (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/resume-objectives) - [sample objectives (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/sample-objectives) - [self-help books (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/self-help-books) - [sex discrimination (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/sex-discrimination) - [social search (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/social-search) - [source of hire survey (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/source-of-hire-survey) - [switching careers (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/switching-careers) - [technology career (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/technology-career) - [technology careers (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/technology-careers) - [technology executive resume (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/technology-executive-resume) - [the new job search (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/the-new-job-search) - [think and grow rich (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/think-and-grow-rich) - [today's job search (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/today39s-job-search) - [transferable skills (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/transferable-skills) - [trick interview questions (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/trick-interview-questions) - [using recruiters (1)](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/topic/using-recruiters) [see all](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/high-tech-resumes/objectives-on-resumes-are-so-last-century---really#) ### About the Author [![Tyrone Norwood](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/hs-fs/hubfs/NCGheadshot.jpg?width=464&name=NCGheadshot.jpg "Tyrone Norwood")](http://aresumefortoday.sites.hubspot.com/boston-resume-writer) © 2021. A Resume For Today. All Rights Reserved. ![Phone-icon](https://www.aresumefortoday.com/hs-fs/file-323327772-png/images/Phone.png?width=11&name=Phone.png) 888-737-3963 | info@AResumeforToday.com