writing statement of qualifications

How to Write a Statement of Qualifications (Examples Included)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

When you’re looking for a new job, you need a resume that genuinely packs a punch. Overall, around 60 percent of hiring managers spend 11 seconds or less deciding whether a resume should remain in contention. Want more time than that? With a stellar statement of qualifications, you can get it.

Is an exceptional summary of qualifications genuinely that powerful? Yes, it really is.

So, do you want to make sure that yours is on-point? Great! Here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Statement of Qualifications?

Alright, before we dig into how to write a statement of qualifications or a summary of qualifications example, let’s talk about what one is in the first place.

One thing you may have already noticed is that the terms “statement of qualifications” and “summary of qualifications” look pretty interchangeable. In reality, they are. Both options are phrases that describe the same resume section.

There are also a few other terms that you may see pop up. “Qualifications summary” is an alternative, for example. In some cases, “job qualifications” is too, though it depends on how it’s used.

Okay, now that is out of the way, let’s dig into the definition a bit. A statement of qualifications is a resume section that highlights your strongest, most relevant capabilities relating to the job you want to land. In most cases, it’s a short, bulleted list featuring three to five critical points that you think the hiring manager really needs to see.

When it comes to where your summary of qualifications goes, it’s usually right at the top. The only thing that should sit above it is your contact details sections, as those always need to be front and center.

Pretty simple right? We think so. But how does it make a difference?

Well, with a standout statement of qualifications, you can show the hiring manager that you have what it takes to succeed in the role right away. You can showcase relevant skills and experience in a way that draws the eye, increasing the odds that they’ll see you’re a great candidate.

If you hoped straight into your work history instead, there’s a chance that the hiring manager would miss some of those key points. But with a qualifications summary, you reduce the odds of that happening, all with just a few bullets. How awesome is that?

What Makes a Great Statement of Qualifications?

At this point, you should have a good idea of why you need a statement of qualifications. But how do you write a great one? Well, we’re going to tell you.

First, you need to tailor the content to the job. Surprisingly, 54 percent of job seekers don’t target their resumes to the role. That means they are missing out on a crazy important opportunity.

By tailoring the statement of qualifications, you make your resume more enticing to the hiring manager. Plus, you’re more likely to have critical keywords that help you get past automated screening. That’s a win-win.

Not sure what to target in your summary of qualifications? Don’t panic. Just check out the Tailoring Method to see how you can focus the content on the exact right points.

Beyond that, you need to craft each bullet the right way. Brevity is your friend when you write a statement of qualifications. Every point needs to be straightforward to ensure the hiring manager can get critical information quickly.

Additionally, you want to make this resume section keyword-heavy. It’s all about showcasing those must-have skills and experience fast, allowing you to stand out as a right-fit candidate from the get-go.

In many cases, leading with a bullet that features your total numbers of relevant experience and either your field or job title is wise. It’s a quick snapshot that lets the hiring manager know you have enough time in the industry or specialty to do the job well.

For the rest, be achievement-oriented. By discussing accomplishments, you show the hiring manager how you put your skills to work instead of just telling them that what you can do.

Quantifying the details is also a smart move. Numbers stand out from letters on the page, drawing the eye. Plus, it’s a simple way to add context, helping the hiring manager see the value you can provide.

Common Statement of Qualifications Mistakes

Is it possible to make mistakes with your statement of qualifications? Yes, it’s completely possible. Luckily, most are pretty easy to avoid once you know what they are.

One common mistake is not using action verbs . With action verbs, each statement is more impactful by design. Not only do they help you convey important information, but they also make your resume a more interesting read.

Using “I” statements is another biggie. Why? Because “I” statements typically require more words to express the same thought. As a result, your bullets aren’t as focused.

When you write any part of your resume, incomplete sentences are okay. So, skip the “I” and get straight to the point.

Another issue is copying something you say in another part of your resume. While you can certainly showcase the same skills and even reference the same achievement, you don’t want to have the exact same statement in your resume twice. That makes the overall content less intriguing.

In a worst-case scenario, the hiring manager may even interpret the copy-paste approach as laziness. So, if you want to share the same detail twice, rephrase it significantly to avoid that potential problem.

How to Write a Statement of Qualifications

Alright, now is one of the moments you’ve been waiting for: the step-by-step guide on how to write a statement of qualification. Follow the process below to make sure you head in the right direction.

1. Identify Critical Keywords

While you might assume that the first step you need to take involves your resume, that isn’t the case. Before you do any writing, you need to tackle some research.

Head to the job description for the position you’re applying for and identify any crucial keywords. They may be within paragraphs or in the list of must-have skills and experience.

In either case, review the entire job post carefully, identifying every keyword that aligns with your capabilities. Additionally, make a note of the ones that appear near the top of lists or that are repeated, as those are usually the hiring manager’s top priorities.

2. Reflect on Your Achievements

Now that you know what keywords matter to the hiring manager, it’s time for a bit of reflection. Think about your career and determine which achievements put the keyword-related skills and experience on display.

If you come up with several accomplishments that address the same point, then look beyond that keyword. When an achievement can highlight several relevant capabilities that aren’t covered elsewhere, it may be the better addition, ensuring you can fit more keywords into the small area.

3. Embrace Brevity

As you pick accomplishments to feature, start thinking about how you can highlight them in a single sentence. Each bullet in your qualifications summary is just one sentence long, so you need to embrace brevity as you design every point.

Now, you can use run-on sentences in a resume. However, if a single bullet expands too much, shifting away from the main topic of that point, you’ve likely gone too far.

One easy way to keep an eye is to limit each point to no more than two lines on the page. Anything beyond that usually means you’re trying to fit more into a single bullet than you should.

4. Get the Numbers

As we mentioned above, adding numbers to your summary of qualifications is a great idea. If you don’t know the numbers that relate to your achievements off of the top of your head, spend time looking them up, if possible. That way, you can quantify the heck out of the details, making your statement more impactful.

For recent achievements, you may be able to find that information in work records. For older ones, reviewing your past resumes may be an excellent move. After all, if you’ve quantified your details in your older resumes, you may find what you need there.

Now, if you can’t find a number for every point, that might be okay. As long as the majority are quantified, you may be able to get by with one that isn’t. However, you might also want to consider replacing that bullet with one you can quantify, especially if you have other number-free points to share.

5. Choose the Right Order

After you’ve written a few bullet points, take a moment to choose the order you’ll put them in. Usually, you want to lead off with one that showcases your overall experience, especially if a minimum amount of experience is listed in the job ad. That way, the hiring manager knows immediately that you fit the bill in that regard.

Once you’ve done that, it’s time to think about priorities. Use the information from the job description as a reference, allowing you to see which skills are deemed critical in the eye of the hiring manager. Then, order the rest of the statements based on how high of a priority they are in the hiring manager’s eyes, ensuring they can find those essential details fast when they review your resume.

6. Double Check It for Errors

While you should always review your resume to make sure there aren’t any errors, it’s even more critical here. Since your summary of qualifications is the first thing the hiring manager usually reads, it has to be error-free. Otherwise, they may assume you aren’t detail-oriented in a matter of seconds, causing you to miss out on the opportunity.

Double (and even triple) check it for spelling or grammar mistakes. Then, ask a trusted family member, friend, or colleague to take a look, too. That way, your chances of catching errors are ridiculously high, ensuring you make the best possible first impression when you do submit your resume.

3 Statement of Qualifications Examples

When you’re learning a new skill – and resume writing certainly is a skill – having a step-by-step guide like the one above is helpful. However, it is also beneficial to see the tips in action. That way, you have a quick way to see what the final result should look like.

But we didn’t want to give you just one summary of qualifications example. Instead, we are giving you three.

Each statement of qualifications example below focuses on a different kind of position. That way, you get a better glimpse into what you need to do.

1. Accounting Position with Manufacturing Company

• Senior accountant with 7+ years of experience supporting companies in the manufacturing and production sector
• Managed annual budget of $1.2 million
• Secured 28 % in cost reductions through strategic contract renegotiations
• Supervised and trained team of 8 junior account professionals, boosting cumulative performance by 15 %
• Certified Public Account (CPA)

2. Software Development Role

• 3+ years of experience with JavaScript, Java, Python, and C#
• Designed and launched internal Android App for employee hours tracking, reducing payroll processing timeline by 10 %
• Led legacy code refactoring project, reducing technical debt and enhancing documentation quality
• Graduated with honors with a Bachelor’s of Science in Software Development

3. Management Position in a Retail Location

• 12 years of retail management experience with 8 years focused on big-box retail
• Redesigned company onboarding process, reducing turnover by 150 %
• Implemented strategic marketing initiatives, boosting sales by 58 %
• Managed a store staff of 150+
• Earned Certified Retail Management Expert (CRME) Certification

Putting It All Together

At this point, you should know exactly what you need to do to write an outstanding statement of qualifications. Along with excellent tips, at least one of the summary of qualifications examples above should inspire you, making it easier to create your own attention-grabbing list.

Just make sure that you focus on the job qualifications you see in a specific job ad. Tailoring is always a must if you want to catch the hiring manager’s eye, so make it a priority. If you do, you’ll be one step closer to job search success.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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How to Write A Statement of Qualifications

Updated: April 05, 2022

Published: April 01, 2022

Finding a new job can be a nerve-wracking experience. You pour your heart and soul (not to mention your entire work history) into this document and wait by the phone (or your inbox) for the interview requests to come in.

Fortunately, there’s a better way to communicate your skills and achievements to a potential employer than the traditional resume and summary.

Before you send out resumes for your next career move, learn how a statement of qualifications can help you stand out as a candidate.

What is a Statement of Qualifications?

A Statement of Qualifications (SoQ) is a shortlist that highlights your most applicable skills and experiences. Your traditional resume, fleshing out each qualification through your relevant work history follows your SoQ.

You can think of a Statement of Qualifications in relation to the adage "don’t bury the lead." It comes from the world of journalism and it’s a constant reminder that you should write the most important thing first. Why? Because if you don’t hook the person reviewing your information in the first few sentences, there’s a possibility they won’t read the rest of your resume.

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Your job as an applicant is to make sure that you put your most impressive qualifications at the top of your resume so the reader can’t miss them.

A well-written Statement of Qualifications will instantly capture the recruiter or hiring manager’s attention and encourage them to read your resume thoroughly and with the mindset of "this person is well-qualified for the role."

How to Write a Statement of Qualifications

Now it’s time to dive into how to write a statement of qualifications that stands out.

1. Review SoQ examples.

Starting with a solid example can help you get started. We’ve included some Statement of Qualification examples below to aid your writing. A bit of research before you start writing will save you time in the long run and help you create the most professional-looking product possible.

2. Select your strongest skills and most impressive accomplishments.

No doubt you’ve achieved a great deal during your career. Look at the SoQ as an opportunity to highlight the most important achievements and the skills that best serve you in your role. This brings us to…

3. Tailor your SoQ to the job you’re applying for.

If you only take one piece of advice away from this article, please let it be this. Your SoQ must be tailored to the specific job you're looking to get.

You should use keywords from the job posting and touch on each of the main qualifications through your bulleted list of accomplishments. You’re basically saying, "I’m the best person for this job because I’ve already succeeded at what you need me to do."

4. Focus on results.

It’s one thing to say that you "Improved sales for the Eastern region of XYZ Company." It’s another thing (and incredibly more powerful), to say that you "Increased sales by 600% and became the highest-grossing sales manager in the history of the company." If you can, demonstrate the tangible results you’ve created to be a standout candidate.

5. Use action verbs.

Use an active voice throughout your resume, being very direct in your SoQ. You can use words like:

• Facilitated

6. Use fewer words for more impact.

We’ve all been forced to read something that used 400 words to communicate what could have been done in five. Don’t be that person. When it comes to your SoQ, think short, impactful, and to the point.

7. Review your spelling and grammar.

Between spellcheck and (free) programs like Grammarly , your resume, and any other materials you send out into the world to represent you should be error-free.

That being said, it’s very difficult to edit your own work. Once you’ve sent your resume through a grammar program, ask a friend to review it for you. Employers want to know that your written communications are strong and if hired, you work with strong attention to detail.

Statement of Qualifications Template and Examples

When drafting your SoQ, take care to structure this section properly for maximum effect. You can use the following Statement of Qualifications template to hit all the important points:

• Your current job title or relevant certification and your years of experience
• Two or three qualifications and skills you possess that would help you excel in your desired role
• Tangible outcomes (with data) pertinent to the responsibilities you would have in this position

Let’s take a look at two different SoQs for the same person, a call center employee interested in moving to a similar role in a new company.

What Not to Do

• Experienced call center employee with customer service skills.
• Responsible for addressing customer concerns.
• Fast and accurate data entry skills.
• Applauded for good work.
• Detail-oriented call center representative with 7+ years of experience delivering outstanding customer service.
• Achieved an average call time 15% shorter than the team average.
• Retrained struggling co-workers resulting in a 25% decrease in repeat calls.
• Won "Highest Call Taker" award 15 months straight.

SoQs for Special Situations

One of the most common questions regarding SoQs is: "What if I’m early in my career, or making a career transition and don’t have demonstrated experience?"

Everyone was a beginner at one time. There’s nothing to be ashamed of, and you’ve probably achieved more than you think. When you have recently graduated and are just joining the workforce, it’s acceptable (and encouraged) to discuss both your education and any internship experience you’ve had. An example of this could be:

• Business Attorney graduated Cum Laude from XYZ University with a 3.9 GPA.
• Internship experience in administrative, transactional, and employment law.
• Attended multiple court appearances, including evidentiary hearings.
• Reviewed discovery and assisted in the preparation of depositions.

As you progress throughout your career, your bullet points will strengthen. As a mid-level employee, you’ll discuss personal on-the-job achievements, and then eventually, as you move into senior leadership, you’ll have leadership achievements to touch on — not only what you achieved for yourself, but how you contributed to the organization as a whole.

Of course, there are very few people in the workforce that knew what they wanted to do directly out of college and have stayed the course over a 40-50 year professional lifetime. Most workers will move into entirely new companies, roles, and industries, at least once. For those looking to move into an entirely new field, an SoQ will look slightly different.

A Statement of Qualifications example for an individual changing fields will have less to do with specific accomplishments in the industry they are choosing to leave and will focus more on the transferable skills that will appeal to recruiters in the new industry. These skills include (but are not limited to):

• Leadership skills
• Management skills
• Teamwork skills
• Communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Project management skills
• Interpersonal skills

Notice that every single one of these skills is important for any industry you can think of. If you can prove that you’ve demonstrated these skills in another environment, you build their confidence in your ability to perform well in a new situation.

Use a Statement of Qualifications To Stand Out From Other Applications

Applying for jobs can be a daunting task for even the most qualified individuals. Thankfully, using a strong and well-written Statement of Qualifications at the beginning of your resume can help you stand out.

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Statement Of Qualifications: What It Is And Examples

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Summary. A statement of qualifications if a four to six bullet point list of your most valuable skills and qualifications that goes at the top of your resume . It’s important that you tailor your statement of qualifications to each job that you apply to. The statement of qualifications is meant to grab the attention of recruiters.

We all know the importance of first impressions, and resumes are no exception. When it comes to showing hiring managers your most notable accomplishments and skills as soon as they pick up your resume, a statement of qualifications can’t be beaten.

In this article, we’ll cover what exactly a statement of qualifications is, explain how to write one, and provide examples to help make writing your own that much easier.

Key Takeaways

A statement of qualification lists a handful of your most impressive skills and qualifications at the top of your resume.

A statement of qualifications shows hiring managers what you’d add to their organization and draws them into the rest of your resume.

Your statement of qualifications should reflect the skills listed on the job description.

What Is a Statement of Qualifications?

Example statements of qualifications, how to write a statement of qualifications, benefits of a statement of qualifications, tips for your resume’s statement of qualifications, who should use a statement of qualifications, statement of qualifications faq, final thoughts.

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A statement of qualifications is a 4-6 bullet point list of your most valuable skills and qualifications at the start of your resume. Note that the definition of your “most valuable” skills depends on the specific job description, and you’ll want to tailor your SOQ ( along with the rest of your resume ) to each and every job you apply for.

One could argue that a summary of qualifications is essentially like creating a movie trailer for your resume . An SOQ is a teaser that emphasizes your work experience, skills, and achievements.

The old school way of doing resumes is to start with a resume summary statement or career objective at the top. The trouble with a resume summary is that they are very general (and frankly pretty boring). Plus, they are often focused on you. It shares who you are, what experience you have, and your competencies.

When you flip the script and put the top benefits you have to offer an employer right at the top in a Statement of Qualifications, it’s a powerful way to stand out .

It allows a hiring manager or recruiter to quickly see that you’re qualified for the role and inspires them to give your resume a closer look. Plus, putting your qualifications front and center is useful in the era of applicant tracking systems that parse through your resume before it even reaches a human reader.

This list of statement of qualifications examples should help you think through what would work best when applying for your future job roles:

Summary of Qualifications for Medical Sales Example

10+ years’ experience in medical sales. Handled 10 medical client accounts that resulted in $500K revenue/year. Exceeded sales goals by 12% every quarter. Received Employee Recognition Award for Outstanding Achievement.

Summary of Qualifications for Retail Management Example

8 years of experience in retail management for big box stores. Increased store revenue by 65% by employing essential marketing and sales strategies. Oversaw the work of 200 sales and retail staff. Named Market Manager of the Year. Graduated Walmart Academy for advanced retail skills.

Summary of Qualifications for Sales Representative Example

15 years of experience in strategic marketing roles. Increased sales by 45% in my first year with the company. Earned Certified Professional Sales Person (CPSP). Trained and developed a team of 12 sales representatives. Named the Salesperson of the Year for 2018.

Summary of Qualifications for Travel Agent Example

10 years of experience in domestic and international travel. $1.2 million sales quota goal in 10 months. Earned Certified Travel Associate (CTA). Experienced supervising team of six travel agents in a fast-paced setting. Recognized as a top travel agent in the Midwest Region.

Summary of Qualifications for Accounting Supervisor Example

15 years of experience as a senior accountant . Accomplished a 35% reduction in costs by re-negotiation of leasing contract. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Recruit, hire, orient, and train new accounting employees. Member of American Association of Finance Accounting (AAFA).

Summary of Qualifications for Data Analyst Example

9 years of experience interpreting and analyzing data Perform market analysis to efficiently achieve objectives increasing sales by 35% MS in Business Analytics Lead a team of two data analysts and one data engineer Winner of TAG Data Science Analytics Innovation Award

Summary of Qualifications for Project Manager Example

7+ years of experience Managed Lean Training project that improved quality by 36%, cut lead times 20%, cut costs 52%. Led project management for a team of 75 employees. Project Management Professional Certification (3/2018). Guest speaker at the Midwest Lean Conference in 2019.

To write a statement of qualifications, start by reading the job description and jotting down the job skills the employer is looking for. Then make a list of your results and accomplishments that match those areas.

Let’s say you come across this job listing for a Pharma Sales Manager job opening:

Regional Pharmaceutical Sales Manager A pharmaceutical company is currently looking for a Sales Manager who can build maintain national clients/accounts and sell new services to existing clients . The ideal candidate has over seven years of business or sales experience within the pharmaceutical industry with significant management and training capabilities and existing clientele. Travel within the territory will be required. Territory includes IL , IN, WI, OH, TN, MN.

Notice all the words in bold. These are areas of interest for them that you should include in words to describe yourself on a resume to raise a recruiter’s interest. Now we translate that below into attention-grabbing bullet points.

Regional Pharmaceutical Sales Manager State of Qualifications Meet and exceed previous years’ sales target by 25% by attaining a $7,500,000 sales quota and 51% growth as of Dec. 2019 Transformed bottom-ranked Illinois territory to become a top revenue producing region. 8 years of pharmaceutical sales experience Pharma Sales Rep of the Year for Illinois 2017 Certified Pharmaceutical Sales Representative 5 years of experience managing regional sales teams Maintained relationship with existing 275 clients to develop and grow sales Assigned by senior sales management to train and mentor new reps

When a recruiter is sitting at their desk with a pile of resumes to review, they don’t have time to sit and thoroughly read every one. They need to quickly identify which applicants are a match for the job qualifications. So having your best information right at the top helps them tell in five seconds if they should interview you .

Placing your statement of qualifications at the top is like saying “Pick me,” “Pick me.” It is a powerful way to grab the recruiter’s attention.

A statement of qualifications shows what’s in it for the employer. It’s not about the skills you have, but the impact and results you can achieve for that employer.

Finally, when you list these items in bullet form, it’s very easy for a hiring manager to scan through them. They are busy. The more you can do to help them quickly see your strengths , the better shot you have at getting an interview.

You want to include a few things in your statement of qualifications:

Quantifiable results achieved — this can be sales volume, contracts, reduction in expenses, increase in profitability, boost in shareholder value, increase in customer base, etc.

Length of industry experience

Years of management experience

The highest degrees/certificates earned

Awards/Honors/Recognitions

You want your resume to be engaging, exciting, and thrilling to read. But what does it take to make a truly great statement of qualifications that will convince your recruiters to invite you for an interview?

Here are some tips for creating a professional statement of qualifications:

A strong statement of qualifications grabs attention and keeps recruiters interested.

Hiring managers will read your resume more thoroughly if they think you’re a qualified candidate with the right work experience , skills, and strengths.

Hard numbers that show you walk the talk with proof of the results in your past roles.

Action verbs that add power and impact to your resume.

Consistency in font face , size, spacing, caps, bold, and italics usage.

Carefully proofread for correct typos and grammar usage. It’s the little details that can reveal how much effort you put into your resume.

Adding keywords boosts how your resume comes up in the applicant tracking system (ATS) and shows recruiters the applicant’s compatibility to the position.

Technically anyone can use a statement of qualifications, but it’s most effective for those with some solid work experience.

This means that while recent graduates may see some benefit from including a statement of qualifications on their resume, it won’t do as much for them as it would for someone who has been in the workforce for a few years.

A statement of qualifications can also include transferable skills and educational accomplishments, but it may be better to put those in a resume summary statement until you have a few more years of experience under your belt.

What should be included in a statement of qualifications?

A statement of qualifications should include:

Your current job title and years of experience

Certifications that are necessary for the job

A few hard skills that relate directly to the job

One or two major accomplishments that relate directly to the job

Who should use a statement of qualifications?

Because a statement of qualifications requires a fairly beefy list of quantifiable experiences, they’re best used by applicants who have worked in the industry for 3+ years.

That being said, applicant tracking systems (ATS) parse through plenty of entry-level resumes , and the more relevant keywords you can include up top, the better your odds of getting your resume in front of a human reader .

How do you write a good SOQ?

Writing a good SOQ is about keeping things short and to the point. You want to use powerful action verbs that really indicate your specific contributions and the results of those contributions. The best statements of qualifications are perfectly tailored to the job description.

What are examples of qualifications?

Qualifications in this context refers mostly to hard skills, on-the-job experience, certifications, degrees, and tangible results of your skill set being put to use. Hard skills refer to job-, field-, or industry-specific knowledge that requires training or studying to learn.

A great resume emphasizes your qualifications in a compelling way and puts you in the best light. With a concise statement of qualifications, you can hook in hiring managers with an easy-to-read summary of why you’re perfect for the job.

University of North Carolina Wilmington – Summary of Qualifications

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Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.

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Statement of Qualifications, Desirable Qualifications, and Supplemental Questionnaires

**Please note this only applies to NON Career Executive Appointments (CEA) applicants**.

Required Application Documents

Along with the State Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) job announcements may identify additional documents (e.g., Resume, Statement of Qualifications, Supplemental Questionnaire) that must be provided by the applicant to complete the application package. If a required application document is requested on the job advertisement and it is not provided in the application package, the applicant may not be considered for the job.

What is a Statement of Qualifications?

The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is a narrative discussion of the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) an applicant possesses in relation to the desirable qualifications of the advertisement. The SOQ is used as a screening tool that provides the hiring manager with a sample of the applicant’s writing skills, style as an employee, and how well the applicant can align their experience with the job they are applying for.

Helpful Tips

• Include any referenced work experience on your STD 678
• Prepare your responses in a concise, complete, and clear manner
• Resumes DO NOT take place of a SOQ or Supplemental Questionnaire
• Grammar, clarity of expression, and legibility are considered in the evaluation process
• Allow yourself enough time to complete the required document(s) to eliminate room for errors
• Follow all specified instructions and formatting requirements (e.g., font, margins, number of pages)
• Connect all documents submitted in the application package (e.g., STD 678, Resume, Cover Letter)
• Read the entire advertisement and address each desirable qualification described in the recruitment individually

What are Desirable Qualifications?

Desirable Qualifications provide a basis for competitively evaluating each applicant, and include special personal characteristics, interpersonal skills, and additional qualifications. These qualifications represent additional attributes the hiring manager is seeking and provides the applicant with specific job expectations to measure their relative ability. Applicants can target their job search by competing for positions whose desirable qualifications match their experience and skills.

The hiring manager may or may not outline specific desirable qualifications on the job advertisement. Examples of desirable qualifications may include:

• Professional certification or license
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Experience providing training and performing peer reviews
• Knowledge and experience of current CDCR Human Resources practices

What is a Supplemental Questionnaire?

A Supplemental Questionnaire is a mechanism for obtaining an applicant’s qualifications and experience in job-related areas. Supplemental Questionnaires consist of a series of questions that may be scored as part of the application screening process, and may serve as a written interview for the recruitment.

• Answer all questions. If the question has multiple parts (A, B, and C), answer each part separately
• If a question doesn’t pertain to you write in the most closely related answer possible, or write “N/A”
• Be specific when answering questions regarding your experience (where, when, what, how, and why)
• Address each question completely and respond with specific examples that demonstrate your qualifications

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The Engineering VU

4 Tips for Writing a Statement of Purpose for Your Master’s

When applying for a master’s degree, crafting a compelling statement of purpose (SOP) is a crucial component of a stand-out application. It is a key step in the application process in which you have the opportunity to showcase your genuine desire to join the program. In this blog, we will guide you through essential strategies to help you compose the best statement of purpose for your master’s degree. 

What Is a Statement of Purpose?

A statement of purpose (SOP) is a written document that outlines your academic and professional goals, research interests and motivations for pursuing a graduate degree. It serves as a crucial piece of your application, allowing admissions committees to assess your suitability for their program. The statement of purpose provides you with an opportunity to showcase your passion, qualifications and unique qualities that make you stand out as a candidate. It allows you to share your aspirations and explain how the specific graduate program aligns with your academic and career goals. A strong SOP will make a lasting impression on the admissions team, and in turn, bolster your chances of admission. 

Tips for Writing a Statement of Purpose For Your Master’s

To help you present yourself effectively, follow these three steps to craft a quality statement of purpose for your master’s

1. Include All the Elements of an Effective Statement of Purpose

A well-structured statement of purpose exhibits your writing skills and clearly states your motivations and goals. Key sections include an introduction, academic and career goals, fit for the program, relevant experiences and achievements and what sets you apart. Check out these statement of purpose templates for inspiration to get you started. You will want to expound upon the following elements when writing your statement of purpose. 

Academic and Career Goals

Articulate your short-term and long-term academic and career goals. Clearly communicate how the program aligns with these aspirations and how it will help you achieve them. Emphasize the specific features and strengths of the program that attracted you to it. 

Fit for the Program

Demonstrate your genuine interest in the program by showcasing thorough research on the curriculum, faculty and resources. Highlight elements like specific courses, faculty expertise, research opportunities or extracurricular activities that resonate with your interests. 

Relevant Experiences and Achievements

Highlight your academic and professional achievements that are relevant to your field of study. Discuss research projects, internships, publications or significant coursework that have shaped your skills and knowledge. Connect these experiences to your goals, showing how they have deepened your passion for the field.

What Makes You Unique

Distinguish yourself from other applicants by highlighting your unique skills, perspectives and experience you will bring to the program. Show how these factors will enrich the program and contribute to the academic community.

Leave a lasting impression in your conclusion by expressing enthusiasm for the program. Summarize key points and end with a strong statement that reinforces your commitment to contribute to your chosen field of study. Incorporating these elements into your statement of purpose will help you craft a strong SOP for your application. 

2. Do Not Skip the Proofreading Step

No matter how strong your statement of purpose may be, errors and inconsistencies can undermine your efforts. To polish your statement of purpose, be sure your writing is clear, concise and persuasive. Be straightforward about why you want to pursue this program and why you are the optimal candidate. Try to avoid complex technical jargon that could obscure your message.  After you have checked over your SOP for these elements, read your statement of purpose aloud to catch errors. You can also ask a friend or mentor to read your statement of purpose and provide feedback. Getting an objective assessment can reveal areas that need improvement.

If possible, seek feedback from someone in the field or someone who has gone through a similar application process and has successfully written a statement of purpose.

3. Tailor Your SOP to Your Program

When applying to different programs, it's important to tailor your statement of purpose to match the specific requirements and expectations of each program. Here are some tips for crafting SOPs for different programs:

Statement of Purpose for a Master's in Computer Science

For a master's degree in computer science, it is crucial to highlight your technical interests and experiences in the field. Describe specific projects or research demonstrating your skills and passion in areas relevant to computer science. Discuss your career goals and how the program will help you achieve them. Mention any specific courses, faculty or opportunities that align with your interests.

Showcase your problem-solving abilities and analytical mindset to demonstrate your potential contributions to the field.

Statement of Purpose for Engineering Management

If you are applying to an engineering management program, emphasize your leadership and career aspirations in this field. If you have management experience, highlight your experiences managing projects, teams or organizations to showcase your capabilities. If you lack management experience, share some of the missed opportunities or future opportunities for which the degree could prepare you. You will also want to include your interest in bridging the gap between engineering and business, and how you can apply both technical and managerial skills to solve complex problems.

Connect your career goals to the specific aspects of the program, such as relevant courses, innovation opportunities or industry connections.

Getting Started on Your Master's Statement of Purpose

To write a compelling SOP, keep these key takeaways in mind:

• Be authentic and genuine in your writing. Share your motivations, experiences and goals with sincerity.
• Emphasize the research you have done on the program, faculty, courses, and resources. Show that you have a clear understanding of what the program offers and how it aligns with your academic and career objectives.
• Invest time and effort into your SOP to put your best foot forward. This document plays a significant role in the admissions process and can greatly influence your chances of admission.

Remember, each program has unique expectations, so tailor your statement of purpose accordingly. By aligning your strengths and interests with the requirements of the program, you can create a compelling SOP that captures the attention of the admissions committee.

Discover the Vanderbilt School of Engineering’s online master’s degrees in computer science and engineering management. You can explore our program pages to learn more about application requirements and how these degrees can advance your career in computer science or career in engineering management . 

Take the next step into making your future career a reality. Apply now to start your journey towards your master's degree!

Topics: Engineering Management , Computer Science , Engineering Online

Vanderbilt Engineering Graduate Admissions Team

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50+ examples of career objectives for your resumé

Did you know the average hiring manager takes just 7 to 10 seconds to scan your resumé before deciding to follow up or move on? This means you need to get their attention right away. A clear and compelling career objective is your secret advantage to shine and secure that callback.  

A career objective for a resumé is a brief outline of what you bring professionally to the table and why you believe you’re the perfect fit for the role. Think of it like an elevator pitch: if someone asked you about what you do and why you’re so good at it, how would you answer? Its purpose is to give the employer or hiring manager a quick snapshot of who you are. 

In this guide, you’ll learn what to write in an objective for your resumé, and how to create a great one to help make those ever-important first impressions. 

Understanding the different types of resumé objective statements

An objective statement isn’t needed for all resumés . In fact, if you already have a short resumé, it’s actually best if you leave it off and say what you need to in your cover letter. But for longer resumés, or for someone with special skills, it may be worth including an objective statement.  

When writing your career objective, keep in mind why you’re writing one and if it’s really needed (it might not be, if you’ve designed and written your resumé well ). If you do decide to include one, then make sure it’s personalised to you and the role you’re applying for. 

Four key types of resumé objective statements

There are a few key types of resumé objective statements, depending on the role and industry. Here are four main types of career objective examples for resumés and when they’re best used. 

1. New graduates for entry-level roles

If you’re a new graduate applying for entry-level roles, putting the key criteria the employer is looking for in your objective statement can help you stand out. To catch their eye, bold or italicise any specific qualifications or skills you have that match their criteria. Focus on what skills you have and avoid touching on areas where you lack experience.

An example of a graduate objective statement may sound like:

[Degree] graduate with proven experience in [skills]. Seeking an entry-level position in [the industry] to grow with a business and develop my skills.

2. Career or industry changes 

Sometimes your skills and experience may not be an obvious fit for the role – especially if you're making the change to another industry. To help the hiring manager quickly make that connection, adding a resumé career objective can work in your favour. Ensure you add some transferable skills or qualifications that carry on from your past roles into the one you're applying for, to help you get to that interview stage. 

An example of an objective statement for a career change may sound like:

An accomplished [current role] with more than [number of years] years of experience in [current industry]. Looking to utilise my skills in [list key skills] in a [new industry] environment. Highly passionate about [key values and mission of business] and looking to advance in this area. 

3. Moving region or country

With remote work becoming more popular in certain industries, where you live doesn’t necessarily impact as many roles as it once did. But if you're relocating and looking for a local job, it helps to note that you’re either in the process of relocating, or willing to relocate, so your prospective employers know your situation. 

An example of an objective statement when you’re moving may look like:

Highly experienced [role title] with more than [years] years in [industry], soon to be moving to [new location]. Seeking an opportunity to utilise and build on my [key skills] skills and grow with a business who is passionate about [business core values]. 

4. Looking for career advancement 

Maybe you haven’t been in a management, supervisor or other more senior role, but you have the relevant experience and skills. This is when a career objective for a resumé can come in handy to let the hiring manager know you are ready for the next step, and to highlight the experience that makes you the perfect candidate. 

A resumé objective sample of when you’re looking for career growth could look like:

Passionate and highly skilled [job title] with more than [years] years of experience in [industry and specialisation]. Searching for an opportunity to progress my career, utilising skills in [list top desirable skills] in a supervisory role.

Characteristics of good career objective resumé statement

A good career objective for a resumé statement answers the question, “Why are you the right person for this job?” It should always be updated to suit the role you’re applying for, identifying what skills and experience you bring to the table. There are many ways to do this, even if you’re using a resumé template to get you started. 

Keep it short and concise

The perfect career objective is short and to the point; no longer than three sentences. Focus on highlighting the key qualifications, skills and experience that will help you stand out from the crowd. Remember to add in any clarification on details that maybe confusing or unappealing to the employer, such as your location, experience in a different industry or being a new graduate looking for an entry-level role. 

Highlight valuable and essential points

You should only be adding a resumé career objective if:

• The information is essential for the hiring manager to know immediately.
• It’s information unique to you that doesn’t already stand out in your resumé.

Many HR professionals feel a career objective is often not needed, so only add it when it provides valuable and essential information. Examples of what is considered valuable information are: a unique skill, big awards, when you’re making a career change or when there is information they may not be able to glean from your resumé, like relocating. 

Make it personalised 

Every career objective statement should be unique to the job you’re applying for. Read the job description and highlight key things they’re looking for and where you have those skills, qualifications or experience. This is what to add into your career objective to make you as appealing as possible.

What to write in an objective in a resumé

When it comes to resumé tips , learning how to write an amazing career objective is one you want to pay attention to. After all, it can be the difference between getting the interview or being put in the ‘maybe’ pile. You want your resumé to stand out and catch the eye of the employer, so knowing what to include and what to avoid in your objective will help you do that. 

What to include in a resumé career objective statement  

A resumé career objective statement can be a powerful tool if you know what to include. These are some of the top things you should mention:

• Your current role
• Years of experience in the industry
• Unique skills, qualifications and experience
• Relevant information to the role 
• Any information essential for the employer to know, like relocating or a career change
• Why you’re interested in this specific role and why you’re the best fit

Remember to keep your career objective short and to the point. Its purpose is to add value by highlighting what makes you a great choice for the role.

What to avoid when writing a resumé objective statement

Your objective statement should be written in plain language, including only the most important and relevant information. Here are some things to avoid putting in a resumé objective statement:

• Clichés like ‘hard working’, ‘good communicator’, and ‘strong attention to detail’
• Any negatives, like lack of experience
• Non-essential information
• Vague information – remember to be specific
• Highlighting how the job will benefit you – the application is about how you benefit the company
• Spelling and grammar mistakes – don’t forget to proofread! 

50 career objective examples for your resumé by industry

A career objective should be specific to the role. Before you get started, read some resumé objective samples for your specific industry. Whether you’re a nurse , teacher , creative, developer or customer service specialist , there will be specific skills that are relevant to your industry. In each example, look for key points that are mentioned, and then try to incorporate them into your own statement. 

Here are some industry-specific examples to get you started. 

The purpose of a resumé career objective for a healthcare worker is typically to highlight any specialisations and years of experience in different types of medical services. What you include will depend on your previous roles and the requirements of the job you’re applying for.

Registered nurse career objective example 

Dedicated registered nurse with eight years of experience in paediatrics and postpartum care. Seeking a challenging, full-time role to utilise skills in infant and family care, with a strong interest in case management.  

Aged care worker career objective example

Seeking employment in an aged-care worker role, utilising 12 years of experience in the field. Eager to use extensive ward and team coordination skills in a purposeful supervisory role.

Nurse practitioner career objective example

Patient and motivated nurse practitioner seeking a role with [business name]. More than 22 years of experience, with strong skills in diagnostics and treatment planning. 

Medical assistant (clinical) career objective example

Looking for a medical assistant  position to utilise 10+ years in surgical assistance. Cross-trained in team supervision with vast knowledge of hospitals and clinics.

Medical assistant (administrative) career objective example

Extensively cross-skilled administrative medical receptionist  looking for the next opportunity to advance career and use skills in a clinical environment. Detail oriented with special mentions for exceptional patient care and process optimisation.

The key to a good resumé career objective for a technology-based role is to keep it simple, avoiding complex terms. Many companies will have a HR professional responsible for the first steps of hiring, who may not have the technical knowledge to recognise certain skills. Keep it as simple as possible, while clarifying why you’re good at what you do. 

Front-end developer career objective example

SEO-focused front-end developer with extensive experience in web performance and user experience. Seeking a new challenge to utilise people skills to lead and support a cross-functional and agile team. 

Back-end developer career objective example

Full-stack developer specialising in back-end optimisation with more than five years’ experience in app development. Looking for the next role to utilise skills in Python, Java, Ruby and PHP, with the desire to help advance app technology in the medical industry. 

Data analyst career objective example

Expert data analyst  seeking position to apply skills in dashboard development and optimisation. Specialised in stakeholder communications and project management, including budgeting, workflows and release management. More than five years of management experience, as well as master’s degree in business and data analytics.

Business analyst career objective example

Graduate business analyst with more than a year of practical experience in the insurance industry seeking an entry-level role. Proven track record in driving business growth by 13% in three months. Looking for a role to challenge skills and leverage experience in data analytics, financial modelling and strategic planning.

UX/UI designer career objective example

Multi-award winning UX/UI designer aspiring to work for [business name]. Lead project manager on design for the [business name] rebrand, including website and app, looking to utilise skills in CSS, advanced data analysis and UX-UI design. 

With many people following a similar career path in finance, a resumé career objective can help you stand out, particularly if you have made an effort to advance your skill set. Highlight specific industries you have worked in, especially if they benefit the business you’re applying to, as this information will set you apart.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) career objective example

CPA specialised in startup enterprise, recognised for servicing more than 1,000 new businesses. Looking for an in-house role to utilise skills in business structuring, financial planning and budget optimisation.

Financial Advisor career objective example

Recent finance graduate, looking for an opportunity to utilise skills in a  financial advisor role in wealth management and financial planning in the corporate sector. Experience and special interest in technology businesses, with more than five years of experience working in accounts customer support for AI-technology company [business name]. 

Loan Officer career objective example

Seeking junior marketing position within the  loans team at [business name], utilising more than five years as senior and lead loan officer at [business name]. Two-time customer-satisfaction award winner, with highest ratings for more than three years running. 

Actuary career objective example

Data-driven actuary with more than six years of experience in operational management across the finance and superannuation industries. Successfully supervised a team of more than 20, looking for the next challenge in a team management setting. 

Bookkeeper career objective example

Bookkeeper for more than 10 years, with extensive experience in sole trader, small business, franchise and big business taxation and finances. Seeking an opportunity to work in-house for [business name] to utilise advanced skills in technology-adapted processing and end-of-month reporting. 

Roles in education are some of the most rewarding. To make your resumé stand out, tailor your objective statement to the school or district, as well as highlighting your skills, experience and specialisations.  

Early childhood teacher career objective example

Sydney-based early childhood teacher with more than a decade of experience in child learning and development. Looking to utilise extensive care experience with children with special needs with [Business-Name] in a room supervisor role.

Primary school teacher career objective example

Recent teaching graduate with experience in teaching primary school children in years 1 to 3, with additional experience in relief teaching. Looking for a permanent, full-time role at [School-Name] to make best use of skills and knowledge in the latest teaching practices.

High school teacher career objective example

Seeking full-time advanced English high-school teaching position at [high-school-name]. Highly experienced teacher with more than 15 years in teaching high school students, and 10 years teaching advanced English. Proud to have more than 80% of students continue into communications-based further education. 

Librarian career objective example

Media-and-information-qualified librarian with three years of experience in public libraries and seven years’ experience in university libraries. Passionately seeking a role with [library name] in a training and visitor-focused role to utilise extensive skills in training new staff and locating obscure data.

Principal career objective example

High-achieving assistant principal bringing more than eight years of experience in primary and secondary schools in the Brisbane area. With a master’s in education, looking to apply demonstrated experience at [school-name] in a principal role.

Customer Service

Being able to show strong communication skills is essential when applying for a customer-service role. A well-written career objective statement can help the hiring manager see your written communication skills andalso learn more about how long you have worked in customer service, what industries you may have worked in and more. It can help you quickly stand out in a pile of potentially hundreds of other applications.

Sales associate (retail) career objective example

High-performing retail sales associate who acheived more than a million dollars in sales for [business name]. Excels in high-pressure environments with demonstrated results in technology, furniture and luxury fashion sales. 

Cashier (retail) career objective example

Seeking cashier  oppportunity at [business name], offering experience in sales and training. Well-presented cashier with more than two years in a big box retail branch, working across multiple locations.

Call centre representative career objective example

Experienced call-centre representative of more than five years with demonstrated skills in a high-volume environment. Strong familiarity with a vast range of CRMs, including Salesforce, Monday, Hubspot and more. Looking to bring a five-star customer rating to [business name] in a call centre role.

Customer service manager career objective example

Seeking to join [business name] as the conflict resolution team manager. Strong leadership background with demonstrated ability to maintain less than 2% client churn rate, alongside 99% team retention. 

Technical support specialist (IT) career objective example

Doctoral graduate in technical sciences looking for leadership role in the IT department at [business name]. More than 20 years in information technology and troubleshooting, with a 4.8-star customer satisfaction rating.

Whether you’re just getting started out of university or looking to take your marketing career to the next level, an objective statement can help you win over a hiring company. Key things to highlight include specific results you have achieved, any awards or recognition you’ve received, and specific areas of study or work experience that will help you stand out.

Social media manager career objective example

Performance-driven social media marketing specialist with track record in growing engagement by up to 300% on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Looking to utilise expertise in organic social media growth, as well as extensive experience working with fashion and beauty brands. 

Marketing coordinator career objective example

Offering more than eight years of experience in coordinator roles within a high-performing marketing team in the technology industry. Experienced in traditional and digital marketing, specialising in client retention and growth through organic and paid marketing. Seeking a role as marketing supervisor at [business name] to drive results for the marketing team. 

Public relations specialist career objective example

Motivated public relations graduate with hands-on account management skills seeking entry-level PR role at [business name]. Proven experience in preparing and distributing releases, news jacking and identifying creative opportunities to build brand awareness. Looking to utilise and grow my existing skill set with an in-house PR role.  

Brand manager career objective example

Results-driven brand manager with three years of in-house experience and four years of agency experience. Ready for an immediate start in the Sydney area, with interest in senior, supervisor or lead roles at [business name].

Content writer career objective example

Dynamic content writer wanting to join a dynamic agency environment to utilise more than nine years in web content management. Special interest in SEO-driven content, with proven experience in creating engaging content for finance, medical and legal industries.

Human Resources

Human resources is a balance of the professional and the personable. With the trend of introducing ‘people and culture’ specialists to human resources, being able to highlight your specialised and unique skills can help a business envision how you can benefit them.

Human resources manager career objective example

Seeking opportunity to utilise six years of human resources , recruitment and training experience at [business name]. Demonstrated experience in improving employee retention by 60% in 12 months through the creation of a culture-led engagement program. 

Recruiter career objective example

Accomplished recruiter with the goal of working in-house hiring and recruitment team for [business-name]. Awarded as top performer three months in a row in recruitment agency role, specialising in technology hiring. 

Benefits coordinator career objective example

Data-driven benefits coordinator with the goal of working in the HR department at [business name]. Most recent benefits roll-out received a 92% engagement rate and 86% increase in staff satisfaction. 

Training and development specialist career objective example

Pursuing new challenges in training and development for a leading finance business in Brisbane. More than 12 years of experience in training and staff development , with a 90% retention rate.  

HR generalist career objective example

Seeking HR generalist role at [business name] with the goal of creating impact on the business’s human resources practices, processes and staff retention. Results-driven with proven experience in utilising technology to drive trackable initiatives within the organisation. 

Drawing attention to your past sales achievements is one of the top ways to secure an interview. If you’re new to sales, highlight any relevant experience or training you have or are undergoing that can benefit the business.

Sales manager career objective example

Sales manager of more than 20 years, the last five of which have been spent leading a highly successful real estate team with a turnover of more than $15 million in sales. Pursuing an opportunity to guide a talented pool of sales professionals at [business name].

Sales representative career objective example

Successful sales representative of three years, specialising in digital marketing and technology. Invested in becoming a top-performing sales consultant at [business name] to secure new business and nurture existing clients. 

Account executive career objective example

Goal-driven account executive with demonstrated success in innovative sales techniques utilising technology. Looking for next opportunity in an executive sales position to drive sales, previously demonstrated by achieving more than $520,000 in sales per annum.

Business development manager career objective example

Highly successful business development manager with long track record of growing new partnerships for B2B companies. Passionate about finding the next challenging role, utilising background in information technology to advise clients on best solutions at [business name]. 

Retail sales manager career objective example

Driven retail sales manager looking to acquire a position in the reputable [business name] group. Demonstrated experience in leading and nurturing a successful team of 30 rotating staff, including training and recruitment. 

Within the legal sector there are myriad skills and specialisations that can make a career objective stand out. If you’re a recent graduate who has yet to find their niche, include what hands-on experience you have, to let hirers know you are proactive about launching your legal career and a serious candidate for them to consider.

 Lawyer career objective example

Law student eager to attain an entry-level legal position at [firm name]. Committed to aiding some of the best lawyers in the field and helping clients find the legal representation they need.

Paralegal career objective example

Highly experienced paralegal looking to support the high-performing team at [business-name]. Assisted more than 250 cases in five years. 

Legal secretary career objective example

Proactive and self-motivated legal secretary and clerical specialist with experience in managing schedules for multiple stakeholders and front offices. Seeking a legal clerical position at [business-name] with the aim to further streamline processes and help integrate new technologies for further efficiency. 

Contracts manager career objective example

Sydney-based contracts manager with extensive experience in property, business and family law contracts. Experienced in implementing technologies to improve the success rate of contracts signed within in-house and firm settings, with 10 years of demonstrated experience.

Compliance officer career objective example

Senior compliance officer with experience in the finance, health and public sectors, including three years with the state government. Seeking new opportunity in compliance management with [business-name], specialising in OSHA regulations. 

If you’re a new graduate applying for a job in the creative industries, a well-written career objective will help hiring managers see your potential. What you include will depends on the specifics of the role, but you should highlight any practical experience you have, creative works you have completed, and technical skills you’ve acquired.

Architect career objective example

Highly experienced residential and commercial architect , interested in pursuing a role in urban planning with [business name]. Specialised in social sciences and utilising sustainable design to build greener communities. 

Graphic designer career objective example

UX-trained graphic designer with more than 20 years of experience in print and digital design. Lead graphic designer at [business name], with experience collaborating with content and development teams. 

Copywriter career objective example

Google Ads-certified copywriter with more than three years of agency experience producing high-performing copy. Specialist in long- and short-form copy, as well as landing page copy optimised for SEO and conversion.

Art director career objective example

Exploring new opportunities at [business name] as an award-winning art director with accolades from the 2022 Sydney Arts Awards, 2020 Indie Film Awards in Brisbane and more. Successfully led a team of 15 creatives for more than six years, working across traditional and digital media.

Web designer career objective example

Multi-award-winning lead web designer exploring new opportunities within a creative agency. Trained in UX and SEO design, with CSS experience. Ready to step into a senior or management role. 

A well-crafted resumé objective statement can be the key to getting an interview. The secret to a good resumé objective is to personalise it to the job ad and show why you’d be an asset to the team, with specialised skills they can’t do without. Remember to keep it short and to the point, shining the spotlight on the unique experience and attributes that make you perfect for the job.

What is the difference between a resumé objective statement and a resumé summary statement?

The main difference between a resumé objective and a resumé summary statement is length. The objective statement is a concise summary of the value you would bring to a role. A resumé summary statement is longer and more detailed. 

Can a resumé objective statement be too long?

Yes, a resumé objective statement can be considered too long. The ideal length of a resumé objective statement is two to three sentences. It should only contain important, unique information that will entice the hiring manager into reading more of your resumé or giving you a call. 

Should I include a resumé objective statement on my resumé if I'm applying to multiple jobs?

Your resumé objective statement should be tailored to each job your apply for. Look at each individual job role and write a unique objective statement that addresses the skills, qualifications and experience they’re looking for. 

Can I use the same resumé objective statement for different job applications?

While you can use the same resumé objective statement for different job applications, it will be more effective if each one is personalised to the business and job ad. This helps you align your skills and experience with exactly what the business is looking for. A generic career objective statement may only touch on some (or even none) of the skills they’re looking for, lowering your chances of getting an interview. 

Is it necessary to write a resumé objective statement if I have a lot of work experience? 

A resumé objective statement is not essential. However, it highlights your greatest career achievements and skills. Even if you have solid experience, keep your objective statement brief for readability. 

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Writing Center Assistant

Responsibilities*.

Assist the director in:

• managing the Writing Center schedule
• assisting students inn scheduling appointments
• outreach to faculty about class visits
• planning and executing workshops and other events

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Applicants must be a current UM-Dearborn student and have previous experience as a writing center consultant.

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