A good job objective is the first step to that dream job. These tips will help you get it right

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Titles can tie you down

Job titles such as “secretary” or “marketing analyst” can mean a different job
profile in different organisations. The same job can often have separate titles in various organisations and using such a title may well limit your being considered for such jobs as “office manager” or “marketing assistant”.

It is best to use broad categories of jobs rather than specific titles, so that you can be considered for a wide variety of jobs related to the skills that you have.

For example, instead of “secretary” you could say “responsible office management or clerical position” if that is what you would really consider — and qualify for.

The way up

While you may be willing to accept a variety of jobs related to your skills, you should include those that require higher levels of responsibility and pay.

In the example given above, it keeps open the option to be considered for an office management position as well as clerical jobs.

In effect, you should define a “bracket of responsibility” in your objective that includes the range of jobs that you are willing to accept. This bracket should include the lower range of jobs that you would consider as well as those requiring higher levels of responsibility, up to and including those that you think you could handle.

Even if you have not handled those higher levels of responsibility in the past, many employers may consider you for them if you have the skills to support the objective.

Skills that fit the bill

What are the most important skills needed for the job you want? Consider including one or more of these as being required in the job that you seek. The implication here is that if you are looking for a job that requires “organisational skills”, then you have those skills.

Of course, your interview (and résumé) should support those skills with specific examples.

Specifics pay

If you have substantial experience in a particular industry (such as in the computer controlled machine tools sector) or have a narrow and specific objective that you really want (such as becoming an art therapist with the mentally handicapped), then it is okay to state this.

However, realise that by doing so you are narrowing your alternatives down as you will often not be considered for other jobs for which you might qualify.

Still, if that is what you want, it just may be worth pursuing (though I would still encourage you to have a second, more general objective just in case).

What you want

The most important part here is that you can clearly state what sort of a job you want and know what kind of skills and experience is needed to do well in that specific job. Even if you decide to change your job objective later, it is very important that you decide on a temporary one right here, right now. It will also make it clear to you what sort of jobs you should apply for.

Sources: The Telegraph (Kolkata, India)