The document discusses the differences between including a career objective versus a qualifications summary in a resume, noting that an objective focuses on a specific job goal while a summary highlights relevant experiences. It provides guidance on writing effective objectives and summaries, recommending they be 3 lines or less and include relevant details about skills, achievements, and background. The document concludes by advising readers to choose the right heading and structure for their resume.

1. Job Objectives vs. Career
Summaries
Which to Use?
Martha Schwer,
Madison Area Technical College

2. Standard Parts of a Résumé
Heading (name and contact info)
Career Objective or Qualifications
Summary
Education
Employment or Experience
Related Skills and Abilities
Honors and Activities
References

3. Definitions
A Career Objective frames the résumé for a
specific job and helps your reader understand
your goal.
Headings like “Objective,” “Employment
Objective”
A Qualifications Summary focuses more on
what you bring from prior experiences to a
specific job opening.
Headings like “Summary Statement,” or “Career
Summary.”

4. How to Write a Solid Objective
No more than 3 lines long.
Include 3 parts: the type of job you are
looking for, the context you want to work in,
and what you can do for the company:
Example: “A full-time computer-science
position aimed at solving engineering
problems and contributing to a management
team.”

5. How to Write A Solid Summary
3-5 lines long
Include who, what, and major achievements.
Example: “Astute senior analyst and corporate
financial planner with 11 years of experience
and proven success enhancing P&L
scenarios by millions of dollars.
Demonstrated ability to apply critical thinking
and sound strategic/economic analysis to
multi-dimensional business issues.”

6. Choose wisely!
Use headings!
Happy Résumé Writing!