No One Cares What You Want!

That may sound harsh, but during a job search it's true.

The hiring manager has many concerns, issues, worries and problems - too much work, not enough staff, looming business issues or missed opportunities, a headache, a fight with her teenage daughter ... but whatever is swirling round her mind when she looks at your resume, the very last thing she's thinking is "I wonder what all these candidates want in their next job? I wonder what's important to them?"

(She might care about that later, if she interviews you and likes you and is thinking about an offer, but right now she doesn't give two hoots.)

This is why I hate resumes that start with an objective statement. Even the most well-written objective statement is a waste of space because the employer just doesn't care. But most are not actually counter-productive. This week I came across a resume that had one of the LEAST effective objective statements I've ever seen. One that would surely dissuade employers from ever even picking up the phone.

It started with a short description of the type of job being sought, but then it went on: "I do NOT want to work at a company that doesn't value it's employees. I do NOT want to have to ask permission when I have an idea. I do NOT want ..."

It went on a little longer but you get the idea. Not only is this candidate focused only on his own concerns - he's also making himself look like a troublemaker, even though there is nothing inherently wrong with the things he is seeking in his next position - they just don't belong on a resume!

Your resume and cover letters must never focus on your needs and concerns. Every word must focus on showing why you can add value to potential employers. Your introduction should focus on this entirely with no mention of your own desires.

That's not to say your desires are not important - of course they are. You will asses opportunities based on your needs and concerns. You will choose a job that meets those needs. But by focusing your resume on what the employer needs, you will ensure that you have the broadest array of options from which to choose.

Comments

[Norine Dagliano]

Great post, Louise, and an important reminder to anyone seeking employment. I tell job seekers that there are three key questions employers want answered: Who are you? What do you do? What can you do for me? If your resume, cover letters and 30-second career clip do not answer these questions than you are missing the mark. Unfortunately, too many job seekers launch their search before they know the answers to the last two questions (and some even struggle with the first question!)

[Richard Rinyai]

Hi,

I truly agree with this. I never understood why an objective statement is needed. The resume really should focus on what you can do for the company and the team that you are (hopefully) going to be a part of.

I believe this is what employers are really looking for. That and your skill set.

Thanks,

Richard Rinyai

[Julie O'Malley]

I couldn't agree more. I am chuckling to myself, picturing a hiring manager reading the *I do NOT want...* resume. ("You're in luck. Here at XYZ Company, we DO value our employees! How soon may we start valuing YOU?") Truthfully, though, I have no right to laugh. I had to learn the hard way to focus on why I'm perfect for the job, rather than why the job was perfect for ME. It's a critical distinction. Thanks for telling it like it is :)

[Steve C Wilson]

The "objective statement" was very popular a few years back, but many job seekers can't seem to move past that paradigm. I heard a career counselor recently say that resumes should be a marketing document, but most are written like an obituary.