# Resume Objective
A resume objective is a one- or two-sentence statement at the top stating what kind of role you want and what you hope to contribute. It focuses on your goal. Most experienced candidates use a professional summary instead, which highlights what they already bring.
## Deeper Context

Objectives fell out of favor when they read as candidate-centric ("seeking a challenging role") without employer value. They still help career changers and new graduates explain context: "Operations leader transitioning to product management; completed X certification; targeting junior PM roles in B2B SaaS." ATS treats objective and summary similarly--keywords in either section can be extracted.

## Related Terms

- [resume](https://foliox.me/glossary/resume)
- [professional-summary](https://foliox.me/glossary/professional-summary)
- [resume-format](https://foliox.me/glossary/resume-format)
- [resume-keywords](https://foliox.me/glossary/resume-keywords)


## FAQ

### Should I use an objective or a summary?

Use a summary when you have relevant experience. Use an objective when you are changing fields or entering the workforce and need to explain your direction.

### What is a good resume objective example?

"Marketing coordinator transitioning to UX research; completed NN/g certification and led three usability studies; seeking junior researcher roles in health tech." Specific and evidence-based beats vague goals.

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