Career objective tells one’s direction

By Peter Kimuri

When hunting for a job, failure to state a career objective can cost job. It is usually a statement that focuses on a particular job and shows the reason why you are interested in it.

Unfortunately, only a handful of job applicants indicate what their objectives are. A career objective statement is important in stating your interests and qualifications of applicant.

However, many jobseekers ignore to write what their career objective is in their CVs.

Stating your career objective provides the preliminary information that shows exactly what you like. It provides a clear picture of what you aim to do and achieve in life.

Specific to the job

Having a career objective enables you to define the path you want to follow. It is the best way to demonstrate where you are going. Lack of it shows you do not know what kind of a job you want. At worse, it can also indicate that you do not know how to intelligibly write one.

Career objectives should be modified to suit a particular job. Different job applications demand you slightly change it to be in line with the demands of the job in question. Indeed, you can have a number of them meant to suit different needs.

Although a career objective is a brief statement, many people find it difficult to write one. Then how can you succeed in writing an effective one? Start by identifying the job or career path you want to follow.

Then, critically assess the experience, skills and qualifications you possess. Your previous accomplishments and jobs can help you to do this evaluation. How do your previous skills and experience influence what you want to do?

Be specific

Ensure that your career objective is specific. You must state clearly and precisely what you want to do. Specify the job title: teacher, nurse, programmer or accountant. Avoid being too general.

Research with the company and find out what they may be looking for than to write an over-generalized objective.

Establish the job titles that exist in the institution or organisation you are writing an application to.

The employer will easily know the position you are applying for and whether it exists.

In cases where you are responding to an advertised job with a description, try to mirror one or two of the words listed.

However, do not promise more than you can deliver.

Over-ambition can ruin your chances. Always state an objective only when you have totally understood it.