How to write a good job objective

1. Avoid job titles.

Job titles such as "Secretary" or "Marketing Analyst" can involve very different activities in different organisations. The same job can often have different titles in different organisations and using such a title may very 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 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.

2. Define a "bracket of responsibility" to include the possibility of upward mobility.
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 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.

3. Include your most important skills.
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 resume) should support those skills with specific examples.

4. Include specifics if these are important to you.
If you have substantial experience in a particular industry (such as 'Computer Controlled Machine Tools') or have a narrow and specific objective that you really want (such as 'Art Therapist with the Mentally Handicapped'), then it is OK to state this. But, in so doing, realise that by narrowing your alternatives down 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).

5. Finalise your job objective statement.
The most important part here is that you can clearly state what sort of a job you want and know what kinds of skills and experiences are needed to do well in that job. Even if you decide to change your job objective later, it is very important that you decide on a temporary one now.