resume objective examples for college admission

35 Impressive College Student Resume Objective Examples

The objective statement is the first place you get to pitch yourself to a potential employer. It’s the hook to draw a reader into looking at your resume in full. In your objective statement, you need to concisely convince the hiring manager that you understand what the job entails and that you are the best candidate for the job. Whether you are looking for a part-time job while studying, or for your first job out of college, you will want to make your very best first impression.

Examples of College Student Objective Statements

Below are some examples of objectives statements for college students and college graduates to guide you in writing a powerful opening to your resume:

• Computer science student seeking part-time work with ABC University in IT support, eager to gain first-hand experience while contributing to troubleshooting problems experienced by members of the university community.
• Courteous and responsible student with a stellar driving record and well-maintained 4-door vehicle seeking a position as a part-time rideshare driver.
• Recent graduate with B.S. in Accounting looking for a data entry and bookkeeping position at Fin Corporation, bringing excellent attention-to-detail, enthusiasm to learn and adaptability to take on new tasks.
• Flexible and joyful student pursuing a degree in early childhood education, seeking a role as a teaching assistant and coming with fluency in online tools and the capability to learn quickly.
• Dependable and flexible animal-lover seeking a position as a pet sitter with Creature Comforts LLC, coming with the ability to work independently and an excellent attention-to-detail.
• Reliable book enthusiast and current English major looking to work as a library assistant, bringing an understanding of the library system and an eagerness to learn library management processes.
• Self-motivated, focused and friendly student with a reliable car, insurance and a clean driving record seeking an on-demand runner or delivery driver position, coming with ability to provide a great experience to customers.
• Forward-thinking and dedicated team player seeking part-time work as a graphic designer with XYZ College, leveraging extensive knowledge of a wide variety of design software and tools, and superior command of layout principals and aesthetic design concepts.
• Responsible and outgoing student seeking a part-time host or waiting position at a restaurant, coming with two years of barista experience and an excitement for learning new skills.
• Highly motivated software engineering graduate with strong customer service and communication skills seeking to join Great North Casualty Company, leveraging ability to write code in JAVA, HTML5, and CSS3.
• Personable student looking for a part-time job as a sales clerk at a retail clothing store, coming with two summers of experience working at a café and gift shop.
• Punctual, responsible and hardworking student looking for a job as a barista at Café Coffee, leveraging a love of coffee, a team-oriented attitude, and an enthusiasm for making people smile.
• Emotionally mature and adaptable recent college graduate with a passion for bringing smiles to children, looking for a nanny position, coming with reliable transportation, CPR and First Aid certification, and references.
• Looking for a part-time job as a social media assistant at ABC Staffing, leveraging deep knowledge of various social media platforms, strong organizational skills and attention-to-detail to develop and maintain a professional and welcoming online presence for the benefit of the company.
• Chemistry student with an excellent academic track record, seeking a summer job as a lab assistant at First Labs to support research scientists and explore the possibility of pursuing a research career.
• Friendly and professional team player seeking a part-time job as a customer service associate, leveraging flexibility, great phone presence, and highly organized ability to work quickly and accurately.
• Accomplished student with an aptitude for programming, seeking part-time work with Big Time Realty in support of its IT requirements, bringing superior customer service skills, strong knowledge of various computer hardware and software, and an unbeatable work ethic.
• Outstanding mathematics student seeking part-time work as a math tutor, leveraging exemplary academic track record and ability to communicate complex mathematical concepts to children from primary to secondary levels.
• Detail-oriented accounting college senior (GPA 3.8) seeking a part-time job with Alton Accountants to gain practical experience in accounting, coming with knowledge from coursework and excitement about starting a career in accounting.
• Dependable student seeking weekend job as a lifeguard at Community Pool, leveraging Red Cross First Aid and CPR certifications, and three summers of experience in lifeguarding.
• Punctual and organized art student with a passion for oil painting seeks part-time job in an art supply shop, coming with two years of customer service experience gained through work in cafes and restaurants.
• To obtain a part-time dental office assistant position at Henley Clinic to utilize administrative experience while increasing knowledge of dentistry as a pre-med student.
• Reliable finance student looking to gain work experience as a part-time bank teller, coming with excellent customer service skills and an interest in banking.
• Political science student hoping to pursue a career in law, seeking a summer job as an office assistant at Gray Law Firm to gain first-hand insight into legal practice.
• To secure part-time work as an office assistant, experienced in providing administrative support as a receptionist and coming with fast typing ability (45+ wpm), superior organizational skills, and a desire to work hard.
• Mechanically inclined and reliable student seeking a part-time job at Cycle Store, bringing a passion for cycling and an understanding of cycle maintenance and repair.
• Self-starter and current culinary student seeking a part-time position as a kitchen assistant, confident in fast-paced kitchens and bringing skills in various cuisines.
• Statistics student planning on pursuing a career in business analytics, looking for a part-time job to gain understanding of practical applications of analyses and to contribute to fulfilling the analytical needs of a corporate team.
• Innovative and solutions-oriented student seeking a part-time position within a marketing agency to leverage creativity to gain practical experience for the benefit of the company.
• Art student seeking a part-time job as a receptionist at Art Museum, bringing excellent reception skills gained as a restaurant hostess and a passion for art, particularly oil painting.
• Hardworking and punctual student seeking warehouse packing work, bringing endless energy, optimism, and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Biology student seeking to obtain a position as part-time receptionist at Medical Office, drawing on over two years of office support and reception experience.
• Enthusiastic sophomore seeking a part-time position as a tour guide at State University, looking to apply excellent communication and hosting skills gained as a waitress to show prospective students and their families around campus and give them insight into student life.
• Responsible and driven student eager to gain work experience through part-time work, willing to learn new skills and perform ad hoc duties as required.
• To obtain a part-time analyst position with Econo Analytics, bringing skills gained through mathematics and statistics studies, able to contribute insights into both macro and microeconomic trends.

Getting a good job that is in line with your career goals while you are still in college is a great way to roadtest your career choice and gain experience. If jobs within your future profession aren’t available, getting a different job with transferable skills is another good idea. Think about talking to people you know who might be able to put your resume in front of decision-makers. Whether you have a warm lead from someone in your network or are applying cold to an online job posting, make sure your objective statement is compelling and free from error. This is will get your resume noticed and make a strong first impression.

• Career Blog

College Admissions Resume Example & Writing Guide for 2024

In a highly competitive college admissions landscape, a college admissions resume can be crucial in setting an applicant apart from the rest. It offers admission officers a concise and clear picture of a student’s achievements, skills, and experiences.

C. Tips for Writing an Effective Resume

Writing an effective college admissions resume can be overwhelming, but with the right tips, it can become a manageable task. Some of the essential tips to keep in mind when crafting your resume include highlighting your accomplishments, showcasing your skills and experiences, avoiding ambiguity and vagueness and paying attention to formatting, and using appropriate keywords. By incorporating these tips, your resume will stand out and resonate with the admission officer.

This guide provides detailed information on each of these tips with examples to help you create an impactful and winning college admissions resume.

In the rest of this article, we will discuss each section of the college admissions resume and provide useful tips and examples to help you create a winning one.

Understanding the College Admissions Resume Format

When it comes to applying for college, the admissions resume is an essential component of your application package. This document provides admissions officers with a snapshot of your academic and extracurricular achievements, professional experiences, and personal accomplishments that set you apart from other applicants.

To create a stand-out admissions resume, it’s crucial to understand the basic elements and guidelines of the college admissions resume format, as well as how to avoid common pitfalls.

A. Basic Elements of a College Admissions Resume

The following basic elements should be included in your college admissions resume:

Contact Information: Include your name, address, phone number, and email address.

Objective Statement: Provide a brief statement describing your career or academic goals.

Education: List your most recent education first, including your high school name, location, GPA, and anticipated graduation date.

Extracurricular Activities: Highlight your involvement in clubs, sports teams, music or theater groups, volunteer work, or other community activities.

Awards and Honors: Showcase any academic, athletic, or artistic honors you have received.

Work Experience: Detail any relevant internships, part-time, or full-time work experience, including job title, company name, dates of employment, and responsibilities.

Skills: List any relevant skills, including computer proficiency, foreign languages, or certifications.

B. Guidelines for Formatting

To ensure that your admissions resume is easy to read and visually appealing, follow these formatting guidelines:

Use a consistent font and size throughout the document, such as Times New Roman 12 point.

Use bullet points and bold or italic text to highlight important information and make the document easy to scan.

Keep the resume to one page by avoiding unnecessary details and focusing on the most important information.

Include white space between sections to make the document easier to read.

C. Avoiding Common Mistakes

When creating your admissions resume, it’s important to avoid some common mistakes that can detract from its effectiveness:

Don’t list irrelevant information or include personal data, such as age or marital status.

Use specific examples of accomplishments or experiences, not vague statements.

Don’t exaggerate or falsify your achievements.

Proofread your resume carefully and have someone else review it to catch any errors or inconsistencies.

By following these guidelines and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a compelling and effective college admissions resume that showcases your strengths and helps you stand out from the crowd.

How to Choose the Right Resume Template

Creating a college admissions resume can be a daunting task, but choosing the right template can make the process easier and more efficient. Here are the steps to consider when selecting the right template for your college admissions resume:

A. Types of Resume Templates

There are several types of resume templates available that cater to different formats and purposes. Some of the common types of resume templates are:

• Chronological Resume Template: This type of template is ideal for showcasing the candidate’s work experience in chronological order, where the most recent job is listed first.
• Functional Resume Template: This type of template focuses on the candidate’s skills and abilities, highlighting the relevant experience and qualifications.
• Combination Resume Template: This type of template combines the features of both chronological and functional resume templates, showcasing the candidate’s skills and experience in a structured format.

B. Criteria for Choosing a Template

When selecting a resume template, it is essential to consider the following criteria:

• Relevancy: The template should be relevant to the job position and the industry. This will help to create a positive impression on the employer.
• Simplicity: A simple and clean template is easy to read and understand. A complicated design may not be suitable for a resume.
• Customization: The template should allow customization, enabling the candidate to highlight relevant information and omit unnecessary details.
• Practicability: The template should be suitable for the online application process, as the majority of the job applications happen online.

C. List of Recommended Templates

Here are some of the recommended templates for creating a college admissions resume:

Simple and Clean Resume Template: This template is a classic and straightforward design that presents the candidate’s information in a well-structured format. It is easy to read and understand and can be customized according to the candidate’s needs.

Modern Resume Template: This template showcases a modern design that highlights the candidate’s creativity and uniqueness. It is suitable for job positions that require creativity and innovation.

Professional Resume Template: This template presents a professional layout that is perfect for job positions that require formal attire. It is structured in a way that makes it easy to read and understand.

Selecting the right resume template plays a crucial role in creating a compelling college admissions resume. By considering the types of resume templates, the right criteria for choosing the template, and the recommended list of templates, candidates can create an outstanding resume that showcases their skills, experience, and achievements.

Sections to Include in a College Admissions Resume

When it comes to creating a college admissions resume, it’s important to include all relevant information that showcases your skills, experiences, and achievements. Admissions officers want to see who you are beyond your grades and test scores. In this section, we’ll discuss the seven essential sections to include in your college admissions resume.

A. Heading and Personal Information

The first step in creating any resume is to include a header with your name, address, phone number, and email address. This information should be easy to find and visually appealing. You can also include your LinkedIn profile or portfolio website if you have one. Make sure your contact information is accurate, up-to-date, and professional.

B. Educational Background

In this section, you should include details about your academic background, including your GPA, class rank, and standardized test scores. You should also list any relevant coursework, academic awards, and honors. If you are currently in college, include your major, expected graduation date, and any relevant academic achievements.

C. Extracurricular Activities

Admissions officers want to see that you are a well-rounded individual who is involved in extracurricular activities outside of the classroom. List any sports teams, clubs, organizations or volunteer groups that you are a part of. Provide details about your roles and responsibilities, as well as any leadership positions you hold. Emphasize those activities that demonstrate your leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.

D. Honors and Awards

If you have received any awards, recognition, or honors for your achievements in any area, be sure to list them in this section. Examples include academic or athletic scholarships, awards for community service, or recognition for outstanding performance in music, drama, or art.

E. Relevant Experience

Include any relevant work experience, internships, or part-time jobs you have had. Focus on jobs that align with your academic and personal interests. Describe your responsibilities and accomplishments in each role, including how you made an impact on the company you worked for.

F. Volunteer Work and Community Service

Your volunteer work can demonstrate your civic-mindedness and leadership abilities. List any volunteer work, community service projects, or activism-related initiatives that you have participated in. Describe your roles and responsibilities, and how your actions made a positive impact.

G. Skills and Abilities

Finally, include any skills, languages, certifications or licenses you have acquired that are relevant to your education and career goals. Focus on skills that are transferable to multiple fields, such as communication skills, problem-solving, collaboration, or digital literacy.

By including all these seven sections in your college admissions resume, you will create a well-rounded picture of yourself, and demonstrate to admissions officers that you are someone with not just good grades, but also a range of experiences, accomplishments, and interests.

Tips for Writing the Perfect College Admissions Resume

As you work on creating your college admissions resume, there are several important tips to keep in mind to ensure that your document reflects your strengths, achievements, and experiences in an engaging and effective way. Here are four key areas you should focus on as you draft your resume:

A. Highlighting Strengths

One of the primary goals of your college admissions resume is to showcase your strengths and unique qualities to potential schools. Think about what sets you apart from other applicants and use your resume as a platform to highlight those things.

For instance, if you’ve pursued a particular extracurricular activity for several years and achieved significant success in it, be sure to include those achievements on your resume. Similarly, if you’ve been the recipient of any awards or recognition outside of school, don’t hesitate to showcase those accolades as well.

B. Selecting the Right Verbiage

The language you use on your college admissions resume is just as important as the content itself. Be sure to choose strong verbs that accurately describe your accomplishments and experiences.

For example, instead of saying “Participated in the school’s volunteer program,” try using language like “Coordinated and led volunteer efforts with the school’s community service group.” This not only shows a greater level of involvement but also highlights your ability to lead others.

C. Showcasing Achievements

Your college admissions resume should highlight your achievements both in and out of the classroom. This may include academic honors, leadership roles, community service, or athletic accomplishments.

When discussing your achievements, be sure to quantify them as much as possible. For example, instead of simply stating that you volunteered at a local food bank, try to include details about the number of hours you contributed or the number of meals you helped serve.

D. Formatting Dos and Don’ts

Finally, when it comes to formatting your college admissions resume, there are several best practices to keep in mind.

• Keep your resume concise and organized. Stick to one or two pages at most and use clear headings to separate different sections.
• Use a professional font such as Times New Roman or Arial and keep the font size between 10-12 points.
• Proofread your document carefully and ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date.

Don’t:

• Use an overly creative or colorful design. Keep your resume simple and professional.
• Include any irrelevant information or experiences. Stay focused on highlighting your strengths and achievements in the areas that matter most to potential schools.
• Use slang or casual language. Your college admissions resume should be written in a formal, professional tone.

By following these tips and guidelines, you’ll create a college admissions resume that effectively showcases your unique strengths and accomplishments and sets you apart from other applicants.

Sample College Admissions Resumes

When applying to college, one of the most important things students will need is a strong resume. This document serves as their personal marketing tool, highlighting their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and leadership experience. In this section, we will provide some examples of college admissions resumes and analyze their key elements to see what makes a successful one. We will also offer suggestions for improvement.

A. Resume Examples for Different Fields of Study

Depending on their chosen field of study, students may need to tailor their resumes to showcase specific skills and experiences. Here are some sample resumes for different fields of study:

Business/Management:  This resume includes relevant coursework and leadership experience in business clubs, as well as internships and part-time jobs in the industry. It also highlights the student’s proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, which are essential skills for anyone pursuing a career in business.

STEM:  For STEM fields, resumes should emphasize technical skills and relevant coursework. This sample resume includes research experience, coding skills, and participation in science and engineering clubs. The student also lists achievements such as winning a science fair and publishing a paper in a scientific journal.

Arts/Humanities:  Resumes for arts and humanities students should showcase creativity and critical thinking skills. This sample resume highlights the student’s experience in theater productions, writing and editing for the school newspaper, and community service in the arts.

B. Analysis of Sample Resumes

All three sample resumes have different styles and focus areas, but each accomplishes its goal of presenting the student in the best possible light. Here are some key elements to look for in a successful college admissions resume:

Clear organization:  Resumes should be visually appealing and easy to read. The most important information should be at the top, and each section should be labeled clearly.

Relevance to field of study:  Resumes should be tailored to the student’s intended major or career path. They should showcase experiences and skills that are relevant to that field.

Quantifiable achievements:  Students should state their achievements in concrete terms. For example, instead of saying they “participated in a science fair,” they should specify that they “won first place in the physics category at the regional science fair.”

Active language:  Resumes should use strong action verbs to describe the student’s achievements and responsibilities. For example, “led a team of volunteers” is more impressive than “assisted with volunteering events.”

C. Suggestions for Improvement

Even the strongest resumes can be improved. Here are some suggestions for students looking to revise their college admissions resumes:

Consider the audience:  Admissions officers may have limited time to review each application. Students should make sure their most impressive achievements are highlighted near the top of the resume.

Be specific:  Students should provide concrete details about their experiences and achievements.

How to Tailor Your Resume to Different Colleges

When it comes to applying to colleges, a one-size-fits-all approach just won’t cut it. Each institution has unique admissions criteria, and applicants must tailor their resumes to showcase their strengths and experiences that align specifically with each college. Here are the key steps to take when customizing your resume for each college:

A. Researching the College

Before crafting a tailored resume for a particular college, it is important to conduct thorough research about the institution. Look for information on the school’s mission, values, academic programs, extracurricular activities, and any specific initiatives or projects that align with your interests. This information will provide valuable insights for tailoring your resume to showcase your fit with the college’s culture and goals.

B. Reviewing the College’s Admissions Criteria

Carefully review the admissions criteria for each college you plan to apply to, paying close attention to the key qualifications and experiences that are emphasized. Look for trends or patterns in the admissions requirements, as well as any unique or distinctive qualities that the college seeks in its applicants. This information will help you identify the most relevant and impactful experiences to include on your tailored resume.

C. Crafting a Tailored Resume

Finally, use the insights gathered in your research and review of admissions criteria to craft a tailored resume that speaks directly to the college’s priorities and expectations. Consider using a targeted objective statement or summary section that explicitly highlights your fit with the college and its values. Also, be strategic in selecting and presenting your experiences, focusing on those that most clearly demonstrate your alignment with the college’s admissions criteria.

When tailoring your resume for different colleges, keep in mind that the goal is not to simply make minor tweaks or adjustments to the same document. Rather, a truly tailored resume will reflect a deep understanding of each college’s unique priorities and expectations, and will showcase the applicant’s fit with the college’s culture and mission. By putting in the time and effort to customize your resume for each college, you can greatly increase your chances of standing out and securing admission to your top-choice schools.

How to Write an Effective Personal Statement

A. understanding the importance of a personal statement.

A personal statement is a crucial part of the college admissions process. It’s where a college applicant gets to showcase their unique qualities, achievements, and experiences that make them stand out as a candidate. Admissions officers use personal statements to get a sense of who an applicant is beyond their grades and test scores.

B. Brainstorming and Outlining

Before beginning the writing process, it’s important to spend some time brainstorming and outlining your personal statement. Start by reflecting on your experiences and accomplishments and identifying what you want to highlight in your statement. Consider what makes you unique and how you would like to present yourself to the admissions committee.

Once you have a general idea, outline your statement to create a structure for your writing. Begin with an attention-grabbing introduction, followed by a couple of paragraphs outlining your experiences and achievements, and concluding with a strong statement of purpose.

C. Writing Tips and Techniques

When it comes to the actual writing process, there are several tips and techniques that can help you craft an effective personal statement:

• Be concise and to the point. Admissions officers read hundreds of personal statements, so make sure yours is clear and easy to understand.
• Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points. Show, don’t tell.
• Be authentic and honest. Don’t try to be someone you’re not – admissions officers can tell when an applicant is trying too hard to impress.
• Edit, edit, edit. After you’ve written your statement, take a break and come back to it later with fresh eyes. Read it out loud and make any necessary revisions.

By following these tips and techniques, you can write an effective personal statement that showcases your unique qualities and experiences. Remember to be authentic, concise, and specific, and always take the time to proofread and edit your work.

Your personal statement is a chance to shine and show admissions officers why you would be a great addition to their college community. Use this opportunity wisely and let your personality and achievements shine through.

The Dos and Don’ts of College Admissions Resumes

When it comes to crafting the perfect college admissions resume, there are certain mistakes that can greatly diminish your chances of getting accepted. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

A. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Providing irrelevant or outdated information: Your resume should only include information that is relevant to the college admissions process. Leave out any information that is not recent or does not relate to your academic achievements and experiences.

Failing to highlight achievements: Be sure to highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any relevant work experience. These will be crucial in demonstrating why you would be a valuable addition to the college community.

Being too general: Avoid using generic language and instead provide specific details and examples of your accomplishments and experiences.

Failing to proofread: Simple spelling and grammar mistakes can leave a negative impression on admissions officers. Be sure to triple-check your resume for any errors before submitting it.

B. Examples of Bad Resumes

Here are a few examples of bad college admissions resumes:

A resume that is too long and includes irrelevant information.

A resume that is too generic and does not highlight any unique experiences or achievements.

A resume that is poorly formatted, making it difficult to read or comprehend.

C. Guidelines for Effective Resumes

To craft an effective college admissions resume, keep the following guidelines in mind:

Tailor your resume to the specific college or program to which you are applying. Highlight experiences or achievements that are particularly relevant to the college or program’s values and priorities.

Use bullet points and headers to make your resume easy to read.

Be concise and specific, using action verbs to demonstrate your achievements and experiences.

Use a professional and legible font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, and be sure to proofread for any errors.

By following these guidelines and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a strong college admissions resume that highlights your achievements and demonstrates why you would be a valuable addition to any college or university.

Frequently Asked Questions

As you create your college admissions resume, you may be wondering about certain details. Below are a few frequently asked questions to keep in mind:

A. Should I include a picture on my resume?

In general, it is not necessary to include a picture on your college admissions resume. The focus should be on your academic and extracurricular achievements, not your appearance. In fact, some colleges may even discourage applicants from including photos, as this could inadvertently lead to discrimination based on appearance, race, or other factors.

However, there may be some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you are applying to a performing arts program and your appearance is a factor in the evaluation process, you may wish to include a headshot along with your resume. Similarly, if you have a professional social media presence (such as on LinkedIn) and your profile picture is appropriate, you could consider including a link to your profile within your resume.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to include a picture on your resume should be based on your individual circumstances and the expectations of the colleges or programs to which you are applying.

B. Can I include non-academic achievements?

Absolutely! In fact, including non-academic achievements can be an excellent way to showcase your character, leadership abilities, and diverse interests.

When compiling your list of achievements, be sure to include any extracurricular activities (such as sports, clubs, or community service), volunteer work, internships, part-time jobs, or other relevant experiences. These may not be directly related to your academic coursework, but they can demonstrate your dedication, work ethic, and ability to balance multiple responsibilities.

Remember that college admissions officers are not just looking for students with high GPAs and test scores; they want to see well-rounded individuals who are passionate about their interests and have the potential to contribute positively to their campus community.

C. How long should my resume be?

The length of your resume will depend largely on your level of experience and the number of achievements you wish to highlight. In general, a college admissions resume should be no more than one to two pages in length.

If you are a high school student or recent graduate with limited experience, your resume may be shorter (one page is typically sufficient). Focus on providing a clear overview of your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any honors or awards you have received.

If you are a college student or have relevant work experience, your resume may be longer (up to two pages). Be sure to include detailed descriptions of your job responsibilities, relevant coursework, and any research or publications you have participated in.

Remember to prioritize the most important and relevant information on your resume, and format it in a clear and concise manner. This will allow admissions officers to quickly and easily understand your qualifications and achievements.

Related Articles

• Photographer Resume: Sample and Writing Tips for 2023
• Lifeguard Resume: Sample, Tips, and Skills for 2023
• IT Skills in Demand for Your Resume in 2023 [50 Examples]
• Accountant Resume: Top Example and Tips for 2023
• Ace Your Interviews with Strong Resume Action Statements

Rate this article

0 / 5. Reviews: 0

More from ResumeHead

*** Enter the $2,000 College Transitions No Essay Scholarship Contest ***

Resume for College Application – Examples & Template

July 8, 2024

College application resumes are different from professional resumes. There’s a certain way your resume for college applications should be to ensure your profile stands out. In one page, your resume will need to cover your academics, background, extracurricular activities and achievements. So to be asked to complete a resume, on top of everything else that goes into the college application? We know, it sounds like a lot. If you’re not sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. Down below, we’ll dive right into what a college resume is and how to write a college resume. You’ll even find three college application resume examples and a college application resume template to help you start your own.

Let’s have a look at how to begin your resume for your college applications.

What goes into a college application resume?

A resume for your college application, otherwise known as your high school resume, should be one page long. It’s a space for you to show colleges all of your most important activities and achievements that they wouldn’t necessarily know in other parts of your college application. The overall objective of the college application resume is to demonstrate the bigger picture of who you are. It’s essentially a summary of what you’ve done, assembled in a way that serves as a snapshot of your greatest achievements.

There are a few core sections that will go into your college application resume:

– Contact information: Your full name, home address, email and phone number should be at the very top of your college application resume. The header of your resume should have all of this information. This includes any LinkedIn page or personal website that showcases your achievements. – Educational details and academic accomplishments: The full name of your high school and the dates of when you attended should go here. This is where you’ll include your GPA, your AP or IB courses, your ACT or SAT scores and your class ranking, if it’s significant.

College Resume Template (Continued)

Extracurricular activities and work experience: Any special volunteering, internships, part-time jobs, or even had a unique experience studying or working abroad? You should mention those moments here. This section of the resume will amplify what kind of person you are in the community around you. To better understand you as an applicant, admissions officers want to know where you spend your time outside of school. Did you have any leadership positions? Was there a special job or position you had? – Awards and honors: If you have any accomplishments that you’re proud of, you should list them here. This is the part of the college application resume to list achievements like your first prize in a district-wide writing competition or your Most Valuable Player award in your tennis team. Remember, both academic awards and extracurricular awards can be mentioned, so be sure to include any relevant recognitions. – Special skills and interests: Let’s say you speak more than one language and you’re passionate about all things student leadership. Perhaps you know everything about computers. This part of the college application resume is where you should list those unique skills. Think of strong skills and interests you possess, while making sure they reflect your overall college application profile and ambitions. If you have any particular interests or even hobbies that can strengthen your application, then go for it.

Putting together the resume for your college applications can be a tedious process, so it’s best to pay careful attention to every line. You’ll want to focus on the format , style of language , brief but concise descriptions and crucial details .

Resume for College Application – Examples & Templates

College resume template #1.

Here are three different resume examples for college applications. They’ll go from the most basic college application resume to the most detailed:

1) For a standard college application resume, take a look at this student interested in studying anthropology or literature in college. The following is a very standard college application resume:

Dakota Lee 909 Park Avenue Portland, Oregon (012) 345-6789 [email protected]

Bloomington High School, Class of 2024 GPA: 3.85

• Lead students (K-6) in all camp-related activities relating to literature immersion.
• Organize art projects three days a week with senior counselors.
• Coordinate students’ final art show for parents.
• Assisted graduate students in their anthropology research 4 hours every week.
• Presented at the end of every month my own research findings between literature and anthropology.
• President, Student Anthropology Club: 2021-Present
• Vice President, Bloomington Book Club: 2022-Present
• Team Captain, JV Tennis Team: 2021-Present
• First Chair Violinist, Symphony Orchestra: 2022-Present
• High Honors List: 2024
• Principal’s List: 2023-2024
• National Honors Society: 2021-2024
• Most Valuable Player, JV Tennis Team: 2023-2024
• Languages: Spanish, French, Japanese
• Computer: Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Photoshop

College Resume Template #2

2) The next college application resume includes more details than the resume above, with a different layout. You’ll find that there is a short description of the student’s character and interests under a section called “Educational Goal” at the top:

Jon Jackson 678 Orange Street Austin, Texas (123) 456-7890 [email protected]

Educational Goal

Diligent, driven student with a passion for business and economic development. Dedicated to improving the livelihood of small businesses across the state of California. Focused on collaborating with business leaders, community organizers and students across the country to create a stronger, more sustainable economy.

High School Diploma                                                                                                                    2024 Springfield High School Austin, Texas GPA: 3.98 Courses: AP Calculus, AP Physics, AP Macroeconomics, AP US History, AP Spanish

Austin Chamber of Commerce – Student Representative                                                     2021-2024 Austin, Texas – Served as representative of public schools across the city of Austin, advocating for student perspectives on Austin’s economic initiatives. – Developed campaigns and city-wide initiatives to encourage more student involvement in local elections, distributed pamphlets door-to-door to invite neighborhoods to participate in city-wide census polls. – Relayed information from commerce meetings back to our school district. – Advocated for the support of small businesses. – Created a bimonthly “Student Visit Day” to continue open communication between decision makers and high school student leaders across Austin.

• President, Business Club 2021-Present
• Treasurer, Young Economists 2022-Present
• Student Volunteer, Save the Children 2022-Present
• Editor, Springfield Student Gazette 2022-Present
• High Honors List 2024
• Principal’s List     2023-2024
• National Honors Society     2021-2024
• Best Student Entrepreneur, Business Club     2023-2024
• Languages: Spanish, German, Arabic
• Advocacy, Debate, Public Speaking
• Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Photoshop

College Resume Template #3

Now let’s look at a college application resume that has a different structure and even more details. Keep in mind the first two resumes you just saw above:

Cassandra Zimmerman Los Angeles, CA ✦ (012) 987-6543 ✦ [email protected]

Driven student with a track record of community and student leadership. Passionate about women’s rights and girls’ education, eager to make a difference through service and mentorship. Committed to applying my leadership and communication skills to contribute to my college community, I am excited to major in business marketing and sociology to create a better working environment for women around the world.

High School Diploma                                                                                       Expected in June 2024 Valley High School Los Angeles, CA GPA: 3.88 – Awards: Academic Achievement Award (2021-2023), Community Service Excellence Award (2022-2023), Student Role Model Award (2024) – Courses: AP Microeconomics, AP Literature, AP European History, AP Spanish, AP French – Clubs: Journalism Club, UNICEF Club, Girls Empowerment Club, Entrepreneurial Club – Sports : Track and field team captain

• Critical thinking
• Innovation and adaptability
• Project management
• Organization and coordination

Professional Skills

Leadership – Led a team of 10 senior students across the Los Angeles School District to meet with the Mayor of Los Angeles and discuss our hopes for women in business. – Steered the track and field team as team captain, maintaining a positive spirit throughout every season. – Initiated the weekly column of our student newspaper to focus on areas of local community improvement. Communication – Showcased results from community polling to 50 members of the school district leadership. – Proactively participated in journalism club, leading student investigation pieces on local incidents affecting women-led businesses. – Collaborating across different school clubs to foster an interdisciplinary education and promote a united community. Computer and Technology Proficiency – Highly skilled in Microsoft Excel to aggregate and process data, while also proficient in the entire Microsoft Office Suite applications. – Adept in creating social media campaigns on X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram and TikTok.

Work History

University of Southern California, Young Leaders Internship                                      2022-2024 Los Angeles, CA YMCA Girls Leadership                                                                                                 2021-2024 San Francisco, CA

Volunteer Experience

UNICEF Local Chapter Volunteer                                                                             2021-2024 Volunteered as a student leader UNICEF member for our local chapter every month. Disseminated pamphlets and helped organize Los Angeles events that focused on girls’ education. Mentoring freshmen with All Hands On Deck                                                            2022-2024 Served as a mentor to freshmen students across the Los Angeles Unified School District. Coordinated activities with arts organizations and businesses across the city to help struggling students have more access to educational and extracurricular resources. Dog Rescue Volunteer                                                                                                 2021-2024 Participated as a weekly volunteer at the local animal shelter to help clean, feed and walk dogs. Promoting adoption events and animal rescue awareness across the city.

College Application Resume Styles

By looking at the resumes for college applications above, you’ll see that the three are quite different from each other. The first was a very simple college application resume example, while the second was a bit more informative, though not entirely. The third college application resume example provided more background information and relevant details. However, it’s always important to keep in mind that you’ll want your college application resume to be around one page.

The top general tips for writing your resume for college applications are:

1) Write your contact information and professional email address. Make sure your email address is something that colleges won’t have to think twice about.

2) Begin with education . Colleges know that you won’t have a lot of work experience. They’re academic institutions, so first and foremost, they’re interested in your academic performance. Start your college application resume with your education.

3) Bulleted lists over paragraphs. Elaborate on your achievements and experiences with brief descriptions in bullet points, not in lengthy paragraphs . Admissions officers will want to read clear and concise descriptions that are straight to the point.

4) Use strong action verbs that empower you. If you led a group of children at camp or presented your research in front of a committee, use an action verb that encapsulates your responsibilities. This means that instead of writing “It involved leading groups of children…” try something like “Directed groups of children to…”

5) One page does the trick. It’s tempting to want to make your resume as long and informative as possible. But the moment that happens, the quicker the reader will lose interest. College admissions offices are looking through thousands of applications. Keeping your college application resume concise will only work in your favor. Doing so is also a great exercise for future job applications and helps you decide what you really want to focus on sharing.

As seen from the examples above, you can personalize the style of your college application resume. But a general college application resume template will look like the following:

Your name Home address, City, State (Your) phone number | [email protected]

The name of your high school                                                                City, State, Year of Graduation

GPA: Your score ￭  SAT: Your score  ￭  ACT: Your score

Relevant Coursework : The names of any relevant, important classes

Your role, The name of your experience                                                                      City, State, Year

• Description of your experience.

Awards/Honors

• The name of your award: Date you were awarded

Description of your award. Any specific numbers and information that provides more context.

Additional Skills

List your skills that are relevant to your overall college application. They can be both professional and unique skills.

Resume for College Application – Examples & Template – Additional Resources 

• How to Complete the Common App Activities Section
• How to Complete the Honors Section on the Common App 
• 300 Best Colleges in the US
• Common App Essay Prompts 2024-25
• 10 Instructive Common App Examples 
• How to Brainstorm a College Essay 
• Application Strategies

Joanna Hong

With a BA from Pitzer College and an MA from University College London, Joanna has worked in London, Berlin, and Los Angeles covering many cultural and political issues with organizations such as Byline Media, NK News, and Free Turkey Media. A freelancer for The New York Times, her work has also appeared in Newsweek, Dazed and Confused Magazine, and The Guardian, among others. In addition, Joanna was the recipient of the 2021 PEN America Emerging Voices Fellowship in Fiction and is currently completing her first novel.

• 2-Year Colleges
• ADHD/LD/Autism/Executive Functioning
• Best Colleges by Major
• Best Colleges by State
• Big Picture
• Career & Personality Assessment
• College Essay
• College Search/Knowledge
• College Success
• Costs & Financial Aid
• Data Visualizations
• Dental School Admissions
• Extracurricular Activities
• General Knowledge
• Graduate School Admissions
• High School Success
• High Schools
• Homeschool Resources
• Law School Admissions
• Medical School Admissions
• Navigating the Admissions Process
• Online Learning
• Outdoor Adventure
• Private High School Spotlight
• Research Programs
• Summer Program Spotlight
• Summer Programs
• Teacher Tools
• Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

$2,000 No Essay Scholarship

Presented by College Transitions

• Win $2,000 for college • 1 minute or less to enter • No essay required • Open to students and parents in the U.S.

Create your account today and easily enter all future sweepstakes!

Enter to Win $2,000 Today!

College Resume - Examples & Writing Guides for 2024

You’ve just sat down to write a college student resume.

An A+ resume that converts.

Whether you need a part-time job to cover your bills or a college internship for more experience, we are here to help.

This guide will take you through a simple step-by-step process of creating a college student resume. 

• An example of a finished college resume that works
• How to write a college resume that’ll fill up your interview diary
• How to make your college resume stand out [with top tips & tricks]

For some added inspiration, here’s a college student resume example, created with our very own resume builder :

The above example gets serious results, and yours will too. Simply follow the steps below.

Check out some of these related resume examples that you might be interested in:

• No Experience Resume
• Internship Resume
• Research Assistant Resume
• Students and Graduates Resume
• High School Resume
• Teacher Resume

How to Format a College Student Resume

The first step when creating any resume is to pick the best resume format.

Formatting has a number of benefits, but mostly it allows the hiring manager to read your resume with ease.

The most common resume format for a college student is “functional” or “skill-based”, which allows the hiring manager to immediately see the benefits in hiring you. We recommend college students starting with this format.

Students will usually have stronger skills than their work history, which makes the functional resume a good choice. It’s also ideal for those who have gaps in their employment history.

Now that you have the best format, you need to organize your resume layout .

Use a College Student Resume Template

Before you go ahead with crafting your college student resume, you may want to use a college student resume template.

A resume that is neat and orderly will be a breeze for recruiters to read.

Oh, and it’s the best way to prevent formatting issues.

What to Include in a College Student Resume

The main sections in a college student resume are:

• Contact Information
• Volunteer Experience
• Extracurricular Activities

Want to go a step further? You can also add these optional sections:

• Awards & Certification
• Personal Projects

Interests & Hobbies

But what should you write for each of these sections? Read on to find out.

Want to know more about resume sections? View our guide on What to Put on a Resume .

How to Correctly Display your Contact Information

Now, this section doesn’t require flair, but it must be factually correct. Messing up the contact section can mean the recruiter can’t contact you – oops! 

The contact information section must include:

• Title - In this case, “College Student” or “High-school Graduate”
• Phone Number – Proofread this multiple times
• Email Address – Use a professional email address ([email protected]), not one from your childhood ([email protected]).
• (Optional) Location - Applying for a job abroad? Mention your location.
• Abigail Pearce - College Student. 101-358-6095. [email protected]
• Abigail Pearce - Student. 101-358-6095. [email protected]

How to Write a College Student Resume Summary or Objective

So, this is a job you really want.

This may even be a job you NEED.

However, your competition is fierce. 

And with so much competition, you need to convince the hiring manager within the first few sentences.

To do this, use a resume summary or objective .

These are short paragraphs that go on top of your resume, just under your contact information. They give an overview of your entire resume.

But what is the difference between the two sections?

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence summary of your professional experiences and achievements.

Dependable marketing sophomore with 1 year part-time experience in a marketing internship to oversee marketing campaigns that maximise profit. Experience includes PPC campaigns, SMM, web design, brand development, and more.

A resume objective is a 2-4 sentence snapshot of what you want to achieve professionally.

Current undergraduate sophomore in marketing with hundreds of classroom hours in marketing and sales related courses. Passionate about maximizing revenue with effective marketing campaigns. Experience includes creating campaigns for my own personal projects in my first term at College X. Skilled in WordPress, Facebook Ads Manager, Photoshop, ClickFunnels, and more.

So, which one is best, summary or objective?

Those with some work experience should go with a resume summary. On the other hand, those who seriously lack work experience should go with a resume objective.

How to Make Your College Student Work Experience Stand Out

Recruiters like to feel confident that you can do the job. There is no easier way to do this than to list your work experience .

Here’s the best way to structure your work experience section:

• Position name
• Company Name
• Responsibilities & Achievements

The Pizza Cabin

03/2019 - 01/2020

• Served food to 40+ people a night and multiple tables at a time.
• Educated customers on menu items and daily specials.
• Received 98% positive customer feedback.
• Engaged customers in a personal, yet professional manner, which helped me to win “Employee of the Month” 4 times.

To separate your resume from the competition, you should focus on your achievements instead of daily tasks. This will allow the recruiter to see the obvious benefits in hiring you.

Instead of saying:

“Served customers”

“Served food to 80+ people a night and multiple tables at a time”

Simply, the first statement is way too vague. There zero chance the recruiter will be impressed by this.

The second statement shows that you were able to serve 80+ people and multiple tables at a time. This tells the recruiter that you are able to work under pressured conditions and to time constraints – impressive!

What if You Don’t Have Work Experience?

Now, not every applicant will have worked in a similar job before.

If this is you, there is a simple way to get around this.

Simply call-upon crossover skills from any previous jobs.

For example, if you held a customer service role at a local pizza restaurant, you can talk about any crossover skills and experiences. Just like a sales associate, you would be able to show you used strong communication and sales skills.

As a student, make sure to check out our student resume guide!

How to Correctly List your Education

Next, it’s time to talk about your education.

Whether it’s a college junior resume or college sophomore resume, your education section is crucial.

There’s nothing too complicated with this section, just simply enter the information for your in-progress degree in the following format:

• Degree Type & Major
• University Name
• Expected Graduation
• GPA, Honours, Courses, and anything else you might want to add

Majoring in Marketing

University of Chicago

2019 - Present

• Relevant Courses: Principles of Marketing, Managerial Communications, Quantitative Methods, and Macroeconomics.

Now, you may have some questions on this section. If so, here are the answers to some of the most frequent questions that we get:

• What if I haven’t completed education yet?

As we mention above, you should still mention your current place of education, despite not finishing yet

• Should I include my high school education?

If you have not yet finished your college degree, you should also include your high school education

• What do I put first, my education or experience?

Experiences are the priority, so those go first

Want more information? Check out our guide on how to list education on a resume .

Top 10 Skills for a College Student Resume

You’ve got all the skills.

But here’s the thing –

Your competition is well-skilled too!

Show the hiring manager that you’re the top candidate by listing your best skills.

But what are the best skills for a college resume?

Create a list of hard skills and soft skills that you have developed so far in life, such as the following:

Hard Skills for a College Resume:

• Microsoft Office
• Typing Speed
• Copywriting

Soft Skills:

• Creative Thinking
• Communication
• Time-Management
• Team Player
• Decision-Making

Tailor your skills to the job description. You can have the best skills in the world, but the recruiter won’t appreciate them if they’re not relevant to the job.

Here’s a more comprehensive list of 100+ must-have skills this year.

What Else Can You Include?

We’ve now covered every essential resume section .

But the school bell hasn’t rung just yet.

You need your resume to stand out!

Acing the above sections should be enough to get you shortlisted, but adding the following sections could give you a further advantage over the other applicants.  

Awards & Certifications

Have you ever won an award?

Have you completed any third-party courses?

Do you hold any specialized certifications?

Regardless of what it is, if there is anything that you’re proud of, be sure to include it here.

Here’s an example:

Awards & Certificates

• Food Handlers Card & Food Safety Manager Certification 
• “Critical Thinking Masterclass” – Coursera Course

Need to speak multiple languages at your new job?

Yes or no, being able to speak a second language is impressive.

And with so much competition, this could be the difference.

Add a language section if you have space. 

Rank the languages by proficiency:

• Intermediate

Now, you may be wondering, “why would a recruiter want to know that I’m a part of the football team?”

Well, it allows the recruiter to get to know who you are on a personal level.

But it doesn’t stop there…

Certain hobbies demonstrate that you have soft skills, like teamwork and communication. 

Here’s which hobbies & interests you may want to mention.

Include a Cover Letter with Your Resume

Your resume should now be ready to send.

No application is complete without a convincing cover letter.

In opposition to a generic resume, a personalized cover letter shows that you care about working for this specific company .

Here’s how to structure a winning cover letter:

You should complete the following sections:

Personal Contact Information

Your full name, profession, email, phone number, and location

Hiring Manager’s Contact Information

Full name, position, location, email

Opening Paragraph

It’s no secret that recruiters skim through their pile of resumes. As such, use concise language to mention:

• The position you’re applying for
• Your experience summary and best achievement to date

With the recruiter intrigued, you can get deeper into the following specifics:

• Why you chose this specific company
• What you know about the company
• How are your top skills relevant for the job
• Which similar industries or positions have you worked in before

Closing Paragraph

Don’t just end the conversation abruptly, you should:

• Conclude the points made in the body paragraph
• Thank the recruiter for the opportunity
• Finish with a call to action. This is a good way to keep the conversation going. A simple “At your earliest opportunity, I’d love to discuss more about how I can help you achieve X” will work

Formal Salutations

End the letter in a professional manner. Something like, “Kind regards” or “Sincerely.”

For more inspiration, read our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter .

Key Takeaways

Building a college resume doesn't have to be hard.

Follow the tips in this guide for a college resume that is head & shoulders above the competition. 

Here are our best tips on how to create a college resume:

• Make your resume easy to read by formatting it correctly. Prioritize the reverse-chronological format, and then follow the best practices on content layout
• Use a resume summary or objective to hook the recruiter
• In your work experience section, highlight your most notable achievements to date
• Include a convincing cover letter to separate you from the competition

Suggested Reading:

• How to Make a Resume with No-Experience [21+ Examples]
• 21+ Essential LinkedIn Profile Tips For Job-Seekers
• Use Resume Keywords to Land the Job [880+ Keywords]

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

+1 (603) 932 7897

[email protected].

Create An Impressive Resume for College Applications

• Last modified 2023-09-05
• Published on 2021-08-22

To better provide guidance and instruction about writing resume for college application, we will provide a resume example from an MIT admitted student named Chelsea Edwards. You can read more about her information here .

How long should my resume be?

Your college application resume shouldn’t be longer than 2 pages. We know that you will probably have a lot of activities and awards throughout high school; therefore, it’s challenging for students to fit everything into only 1 page. Besides the main resume, if you want to showcase detailed achievements about your passions or talents in arts and sports, you can also create a separate 1-page resume for each of those talents as well. 

What should I put on my resume?

The above image is our recommendation for a standard high school resume. In short, a standard resume should include the following: 

• Contact information
• Resume Objective
• Education (Graduation date, GPA) 
• Academic awards, publications, honors and achievements
• Extracurricular activities
• Volunteer/Community service 
• Work Experience
• Interests & Hobbies

Overall, the sections should have bullet points instead of paragraphs highlighting your abilities and skills. The resume structure should be easy to read and easy to follow. 

Let’s go into detail about each section: 

1. Include your contact information.

In this section, you should include your full name, email address, phone number, and links to other profiles (portfolio, website, projects, etc.). Optionally, you can include a branding statement such as “Aspiring Website Designer” under your name to introduce your career goals and aspirations. 

House address and phone number are for formality purposes, because you already include these two pieces of information somewhere else on the Common Application or university specific application. If you don’t have enough space for the resume, you can shorten your house address to street address, and remove your phone number. The purpose of this section is for the admission officer to identify your name and links to your other profiles like LinkedIn, portfolio, or website. 

2. Write a resume objective

A resume objective is a one-to-two sentence statement discussing your professional goals and aspirations. An objective statement is recommended for a high school resume to clarify and emphasize your objectives and goals once attending college. A resume objective is totally optional for students, because a resume is the showcase of abilities and experience . 

Examples of a resume objective can be: 

“A scholarly and enthusiastic high school student seeking acceptance at a top tier university to further study Biomedical Engineering and research”

“High school student interested in expanding skills in website design and digital media, with the passion to create inclusive digital products for underserved communities”

3. Don’t forget your education history

No need to think much about this part. You can include information about your high school, graduation date, GPA and maybe a short introduction about the school. 

High School Name, City, STATE 

A select admission school with five-year, honors-only curriculum

Graduation Date: May 23, 2021

4. Highlight all experience

Before writing down your experience in the resume, you should list out everything you have done in the past and see which experiences are relevant to add. Experience can range from babysitting to website development personal projects, from volunteering activities to internships. Overall, this experience section should highlight your soft skills and academic capabilities. You should only focus on meaningful experiences from the high school level or above. 

Besides academic involvement, you should also highlight any academic achievements like honors or awards in this section. Honors can include the honor title, grade level, and level of recognition (regional, state, or national). 

According to Common App, you should include these in your experience section: 

• Activity Type
• Organization names, your title and dates involved 
• Provide a short description of the experience/activity, focusing on your impact or how this experience has had an impact on you. 
• Grade of participation 

5. Extracurricular activities and volunteer/Community service

Besides academic involvement and achievement, you can also add other extracurricular activities. If you have many activities, you can separate this section out from volunteering. If not, you can combine extracurricular activities with volunteering/community service. 

The content of extracurricular activities is similar to experience. 

6. Work experience

If you have the chance to work in school and/or outside of school, you should also include this here to diversify your experience. Examples of work experience can be tutoring, pet sitting, babysitting, being a photographer, etc.

7. Interests & Hobbies

This part shows the admission officer a little bit about your personal interests and your hobbies, showing your personality and what you like to do outside of school and other commitments. Some examples could be that you have traveled to 10+ countries, you go fishing every weekend, you have hiked the highest mountains in all states, etc. 

The last part is for you to include any soft skills you think are relevant to the college application. You can write about your fluency in languages, your editing skills, or your expertise in website development. 

Optionally, you can add a list of references at the bottom of the page in case the admission officer wants to contact a reference to learn more about a particular experience you have had. 

That’s everything you should include in your resume! You can create a simple resume like this in Google Docs, Word Docs, or even InDesign if you are a design expert! There are a lot of resume builders websites online if you want a specific design for your resume.

Further reading: 

• FREE: Aralia’s College Application Planner 2021-2022

FREE 2024 RESUME WORKSHEET

With the resume worksheet, you will be able to choose a resume and fill out the appropriate information. After that, export and you will have your first resume! 

Aralia Education is an innovative online education platform for ambitious middle and high school students worldwide. Aralia’s instructors propel students forward by helping them build a strong foundation in traditional academic courses. They also actively engage and guide students in exploring personal interests beyond their school curriculum. With this holistic approach, Aralia ensures its students are well-prepared for college and equipped for success in their future careers.

• College Accelerator Program
• Comprehensive Introduction to High School
• Academic Empowerment Program
• Test Preparation Bootcamp
• Private Lessons
• Student Awards
• Competitions

Address : 1 Tara Blvd Suite 200, Nashua, NH 03062,  USA

Give us a call: +1 (603) 932 7897

Email us: [email protected]

Add us on WhatsApp:

• Resume templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Resume examples Nurse Student Internship Teacher Accountant View all
• Resume Builder
• Cover Letter Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Cover letter examples Nursing Administrative Assistant Internship Graduate Teacher View all
• Cover Letter Builder
• Resources Video Podcasts
• Blog Categories Job Interview Cover Letter Career Resume Help View all
• Resume Help

Powerful resume objectives to upgrade your application (+ 50 Examples)

Objective examples for career change

Resume objective examples after a career gap (maternity, etc), resume objective examples to boost your career, resume objectives for a new industry move, resume objective examples for part-time work, resume objectives for remote roles, objective examples for freelancers, career objectives for multiple jobs, resume objectives for freshers, resume objectives for no experience, objectives examples for a start-up position, objective examples for an international move, resume objectives for volunteering, career objectives for students, objective examples for further education.

A powerful and memorable resume objective is one of the defining instruments of any job search. This is your way of effectively explaining your goals, usefulness, and transferable skills during a career change . 

When a career transition is imminent, this should be expressed clearly in a candidate’s resume objective, in black and white at the top of their resume, because potential employers definitely need to understand it too.

Is the candidate's career trajectory going to fit with the demands of the role? Getting the resume objective example right is a top priority. This guide will show you:

• The definition of a resume objective and how it differs from a summary
• When to use a resume objective example to stand out from other candidates
• Four-part recipe for a clear and compelling resume objective
• Writing tips for making an impression in the first five seconds
• 15 situations when it is essential to include a resume objective (with 50 examples)

What can I put on my resume instead of an objective?

• Why a resume objective example is important in 2024

The resume objective may be just a couple of sentences, but it might be the most important piece of resume writing that you do during your job search. Think it through carefully.

What is a resume objective? 

The majority of resumes contain a paragraph at the top to highlight the key aspects of a candidate’s application. This is commonly called a summary or a personal statement. 

It offers personal insights into a candidate, the experience they possess, the achievements that they can boast and sometimes information about where they are going.

The section of the summary that defines your career direction and goals is called a resume objective. This does not replace the other details in the summary, and it is not always required, but when someone is at a transitional point in their career, or if their role is changing, the resume objective details the specifics of the nature of the change.

The resume objective is not the same as the summary . It may simply be part of it.

50 resume objective examples

As previously mentioned, a resume objective is set apart from a resume summary or personal statement. It is nearly always deployed as part of the summary and it is normally the only forward-looking part.

The objective is most powerful when it is time for a change in direction, so here are the 15 most common scenarios when this might be the case. A strong resume objective to guide the job search narrative in these cases is essential.

When it is time for a change in career, while you might include the details in a cover letter , a clear resume objective at the top of the document is critical to lay out the new direction. It might not be entirely clear that you are looking for a career change, so the resume objective will leave a hiring manager with no doubt.

Client-oriented hospitality professional aiming to utilize exceptional customer service skills and adaptability in a retail environment. Passion for creating memorable shopping experiences within a successful retail team. 

More : Store manager resume example

Dynamic marketing professional transitioning into sales, leveraging expertise in customer engagement and market analysis to drive revenue growth and build lasting client relationships in a results-oriented sales environment.

More : Sales resume sample

Calculating retail professional seeking a move into logistics, with five years of indirect experience in freight forwarding and international shipping. A sourcing expert who will always find the most efficient route.

More : Logistics resume sample

Not everyone wants to pick up where they left off after a career gap (for whatever reason), so a resume objective can clarify how they would like to reboot their work prospects. Transparency is important at the start of a job search. Hiring managers will appreciate your honesty.

Compassionate professional re-entering the workforce after a hiatus spent providing care for a sick parent, bringing strong empathy and organizational skills, seeking to contribute and grow within a team environment.

Motivated professional returning to the workforce after a career gap, armed with a fresh Master's degree. Eager to apply my new knowledge to contribute meaningfully to the team and excel in a challenging new role.

Climate activist geography teacher returning after a four-year maternity leave, aiming to nurture and inspire in and out of the classroom. An innovative educator who will adopt the latest technologies to bring any geography lesson to life.

More : High school teacher resume sample

How long should your objective be on your resume? 

Ideally, the objective should only be part of the summary section at the top of a resume. Any candidate should have some accomplishments to put in the initial elevator pitch, however inexperienced that may be. If this section is "all" objective, you risk being seen as a dreamer rather than a doer. The objective should be a maximum of two sentences.

Your next employers may not immediately sense that you are ready for a move up the career ladder, so a resume objective can be utilized as your statement of ambition. You don't have to justify that you are worthy of the move. 

Stating your ambition is enough at this stage. You will have plenty of opportunities to make your case at the interview.

Leading Fintech marketing professional seeking to make a move up to Marketing Director after eight years of award-winning campaigns. MBA-educated social marketeer who will deliver triple-digit audience growth and double-digit sales increases.

More : Marketing manager resume sample

Seasoned Office Manager aspiring to elevate to Operations Director, leveraging extensive managerial experience, strategic planning abilities, and a proven track record in optimizing workflows to drive operational excellence.

More : Medical office manager resume sample

Marketing assistant seeking to progress to Marketing Manager, equipped with innovative strategies and a creative mindset. Eager to lead campaigns, drive brand growth, and contribute to team success.

More : Marketing associate resume sample

People are moving industries at unprecedented rates at the moment, so for someone who has worked in multiple industries, a resume objective serves to signal your affiliation. Moving to a new industry does not need to signal a risk. The hiring manager will be on the lookout for your transferable skills .

Customer-centric realtor looking to start a career in B2B sales, having deployed a deep understanding of customer psychology to top state-wide sales charts and buyer satisfaction surveys. Advanced sales techniques will create a pipeline for customer growth.

Experienced banking professional eager to transition into the financial services industry, leveraging a strong foundation in financial analysis, customer service, and risk management. Aiming to contribute to innovative solutions and drive success in a dynamic new environment.

More : Personal banker resume sample   

Skilled educator seeking to transition from school to university teaching, bringing a passion for fostering academic growth, a commitment to innovative teaching methods, and a proven track record in curriculum development.

More : Teacher resume sample

If you are moving from a full-time occupation to part-time (or vice versa), it is important for the reader of your resume to see you in the desired light—make your preferences clear in your resume objective. When someone has had a mix of full-time and part-time positions, a resume objective can make it clear what they are looking for next.

Versatile professional seeking part-time work in the construction industry, offering hands-on experience, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to safety and quality.

More : Construction resume sample

Certified public accountant with seven years of experience in Financial Services seeking to transition to a part-time role due to family commitments. Proficient user of remote accounting software who will provide a reliable resource for your team.

More : Accounting and finance resume sample

Dedicated retail professional seeking to transition from a part-time to a full-time role, bringing proven customer service excellence, sales proficiency, and a passion for retail management. Eager to grow within a dynamic retail environment.

More : Retail cashier resume sample

With flexible working becoming increasingly commonplace, there is no shame in stating that you are looking for a remote role, so the resume objective is the perfect place to state your case for a remote role. It is important to filter out unsuitable roles at the earliest moment, but be clear about your desire for a WFH position .

Seeking a remote work-from-home role that offers flexibility to balance professional responsibilities with caring for a young family. Bring dedication, multitasking skills, and a commitment to excellence in everything.

More : Applying for jobs remotely: Is it any different?

Telecoms professional seeking a remote work-from-home role within the telecommunications industry, leveraging strong communication skills, technical proficiency, and a customer-centric approach to drive service excellence.

More : Telemarketer resume sample

Cost-obsessed procurement consultant, having saved over $90m in indirect and direct spend for 4 employers across 20 countries, now looking for a remote role to support a global purchasing team. Having been on the ground for eight years brings unique cultural understanding and commercial acumen.

More : Consulting resume example

Many people now have a mix of freelance and permanent roles in their employment history , so make sure to back up your resume objective with suitable skills and examples. Freelancers are often multi-skilled. Be clear as to the direction that you wish your career to take.

Dynamic professional seeking freelance roles in the consulting industry, bringing analytical prowess, strategic problem-solving, and a track record of delivering actionable insights. Eager to help clients to navigate challenges and optimize operations.

More : Freelancer resume example

Professional graphic designer and branding expert seeking to collaborate with marketing agencies on a contractual basis. Confident in creating brands from the ground up, delivering branding strategies, creating innovative marketing materials, and adapting to industry changes.

More : Graphic designer cover letter example

Award-winning software developer in the gaming industry, having worked on three of the biggest MMORPG titles in the last decade, seeking a second freelance role alongside current work with Trackvision. Offers knowledge of 8 languages and all major design software, code editors and testing tools.

More : Python developer resume example

Creative professional seeking freelance opportunities in the social media industry, offering expertise in content creation, audience engagement, and platform analytics. Aims to leverage innovative strategies to enhance brand presence and foster community growth in a dynamic digital landscape.

Some roles may demand 100% of your time, but when it is possible to do your job in two days a week, you need to explain your ability to successfully juggle multiple roles in your resume objective. Show that you have what it takes to multitask—otherwise, you risk seeming like you want to take on too much.

Motivated part-time Delivery Driver seeking a warehousing role to utilize strong organizational skills, familiarity with logistics operations, and a commitment to efficiency and safety. Aiming to contribute to seamless warehouse operations and enhance inventory management processes.

More : Truck driver resume example

Ambitious part-time Sales Executive seeking a secondary role in marketing, eager to leverage extensive sales experience to enhance marketing strategies, drive brand awareness, and contribute to revenue growth.

More : Business marketing manager resume example

Reliable delivery driver with a 99% customer satisfaction rating and six years in the industry, keen on taking on a complementary role as a food service courier. Ability to multitask and encyclopedic knowledge of New York traffic guarantees satisfied customers.

Experienced copywriter specializing in the beauty and wellness sector, seeking agency-based remote writing role. Experience working in a fast-paced environment, creating copy that elevates brand awareness, and working to tight deadlines. 

More : Writer resume example

What is a good objective? A good resume objective should aim just slightly higher than you think you can make it. Your future employer has to sense that your ambition will push you to the limits of your ability. We all smile when a child says that they want to be an astronaut. Tone down the ambition slightly.

The world is your oyster for a fresher, so at this time of transition, you need your resume objective to explain where you would like to begin your career and what motivates you to take this direction. Most university graduates are not this clear-eyed. Stand out in your vision for your future.

Eager newcomer seeking an apprenticeship role within automotive manufacturing, armed with foundational knowledge in engineering principles and a strong interest in automotive technologies.

More : Mechanic resume example

Aspiring journalist fresh from university, eager to embark on a career in the journalism industry. Brings a passion for storytelling, keen research skills, and a commitment to ethical reporting. Aiming to contribute fresh perspectives and impactful stories to a dynamic media outlet.

English undergraduate keen to start a career in journalism with an internship in the Miller Post’s editorial team. Having contributed over 80 articles to the university website and edited 400+, I hope to bring a sharp eye and critical attitude to the position.

For someone with no work experience , a resume objective is an ideal tool. There is nothing more powerful than to be specific about where you want your career to move and what traits, skills, and qualities you will apply towards that goal. An attitude of “I’ll do anything” won’t impress anyone.

Motivated graduate with a strong academic record and a deep commitment to education, seeking an entry-level role within a school. Eager to support teachers and administrators, enhance the learning environment, and grow as a dedicated contributor to the educational community.

More : Early childhood educator resume example

Dedicated student with a profound passion for literature and information seeking an entry-level role in a library. Eager to contribute organizational skills, a commitment to knowledge dissemination, and a love for books.

More : Student resume example

Curious history student keen on a part-time position in the town museum, with previous weekend work in a book shop offering an understanding of how to deal with customers. Contagious enthusiasm will help history to come alive for your visitors.

Working in a start-up is a unique challenge, but people move to smaller firms from corporate roles all the time. 

State your case in your resume objective and make it clear you have what it takes to work in a fast-moving start-up. Share a part of your "why" if this is your first time in an entrepreneurial setting.

Visionary director with a proven track record in established firms, now seeking a startup role within the software industry. Bringing strategic leadership, innovation, and a drive to disrupt the market, aiming to build and scale software ventures.

Public sector mechanical engineer looking to move to a start-up operation in the renewable energy sector, combining a wealth of large-scale infrastructure experience with a passion for the environment. Will bring 10 years of energy sector expertise to the team.

Innovative professional with a passion for AI, eager to join a startup in the AI industry. Offering technical expertise, a creative mindset, and a drive for cutting-edge solutions. Aiming to contribute to groundbreaking AI projects.

Enthusiastic web developer with experience working on app, website, and software creation seeking to collaborate with an innovative tech startup. Confident in working with a diverse team of creators to produce user-focused applications that deliver high-level results. 

More : Full Stack Developer Resume Example

International hires are some of the riskiest for any employer. There is so much more involved in accepting a new job abroad, so your absolute dedication, versatility, and knowledge need to shine through in your resume objective.

In this case, the objective section should be longer than usual. After all, a move abroad is a big undertaking and you need to dedicate significant resume space to what it means for you.

The most important consideration in a resume objective for moving abroad is your ability to manage change. You will come across lots of new situations and have to amend how you go about your work in ways that you cannot anticipate in advance. 

Your core reason for moving abroad should be strong as you will need the motivation to overcome different hardships and upheavals. Moving abroad can be incredibly rewarding, but it is not for the faint-hearted.

Target-driven sales professional with 10+ years of experience in the tech sector, looking to add value to a dynamic and innovative organization in Europe. Passionate about adapting to European business practices, I aim to bring a diverse perspective and innovative solutions to the Foundry in Spain, a country I have previously resided in for two years. Eager to utilize my high-level proficiency in Spanish while driving international sales success. 

More : Sales manager resume example

Seeking a move from Mexico to Madrid to further my finance career. Possessing diverse financial services experience and deep cultural awareness. Aiming to foster cross-border collaboration.

More : Finance manager resume example

Ambitious individual pursuing an international transition from Portugal to the US. Fluent English-speaker, equipped with a strong academic background in logistics, a drive for innovation, and a commitment to global collaboration.

Corporate attorney relocating to Australia, seeking a position in a family law firm in Sydney. Experienced in all aspects of commercial law, dispute resolution, and litigation. Average client retention of 6 years—investing in trusting relationships that endure.

More : Attorney resume example

How do you write an objective?

Working out what you really want out of a future career move is one of the hardest things to do in a job search. Write down every single possibility that you can think of and whittle them down to a list of 3-4 in terms of which could make you happiest. Distill the common traits from those roles and you have something resembling an objective. You should definitely keep an open mind, so try not to be too specific.

Volunteering is a noble pursuit, but any reputable organization that takes on volunteers still needs to understand that their people are in it for the right reasons and for the long run. Your objective should showcase the relevant qualities for such a role. Volunteering always involves a deeper motive—start to tell the employer about it.

Compassionate individual eager to volunteer in the charity sector. Bringing dedication, empathy, and a commitment to making a positive impact on vulnerable communities. Aiming to contribute time and skills to support meaningful causes and drive positive change.

More : How to list volunteer work on your resume

Reliable caregiver and part-time nurse would like to volunteer as a charity collector during the summer events season. Dementia is a disease close to my heart, and I would relish the opportunity to make any sort of difference, however small.

More : ICU Nurse resume example

Passionate event enthusiast seeking volunteer opportunities within the events industry. Bringing creativity, organizational prowess, and a love for creating memorable experiences. Eager to support event planning and execution, learn, and contribute to successful gatherings and celebrations.

More : Event coordinator resume sample

Enthusiastic and flexible retail worker seeking part-time voluntary position in Oxfam charity store. Specializing in creating eye-catching window displays to drive sales, stock-taking, cash register work, and itemizing new donations to the charity. 

More : The most competitive job markets in the world

Many companies will be happy to take on students for work experience, so starting with a clear resume objective example will mean your resume is far less likely to be put on the reject pile. Employers will receive hundreds of student resumes; be clear about what values lie in store if they hire you.

College student seeking work experience in the publishing industry. Passionate about storytelling, literature, and editorial excellence. Eager to learn and contribute to the creation of engaging content and gain insights into the publishing process.

More : College student resume sample

Energetic student pursuing summer work in hospitality. Eager to gain hands-on experience, deliver exceptional guest service, and contribute to a vibrant team.

Recent college leaver and keen amateur gardener looking for work experience in a professional landscaping company with a view to securing a part-time weekend role during university years. Green fingers and an unstoppable work ethic, come rain or shine.

More : Graduate school resume example

When you apply for a postgraduate qualification, an academic resume is essential. Be clear about what the next step in your education entails and why you should be considered. Make it clear that the next step in your academic career is a logical one.

Passionate student with a deep fascination for linguistics, dedicated to pursuing a master's degree. Eager to explore the intricacies of language, conduct linguistic research, and contribute to the evolving field of linguistic analysis and communication studies.

Psychology masters graduate seeking to move to an institution to continue their studies towards a PhD. My dissertation on the impact of social media on the socio-psychological development of adolescents will form the basis for further research.

More : Counselor resume example

High-performing student with a passion for biomedical sciences, aspiring to pursue a doctorate. Committed to groundbreaking research, innovation, and contributing to medical advancements.

English Literature Master’s graduate with a wealth of knowledge of Shakespearean motifs and themes, looking to undertake a taught doctorate in the impact of Shakespeare’s tragedies on modern script writing. Proficient in independent research, ideating new literature concepts, and collaborating with co-authors on papers. 

Does my resume need an objective? Not always

The resume objective is very important if you are at a crossroads in your career, or if you want your career to change track. Then, a section that describes your new direction of movement and transferable skills and qualities becomes incredibly important to describe in the first words of any resume. 

There isn’t always a requirement for a career objective. If you have a solid marketing manager resume and want to continue as a marketing manager, there is little point in spending vital resume real estate on explaining your goals and career trajectory. 

When does a resume objective example look bad?

It is fine to say that you are looking for a change or change of direction in your resume objective, but if the rest of your resume does not demonstrate that you have what it takes to make the change, your ambitions fall short. 

Having a dream is great, but you have to believe that you can make it happen. If you do not, how can you expect a potential employer to back you? No one wants to interview someone who is an unrealistic dreamer.

What is the structure of an effective objective for a resume? 

Based on recruiter and HR experience, the optimal resume objective structure should contain the following elements:

• Professional traits
• Title (or future title)
• Skills & experience
• Promise (of your career trajectory/goals)

While the majority of a resume is factual, the resume objective addresses the future of your career, your transition, transferable skills, and employer-oriented goals (meaning goals that bring value to your new employer). It, therefore, needs to present a credible vision of what might be. Employers need to believe you.

When outlining your objective, “I want to become a senior analyst” is entirely inadequate. 

You need to enrich it with a sense of personality and justify it with your most relevant skills and experience while making a promise to your future employer. It is not just your objective; it should be a statement that equally fits their needs. Put yourself in their shoes. What objective would they like to read from their ideal candidate?

Let’s take a look at each of the elements in turn:

• Traits . Cover your main talents and traits. When you are telling the story of your career in your resume, the adjectives that you choose will supplement the narrative.
• Title (or future title) . The second part of an objective often includes the title of the role that you wish to secure. In the cases where the role is different to previous titles, you might choose to make it more general such as “marketing professional.”
• Skills & experience . While your resume is all about your past achievements, choosing the most relevant aspects of your skills and experience is a great way of showing your future employer that you have chosen a worthy path.
• Promise/goals . Simply stated, when you sign on the dotted line of your next employment contract, this is who you are going to be and what you are going to deliver. This will be why you will get up to go to work every morning, for years to come. Think about it carefully as this is what they will expect from you if you get the job.

The resume objective example should ideally follow the structure we already outlined (Traits, Title, Skills & Experience, Promise/Goals), but the main thing is that it is written in the third person with a professional tone. 

Imagine that you are a hiring manager describing the candidate to their CEO . That is the sort of language that you should be aiming for—a two-sentence professional elevator presentation . Describe yourself from the outside looking in.

The objective should be as relevant as possible to the role. It is always a good idea to mirror the language of the job description and company careers page. Talking like your future employers is a great way of considering a common future from the same perspective.

Most importantly of all, the resume objective should be a personal mission statement that a candidate is intensely passionate about and proud to pursue. Making any sort of transition in a job search is hard enough, so it simply must resonate at the deepest level. Aim high, don’t settle for second best. The sky's the limit.

The traditional resume summary centers more around achievements, experience, personality, and cultural fit with the role. If you are a marketing manager who is moving to a marketing manager role, for example, it makes sense to focus on the hard-hitting facts about your marketing experience rather than wasting a sentence around how you just want to keep on keeping on. That will not leave a powerful first impression.

We have written a couple of guides around creating the perfect resume summary and also some tips on crafting impactful personal statements. They are well worth a read in our resume examples section.

Be prepared to defend your objective at the interview.

When you put yourself out there and say "I want to do this" - there will be plenty of interviewers who would like to see how you react when they challenge your ability to make it happen. 

The main thing is not to get too defensive. You don't know for a fact that things will work out the way you planned, so argue your case with a hopeful and humble attitude, backed by examples and logic.

A resume headline can be your ticket to the interview you desire. But what exactly is a resume headline and how do you best take advantage of it? This blog will show you everything you need to know.

Should I put an objective on my resume in 2024?

The short answer is: yes, but only if you’re expecting any sort of change in your career (an industry change, a role change, a promotion, a fresh start, etc.). 

Giving a future employer clarity in terms of your ambitions, including a resume objective, has never been more important. 2024 will be a turbulent time for many in terms of career change. 

Many industries are experiencing seismic shifts in demand and technology continues to change the fabric of our workplaces. People are more often working remotely, portfolio careers are increasing, and freelancing is the norm for many. 

If you are keen on a remote role, mention it in the objective. If you are looking for part-time work, be clear about it upfront. If you are looking for an industry move, let them know that their industry is for you. We have discussed various other situations above—do not hesitate to spell out exactly how you see your next role working out.

Key Takeaways

When it is time to change, the resume objective is the most important couple of lines in your whole resume. When you set the tone for your resume in the first few lines, potential future employers will read your resume with the mindset that you intend. Yes, the role might be a little different to what you have done before, but you’ve got what it takes to succeed.

How To Write A Resume Objective Statement (Examples Included)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

UPDATED 5/18/2022

Resumes. We all know what they are. We all know how important having a good one is…and how much a bad one can hurt your ability to get your dream job. That’s why reviewing different resume objective examples is essential, ensuring you can create well-crafted, carefully targeted resumes for hiring managers.

So, how do you make sure your resume objective – and entire application – stands out? We’ll tell you. Come with us as we explore some resume objective statement examples, as well as tips on how to ensure yours shines.

What is a Resume Objective?

“My objective? Well, that’s easy. My objective is to get the job.”

Absolutely, we couldn’t agree more. But an objective on your resume is so much more than just writing, “Hey, hire me. I’m super awesome.”

So, what is an objective for a resume?

Well, according to the Marquette University College of Business Administration , “an objective statement is a concise, position-centered statement describing the value you can add and the needs you can fulfill.”

Our friends over at Indeed.com take it a step further, saying: “A well-written resume objective statement can be customized for the job you’re applying for and add value to your resume that sets it apart from other applicants.”

Essentially, a resume objective is a targeted snippet that clearly outlines your career direction while simultaneously positioning you as someone who fits what the employer is looking for exactly.

Sounds pretty ingenious, right? So why don’t more people have them on their resumes?

Resume objectives can be a bit controversial. Some people think they can make you look amateurish…which, if you don’t do it correctly, is absolutely true. But that can be said for any section of your resume.

Other schools of thought think that the objectives should be taken out entirely and replaced with the more popular “ resume summary statement .”

You may be wondering, “What if I use a resume objective and the hiring manager looks at it and laughs? Are they going to throw out my resume…or worse, put it on the wall of shame?”

Now, nobody is going to laugh at your resume objective as long as you use the right approach. Additionally, if your career is moving in certain directions, using a resume objective makes more sense than the alternatives.

When Should You Use a Resume Objective?

Are you relatively new to the job search market or lack work experience?

Are you changing industries?

Are you targeting a specific job or position?

If you answered “YES” to any of these above questions, then the resume objective is potentially perfect. If you answered “NO” to all of the above questions, you might be better off with a “Resume Summary Statement.”

For those of you in the middle of a career change or who might just be starting out, a resume objective statement allows you to define your goal to a potential employer…something that your work history might not otherwise be able to do for you.

Imagine how confused a hiring manager would be if they were looking for candidates to fill an office coordinator position and you sent in a resume with ten years of experience in marketing. Without an objective statement, the hiring manager might just assume your resume has been accidentally sent to them and simply discard it.

With an objective statement, you can not only let the hiring manager know that your resume IS in the right spot but also explain that you’re making the switch and show that your skill set does align with this new career path.

If you’re targeting a specific job or position, a resume objective statement can help reinforce that idea that you know EXACTLY what you’re after. That can work in your favor, too.

Overall, and most importantly, the biggest reason to put an objective on your resume is…it’s better than having nothing. Remember, your goal is to catch the hiring manager’s eye and stand out from the rest of the paper in that pile.

Common Mistakes

There are several common mistakes job seekers can make when writing their statement with the number one being using the same objective for every job application.

1) Using the Same Objective For Every Job Application

To obtain a job within my chosen field that will challenge me and allow me to use my education, skills and past experiences in a way that is mutually beneficial to both myself and my employer and allow for future growth and advancement.

Your goal is to be the ideal candidate and that means making sure you’re exactly what the hiring manager is looking for…and unless you’re applying to a cookie cutter factory in a cookie cutter job town where every job every employer is listing is exactly the same then I guarantee you 100% that your statement will NOT be a “one size fits all” statement.

2) Making It All About You

This is a trap that many job seekers fall into, as they can’t resist to use the objective to list off all of the things that they want to get out of the position.

Hi, I’m Joe Jobseeker and I really want a job in a company where I make a ton of money doing as little as possible. Oh, and a corner office. A company car would be nice too. While we’re at it, let’s talk benefits, retirement…and the company vacation policy.

Yes, we’re being over the top with this one, but we need you to look at this and laugh…because even a slightly toned down one where you list only what YOU want is going to come off just as ridiculous to the hiring manager as the one we’ve blown out of proportion.

3) Being Too Vague

Mistake number three is being vague. Like we said, this isn’t a one size fits all so by being ambiguous in the hopes of somewhat fitting what they’re looking for is going to get your resume sent directly to the circular file. (In case you don’t know, the circular file is the trash can. It just sounds fancier but the end result is the same…no job.)

Looking for a long term full time job where I can apply my extensive skills and knowledge to the position for which I am hired.

Blah. Who is this person? All we know by reading this statement is that they have skills and knowledge…but other than that, not much else. What skills do they have? Do they really apply to the job? And what knowledge can they draw from that will benefit the company? See what we mean? It’s so generic you could literally fit anything into those blanks…it’s like Resume Mad Libs!

4) Going On… And On… And On… And On… and zzzzzzzzzzzzz….

Mistake number four is being too long. This isn’t a novel. It’s a quick little blurb to catch their attention so they can bring you in for an interview…then you can get into more detail!

Not going to put one here. Why? Because the example we were going to do was going to be so long and ridiculous that you and everyone else reading this post would just get bored and move onto another article. Just remember, it’s all about short and sweet. Anything over a sentence or two is TOO LONG. Remember that.

5) Adding Absolutely No Value

Mistake number five is probably the worst…and the easiest to fall into (outside of mistake number two, the “all about me” statement.) Mistake number five is writing a statement that basically fills space but doesn’t tell the hiring manager anything about the value you bring to the table. This can also be confused with the too vague statement…

To obtain a position within my chosen field where I can utilize my skills as a hard-working, well-educated employee in exchange for a steady market-fair paycheck.

Congratulations. You’re educated and you’re hard working and you want to make money. So what? So are 90% of the people you’re going up against. Why are YOU the ideal candidate? What makes the hiring manager want to bring YOU in over everyone else? See what we mean?

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY:

How are you going to fulfill the needs of the company?

When writing your resume objective, you should always have the intention of answering this question.

How To Write An Effective Resume Objective

So how do you write a GOOD resume objective?

One thing every one of these bad examples has in common is the fact that not a single one of them is tailored to the position you’re looking for. Any hiring manager who looks at a resume with objectives like those is going to immediately move on to the next candidate.

Because whoever those potential hires are, they’re not ideal candidates. You need to not only catch the hiring manager’s eye; you must make sure that they look at your statement and say, “Here’s the perfect fit!”

So, how do you make it happen? Well, a really good place to start is by looking at the job description. According to Indeed.com , “…when you include an objective that’s specific to the job role, the recruiter is more likely to dig deeper and learn more details about your professional experience.”

After that, make sure it’s tailored to not only the position but the company as well. By incorporating a few tidbits that speak to the company’s mission and values, you can take that quick statement up a notch.

Nice, right?

Additionally, focus on how you’re a benefit to the company, not how the company can benefit you. Showcase value, ensuring you point out what you bring to the table.

Keep it short and sweet, too. Skip overblown adjectives in favor of action verbs, which will help “raise the energy levels” of your objective and ensure that it is more dynamic and interesting.

If you’re someone who is changing careers, demonstrate how your past experiences relate to your future tasks. The same goes for those who are just starting out or who are relatively inexperienced.

Resume Objective Examples

In some cases, nothing makes the points above clearer quite like a few resume objective examples. Here are a handful of samples, each targeting different situations.

New to Workforce, No High School Diploma

“Diligent, dedicated individual looking to apply communication and collaboration skills in a fast-paced customer service role. A self-motivated team player with an outgoing personality who’s ready to learn the ins and outs of a new industry and provide ample value to a retail employer.”

New to Workforce, No College

“Well-organized high school honor graduate with exceptional problem-solving and collaboration skills seeking opportunities in the office administration field where strong communication, time management, and research skills can provide excellent value to an employer.”

College Student, Aspiring Intern

“Current accounting student with an emphasis on accounts payable and accounts receivable seeking developmental opportunities with a local firm. Diligent, focused, and tech-savvy, looking to provide value to a skilled team.”

Recent College Graduate

“Hard-working business administration graduate with proven leadership and organizational skills. Looking to leverage knowledge or operational processes, emerging commercial trends, and supply machine management to increase efficiency and support broader productivity goals.”

Recent College Graduate with Internship Experience

“Honor graduate with a Bachelor’s in Human Resources and one year of experience at a leading staffing firm looking to leverage a deep understanding of leading ATS solutions, modern interview techniques, and conflict resolution strategies to support the goals of an enterprise-level HR department.”

Career Change

“Ambitious professional looking to leverage 5+ years of customer service experience and exceptional communication skills in the fast-paced field of real estate. Proven ability to build lasting, long-term relationships, understand client needs, and find solutions designed to ensure customer satisfaction.”

Career Change with New Education

“Experienced accounting professional and recent college graduate with a Bachelor’s in IT looking to leverage mathematical and analytical capabilities in a data analyst role with an enterprise-level employer. Impeccable attention to detail and organizational skills, as well as strong desire to learn and grow on the job.”

Targeting Specific Role

“Skilled software developer with 7+ years of experience with Java, Python, and C++ seeking out opportunities in team-oriented environments that prioritize Agile methodologies, Lean strategies, and DevOps principles to accelerate timelines and achieve challenging goals.”

Speaking of specific roles, we thought that it might be prudent to dig deeper into a couple careers that we get the most questions about (in terms of resume objectives). Here are our deep-dive articles into Teacher Resume Objectives , Customer Service Resume Objectives and Nursing Resume Objectives . Enjoy!

Putting It All Together

So, there you have it. We’ve covered what a resume objective statement is, who should use one, and how to properly execute it. Plus, there are some handy resume objective examples that can serve as inspiration.

While some people might claim that the objective statement for a resume is outdated, if done properly, it can make a difference. Use all of the information above to your advantage. That way, you’ll be one step closer to your dream job.

FREE : Resume Objective PDF Cheat Sheet

Ok the next thing you should do is get our handy Resume Objective Cheat Sheet PDF .

In it you'll get word-for-word sample resume objectives covering a variety of scenarios you can use right away .

CLICK HERE TO GET THE RESUME OBJECTIVE CHEAT SHEET

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

Copyright © 2024 · TheInterviewguys.com · All Rights Reserved

• Our Products
• Case Studies
• Interview Questions
• Jobs Articles
• Members Login

Top 18 Admissions Counselor Resume Objective Examples

Updated July 12, 2023 14 min read

A resume objective is a brief yet powerful statement that summarizes a job seeker's professional goals and aspirations. It should be tailored to the position for which you are applying and demonstrate your ability to fulfill the role’s responsibilities. When writing a resume objective for an admissions counselor position, it is important to focus on your skills, experience, and qualifications that make you the ideal candidate for the job. Examples of objectives for an admissions counselor position could include: “A highly organized professional with 5+ years of experience in admissions counseling seeking to leverage my background in student recruitment and academic advising at XYZ University” or “Experienced admissions counselor with a proven track record of increasing enrollment through creative marketing strategies looking to contribute my expertise at ABC College.” In either case, it is important to highlight your relevant qualifications while also conveying enthusiasm and passion for working in the education sector.

or download as PDF

Top 18 Admissions Counselor Resume Objective Samples

• To secure an Admissions Counselor position utilizing my expertise in student recruitment and admissions counseling.
• To obtain a challenging Admissions Counselor position that utilizes my experience in student recruitment and admissions counseling.
• To contribute to the success of an organization as an Admissions Counselor by leveraging my knowledge of student recruitment and admissions counseling.
• Seeking a role as an Admissions Counselor with a reputable institution where I can utilize my expertise in student recruitment and admissions counseling.
• To work as an Admissions Counselor at a prestigious university, leveraging my skills in student recruitment and admissions counseling.
• Looking for an opportunity to apply my knowledge of student recruitment and admissions counseling as an Admissions Counselor.
• Aiming to join a college or university as an Admissions Counselor, utilizing my experience in student recruitment and admissions counseling.
• To be part of a team of professionals as an Admissions Counselor, utilizing my experience in student recruitment and admissions counseling.
• Seeking to utilize my knowledge of student recruitment and admissions counseling as an Admissions Counselor at a leading educational institution.
• To become part of a successful team of professionals as an Admissions Counselor, leveraging my skills in student recruitment and admissions counseling.
• Aiming to join a college or university as an Admissions Counselor, bringing expertise in student recruitment and admissions counseling.
• Desiring to bring enthusiasm, dedication, and knowledge of student recruitment/admission processes to the role of Admission Counselor.
• Applying for the position of Admission Counsellor with extensive experience in recruiting students for admission into higher education institutions.
• Looking for the opportunity to use my expertise in Student Recruitment & Admission Processes to help students make informed decisions about their future career paths while working as Admission Counsellors at your esteemed organisation.
• Seeking employment with your esteemed organisation as Admission Counsellors where I can utilise my knowledge & understanding of Student Recruitment & Admission Processes while helping students make informed decisions about their future career paths.
• A highly motivated individual applying for the position of Admission Counsellors with proficiency in Student Recruitment & Admission Processes who is looking forward to helping students make informed decisions about their future career paths while working with your esteemed organisation .
• Applying for the role of Admission Counsellors where I can use my expertise in Student Recruitment & Admission Processes while helping students make informed decisions about their future career paths within your esteemed organisation .
• Looking for the opportunity to work with your esteemed organisation as Admission Counsellors where I can utilise my knowledge & understanding of Student Recruitment & Admission Processes while helping students make informed decisions about their future career paths

How to Write an Admissions Counselor Resume Objective

An admissions counselor resume objective is an essential part of any successful job application. It helps to demonstrate your qualifications and why you are the ideal candidate for the position. Writing a strong resume objective can be tricky, but with the right approach, it can help set you apart from other applicants and get you noticed by recruiters.

When crafting an admissions counselor resume objective, make sure to focus on your skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role. Start by outlining what makes you a great fit for the position, such as any past experience working in college admissions or related fields. For example, if you have worked as a student advisor or admissions assistant previously, mention this in your objective statement and explain how it has prepared you to excel in the role of an admissions counselor.

Next, emphasize any unique qualities or qualifications that make you stand out among other candidates. This could include specialized knowledge of certain college admissions processes or software programs, excellent problem-solving skills, or strong communication abilities. Make sure to also highlight any certifications or awards that could be beneficial for this type of role.

Finally, provide some context about why you are passionate about becoming an admissions counselor and what type of impact you hope to have on students and their families through this position. This will show recruiters that not only do you have the necessary skills and qualifications required for the job but also a genuine enthusiasm for helping others succeed academically.

By following these tips when writing your admissions counselor resume objective statement, you can create a powerful impression that will land you interviews with top schools and colleges across the country!

Related : What does an Admissions Counselor do?

Key Skills to Highlight in Your Admissions Counselor Resume Objective

In crafting your Admissions Counselor resume, it is crucial to highlight key skills in your objective statement that set you apart as a strong candidate. These skills should reflect your ability to effectively guide prospective students through the admissions process, communicate with diverse groups, and manage administrative tasks efficiently. This section will discuss the essential skills to emphasize in your Admissions Counselor resume objective, which can significantly enhance your chances of securing an interview and potentially landing the job.

1. Interviewing

An Admissions Counselor often needs to interview prospective students to assess their suitability for a particular course or institution. This requires excellent interviewing skills, including the ability to ask insightful questions, understand and evaluate responses, and make fair judgments. Including this skill in a resume objective demonstrates the candidate's proficiency in gathering necessary information and making informed decisions, which is crucial for the role of an Admissions Counselor.

2. Multitasking

An Admissions Counselor often juggles multiple tasks at once, such as reviewing applications, interviewing potential students, and providing information about the institution. Multitasking is a necessary skill to ensure that all these tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. Including this skill in a resume objective can show potential employers that the candidate is capable of handling the demands of the job without compromising on quality or missing deadlines.

3. Organization

An Admissions Counselor needs to be highly organized as they handle a large volume of applications, documents, and data. They must efficiently manage their time and resources to ensure all tasks are completed accurately and on schedule. This includes tracking application statuses, scheduling interviews, maintaining records, and communicating with prospective students. Therefore, having organization skills is crucial for this role and should be highlighted in the resume objective to show potential employers that the candidate can effectively handle multiple responsibilities.

4. Communication

An Admissions Counselor needs strong communication skills because they interact with a wide range of individuals, including prospective students, parents, and school administrators. They need to clearly convey information about the institution's programs, admission procedures, and financial aid options. Additionally, they often need to persuade prospective students to choose their institution over others. Good communication skills also help in understanding and addressing the concerns or queries of students or parents effectively.

An Admissions Counselor often interacts with a diverse group of prospective students and their families, who may be experiencing various levels of stress or uncertainty about the admissions process. Empathy is needed to understand and relate to their feelings, concerns, and perspectives. This skill can help in providing appropriate guidance and support, making the admissions process smoother and more positive for all involved. Including empathy in a resume objective demonstrates an applicant's ability to connect with others on a personal level, which is crucial in this role.

6. Decision-making

An Admissions Counselor needs strong decision-making skills as they are responsible for reviewing, assessing, and making decisions on student applications. They need to be able to evaluate a candidate's suitability for a program based on various factors such as academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. The ability to make fair and accurate decisions can directly impact the quality of students admitted into the institution. Therefore, highlighting this skill in a resume objective can show potential employers that you have the ability to make sound judgments and contribute positively to their admissions process.

7. Time-management

An Admissions Counselor often has to juggle multiple tasks and responsibilities such as reviewing applications, interviewing potential students, giving presentations, and attending college fairs. Therefore, effective time-management skills are crucial to ensure all tasks are completed in a timely manner and deadlines are met. This skill also demonstrates the ability to prioritize workload which is essential in maintaining efficiency in this role. Including this skill in a resume objective shows potential employers that the candidate can handle the demands of the job effectively.

8. Networking

An Admissions Counselor often works with a diverse group of individuals, including prospective students, parents, school administrators, and other educational professionals. Networking skills are crucial for building and maintaining these relationships. This skill can help in effectively communicating the benefits of the institution they represent, understanding the needs of potential students, and identifying opportunities for partnerships or collaborations. In addition, networking can aid in staying informed about trends and changes in the education sector. Therefore, highlighting this skill in a resume objective can show potential employers that the candidate has the ability to connect with key stakeholders and contribute to the growth of the institution.

9. Problem-solving

An Admissions Counselor often encounters various challenges and issues in the admissions process, such as dealing with diverse student profiles, resolving conflicts between applicants, or addressing concerns from parents. Therefore, having strong problem-solving skills is crucial. It enables them to effectively identify problems, analyze potential solutions, and make sound decisions that best serve the interests of both the institution and the students. This skill also shows their ability to handle stressful situations calmly and efficiently, which is vital in maintaining a smooth admissions process.

10. CRM software (e.g., Salesforce)

An Admissions Counselor often needs to manage a large number of student applications, keep track of their progress, and maintain communication with prospective students. CRM software like Salesforce can help streamline these tasks by organizing all this information in one place. Therefore, having this skill shows potential employers that the candidate is capable of effectively managing and analyzing student data, improving efficiency and productivity in the admissions process. This could be particularly attractive for institutions with high volumes of applicants or those looking to improve their admissions procedures.

In conclusion, your admissions counselor resume objective should effectively showcase a selection of key skills that reflect your ability to excel in the role. These skills should be carefully chosen to align with the requirements and expectations outlined in the job description. Remember, this section is your first opportunity to make a strong impression on potential employers, so it's crucial to present yourself as a competent, well-rounded candidate who possesses the necessary abilities to succeed and add value to their institution.

Related : Admissions Counselor Skills: Definition and Examples

Common Mistakes When Writing an Admissions Counselor Resume Objective

When writing an admissions counselor resume objective, it is important to avoid some common mistakes that could potentially hurt your chances of securing the job. An effective resume objective should be tailored to the specific job and should highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant for the position.

One of the most common mistakes when writing a resume objective is being too vague or generic. Job seekers often forget to tailor their objectives to match the specific requirements of the job they are applying for and instead use a generic statement such as “Seeking a challenging opportunity in admissions counseling”. This type of generic statement doesn’t show employers why you are qualified for the job and will likely be overlooked.

Another mistake to avoid when writing an admissions counselor resume objective is including too much information. Your resume objective should be concise, clear, and focused on what makes you suitable for the position. Try not to include any irrelevant details or accomplishments that don’t relate directly to admissions counseling as this can cause employers to lose interest in your application quickly.

Finally, it’s important not to exaggerate or lie in your resume objective as this can lead employers to question your honesty and integrity. While it may seem like a good idea at first, these tactics can backfire if employers find out that you were not being truthful in your application materials. Always make sure that everything you include in your resume objective is accurate and true so that employers can trust what they read about you.

By avoiding these common mistakes when writing an admissions counselor resume objective, you will be able put yourself ahead of other applicants by presenting yourself in a professional manner that showcases why you are qualified for this role.

Related : Admissions Counselor Resume Examples

A right resume objective for an admissions counselor should highlight the applicant's skills, experience, and qualifications that make them an ideal fit for the position; whereas a wrong resume objective may focus on the applicant's own aspirations or goals instead of emphasizing how they can benefit the organization.

Editorial staff

Brenna Goyette

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

Similar articles

• Top 18 Admissions Coordinator Resume Objective Examples
• Top 18 Admissions Representative Resume Objective Examples
• Top 18 Admissions Recruiter Resume Objective Examples
• Top 10 Admissions Counselor Certifications
• What does an Admissions Counselor do?
• Top 18 Family Counselor Resume Objective Examples