Whether you’ve just graduated, are looking to switch careers, or are stepping into the workforce for the first time, an entry-level CV objective is a great way to share your goals and let the hiring manager know about your unique strengths.
However, CV objectives can be viewed as outdated. If it’s all about you and not the prospective employer, then including a CV objective could make you look a little self-serving. The trick is to get the balance just right by clarifying how your strengths and goals align perfectly with the job posting and prospective employer.
In this article, we’ll explain what a CV objective is, the right time to use one and provide you with some examples of CV objectives that you can tailor to your unique requirements.
What is a CV objective?
An entry-level objective on your CV is an introductory paragraph designed to highlight your key skills, career goals, and share the reasons for applying to a specific company.
Traditional CV objectives are typically brief statements focused on your goals, such as “Keen to secure the role of IT specialist and progress to a supervisory role at ABC Group.” While this communicates your objectives, it doesn’t tell the hiring manager about your unique strengths or how you plan to add value if appointed.
The best approach is to craft a short paragraph (three to five sentences) that includes key skills mentioned in the job description, relevant education, and any notable achievements.
How to write an entry-level CV objective
Including a CV objective on your entry-level CV can help you project your ambition and professionalism. Here are the steps to follow:
Review the job description fully
Treat the job description as a master plan when preparing your CV objective. This document will outline exactly what the employer is looking for in a potential candidate, so take note of any skills, experience, education, and attributes that are emphasised as important. These keywords or terms should feature prominently in your CV objective.
Reflect on your motivations for applying for the job
Why are you applying for the job? Why do you want to work for the company? What motivates you and what do you hope to gain from the position? The answers to these questions will help you write a CV objective that is both authentic and compelling.
- Tailor your CV objective to the specific job opportunity and make sure it’s consistent with the rest of your CV.
- Include any specific facts or quantifiable figures in your CV objective. This backs up the skills and experience you are putting forward.
- Use complicated language in your CV objective as it can sound unauthentic. Instead of “flourishing,” try “growing.”
- Brag and oversell your skills and abilities in your objective. It’s great to be confident, but you can trip up in an interview situation.
Spotlight your achievements
While you may be applying for your first job, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have zero accomplishments to highlight in your CV objective. Have a brainstorming session and make a list of any relevant awards or achievements you have acquired via your academic studies, part-time jobs, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities. Selecting a notable achievement can make your CV objective shine.
Be clear and concise
Don’t try to cram too much information into your CV objective and use clear language to communicate your intentions for applying for the role. Hiring managers prefer a short, succinct CV objective, rather than a long and winding tale.
CV objective examples
Now you have the lowdown on the steps to writing a powerful CV objective, let’s take a look at some CV objective examples to give you some inspiration.
Detail-oriented environmental science graduate with a passion for sustainability. Successfully completed an internship with Celsa UK, contributing to policy analysis and research projects. Keen to apply solid academic background and acquired scientific expertise to contribute to EcoCentral’s short- and long-term goals.
Caring, creative, and reliable child care professional, holding NVQ Level 2 in Early Years Childcare and valuable volunteer experience gained at a local toddler group. Focused on supporting young children to reach their full potential. Keen to learn, progress, and contribute as a nursery assistant with ABC Nursery.
Driven professional with eight years of experience in sales and business development in the financial services sector, and a passion for digital marketing. Currently completing a diploma in digital marketing management. A creative problem-solver, adept at engaging with diverse clients to enhance revenue and boost brand visibility.
Key takeaways
- Writing a powerful CV objective is a great tool you can leverage to convince a hiring manager to give you a shot when applying for your first job.
- Review the job description so you can identify the key requirements of the specific role, then address these areas in your CV objective.
- While a lack of experience may seem like a major obstacle when creating an entry-level CV, don’t forget that your academic studies, part-time jobs, volunteering and extracurricular activities are all valuable areas you can reference.
- Keep your CV objective direct, succinct, and impactful without stuffy language or jargon. Include facts and figures as much as possible, and tell the company exactly what you can do for them. Show yourself as the solution to their problem!
