Resume "objective" or no?

[agoodusername]

Quick question: I'm trying to finish up my resume, and am having conflicting opinions on whether or not to include an "objective."

Various business professionals that I've run into over the years have advised AGAINST the objective, saying it makes your resume look juvenile and inexperienced.

However...my college's career services department is very PRO objective.

I want to make a good first impression on all of the places I apply...any suggestions?

[llg, PhD, RN]

I think you have answered your own question. Different people have different opinions on this subject. There is not universal agreement -- and the people here are no different. We have different opinions on the subject.

I'm with the camp against stating an objective. They usually sound ridiculous and make the applicant look "fake" because of the flowery wording.

Also, I know of no way that an objective can really help you get a job. No one is going to hire you based on your objective. However, it can hurt you if it sounds silly. So .... the net result is that there is no real "up side," but there is a potential "down side." In my book, that says to me that it should be omitted.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Like llg said, there are varying opinions on this. I used an objective in a resume when trying to get into a new career or a different career path. However, as a staff nurse looking for another staff nurse job, I did not. In my objective, I listed in plain English what I was wanting to do. For instance:

OBJECTIVE: Entry-level advanced practice nurse.

OBJECTIVE: Mid-level practitioner position where I can use advanced assessment skills.

I think it can work to the good or bad. I think an objective tells the HR person what you are looking for if stated plainly. I do agree that flowery language isn't what is wanted or needed. Good luck