“The profile should support your career target; yet unlike an objective, it should identify with the employer’s needs rather than your wants.”

Louis M. Kursmark, Sales & Marketing Resumes for $100,000 Careers

TSR staff recently reviewed the resumes of approximately 4 individuals seeking employment in the Sports Industry. Each resume contained an Objective Statement by the candidate. We eventually removed the Objective Statement as none clarified how their candidacy would add value to the employer.

The Objective Statement is now looked upon as outdated. The Objective Statement of most job-seekers are very self-centered with no employer focus. The statement usually describes the candidates future goals and aspirations. They do not convey how the candidate will fill the needs of the employer, where such need are conveyed through the description in the  job posting.

Employment candidates should instead use a Profile or Statement of Goals (both relative to the current position) in lieu of the Objective Statement. Either option should be job-focused, displaying how current skills and previous experiences will bring value to the employer. The Profile or Statement of Goals should not include a candidates future aspirations or need for “other opportunities.”  This can come across as a sign of instability as well. 

Remember, every part of the resume should somehow focus on the employer’s needs and not the individual goals of the candidate. 

Also, use as many BUZZWORDS as possible when writing either statement.

IMPORTANT: A resume is different than a personal statement used when applying for graduate school admissions. The personal statement is the “selfish” document, listing what YOU want to accomplish. The resume should be used for the needs of the employer.

A Cover Letter should not repeat the same information listed on the Resume/CV.

- TSR Staff

One of the biggest and “most popular” mistakes job seekers make in the Cover Letter is to recite that already expressed on the Resume/CV. This is not a productive technique for a job candidate. To a prospective employer, the Cover Letter should illustrate how one would create added VALUE to the company if given the position.

First, tailor the Cover Letter for a “specific” job position (Never use a “standard format” or template where you only switch names, dates and addresses). A good Cover Letter will make an applicants skills and the job description parallel to one another. This is the VALUE element.

The employer should see an instant contribution from the applicant after reading the Cover Letter. There must be an immediate connection between the following: applicant, specific job position, employer.

TIP: The Cover Letter should not address an applicants desire for change in environment or need for added experience. Both will come across to an employer as being self-centered.