• Get ready for your career in science
• You and the job you want
• Employers and the labour market
• Practical Skills to Find Work
  • Job searching techniques
  • The hidden job market - (Networking, Direct canvassing and Information Interviewing)
  • Self employment
  • Writing job applications
    • Employer forms
    • Addressing selection criteria
    • Cover letters (includes sample)
    • Resume (includes sample)
  • How to write a career objective
  • Interviews
  • Sample interview questions
• Useful Resources

Practical Skills to Find Work

How to write a career objective

Somewhere in your application an employer is looking for you to express your career aspirations.  It may be stated in your cover letter or it could head up your resume document.  Some employer application forms may also pose questions to help get information from future applicants about their career goals.

A career objective is a brief statement of your career direction or a specific career goal that you would like to achieve.  It is a personalised statement that clearly defines what you want to achieve through this application.  It links your goals to the key attributes sought by an employer or those necessary to perform well in an occupation or industry sector.

They are not easy to write and there is no perfect style but here are some general guidelines:

• Keep it brief – 1-2 sentences is usually enough
• Personalise it
• Be articulate about the nature of work you want to do, the field of work you are interested in or categories or industries you prefer to work in
• Tell the employer what you have to give as well as what you have to offer.
• It can be long or short term in its’ view

The career objective needs to be meaningful to add value to your written application document.  If your statements are too general, they do not convey much meaning to an employer so avoid statements such as “a challenging position with a progressive company that provides opportunity for advancement.”

This might mean something to you but conveys little to an employer about your personal direction as it is not specific enough.  Employers look for candidates who can demonstrate career planning skills.  Your objective is an opportunity to focus the reader on your goals and articulate your career aspirations.

Here’s an example of how being specific gives the reader a better idea of what you want to achieve.

“To attain a graduate position with an entrepreneurial biotechnology company that provides opportunity to use both my scientific knowledge and customer service skills.”

Here are some other examples:

To gain a position as Technical Officer bringing my chemistry skills, strong attention to detail and personal attributes of enthusiasm and  willingness to learn into the organisation.

I would like to build a career in the public sector in Public Health Administration applying the discipline knowledge gained from my degree and my skills as an organiser and team player.

As the first introduction to an employer your written documents play an important part in the application process.  Take the time to produce tailored and detailed documents that show your strengths and personality.