Resume Tips
Formatting
Job Search Strategy

Resume Objective vs Summary: What They Are and How to Write Them

Learn the difference between a resume objective and a summary, and how to use each effectively depending on your experience level and career goals.

What Is a Resume Objective?

A resume objective states your career goals and what you're hoping to achieve in your next position. It’s most useful for entry-level job seekers, students, or career changers.

Example: “Aspiring software developer seeking a junior role where I can apply my passion for clean code and contribute to a fast-paced agile team.”


What Is a Resume Summary?

A resume summary highlights your experience, skills, and achievements. It’s ideal for mid-career or senior professionals who want to lead with value.

Example: “Data analyst with 5+ years of experience translating data into actionable insights. Proficient in SQL, Tableau, and Python. Known for improving reporting systems and driving business decisions.”


Key Differences

  • Objective: Focuses on what you want.
  • Summary: Focuses on what you bring.
  • Objective: Best for entry-level or career change.
  • Summary: Best for professionals with relevant experience.

When to Use an Objective

Use a resume objective if you’re:\n - New to the workforce\n - Switching careers\n - Applying for internships or part-time roles


When to Use a Summary

Use a resume summary if you:\n - Have 2+ years of experience\n - Want to highlight career progression\n - Need to show measurable results


How to Write a Great Opening Section

  • Keep it short—3 to 5 lines max
  • Use job title + years of experience
  • Mention relevant skills or results
  • Customize it for the specific job

Final Thought

Your opening paragraph sets the tone for your resume. Whether you choose an objective or a summary, make sure it reflects your value and aligns with the job you want.

Need help deciding or writing yours? Try ResumeMaker.Online to generate a summary or objective tailored to your experience.

More from the blog


How to Customize Your Resume for the Country You Want to Work In

Read more >

How to Highlight Promotions and Job Changes on Your Resume

Read more >

Should You Lie On Your Resume? The Pros and Cons

Read more >

What To Include And What Not To Include On A Resume

Read more >

6 Ways to Handle Gaps on Your Resume

Read more >

The Most Common Resume Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Read more >

How to Create a Resume After Being Fired

Read more >

6 Tips to Optimize Your Resume for Remote Job Applications

Read more >

Resume Building for Freshers: A Starter Guide

Read more >

Are Hobbies & Interests Worth Including on Your Resume?

Read more >

How To Generate a Resume from LinkedIn

Read more >

Follow-Up Email After Job Application: Comprehensive Guide

Read more >

How to Email Your Resume to Employers (Sample Email Included)

Read more >

15 Most Common Resume Questions Answered (Resume FAQs for Job Seekers)

Read more >

Top 5 Resume Trends for 2025 (New Styles and What Recruiters Expect)

Read more >

Resume Checklist: 10 Steps to a Job-Winning Resume

Read more >

References on a Resume: Should You Include Them or Not?

Read more >

Should You Include a Photo on Your Resume? (Pros, Cons, and Best Practices)

Read more >

Hiring a Professional Resume Writer vs Using a Resume Builder

Read more >

Online Resume Builder vs DIY Resume: Which Is Best for You?

Read more >

LinkedIn Profile vs Resume: Key Differences and Why You Need Both

Read more >

Resume Tips for Mid-Career Professionals

Read more >

How to Write a Resume for Tech Jobs (Tech Resume Guide for IT Professionals)

Read more >

Career Change Resume: Tips for Writing a Resume for a New Career Path

Read more >

Tailoring Your Resume for Remote Jobs (Tips for Landing Remote Work)

Read more >

How to Explain Employment Gaps on Your Resume (Examples & Tips)

Read more >

How to Include Projects and Freelance Work on Your Resume

Read more >

How to Tailor Your Resume to Different Jobs (Why Customization Matters)

Read more >

Resume Keywords 101: How to Use Keywords to Beat the ATS

Read more >

ATS-Friendly Resume: How to Optimize Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems

Read more >

One-Page vs Two-Page Resume: How Long Should Your Resume Be?

Read more >

Best Fonts and Formatting for a Professional Resume

Read more >

Best Resume Formats for 2025 (Chronological vs Functional vs Hybrid)

Read more >

Resume Objective vs Summary: What They Are and How to Write Them

Read more >

What Skills to Put on a Resume (Based on Job Role and Industry)

Read more >

How to Write a Resume with No Experience (Entry-Level Resume Guide)

Read more >

AI Job Finder: Instantly Tailor Your Resume to Any Job Listing

Read more >

AI Resume Bullet Point Generator: Create Impactful Descriptions Fast

Read more >

AI Keyword Matcher: Tailor Your Resume to Any Job Description

Read more >

AI Skills Generator: Discover the Best Skills to Add to Your Resume

Read more >

AI Resume Summary Generator: Write a Strong Resume Summary Instantly

Read more >

AI Resume Translator: Create a Multilingual Resume in Seconds

Read more >

AI Resume Writing Assistant: Get AI Help with Every Resume Section

Read more >

Smart Resume Import: Convert Your Old Resume to a Modern Format

Read more >

Zety Alternative: Transparent, Affordable Resume Building

Read more >

Resume.io Alternative: No Signups or PDF Gating

Read more >

Novoresume Alternative: No Page Limits or Paywalls

Read more >

Canva Alternative: Built for Resumes, Not Just Design

Read more >

Enhancv Alternative: One-Time Price, No Branding

Read more >

Kickresume Alternative: Simple, Honest Resume Building

Read more >

Teal Alternative: Focused Resume Builder, Not a CRM

Read more >

VisualCV Alternative: Just $9—No Subscriptions

Read more >

FlowCV Alternative: Free AI Tools + More Customization

Read more >

ResumeGenius Alternative: No Subscription Trap

Read more >

CakeResume Alternative: Focused on Resumes, Not Branding

Read more >

The Best Video Resume Tools for 2025

Read more >

When to Use and Share a Video Resume

Read more >

Video Resume Tips: Entry-Level vs Experienced Applicants

Read more >

Personal Branding with a Video Resume

Read more >

How to Share Your Video Resume with Employers

Read more >

Video Resume vs Traditional Resume: Which Wins?

Read more >

Future Trends: What’s Next for Video Resumes in 2025

Read more >

How to Script and Film a Video Resume at Home

Read more >

The Pros and Cons of Using a Video Resume

Read more >

How to Create an Effective Video Resume: Step-by-Step Guide

Read more >

Video Resume Mistakes to Avoid (and How to Fix Them)

Read more >

Video Cover Letter vs Video Resume: What’s the Difference?

Read more >

Creative Resume Alternatives That Go Beyond the PDF

Read more >

Video Resume Examples and Inspiration to Get You Started

Read more >

Video Resume Tips: The Do’s and Don’ts for Success

Read more >

What Is a Video Resume and Why You Need One in 2025

Read more >

resume builder
Get Started With Our Resume Maker Today! ✨
Create Resume With AI
1# Product of the Week on Product Hunt
By pressing "Create Resume With AI" you agree to our Terms & Privacy Policy