For more information, watch the video (part of the Virtual Resource Centre)
"Once you have determined where you are going,
figuring out how to get there will be a far easier task."
- Richard C. Miller
A job objective is basically an employment goal. When you are establishing a job objective, you want to narrow your employment search to the type of jobs you can perform well, have some experience or academic training, or jobs that you would like to have as you are confident you would do them well.
A job objective is required for establishing a direction. Without a job objective - specific or general - you will have a difficult time determining what to include on your résumé, and where to send it. You need to tailor your résumé based on your job objective, and give the employer a variety of reasons why you are the right person for the job.
You will need one in order to start your job search! The more specific you can be about what you want, the more likely you are to find what you're looking for. If you are looking for just anything, your job search will lack the direction you need to find the right job and it is will be most unlikely you will have job satisfaction.
Using the guidelines from Step 1, make a note of the skills you have. You have to take into consideration the following: your work experience, volunteer experience, education, interests, values and skills.
Developing a job objective is more a journey than a destination. We move in a direction rather than towards a specific target. Reaching the goal is less important than the growth and experience we gather as we move along the path that we're continually creating. This journey happens at different levels - at home, at work, during leisure time, etc.
In summary, what would you like to gain from a job? See if anything in this checklist applies to you:
(This idea is taken from The New Quick Job-Hunting Map by Richard Nelson Bolles, 1990.)
There may be other aspects that are important to you too, but think about these things when establishing a job objective.
One option that is becoming increasingly popular is to work abroad. Many online job search tools offer you a wide selection of employment opportunities in a variety of countries (here are just a few). You can use regular search engines, such as Google, to look for recruiting agents in other countries, and then post your résumé online for employers to see. Remember that no matter where you apply, you need an eye-catching résumé and cover letter in order to sell yourself.
For more information, watch the video (part of the Virtual Resource Centre)
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