Career Statement

The initial statement can also be broken down into two parts. The first part should list the position title of the job for which you are applying. It should be clear and written in as few words as possible. If you are applying for a management position in Human Resources, do not write "To obtain a management position in human resources." Instead, write the exact title of the position. This shows the employer that you have done your research about the company and position.

Use your objective as a way to show what you can do. Phrases such as "seeking an accounting position with specialization in corporate accounts and stock market analysis" shows prospective employers that you have a specific skill set and expertise you can bring to their company. If you don't have an area of expertise, try to think of skills that would benefit someone in that job, such as interpersonal communication, typing, problem-solving, or customer relations. Then show how you can apply those skills to the position by highlighting them in your career objective.

Be specific in your career objectives. Tell prospective employers exactly what kind of job you are seeking, general phrases such as "seeking part-time employment" or "Job in the sales world" are not specific enough. Instead, use phrases such as "a direct sales job working in the telecommunications industry" or "part-time employment providing clerical services to a law firm." These objectives specify the job you are seeking instead of making it look like you will take anything you can get. Of course, you will have to tailor your objective for every job you apply to in this situation, but in the end it will make you a better candidate.

Choose strong verb phrases rather than complete sentences and avoid using the word "I" in your objective. Instead of writing, "I want a job," use the phrase, "seeking employment." Do not ask for anything as part of your career objective; rather, offer your services. When you write, "Seeking employment where I can expand my skills/gain experience/increase exposure," you are essentially asking them to give you something out of the job instead of offering to bring something to their company.

Career statements help define and clarify your professional future. Spending time writing about where you want your career to take you and how to get there is a fruitful exercise. The result is a road map complete with goals and time-lines that you can follow.

If you are thinking about mapping out some career goals, one way of getting started is to compose a career statement. Used as a personal motivational tool, career statements help define and clarify your professional future. Spending time writing about where you want your career to take you and how to get there is a fruitful exercise. The result is a road map complete with goals and time-lines that you can follow.

A career objective statement is more effective when tailored to the specific position type or organization. However, since this may not always be possible, it is also necessary to develop a more general career objective statement that is broad in essence while reflecting your specific strengths and accomplishments.

A personal career statement is a bit different from a company career statement but the fundamental principles are the same. Writing a personal career statement offers the opportunity to establish what is important and perhaps make a decision to stick to it before we even start a career. Or it enables us to chart a new course when we are at a career crossroads.

Steps toward personal career statement development:

★ Identify Past Successes

★ Identify Core Values

★ Identify Contributions

★ Identify Goals

★ Write a career Statement

Elements included in core values:

★ Hard-working

★ Industrious

★ Creativity

★ Problem-Solving

★ Decision-maker

★ Friendly

★ Outgoing

★ Positive

★ Family-oriented

★ Honest

★ Intelligent

★ Compassionate

★ Spiritual

★ Analytical

★ Passionate

★ Contemplative

Example of good career objective statement as an answer:

I believe long terms goals are achieved when we break them into smaller achievable goals. My short term goal is to get a job in an organization that is progressive and performance driven. I wish to join a competent team wherein I can add value to projects and in turn, take home learning as well. My long term plan is to secure a challenging position as XXX in the organization and deliver my best.

It is difficult to flesh out an answer but if you prioritize things, you would be able to come up with an appropriate statement.

You need to contemplate and figure out what exactly you are looking for. If 'getting a job' is your short term goal then what kind of job interests you? What do you plan to achieve once you secure the job? Have you chalked out a career graph keeping in mind the job under consideration?

Start off by planning small goals and draft a career graph for yourself. Be 'employer-oriented'.

There are a few basic things that you need to keep in mind while answering such questions:

If you are one of those who lead an un-planned life, you need to be prepared:

★ Focus

★ Draft the answer well in advance

When you are asked about what are your career goals, it is the time to communicate your short and long term plans with the interview, the interviewer would want to learn how stable you are in your professional/personal life, how you plan to achieve your goals and how you will grow with the company that you are working for.

For sales applicants, you should tailor your objective statement to address the position for which you are applying. If you have previous sales experience, try a statement such as "Seeking a position where my profitability and where my history of high product sales volume will be an asset." If you are new to the field, consider a statement such as "Seeking a position where I am able to gain entry-level experience in sales, while applying my excellent communication and people skills." It is important, even where you have minimal direct experience, to highlight what assets you will bring if selected for a position.