Sample Objectives for a Résumé for the Hospitality Industry

When applying for a job it is important to stand out from the other candidates. To do this, make sure that you have a clear message, or objective, that you can communicate throughout your résumé and interview. You can choose to keep your objective implicit (a guiding principle that drives your decisions on what skills you emphasize) or to make it explicit by actually writing it on your résumé.

What Is a Résumé Objective?

A résumé objective is a short, pithy statement summarizing what you hope to accomplish with your résumé. Think of it as the one point you want your potential employer to take away from reading the whole page. It should be a specific sentence detailing what position you want, and what skills you will bring to it.

Do You Really Need an Objective on Your Résumé?

Objectives were more important in the past than they are now. They are best for candidates with little experience but a strong sense of purpose for why a specific job will be an excellent fit for them and their career path. If you already have a wealth of experience, consider writing an executive summary instead.

However, while many employers say that they do not require an objective and do not generally find them helpful, a particularly well-crafted statement may still catch their attention.

All this being said, whether or not you write your objective down on your résumé, it is always important to have one prepared in your mind. For every potential job, think about your objective—what you want your employer to take away—and tailor how you showcase your skills in your résumé and interview in order to support that objective.

The Components of a Good Objective

A good objective is actually not about you—it’s about your employer. Take a second and put yourself in the prospective company’s shoes. What would the ideal employee for the position be like? You want your objective to jump out and make your employer think, “That’s exactly what I am looking for!”

Here are some tips for a well-crafted objective statement:

  • Be employer-oriented. Don’t think about why you want the job. Think about why the job is looking to hire you.

  • Explain why you are the best fit. Highlight the skills that the employer will be looking for. Also, try to indicate how this job fits within your overall career plans—this will make it sound like you know what you are looking for and you are serious about the position.

  • Be specific. You should know exactly what position you desire and exactly what skills apply. Do not say, “To work with Human Resources, utilizing my communication skills.” Try, “To work as an Operations manager, utilizing my skills in Excel and in crafting clear and concise documentation in order to strengthen existing systems and build new time-saving procedures.”

The General Formula

This formula, while you can use it exactly, is more to give you a general idea of how you can word your objective. Tweak and add to it in order to suit your needs.

“Obtain a (specific role) position at (company), where I can utilize my skills (skill 1), (skill 2), and (skill 3).”

Sample Objective Statements

Here are a few examples of objective statements. Note that, as is the case with all well-crafted objective statements, these are highly specific.

These scenarios may be different from your own and are meant to be examples to give you the gist of what goes into a quality objective statement. Customize them to fit your own specific job and qualifications.

Example Hospitality Industry Objectives

  • My career objectives are twofold. It is my goal to deliver my duties as (position)to the fullest satisfaction of all members of (company), using my skills with customer service. Finally, as my long term objective, I would like to continue working for the betterment of the company, taking on new responsibilities until I can serve as part of the management

  • My goal is to become the point person for (position) within (company), utilizing and building upon my skills in sourcing, wholesale, retail, and operating by continuously contributing to the company and seeking out professional development.

  • To work as (position) to be a catalyst at growth at (company) by working efficiently and effectively toward (organization goals).

Example Food and Beverage/Hospitality Industry Objectives

  • I would like to work in (position) at (company) in order to broaden my experience in the food and beverage service department with a challenging assignment, which would enable me to exercise my communication, organizational, and administrative skills in an effective manner.

  • I am seeking an opportunity as (position) to show my abilities for achieving absolute satisfaction from guests and contributing to the growth of the company. I have relevant experience in the hospitality industry, as well as customer-related service, from my past roles serving food and beverages and streamlining service procedures.

  • To pursue a challenging and rewarding career in the hotel industry as a(position), where I can demonstrate my mastery of developing exquisite cuisine and beverages, all with an eye on costs. In addition, my ability to motivate guests to return for the culinary experience will be an asset to (company).