If you are sitting at your computer trying to come up with a really great objective statement for your resume, you might find yourself sitting there for a while tapping your fingers. The problem with objective statements is that they focus on what you want instead of how you can meet the needs of the employer. I encourage you to reconsider using an objective statement on your resume and instead, use a personal branding statement, as well as, a targeted, branded career summary. Sought-after candidates are those who can differentiate themselves from the crowd and who can market their unique skills, abilities, and accomplishments in a way that communicates they can meet the needs of the employer. Below, I’ve provided some examples of personal branding statements to help spark the fires of creativity and hopefully get you on the road to a better resume.

Please note these branding statements are designed around the candidate’s individual job search goals and are not intended to be applicable to a mass audience. The goal of a branding statement is to set a candidate apart from the competition while also successfully positioning themselves to achieve their own unique job search objectives.

Sample personal branding statement for Hospitality Executive/General Manager:

Pursued and retained by world-class organizations for repeated success catapulting bottom-line margins and propelling quality and service in establishments ranging from 80 to 650 employees and $5M-$55M budgets. Built strong teams and efficient systems, positively impacting business start-up, growth, and downsizing objectives.

Sample personal branding statement for CTO resume:

Chief software architect for start-up enterprises specializing in innovative data visualization solutions and iPhone applications targeting the young adult market. (Obviously, this client is targeting start-up companies with a very specific focus.)

Personal branding statement for Entry-level Human Resources Administrator:

Dynamic and performance-driven human resources administrator with robust organizational, customer service, and communication skills. Multidisciplinary industry expertise with an emphasis in records management, payroll processing, and accounts payable and receivable.

Personal branding statement for Operational Executive/Division President:

Proven leadership in quickly analyzing key business drivers and developing strategies to grow bottom-line performance.

Strategically focused Operations Executive with proven success in driving improvements in productivity, processes, customer service, and profitability. Recognized for ability to turn around underperforming operations, identify deficiencies and opportunities, and develop innovative and cost-effective solutions for reducing expenses, enhancing competitiveness, and increasing revenues.

I hope the examples I’ve shared above have given you an idea of how a focused, personalized statement about who you are and what you offer can make you stand out as a candidate. Reconsider a bland objective statement and replace it with a powerful, high-impact personal branding statement.