Okay let me explain...
The song itself has nothing to do with resumes of course, it’s just the way it’s structured that we are interested in. It breaks all the rules of song writing, putting the chorus before the first verse. Why has Sabrina done this? Many people are speculating that it’s because the rise of short form media like TikTok and Instagram reels is shortening the attention span of audiences.
This also rings true for employers. According to an article by Indeed, employers only spend an average of 7 seconds looking at a resume before deciding whether to keep reading or move on to the next.
Imagine you are hiring for a position, and you have about 50 to 100 resumes to sift through. After a while they all start blending together. It’s the same buzzwords and cliche sentences over and over. Until finally you glance at the top of one resume and it’s not like the rest. It piques your interest, so you keep reading.
This is where the career objective or professional summary comes in. Think of it as your chorus – it needs to grab attention right from the start. It's the first thing employers will read, so make it count!
Here’s an example of a boring and cliché career objective for a digital content producer:
“Seeking a challenging position in a reputable organisation to utilise my skills and contribute to the company’s success.”
That’s an instant skip to the next song, right? Let’s add some flair and make it stand out:
“As a digital content producer with a knack for storytelling and a love for viral trends, I’ve crafted engaging content that’s garnered over 1 million views. I’m eager to bring my creativity and strategic thinking to XYZ Company to create compelling digital experiences that captivate and convert audiences.”
See the difference? The second one is dynamic, specific and gives a glimpse into what makes the candidate unique and valuable. It’s like the catchy chorus of ‘Espresso’ that makes you want to keep listening (or in this case, reading).
Crafting your catchy career objective
Let’s break down what makes a career objective pop. Here are three key elements:
Specificity: Mention specific achievements or skills.
Relevance: Tailor it to the job you’re applying for.
Personality: Show a bit of who you are.
So, when you're writing your resume, channel your inner pop star. Break the rules, start with your strongest assets and make that career objective sing. You only have a few seconds to capture an employer's attention – make every word count! By putting your best achievements front and center, you’re not just telling employers you’re qualified – you’re showing them. So, take a cue from Sabrina Carpenter and start with your chorus.
