Are objective statements outdated?

The old style is outdated, but a short, targeted objective can still be useful in some situations. Most experienced candidates now use a professional summary instead.

Outdated style:

• Generic: "Seeking a challenging role in a dynamic organisation."
• Self-focused: it talks only about what you want.
• Long: three or four lines with no facts.

When a modern objective still makes sense:

• You are a student or recent graduate with little experience.
• You are changing careers and need to state your new direction.
• You are applying to a general pool, such as a graduate scheme or a job fair, and need to say what kind of role you want.

If you use one, keep it to one or two lines and include something concrete about what you bring.