A statement of your professional objective is an optional element on your resume. There are pros and cons to including one. A well-written and focused objective statement gives time-crunched hiring managers an immediate snapshot of who you are and what you bring to the table. That said, the opening statement can do more harm than good if it's generic or overly self-serving.

If you opt to include one, succinctly outline the type of position you're seeking and highlight two to three reasons you're an ideal fit for that type of role.

Concentrate on the value you'll bring to the firm -- not your expectations of the job.

This candidate had it backward:

"OBJECTIVE: To find a job that will offer good hours and exceptable pay."

What do you consider "acceptable"?

These objectives also missed the mark:

"OBJECTIVE: Please do not regard this application."

Consider it disregarded.

"OBJECTIVE: Extend my social skills."

We'll put your desk next to the watercooler.

"OBJECTIVE: To obtain a challenging position as well as gaining no knowledge."

Ignorance is bliss.

"OBJECTIVE: To work with an organization where I can expertise toward the goals of the company."

A candidate with expertise in inventing new verbs.

"OBJECTIVE: I enjoy communicating with people and keeping a positive attitude at all times."

Great! But what is your objective?

Finally, running spell-check and carefully proofreading your resume will help you avoid ironic errors like this one:

"OBJECTIVE: To find a position that allows me to utilize my years of administrative experience, my love of helping people and my exceptional wiriting skills."

Oops.