Resume objectives are the first information about you that the employer reads -- they're your chance to make an outstanding first impression. If you don't follow these rules, you'd be better off leaving out your objective statements altogether.

There are several key features to all good resume objectives:

1. Present a unified and exciting theme:

Your resume objectives need to get the rest of the resume read. Don't summarize, let the employers do that themselves. Instead, subtly tell the employers something personal about yourself and why you would appreciate working for them. For instance, in applying to a customer sales representative position at a pet store:

Don't write: Customer service representative with 10 years experience looking to add value to a company.

Write: People-minded individual seeking to help others keep their pets every bit as healthy and happy as my dog Sally.

2. Employer-centric:

Focus on the employer's needs. You need to research the corporation and position you're applying for, and read between the lines. For instance, if you're applying to a sales job for an electronics company, don't mention anything about your past 5 years experience being in new car sales. Instead, figure out common qualities between good car salesmen and electronic salesmen (the ones your employer wants you to have), and mention why you have those:

Don't write: Seeking to utilize 5 years experience in new car sales in the exciting field of electronics.

Write: Seeking to excel in a field combining my love of satisfying customer's needs with my love of selling cutting-edge products.

3. Interesting Some people will tell you that resumes function solely to get you in the door. This couldn't be further from the truth! While "getting you in the door" is an important function of resumes, they also need to include interesting information to discuss during the interview. Look at my first example of good resume objectives. The one mentioning "my dog Sally." Don't you just see Sally coming up during the interview? Use your resume objectives to make you memorable and as ice-breakers during the interview.

Still having trouble? Take a look at the one online comprehensive guide to everything on the resume (not just resume objectives!), Resume and Cover Letter Secrets Revealed.