I am planning on applying for some asset management and accounting internships for this coming summer. I am wondering if I should add an objective statement to my resume when submitting it with my applications? Not only am I sure that it adds anything (since the applications themselves are relatively lengthy and a resume is something of a formality), but I am not sure if it is appropriate because an application (such as at BlackRock, for example) can be for multiple positions.
In my opinion, objective statements are only worth including if you are handing out resumes during an amorphous networking event, where companies aren’t advertising specific positions, or if you submit a general application with no specific job selected (though even then, a cover letter would accomplish the goal of communicating the job you’re applying for). If you apply for a job, especially online, your application is tied to the position, so there is no need.
An objective statement could also be worthwhile if you are submitting a resume-only application for a job that may or may not be a stepping stone - for example, I apply for a job as a regular employee at a fast food restaurant because my five-year goal is to own a franchise. In this way, your application can be viewed differently from someone whose plan is to have a job for a little while.
For the most part, however, objective statements are redundant - your objective is to get a job, and your method of attaining your objective is by submitting the very application the objective would be shown in.