what does summary of qualifications mean on a resume

Protect your data

This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, and analytics as described in our Privacy Policy . You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, reject non-essential technologies, or further manage your preferences.

• Resume and Cover Letter
• Summary of Qualifications for...

Summary of Qualifications for a Resume (With Examples)

11 min read · Updated on March 27, 2024

Learn how a summary of qualifications can boost your job search

To capture an employer's attention and compete for a fantastic job, you need a truly compelling resume that conveys your qualifications in the best way possible. But how can you maximize your chances of ensuring that employers spend more than five or six seconds skimming your resume? The answer is simple: you need a great resume profile that can capture your reader's attention! And when you need a profile that really stands out, a summary of qualifications can be a great option.

In this post, we'll explain this type of resume profile and examine how it differs from a resume summary or objective statement . We'll also provide the tips you need to learn how to write a summary of qualifications for your resume and some useful examples that you can refer to for inspiration and guidance.

What is a summary of qualifications for a resume?

If you're familiar with objective statements and resume summaries, then you should readily understand the purpose of a summary of qualifications in a resume. Like those other types of resume profiles, a summary of qualifications - also sometimes referred to as a statement of qualifications - serves as an introduction to your resume. It is also exactly what the name suggests: a summary of the qualifications highlighted in your resume.

An effective summary of qualifications will provide key details about your skills , experiences , and accomplishments . Done properly, this brief summarization of those qualifications should spark enough interest in the reader's mind to entice them to read the rest of the document.

Resume summary, objective statement, and summary of qualifications: how they differ

It's also important to understand the differences between a summary of qualifications for a resume and the other two main resume profile options - the objective statement and resume summary. Each of these profile types is designed to introduce you to an employer. However, they each do that in a unique way:

The objective statement

The resume objective statement has been around for many decades. These statements tend to focus on the job seeker's career goals and how the desired job aligns with those objectives. Though the objective statement remains popular with many recent graduates, it is increasingly viewed as obsolete by job seekers who want to focus their profiles on how they can meet the employer's needs.

The resume summary

The resume summary fulfills that goal by emphasizing the job seeker's relevant skills and experiences. In addition, an effective summary also highlights how the job seeker used those skills to achieve measurable results for past employers. In short, it focuses on the type of value that you can provide to a prospective employer by citing specific examples of your notable achievements, using real numbers.

Summary of qualifications

As great as a resume summary paragraph can be, there may be times when you need a profile that can pack an even greater punch. That's where the summary of qualifications can be your best option. Like the resume summary, this profile option focuses on the skills, experiences, and achievements that make you a great candidate for the job. However, it does it in a different way.

You see, it doesn't use the same formatting that you see in standard objective statements or resume summaries. Those two profile types are written as three to five-sentence paragraphs. The summary of qualifications uses a different format altogether. Instead of being written in paragraph form, with complete sentences, it presents your qualifications in bullet point form, using achievement statements like those you would include in your professional experience section.

Related post : Resume Profile Explained (with Examples)

How do you write a summary of qualifications for your resume?

To create your own summary of qualifications for a resume, it's helpful to have a step-by-step guide for creating those bullet point details. The following tips and strategies should provide you with all the information you need to know to draft your own summary.

Select the details you want to include

Before you can create your bullet point summary, you need to decide which information you want to highlight. It's usually best to stick to your most compelling resume details and rewrite them for this summary. You should always start with a bullet point listing your professional title and length of experience in that role, and then include several bullet point examples of notable achievements.

Align your achievements with the role's qualification requirements

When you pick those accomplishments, make sure that they relate to the job you're seeking. Each achievement needs to demonstrate that you have what it takes to not only perform the job's duties, but to do so in a way that adds real value to the organization.

Use numbers to quantify results

To show value, you should ensure that your achievements show measurable results. Some possible examples of quantifiable achievements can include:

Revenue that you brought in for the company

The value of client accounts that you worked with

The number of customers you served

The size of any budget or project that you managed

Numbers related to increased profits, productivity, efficiency, and so on

Use your active voice for these bullet points

Each achievement should be described using an active voice to ensure that your resume summary of qualifications is as compelling as possible. To do that, you should use action verbs and make sure that the reader can understand that your actions produced the results. Consider the differences between these two achievements:

Passive : Inefficiencies were reduced by 12% over three years

Active : Implemented new workflow process that reduced inefficiencies by 12% over three years

The passive example is unclear about how those inefficiencies were reduced. The active example not only ensures that the reader knows you reduced those inefficiencies but also explains how you did it. While both examples do a great job of including real numbers to highlight measurable results, the active example is a far more compelling way to convey that information.

Note also that neither example uses first-person words like “my'' or “I” to describe the job seeker's actions. When it comes to resume writing , you should never begin your bullet points with that first-person emphasis. Instead, start each example with an action verb.

Related post : 100 + Keywords, Verbs and Action Words for Your Resume

Use keywords from the job posting

Your resume profile can be the perfect place to use the keywords your resume needs to get past any applicant tracking systems that the company may be using to screen applicants. You'll need a reasonable concentration of those keywords in your resume if you want your resume to be found in searches. 

To identify likely keywords, review the job posting to find any words or phrases related to specific qualifications - like needed skills, educational credentials, and experience. You can insert those keywords into your achievement bullet points to ensure that the ATS can find the words and phrases it's looking for.

Make sure that your achievements highlight your unique value

Finally, you should always strive to ensure that the summary of qualifications in your resume accurately reflects your personal skills, experience, and value as a potential hire. Don't be afraid to boast about your accomplishments here, as long as you're not stretching the truth. Remember, it's up to you to sing your own praises - none of your rivals are going to do it for you. Focus on the actions you took and the results you achieved.

At the same time, you want to be relatively brief. This is, after all, a summary of qualifications, not a comprehensive essay. Try to limit your bullet points to no more than five or six important statements. That should be enough to capture the hiring manager's attention and make them want to read on to learn more about you.

Summary of qualifications for a resume: examples

We'll end this by looking at some summary of qualifications examples to see how these tips can be used to craft your own summary. We've included examples for several distinct job roles. You can use or customize them to fit your employment needs.

1.     Salesperson summary of qualifications example

• Sales Account Representative with eight years of experience in product sales and client management

Led sales team campaign, doubling sales revenue each year for four consecutive years

Expanded seven major accounts, boosting combined revenue by $2.3 million

Developed and implemented training program, reducing team onboarding time by 43%

Recognized as Salesperson of the Year for 2019 - 2023

2.     Marketing Manager summary of qualifications example

• Dynamic marketing manager with six years of experience in brand enhancement

Led effort to rebrand ABC Corp, increasing market share by 12% and boosting profits by 12%

Designed and implemented digital marketing campaigns for client accounts valued at $15 million

Reorganized DeltaOne's marketing department, reducing costs by 19%

Launched more than two dozen social media advertising campaigns, increasing client customer engagement by an average of 75% per client

Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Anytown College, Anytown (2017)

3.     Software Engineer summary of qualifications example

• Creative Software Engineer with seven years of experience in game and app design

Led seven-person team that designed three of the most popular idle hero games for mobile

Designed characters and locations for definitive version of Big Dog console game

As Mega Media Head Designer, created concept art for company's online and television advertisement campaign, expanding market reach by 16%

Master of Arts, Graphic Design, Pretty Pixels University (2015)

4.     CPA summary of qualifications example

• Data-driven CPA with ten years of experience in payroll management, tax filing, and accounts auditing

Implemented new payroll system that reduced administrative costs by $10,000 annually

Streamlined tax filing process, while identifying more than $30,000 in unused deductions

Executed audit that identified $8,000 in monthly waste and redundancies

Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Money University (2011)

5.     Summary of qualifications example for entry level workers

You may be wondering whether newcomers to the workforce can use this type of resume profile to summarize their qualifications. After all, what achievements can they point to if they've just graduated from school and lack any meaningful work experience? Well, we've put together a summary of qualifications example for students that shows how recent graduates may be able to use this option too.

• BS in Marketing, Marketing Experts University (2024)

Creative marketing specialist, specializing in digital marketing and eCommerce

Partnered with ABC Corp for lab project, revamping their branding and contributing to 23% increase in customer outreach and sales

Internship with ABC Corp, serving as understudy to firm's Marketing Director

Three summers active in Search Engine Marketing bootcamp

You can also employ a similar technique if you're a career changer - even if you lack any direct experience in the industry you're trying to join. All you need to do is focus on transferable skills - skills that you've used in your previous career that can also prove valuable in your desired job - and identify achievements that used those skills. You can think of them as transferable accomplishments, or simply achievements that demonstrate your capability to do the job you're trying to land.

When choosing transferable accomplishments, focus on past achievements that demonstrate vital transferable skills. Those skills can include things like collaboration, leadership, conflict management, communication, and other broad interpersonal skills that are invaluable across a wide array of industries and job roles.

Related post : Make the Perfect Resume for a Career Change

Use a summary of qualifications to capture employers' attention!

To break out of a crowded field of rival candidates, you need to make sure that your resume quickly earns the attention it deserves. Using a summary of qualifications for your resume can be a fantastic way to ensure that employers see your best qualifications laid out right at the beginning of your resume, capturing their interest and increasing the chances of an interview and eventual job offer.

Need more tips on using a summary of qualifications for your resume? Get your free resume review from our team of experts today and find out how we can help you create the resume you need for job search success.

Recommended reading:

9 Soft Skills Employers Want in 2024

Make the Perfect First Impression with Your Resume

Create a Personal Brand That Sets You Apart

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

Career Advice Newsletter

Our experts gather the best career & resume tips weekly. Delivered weekly, always free.

Thanks! Career advice is on its way.

Share this article:

Let's stay in touch.

Subscribe today to get job tips and career advice that will come in handy.

Your information is secure. Please read our privacy policy for more information.

• Career Blog

Resume Summary of Qualifications: Complete Guide for 2024

When it comes to crafting a successful resume, the Summary of Qualifications (also known as a Career Summary, Professional Summary, or Executive Summary) is a crucial element. This section of the resume immediately follows the header and objective statement and serves as a snapshot of the job seeker’s most relevant skills and experience.

Defining the Purpose of a Summary of Qualifications

The purpose of a Summary of Qualifications is to provide a concise, high-level overview of the candidate’s most impressive selling points. Instead of diving deep into every minutiae of the job seeker’s work history, the summary provides an executive overview that enables the employer to quickly and easily determine if the candidate has the necessary qualifications for the position.

The summary section usually consists of a short list of bullet points or sentences that highlight the candidate’s most compelling achievements, skills, and experiences that relate explicitly to the job they’re seeking.

Benefits of Using a Summary of Qualifications

There are several benefits to using a Summary of Qualifications in a resume, including:

Capturing the employer’s attention: By providing a high-level view of the candidate’s most impressive qualifications, the summary section immediately catches the employer’s attention and makes them want to keep reading.

Highlighting the most relevant information: The summary section helps to filter out all the extraneous information that may be clogging up your full resume, allowing the employer to focus on the information that is most pertinent to the position.

Tailored to each job application: Since the summary section is meant to capture the most relevant qualifications, candidates can tailor this section to fit each application they submit. It’s a great way to highlight specific skills and accomplishments that match the job description while removing anything that isn’t relevant.

Comparison with Other Types of Resume Summaries

While the Summary of Qualifications is the most common type of resume summary, there are other options, such as a Professional Summary or Objective Statement.

A Professional Summary is similar to a Summary of Qualifications, but it doesn’t focus as much on the candidate’s achievements. It instead provides a brief overview of the candidate’s skills and experience.

An Objective Statement is a brief statement at the top of the resume that outlines what the candidate is looking for in their next job. Objective statements aren’t as common today as they were 20 years ago, as most experts believe that they don’t provide enough value to a resume.

The Summary of Qualifications is the most effective type of resume summary. It enables candidates to showcase their most impressive qualifications, capture the employer’s attention, and highlight the most relevant information.

Writing an Effective Resume Summary of Qualifications

A well-crafted summary of qualifications can be the difference between getting an interview and being overlooked by hiring managers. To create an effective summary, it’s imperative to keep in mind the specific employer and job you’re applying for. By researching the company and job posting, you can tailor your summary to highlight the skills and qualities they’re looking for.

To capture the attention of the reader, start off with a powerful and attention-grabbing headline. This should be a concise statement that sums up your experience and qualifications. Instead of using generic phrases like “highly qualified” or “experienced professional,” be specific and consider incorporating relevant buzzwords from the job posting.

Once you’ve hooked the reader with your headline, it’s time to showcase your relevant experience and skills. This section should focus on your most impressive accomplishments and contributions. Be sure to use metrics and quantifiable results whenever possible. Numbers can help demonstrate the tangible impact you’ve made in previous roles.

While it’s important to highlight your achievements, remember to keep it concise and engaging. The summary of qualifications should ideally be limited to 3-4 bullet points or sentences. Avoid using lofty language or industry jargon that may not be easily understood by those outside of your field.

By following these guidelines, you can create a resume summary of qualifications that effectively communicates your value to potential employers.

Structure of a Resume Summary of Qualifications

When crafting a winning resume summary of qualifications, it is essential to pay attention to the following elements that make the content stand out:

Components of a good Summary of Qualifications:

• Concise value proposition – use a strong statement to communicate your worth
• Core competencies: Highlight your most relevant and impressive skills and abilities
• Industry-specific keywords: Incorporate industry buzzwords, acronyms, and jargon to ensure the ATS picks up your resume

Ideal length and format

Your summary of qualifications should be no longer than four to six lines or 50-100 words. They should be easy to scan and read, so use bullet points, bold fonts for emphasis, and sufficient white space to increase the visual appeal of your document.

Examples of effective Summary of Qualifications

Here are some examples of effective summary of qualifications that you can consider including in your resume:

Marketing Manager with over 7 years of experience in devising and executing well-strategized campaigns that convert leads to sales while building brands’ reputation. Skilled in digital marketing, SEO, PPC, and email marketing.

Results-driven IT professional with over 10 years of experience in programming, systems architecture, and network administration. Adept in project management and collaboration with cross-functional teams to design solutions that improve operations efficiency.

Accomplished Customer Service Representative with 5+ years of experience in handling customer queries and complaints with professionalism and empathy. Skilled in conflict resolution and communicating solutions to customers, effectively improving overall satisfaction scores.

Your summary of qualifications serves as the teaser that helps recruiters determine whether or not your application is worth reading further. Ensure that you include only the most relevant and compelling details about your work experience, skills, and achievements, so it stands out among the sea of others seeking employment.

Resume Summary of Qualifications: Complete Guide

Personalizing your summary of qualifications.

When creating your resume’s summary of qualifications, it is essential to personalize it to showcase your unique value proposition, strengths, and achievements. This section of your resume gives employers a quick snapshot of your most relevant skills and experience related to the job you are applying for. Here are some tips on how to make your summary of qualifications stand out:

Identifying your unique value proposition

Your unique value proposition is what sets you apart from other applicants. It highlights your specific skills, experience, and accomplishments that make you valuable to the employer. To identify your unique value proposition, ask yourself:

• What are my top skills and strengths?
• What sets me apart from other applicants?
• What have I achieved that demonstrates my value?

Your answers to these questions will help you create a summary of qualifications that highlights your unique value proposition.

Focusing on your strengths and achievements

While it’s essential to include your work experience and education in your resume, the summary of qualifications is where you can show off your strengths and achievements. When describing your strengths, be specific and use concrete examples. Mention any awards or recognition you’ve received for your work.

When highlighting your achievements, focus on the impact you’ve made in your past roles. Talk about how your work resulted in cost savings, increased productivity, or improved customer satisfaction. Highlighting your achievements shows employers that you are a results-driven individual.

Using keywords and phrases relevant to the job

Employers often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes before a human ever sets eyes on them. These systems scan resumes for specific keywords and phrases related to the job. To make sure your resume makes it past the ATS and onto the desk of a human recruiter, use keywords and phrases relevant to the job.

Carefully read the job description and make a list of the keywords and phrases that are essential to the job. Then, make sure to include those keywords and phrases in your summary of qualifications.

Your summary of qualifications is your chance to make a memorable first impression on potential employers. By identifying your unique value proposition, focusing on your strengths and achievements, and using keywords and phrases relevant to the job, you can create a summary of qualifications that sets you apart and lands you an interview.

Mistakes to Avoid in a Resume Summary of Qualifications

When it comes to crafting a summary of qualifications for your resume, it’s important to strike the right balance between being descriptive and concise. However, there are several common pitfalls that you should avoid at all costs.

Common pitfalls to avoid

The following are some of the mistakes that job seekers commonly make in their resume summary of qualifications:

Overgeneralizing or using cliches:  Steer clear of vague statements that do not really reveal your skills, experiences or strengths. Avoid commonly used phrases like “detail-oriented,” “team player” or “strong communication skills” without providing any concrete examples or evidence to support them.

Being too vague or too specific:  Writing a summary of qualifications that is either too broad or too narrow will not serve the purpose of the summary. Try to avoid being too general by listing skills without specificity, or being too specific by including irrelevant or redundant information.

Writing in the wrong tone or style:  A summary of qualifications should be written in a professional tone that mirrors the job you are applying for. Avoid using informal language or humor, and be mindful of the language used in the job posting to ensure that your summary is appropriate for the position.

Tips for Making Your Summary of Qualifications Stand Out

A successful resume summary of qualifications can be a valuable asset in securing your dream job. While it is crucial to get your point across succinctly, it is equally important to make your summary stand out to catch the recruiter’s eye. To achieve this goal, we recommend following these tips:

Customizing your Summary of Qualifications for Each Job

One of the most important things you should do is customize your summary of qualifications for each job. Read the job description carefully, and take note of the necessary qualifications and skills the position requires. Then, tailor your summary to highlight your relevant achievements and experiences that align with those requirements. Doing this shows the recruiter that you have taken the time to consider their specific needs, which makes you a more compelling candidate.

Using Active Verbs and Varied Sentence Structures

Another way to make your summary of qualifications stand out is by incorporating active verbs and varied sentence structures. Using active verbs such as “created,” “analyzed,” and “managed” shows that you are a proactive person who takes initiative. Including varied sentence structures also helps keep your summary from becoming monotonous and tedious. Aim to include both short and long sentences and avoid using the same words repeatedly.

Making it Visually Appealing

Another way to make your summary of qualifications pop is by making it visually appealing. Create a clean, easy-to-read format with bullet points, bold text, and appropriate fonts that will attract the recruiter’s attention. By doing this, you will make sure that important points stand out and are easy to read.

Incorporating Calls to Action and Contact Information

Last but not least, don’t forget to incorporate calls to action and contact information in your summary of qualifications. Closing your summary with a call to action invites the recruiter to take action, whether that’s reaching out to you or scheduling an interview. Additionally, include your contact information, such as email and phone number, to make it easy for the recruiter to get in touch with you.

Customizing your summary of qualifications for each job, using active verbs, making it visually appealing, and including calls to action and contact information are crucial in making your summary stand out. Follow these tips, and your summary of qualifications is sure to capture the attention it deserves.

Examples of Great Resume Summary of Qualifications

When it comes to creating an effective resume summary of qualifications, one of the best ways to get started is to look at examples from various industries. Here are some examples that can serve as inspirations:

Sample 1: Marketing Professional

“Highly skilled marketing professional with over a decade of experience in creating and executing successful marketing campaigns. Proficient in developing and implementing marketing strategies that deliver results. Demonstrated ability to build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders and drive revenue growth through effective marketing efforts.”

Analysis:  This summary effectively showcases the candidate’s extensive marketing experience and skills. The use of specific quantitative data like “over a decade of experience” and “drive revenue growth” helps to establish credibility and authority.

How to adapt it:  If you’re a marketing professional, you can take inspiration from this summary by highlighting your specific skills and accomplishments in your own summary. For instance, you can mention your expertise in developing effective marketing campaigns or your proven track record of driving revenue growth.

Sample 2: Software Engineer

“Experienced software engineer with a strong background in developing scalable, high-performance software applications. Proficient in a variety of programming languages and frameworks. Expert in software design, testing, and deployment.”

Analysis:  This summary is short and to the point, but effectively showcases the candidate’s technical expertise and experience. The use of specific technical terms like “scalable, high-performance software applications” and “software design, testing, and deployment” demonstrates the candidate’s depth of knowledge.

How to adapt it:  If you’re a software engineer, you can take inspiration from this summary by highlighting your technical skills and experience. For instance, you can mention your proficiency in programming languages and frameworks, your experience in software design and testing, or any notable projects you’ve worked on.

Sample 3: Sales Representative

“Results-driven sales representative with a proven track record of exceeding sales targets. Skilled in building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and identifying opportunities for growth. Excellent communication and negotiation skills.”

Analysis:  This summary effectively highlights the candidate’s sales expertise and accomplishments. The use of specific quantitative data like “proven track record of exceeding sales targets” and “identifying opportunities for growth” helps to establish credibility and authority.

How to adapt it:  If you’re a sales representative, you can take inspiration from this summary by highlighting your sales accomplishments and customer relationship management skills. For instance, you can mention your experience in exceeding sales targets or developing strategies to identify new sales opportunities.

These examples demonstrate the power of a well-crafted resume summary of qualifications to showcase your skills and experience to potential employers. By analyzing what makes these summaries effective and adapting them to your own resume, you can create a summary that effectively highlights your unique strengths and qualifications.

Summary of Qualifications for Different Career Stages

When writing a summary of qualifications for your resume, it’s important to tailor it to your career stage. Here are some recommendations for entry-level, mid-career, and executive positions.

Entry-Level

If you’re just starting out in your career, focus on showcasing your relevant skills and education. Include any internships or volunteer experiences that demonstrate your work ethic and passion for the field. Don’t be afraid to mention any clubs or organizations you’ve been a part of that are related to your field of interest.

Here’s an example:

For those who have some years of experience under their belt, highlight your accomplishments and demonstrate your ability to take on leadership roles. Focus on your quantifiable achievements, such as increased revenue or improved processes.

For those in executive positions, it’s important to focus on your strategic vision and ability to lead teams to success. Highlight any industry awards or recognitions you have received.

Career Changers/Employment Gaps

For those who are changing careers or who have gaps in their employment, focus on highlighting transferable skills and any relevant experiences. Consider including any volunteer or freelance work that you’ve done.

Tailoring your resume summary of qualifications to your career stage is crucial to making your application stand out. Focus on showcasing your relevant skills and experiences and don’t be afraid to highlight your achievements. For career changers or those with employment gaps, concentrate on your transferable skills and relevant experiences.

Related Articles

• Including References on Your Resume: Formatting Examples
• Responding to a Rejection Email: Sample Emails Included
• EMT Job Description: Salary, Skills, & More for 2023
• The Ultimate Store Manager Resume Guide: Examples & Tips
• C-Level Executive Resume: Best Performing Examples for 2023

Rate this article

0 / 5. Reviews: 0

More from ResumeHead

How to Write a Summary of Qualifications on a Resume

Quick Navigation:

What is a summary of qualifications?

Why include a summary of qualifications, how to write a summary of qualifications, examples of a summary of qualifications, summary of qualifications faq.

A summary of qualifications gives your resume a personality. It tells your story in more detail and makes your resume stand out from the rest. However, they are more beneficial to those in specific situations. Learn what a summary of qualifications is, follow some steps to write your own and view a list of examples and frequently asked questions.

A summary of qualifications or qualifications profile is an optional section often placed at the top of a resume. Within a summary, you can list your achievements, skills and other qualifications and define them in a more in-depth manner. The format of a summary of qualifications uses brief statements to highlight some of your most relevant skills for your industry or field.

Including a summary of qualifications within your resume adds a creative and personalized feeling, making it stand out. This section can generate interest for hiring managers, encouraging them to read further. Summaries are most beneficial to individuals who require an additional explanation for their job search. For example, recent graduates with little experience use this section to explain their focus on studies. Those with transferrable skills might seek a new career in a different industry and their summary explains that in detail.

1. First, collect and include quantifiable data

The first step is to collect quantifiable data that makes your resume stand out. Use percentages or other numerical measurements to explain your previous experience. Some of your options include revenue amounts you saved, time you spent in a position, budget sizes you handled or any simple percentage of increase or decrease you created for improvement. Include this information within your summary of qualifications.

2. Second, summarize your education and experience

The second step involves summarizing your education and overall experience. Introduce your degrees and discuss programs you excelled in. If you’re a recent graduate, include if you earned any recognition such as valedictorian or salutatorian. If you earned any awards throughout your college or professional career, include them as well with a brief summary of details.

3. Third, summarize your skills, licenses or certificates

The third step involves summarizing your skills, licenses, certificates or other noteworthy information. Discuss both hard and soft skills learned during college, internships or an official employment capacity. This includes anything from generic communication skills to specific industry applications and machinery. Introduce any additional training courses you graduated from and special certifications.

4. Then, include job-specific keywords

The fourth step is to include job-specific keywords. Keywords are important on any resume for pleasing applicant tracking systems (ATS). An ATS is a software application that handles recruitment for employers by identifying the best resumes that fit their criteria. Research the position you’re interested in and study the job posting. Identify specific keywords that come up frequently and spread them throughout your resume and your summary. Avoid keyword-stuffing and only place them as essential details to complement your own skills and qualifications.

5. Finally, personalize it

The final step is to personalize it by telling your story. Explain what makes you unique or why you’re an ideal fit for the role. If you’re switching careers, a recent graduate or need an additional explanation, be sure to introduce it thoroughly. The more creative, unique and personal you make the section, the more interesting your resume becomes for employers. Careful editing and rewording may be necessary until you add the right character for the role.

The following list outlines examples of qualification summaries:

Example of a general summary

• Three years of agency experience in digital marketing
• Creative, determined, fast-paced and strategic
• Skills in critical thinking, problem-solving
• Specialized training in Facebook ads, LinkedIn ads and web design
• Four-year degree in marketing with a focus on digital spaces 

Example for a career change

• Award-winning casting manager with 10 years of experience now seeks management in human resources
• High-performing, strategic-thinking, detail-oriented professional with expertise in identifying and recruiting talent
• Four-year film school graduate with a minor in Psychology who effectively communicates with diverse populations
• Excellent skills in assessing needs, generating options and implementing solutions
• Earned certification in HR management as it pertains to the casting career field

Example for advanced experience

• Five years of experience assisting project managers in the field
• 15 years of experience in the construction industry
• Advanced skills and knowledge in team building, building codes, construction laws and budget analysis
• Four-year degree in construction engineering and certified first-aid professional
• Earned additional certification in accounting and bookkeeping

Example for a recent graduate

• Recent graduate with a four-year degree in graphic design
• Creative, determined, dependable
• Works well under pressure with tight deadlines
• Advanced experience with Photoshop and InDesign
• Advanced skills in storyboarding, concept art, logo design and character art

The following list answers some of the most common questions relating to qualification summaries:

Do qualification summaries negatively impact ATS ratings?

A summary of qualifications gives you the opportunity to add more detail and personalization to your resume. Since ATS tracks specific keyword usage, using your summary as a way to express many of those keywords positively impacts ATS ratings. As mentioned previously, however, avoid keyword-stuffing as it may negatively impact your score. 

Can I omit a skills section if I include a summary of qualifications?

Only omit a skills section from your resume if you include all relevant skill information in your summary. If you cannot include or expand upon all of your skills, then keep your skills section for all information you were unable to include. 

Is there a difference between a resume objective and a summary of qualifications?

Resume objectives are often short, including no more than three sentences. They’re meant to be a very brief introduction of the candidate. A summary of qualifications allows you to add more detail and clarification, usually taking more space than the average objective section. You should identify which section has greater benefits for you and your situation but avoid including both sections on your resume.

Resume Templates

Resume samples

Create and edit your resume online

Generate compelling resumes with our AI resume builder and secure employment quickly.

Write a cover letter

Cover Letter Examples

Cover Letter Samples

Create and edit your cover letter

Use our user-friendly tool to create the perfect cover letter.

Featured articles

• How to Write a Motivation Letter With Examples
• How to Write a Resume in 2024 That Gets Results
• Teamwork Skills on Your Resume: List and Examples
• What Are the Best Colors for Your Resume?

Latests articles

• Top 5 Tricks to Transform Your LinkedIn Profile With ChatGPT
• Using ChatGPT to Prepare for Interviews: Top Tips and Steps
• How to Create an Effective Cover Letter with ChatGPT
• 10 Jobs in High Demand in 2024: Salaries and Expected Growth

Dive Into Expert Guides to Enhance your Resume

How to write a qualifications summary on a resume

The achievements that make you stand out

As an introduction to your resume, the  qualifications summary is a an excellent option to make sure your application stands out  and grabs the attention of a potential employer.

Hiring managers or human resource staff spend hours looking through resumes when they have a vacancy, this can become very tedious when all of the applications they receive have similar work experience or skill sets. That is why learning  how to write a winning qualifications summary for your resume  could be the key to earning you a chance at an interview for your dream job.

Having an attractive,  optimized resume introduction  like a  qualification summary , also known as a  professional profile  or  summary of qualifications , which showcases your strengths in a short, clear section right at the beginning of your resume is a surefire way to capture the reader’s interest.

Read on for a  simple guide on what to include in a qualifications summary on your resume , tips on how to write it and practical qualification summary examples to help you create one of your own.

The qualifications summary tends to be used more often in  functional or combined resume structures  as opposed to the classic  chronological format  but this is not always the case and can be a great addition to any resume.

What is the Qualifications Summary?

Knowing  how to write a qualifications summary for a resume  can mean the difference between an average application and one that stands out from other candidates.

A  qualifications summary is one of three options for a resume introduction  that begins by  showcasing the most relevant and influential aspects of the candidate’s experience,  such as their major achievements, skills and qualifications.

Contrary to the  resume objective  or  summary statement , a qualifications summary is written in  bullet point format , highlighting the most impressive elements of your professional profile ensuring to  focus on the position  being applied to.

There are  different ways to start a resume  and the qualifications summary is an optional section which can be added or replaced depending on each candidate’s needs. The  resume format  you choose to employ and your level of experience, whether you are writing a student, entry-level or  professional resume , will influence your decision to use the qualifications summary or another of the possible resume introductions.

The  qualifications summary on a resume  is a useful tool for candidates whose resumes will likely be reviewed by Applicant Tracking Systems. The reason for this is that ATS software is designed to read through resumes in order to discard any that do not include the keywords that have been programmed for that particular position. This is a subtle reminder for jobseekers to ensure they  use keywords taken from the job description  etc. to detail their abilities and knowledge.

To  write a qualifications summary  which presents the most inviting information about your professional profile, you must ensure that this section  concentrates on the benefits that you can bring to the company or position  in question. That means that it will include your most outstanding achievements and skills which are  relevant to the sector  and role to which you are applying.

A qualification summary on a resume often attracts attention from potential employers  because it makes their life easier. Hiring managers save time and energy usually spent reading through the entire resume by reading the  highlighted qualifications in the summary  and are able to get a basic understanding of what that candidate can offer the business.

Key qualifications to include on your resume

Whether you use a resume template or not, it is worthwhile to have an idea of some of the  key qualifications to include in your resume  to use as a guide.

The following is a  step-by-step guide to help you get a better understanding of how to write a qualification summary for your resume  using these 6 different points:

1. Start with your expertise : Begin by introducing your  years of experience  in the field or in similar positions for  professional resumes . You can indicate a general overview of your responsibilities in these jobs. Mention here any  special courses or training  you have undertaken. For  students or entry-level candidates , you will  include your highest degree  and can emphasize majoring or minoring in a subject, any projects, or your final thesis, as long as it is relevant to the vacancy.

2. Show off your creative side : Explain an instance in which you have  introduced, implemented or created a program or practice  or found a new solution which has been beneficial to the company or association in some way.

3. Prove your efficiency : Include an  example of when you have increased productivity or revenue for the company  by any means such as using resources well, personal effort, saving time or energy, updating, renewing or improving practices.

4. Acknowledgements : Mention any  awards or honors  you have received for your work or collaboration. If you have been commended in any  publications  or been praised for your actions in any way  related to the position or industry  you are applying to, state the source and the reasons for the recognition.

5. Management : Describe any  positions of leadership  you have held, including the number of people under your supervision, any specific management styles you pertain to, or ways in which you have  managed a project or assignment  and seen it through to the end.

6. Interpersonal skills in practice : Finally, also  include an explanation of your interpersonal skills  and communication. This can allude to relationships with coworkers, junior or senior staff, customers, clients or suppliers. Or you could demonstrate your skills in terms of public speaking or giving presentations.

As well as these 6 points which should be addressed as fully and clearly as possible, you can also introduce any other aspects that are  relevant to the position  and you feel would  benefit your application  or would be advantageous to offer the company.

Although it is highly recommended to  focus your attention on quantifiable examples  and the basic information from these points, you can also  include other soft or hard skills or certificates which may be unique to your application , whilst still tailoring your information the position in order to stand out in the process. Learn more about how to include  professional certificates on your resume .

Following these rules and remembering to  tailor your qualification summary to the position  on offer will help you to create a resume that will get noticed for the right reasons.

Remember, if you need a little extra guidance, you can also use an  online resume builder  to help you  construct an effective resume for your ideal job  with an outstanding qualification summary to boot.

Tips for writing a good qualifications summary

Whether you’re just learning  how to write a qualifications summary for your resume  or you just need to give it a new spin, these top tips will help you make the most of this all-important resume tool.

The  qualifications summary on a resume is a very effective tool  for candidates who have an extensive work history either as a professional in that sector or as a  career changer who has transferable skills .

Examples of Qualifications Summaries

To be able to  create an effective qualification summary introduction , check out some of these examples to grasp the structure and style of qualification summaries.

Key Account Manager Qualifications Summary Example

• Sociable – Organized – Goal-oriented
• 5 years experience in customer and client relationship building.
• Exceeded sales targets by more than 60% two years running.
• Landed and managed several individual client accounts worth $100,000+.
• Effectively trained and led team of 8 Sales Executives.
• Received Top Sales Award from company 3 consecutive years.
• Spearheaded new marketing plans with research and media strategies which have improved profits by $2.6 million gross per annum.

Executive Chef Qualifications Summary Example

• Creative – Team player – Excellent time management
• 12 years experience in Michelin star restaurants in NYC and Paris.
• Expertise in French haute cuisine.
• Prepared between 700-1000 covers daily.
• Reinvented menu to improve attendance by 110% and profits.
• Specialist knowledge of FDA requirements.
• Catered for a wide range of 3 and 5-course fine dining galas, fundraising events and festivals.

Entry-Level IT Associate Qualifications Summary Example

• Analytical – Resourceful – Flexible
• Two years experience in Library Helpdesk Technical Assistance.
• Graduate of BSc in Computer and Information Technology with 3.50 GPA.
• Proficient in several programming languages, software applications, operating systems and database management.
• Exceptional troubleshooting skills resulting in an improvement of 30% in issue-resolution.
• Accustomed to fast turn-around times for maintenance and technical tasks.

The qualifications summary on a resume differs from the summary statement simply by the manner of formatting the information included. As seen in these  qualification summary examples , the general layout is what makes the  difference between the summary statement and the qualification summary  as opposed to the content or focus.

If you prefer to offer a paragraph format for your summary or to get extra  resume help with your summary statement,  you can take a look at our guide to writing one to ensure you create the best possible introduction to your resume for your job search.

If you need help putting together your qualifications summary,  ResumeCoach  also offers an  online resume maker  which gives you professional advice and clear, practical examples to follow, to ensure you get the most out of your resume.

Struggling with Resume Writing?

Ease the process with our templates

How to Add a Summary of Qualifications to a Resume [+Examples]

• January 17, 2024
• In Resumes & Cover Letters

The summary of qualifications, or highlight of qualifications, is one of the most critical sections, and you will want to ensure that you get it right. Potential employers need to look at your resume and see all the information required to form a judgment about you without the unnecessary waffle.

When it comes to adding a summary of qualifications to a resume , knowing exactly how to present the list and what order to put things in will help ensure that your resume provides the best possible first impression of you and your skills .

What Does a Summary of Qualifications Mean on a Resume?

In most cases, a summary of qualifications is a section placed at the top of your resume. It would help if you used this section to list all of your most important achievements, qualifications, certifications, and experience. You will often need to adjust your summary of qualifications to the job you are applying for to be as relevant as possible for each role.

What Should You Include in a Summary of Qualifications?

A summary of qualifications is a section on a resume that highlights important work achievements, skills, and experience. It provides a concise overview of your qualifications and serves as a snapshot of your abilities for potential employers. 

• Key Skills: List the skills that are most relevant to the job you are applying for. These can include technical skills, soft skills, and industry-specific skills.
• Work Experience: Highlight your most significant work experiences and accomplishments. Focus on achievements that demonstrate your skills and qualifications for the job.
• Education: Include your educational background, such as degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework.
• Industry Knowledge: Mention any specific industry knowledge or expertise that you possess.
• Achievements: Highlight any notable achievements or awards that are relevant to the job.
• Keywords: Use keywords and phrases that are commonly used in the industry or job description to optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS)
• Quantifiable Results: Whenever possible, include specific numbers, percentages, or metrics to quantify your achievements and demonstrate the impact of your work.
• Relevance: Tailor your summary of qualifications to the specific job you are applying for. Focus on the qualifications and skills that are most relevant to the position.

How to Write a Summary of Qualifications?

When writing a summary of qualifications, you should include the following:

Your summary of qualifications is supposed to be an overview of the key points held within your resume, so it makes sense to write it once the rest of your resume is complete.

The idea of your summary of qualifications is to highlight the skills and abilities which make you the best person for the job. Take some time to write down the things you are good at and the skills you have learned in previous positions. This could be the targets you have achieved, the technology you have mastered, or your featured publications.

When speaking about your achievements, you should include information such as the number of years you worked within a role, the number of people in a team, and the budgets you worked with.

When applying for a new job, you should always make sure to thoroughly read the job description and check the company’s website. The information you can gather from these places offers insight into keywords commonly used terms and the skills that are often desired. Using keywords can help your resume stand out and catch recruiters’ interest.

Although you should avoid statements like “I” and “we,” your summary of qualifications should be unique to you. Take the time to consider the things which emphasize your role.

Try to avoid unnecessary words and keep your statements as short as possible.

Summary of Qualifications Examples

Here are some examples of resume summary statements for different types of experience and qualifications:

Summary of Qualifications for Students

• Completed a 2-year course in (relevant qualification) with honors
• Voted student ambassador for senior year
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and similar systems
• Three years of voluntary experience with a local soup kitchen

Examples of Qualifications Summary for Entry-Level Roles

• Four years experience working as a volunteer for a church youth group, assigning roles and completing tasks.
• Worked as part of a team of 8 volunteers to successfully run an easter holiday camp for 60 children aged 5-12.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and similar systems, able to work with both Excel and Word
• Completed (name of degree) at (name of college) in (year)
• Studied for first aid certification and completed required assessments

Examples of Qualifications Summary for Accountants

• Completed Bachelors Degree in Accounting at (relevant college)
• Experienced and familiar with a variety of data entry systems and accounting software
• Five years of experience working within a large accounting firm, achieving deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Promoted to team leader within my department after six months
• Five years of experience working with a variety of accountancy software
• Experienced in taxation and regulatory compliance

Summary of Qualifications for Administrative Assistants

• 15 years working with a team of administrative assistants
• Experience with a variety of different record-keeping and data-entry systems
• Introduced a new method of data entry which helped to reduce clerical errors by 25% and streamlined processes
• Collaborated with a team of 5 others to liaise between different departments and clients

Examples of Qualifications Summary for  Project Managers

• Experience leading a team of 12
• Seven years of working with the same team of staff members
• Grew profits from 5% to 12% annually within my department
• Met deadlines for every project within the last five years

Summary of Qualifications for Teacher

• Ten years of experience working with special needs children
• Five years experience as the lead teacher in the English department
• Successful completion of special needs training, ASL, and disability handling courses
• Five years working as head of the English department in a high school setting  

Examples of Qualifications Summary for Medical Assistants

• Seven years of experience working within a medical environment
• Two years working in an Emergency Department
• Experienced in organizing and handling patient charts and documentation
• Trained in techniques required to collect patient vitals and the best ways to document this
• Excellent communication skills and ability to liaise between patients and doctors where required
• Experience working within a fast-paced and highly demanding working environment which required fast reactions and attention to detail

Examples of Qualifications Summary for Financial Analysts

• Completed Master’s Degree in Accounting from (relevant college)
• Registered and licensed with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
• Three years experience working as a trainee financial analyst

Summary of Qualifications Customer Service Roles

• Six years of experience working in retail
• Completed relevant training to become a designated first aider
• Promoted to Duty Manager after 12 months
• Awarded employee of the month on five separate occasions
• Trained in cash handling and balancing

Examples of Qualifications Summary for Management Positions

• Successfully led a team of 25 to increase growth and revenue by 30% over ten years.
• Reduced staff turnover by 59% by implementing a range of staff satisfaction measures
• Increased department profits by 7% in the first 12 months
• Implemented growth and sustainability measures which were adopted company-wide

In Conclusion

Your resume will often be the first impression a potential employer has of you, so it is crucial to get it right. Making sure you include a summary of qualifications tailored to the role you are applying for can help you stand out from the crowd, promoting your strengths and the skills that make you the best candidate for the job.

Popular related posts:

• Thank You Email After Interview: Examples, Dos, and Don’ts
• 7 Ways to Improve Your Cover Letter Today
• Resume Objective Examples for 2022 [+How-to Guide]
• Cover Letter Format: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2022
• How To Write a Cover Letter With No Experience in 9 Steps

Get Expert Resume Writing Help

No time to polish your resume and cover letter? Send it to our team of resume-writing experts.

• No products in the cart.
• Resume Writing Service
• Free Resume Review
• Resume Templates
• Career Advice

• Search Search Please fill out this field.
• Career Planning
• Finding a Job

What Is a Summary of Qualifications?

Definition & Examples of a Summary of Qualifications

• How Summary of Qualifications Work
• Summary of Qualification Benefits
• Summary of Qualification Examples

A summary of qualifications is a resume section that lists achievements, skills, and experience. This section is optional and, if used, should be customized for each position.

Learn more about how to use a summary of qualifications on your resume.

A qualifications summary section of a resume is an optional customized section at the beginning of a resume. It lists key achievements, skills, experience, and the qualifications that are most relevant to the position you're applying for.

This summary should be placed at the top of your resume under your name and contact information.

• Alternate names : Qualifications profile, highlights of qualifications, summary

How a Summary of Qualifications Works

A summary of qualifications can consist of a couple of sentences or a brief, bulleted list of three to five items. It should be short and show the recruiter why you're qualified for the position.

You might highlight the amount of relevant experience you have and mention qualifications that will separate you from other candidates. Be specific about your achievements. For example, for a public relations position with an organization, one of your bullet points might say, "Increased social media engagement by 20%."

You can also include soft skills that are a match for the position for which you are applying. Soft skills are non-technical skills like work ethic and problem-solving. If you're applying for a retail management position, you might list, "Skilled at resolving customer service issues."

Benefits of a Summary of Qualifications

The typical hiring manager or recruiter is tasked with reviewing dozens, if not hundreds, of job applications. To get through them all, they typically spend just over seven seconds reviewing submitted resumes.   One of the advantages of including a summary of qualifications is that it's a great tool to catch the reviewer’s eye within that critical seven-second time span.

Much like a cover letter, it's beneficial to modify and tailor your summary to target each employer's specific needs. You can do this by carefully reading the qualifications requested in the job posting and then designing your summary to reflect these qualifications. 

Although a summary of qualifications is optional, it's worth considering for many job seekers. Those who can benefit include:

• Experienced job seekers : A summary of qualifications works especially well for people with extensive work experience. It's an effective way to showcase the experiences that best speak to the qualifications an employer is seeking. 
• Recent graduates : Resume summary statements are also a useful tool for recent college graduates. If they have limited work experience, new graduates should tailor the statement to highlight relevant transferable skills they've developed through their educational experiences and volunteer work.
• Career changers : Career changers can also show transferable skills in the summary of qualifications and prevent their most recent and possibly unrelated experience from throwing off the hiring manager.

Although at one time it was popular for job candidates to include a career objective at the beginning of a resume, this is now generally discouraged because it places a subtle emphasis on the candidate’s career goals as opposed to the employer’s needs.

Examples of a Summary of Qualifications

Your summary can be short and catchy or longer with more information. Here are examples of short summary statements:

• Production assistant for nationally broadcast television series
• Five years of case management experience
• Certified workforce development professional
• Sales professional with 10 years of experience
• Winner of the Acme Award for sports writing

Here are examples of longer summary statements:

• Dynamic entrepreneur who utilizes creativity, leadership, and teamwork to design and execute solutions that create customer value. Effective communicator with the ability to create marketing materials that convey value for both clients and end-users.
• Experienced professional with planning and organizational skills that balance work, team support, and ad-hoc responsibilities in a timely and professional manner.
• Business development executive with 20 years of experience in technical sales, sales management, team leadership, and business growth and expansion. Oversaw a 30% increase in sales revenue.
• Experienced professional with a unique combination of technical expertise, managerial experience, business leadership, and design and production support. Lead the delivery and implementation of XYZ mission-critical software system.
• 10 years of experience with AIX, HP/UX, Windows, VB.NET, C#, .NET Framework, C, C++, SQL Server, Oracle, DB2, and business systems.

Key Takeaways

• A summary of qualifications is an optional resume section that lists achievements, skills, and experience. 
• Tailor the section for each position you're applying for.
• Be specific about your relevant experiences and qualifications.

Ladders. " Eye-Tracking Study ," Page 2. Accessed June 27, 2020.

Explore Jobs

• Jobs Near Me
• Remote Jobs
• Full Time Jobs
• Part Time Jobs
• Entry Level Jobs
• Work From Home Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

• $15 Per Hour Jobs
• $20 Per Hour Jobs
• Hiring Immediately Jobs
• High School Jobs
• H1b Visa Jobs

Explore Careers

• Business And Financial
• Architecture And Engineering
• Computer And Mathematical

Explore Professions

• What They Do
• Certifications
• Demographics

Best Companies

• Health Care
• Fortune 500

Explore Companies

• CEO And Executies
• Resume Builder
• Career Advice
• Explore Majors
• Questions And Answers
• Interview Questions

How to List a Summary of Qualifications on a Resume

• Resume Templates
• General Resume Examples
• Resume Format
• Resume Margins
• Resume Header
• Work Experience On Resume
• Irrelevant Work Experience
• Listing Languages On Resume
• Volunteer Work On Resume
• GPA On Resume
• Resume Title
• Summary Of Qualifications
• Resume Picture
• Python Project On Resume
• Google Docs Resume Template
• Professional Bio On Resume
• Multiple Positions At Same Company
• Relevant Coursework Resume
• Where And How To Put Internships On Your Resume
• Professional Resume Formats

Even though every section of your resume is valuable, you might be wondering how to really emphasize your skills to a potential employer.

Often, there are important details about your achievements, performance, or personality that you want to put front and center for a hiring manager to see. Therefore, simply putting these qualifications in your work experience descriptions may not have the impact you’re looking for.

The best way to emphasize details about your qualifications to a potential employer is by listing them as their own separate section on your resume. This section of your resume is called a Summary of Qualifications, and will give you the opportunity to share what makes you a great employee.

Key Takeaways:

A summary of qualifications presents your most qualifying traits in a section tailored for your potential employer.

Use bullet points in your summary of qualifications.

Things you can address in your summary of qualifications include years of experience you have in a select field, any specializations or unique skills you were trained in, and critical achievements.

As with most of your resume, use quantifiable data when possible in your summary of qualifications.

What Is A Summary Of Qualifications

How to format a summary of qualifications, what is in a qualifications summary, other examples of qualification summaries, why is a summary of qualifications important, should i use a summary of qualifications.

• Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs

A Summary of Qualifications presents your most defining achievements or personality traits in a way that is meant to maximize your perceived value as an employee.

A Summary of Qualifications should be tailored to the employer you are applying to. Therefore, a Summary of Qualifications should only include information relevant to the job. It is located at the top of a resume to direct the reader’s attention and introduce your most important qualifications.

A Summary of Qualifications is optional, however it can be very beneficial, especially if you meet certain criteria, such as exceptional and extensive qualifications.

How you format a Summary of Qualifications is just as important as what you say. To format a Summary of Qualifications:

Keep it brief. Like other important sections of your resume , such as your education and work experience, your Summary of Qualifications should aim to be brief, while also highlighting important details.

Place it at the top of your resume. As mentioned previously, this section of your resume serves as a way to highlight your value, and should leave a memorable impact. Therefore, you should place your summary of qualifications at the top of your resume.

Avoid first person language. You should also keep in mind that the way in which you write is important. Avoid I or me statements, and instead focus on an active voice with action verbs .

Instead of writing “I was awarded for completing 85% of my group’s graphing and paperwork”, start your statement with an action verb, and keep an active voice by saying:

Awarded by the team for completing over 85% of the group’s graphing and paperwork post-excavation

Use bullet points. Additionally, in talking about impact and readable formatting, it’s important to note that the most effective way to present Qualifications Summary is through the use of a bullet list. This formatting works in favor of you and your potential employer for a few reasons:

Focus. The bullet list style will make each qualification stand out as an individual merit.

Direct. The bullet style conveys a directness that will highlight the importance of your words.

Easy to read. The hiring manager will be able to skim the summary without missing out on the critical details

Ideally, you should limit your bullet list to no more than 6 or 7 qualifications, and those qualifications shouldn’t be more than 2 lines long. In keeping to this formatting, you will maximize the benefits mentioned above.

Even though you know how to format your Summary of Qualifications, maybe you aren’t sure what to include. Perhaps you feel too average, or like you lack some of this incredible experience that some of the samples convey.

However, you shouldn’t fear. There are always clever ways to make yourself seem extraordinary, and a Qualifications Summary will only help on that front.

Here is an general template for a Summary of Qualifications:

Years of experience you have in a select field Highest degree you’ve achieved, including your major, school and graduation year Leadership experience, including how many people you worked with or worked for you Critical achievement or major project you completed, ideally including numerical data Any specializations or unique skills you were trained in Important daily tasks or responsibilities you had in a previous role Professional recognitions, including certifications or awards you received

As you can see, a Summary of Qualifications should be crisp and clean. All of the bullet notes are easy to skim without losing their punch, and this will benefit you immensely in your pursuit of that shiny new job. Though, keep in mind that this is a template, and if you feel you lack any of the items listed, you do not need to include them.

Here is an example of a Summary of Qualifications using some of the items on the template:

Summary Of Qualifications Ten years of experience working as an ER nurse and midwife Achieved a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Boston (2018) Five years of experience leading a team of 15 nurses Reduced patient mortality rate in the ER by 11% Managed up to 20 patients a day, including recording and monitoring their condition

Even if you can’t hit all of the key points on the template, there is always something you can include as a qualification you have. No matter what, those qualifications will make you stand out above another applicant.

Additionally, regardless of what you choose to include, easy details to start with are how long you’ve been working in a certain field, and your highest education level. These qualifications are especially valuable if you’re applying to a position that requires relevant experience in these fields . You should also keep in mind that the most beneficial way to present these skills is through quantifiable data, showing exactly what you have achieved. Instead of saying that you have many years of experience, say:

7 years of experience working in X field

When in doubt, some key skills you should display in your summary are: authority, creativity, efficiency, management, and communication.

Here are some powerful words you can use to display those skills:

Authority and Management: mentored, supervised, administered, coordinated, delegated, trained

Creativity: envisioned, conceptualized, designed, performed, customized

Efficiency: maintained, organized, prepared, arranged, updated, scheduled

Communication: collaborated, persuaded, discussed, presented, clarified, facilitated

All that being said, you’re more than ready to write a glowing Summary of Qualifications.

Worked at Tom’s Groceries for nearly 2 years Achieved a high school degree from Franklin High with a GPA of 3.7 Complemented by grocery staff and teachers alike as being extremely patient and eager to learn Trained as a cashier and a cart attendant Skilled in multitasking, due to balancing a part time job at Tom’s Groceries and honors classes in high school at the same time

Volunteered for a field archaeology project in Pompeii every summer for 4 years Graduated Anthro University with a Masters in Anthropology and a 3.8 GPA Worked with 5 other Archaeologists in a unit, requiring intense communication and passionate teamwork Completed a 70 page research project, which studied the civilian life at the height of the Roman Republic Finished 14 projects before their due date, while maintaining professional quality Awarded by the team for completing over 85% of the group’s graphing and paperwork post-excavation

Over 10 years of experience in customer service Achieved a high school degree from Samson High (2010) Trained 7 newly hired sales associates, and mentored them so they could adapt to their new responsibilities Set a Black Friday record at Bob’s Electronics for checking out 287 customers Well-spoken and easy to talk to, often utilizing a proficiency in English and Spanish to communicate with customers Awarded Employee of the Month on two separate occasions, including November 2019 and July 2020.

Experience working as a Realtor in the capital region for over 6 years Graduated from Housing College with a Masters degree in Business Administration (2017) Adept at networking, and licensed to work as a realtor in New York and Connecticut Increased housing sales by 22% while working at Realtor Co. Gave 72 sellers renovation advice that resulted in a return on investment of at least $15,000 Helped 60% of buyers receive offers that were over asking Received Top Realtor of the Month for 7 months in a row from August 2019 through March 2020

Having this section as a part of your resume is not required, however, that’s what makes it stand out. If someone is competing for the same position as you, and submits a resume that lacks a Summary of Qualifications, you will gain a step up by including one. By displaying your value front and center, a hiring manager should not only be confident in your individual merit, but also your potential as a new employee.

Using a summary of qualifications depends on your circumstances. You should strongly consider providing a Summary of Qualifications if:

You have extensive professional experience. If you have a lot of experience, a Summary of Qualifications can help to summarize your most important traits. A Summary of Qualifications brings those traits to the attention of the reader a lot faster.

You are a recent graduate or have little professional experience. Conversely, you may have little experience but plenty of transferable skills and accomplishments you want to highlight, which a Summary of Qualifications can do for you.

You are changing careers. When changing careers, your resume at first glance may look like its filled with irrelevant job experience. A Summary of Qualifications helps you show you have the desired traits.

You have the space. If you find you still have space on a one page resume, a Summary of Qualifications can be a nice way to bring to the reader’s attention your most important abilities.

Remember, a Summary of Qualifications is optional, so it is up to you to decide whether or not you want to provide one.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating / 5. Vote count:

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Jack Flynn is a writer for Zippia. In his professional career he’s written over 100 research papers, articles and blog posts. Some of his most popular published works include his writing about economic terms and research into job classifications. Jack received his BS from Hampshire College.

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.

Recent Job Searches

• Registered Nurse Jobs Resume Location
• Truck Driver Jobs Resume Location
• Call Center Representative Jobs Resume Location
• Customer Service Representative Jobs Resume
• Delivery Driver Jobs Resume Location
• Warehouse Worker Jobs Resume Location
• Account Executive Jobs Resume Location
• Sales Associate Jobs Resume Location
• Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs Resume Location
• Company Driver Jobs Resume

Related posts

How To List Language Levels On Your Resume (With Examples)

Irrelevant Experience: Should I Include It On A Resume?

Python Projects for Your Resume

Resume Examples To Get The Job You Want

• Career Advice >
• Resume Structure >
• Resume Format >
• Summary Of Qualifications On Resume

All You Need to Know About Summary of Qualifications

A summary of qualifications section goes on top of a resume and gives employers an understanding of a person in front of them. Thanks to a summary of qualifications, they can quickly and easily understand if the candidate is a possible fit for a position.

Highlighting your experiences, accomplishments, and skills in this section will definitely grow your interview chances. Moreover, if your goal is to create a strong resume to ace in a job search, it should start with the list of resume qualifications that would catch the attention.

That means you need to know what information to include, and this article is all about it:

- What is a summary of qualifications?

- Summary of qualifications examples

- Summary of qualifications importance

- How to write a summary of qualifications for a resume?

- What should a person include in the summary of qualifications?

Wanna know more? Delve deep into the topic or ask professionals for help. Expert resume writers would be glad to help.

What Is a Summary of Qualifications?

As the name suggests, a summary of qualification is a summary of your whole career. You should list key career milestones there along with skills, experience, and important work achievements. Also, this is a great place to communicate your future goals and expectations.

This section is a synopsis of your career. It also tells others how you define yourself and what your biggest contributions are. Ask yourself what you would want others to know about you as a professional, and you’ll know what to write there. Make a list of skills to write a great skills summary intertwined with your accomplishments and expectations, and you’ll create a perfect summary.

Summary of Qualification Importance

A qualification summary is the first thing a hiring manager sees when they look at your resume. They usually need about 8 seconds to understand if they want to proceed with you as a candidate. Most of this attention span is paid to the summary of qualifications section.

That means a professional summary for resume should include the details that meet job description requirements and even more. It should build your professional and personal profile to let others know who you are and what ideas you can bring to the table.

Who Might Use a Qualification Summary for Resume?

The professional summary of a resume should be present in every document. Regardless of your status – an entry-level specialist or a pro – you need to use resume qualification when applying for jobs. This is a perfect chance to communicate your strengths or achievements.

Moreover, candidates seeking a career change or promotion should use this section strategically. They need to connect their current job and experience with the future position, answering the question of why they are perfect for the role. Students, however, should express their goals rather than highlight a lack of experience.

Resume Summary, Qualifications Summary, and Resume Objective

Summary of qualifications for resume is the opportunity to explain specific skills to a recruiter. A resume summary is a brief about your career path. An objective is a statement of where you want to go in your career. All sections pursue slightly different goals.

Summary of Qualifications Examples

Since every resume is going to go through a scan, a summary of qualifications section has its standards. It is usually presented as a bullet point list with the most relevant facts about a candidate. Relevancy is key, so it’s critical to make sure that the information you include fits the requirements in a job description.

Below is a summary of qualifications example for different jobs for your reference. 

Need Help Getting Employers’ Attention?

Our experts are here to help! Place an order and start preparing for your next interview!

Summary of Qualifications for Executive Assistant

Below are two examples of summary of qualifications for executive assistant .

• I am an executive assistant with years of experience in different assistant roles. I can boost your chances of running a successful business. I have a proven track record of success.
• A results-driven executive assistant providing support with internal operations, data processing, scheduling, and reporting to the senior leadership team. Effective communicator with excellent relationship-building skills needed to form strong teams and lead them t

Summary of Qualifications for Administrative Assistant

Below are two resume summary of qualifications examples for administrative assistant .

• I am an office manager who is working with office equipment and administrative duties. Offer knowledge of computer systems and some hardware. Manage relationships with vendors to purchase office supplies.
• Meticulous administrative assistant with five years of practical experience and advanced knowledge of MS Office to run office operations, build improvement strategies, check on employees, and maintain their productivity. Effective communicator who negotiates vendors and replenishes stocks.

Customer Service Summary of Qualifications

Check the summary of qualifications for customer service agents below.

• I am a skilled customer service agent who is on a job hunt for a well-paid client-facing role to utilize my skills. I am a great communicator who negotiates with customers and handles their problems.
• Customer-oriented manager with experience in mitigating conflicts and developing solutions for the most difficult client situations. Effective team leader who managed to decrease the complaint rate from 4 to 1 out of 5.

Accounting Resume Summary of Qualifications Examples

Here is a summary of qualifications accounting example to ace a hiring process.

• I am an accounting professional experienced in account reconciliation and month-end closure. I know the standards of accounting and apply them in practice. Skilled ACCA Member.
• Diligent accountant with 10 years of experience and vast knowledge of international accounting standards applied in practice. Experienced auditor working as part of internal and external teams. ACCA Active Member who attended and participated in several speaking organization-wide engagements.

Summary of Qualifications for Teacher

Below are a few summary of qualifications for teachers samples .

• I am a high school teacher helping children learn English and facilitating their learning process. I am a graduate of Concordia University with seven years of practical experience.
• Experienced educator with exemplary knowledge of best teaching methods and practices, who advocates for continuous improvement of classroom instruction. Change implementation specialist who adjusts the curriculum to meet the needs of students and adjust to an ever-changing learning environment.

Summary of Qualifications Manager

Check the example of summary of qualifications for a manager below.

• I am a leader with managerial skills who is involved in strategy planning. I am keen on managing people and making sure they complete the assigned tasks.
• Target-oriented manager who leads a 60-member team involved in different projects across a wide portfolio. Hands-on team leader who engages in work and provides valuable guidance to whoever requests assistance. Recognized as “Manager of the Year” for outstanding team performance.

Summary of Qualifications for Entry Level

Entry-level specialists can also use summary of qualifications resumes to their advantage. Even if you’re just about to start your career, you can briefly mention internships, extracurricular activities, or accomplishments and skills relevant to the job position.

• I am looking for a role as an actor to become popular and participate in different projects. I have diverse skills that make me a good fit for your position.
• Aspiring actor with a motivation to keep studying and applying the diverse skill set in practice while participating in projects as extra. Quick learner with a dedication to applying best work standards and practices.

Qualifications Summary for Career Changers

A summary of qualifications resume is not suitable for job seekers changing their role and career. After all, they don’t have the required expertise yet, and their previous qualifications would probably be irrelevant to the new position once you are about career change in your near future. 

If you intend to change your career, it’s better to opt for a resume objective and focus on your motivation and goals rather than not-so-relevant experience.

How to Write Summary of Qualifications?

To write a great summary of qualifications on resume, you need to study the company and the jobs you plan to land. By doing this, you’ll know what a potential employer expects from a candidate and what skills you need to highlight.

Our resume writers for hire used to print job descriptions to highlight things that would make the biggest impact. Today, SkillHub automates this process by analyzing your resume against the job descriptions and suggesting the skills to emphasize.

Showcase the Number of Your Achievements on a Qualification Summary Resume

Numbers always look good on qualifications for resume. The size of the budget or specific data might be more comprehensive in explaining the depth of your achievement. They specify the scope of your accomplishments and the level of contribution you made. Check the examples below.

• Skilled program manager who handled large projects with huge budgets being completed by hundreds of employees.
• Skilled program manager who handled project budgets of $5.5M in total and 600 employees involved in digital transformation program implementation.

Follow the Next Steps to Write the Best Resume Professional Summary

1. To write a perfect ability summary for yo

ur resume, start by matching your professional profile with a job offer.

2. Proceed with the top bullet point, which should clearly communicate who you are and how much experience you have.

3. The second bullet point should provide measurable data to assess your previous role.

4. Then proceed with soft skills to show how you work with a team, adjust to a new environment, or handle tasks requiring cultural tolerance.

Learn more about professional resume summary here.

Include Those Components

When writing a summary of qualifications, you need to include the following:

- efficiencies;

- problems;

- mentions.

You need to build a profile of a person who solves problems, building greater efficiency and earning recognition from managers. This is a candidate most employers want to see. This is a candidate who is likely to land a job.

Check any summary of qualifications resume sample above. They all talk about leaders and problem solvers who helped the company and led it to success.

Use Keywords for Resumes With Summary of Qualifications

Do not forget about the keywords in the summary section. It should be easy-to-scan as the rest of the document. An applicant tracking system should recognize a successful candidate from the very first lines.

If you wonder how to write a summary of qualifications for a resume, the answer is simple. Have ATS software in mind when you build your sentences. Create something that reads

“Hands-on leader who spearheaded the implementation of XYZ program, earning $6M of extra revenue” rather than “Earned some cash when leading a team.”

If you are still unsure what resume keywords to use, keep reading on resume action words on Skillhub.

Additional Tips on How to Put Qualifications Summary Resume

To make sure your qualification summary example withstands criticism, you need to personalize it. Recruiters are tired of reading the same qualifications statement in every resume over and over. Include your accomplishments and make each of your statements unique. Do not use resume samples available online for this section. You risk spoiling the very first impression your resume makes on a reader.

Summary of Qualifications Template

To help candidates with a summary of qualifications, our professional resume writers have developed a resume template summary of qualifications. It is now available on SkillHub.

The template includes a degree, professional recognition, and any quantifiable data that proves candidates’ accomplishments. Check the template below.

- Adjective + position title with X years of experience in [field/industry] who [accomplishment]

- Adjective + degree title with a solid background in [area] and [metrics/qualifying data to showcase an accomplishment]

- Adjective + leadership skill who [drives a positive change] by [managing/designing/etc.] effective solutions in [field]

You might be interested: ‍ A piece of advice for your 20s

Why you should make your resume one page

Resume profile examples in 2022

Key Features in Summary of Qualifications

To help you navigate through all those tips for writing qualifications on resumes, we’ve created a few bullet points as takeaways:

- mention your accomplishments rather than vague statements from the Internet;

- personalize your summary of qualifications to increase your chances of getting hired;

- answer position requirements to land an interview;

- do not forget about the keywords, as your resume will be scanned.

If you still do not feel confident enough about writing your own qualifications summary examples, we have a solution. Refer to https://skillhub.com/resume-writing advice or order professional help in crafting a winning resume from top to bottom.

Did you read this already?

The Best Google Docs Cover Letter Template

Top Well-Performed Cover Letter for Internal Positions

Creating an Ebook From Scratch: A How-To Guide

• HOME HOME HOME
• WHY PONGO? WHY PONGO? WHY PONGO? Why Choose Us? Success Stories Testimonials
• FEATURES FEATURES FEATURES Resume Builder Letter Builder Interview Tips Activity Tracker Job Search
• PLANS PLANS PLANS Memberships Professional Resumes Professional Letters
• HELP HELP HELP
• CAREER CORNER CAREER CORNER CAREER CORNER Blog Resumes Letters Interviews Job Search Work / Life

Resume Tips: How to Write a Summary of Qualifications

EXAMPLE 1  Registered Nurse [bullet list format]

• 12 years' experience as a Registered Nurse, including clinical research and coordination of cardiology clinical trials
• 9 years' experience in direct patient care, including pre- and post-op, and pediatric cardiology
• Led 4-person team that studied and restructured nursing shift scheduling, reducing absenteeism 26% and cutting overtime costs in half
• Outstanding communicator with both management and patients
• Thorough knowledge of federal and state healthcare regulations

EXAMPLE 2 Marketing Communications Associate [bullet list format]

• 2.5 years as Marketing Coordinator for mid-size communications firm producing flyers, newspaper advertisements, brochures, and online content
• BA in Marketing and Communications from University of Michigan (2009)
• 2 years' blogging experience promoting and reviewing on-campus social events
• Committed to building  expertise in web communications, social media, and search engine marketing through exceptional work ethic and ability to quickly absorb and apply new information

EXAMPLE 3 Facilities Maintenance Technician [paragraph format]

HVAC-certified maintenance technician with more than 7 years of experience in building and grounds maintenance in multi-unit residential and healthcare facilities. Expertise includes painting and wall coverings; apartment make-ready services; general electrical and plumbing repairs; coordinating and assisting licensed vendors; power and hand tool use. Committed to safety, customer service, and clear communication with management and residents.

Q. What about the Objective? A. An Objective at the beginning of a resume is pretty much passé, except in a few circumstances. You should include an Objective only if you fit one of these three categories:

• You're just starting your career and don’t have a clearly defined career path yet.
• You're changing careers or transferring from one field to another.
• You're returning to the workforce after a long absence.

If you need one, don't just use a throw-away phrase like, "Seeking a challenging position with room for growth." Here's how to write an Objective that helps hiring managers and recruiters understand why and how you're qualified to meet their business needs.

RELATED LINKS Want a Readable Resume Summary? Opt for a Bullet List 3 Resume Writing Tips to Stand Out Among Hundreds Hiring Managers Look for Related Experience First Resume Objective or Summary: You Need One, but Which?  

Resume Qualifications: 4 Qualification Types To Put on Your Resume (+ Examples)

3 key takeaways

• Learn to tailor your resume quickly for each job application, ensuring your qualifications perfectly align with the job requirements.
• Discover how to enhance the relevance of your qualifications to make your resume stand out in both ATS scans and human reviews
• Use Teal's AI Resume Builder to add qualifications to each of your resumes and help you manage multiple job applications simultaneously

Getting a hiring manager to notice your resume is more difficult than ever. 

The competition is fierce, making it crucial to showcase the right qualifications for each application.

This post will guide you through:

• What resume qualifications are
• Why qualifications are essential
• How to include qualifications in your resume

You’ll also see how Teal’s AI Resume Builder can simplify the process of customizing your resume for each job application, ensuring you present the most relevant qualifications to prospective employers.

What are resume qualifications?

Resume qualifications are the job skills, experiences, formal education, and other credentials that demonstrate your ability to perform a particular job. They prove to employers that you possess the necessary qualifications for the role.

Qualifications are typically listed in a dedicated section on your resume, often near the top, to quickly showcase your relevant expertise.

This section allows recruiters and hiring managers to easily identify if you meet the basic requirements for the position before diving deeper into your work history and other details.

Are resume qualifications still important?

Highlighting your qualifications helps you stand out from other candidates and increases your chances of getting selected for an interview.

A well-crafted qualifications section can grab their attention and demonstrate your fit for the role right from the start.

Qualifications are especially vital when an applicant tracking system (ATS) is used to screen resumes. These software programs are commonplace at large companies and scan for relevant keywords related to the job requirements.

Overall, the qualifications section provides a succinct snapshot of your most relevant skills and experiences tailored to the specific job.

Types of resume qualifications

There are several types of qualifications that should be highlighted on a resume. The main categories include:

• Soft and hard skills
• Additional qualifications

To meet the diverse requirements for a competitive job, you need to combine hard and soft skills, demonstrating a balance of technical expertise and interpersonal abilities.

Here's a look at each qualification type in more detail:

1. Experience

Professional experience directly relating to the role is a crucial qualification.

This includes previous jobs, internships, co-ops, freelance work, and volunteer roles where you applied relevant skills and knowledge. Quantifying achievements with metrics helps demonstrate the impact of your experience.

Where to place experience qualifications on your resume

Position your Experience section prominently, typically right after your statement of qualifications .

This ensures hiring managers see your relevant experience early on, making a strong impression immediately.

How to add experience qualifications on your resume

• Identify relevant experiences: Review your past roles and identify instances where you used skills pertinent to the new job. Even if the job settings differ, the skills might still be relevant.
• Quantify achievements: Whenever possible, add numbers to your achievements. For example, "Increased sales by 20%" or "Managed a team of 10."
• Tailor descriptions for the role: Modify the descriptions of your past job duties to emphasize the relevance to the new position. Use keywords from the job description to improve your resume’s relevance score in an ATS screening.
• Include non-traditional experience: Don't overlook non-traditional work like freelance projects, volunteer positions, or internships. These can also demonstrate crucial skills and a proactive attitude toward professional development.
• Focus on transferable skills: Especially when shifting careers, present your experience in a way that focuses on skills transferable to the new job. This might involve re-framing tasks and responsibilities to highlight relevant skills.

Once you've strategically positioned your experience and tailored the content to align with job requirements, you can significantly enhance the appeal of your resume to potential employers.

Teal's AI Resume Builder can help you highlight your experience qualifications by automatically identifying and quantifying your achievements. It suggests specific metrics and action verbs that make your experience more compelling.

This tool ensures your experience is presented in a way that aligns perfectly with the job you're applying for, increasing your chances of catching a hiring manager's eye.

Tips for addressing lack of experience

If you don’t have direct experience in the field you’re applying to, or if you are changing career paths, focus on transferable skills . Highlight aspects of your previous roles that are applicable to the new job, top skills such as project management skills, leadership skills, problem-solving skills, and technical skills.

If you managed projects in a different industry, emphasize your project management skills and how they can apply to the new role. For example, customer service skills are increasingly recognized as essential transferable skills that can be applied to various job roles, enhancing your ability to handle customer interactions, diffuse difficult situations, and provide helpful information across industries.

Have too much experience? Read this to learn what to do when you’re overqualified for a job . 

2. Education

Academic degrees, certifications, licenses, training programs, and coursework all qualify for your resume  education section .

These showcase your commitment to learning and development within a particular field.

Where to add education qualifications on your resume

The placement of the Education section can vary depending on your level of experience and the relevance of your educational background to the job.

For recent graduates or those with less professional experience, the Education section should be placed near the top of the resume, just after the Objective or Summary section.

For seasoned professionals, it can be placed after the Experience section, as professional achievements may take precedence.

How to add education qualifications on your resume

• For recent graduates: Emphasize your education by detailing relevant coursework, academic achievements, and projects that relate to the job. This can compensate for lacking work experience.
• For career changers or those with relevant coursework: If you're changing careers or have taken courses relevant to the new field, highlight this education prominently. Explain how this education provides a foundation for your career change and equips you with necessary skills.
• For those without formal degrees in the field: If you lack a formal degree in the area you are applying to but have professional certifications, continuing education courses, or licenses, highlight these to demonstrate your dedication to professional growth and relevance to the job requirements.

Tips for addressing education qualifications

• Detail your educational background: List your degrees in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Include the name of the institution, location, degree obtained, and graduation date. For ongoing education, you can note "Expected graduation [year]."
• Highlight relevant coursework and certifications: If certain courses or certifications are particularly relevant to the job, include these details. Describe how specific courses have prepared you for the role.
• Emphasize continuing education: If you've taken part in any professional development courses or workshops that enhance your qualifications for the position, list these to show your initiative and commitment to staying current in your field.
• Use bullet points for clarity: Especially when listing multiple degrees or certifications, use bullet points to keep the section organized and easy to read.
• Customize for each application: Tailor your Education section for each job application. If a job description emphasizes certain educational requirements or preferences, make sure these are clearly addressed in your resume.

Pro tip: Teal's match scoring feature is perfect for creating resumes tailored to specific job descriptions.

Both hard skills (technical abilities specific to the job) and soft skills (interpersonal traits) are important qualifications, and effectively showcasing these resume skills together on your resume is crucial.

Hard skills could include proficiency in software, programming languages, equipment, data analysis, and project management skills, emphasizing their relevance in efficiently executing projects and achieving business goals

Soft skills include communication skills, leadership skills, interpersonal skills, active listing skills, and problem-solving skills, which are crucial across various job roles.

Today, highlighting computer skills and technical skills on a resume is increasingly important, regardless of the job’s focus on technology.

Where to add skill qualifications on your resume

The resume Skills section should be prominently displayed near the bottom of your resume after your Experience and Education.

This is the icing on the cake to make your core competencies explicitly clear.

How to add skill qualifications on your resume

• For tech-heavy roles: Focus on listing hard skills such as software proficiency, programming languages, and other technical tools or methodologies. Be specific by including versions of software or platforms, and consider your level of expertise for each.
• For leadership or team-based positions: Emphasize soft skills like leadership, teamwork, communication, and organizational abilities. Provide examples of these skills in action, possibly linking them to achievements listed in the experience section.
• For roles requiring both types of skills: Balance your listing of hard and soft skills. Start with the skills most critical to the job based on the job description. If both are equally important, alternate between hard and soft skills to create a well-rounded profile.

Skill qualification tips

• Identify the most relevant skills: Review the job description to determine which skills are most valued for the role. Highlight these skills first and foremost in your resume.
• Quantify your technical skills: Whenever possible, back up your technical skills with specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your proficiency. For instance, “Developed a custom data analysis tool using Python that increased report generation speed by 50%.”
• Illustrate soft skills with real-world examples: Instead of simply listing soft skills, pair them with brief examples that demonstrate how you’ve effectively used these skills. For example, “Led a team of six in a project that delivered on time and under budget, enhancing team collaboration and problem-solving capabilities.”
• Keep formatting clear and consistent: Use bullet points to organize your skills. This format is easy to read and allows hiring managers to quickly scan your qualifications.
• Tailor your skills for each application: Adjust your skills section for each job you apply to, emphasizing the skills most relevant to each position. This customization makes your resume more targeted and compelling.

Teal's AI Resume Builder can analyze job descriptions to pinpoint the most relevant skills for a particular role, helping you highlight both hard and soft skills that are critical for the job. 

The tool suggests specific skills to include and provides examples of effectively presenting these skills, ensuring your resume stands out to hiring managers and ATS systems.

4. Additional Qualifications

Depending on the role, other qualifications may include: 

• Language proficiency
• Security clearances
• Professional memberships or affiliations
• Published works or presentations
• Awards or honors received
• Special project experience

The key is identifying the most relevant qualifications from your background that align with the requirements and preferences outlined in the job description.

Tailoring your qualifications to each specific opportunity can increase your chances of advancing through the hiring process.

Where to add qualifications on your resume

You should typically add any additional qualifications after your Education section but before any less relevant sections like personal interests. Its placement can be adjusted based on the relevance and significance of the qualifications to the role.

If, for example, you have security clearances essential for the job, you might choose to highlight this information earlier in the resume.

How to add qualifications on your resume

• For roles requiring specific certifications or clearances: Directly list any relevant certifications or clearances early in this section, especially if they are prerequisites for the job.
• For positions valuing language skills or international experience: Highlight your language proficiencies and any international project work or experiences that align with the job's requirements.
• For academic or research-oriented positions: Detail your publications, research, presentations, or related professional memberships prominently.

Tips for adding resume qualification

• Identify relevant qualifications: Review the job description to pinpoint which additional qualifications are most valued by the employer. This could be language skills, technical certifications, or even certain awards that demonstrate excellence in your field.
• Organize clearly: Use bullet points to list these qualifications, starting with the most relevant. Ensure each point is concise and clearly stated so that its relevance and importance are immediately apparent.
• Quantify and qualify your achievements: Whenever possible, provide context or quantification for your qualifications. For example, if you received an award, mention out of how many competitors or participants you were chosen.
• Tailor your listings: Customize this section for each job application. Emphasize the qualifications most relevant to each position. This may require rearranging the order of qualifications or omitting less relevant details to keep the section concise and targeted.
• Highlight transferable skills: If changing industries or roles, focus on qualifications that showcase transferable skills or notable achievements that will be relevant in a variety of contexts.

You can capture the attention of hiring managers by clearly demonstrating how your unique skills and experiences make you an ideal candidate for the position.

How to list qualifications on a resume

When listing qualifications on your resume, it's important to be clear, concise, and quantifiable. Including numbers in your accomplishments makes your qualifications more impressive and credible to potential employers. 

Follow this step-by-step guide to craft compelling achievement statements using the formula:

Action Verb + Skill/Task + Metric + Result/Outcome

This formula allows you to showcase your skills and experience in a tangible, measurable way that demonstrates the value you provided.

"Optimized website load time by 35%, increasing online conversions by 18%."

Here is the step-by-step outline for how you follow this formula to add qualifications to your resume

Step 1: Choose strong action verbs

Start each qualification statement with a strong action verb to convey decisiveness and clarity.

Use words like "developed," "optimized," "increased," to show the action you took immediately.

Step 2: Highlight relevant skills or tasks

After the action verb, specify the skill or task you performed. This should be directly related to the role you are applying for, ensuring relevance to potential employers.

Step 3: Add a metric

Quantification creates impact.

Add numbers, percentages, dollar amounts, or time frames to your achievements to illustrate the magnitude of your contributions.

Step 4: Include the result or outcome

Conclude with a positive result or outcome.

Highlight how your action, skill, or task led to a benefit for your employer or project.

Step 5: Focus on achievements over duties

Emphasize your notable achievements rather than routine daily duties. Focus on instances where you delivered added value.

Step 6: Tailor your qualifications to the job description

Align your qualifications with the job description.

Customize your resume for each application to mirror the requirements of the role.

Step 7: Maintain consistent formatting

Use consistent formatting for your qualifications.

Bullet points, the same tense, and the same style throughout make your resume easier to read and more professional.

Step 8: Be clear and jargon-free

Ensure your qualifications are easily understood. Avoid industry jargon, acronyms, or complex language that the reader may not recognize.

Resume qualification template

Below, you'll find a templated version of statements that you can use when showcasing your qualifications for your experience, education, and other relevant skills.

Simply replace the bracketed sections with your actual qualifications and specifics relevant to your career and the job you are applying for.

• [Number of years] of experience in [field/industry/specific role]
• Proficient in [Skill/Area of Expertise] with extensive knowledge in [Related Skill/Area of Expertise]
• Proven track record of [Specific Achievement or Contribution] , resulting in [Outcomes/Improvements]
• Adept at managing teams of [Number] +, with a focus on [Key Task/Responsibility]
• Recognized for [Award/Accolade/Certification] reflecting [Skill/Ability/Competency]
• Successful in [Major Project or Responsibility] achieving [Quantifiable Outcome]

This bullet-point format allows for quick scanning and emphasizes key achievements and skills tailored to the role.

Each resume bullet point should be concise, ideally no longer than two lines. Use active voice for each, starting with strong action verbs.

To effectively use this resume qualification template, remember the following guidelines:

• Customization : Adjust each bullet point to reflect your own experiences and the job requirements.
• Be concise : Keep each point short and impactful. Avoid unnecessary words and get straight to the point.
• Keywords : Implement keywords from the job description. This is especially important if your resume will be scanned by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
• Active voice : Use an active voice and strong action verbs to begin each bullet point. This creates a more engaging and dynamic description of your qualifications.
• Relevance : Make sure every point you include showcases how you're a great fit for the job. Non-relevant information can dilute your qualifications.

Resume qualification example

Here's what the above template might look like when the bracketed sections have been filled in:

• 10 years of experience in software development, specializing in scalable web applications
• Proficient in full-stack development with extensive knowledge in JavaScript, React, and Node.js
• Proven track record of leading the design and deployment of a microservices architecture, resulting in a 30% reduction in latency for a high-traffic online platform
• Adept at managing teams of 15+ engineers , with a focus on mentoring, code quality, and agile methodologies
• Recognized for “Outstanding Innovative Solution,” award reflecting exceptional problem-solving and programming ability
• Successful in the end-to-end delivery of the 'ShopFast' e-commerce app, achieving over 500,000 downloads and a 4.5-star rating in its first-year

Real-world qualification examples

1. project manager qualifications.

• Spearheaded $5M IT infrastructure upgrade, delivering 35% cost savings and 20% performance boost
• Coordinated 15 cross-functional teams across eight locations to launch new product line ahead of schedule
• Implemented Agile project management reducing time-to-market by 40% for new software releases
• Trained and mentored 25+ junior project managers on risk mitigation and stakeholder management

Why this works: The qualifications listed for the project manager clearly demonstrate leadership, efficiency, and impact. Each of these is quantified, providing concrete evidence of capabilities and achievements.

2. Marketing manager qualifications

• Devised multichannel campaigns generating $2M in sales and 25% YoY revenue growth
• Optimized $1.2M annual marketing budget, reallocating 35% spend to digital channels
• Conducted in-depth market research identifying 3 untapped audience segments valued at $5M
• Overhauled brand messaging and positioning raising unaided awareness by 27%

Why this works: These qualifications reflect a strong ability to drive revenue and manage budgets effectively. They also quantify the results achieved, begin with an action verb, and demonstrate concrete experience with the role.

3. Software Developer qualifications

• Architected and deployed microservices reducing infrastructure footprint by 60% and boosting app performance 40%
• Refactored legacy monolith to Kubernetes reducing technical debt by 55% and accelerating deployments 75%
• Automated 80% of CI/CD pipelines using Kubernetes, Terraform, and GitHub Actions
• Mentored 8 junior developers on coding best practices improving team velocity 35%

Why this works: This set of qualifications showcases technical expertise and a direct impact on operational efficiency.

Each qualification is technical and specific, aligning well with what is valued in software development.

Using AI for qualifications

AI has made it easier to write about yourself. Writing assistants like Teal’s AI Resume Builder help job seekers generate compelling and quantified resume achievements in seconds, automatically transforming your job duties into powerful, metric-driven achievements tailored for your resume.

Plus, Teal can help tailor your qualifications to precisely match what a hiring manager is looking for in candidates, ensuring your resume stands out by showcasing the specific skills and achievements that catch the hiring manager's attention.

For example, if you were a project manager who “led a team of 10 developers to successfully launch a new mobile app ahead of schedule, resulting in a 25% increase in user engagement within the first month,” Teal’s AI could rephrase this as:

“Spearheaded the launch of a new mobile app two weeks ahead of schedule by leading a cross-functional team of 10 developers, driving a 25% boost in user engagement within 30 days.”

This AI-generated achievement is more concise, impactful, and highlights key qualifications like leadership, project management, and delivering results ahead of schedule.

With Teal’s AI, you can ensure your resume showcases your most impressive qualifications through clear, quantifiable achievements.

Resume qualifications are still important

While it’s become less common to include a dedicated qualifications section on your resume, showcasing relevant qualifications is crucial for making your resume stand out. By addressing experience, education, and skill qualifications on your resume, you provide a snapshot of your professional capabilities that can immediately catch a hiring manager's eye.

With tools like the Matching Mode and AI Achievement Generator, Teal’s AI Resume Builder can transform your professional experiences into compelling, metric-rich achievements that highlight your proficiencies.

Try out Teal's Resume Builder to create a resume that not only meets the demands of modern job searching but exceeds them by balancing your qualifications in a way that's tailored to the specific requirements of each job posting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are examples of qualification highlights for a resume.

Examples of qualification highlights for a resume include relevant professional experiences, specific skills (both hard and soft), educational achievements, certifications, and notable accomplishments such as leading successful projects or receiving awards. Highlighting these aspects can effectively demonstrate your suitability for the job.

What is an example of skills and qualifications?

An example of skills and qualifications is: "10 years of experience in software development, specializing in scalable web applications. Proficient in full-stack development with extensive knowledge in JavaScript, React, and Node.js. Proven track record of leading the design and deployment of a microservices architecture, resulting in a 30% reduction in latency for a high-traffic online platform."

How do you present your educational qualifications in a resume?

Present your educational qualifications in a resume by listing your degrees in reverse chronological order, including the institution's name, location, degree obtained, and graduation date. Highlight relevant coursework, certifications, and academic achievements, particularly those that align with the job requirements. For ongoing education, note the expected graduation date.

Nathan Thompson

Related articles.

17 High-Income Skills You Need to Know in 2024

Canva Resume Builder: Ratings & User Feedback

30 High-Paying Skills To Learn in 2024

How To Write an Effective Email Cover Letter (Template + Examples)

We help you find the career dream.

Deloitte US

Deloitte risk & financial advisory intern - technology (fall 2024).

Dallas, Texas, United States

Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

Houston, Texas, United States

Position Summary

Deloitte Risk & Financial Advisory Intern – Technology

Do you thrive in times of disruption? Have a drive to be a part of the technology evolution and a passion for turning challenges and opportunities into long-term competitive advantages? As a Risk & Financial Advisory Intern, you’ll have the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience working alongside leading professionals across diverse industries while building your professional skills in a variety of project experiences. You could be involved in helping our clients identify and understand technology risk as businesses change, analyze and improve the effectiveness of governance and financial and operational control processes, offer recommendations to improve operations, assist clients with enterprise and compliance activities, be on the forefront of program transformation, strengthen overall risk management or implement technology to support the risk programs.

Work you’ll do

As an Intern, you will have the opportunity to work on projects leveraging your expertise to help our clients more confidently make decisions to drive performance. You will help our clients achieve their purpose driven agendas including change, the growth of their business, accelerate performance, and create organizational resilience. 

The type of work you focus on will be influenced by your office placement and business needs. Your recruiter will be able to provide more information about the available opportunities. Projects may be aligned to the following areas and include: 

• Helping our clients advance transparency, relevance, and the quality of information disclosed to the markets and investors so that they can meet regulatory and attestation requirements.

• Inspecting accounting systems and controls for improvement opportunities, leveraging our methodologies to help clients improve their information technology controls or technology risk management programs, and/or participate in the development or execution of internal audit strategic plans

• Supporting clients with their most pressing regulatory and operational challenges. Helping them to identify, remediate, monitor, and manage enterprise risks and create value through implementing a compliant, resilient enterprise

• Helping clients to embrace their most strategic risks, providing a platform of advisory services that enable senior executives to plan for, spot, assess, manage, and respond to brand and reputational, financial, catastrophic risks and unforeseen threats that could undermine their competitive position and jeopardize their critical assets, reputation or financial standing

• Assist our clients with defining and implementing strategies to manage their Attack surface focusing on the continuous discovery, inventory, classification and monitoring of an organization's IT infrastructure.

• Engaging with clients to measure, assess, and advise on ways they can reduce risk as it relates to the enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform

• Working with the project team to define, plan, and execute treasury transformation enabled by treasury management systems (TMS) that support cash and liquidity management, trade management, hedge management & accounting, and financial risk management

Regardless of project type, your work may require:

• Ability to quickly and concisely research and collect data from unique places

• Proactively participate in both client facing and internal meetings

• Ability to synthesize data and convey information in a meaningful way

• Proficiency in verbal and written communication skills essential to interacting with clients and teams

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects/assignments/ responsibilities in a fast-paced environment

• Problem solving and critical thinking skills in support of both innovative and operational enhancement opportunities

• Ability to collaborate and communicate across Deloitte team members and client stakeholders

• Ability to identify, learn, understand, and implement new concepts and frameworks

• Ability to manage own personal and professional development; seek opportunities for professional growth and expansion of consulting skills and experience 

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor or Masters degrees in the following disciplines: 

o Accounting or related degree. A concentration in management information systems, business analytics or other business technology related areas is a plus

o Technology related degree such as Management Information Systems, Business Analytics, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Data Analytics, Engineering, Information Science/Management and Math

o Other majors will be considered with a concentration in accounting or a related area

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future

• Ability to travel up to 50%, on average, based on the work you do and the clients and industries/sectors you serve

• Candidates must be at least 18 years of age at the time of employment

• A strong understanding of Windows Based systems and proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

• Cumulative GPA of 3.2 or above

• Relevant work experience (e.g., internships, summer positions, school jobs)

The wage range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. At Deloitte, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $36.06 to $41.35.

Information for applicants with a need for Accommodation

https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/careers/articles/join-deloitte-assistance-for-disabled-applicants.html

Deloitte Risk & Financial Advisory helps organizations navigate a variety of risks to lead in the marketplace and disrupt through innovation. The insights of our professionals, combined with our specialized products and services, help clients learn how to embrace complexity and leverage their position of strength to accelerate performance. 

Learn more about our Deloitte Risk & Financial Advisory practice at Deloitte.

Recruiting tips

From developing a stand out resume to putting your best foot forward in the interview, we want you to feel prepared and confident as you explore opportunities at Deloitte. Check out recruiting tips from Deloitte recruiters.

At Deloitte, we know that great people make a great organization. We value our people and offer employees a broad range of benefits. Learn more about what working at Deloitte can mean for you.

Our people and culture

Our diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture empowers our people to be who they are, contribute their unique perspectives, and make a difference individually and collectively. It enables us to leverage different ideas and perspectives, and bring more creativity and innovation to help solve our client most complex challenges. This makes Deloitte one of the most rewarding places to work. Learn more about our inclusive culture.

Our purpose

Deloitte’s purpose is to make an impact that matters for our clients, our people, and in our communities. We are creating trust and confidence in a more equitable society. At Deloitte, purpose is synonymous with how we work every day. It defines who we are. We are focusing our collective efforts to advance sustainability, equity, and trust that come to life through our core commitments. Learn more about Deloitte's purpose, commitments, and impact.

Professional development

From entry-level employees to senior leaders, we believe there’s always room to learn. We offer opportunities to build new skills, take on leadership opportunities and connect and grow through mentorship. From on-the-job learning experiences to formal development programs, our professionals have a variety of opportunities to continue to grow throughout their career.

As used in this document, “Deloitte Risk & Financial Advisory” means Deloitte & Touche LLP, which provides audit, assurance, and risk and financial advisory services; Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP, which provides forensic, dispute, and other consulting services; and its affiliate, Deloitte Transactions and Business Analytics LLP, which provides a wide range of advisory and analytics services. These entities are separate subsidiaries of Deloitte LLP. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of our legal structure. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.

About Deloitte Risk & Financial Advisory

Our Deloitte Risk & Financial Advisory practice helps organizations effectively navigate business risks and opportunities—from strategic, reputation, and financial risks to operational, cyber, and regulatory risks—to gain competitive advantage. We apply our experience in ongoing business operations and corporate lifecycle events to help clients become stronger and more resilient. Our market-leading teams help clients embrace complexity to accelerate performance, disrupt through innovation, and lead in their industries.

Legal Information for Job Seekers | Deloitte US

As used in this posting, "Deloitte Advisory" means Deloitte & Touche LLP, which provides audit and enterprise risk services; Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP, which provides forensic, dispute, and other consulting services; and its affiliate, Deloitte Transactions and Business Analytics LLP, which provides a wide range of advisory and analytics services. Deloitte Transactions and Business Analytics LLP is not a certified public accounting firm. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. These entities are separate subsidiaries of Deloitte LLP.

Requisition code: 184474

Caution against fraudulent job offers!

We have been informed of instances where jobseekers are led to believe of fictitious job opportunities with Deloitte US (“Deloitte”). In one or more such cases, false promises of actual or potential selection, or initiation or completion of the recruitment formalities appear to have been or are being made. Some jobseekers appear to have been asked to pay money to specified bank accounts of individuals or entities as a condition of their selection for a ‘job’ with Deloitte. These individuals or entities are in no way connected with Deloitte and do not represent or otherwise act on behalf of Deloitte.

We would like to clarify that:

• At Deloitte, ethics and integrity are fundamental and not negotiable.
• We are against corruption and neither offer bribes nor accept them, nor induce or permit any other party to make or receive bribes on our behalf.
• We have not authorized any party or person to collect any money from jobseekers in any form whatsoever for promises of getting jobs in Deloitte.
• We consider candidates on merit and that we provide an equal opportunity to eligible applicants.
• No one other than designated Deloitte personnel (e.g., a Deloitte recruiter or Deloitte hiring partner) is permitted to extend any job offer from Deloitte.

Anyone who at any time has made or makes any payment to any party in exchange for promises of job or selection for a job with Deloitte or any matter related to this (including those for ‘registration’, ‘verification’ or ‘security deposit’) or otherwise engages with any such person who has made or makes fraudulent promises or offers, does so (or has done so) entirely at their own risk. Deloitte takes no responsibility or liability for any such unauthorized or fraudulent actions or engagements. We encourage jobseekers to exercise caution.

• About Deloitte
• Terms of use
• Data Privacy Framework
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Legal information for job seekers and ADA
• Labor condition applications
• Assistance for people with disabilities

The Federal Register

The daily journal of the united states government, request access.

Due to aggressive automated scraping of FederalRegister.gov and eCFR.gov, programmatic access to these sites is limited to access to our extensive developer APIs.

If you are human user receiving this message, we can add your IP address to a set of IPs that can access FederalRegister.gov & eCFR.gov; complete the CAPTCHA (bot test) below and click "Request Access". This process will be necessary for each IP address you wish to access the site from, requests are valid for approximately one quarter (three months) after which the process may need to be repeated.

An official website of the United States government.

If you want to request a wider IP range, first request access for your current IP, and then use the "Site Feedback" button found in the lower left-hand side to make the request.