On your resume, qualifications are essential for informing a potential employer of your skills and abilities, so that he/she can determine if you fit the bill for the job opening. The problem is, many people don't know how to list this information on their resume properly, which can result in your getting placed in the 'no' stack. Below, you will find information regarding how to include your resume qualifications section in a way that is professional and increases your odds of securing the position.
What should you include in your resume qualifications?
You want to make a good first impression, so you should write your qualifications in a way that is crisp, clear and directed toward the job you are applying for. The key is to emphasize your accomplishments and skill set, without rambling on in detail. Use action words that describe your strong points, and avoid dull or bland statements. Your goal is to hit a positive note with the employer, so that he/she easily discerns that you have the necessary skill and talent to perform the job and benefit the company.
When writing your resume, the qualifications are often presented in a bulleted list. This way, each qualification is listed as a separate item, which makes it easy for an employer to scan in order to see your strong points. If possible, your bulleted points should be no more than 5 or 6. If you have more than this, it becomes congested and confusing to the eye, so choose your 6 strongest qualifications and go with that.
Each individual section of your qualifications should project your confidence, and display your knowledge, success and initiative. Choose the words you use carefully, so that when completed your resume qualifications demonstrate your ability to contribute to the company's needs, goals and ongoing projects.
Some individuals choose to write their qualifications in the form of a 4 to 5 sentence paragraph rather than used a bulleted list. While this is acceptable, it is easier for a potential employer to scan a bulleted list quickly and immediately see your best points.
When describing your skills, talents and yourself, use strong adjectives that clearly illustrate your point. Try not to use a single adjective repeatedly, as it will look strange and redundant. Consider words like motivated, dependable, accomplished, reliable, etc.
It is important when writing your resume qualifications that you do not include the same information that will come further down in your job history section. Do not list previous job duties, responsibilities, etc. in your qualifications. This information comes in to play when you start building the job history section of your resume. When you reach the work history, you then detail what you were responsible for in previous positions in order to support your qualifications section.
Always review your work and edit when necessary. View your qualifications through the eyes of an employer in order to determine if the information would make an impact on you were you the one responsible for hiring.