A Professional Qualifications section is comprised of bulleted statements showing which of your skills match the requirements for the job. This is the best way to start your resume. This section is sometimes called “Core Qualifications,” “Key Qualifications,” or “Qualifications Summary.”)
Shouldn’t I start my resume with an objective?
No. Objectives are seen as outdated and are often self-focused with little relevance to the job requirements.
How do I write a Professional Qualifications section?
To start, read the job posting carefully.
- Notice the list of the requirements and key words used in the job posting.
- Brainstorm a list of your similar skills and accomplishments from your previous jobs or internships.
- Consider both your hard skills (e.g., computer knowledge, writing skills, project management) and soft skills (e.g., organization, teamwork, punctuality).
Write four to six bulleted statements.
- These bulleted statements must highlight your important skills, experiences, or accomplishments for the position you are applying for. Borrow keywords from the job posting.
- Begin each statement with an action verb or strong adjective.
Examples:
Action verb: Accurately maintained electronic patient charts for up to 7 patients per shift
Strong adjective: Skilled in payroll management focused on compliance with current regulations
Try creating your bulleted statements with this framework:
WHAT you did, HOW you did it, and the RESULT (stated or implied):
Example:
(WHAT) Reduced backlog of 60 customer service tickets (HOW) by devising a method of prioritizing and scheduling responses (RESULT) enabling the service team to complete 100% of their ticket resolutions
IMPORTANT: Use numbers and percentages whenever possible to convey the measurable impact of your skill. (See previous example)
Here’s an example of a Professional Qualifications section from career expert Tom Gerencer in
“Summary of Qualifications for a Resume: 20+ Examples”:
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
• Customer service representative with 8+ years’ experience in high-volume call centers
• Maintained 99% positive customer survey rank at On Point Electronics
• Scored 38% higher-than-average customer retention for all call-ins
• Chosen as a target example for other reps during trainings
• Scored a 98% in the Salesforce Certified Professional training program. (2024)
Customize your Professional Qualifications as needed for each job application.
Your Professional Qualifications section may look a little different for each job you apply for because there will be different requirements and key words.
Revised 21 November 2024