How to Write a Summary of Qualifications for Your Resume
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Hiring managers skim resumes in seconds — so how do you set yours apart from the pack?
A well-crafted summary of qualifications is your secret weapon. This short, powerful section sits at the top of your resume, quickly showcasing your most impressive strengths. Done right, it can be the difference between landing an interview or getting lost in the pile.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to write a summary of qualifications that grabs attention, highlights your value, and makes employers want to learn more.
What is a Summary of Qualifications?
Also known as a qualifications summary, this section sits at the top of your resume to highlight your industry-specific skills and how you've applied them in your work.
Your summary of qualifications should list three to four bullet points that grab the hiring manager's attention with impressive outcomes and specific qualifications directly tied to your desired role.
When to use a summary of qualifications
A summary of qualifications works best for recent graduates or job seekers with little to no experience looking to showcase their relevant skills over a limited work history.
Some professionals use this section to complement their resume objective, while others use it as a more concise alternative.
Whatever your choice, a summary of qualifications in your functional resume helps to spotlight your professional skills further while drawing attention away from your minimal experience.
How to Write a Summary of Qualifications on Your Resume
Follow these steps to write an effective summary of qualifications:
STEP 1
Research the role.
Read the job description carefully and note the required and preferred qualifications. Then, think about your relevant skills and credentials. Which of those can you include in your resume?
STEP 2
Write in the active voice.
After choosing which qualifications to include in your summary, list them in bullet points using action verbs to help reduce wordiness and clearly express how you applied them in the workplace.
For example:
STEP 3
Include measurable outcomes.
Your aim is to show hiring managers how you can apply your skills to the workplace. Use quantifiable achievements to show how your expertise impacts the team's performance and drives impressive results.
See how this example significantly improves after including quantifiable data:
Streamlined office operations by implementing a digital filing system.
Reduced document retrieval time by 40% by streamlining office operations with an innovative digital filing system.
STEP 4
Use keywords from the job description.
Including keywords from the job posting is critical for passing ATS scans and convincing hiring managers you have the necessary skills. Review your research notes after writing your first summary draft and ensure you include the key credentials the employer seeks.
Summary of Qualifications Examples
We gathered strong examples of summary of qualifications to help you start writing your own:
Sales representative
- Consistently exceeded sales targets by 15-25% through strong client relationships and strategic upselling.
- Generated $500K+ in annual revenue by identifying new business opportunities and expanding key accounts.
- Skilled in negotiation, lead generation, and closing deals, resulting in a 30% increase in client retention.
- Proficient in CRM software (Salesforce, HubSpot) and data-driven sales strategies.
Nursing assistant
- Provided compassionate patient care to an average of 15+ patients per shift, assisting with daily activities, mobility, and hygiene needs.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff, contributing to early intervention and improved patient outcomes.
- Ensured a safe and clean environment by following infection control protocols, reducing hospital-acquired infections by 20%.
Browse nursing assistant resume examples.
Recent graduate with volunteer experience
- Developed and executed social media campaigns for a local nonprofit, increasing engagement by 35% in three months.
- Created advertising copy and promotional materials for volunteer projects, enhancing brand awareness and community outreach.
- Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and digital marketing tools such as Google Ads and Meta Business Suite.
- Strong collaboration and project management skills, with experience coordinating events and marketing initiatives as part of a volunteer team.
Browse student resume examples.
Paralegal
- Certified Paralegal (CP) with experience drafting and reviewing legal documents, contracts, and case filings, ensuring accuracy and compliance with court requirements.
- Conducted legal research and case analysis, supporting attorneys in trial preparation and improving case strategy efficiency.
- Managed client communications and case files, maintaining confidentiality and streamlining document organization for faster retrieval.
Browse paralegal resume examples.
Tips for Writing an Impressive Summary of Qualifications
Follow these tips to take your summary of qualifications to the next level:
- Tailor your summary to the job: A targeted resume is more likely to pass ATS scans and quickly shows the employer why you're a good fit for the role.
- Include certifications: If you're applying for a higher position, mentioning relevant certifications in your summary can help convince the hiring manager you have what it takes.
- Mention volunteer experience: Don't be afraid to discuss your volunteer experience if it helps showcase relevant skills.
- Add job-specific skills: Technical skills like Adobe Creative Suite and CRM software speak to your level of expertise.
- Keep it brief: Hiring managers receive dozens of job applications daily, so be straightforward in your summary.
- Ask for a second opinion: Show your resume to your colleagues or friends and encourage them to give you feedback on how to improve.
Key Takeaways
- A summary of qualifications is a concise list of your most impressive skills, achievements, and credentials.
- Job seekers with little experience can use a summary of qualifications to boost their resume by explaining their skills further.
- An effective summary of qualifications is action-oriented, tailored to the role, and mentions quantifiable data.
- Adding certifications and volunteer experience is an excellent way to improve your summary.
FAQ
How do you start a summary of qualifications?
When writing your summary of qualifications, the first thing to do is read the job posting to identify the key skills and credentials the employer seeks. Then, you can start listing your relevant qualifications to match the job description.
How long should a summary of qualifications be?
Ideally, it should be three to four bullet points. Short enough to grab attention quickly but detailed enough to convey your credentials.
How is a summary of qualifications different from a resume objective?
While both mention your most impressive qualifications, a resume objective also states your career goals and what you hope to accomplish in the role. A resume objective is typically written in paragraph form, while a summary of qualifications is a bullet list.
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How to Write a Summary of Qualifications for Your Resume
Natalia is a Content Writer based in Puerto Rico and a Certified Professional Résumé Writer. She is dedicated to leveraging her writing expertise to help job seekers reach their career goals.
Our customers have been hired at:*Foot Note
