5 Simple Ways to Write a Summary of Qualifications

5 Simple Ways to Write a Summary of Qualifications5 Simple Ways to Write a Summary of Qualifications5If youre still including an objective statement on your resume, youre doing it wrong. Here are some simple tips to write a summary of qualifications instead.Much like our climate, gas prices, and technology, resumes are constantly changing and its important to keep abreast of advancements in resume style, structure, and content to earn your spot at the top of an employers callback list.So how can you be sure your resume makes an immediate, positive impression? Start by cutting out and burying that long-dead objective statement and replacing it with a well-strategized summary of qualifications- commonly referred to as a value statement.Today, your value statement is what gets you in the door. Its the toughest section of your resume to write and is meant to tell a brief narrative of your overall professional experience. To make things even more complicated, your value statement should a lways be altered to reflect relevant qualifications from a specific job posting.Overwhelmed? Here are five simple rules to follow when writing an impactful summary of qualifications, or value statement.1. The Three-Adjective OpenerIf youre having trouble starting your summary of qualifications, the easiest and most effective route is to choose three adjectives that best describe you and your professional image. If youre an oil and gas contract worker, open by stating that you are a detail-oriented, pragmatic, and team-oriented oil and gas professional. Job descriptions will commonly feature a qualifications section seeking candidates with certain attributes, so look for those specifically to indicate that youre a direct match for the position. If youre having trouble thinking of three personal qualities, ask a friend or family member to describe you in three or more words.2. Years of Experience Continue the first phrase of your summary of qualifications by highlighting your years of experience within a certain industry or your time spent fulfilling one or two similar duties from the job posting. Refrain from boasting about experience spanning longer than 20 years. Alternatively, you can say you are offering career-long history of success in roles relevant to the position. However, if youre an entry-level candidate or seeking a career change, try discussing your academic background or relevant certifications and training.3. Demonstrated HistoryHeres your chance to briefly expand on your most hochgestellt abilities as they relate directly to the job advertisement. Try to veer away from using soft skills (e.g., excellent interpersonal skills, multitasking abilities, and the ill-fated written and oral communication techniques), and focus mainly on important tasks like team leadership, process improvement, and budget management. Include numbers and figures where applicable if you really want to pack a memorable punch.4. Hard-Hitting Closer An employer is most likel y to remember you if you close your summary of qualifications or value statement with a significant achievement or contribution. Are you proud of that time you helped increase sales by 30 percent within one year as a sales associate? Did you receive a promotion for resolving an ongoing internal issue? Be sure to include at least one accomplishment, even if its as simple as saying you have been characterized by your colleagues and superiors as a subject matter expert in a particular line of work, software, or skill.5. Languages Finally, languages can almost always be found as a valued asset within a job posting. If you are fluent in more than one language, list them as a final statement.Below is a sample of an ideal value statement, or summary of qualifications, in terms of length, content, and qualityOf course, the length of your value statement is dependent on the amount of experience you possess. Its best to keep it down to two paragraphs and eight lines maximum however, an execut ive-level candidate may be hard-pressed to limit his or her summary of qualifications to this standard. If youre an entry-level applicant, you may only need one paragraph of four lines to briefly outline your areas of expertise.Remember to justify all text to both the left and right margins using the alignment tool in your word processor to enhance readability and overall appeal.The concept of a value statement may seem overwhelming at first, but with these simple tips and a little practice, youll be able to leave a lasting impression on any potential hiring manager.Readers, have you written an awesome summary of qualifications for your resume? Share it with us in the commentsResumeTarget.com provides professional resume writing services for clients of all career levels across North America. We are the only resume writing company that offers a professionally written resume coupled with the guidance of recruiters, to guarantee that your resume will get results. Tweet us with any resu me questions you have at www.twitter.com/ResumeTarget, were here to help