How to Write a Summary of Qualifications for Your Resume (With Examples)

Survey data shows that many hiring managers spend less than 30 seconds on a resume, so a qualifications summary makes sure that they see your strongest qualifications first.

What is a summary of qualifications?

A summary of qualifications is a concise resume introduction that lists 4–6 bullet points showcasing your key skills, relevant experience, and major accomplishments.

You should consider using one if you:

• You have a lot of experience and want to showcase specific achievements
• Have earned major awards, certifications, or leadership roles that are directly related to your target job
• Want to highlight your transferable skills

How to write a summary of qualifications

Follow these steps to write one a summary of qualifications that lands you an interview:

1. Choose your most impressive and relevant qualifications

Your summary of qualifications should be tailored to each job description, so you should write a different one for every application.

Carefully review the job description to understand what the employer is looking for. Pay attention to the key skills, experience, and qualifications mentioned in the listing, and think about which ones that align with your background.

Next, select 4–6 of your most impressive and relevant achievements. Choose a mix of hard skills, major accomplishments, and career highlights that align with the job requirements.

You should always highlight the following (if applicable):

• Years of experience
• Key skills
• Successful projects
• Awards and recognitions
• Leadership positions

2. Use hard numbers to quantify your achievements

Numbers help bring your accomplishments to life. Whenever possible, quantify your achievements using hard numbers to show the impact you had in previous roles. For example, instead of saying you “improved efficiency,” specify by how much you improved efficiency.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some common ways to showcase measurable results:

• Cost savings
• Revenue growth
• Efficiency improvements
• Productivity increases
• Customer satisfaction ratings
• Lead generation
• Conversion rates
• Employee retention
• Hiring and onboarding metrics
• Social media engagement
• Website traffic
• Quality control improvements
• Compliance and risk reduction
• Team size

3. List your qualifications as bullet points below your header

Once you’ve selected your most relevant and impressive qualifications, list them as bullet points directly below your resume’s header. Keep each point concise, specific, and results-driven, avoiding long sentences or unnecessary details.

Aim for four to six bullet points, making sure each one highlights a key skill, achievement, or measurable impact that aligns with the job you’re applying to.

Summary of qualifications examples

Here are examples of strong summaries of qualifications tailored for different experience levels:

Entry-level example

A summary of qualifications is typically best for experienced professionals, but if you’re asked to include one as an entry-level candidate, focus on your education, transferable skills, internships, and academic achievements. Here’s how to write one even without formal work experience:

Mid-level example

At the mid-level stage of your career, your summary of qualifications should highlight achievements that demonstrate your growing expertise, leadership, and ability to take on increasing responsibility.

Senior-level example

As a senior-level professional, your summary of qualifications should highlight your most significant accomplishments, from revenue growth to process improvements. Focus on leadership experience, business impact, and industry expertise that set you apart.

Career changer example

When transitioning to a new career, your summary of qualifications should focus on transferable skills, relevant achievements, and experiences that align with your target industry.

Frequently asked questions about writing a summary of qualifications

Still have questions about writing a summary of qualifications? We’ve answered a few common queries here:

1. What’s the difference between a summary of qualifications and a statement of qualifications?

A summary of qualifications is a concise, bullet-pointed section at the top of a resume that highlights key skills, achievements, and experience relevant to the job. It’s designed to quickly grab a hiring manager’s attention and show why you’re a strong candidate.

A statement of qualifications, on the other hand, is typically a longer, narrative-style document often required for government jobs or specialized roles. It provides a detailed response to specific qualifications listed in the job posting, explaining how your experience aligns with each requirement.

2. Is a summary of qualifications the same as a professional summary?

No. A professional summary is a short paragraph about your career. A summary of qualifications is a focused list of specific achievements and skills formatted as bullet points.

3. Can my summary of qualifications be a list of bullet points?

Yes, you should format your summary of qualifications as short, impactful bullet points.

Bullet points make your qualifications easy to scan, which helps busy hiring managers quickly identify your key strengths.

4. Can a summary of qualifications replace the resume introduction?

Yes, a summary of qualifications can replace the traditional resume introduction, such as a resume summary or objective, but it depends on your career level and the job you’re applying for.

A summary of qualifications is ideal for experienced professionals who want to highlight their most impactful achievements, skills, and experience in a concise, scannable format.

However, for entry-level candidates or those with limited experience, a resume summary or objective would be a better choice, unless you’re specifically asked for a summary of qualifications.