Statement of Qualifications (SOQ): Examples + Template

How would you like to start your resume with a concentrated burst of professional brilliance. A brief introduction to your professional qualifications and achievements that’ll hook the reader faster than you can say “you’re hired.” 

Sounds pretty neat, doesn’t it? Here’s how you can do it. Write yourself a high impact statement of qualifications. It’s the perfect way to whet the recruiter’s appetite and make them hungry for more.

And writing it is a piece of cake, just read on and you’ll get a statement of qualification template you can follow to write your own. You’ll also get a selection of statement of qualifications examples that’ll show you just how effective this way of introducing your resume can be. Now let’s get down to writing that SOQ.

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Looking for more resume writing tips? We’ve got you covered:

• How to Start a Resume: Guide with 15+ Starters
• Summary of Qualifications: 20+ Examples for Your Resume
• What to Put on a Resume: Good Things to Include
• Best Resume Templates (14+ Top Picks)
• Resume Sections & Categories (Tips on Titles and Order)
• Resume Contact Information Tips (Phone Number and More)
• How to Match Your Resume to a Specific Job Description
• How to Update Your Resume (Tips and Help)
• 12 Easy Steps to Improve Your Resume
• Resume Keywords for Every Industry (Use to Pass ATS)

Resume Statement of Qualifications Example

1. What is a Statement of Qualifications?

A statement of qualifications is an introductory resume section that’s a brief outline of your relevant skills, experiences and achievements. It generally uses bullet points to show relevant qualifications tailored to the requirements of the job you're applying for.

It can also refer to a much longer document called a narrative statement of qualifications. It’s often used to apply for civil service positions, particularly in the state of California. 

The longer format consists of your answers to a series of questions or your written response on how you meet the qualifications of the job and it can be a page or more in length. We’ll be focusing on the shorter statement of qualifications format used in a standard US resume.

Other types of resume introduction include a resume objective and resume summary. In contrast to an SOQ they’re generally written as a short paragraph.

2. Who Can Use a Statement of Qualifications?

Don’t let the name put you off. Yes, to use a statement of qualifications format for your resume you do need fairly extensive qualifications. And mostly that covers professional skills and experience. 

But you can also include educational attainments and transferable skills in your SOQ too. So in fact it’s a perfect resume introduction for anyone who wants a unique and compelling way of introducing themselves to the hiring manager.

Let’s take a look at just how impactful a statement of qualifications can be.

Statement of Qualifications Example

Now that just pops. It hits the hiring manager with an impressive list of qualifications from the get go. And when they read an introduction like that they’ll be itching for more.

It’s also going to be a winner with Applicant Tracking Software (ATS). That’s because it’s packed with resume keywords. So it gives both the human and algorithm-based gatekeepers everything they need to shift your resume over to the yes pile.

Let’s compare that statement of qualifications sample with a traditional resume summary.

It’s ok, but compared to the first example it falls a little flat. Think of it this way, why have a cheap sparkling wine when you can have the finest Champagne?

Now let’s take a look at how you can pop that cork yourself. 

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3. How to Write a Statement of Qualifications

Here’s an easy way to define a statement of qualifications. Think of it as a greatest hits album. It’s a compilation of all the good stuff in one place.

Now here’s a statement of qualifications template to create your own career “best of.”

1. Pick four or five of the strongest points from your resume. Delve into your work experience section and your skills section alike.
2. Start with your job title, experience and industry. You could even include this information as a separate resume headline.
3. Then write your bullet points, starting them off with resume action words and structuring them as numbered achievements written as accomplishment statements as much as possible. 
4. Target your resume to the job description. Choose qualifications that are relevant and write a fresh SOQ for each new application.
5. Keep your bullet points short and sweet for maximum impact.

Number 4 on that list is absolutely crucial. You can’t use the same statement of qualifications template for every job application. Always take the time to read the job ad, note the requirements mentioned, and choose your qualifications that are most relevant. 

It’s also known as “tailoring” your SOQ. And that explains it perfectly. You’re altering it to create the perfect fit for each and every job you apply for. It’s one of the most powerful resume tips out there.

Here’s another example so you can see the formula in action.

Office Technician Statement of Qualifications Example

You can see why that example is a winner. We start off with a job title and experience then move on to a series of punchy, achievement-led and number-rich bullet points. That’s exactly what hiring managers want. A statement of qualifications that proves your abilities and shows the contribution they can make to your prospective employer.

Contrast that with this statement of qualifications sample.

Let’s face it, this is not an A-grade statement of qualifications. It’s barely even a pass. Listing duties without including numbers, achievements and other impressive details just falls flat. 

Pro Tip: Unsure of what metrics and achievements are most important for your career. Go to O*NET, an amazingly detailed resource sponsored by the Department of Labor. On the home screen search for your job title in the occupation quick search bar at the top of the screen. Click on the corresponding result for your job and you’ll get a ton of information to inspire you.

4. Statement of Qualifications for Entry Level Candidates

Once again, don’t be put off by the name. Your SOQ doesn’t have to only contain qualifications from your work history, you can leverage those impressive accomplishments from your resume education section too. 

Statement of Qualifications Example for Students and Entry Level

Now that’s impressive, much better than a stock standard resume objective which is the usual recommendation for a law student resume. Here are some more ideas on what you could include in a student statement of qualifications.

• Relevant coursework
• Academic projects
• Extracurricular activities
• GPA (if it’s 3.5 or higher)
• Relevant minor and major
• Dean’s list
• Graduating cum laude and other Latin honors
• Volunteering

5. Statement of Qualifications for Career Changers

Writing a career change resume or making the military to civilian transition? You can benefit from an SOQ too, it’s a real swiss army knife of a resume section. The key here is to make use of achievements that showcase transferable skills that are applicable to your new career.

Read the job requirements to create a tailored SOQ, and remember that some skills are considered universally desirable. These are some examples.

• IT skills
• Computer skills
• Leadership skills
• Management skills
• Teamwork skills
• Communication skills
• Analytical skills
• Problem solving skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Project management skills
• Employability skills

Now here’s how it could look in an SOQ.

Statement of Qualifications Example for a Career Changer

Want some more insight into the skills employers want? Read more:Top Skills Employers Look For

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

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See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Key Takeaway

A statement of qualifications is a powerful way of introducing your resume, and a great alternative to standard resume starting strategies. 

Its concentrated burst of skills and achievements is enough to impress even the most jaded hiring manager. That’s because it gives them what they want right at the start of your resume in a brief and easily readable format.

Just follow our advice to give it maximum impact and you’ll be all set to give your resume an instant boost of job-winning brilliance.

Thanks for reading, if you’d like to know more about writing your resume using the statement of qualifications format then please ask in the comments section and we’ll be happy to help.

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Sources

• https://csb.uncw.edu/cen/documents/8%20Things%20You%20Need%20To%20Know%20About%20Applicant%20Tracking%20Systems.pdf
• https://career.unm.edu/career-tools/accomplishment-statements-20201.pdf
• https://www.onetonline.org/