What Does Qualifications Mean on a Job Application? (2024)

Your unique combination of training and skills help the employer decide if you're qualified to perform the essential duties outlined in the job description. The qualifications section of a resume or job application is the heart of what a prospective employer wants to know about you. Your chances of being interviewed and hired largely depend on how well you fit the required and preferred qualifications stated in a job posting.

Definition of Qualifications

Qualifications include the education, experience, skills and personal qualities you bring to the table. Examples of qualifications include: college degree, license, excellent communication skills, ability to life 50 pounds, attention to detail, commitment to diversity, dependability and a positive attitude. The qualifications section interprets that information so the interviewer quickly gets an overview of your potential fit before scouring the details of your work history.

Most Important Skills

When filling out an application or updating your resume for a specific job, learn what skills the employer is looking for and emphasize those. In many ways, skills are the hardest of your qualifications for the employer to see from your job history. The interviewer doesn't know what software or equipment you used for previous employers, or that you were the salesperson they always gave the difficult customers to because your people skills are so good. If you are applying for a graphic arts job, for instance, you would make sure you mention what software you have used. If you want a job in the building trades, list the specialized tools and equipment you know how to use.

Degrees and Specialized Training

Though you have listed your college attendance in the education section of your application or resume, the degrees you have earned should be mentioned in your qualifications. Depending on the job, however, the qualifications section may also be the place to mention other education, such as regional occupation training classes and even non-certification courses if they are germane. For instance, a nurse would want to mention ongoing education courses in patient education if he is applying for a job as a home health worker. A construction applicant should make sure that courses and certifications in safety, special techniques and equipment are mentioned under qualifications.

Relevant Experience

Experience is the bottom line, especially if you are applying for a non-entry level position. Even unpaid work, such as running the cash register at your club's thrift store, can count. The interviewer wants to know that your prior work experience is germane /to her company's needs. The qualifications section is not the place to list individual employers but to talk about what you learned or achieved in those jobs. When applying for a supervisory position in manufacturing, for example, you could mention that you often worked as a substitute foreman at your last job, or that you were recognized for outstanding production. This tells the screener that a prior employer thought you were trustworthy and skilled enough to be given responsibility.

Minimum, Preferred and Equivalent Qualifications

Many companies include their desired qualifications in job ads, and these are often listed as "minimum" and "preferred." Minimum qualifications are the rock-bottom skills, education and experience that you need to have to be considered. Preferred qualifications are the ones the employer really wants to find. The more of the preferred qualifications you can demonstrate, the more likely you are to get the job. Sometimes, potential employers are willing to consider prior training or experience that's equivalent to the advertised desired qualifications. Equivalent qualifications are experience or jobs that taught you the skills the employer seeks, or demonstrates a track record in the skill or degree area desired.

References