How to describe your professional qualities in a resume

Writing a resume is an integral part in finding a job, so you need to pay special attention to it. There is a whole section in CV called “Professional Skills”, but how to correctly describe your professional qualities in a resume? There are certain rules, adhering to which, you can emphasize your strengths and avoid mistakes that will alienate the potential employer.

Consider these rules as a step-by-step instruction:

1. Do not confuse the sections "Professional Achievements" and "Professional Skills". The first should indicate what you have achieved in previous jobs in a similar position, and the second - what qualities have helped to achieve these goals. This is a kind of advertisement for your professional services.
2. We live in an age of computerization, so do not neglect keywords and phrases. Personnel officers quite often use an automated search system, which is based on key phrases. They can be considered those qualities that a candidate for a given position should possess.
3. When listing professional qualities in a resume, you should not scatter and list all the skills you possess. Focus on the main thing - those qualities that are necessary for this particular vacancy. For example, if you are applying for the position of head of department, then you should point out the ability to work in a team, find effective solutions and perseverance.
   
4. As in everything, in compiling a resume it is important to comply with the "rule of the golden mean." Your professional qualities in the resume should not be described in long general phrases. But, at the same time, one or two words will not be enough either. Write a couple of sentences that clearly describe the professional qualities in the resume. Example: “Eight years of work as chief accountant”, “Knowledge of 1C program, areas: bank, cash desk, current account”. Be sure to list a few basic skills. This is necessary so that the CV meets the formal criteria and meets the requirements of the applicant.
5. Do not overdo it with a cliche. The abundance of template words that reflect your personality characteristics is present in almost all resumes, and causes nothing but irritation. The employer must make an impression of you from the skills and achievements you have listed.

If you are writing a resume in a free form, and not on a form issued by the company, try to structure the text. Professional qualities in a resume should be indicated in a short form, for example: PC (advanced user), French (I read and translate with a dictionary).

Please note that in a resume you should write only truthful data, slightly embellishing your dignity and minimize weak professional qualities. In the summary, this will not arouse suspicion and will look quite believable. You should not praise yourself and, if you have indicated some qualities that you actually do not have, then try to develop them, otherwise an experienced personnel officer will reveal the fraud, and you will have to resign due to a mismatch of the position.