Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) Best Practices

What is an SOQ?

• A narrative discussion of your experience, skills, significant tasks, projects, activities, operations that relate to desirable qualifications listed in the examination or Job Opportunity Bulletin
• Allows for you to speak in depth about specific work, experience or how you executed a project utilizing specific skills.
• Go in depth beyond your application and resume
• Filters the candidate pool
• Gets you into the interview

Strong SOQ

• Must meet all format requirements (e.g., font, margins, number of pages)
• Tailored for each bulletin you apply for
• Speaks to the desirable qualifications for the vacancy or examination
• Invest time into the SOQ, do not wait to start until you find the perfect job
• Aligns with all the other documents in the application package

Tips to Get Started

• Keep an accomplishments and project list during your career
  • Think about the projects, significant tasks, activities or programs you did
  • Consider outside experience as well, volunteer, non-profit, internships etc.
• Itemize into broad categories: Leadership, Coordination, Strategic planning, Communication etc.
• List the strongest examples that apply specifically for that vacancy or exam
  • Go as far back as you need to come up with examples, read past duty statements
• Break down the job bulletin, understand the job- duties, roles, responsibilities, desirable qualifications, and list experience that is transferable to that duty statement
• They may provide the generic SOQ question (Tell us how your training, experience or education qualify you for this position?) or may ask a specific question(s) submitting a general SOQ will remove you from the competition

Common Mistakes & Solutions:

• Using the same SOQ for all jobs; tailor the SOQ to each job you are applying to
• Typographical mistakes
  • After you proofread your SOQ, have someone else read it too
• Using jargon or acronyms
  • Explain and do not make assumptions they know what you are talking about
• Not spending enough time dedicated to developing your SOQ- provide relevance to the bulletin with your education, knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience
• Passive vs. Active voice- “was the manager” vs. “managed”
• Use words that add value, action verbs
• Provide specific examples versus generic or too vague