What are Qualifications?

When it comes to just about any situation in life, it is necessary to meet some sort of basic qualifications. Essentially, qualifications are those attributes that are possessed by an individual that makes the person a reasonable fit for the task at hand. When it comes to the workplace, most qualifications fall into three basic categories. Here is some information on qualifications, and how they are utilized to hire the right person for the right position.

Most businesses tend to establish what is referred to as a summary of qualifications for each job or position within the company. Generally, job qualifications are very specific and focus on three main criteria. The first usually has to do with the educational background that must be met in order to be considered for the position. This type of qualification may be very basic, such as a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

For some types of work, a college degree, or some sort of graduate work may be required before the applicant will be considered. The idea behind setting qualifications based on the level of completed education help to ensure that the applicant has the necessary learning skills that may be required in order to fully master the work associated with the position.

A second example of essential qualifications has to do with the work history of the individual. Vocational qualifications may include a minimum amount of work history associated with a particular industry, or a particular role within that industry. Qualifications that are based on work history help the employer to determine if the applicant has practical experience that will make it easier to integrate the individual into company practices and functions. By not having to train the individual in the basics, the task of settling the new person into the organization will be much easier.

A third common example of necessary qualifications has to do with general skills and talents. This would include any particular ability that would help the individual be successful in the position. For instance, an individual may be switching from a manufacturing background to working in an office environment. As it happens, the individual is very familiar and efficient with two popular word processing software programs, both of which are used extensively by the employer. While that skill was not used in previous work experience, this competency with word processing helps to make the candidate a viable prospect for hire.

Just about every job posting will include a basic Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) as part of the job announcement. Analyzing this list of qualifications and relating each one back to the work history, educational background, and talents and skills of the individual make it possible for an employer to hire the right people for the right position. At the same time, establishing a list of qualifications helps the individual find a job that is an ideal fit.