A skills section is an important part of a resume as it highlights the abilities and expertise that make a strong candidate for the job. A skills section on a resume allows a candidate to showcase capabilities and qualifications to potential employers. Several types of skills are included in a resume, including soft skills, hard skills, and transferable skills.
Soft skills are personal attributes that enable effective interaction with others. The most important soft skills to add to a resume include communication, leadership, time management, interpersonal, multitasking, active listening, and management skills.
Hard skills are technical abilities or knowledge that are taught and measured. Some valuable hard skills to include on a resume are computer skills, language proficiency, proficiency in Microsoft Office, marketing skills, typing speed, and management skills.
Transferable skills are abilities that are able to be applied to different jobs and industries. Some essential transferable skills to include on a resume are problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, and attention to detail.
When listing skills on a resume, it's important to follow some key rules. First, tailor the skills section to the applied job by including the most relevant skills. Second, be specific and provide examples of how skills have been used. Finally, keep the skills section concise and limit it to the most important and relevant abilities.
A well-crafted skills section helps stand out from other applicants and shows the employer that the abilities and expertise required to excel in the job are present. A comprehensive list of resume skills, organized by category, helps showcase strengths and land a dream job. The ability to demonstrate basic resume skills demonstrates value as an employee and separates a person from the competition, regardless of experience level.
What to put for skills on a resume
A skills section on a resume allows a candidate to showcase abilities and qualifications to potential employers. Employers want to know what unique value the candidate brings to their organization, and a skills section is an excellent way to demonstrate the candidate's qualities. A summary of skills on a resume makes a strong impression on recruiters and increases the chances of landing an interview.
Do You Need A Skills Section On Your Resume?
Yes. A resume is required to include a skills section, which is crucial in today's job market. The skills section highlights expertise, talents, and achievements, giving an edge over other candidates and helping employers quickly identify what is brought to the table. Making hiring managers aware of how value is added to their organization by highlighting relevant skills will increase the chances of getting noticed. Monster's Future of Work 2022 survey reports that the most in-demand skills include.
Individuals often exaggerate their skill sets or include skills on their resumes that they don't possess, which might seem common sense. Based on a survey conducted by CareerBuilder, 75% of human resources managers have identified falsehoods on resumes. Ensuring that the skills listed on a resume accurately reflect one's abilities to avoid misrepresentation and potential repercussions is crucial.
Types Of Skills To Put On A Resume
Consider what types of skills to list on a resume when writing it. The following are two general types of resume key skills:
Soft skills: Soft skills, also known as interpersonal or people skills, refer to a person's ability to communicate effectively, collaborate, and work well in a team. Personal attributes enhance a person's relationships with others, making them more effective in the workplace.
- Often innate or developed through life experiences and personal qualities.
- It is not specific to a particular job or industry and is able to be applied in various contexts.
- Generally associated with emotional intelligence, communication, interpersonal skills, and personal traits such as adaptability and creativity.
- Is not easily measured or quantified, making them difficult to evaluate objectively.
- Soft skills are able to be learned and improved over time through practice and feedback.
Hard skills: Hard skills are specific and teachable abilities often learned through formal education, training programs, or on-the-job experience.
- Generally acquired through formal education, training, or work experience.
- Usually specific to a particular job or industry and are measured and quantified.
- Often associated with technical or specialized knowledge and abilities such as programming, accounting, or engineering.
- Is evaluated objectively through assessments, tests, or certifications.
- Hard skills are essential for performing job-specific tasks and duties.
According to studies conducted by Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation, and Stanford Research Center, 85% of professional accomplishments are attributed to having strong people skills and well-developed soft skills. In contrast, hard skills such as technical knowledge and abilities only account for 15% of career success.
Including a combination of hard and soft skills on a resume demonstrates the qualifications and makes the candidate stand out to potential employers.
Most Important Soft Skills
The most important soft skills to add to a resume include communication, leadership, time management, interpersonal, multitasking, active listening, and management skills. Personal skills are vital to success in the workplace, and many employers value them highly when considering job candidates.
The choice of special skills for a resume depends on the job being applied for and unique strengths. Choose relevant skills and provide specific examples of soft skills demonstrated when compiling a list of skills to put on a resume. An individual becomes a more attractive job applicant and increases their chances of getting the job they want by listing unique skills for a resume.
Communication Skills Resume
Effective communication skills are essential in any job, regardless of the industry. Communication skills involve conveying information clearly, listening actively, and responding appropriately. Employers are more likely to consider the candidate a potential hire when employers see strong communication skills to list on a resume. Communication skills are crucial for building relationships, managing conflicts, and achieving success in any job.
How To Put Verbal And Written Communication Skills On A Resume
To put verbal and written communication skills on a resume, it is important to be specific and provide examples. There are four tips below on how skills to highlight on a resume.
- Use specific keywords: Make sure to include specific keywords related to communication skills, such as "verbal communication," "written communication," "public speaking," "interpersonal skills," etc., when crafting a resume.
- Include examples: Provide specific examples of when and how solid communication skills have been demonstrated instead of stating these skills are present. For instance, if there is experience delivering presentations or leading meetings, mention the size of the audience and the purpose of the presentation or discussion.
- Provide relevant experience: Make sure to highlight any experience that showcases communication skills, such as customer service experience, conflict resolution experience, or experience working on a team.
- Measure achievements: Use numbers and statistics to quantify achievements related to communication skills whenever appropriate. For example, if customer satisfaction ratings were improved through effective communication, mention the percentage increase.
- Including verbal and written communication skills on a resume significantly demonstrates value to potential employers. Ensure that claims are specific and backed up with examples.
Leadership Skills For Resume
Highlighting leadership skills on a resume helps impress potential employers. Leadership skills are highly sought after in many industries, as they demonstrate the ability to effectively manage and motivate a team toward achieving goals.
Leadership skills are demonstrated on a resume by including specific examples of when a leadership role was taken on, such as managing a project or leading a team. Include action verbs like "led", "managed", or "coordinated" to describe the role and responsibilities.
Consider including any relevant certifications or training completed in leadership, such as a management course or certification program. Relevant certifications or training demonstrates dedication to developing leadership skills.
Remember that leadership skills go beyond simply managing others. They include problem-solving, decision-making, and strategic thinking abilities. Including leading skills on a resume helps demonstrate value as a potential employee.
Time Management Skills For Resume
Time management involves prioritizing tasks, scheduling work, and meeting deadlines. Including time management skills on a resume demonstrates the ability to work efficiently and effectively, a valuable asset to employers. Consider including examples of successful time management, such as completing projects ahead of schedule or multitasking to meet multiple deadlines when describing time management skills. Mention relevant tools or techniques for managing time, such as time-tracking apps or calendars. A resume shows employers that the candidate is reliable and organized by emphasizing time management skills.
Interpersonal Skills On A Resume
Interpersonal skills refer to a person's ability to interact effectively with others. Employers highly value good qualification skills to put on a resume as they contribute to creating a positive and productive work environment.
Below are 5 resume skill examples that include interpersonal skills.
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Networking
- Empathy
- Openness
It's important to highlight specific examples of how interpersonal skills have been utilized in previous roles or experiences when putting these skills on a resume. Accomplishments such as working with a team on a project or resolving customer conflicts are necessary to be on the resume. Tailoring the language and tone of the job being applied for and highlighting any interpersonal skills that align with the specific job requirements is essential.
Multitasking Skills On Resume
Managing multiple tasks simultaneously without compromising the quality of work is called multitasking skills. Employers highly seek multitasking skills in today's fast-paced work environment. Including multitasking skills on a resume indicates that time is efficiently managed, tasks are prioritized, and stress is handled. Multitasking skills are described in the skills section, and examples are provided in the work experience section to showcase them.
Active Listening Skills Resume
Active listening is a crucial skill to enhance professional growth and development. It involves paying full attention to what someone is saying, understanding their message, and responding appropriately. Active listening involves verbal and nonverbal strategies to demonstrate attentiveness to the person being conversed with. Enhancing and employing active listening abilities show colleagues involvement and enthusiasm toward the project or work assignment.
Most Valuable Hard Skills
The most valuable hard skills that make a resume stand out include technical skills, computer skills, language skills, Microsoft Office skills, marketing skills, typing skills, and management skills. Having the right hard skills on a resume makes a significant difference in today's job market. Hard skills are the technical abilities that prove the knowledge and expertise to perform a specific job, while soft skills are essential. Employers often look for specific hard skills when hiring for certain positions, so knowing which ones are the most valuable in the industry is essential.
Technical Skills For Resume
Having technical skills is crucial to the success of many professions today. Technical skills refer to a person's ability to use specific software, tools, or procedures to accomplish particular tasks.
It is important to adapt them to the position being applied for when listing technical skills on a resume. For example, highlighting experience with programming languages, software development tools, and project management software is essential when applying for a job in software development. Highlighting experience with design software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator is essential when applying for a graphic design position.
Computer Skills For Resume
Computer skills enable job candidates to make a positive impact, increasing their competitiveness. More than 70% of US jobs required medium-to-high-level digital skills by 2016. Computer skills involve the ability to acquire and handle various technologies. Computer skills range from basic proficiency in software like Microsoft Word and Excel to specialized skills like coding and data analysis.
Hardware skills enable physical manipulation of a computer system, ranging from basic tasks such as turning on and off the device. In contrast, software skills help to operate computer programs and applications proficiently. Some software skills employers consider essential, such as knowledge of coding language or the ability to use spreadsheets.
Language Skills On Resume
Language skills are becoming increasingly important in the workplace as the world becomes more interconnected. It is important to accurately represent the proficiency level on a resume when including language skills. The proficiency level is represented using standard language proficiency systems such as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) proficiency guidelines.
Communicating effectively in multiple languages enhances job market competitiveness, whether dealing with clients from different countries or colleagues who speak another language.
Microsoft Office Skills On Resume
Proficiency in Microsoft Office is an essential computer skill for many job positions. Microsoft Office comprises desktop applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access. Each Microsoft Office application serves a unique purpose, and having experience and knowledge in all or some of these applications makes a significant difference in job performance.
Assessing proficiency level in each program is essential to showcase Microsoft Office skills on a resume effectively. It is vital to rate oneself as a beginner, intermediate, or advanced user and tailor language and phrasing accordingly to reflect skill level accurately.
Marketing Skills For Resume
Marketing skills are highly valued in the job market today as businesses aim to reach their target audience and increase revenue. The following are 5 marketing resume key skills.
- Data analysis
- SEO/SEM (Search Engine Optimization/Search Engine Marketing)
- Project/campaign management
- Social media and mobile marketing
- Copywriting
Additional marketing skills are listed below.
- Web analytics
- HTML & CSS
- WordPress
- Email marketing
- Web scraping
- CRO and A/B Testing (Conversion Rate Optimization)
- Data visualization & pattern-finding through critical thinking
- Search Engine and Keyword Optimization
- Paid social media advertisements
- B2B Marketing (Business-to-Business Marketing)
- The 4 P's of Marketing (Product, Price, Place, Promotion)
- Consumer Behavior Drivers
- Brand management
- Creativity
- Storytelling
- Sales
- CMS Tools (Content Management System Tools)
Typing Skills On Resume
Typing skills refer to typing quickly and accurately using a keyboard. Typing skill is becoming increasingly important in many jobs, especially those that involve a lot of computer work in today's digital age. Typing skills include touch typing, which involves typing without looking at the keyboard and using keyboard shortcuts and other productivity tools to streamline work.
It's essential to be honest and accurate about the level of proficiency when it comes to including typing skills on a resume. Typing speed is indicated in words per minute (WPM) and any relevant certifications earned, such as a typing certificate or completion of a typing course.
Employers value typing skills in various positions, from administrative roles that require data entry and document preparation to programming and coding jobs that require efficient keyboard use. Strong typing skills help work more efficiently, complete tasks more quickly, and communicate more effectively in the digital workplace.
Management Skills For Resume
Management skills are often linked to managerial roles, but this is not always true. Any professional gains advantages from possessing strong management skills. Management skills comprise the ability to manage people, resources, and processes proficiently, including time, plans, projects, and more.
The following are the most in-demand management skills.
- People management
- Project management
- Time management
- Risk management
- Logistics
- Action planning
- Conflict Resolution
Most Important Transferable Skills
Most important transferable skills often include soft skills like problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, attention to detail, and other qualities employers typically seek in strong candidates. Transferable skills are helpful to any employer when changing jobs or careers. Transferable skills are used to position experience as an asset for a new job, especially in a different industry. Transferable skills are the most appropriate skills to put on a resume for a part-time job.
Problem-Solving Skills In Resume
Problem-solving skills are identifying, analyzing, and solving problems efficiently and effectively. Solving problems is highly valued in the workplace, enabling individuals to overcome obstacles and solve complex issues.
Problem-solving skills involve a systematic approach to identifying the problem's root cause, evaluating solutions, and selecting the best course of action. Solving problems often requires critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration with others.
Teamwork Skills Resume
Teamwork skills are the common skills for resumes that refer to working collaboratively and effectively with others in a group or team setting. Teamwork skills involve communicating effectively with team members, sharing ideas and feedback, and being willing to take on different roles and responsibilities to achieve common goals.
Employers highly value teamwork skills as they are essential for various jobs and industries. Successful teamwork leads to increased productivity, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Job interviewers and employers look for applicants who demonstrate teamwork skills on their resumes and in job interviews and work experiences.
Critical Thinking
Analyzing information critically involves evaluating the facts objectively and making reasoned judgments based on that analysis. Analyzes involve examining and assessing ideas, arguments, and facts and considering different perspectives to reach well-reasoned conclusions.
Critical thinking is a valuable skill in many industries and professions, as it enables individuals to solve complex problems, make sound decisions, and innovate. Employers often seek candidates with strong critical thinking skills who contribute positively to the workplace and bring fresh ideas. Developing critical thinking skills involves honing analysis, interpretation, evaluation, and problem-solving abilities.
Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is a transferable skill that involves carefully reviewing and analyzing information to identify errors, inconsistencies, or omissions. Paying attention to details is essential in many professions, such as finance, law, and healthcare, where accuracy is critical.
Attention to detail involves identifying and correcting written or numerical data mistakes, spotting and correcting technical document errors, and noticing minor changes in visual presentations. Attention to detail means understanding the importance of each piece, prioritizing the most critical information, and following up with necessary actions.
Employers value candidates with strong attention to detail skills because they help to minimize mistakes and improve overall quality. Demonstrating attention to detail on a resume make a candidate appear reliable and trustworthy, leading to more job opportunities and career advancement.
How Many Skills Should Be Listed On A Resume
Including 5-10 skills on a resume is recommended, based on the amount and type of work experience. It is reasonable to include more skills to list on a resume if you have extensive work experience, but it's still important to prioritize and only include relevant skills.
When listing skills on a resume, the general rule of thumb is to include the most relevant and essential skills for the job being applied for. Listing every skill is unnecessary, as it is overwhelming for the employer to review.
Including fun skills on a resume irrelevant to a particular job or industry is not recommended. They are not directly related to the ability to perform the position being applied for and are able to be viewed as unprofessional by some employers.
How To Put Skills On A Resume
To put skills on a resume, they are intended to be tailored to the job you are applying for. On average, recruiters spend only six seconds reviewing a resume before deciding. Therefore, it's essential to focus on showcasing the most relevant skills and accomplishments concisely and clearly. The following 7 tips will help to find things to put on a resume for skills.
- Create a separate section
- Choose relevant skills
- Use keywords
- List in order of relevance
- Use bullet points
- Be specific
- Include both hard and soft skills
Key rules to include skills on resume
Simply listing out a bunch of skills is not effective in catching the attention of potential employers. Remember key rules when including skills on a resume to maximize the skills section.
- Tailor skills to the job: Look carefully at the job description and ensure the skills listed on a resume match the job requirements.
- Add the right keywords: Many employers use automated systems to screen resumes for specific keywords, so it's essential to include relevant industry terms and buzzwords.
- Highlight the most essential skills: Be strategic about which skills to include on a resume. Focus on those most relevant to the job and that are most vital.
- Be specific: Provide specific examples of how skills have been demonstrated in past roles instead of simply listing generic skills like "communication" or "leadership."
- Use bullet points: Consider using them to make them more visible and easily read when listing skills on a resume. Make sure to keep the formatting consistent throughout the resume.
- Put transferable skills to use: Highlight transferable skills relevant to any job being applied for and how they are relevant in the new role.
Work-Related Skills For Resume
Work-related skills are specific abilities and competencies for a particular job or industry. Job-related skills are developed through work experience and are essential in showing employers the candidate has the qualifications for a position. Work-related skills have the following advantages.
- Increases employability: Possessing relevant work-related skills makes a person more appealing to employers, increasing the chances of getting hired.
- Boosts job performance: Having the necessary skills to perform well helps be more productive and efficient, leading to better job performance and career advancement.
- Improves job satisfaction: Employers feel more confident and satisfied when a person has the skills and knowledge to do their job well.
- Facilitates professional development: Continually developing and improving work-related skills helps stay up-to-date with industry trends and advance a career.
- Provides a competitive edge: Possessing work-related skills in demand gives an advantage over other candidates in competitive job markets.
What Additional Skills To Put On Resume
Consider the job description and industry trends before deciding which additional skills to include on a resume. Including relevant and additional skills on the resume sets a person apart from other candidates. Additional skills demonstrate versatility, adaptability, and overall value as an employee.
Thinking about skills developed outside work, such as volunteering, hobbies, or personal projects, is beneficial. Following is a list of additional resume skills examples are able to be included on a resume.
- Technical skills
- Language skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Leadership skills
- Creative skills
- Analytical skills
- Time management skills
Conclusion
A resume is more impressive if skills are included in the application. The skills section of a resume is crucial to showcase qualifications and abilities to potential employers. Understanding how to have skills on a resume and tailoring them to the job being applied for is key to making the most of the skills section.
The resume submitted helps land an interview and the desired job by including relevant and impressive skills. The skills section helps distinguish a person from the competition and demonstrates their abilities as a strong candidate if the right approach is taken and attention is paid to detail.
