Resume strategy
What to put in the skills section of your resume
The skills section of your resume is a powerful tool to quickly showcase your qualifications to potential employers. Crafting it effectively can significantly boost your chances of landing an interview and standing out from the competition.
What to focus on first
- Research the company culture to identify highly valued soft skills and subtly integrate them into your resume.
- Utilize a professional resume builder like CVBoost to easily organize and highlight your diverse skill set.
- Ask a trusted friend or mentor to review your skills section for clarity and completeness.
Hard vs. Soft Skills
Hard skills are teachable abilities or specific knowledge, such as proficiency in software, foreign languages, or data analysis. These are often quantifiable and easily demonstrated through certifications or work products.
Soft skills, conversely, are personal attributes that enable effective interaction with others, like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. While harder to quantify, they are crucial for workplace success and often highly valued by employers.
Tailor Skills to the Job
Always customize your skills section to align directly with the job description for each application. Scan the job posting for keywords and required abilities, then ensure those specific skills are prominently featured on your resume.
This targeted approach helps your resume pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and immediately signals to hiring managers that you possess the exact qualifications they seek. Prioritize skills mentioned multiple times or listed as "must-haves."
Showcase Your Skills with Impact
Don't just list skills; demonstrate their impact whenever possible, especially within your experience section. Instead of merely stating "project management," describe how you "managed a team of five to deliver projects 15% under budget."
Use action verbs and specific examples to illustrate how your skills have contributed to positive outcomes in previous roles. This provides concrete evidence of your capabilities and value.
Formatting Your Skills Section
Organize your skills section for maximum readability, typically using bullet points or a clear categorized list. Group similar skills together, such as "Technical Skills," "Languages," or "Interpersonal Skills."
Consider using a two-column format or varying proficiency levels (e.g., "Expert," "Proficient," "Basic") if appropriate for the role. This clean structure allows recruiters to quickly scan and identify relevant abilities.
Improve your draft faster
Use the free CVBoost audit to see where your current draft is weak, then upgrade when you want deeper rewrites.
FAQ
How many skills should I list on my resume?
Aim for 5-15 relevant skills, focusing on quality over quantity. Ensure each skill genuinely contributes to your suitability for the role.
Should I include skills I'm not an expert in?
Yes, if they are relevant to the job, but be honest about your proficiency level. You can use terms like "familiar with" or "basic knowledge."
Where should the skills section be placed on my resume?
Typically, it's placed after your experience and education, but for skill-heavy roles or career changers, it can be higher up, even near the top summary.