Skills to the max.
Incorporating your skills is the best choice of all the hero pieces you rely on in your resume. The inclusion of skills goes with every type of job, from line staff to office managers. And these key skills are functional, no matter the situation.
So yes, you should always be very clear on the skills you include in your resume.
We all know that skills are abilities and expertise you have developed through education, training, and experience.
They showcase your qualifications and capabilities to potential employers.
Why Showcase Skills on Your Resume?
Highlighting your skills is a critical component of an effective resume. It allows you to:
- Demonstrate your qualifications for the job.
- Stand out from other applicants.
- Align your experience with the employer’s needs.
- Provide keywords that applicants tracking systems search for.
Features of an Effective Skills Section
- Use a dedicated skills section: This makes your skills easy to find for recruiters.
- List transferable skills: These are versatile skills that apply across jobs and industries, like communication, organization, and analysis.
- Include job-specific skills: Tailor skills like software, equipment, and methodologies to match the position.
- Quantify your skills: Use numbers, percentages, or facts to demonstrate skill level and impact. For example, “Increased sales by 30% through cold calling outreach.”
- Apply keywords: Incorporate words from the job description to get past applicant tracking systems.
40 Skills to Include on Your Resume
Here are 40 impactful skills across several categories to consider adding to your resume:
Communication
- Written communication.
- Verbal communication.
- Presentation/public speaking.
- Active listening.
- Multilingual.
Technical
- Software proficiency (list specific programs).
- Coding languages.
- Data analysis.
- Troubleshooting.
- Machine operation.
Interpersonal
- Collaboration.
- Relationship building.
- Conflict resolution.
- Mentoring/coaching
- Influencing.
Leadership
- Strategic planning.
- Project management.
- Decision making.
- Problem solving.
- Organizational leadership.
Personal Effectiveness
- Time management.
- Adaptability.
- Initiative taking.
- Attention to detail.
- Independent working.
Conclusion
Strategically highlighting your skills is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your resume.
Carefully review job descriptions, quantify achievements, and incorporate relevant keywords.
Showcasing the right skills can capture a recruiter’s attention, land you an interview, and help you stand out from the competition.
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With 30+ years of training experience, I founded Oak Innovation (oakinnovation.com) in 1995. I help busy training professionals and business managers deliver better training courses in less time by giving them instant access to editable training course material. I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from University College Cork. I hold qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway. Clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.