Every company wants to find the best candidate for each position based on a specific set of necessary professional skills.
Employers evaluate candidates based on their skills set, expertise, and technical proficiencies.
Based on the job description, you can include a skills section on your resume to specify your technical and personal skills.
For this purpose, it is necessary to make an inventory of the skills that you possess, which can be described and listed in your resume’s Key Skills or Professional Skills section.
Creating a strong skills list section is key.
This article will guide you how to find out how to present your skills, tailor your list to the job you’re applying for, and title the section effectively.
What is a Skills List
A skills list is a section of a resume, typically found at the top, that includes a bulleted list of specific skills and abilities that you possess.
These skills may be technical, such as proficiency in a particular software program, or soft skills, such as communication or teamwork. The purpose of a skills list is to provide a quick overview of your areas of expertise and key skills to potential employers.
The Employer Point of View
When creating your resume, each of your previous jobs likely provided you with a long list of professional skills that you acquired.
However, hiring managers often have hundreds of resumes to go through, and when resumes all list the common skills that almost everyone has, it can start to blur. By showcasing relevant skills and professional expertise in a clear and concise manner, you can fast track your resume to the shortlist.
Employers evaluate three types of skills when hiring employees: Content Skills, Functional Skills, and Self-Management Skills.
- Content skill is the amount of knowledge or professional capability the candidate possesses in a certain field.
- Functional Skills are people-oriented skills, such as communication, organization, and management.
- Self-Management Skills are personal characteristics, such as being a helper, self-learner, or multi-tasker.
How to Showcase Your Expertise on Your Resume
How to Title the Key Skills list Section
There are several alternate titles that you can use instead of “key skills” to highlight your abilities and qualifications on a resume.
Here are some options:
- Core Competencies
- Technical Proficiencies
- Professional Strengths
- Areas of Expertise
- Relevant Skills
- Qualifications Summary
- Skillset
- Key Abilities
- Technical Skills
- Specialized Skills
Choose the title that best represents your skills and experience.
Make sure to tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for.
Professional Skills Related to Your Profession
Examples – Content Skills | Technical skills
Here are three examples of technical skills.
Ahref, SEMrush, Google Search console, Google Analytics, Screaming Frog, MOZ
This candidate is an SEO specialist –
Expertise
|
|
|
This particular candidate is a software engineer:
- Languages: C++, ASP.NET, SQL, PHP, CSS, Java Script, XML
- Software: InstallShield, Visio, CruiseControl.NET, Flash, Dreamweaver
- Platforms: UNIX
- Databases: SQL Server, MS Access
- Version Controls: Visual SourceSafe
This candidate is a senior software engineer:
- Development: Visual Studio, Eclipse, C++, .NET 2.0 3.5, Windows Communication Foundation (WCF), Windows Workflow Foundation (WF), MFC, COM, DCOM, ATL, DirectShow, DirectDraw/
- Protocols: TCP/IP, UDP/IP Socket Connections, FTP, POP3, IMAP, SMTP, DMI, SNMP, Louth, Sony and Leitch control, XML
- Web: Javascript, HTML5, DHTML, ASP
- Database: Access, MS SQL, OLE DB, Sqlite
- Encoding: AVI, YUV, MPEG, H.264/MPEG-4 AVC
- Encoders: Cerify, Digital Rapids, Rhozet Carbon Coder, IPV SpectreView
- Platforms: Windows, Linux
Sample Key Functional Skills and Self-Management Competencies
Project Manager and Team Manager
- Team leader – ability to manage cross-functional teams in multi-disciplinary projects.
- Critical thinking, decision making and problem solving.
- Planning and organizing.
- Excellent Personal Communication skills.
General management
- Persuasion, leadership, negotiation, and delegation skills.
- Conflict resolution.
- Adaptability.
- Tolerance for stressful situations.
Teachers
- Self-motivated.
- Possesses initiative and highly energetic.
- Strong verbal and personal communication skills.
- Tolerant and flexible in different situations.
Accounting
- Analytical thinking, planning.
- Accuracy and Attention to details.
- Organization and prioritization skills.
- Problem analysis – use of judgment and ability to solve problems efficiently.
Customer Service
- Strong communication skills.
- Problem analysis and problem solving.
- Organizational skills and customer service orientation.
- Adaptability and ability to work under pressure.
- Initiator.
Skilled Based Resume – A Particular Case
A skills-based resume, also known as a functional resume, emphasizes an individual’s skills and abilities rather than their chronological work history and technical expertise.
It can be beneficial because it does an excellent job of highlighting skills, even when you are changing careers or have little to no experience in the industry you are applying to.
In any case, you should conduct a self-assessment and list those skills known as transferable skills or competencies, which are skills acquired through various experiences in life.
When to skilled based resume
1. When to Use Skills Based Resume
- When you are changing careers.
- When you have an employment gap.
- When your work history is shady.
2. The Advantages of This Resume
- Highlights your strengths: A skills-based resume allows you to showcase your strengths and areas of expertise. It allows you to focus on the skills that are most relevant to the job you are applying for.
- Helps fill employment gaps: If you have gaps in your employment history, a skills-based resume can be helpful. Instead of highlighting the gaps, you can focus on the skills you acquired during that time. You can organize skills in the manner that suits you best.
- Ideal for career changers: If you are changing careers, a skills-based resume can be useful as it allows you to highlight your transferable skills and competencies.
3. The Disadvantages of This Resume
- May not be suitable for certain industries: Some industries may prefer a traditional chronological resume that lists your work experience in reverse chronological order.
- May raise questions: Hiring managers may question why you have chosen a skills-based resume format. They may think you are trying to hide gaps in employment or lack of experience.
- Lack of specificity: A skills-based resume may not provide enough detail about your job responsibilities and accomplishments. It may leave the hiring manager with questions about your experience and achievements.