Your resume needs to tell a compelling story in a quick scan. Skills are a vital part of that story. Should you include hard skills or soft skills? The answer is a mix of both. You may only get a few seconds of the hiring manager’s attention on the first pass, so your best chance to move to the next round is to highlight your standout features. A well-crafted skills section can help make you a serious contender and position you as a top candidate.
You might be tempted to eliminate the skills section to save space, but remember the primary purpose of your resume: to grab the attention of recruiters and hiring managers so you can land the interview. The easier you make it for the resume reviewer to notice your unique capabilities, the more likely you are to advance in the hiring process. In the work experience section, you can further strengthen the claims you make in the skills section by providing concrete examples that showcase your expertise in action.
Crafting an impactful skills section takes strategy and attention to detail. Don’t leave it to chance. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you showcase your skills effectively and stand out in a competitive job market:
Where to Showcase Your Skills
Whether you’re using a chronological or functional resume format, skills can be seamlessly incorporated into various sections of your resume.
- Chronological Resume: Include a separate skills section or integrate skills into the work experience section. Ideally, do both. Place the separate section either before or after work experience to ensure it stands out.
- Functional Resume: If you have limited experience or are changing careers, the functional resume lets you shift focus to your abilities. Place your skills near the top, following your contact information and objective or summary to immediately draw attention.
Support your skills with achievements in the work experience section wherever possible. Use keywords from the job description to match the employer’s requirements and increase your chances of getting past applicant tracking systems (ATS).
What Skills Are Needed
The best guide to which skills to include? The job description. Research the company’s culture, values, and employee feedback for additional insights. Highlight the skills that align with your capabilities and match the job posting. Exaggerating is unnecessary; when you find the right job for your abilities, incorporating relevant skills will come naturally.
Additionally, review industry trends and in-demand skills in your field to ensure your resume remains competitive. This extra effort can help demonstrate that you’re not only qualified but also forward-thinking and adaptable.
Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills
Your resume should balance hard and soft skills, tailored to the job requirements. A well-rounded approach ensures you’re showcasing both your technical expertise and interpersonal capabilities.
Hard Skills
Hard skills are tangible abilities often acquired through education, training, or professional experience. These skills are typically specific to a role or industry and are easily measurable. Examples include:
- Programming languages (e.g., Python, Go)
- Writing (e.g., copywriting, email writing, technical writing)
- Foreign languages
- Data analytics and visualization tools
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategies
- Graphic design (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
Focus on the technical skills directly related to the job. Avoid listing generic skills like Microsoft Word unless explicitly requested in the job description. Highlight unique skills that set you apart, even if not mentioned in the job posting, as long as they add value to your application. Certifications and specialized training can also bolster your hard skills section.
Soft Skills
Soft skills reflect your interpersonal abilities and how you interact with others. They are often developed through personal and professional experiences and are increasingly valued in the workplace. Examples include:
- Emotional intelligence
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Leadership and mentoring
- Adaptability and resilience
- Conflict management
- Organization and time management
If these skills are listed in the job requirements, emphasize them in your resume. Integrate soft skills into work experience bullet points to demonstrate their impact. For example:
- Weak: “Worked with junior team members to help them use the ABC system.”
- Strong: “Coached junior team members, resulting in a 25% improvement in response time scores.”
Employers increasingly value soft skills. According to a Deloitte report, occupations requiring soft skills will comprise two-thirds of all jobs by 2030. Including these in your resume can position you as a well-rounded and versatile candidate.
Tips for Enhancing Your Skills Section
- Use Strong Verbs: Replace weak verbs with action-oriented ones. For example:
- Weak: “Helped reduce costs.”
- Strong: “Achieved a 20% cost reduction through strategic analysis.”
- Be Specific: Quantify achievements wherever possible. Numbers and measurable outcomes add credibility to your claims.
- Tailor to the Job: Align your skills with the specific requirements of the position. Every job application should feature a customized skills section to maximize its relevance.
Master the Art of Showcasing Your Skills
Every job has required skills, but not every candidate takes the time to present them effectively. With hundreds of applicants vying for a single position, your resume needs to highlight the skills that make you stand out. By strategically crafting your skills section and integrating it with your work experience, you can create a resume that captures attention and secures interviews.
If you’re unsure where to begin, CV2Go offers thousands of customizable templates tailored to various industries. With recruiter-approved bullet points and design options optimized for ATS compatibility, you’ll never face the dreaded blank page again. Craft a professional resume that gets noticed, showcases your unique abilities, and lands interviews.
