Regardless of the document you’re writing, skills are one of the first aspects recruiters pay attention to. Learn tips below on presenting your key skills to land the job of your dreams.

Why is the Skills Section Central? 

Sure, a stubborn applicant would argue that work experience is the job-winning data to mention in the resume. The truth is it’s not. If the job market accepted only professionals, newbies and career changers would have never found their dream job.

Having a work experience that evokes awe and envy increases your chances of getting more interviews. But it doesn’t present the recruiter your accomplishments, knowledge, or ability to show superb results. Because this is what the Skills section does.

• Skills persuade the hiring manager you have everything the position requires. This means you are ready to perform the job duties regardless of your work experience;
• You can add secondary skills which would let you stand out among other job seekers; 
• A properly written Skills section beats the ATS bots and boosts your chances to get the job;
• Recruiting firms focus on this section if the applicant is a recent graduate or a career changer.

Rules to Consider when Writing a Skills Section

Below, you’ll find the structure and content requirements when it comes to composing a perfect Skills section. Follow the rules, and you’ll easily craft a winning resume.

List, List, List

Like any other resume section, the Skills segment has a required structure one must keep in mind. First of all, use bullet points to list your professional skills. Secondly, divide them into two sections: Hard Skills and Soft Skills. Any career advice expert would tell you that messy sections keep the hiring staff away from your doc.

Keep the Info Relevant

If you’re a career changer, there might be a slight temptation to add skills from your previous job history. Sure, you want to tell your recruiter that all those precedent years did not go to waste. But irrelevant skills will do you no good since a typical recruiter searches for well-crafted applications.

Hence, there is no need to mention the Photoshop knowledge from your previous career if you apply for a manager position.

Put Your Skills in Different Baskets

Don’t mix hard and soft skills. During the applicant tracking process, the recruiters check the Hard Skills subsection first. Because it contains your core abilities. Your Hard Skills section is the skills one must have to occupy the position. For instance, the Hard Skills of a 3D artist will contain the knowledge of programs. The more work instruments you mention, the better.

Meanwhile, soft skills are the secondary skills required for jobs. For instance, 3D artists work in teams. This means you’ll need teamwork and strong communication as a part of your Soft Skills section.

Most Demanded Skills Required in the Majority of Occupations

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• Teamwork. Obviously, most positions require team skills because the biggest chunk of the project work happens in groups. If you’re not a team player, this means you score low in agreeableness.Hence, there are fewer chances a company would employ you; 
• Computer knowledge. Yes, one must be technically savvy in the world of future robots and flying cars. Good news – knowing the Microsoft Office package is enough to meet these criteria; 
• Communication. Being a strong communicator means you’re a good leader and an effective employee; 
• Time management. Finishing the work before the deadline tolls is a must for all aspiring individuals. One can land a job by simply coming in time for their interview;
• Willingness to learn. The world is in constant change, meaning a twenty-first-century laborer should be flexible. Most modern employers would ask you to complete a professional training once a year or two;
• Critical thinking. Whether you’re in writing business or e-commerce, problems are everywhere waiting to be solved. To expand your career resources, improve your analytical skills first.

Use Your Skills to Shine Bright as a Job Candidate

Once you’ve identified and listed your skills in a proper format, upgrade your section. Follow the advice below to invest in your career. 

• Add variety to the Soft Skills section. This is an especially great tip if you lack experience in the career field. Does the job position require empathy or strong organization skills as the secondary ones? Add all skills that let you shine brighter than a diamond; 
• Keywords. An applicant tracking system or ATS applies an algorithm with professional keywords. To nail a job, your qualification certificate is not enough. 

Compose a bot-beating resume! You can find the keywords in the job post, specifically in the Responsibilities section. Does the job require a candidate with strong time management? Then add this particular skill to your resume, beat the bots, and get employed! 

Final Thoughts

Never underestimate the value of your job skills. Whether it’s an online job or a position that only demands your high school diploma, use the Skills section. This part of your resume will show your professional ability to assist a company. Use a proper format, write down the keywords, and you’re ready to land an interview!

We hope the article was helpful to you. Good luck!

Gloria Lunsford

Content Writer at ResumeService24 with more than five years of experience in the resume writing service industry. Her primary specialization is English and Marketing, but she writes on a great number of other topics.
Website: ResumeService24.com

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