Your resume should have a basic skills section where you can list your skills and customize them for the specific job you are applying for. The best skills to include in your resume are those listed in the job description. This means that when considering the skills listed on your resume, it’s important to understand what’s relevant to your job. You can integrate countless skills into any resume, and you need to decide which skills are most effective.
The importance of skills
Before we go further, I want to get something out of the way. Your resume and skills section will differ drastically based on your industry and job role. If you have little knowledge about your industry, I recommend you to work with a career coach, who can help you define your skills and career goals and understand what’s most important for you.
Each job role requires a different set of skills, and that’s why it’s critical to tailor your resume to the job you are applying for. This means you can’t use the same skills to apply for different jobs.
Let’s break down your resume by sections.
The most important section to get right in your resume is the Skills section. Your resume needs to describe the skills that are required for your position and add a small blurb about the skills you have.
Skills lists
Here are a few different ways to categorize your skills:
1. Program skills: Basic computer knowledge
- Programming and problem-solving skills
- Basic problem-solving skills
2. Business skills: Basic math and reading
- Analytical reasoning
- Basic problem-solving skills
3. Technical skills: Typing, drawing, and/or math
- Typing
- Typing and verbal communication
- 2D and 3D design
- 3D design and product development
4. Problem solving skills: Technical and general
- Technical problem solving
- Technical problem solving for data and systems
5. Computer and data security: General
- Problem-solving for computer and data security
6. Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, etc.): Basic
- Computer and data security
- Microsoft Office and email
Strategies to choose the right skills for your resume
Think about the jobs you’re applying for. Pay close attention to the skills needed. This will help you narrow down what’s most important. Use the following four strategies to pick the best skills for your resume: Vital skills like interpersonal skills, productivity skills, and problem-solving skills are necessary for all jobs, and should be included in your resume. Be sure to include these on your resume and interview.
Professional and specialized skills for the job you’re applying for will help you stand out. Consider skills related to learning, project management, and design, as these are the most important. Referrals, in-depth experience, and industry knowledge are a must. These are typically not included on a resume.
How to put together a list of relevant skills
A good place to start is to review the job description and see what the employer is specifically looking for in the skills section. There may be specific language to include in your resume or on the application, such as this: “Competency in project management,” or “Ability to properly carry out credit card reconciliations.” When you do identify skills that are relevant to your job, you’ll need to determine how to prioritize those skills.
Taking the time to focus on the skills that are most relevant to your position is a great way to ensure your resume is the best it can be. Make sure your skills are in chronological order, you use keywords in your list, and you include your background information in your skills section.
Online research
Your resume should give an idea of your industry knowledge as well as work experience. Most resumes don’t include details about your knowledge outside of the job you currently have, so you can use your online research to flesh out the details. By using a website like Snagajob, you can search for jobs that are related to the job you are applying for.
Online resources
If you don’t feel like trawling through job boards to research the market, there are a number of websites that can help. Websites like SimplyHired and Indeed can help you get an idea of the market. Sites like Glassdoor can give you insight into the company culture.
Online forums
You can also seek advice from other job seekers on forums such as Quora or Jobspresso.
Networking and employee connection
If you are going to freelance and work from home, be sure to network with your target clients and find a suitable mentor to mentor you in the freelance world. Most people in the freelance business are happy to share their success, advice, and experience with you. The right people are your mentors and can help guide you in the right direction when you’re new in the business.
Networking is also a very important aspect of freelancing. If you’re using freelance websites, you should be checking your feedback often. Most freelancers are very active in their communities. Look for feedback about a potential client or employer so that you can make a better decision about whether or not to take the work.
If you are starting a freelance business, you should join a professional association.
Brainstorming with friends or family
Brainstorming skills can be an effective technique to start building your resume. However, you should consider having a thorough conversation with your friends or family before attempting to list off your list of skills. Brainstorming skills can be an effective technique to start building your resume. However, you should consider having a thorough conversation with your friends or family before attempting to list off your list of skills. To uncover what skills are most valuable to your job, you can ask your friends and family how they think you would handle the tasks you would be required to do. They may even share their opinions about what skills are most valuable for your career.
After brainstorming, think about which skills you consider your strongest.
Reflecting on past experiences
Your previous experience is an excellent source of skills, and no resume is complete without reflecting on your previous experiences. The best way to show off your prior knowledge is to reflect on your life experiences. For example, if you worked at a company, consider the processes and principles used to execute that job.
Whether you are applying for jobs in the area of public relations, sales or another technical role, highlighting previous experiences can help your resume stand out. Any thoughts, feedback, and insights you may have on the subject matter are also valuable. Your experiences and work history are a reflection of your education and past experiences, so they are an excellent way to show potential employers what you have learned.