A resume’s skills section should include abilities related to the job you’re applying for. Resume skills can be categorized as “hard skills” or “soft skills” and should be targeted for each potential job opportunity. Truepath.ai’s resume builder has psychometric testing integration that will help you identify a broader set of skills and match those skills for the perfect job fit.

• Understanding and showcasing a balance of hard and soft skills are critical for creating an effective resume; with hard skills reflecting learned technical abilities and soft skills encompassing interpersonal and emotional intelligence competencies.
• Tailoring the skills section of your resume to match the specific job description, using keywords and prioritizing the most relevant skills—both hard and soft—is essential for capturing the attention of both Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and recruiters.
• Technical proficiencies, such as computer skills, data analysis, programming, and industry-specific knowledge, are increasingly important across all job sectors, while effectively demonstrating leadership and specialized skills further enhance a candidate’s appeal to potential employers.

Hard skills vs. soft skills

What exactly are hard and soft skills, and why should you care?

Hard skills involve technical knowledge and certifications, the kind you acquire through education, training, and on-the-job experience. These are the skills that are specific to a job or industry. For example, a software developer might list hard skills like proficiency in JavaScript or Python, while a graphic designer might highlight abilities in using Adobe Creative Suite. Understanding the importance of both soft and hard skills can help you excel in your career.

Soft skills encompass personal attributes and habits that govern individual and collaborative work approaches. These skills are distinct from technical aptitude and are crucial in fostering effective teamwork. They are your personal attributes, the way you interact with others, and how you handle work and pressure. Think of them as your people skills or emotional intelligence. These might include communication skills, problem-solving, or time management. The beauty of soft skills is that they are transferable across jobs and industries, making them incredibly valuable regardless of your career path.

Understanding and properly showcasing both hard skills and soft skills on your resume is key to job-hunting success and a feature of Truepath.ai. But how do you present these skills effectively? That’s where a well-crafted skills section on your resume comes in, and it’s what Trupath.ai’s technology can help with.

A resume’s skills section

Imagine your resume as a shop window, with the skills section as the enticing display designed to draw in potential employers. Organizing and presenting skills on your resume is crucial as it can catch the hiring manager’s attention and is a key step in landing an interview and potentially receiving a job offer. In other words, this section is your chance to showcase your most impressive skills and convince employers you’re the right fit for the job.

The skills section improves readability for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and recruiters, providing a detailed snapshot of your best abilities and achievement-based information. This section can impress hiring managers, especially when the skills listed align with the job requirements. But how do you ensure your skills section makes a powerful impact? Let’s break it down.

Incorporating job description information

Just as a lock requires the right key to open, a job application requires specific information to unlock the opportunity. These keywords are often found in the job description and can be pivotal in aligning your resume with the role. For instance, if the job description requires proficiency in a project management software like Trello, and you have that experience, then “Trello proficiency” should find its way onto your resume.

But where can you find these magic keys? Start by reviewing several postings for your target job on job search platforms, noting frequently repeated skills. Don’t stop there. Delve into the target employer’s website and social media posts, looking for descriptive words they use to describe their company, brand, and employees. In this digital age, search engine optimization is often a sought-after skill, so keep an eye out for it as well.

Remember, honesty is crucial; only claim to have skills you can demonstrate. You may be asked to prove your skills in an interview or after being hired, and the last thing you want is to be caught in a lie. By aligning your resume’s skills and work history sections with the job posting’s key phrases and requirements, you are not only speaking the employer’s language but also showcasing your suitability for the role.

Balancing hard and soft skills

You’ve got your hard skills down. You’ve pinpointed your soft skills. But how do you strike the right balance between the two on your resume? Including both hard and soft skills is crucial as they collectively contribute to a candidate’s capability; hard skills display learned abilities while soft skills reflect personality-based work habits. It’s like having a well-rounded diet; you need both proteins (hard skills) and vitamins (soft skills) to stay healthy.

When skill proficiency is mentioned on a resume, it should be labeled as ‘beginner,’ ‘intermediate,’ or ‘expert’ to provide clear insights into your level of expertise. For instance, if you are an expert in data analysis software but a beginner in a specific programming language, make sure to specify that on your resume. This not only shows honesty but also demonstrates your willingness to learn and grow.

The bottom line? Showcasing a balanced mix of hard and soft skills on your resume is not just about ticking boxes. It’s about presenting a full picture of who you are as a professional and what you can bring to the table.

Prioritizing the most relevant skills

With a plethora of skills to showcase, how do you decide which ones deserve the limelight on your resume? The answer lies in the job description. To prioritize the most relevant skills on a resume, job seekers should match their skills with the qualifications outlined in the job description, ensuring they highlight the overlap. In essence, the job description serves as a roadmap guiding you on which skills to spotlight.

Catering the resume to the specific role is essential to making it stand out to potential employers. This could mean emphasizing your proficiency in a particular software for a technical role or your excellent leadership skills for a management position. The goal is to paint a picture of yourself as the ideal candidate for the role.

When balancing hard and soft skills on a resume, job seekers should ensure a mix that showcases versatility and adaptability, considering the specific role they are applying for. And for those transitioning careers, focusing on transferable skills is key to drawing attention to capabilities applicable to the new career goal.

Essential technical skills for today’s job market

As the digital age continues to evolve, so does the demand for certain technical skills. Over 70% of US jobs highly value computer skills, which include:

• Using various software applications
• Using technological tools
• Data analysis
• Programming

These skills are not just for IT professionals. They are becoming increasingly important across a variety of industries and roles.

Technical roles greatly benefit from candidates showcasing specific skill proficiencies and relevant certifications, enhancing their expertise in the eyes of employers. Let’s dig deeper into some of these essential technical skills for today’s job market.

Computer proficiency and software knowledge

In a world where almost every job requires some level of computer proficiency, having this skill on your resume can be a major plus. This could range from basic computer skills like email management and Microsoft Office to more complex software knowledge depending on the role.

For instance, retail sales professionals need skills in inventory management and operation of point-of-sale systems, as well as strong sales skills. Certainly, being proficient in sales software, such as Salesforce or HubSpot, can showcase your technical competence. And if your role involves preparing presentations, your proficiency in tools like PowerPoint can be a selling point.

The key takeaway here is that computer proficiency and software knowledge are not one-size-fits-all. They should be tailored to the specific industry and role you’re applying for, demonstrating that you have the right technical skills to get the job done.

Data analysis and interpretation

Data is the new oil. It drives business decisions and shapes strategic directions. But raw data is just a mass of numbers. It takes the right skills to turn these numbers into actionable insights. That’s where data analysis and interpretation come in.

Proficiency in SQL helps analysts communicate with databases, making it a foundational skill for data analysis. Statistical programming languages like R and Python enable advanced data analysis and handling of large datasets beyond what Excel can do. Furthermore, a sound understanding of probability and statistics underpins the reliability and accuracy of a data analyst’s work.

Additionally, knowledge in machine learning is valuable for data analysts as it allows them to:

• Construct algorithms that uncover patterns in data
• Showcase their data analysis and interpretation skills on their resume
• Signal their ability to turn data into decisions, a highly valued skill in today’s data-driven world.

Showcasing soft resume skills that make you stand out

While technical skills show what you can do, soft skills highlight how you do it. They are your personal attributes, your interpersonal skills, and your people skills. In fact, many hiring managers consider them a must-have and often prefer candidates with strong soft skills over those with similar hard skills.

Some examples of soft skills include:

• Communication skills
• Leadership skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Teamwork skills
• Time management skills
• Adaptability skills
• Emotional intelligence

Developing and showcasing these soft skills can greatly enhance your professional success.

From communication and problem-solving to adaptability and creativity, these soft skills can set candidates apart and show potential for innovation and problem-solving. But how can you effectively showcase these soft skills on your resume? Let’s tackle this in the next few sections.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills

As the saying goes, communication is key. It’s fundamental for expressing oneself effectively and is indispensable across all professions, particularly writing, marketing, and office work. But what exactly constitutes effective communication and interpersonal skills?

Key communication skills include:

• The ability to provide clear instructions
• Confidence
• Mutual respect
• Empathy
• Active listening
• Verbal and written communication
• Constructive feedback
• Open-mindedness

Interpersonal traits such as confidence, empathy, and patience significantly contribute to establishing positive relationships and closing deals with clients.

Remember, showcasing these skills on your resume goes beyond just listing them. It’s about providing specific examples and tangible outcomes of how you’ve used them in your previous roles. For instance, if you’re in sales, you could mention how your active listening and public speaking skills have effectively engaged clients and boosted sales.

Problem-solving and adaptability

In an ever-changing work environment, being able to solve problems and adapt to new situations is crucial.

Problem-solving skills involve:

• Dealing with issues as they arise
• Anticipating and preventing potential problems
• Coming up with creative solutions
• Making improvements that boost productivity and efficiency

Adaptability in the workplace includes:

• Flexibility
• Curiosity
• Decision-making
• Resilience

It’s about being able to change your course of action and strategies to meet new circumstances. For instance, if you’ve moved to a new country or navigated fast-paced industries like public relations and advertising, this effectively illustrates your adaptability.

Again, the key to showcasing these skills on your resume is to provide specific examples. Highlight instances where you’ve used your problem-solving skills to make improvements or your adaptability to overcome challenges. Remember, employers are not just looking for someone who can do the job, but someone who can do it well, even when things don’t go as planned.

Project management prowess on your resume

Project management is a key skill that goes beyond just managing projects. It’s about leading teams, managing resources, and ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. Whether you’re a certified project manager or someone who’s had to take on project management tasks, showcasing these skills on your resume can highlight your organizational and leadership abilities.

Key project management skills to include on your resume could include budgeting, proficiency with project management software, or specific methodologies such as Agile or Scrum. Detail your relevant project management education and certifications to reinforce your expertise in the field. And don’t forget to use specific examples in your work history, like establishing new systems or improving efficiency, to exhibit successful project management.

Remember, project management skills are not just for project managers. They are valuable in almost any role and industry. So whether you’re a marketing executive coordinating a campaign or a software developer leading a team, don’t forget to highlight your project management prowess on your resume.

Demonstrating leadership and team collaboration

Leadership is about more than just being in charge. It’s about inspiring others, making strategic decisions, and driving organizational success. On the other hand, team collaboration skills are about working effectively with others to achieve common goals. Both sets of skills are crucial for career advancement and effective teamwork.

Strategic thinking, empathy, visionary leadership, effective communication, problem-solving, and team building are among the leadership skills that garner attention on a resume. On the other hand, teamwork skills include conflict management, listening, collaboration, encouragement, and negotiation, which are essential for productive and harmonious work environments.

Like with other skills, demonstrating leadership and team collaboration on your resume is about providing concrete examples. Here are some ways to highlight these skills:

• Highlight instances where you’ve led a team to success
• Showcase examples of effective collaboration to achieve a goal
• Tailor these skills to the position you’re applying for, to show that you’re not just a great leader or team player, but the right leader or team player for the job

Specialized skills for niche industries

While general skills like communication and leadership are important, having specialized skills for your particular industry can give you an edge. Whether it’s knowledge in renewable energy technology for the energy sector or proficiency in financial software for the finance industry, these skills can make you stand out from the crowd.

In this section, we’ll delve into specific skills for certain industries. Whether you’re in sales, customer service, or programming, these specialized skills can enhance your resume and demonstrate your expertise in your field.

Sales and customer service skills

Sales and customer service roles require a unique set of skills. It’s all about understanding the customer’s needs and knowing how to meet them effectively. Effective sales pitches rely heavily on an in-depth product knowledge that demonstrates the product’s competitive advantage. Prospecting and discovery skills are essential to identifying new leads and ensuring a constant sales revenue stream.

Moreover, negotiation skills are critical for a variety of sales activities, including selling products or services, purchasing stock, brokering deals, and forming partnerships.

On the other hand, customer service representatives should highlight their abilities in conflict resolution, customer retention, and applying service-based selling techniques.

Remember, in sales and customer service roles, your skills are your tools of the trade. Showcasing these on your resume can demonstrate your ability to drive sales and deliver exceptional customer service.

Programming and development expertise

In the tech industry, your programming and development skills are your passport to a world of opportunities. Top programming languages commonly sought by employers include:

• SQL
• C++
• C#
• Python
• Java
• JavaScript

For front-end development, expertise in frameworks like Angular, React, or Vue.js is critical.

Server-side languages and frameworks such as Node.js, Django, or Ruby on Rails are valued for back-end development roles. And if you’re into mobile app development, highlighting your knowledge of platform-specific environments, including iOS and Android, is a must.

Additionally, knowledge in containerization and orchestration technologies like Docker and Kubernetes is beneficial for modern software deployment. So whether you’re a full-stack developer, a mobile app developer, or a game developer, showcasing your programming and development expertise on your resume can set you apart in the tech industry.

Integrating skills throughout your resume

Now that you’ve recognized the various skills you can showcase on your resume, the next step is to integrate them effectively. This is about weaving your skills throughout your resume, creating a cohesive narrative that tells your professional story.

Highlight adaptability in various sections by mentioning the ability to proactively address and prevent potential problems. Use a cover letter to expand on skills such as:

• Project management
• Problem-solving
• Critical thinking
• Communication

Provide a tailored explanation of how your skills match the job requirements.

And remember to place the skills section strategically, either near the top or the bottom of the resume, to complement the education section and professional experience.

Ultimately, integrating skills throughout your resume is about creating a unified picture of who you are as a professional. It’s about showing potential employers that you not only possess the necessary skills but also know how to apply them effectively.

Summary

In a competitive job market, a well-crafted resume is your ticket to landing that dream job. It’s not just about listing your hard skills and soft skills, but about demonstrating how you’ve applied these skills in real-world scenarios. From showcasing your technical prowess and project management abilities to highlighting your leadership and team collaboration skills, every detail counts. Remember, your resume is your personal brand, and every skill you list contributes to the overall impression you make. So make each skill count, and you’ll be well on your way to standing out in the crowd.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top 6 skills?

The top 6 skills are problem-solving, teamwork, strong work ethic, analytical and quantitative skills, communication, and leadership. These are identified as crucial in a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

How do I find my skills on a resume?

You should include your skills section at the top of your resume under your summary or at the bottom below your education. This positioning allows for easy access and enhances the overall impact of your professional experience.

What’s the difference between hard skills and soft skills?

Hard skills are technical and job-specific, while soft skills are transferable and relate to how you work with others. Both are important for professional success.

How can I tailor my resume to match the job description?

You should review multiple job postings for your desired role to identify common skills and research the employer’s website and social media for language they use to describe their company, brand, and employees. This will help you tailor your resume effectively.

How can I showcase a balance of hard and soft skills on my resume?

Include both hard and soft skills on your resume to showcase a well-rounded capability. Label your skills with levels such as ‘beginner,’ ‘intermediate,’ or ‘expert’ for clarity.