A Simple Guide To Selecting Skills For Your Resume

By leah jones

The special skills portion of a resume is essential for employers to determine whether a job candidate has what they're looking for.

It is important to strategically choose skills to make your resume stand out. What you list needs to properly represent your attributes as well as the skills the position is looking for.

Besides what's tailored to the job you are applying for, you also want to include general skills that can be useful for various positions. Here are the main types of skills to put on a resume.

Hard (Or Technical)

Hard skills are specific, measurable abilities that are learned through training, education or experience. These are the main skills necessary for the job, or the “tools of the trade.”

Examples of Hard Skills

Programming languages (Python, Java) Excel/Data analysis Graphic design (Photoshop, Illustrator) SEO/Google Analytics CRM tools (Salesforce)

Soft (Or Interpersonal) Skills

These are personal attributes that shape how you work, interact with others and handle situations. They're harder to quantify but are still worth mentioning.

Examples of Soft Skills

Communication Teamwork Time management Adaptability Problem-solving Leadership

Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are flexible and apply to many other fields. They show your versatility and can give you a boost that makes you stand out from other candidates.

Examples of Transferable Skills

Project management Writing/editing Customer service Public speaking Research Foreign Language Proficiency

Additional Tips: - Keep things concise. - Include mostly hard and transferable skills, with essential soft skills listed separately. - Include any industry-specific or relevant niche skills. - Be specific with your proficiency/skill-level.

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