Writing a compelling resume involves balancing brevity with quality content to leave a lasting impression on hiring managers. A crucial element of this is the skills section, which should reflect abilities relevant to the job applied for.
There are two types of skills: hard and soft. Hard skills are technical abilities specific to certain jobs, often measurable, like programming languages for software developers. “Hard skills for resumes tend to be more technical,” according to industry experts. These include administrative skills, analytical skills, design skills, digital proficiency, bilingualism, marketing acumen, mathematical competency, sales abilities, project management capabilities, and writing prowess.
Soft skills involve personal or creative attributes that may come naturally or be developed over time. Examples include adaptability, self-motivation, time management, and pressure handling. Toni Frana from FlexJobs suggests including “written and verbal communication” and “comfort with technology” among other remote work-relevant soft skills on your resume.
When listing skills on a resume, it’s recommended to focus on those mentioned in the job description. Specificity can enhance your appeal; for instance, instead of simply stating “Excel,” you might list “Excel (pivot tables, macros).” Additionally, certifications like Project Management Professional (PMP) can be included if they strengthen your qualifications.
For entry-level roles or when lacking direct experience in a field like sales from a previous role as a car mechanic—transferable skills such as customer service experience can be highlighted. Modern resumes should emphasize achievements over tasks.
The number of skills listed should range from six to twelve directly relevant ones. If space permits, complementary soft skills or certifications may also be included. Organizing these into categories such as “Technical Skills” and “Soft Skills” makes them easier for employers to scan.
In conclusion, aligning your resume’s skill section with the job description increases your chances of standing out to potential employers. Tailoring it specifically ensures that you demonstrate alignment with the desired role.
FlexJobs offers resources for those seeking remote work opportunities by providing access to hand-screened job listings without the clutter found on other sites.
