I recently worked with a client who was dead-set against having a skills section in their resume. They felt that it didn’t bring much to their materials. While a Skills/Expertise section isn’t needed for everyone, it can be useful if you’re transitioning to a new field. It’s also great to add if you’re applying online, since you’ll likely encounter Applicant Tracking Systems.
You can easily infuse keywords into your resume to bypass those screening tools.
- First, steer clear of subjective, soft skills.
Language like ‘team player’, ‘well-organized’, ‘effective leader’, are subjective. Everyone has their own idea of what constitutes good leadership and creativity.
- Instead, bring in keywords that touch on hard skills and accomplishments. Turn the subjective trait into a knowledge category.
Effective Leader => Forward-Thinking Leadership
Team Player => Strategic Partnership Cultivator
Creative Problem-Solver => Dynamic Product Management
Want more ideas? Check out some examples on our Before & After page!
