If you think that simply writing "Microsoft Office skills" is enough for your resume, you are mistaken. Employers want to see that you have concrete, relevant, and valuable skills. Therefore, it is time to forget general phrases and uncertainties. Every detail, every certificate, and every project that confirms your skills which are useful for the new positions count here. Your section Skills and Abilities in the resume should go beyond the usual listing of skills and become your chance to impress the employer at first glance. It's a way to stand out among dozens or even hundreds of applicants if you do it right.

To be professional, you should not exaggerate or embellish your skills – be honest and specific. Show what you can really do, and prove it. Divide your skills into technical, soft (Soft Skills), and language skills, structure the information logically and clearly. Highlight those skills that best match the requirements of the position you are applying for. Remember to give weight to your words. Would you like to know how to do this? Then this article is exactly what you need!

What information should be included in the resume under Skills and Abilities?

To spark an employer's interest and have your application considered, you must clearly present your skills and abilities. This section should only include what makes you the ideal candidate. No general phrases, only specific information. Employers want to see that you are the candidate who can start immediately and deliver results from the beginning. Your goal is to present your skills as clearly and precisely as possible to stand out from other applicants. To not miss your chance, the Skills and Abilities section should include the following:

Technical Skills: Knowledge of specific programs and tools shows your readiness. For example, mention "Knowledge in SAP, Python, AutoCAD". These skills show that you are willing to work with relevant technologies, but they should be relevant to the position.

Soft Skills: Employers value not only technical skills but also personal qualities. Mention communication skills, leadership qualities, and teamwork. For example, "Experience in effective teamwork, excellent communication skills, leadership qualities". This is important as it shows that you can work harmoniously with others and lead projects.

Language Skills: Language skills are a great advantage for working in international companies. Specify your language level, for example, "English - Level C1, basic knowledge of French". This shows that you can communicate effectively with colleagues and clients from other countries.

Remember that each skill in this section should be relevant and specific. Technical skills show that you are willing to work with the necessary tools. As a designer, for example, you would write Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator), Acrobat, and Figma. Soft Skills demonstrate your ability to collaborate and lead. Language skills open doors to international collaboration. Certificates and diplomas give your skills official recognition.

What significance does this section hold?

Do you think that general Skills and Abilities will help you get a job? In some jobs, it may be the case. Typically, employers are looking for individuals with specific skills that are exactly relevant to their company and the position. If you cannot demonstrate that you have the necessary knowledge, the recruiter will move on to the next applicant and review their resume.

The section on Skills and Abilities corresponding to the requirements of the position is not just a formality. It potentially makes you a valuable employee. If the position requires knowledge of certain programs, programming languages, or specific technologies and you do not have them, your chances are lower. Every company has its own requirements, and it is your duty to meet them 100% or show prospects that you are currently in the learning process.

Why is this so important? Because the employer wants to see that you can start working immediately without additional training. They have neither the time nor the resources to train you out of a larger pool of applicants. They need a professional who knows what to do and how to do it. If you can't prove your competence, someone else will.

Therefore, when it comes to the CV under Skills and Abilities: Forget general phrases and write specifically what you can do, how you have applied it in the past, and what results you have achieved. Remember, your success depends on whether you can show that you are the ideal candidate for this position. Don't be mediocre, be the best.

How to Add and Structure Information about "Skills and Abilities" Correctly

Misrepresented skills are missed opportunities. Your "Skills and Abilities" section should be clear, structured, and compelling. If you can't immediately show your key skills, your CV won't even be considered. Here is how you can add and structure information about your skills and abilities correctly.

Grouping of Skills

Don't throw all your skills into one pile. Divide them into technical, soft, and language skills. This allows the employer to quickly find the necessary information. For example:

• Technical Skills: PHP programming, knowledge of GIT, PHPStorm, and MySQL.
• Soft Skills: Communication, Leadership, Teamwork.
• Language Skills: English C1, French A2.

This is not just an order, but an effective strategy. Grouping your skills shows your versatility and ability to achieve results in different areas.

After sending your application, there is always an interview. We have two great articles to help you prepare. The articles are:

1. Interview Questions: Best Preparation for a Job Interview: Here you will find important questions and tips for optimal preparation.
2. Strengths and Weaknesses in a Job Interview: This article shows you how to highlight your strengths and skillfully handle weaknesses.

These articles provide valuable advice and strategies for your successful job interview.

Order of Presentation

Start with the most relevant skills for the desired position. If you are applying for a technical position, technical skills should be listed first. This way, you can show that you understand the requirements of the position and can start working immediately. Don't distract the employer with less important details, but focus on the essentials.

Using Bullet Points

Do not write in paragraphs. Use bullets and lists for better readability. This makes it easier to absorb information and makes the CV more organized. For example:

Technical Skills:

• Knowledge of SAP
• Programming in Python
• Working with AutoCAD

Soft Skills:

• Excellent communication skills
• Leadership qualities for teams of up to 25 people
• Experience in teamwork (Office & remote)

Language Skills:

• English – Level C1
• French – Basic knowledge

Specificity

Forget general phrases like "good computer skills." Be specific and precise. If you can program, write about the languages you have worked in and the projects you have worked on. Instead of "good computer skills," write "Python programming, web application development." This approach shows your specific competencies and experiences. The employer immediately sees that you are the right candidate for the position.

After you now know exactly how to design your resume correctly, we have another really great article on the topic of structure and design of a cover letter for you. There you will find examples, screenshots, and tips. Everything you need to compose an outstanding cover letter. Check out the article and see for yourself!

Skills and Abilities in the Resume: What to Pay Attention to

Do not think that general phrases will save your resume. Your "Skills and Abilities" section must be clear and concrete. If you want the employer to notice you, follow these rules when filling it out.

You should only highlight the skills that best match the requirements of the position. Leave out anything unnecessary and focus on the essentials. If the position requires knowledge of specific programs or technologies, mention those first. For example, for an IT position, write "Java, Python, SQL". This shows that you truly understand what the employer is looking for and are ready to take on the tasks as requested.

Do not fill the section with skills that you only master superficially. Only include those that you master at a high level. If you list a skill that you do not truly master, this will quickly become apparent in the job interview or at the workplace. Instead of "Knowledge in Excel," write "Excel expert with experience in creating complex macros". This conveys confidence and competence.

Words without evidence are just words. Add certificates and examples of projects that demonstrate your skills. If you have completed a programming course, mention it. If you have carried out a successful project, describe it. For example, "Google Analytics certificate, successful project completed for website optimization, increasing traffic by 30%". This shows that you not only talk but also have real evidence of your skills.

Skills and Abilities in the Resume: Conclusion

The section Skills and Abilities in the Resume is your additional opportunity to show the employer that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge to achieve the goals in the position. Stick to a clear structure, emphasize relevant skills, and avoid common mistakes.

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Dear Reader, we wish you great success and good work!

We sincerely thank you for your interest in this article. We are delighted that you are interested in structuring a resume and want to design it with high quality. Your commitment shows that you are willing to take the necessary steps to achieve your professional goals. We wish you every success in your job search and hope that you find a great job that makes you happy. May your new job bring you joy and fulfillment. Stay tuned and continue to use our resources to advance your career!