Have you thought about the s****s you're listing in your resume's S****s section? If you treat this section as an afterthought, you could be missing an opportunity to show employers you've got the right s****s for the job.
When completing the S****s section, consider the s****s that would be important to the job you're seeking.
The best way to get started is to search job titles on Monster and review several postings for your target job. Look at the ideal requirements in the ads and write a list of frequently repeated s****s. Next, create a list of your matching s****s that you can incorporate in your resume. Keep in mind you develop s****s in everything from work experience to education and training, hobbies, extracurricular activities, volunteer work and even self-study.
Three Types of S****s
- Job-Related: These are relevant to a specific job. For example, an accountant's job-related s****s might include financial planning, budgeting and financial reporting.
- Transferable: S****s learned in one field or job that are applicable to different ones are transferable. These s****s can reflect how you deal with things (assembly, machine operation), data (research, synthesize information) and people (instruct, manage and negotiate).
- Adaptive: These s****s are the hardest to substantiate as they include personality traits and characteristics that determine your work style. Adaptive s****s include reliability, ability to get along with colleagues, honesty and productivity.
Adding Your S****s to Your Resume
Job-related and transferable s****s are the
most desirable to list on your resume. For each s****, indicate your s**** level and years of experience. It's important to be honest when describing your s**** level. While it's tempting to deem yourself an expert, once you get the interview or job, you may need to prove your claim. But this is not the place for modesty either; call yourself an expert if you are truly at that level.
Here's a guideline for rating your s**** level:
- Beginner: A novice understanding of the s****. You have exposure to the s**** and understand its basic concepts but lack experience.
- Intermediate: Between a beginner and an expert. You have experience with and can carry out the s**** but don't understand its advanced concepts.
- Expert: A highly developed s**** level. You have solid experience and training with the s**** and understand advanced concepts. You demonstrate proficiency and superior s**** level.
How Many S****s to List?
Employers quickly scan resumes, so long lists are not likely to get read. Instead, select 10 to 15 of your strongest,
most desirable s****s. A short, targeted s****s list will be more effective than one that's long and overwhelming.
08-20-2010, 08:27 AM
Showcase Marketable S****s in Your Resume S****s Section
