A CV is a crucial factor in job acceptance. Failure to pay attention to it or update it regularly can lead to rejection or a lack of response. However, you should be aware that there are a number of important criteria that a CV must meet in order to be complete and accurate. We have explained this in detail in the following article:
The importance of the skills section in a CV
The skills section of a resume is very important because it demonstrates the applicant's suitability for the job and increases the hiring manager's interest in bypassing applicant screening systems.
This section is of great importance, which is:
- Knowing who is the most qualified and worthy person for the job.
- It also helps in making the person a priority among the applicants in the interview.
- The section shows how competent the person is and how well he or she is qualified to get the job.
- It leaves a good impression on the person and contributes to improving the salary and increasing the chances of acceptance and promotion at work.
Types of skills to add
There are a number of skills that should be added to your CV to support it, which are:
Technical Skills
It is considered one of the skills that prove the extent of learning and experience that a person possesses. These skills include: programming, financial analysis, data analysis, project management, and some programs that support this field.
Soft Skills
These skills relate to how to deal with others and are often linked to many tasks on a global scale. These skills include communication, problem-solving, time management, and leadership.
Language skills
Language skills typically include country-specific languages, programming languages, or programming languages.
Industry-Specific Skills
These skills are specific to a particular industry and are considered a type of technical skill, but they are more comprehensive.
Examples of these skills include: marketing, engineering, and cybersecurity.
Combining these skills is important because they complement each other and make a significant difference in the work environment and cooperation between individuals. They also ensure effective work interactions and the ability to deal with difficulties and challenges.
Practical steps to add skills professionally
Step 1: Identify the appropriate skills for each job
- A person should define what the job is so that he can know what basic skills it requires.
- Add industry-specific keywords to your resume so the system can read it.
- Match your skills to keywords and focus heavily on relevant skills.
Step 2: Prioritize skills
- Prioritize high-value jobs first and highlight in your resume the skills that will make you stand out.
- Make sure to include soft skills as they demonstrate how much experience you have and show the skills you possess.
- In the introduction, add the skills that help paint a picture of strength, then add the rest of your skills.
Step 3: Choose the appropriate format and format.
- You can divide your skills into two catchy and attractive titles in your resume to attract more people.
- Use numbering as it helps make your resume clearer, more understandable and more organized.
- Combine technical and soft skills but don't make it less than 10-15 points.
- Speak properly, avoid general words, and make sure to explain complex or difficult-to-understand ideas.
Step 4: Support skills with practical experiences
- Make sure to show the skills in the experience section and do not combine skills with each other.
- Make sure to communicate the idea of experiences by providing examples to further clarify and expand.
- Organize your thoughts and don't write them randomly because it makes a big difference.
Step 5: Review and update the skills section.
- Make sure to review your application and adjust your resume to suit each job you apply for.
- Delete skills that are not considered important for the job you are applying for.
- Make sure to develop yourself significantly and constantly modify this in your CV, as this reflects the extent of your competence.
Top 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Skills on a CV
Add skills you don't have
Writing about a skill you don't have or that your level is considered weak is a big mistake because this shows that you are a liar and a deceiver, which may create a bad image about you or cause you to lose a significant amount of work.
But you can talk about your skills honestly and not fake any skill to attract attention, and you can indicate that you are willing to learn that skill or have work experience.
Use vague or unclear wording
Some people use exaggerated phrases or words on their CVs without providing any evidence to support this. This makes the CV look strange, as hiring managers are usually looking for someone with proven skills.
A person can use clear and understandable phrases to increase the hiring manager's awareness and increase his chances of being hired.
Not updating your CV
Make sure that your current CV description is consistent with your current qualifications and experience, as some people do not care about updating their CVs, which reflects poorly on them and reduces their chances of getting hired.
Neglecting Soft Skills
Some people make the role of soft skills and only care about technical skills, and this is wrong because soft skills play a major role in creating good interaction with the work team, and this also facilitates integration with the work team and working on joint projects.
A person can learn soft skills and most importantly gain a lot of experience in them because they make a big difference in the professional field.
Putting the skills section in the wrong place
It is important to organize your skills and place them in the appropriate place so that your CV looks neat and eye-catching. It should also be at the top because hiring managers usually do not read your entire CV.
So it is important to learn technical skills. Put the skills section in the CV. It can be at the top and should be directly below the experiences.
Frequently asked questions about writing skills on a resume
How many skills should be included in a resume?
There is usually no specific number of skills that must be written on a CV. It usually depends more on the skills that the person possesses in the scope of the job for which he is applying.
Should I add soft skills or just technical skills?
Soft and technical skills should be included together on your resume because both are equally important. One serves the business, while the other helps you interact and deal positively with the various situations you encounter.
Can I add skills that I haven't fully mastered yet?
No, it is not possible because it is, but if you want to, you can state that you are learning it or have mastered some of it.
This is because clarity is very important so that you do not look bad or get rejected for a job.
What is the difference between the skills section and the experience section on a resume?
There are clear differences between the skills and experience section of a CV, which are as follows:
- Target: Skills prove whether you have that experience or not, while experiences prove your expertise in the matter and what your previous work in the field is.
- Content: The skills section contains more brief statements that demonstrate your technical and soft skills, while the experience section includes more of your professional history and previous positions.
- Concentration and relevance: The skills section focuses more on demonstrating the competencies and skills you possess for the job, while the experience section focuses more on performance and organizes tasks completed according to previous years.
Should I add certificates to my skills?
Yes, it is important to include skill certificates in your CV. This is because they actually prove the validity of your words and make you stand out among applicants. Some certificates are mandatory to include.
Does skill order matter?
Yes, it is important to arrange your skills in your CV correctly so that they are eye-catching and attract attention, which will enhance your chances of getting a job.
The order is based on the most relevant skills first, then technical and soft skills.
How often should the skills section be updated?
It's usually important to update your skills section periodically, ideally every 3 to 6 months, or when you acquire a new skill, complete a new project, or receive a major promotion.
