How can you edit your resume skills section to be more relevant?

1 Identify the key skills

The first step is to identify the key skills that the employer is looking for in the job description, and match them with your own skills. Look for keywords and phrases that indicate the level of expertise, the type of skills, and the desired outcomes. For example, if the job description says "manage social media campaigns", you need to show that you have skills in social media management, content creation, analytics, and communication. Make a list of the key skills that you have and that are relevant for the job.

2 Categorize your skills

The next step is to categorize your skills into hard skills, soft skills, and technical skills. Hard skills are the specific and measurable abilities that you can demonstrate, such as languages, software, certifications, or tools. Soft skills are the interpersonal and transferable skills that you can apply to different situations, such as teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, or creativity. Technical skills are the specialized and industry-specific skills that you need for a particular role, such as accounting, engineering, or programming. Categorizing your skills can help you organize your skills section and highlight your strengths.

3 Use a skills matrix

A skills matrix is a table that shows your level of proficiency in each skill, using a scale such as beginner, intermediate, advanced, or expert. A skills matrix can help you showcase your skills in a visual and concise way, and also show your potential for growth and learning. You can use a skills matrix to display your hard skills and technical skills, as they are more quantifiable and verifiable. To create a skills matrix, use a simple format such as:

| Skill         | Level         |
| ------------- | ------------- |
| Excel         | Advanced      |
| Photoshop     | Intermediate  |
| SQL           | Beginner      |        

4 Provide examples and evidence

You can make your skills section more relevant by providing examples and evidence of how you have used your skills in your previous or current roles. For instance, instead of just listing "communication skills", you can illustrate these skills by noting that you communicated effectively with clients and stakeholders through email, phone, and presentations. Additionally, you can highlight that customer satisfaction was increased by 15% due to your ability to resolve issues and provide feedback. Furthermore, you can demonstrate that you created and delivered engaging training sessions for new hires and team members.

5 Review and update your skills section

The final step is to review and update your skills section regularly, as your skills may change or improve over time. You should also adapt your skills section to each job application, as different employers may have different preferences and priorities. You can use online tools, such as resume builders or skill assessment tests, to help you edit your resume skills section and ensure that it is relevant, accurate, and professional.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?