Skills Section Review
Most resumes are now screened by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) before a human ever sees them. ATS software scans for keywords β specific skills, tools, and terms that match the job posting. If your resume doesn't contain those keywords it gets filtered out automatically. A strong skills section ensures your resume passes this filter and gets in front of a real person.
Most resumes are now screened by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) before a human ever sees them. ATS software scans for keywords β specific skills, tools, and terms that match the job posting. If your resume doesn't contain those keywords it gets filtered out automatically. A strong skills section ensures your resume passes this filter and gets in front of a real person.
Open your resume and open 2-3 job postings for your target role in another tab.
Complete these steps
Create or find your skills section Your skills section should be near the top of your resume β after your summary and before your work experience. If you don't have one create it now.
Identify your hard skills Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities. Look at the job postings you opened and note the tools, software, and technical skills they mention. Cross-reference with what you actually know.
Examples by field:
Marketing: Google Analytics, HubSpot, Mailchimp, SEO, SEM, Meta Ads, Copywriting, A/B Testing
Finance: Excel, QuickBooks, SAP, Financial Modeling, Budgeting, Forecasting
Tech: Python, JavaScript, React, SQL, AWS, Git, Agile, Scrum
HR: ATS Systems, HRIS, Talent Acquisition, Performance Management, DEIB
Identify your soft skills Add 3-4 soft skills that are genuinely your strengths. Don't just list generic ones β pick ones you can back up with examples.
Examples: Cross-functional collaboration, Stakeholder management, Strategic planning, Data analysis, Client relationship management
Format your skills section cleanly List skills separated by commas or use a simple two-column layout. Aim for 8-12 skills total.
Tips for success
Only list skills you actually have β you may be tested on them in an interview
Mirror the exact language used in job postings β if they say "Google Analytics" don't write "GA"
Update your skills section for each application based on what that specific role requires