How to write a resume employers will actually read

You should write a resume specifically tailored to the job you are applying for. It will determine the level of your advancement in the hiring process. Your job skills are essential if you want your resume to convince an interviewer.

When writing a resume, your skills can make you stand out from the rest and help you land the job you desire. If you are offered the job by a hiring panel, your resume skills can influence the final salary. There are a few things to consider while getting the right answer to the question of how to write a resume.

How to write a resume

Where do you begin when writing a resume? For a complete review of job skills, you can start at the top and continue reading to the end.

What are the most important job skills to include on a resume?
How to match your skills and job description to your resume?
What are some examples of soft skills that can be written in a resume?
What technical or hard skills should you have on your resume?
How to find the skills that your company values?
How to make a section on your resume that demonstrates your skills?
How to incorporate your skills for a job when writing your resume?
What should you not do with your job skills?

What are the most important job skills to include when writing a resume?

Many hiring managers only spend a few minutes looking through resumes before making a decision on whether or not to hire. Employers today want both soft and hard skills to fill a job. These are some of the most common requests you may see in job advertisements:

Computer proficiency.
Leadership experience.
Communication skills.
Organizational knowledge.
Social skills.
Collaboration talent.
Problem-solving skills.

These attributes and skills are vital for today's workplace. These are the skills that are required to perform the job's tasks and responsibilities. These skills are acquired through education, practice, and training. They are easily measurable and can be advertised:

Either you have the required technical skills or experience
you don't.

They will be impressed by your work history and certifications.

Increasingly, employers are recognizing the need for demonstrated interpersonal skills on a resume. Individuals with strong soft skills can foster relationships and make connections beyond conventional qualifications - from cultivating an understanding of the corporate culture to effectively communicating ideas and cooperating within diverse teams. Not only do these attributes set candidates apart in our competitive job market, but they also offer essential contributions which help level the playing field.

For tips on how to highlight soft and hard skills in your resume writing, see the sections below. Let's first discuss How to match your skills and job description.

formats of a resume

How to match your skills and job description in your resume writing?

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is used by many companies to scan, sort, rank, and classify resumes in order to narrow down the applicant pool to the best candidates. This is why your cover letter and resume should be customized using keywords and phrases that correspond to the job posting (as long as you have the skills listed).

Employers are looking for a graphic designer who is proficient in Adobe Creative Suite. You would not just say "experience with software for creative professionals." Similar language should be used if you are applying for an accountant who has "experience processing daily credit invoices and bills." An ATS won't allow you to list "gathering receipts as a duty" simply because it isn't a relevant job.

You can also use the same words and phrases in other posts for the same job. Remember that every job description can be different. Make sure to tailor your cover letter and resume with the right keywords for each job.

What are some examples of soft skills that can be used when writing a resume?

It is important to remember that soft skills can be just as valuable to hiring managers as technical skills. Managers who are smart know that a highly-qualified, experienced new hire can cause problems in the workplace if they don't feel at home, have poor communication skills with colleagues and clients, or freeze under pressure. Employers should be reassured by your resume and how you present it at interviews that you can not only do the job but will also help the team succeed.

Are you unsure of the soft skills that will help send this message? Every job application should include a customized resume. Review the requirements of the job you are applying for and consider which personal strengths could help you succeed in that position and the workplace.

You will face disruption in your career, whether you are a new hire or an experienced staff member who needs to adjust to changing priorities. Employers want people who are able to adapt quickly to changing environments and are open-minded to learning new technologies and processes.

These are 15 soft skills and personal qualities that employers value.

Attention to detail -- Business mistakes can be costly in time and money. Send prospective employers a well-written, proofread cover letter and resume with highlights from your work history that demonstrate diligence and conscientiousness to show that you are meticulous and careful in everything you do.
Collaboration -- Your career success will depend on how well you collaborate with other people, both within your department and with colleagues. If you have a work history or examples from your college coursework, please give examples that show teamwork and partnership.
Communication is an important skill for any industry. Employers seek candidates who are able to communicate with diverse audiences without resorting to jargon and who can present with confidence to an audience.
Creativity -- Companies thrive when there are new ideas and innovative solutions to old problems. Managers will carefully examine the resumes of people who think creatively, challenge existing norms and offer innovative solutions.
Good customer service is key to a company's success and employees' career prospects. Employers expect staff to meet the expectations of clients and internal stakeholders.
Management -- Smart managers know that giving staff autonomy allows them to focus on the bigger picture and can increase employee happiness and productivity. They value employees who are able to assess the situation and decide what next steps should be taken, rather than constantly asking for guidance.
Empathy -- It is essential to understand the emotions of others if you are going to be able to communicate effectively with your coworkers, managers, and direct reports as well as customers, clients, and customers. It doesn't matter if you are in senior leadership or a staff-level position, empathy is an important skill.

Leadership -- Employers look for people who are able to inspire and motivate others, as well as those who have integrity, fairness, and a strategic outlook. Highlight your professional experience and leadership skills in your resume whenever possible.
Multitasking -- The workplace today is busier and more complex than ever before. A strong resume shows a job candidate's ability and willingness to manage multiple priorities and projects.
Positivity -- This doesn't necessarily mean being "excessively happy or optimistic". It simply means that you are able to approach difficult situations with a positive attitude. A job requires resilience and determination. Employers are looking for that.
Problem-solving -- What job isn't filled with challenges and problems? What employer would not want to help staff with problems and challenges? A resume should highlight the ability to solve conflicts and find creative solutions for all kinds of problems.
Demonstrate your self-starting ability - showcase how you have gone beyond expectations to find solutions, or take steps to ensure success. Prove that no matter the roadblocks in front of you, ambition and drive will always overcome them.
Time management -- No matter what role you are applying for, it is important to have this skill on your resume. Employers are looking for someone who can manage distractions, meet deadlines, and make the most of their workday.

A strong work ethic is based on honesty, punctuality, and reliability. These qualities can be highlighted in your resume skills and professional history sections.

What technical and hard skills should you have when writing your resume?

Include certifications and specific skills when writing your resume. For example, front-end web developers would list their knowledge in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and any other technologies that the company has listed in its job posting. An example of a financial controller might be able to claim a strong knowledge of GAAP and SEC reporting. A resume that demonstrates administrative skills could also include a MOS or CAP certification.

engineering resume example

These are 15 highly-demanded fields that require hard resume skills:

Accounting or bookkeeping -- The basics of accounting include collection, payment, reconciliation, and invoicing.
Data analysis -- Professionals who are able to gather and interpret technical information for different stakeholders are needed by businesses. This area requires a solid knowledge of both theory and practice in relational databases, as well as strong writing and verbal skills.
Data privacy -- Any organization dealing with confidential or proprietary client data should be concerned about cybersecurity. The job and the field will determine which skills are most in demand.
Enterprise resource planning -- ERP systems like NetSuite, SAP, and Oracle help employers manage their businesses and automate tasks. This area requires professionals who are skilled in coding and have project management skills.
Human resources -- HR specialists are needed by companies to help them assess job applicants, onboard new employees, and maintain their workforce. They might manage employee engagement, develop training and team-building programs, and create wellness initiatives. This is a field you might be interested in if you have strong communication and project management skills.

Mathematical -- Not only is it required by the accounting industry to calculate margins and figure percentages, but also to create data charts. Survey results are often used by copy editors and marketing professionals. See our blog post about financial consulting jobs for roles that require a greater mathematics background.

Multilingualism -- Employers will appreciate your ability to serve more clients and customers. The most sought-after languages vary depending on industry and location, but Spanish and French are the most popular. Even if your position doesn't require you to interact with international clients, it's important to include fluency in another language when applying. Your resume will be unique and make you stand out from the rest.

Automation of process tasks -- Companies can reduce costs and increase accuracy by using smart software or artificial intelligence to automate repetitive tasks. Companies rely on human resources to manage and set up these systems. Employers will be more likely to hire you if you highlight your experience in this field or have completed one of the many certification programs.

Product design -- This field combines form and function, optimizing both user-friendliness as well as visual appeal. You should highlight your product design skills in your resume, even if you don't have a degree.

Project management -- Show your knowledge of the software and best practices for managing a project from start to finish in your work history and resume skill sections. The Project Management Institute offers a Project Manager Professional [PMP] certificate that would be a highly sought-after endorsement of your abilities.

Employers are seeking candidates with the ability to use the correct research tools and methods, whether they are searching for information on eDiscovery, competitor insight, or internal data collection. Your resume may include hard research skills such as interviewing, planning, scheduling, and interpreting data collected to assist stakeholders. Your resume should also include knowledge of relevant technologies.

Software proficiency -- Nearly every office job requires a basic knowledge of Microsoft Office and G Suite apps. This includes word processing, spreadsheets, and email. A deeper understanding of technology is required for many roles. While IT and creative jobs are the obvious ones, tech skills are highly valued in many other roles and sectors. Take the legal sector: 62% said that their hiring decisions were influenced more by technical skills than soft skills in a study.

SEO -- Crafting an effective online presence requires mastery of the essential tools of SEO/SEM — Google Analytics, Keyword Planner, and other content creation systems as well as knowledge or experience in HTML/CSS and JavaScript. Adding these skills to a resume could give job seekers with diverse backgrounds such as editors, writers, publicists & HR professionals that competitive edge!

Typing skills -- Transcribers, medical coders, and schedulers need to be proficient at typing. What is the speed limit? It depends on the industry and job. However, the job description should provide some clues. You can test your typing speed and accuracy by visiting one of the many speed testing sites. For consistency, you can check them again on another website.

Writing and editing -- As valuable as verbal and presentation skills in today's workplace is, writing and editing are hard skills that are highly valued in nearly any field. Organizations thrive when they have clear, persuasive written memos, emails, and other forms of internal communication. No organization wants to see any external content, such as website text, printed material, or company emails, that is sloppy in grammar, diction, or poorly structured sentences and organization.

Remember when writing a resume you should include examples of how you have used the most relevant hard skills for the job that you are applying for. If possible, list specific, quantifiable accomplishments for every position that you have held. If you are a digital marketer, provide conversion and click-through rates. Project managers should highlight projects that were completed on time and within budget. You want to show that you are a results-driven professional.

How to find the skills that your company values?

To personalize your resume, you will need to refer to the job description. Don't stop there. To gain insight into the company's culture and values, research the employer. The employer may be looking for additional qualities.

Reach out to people you know who work at the company or have worked there in the past. Ask about the workplace culture, and what the employer values in their employees.

You can also find out a lot from the company's website. The About Us page is a good place for beginners.

Every client deserves our dedication to their success.
Innovation is important -- for our company as well as for the entire world
All relationships should be built on trust and accountability

If you are applying for a job, you will want to think about the soft skills that you have that would fit this framework -- customer care, attentiveness, and initiative, and then incorporate them into your resume.

There are four LEAD principles:

Leadership through example.
Ethics First.
Openness to New Ideas.
Excellence requires dedication.

Be attentive to the way the company operates and the work environment it creates. Highlight your strengths.

How to make a section on your resume that demonstrates your skills?

It's crucial to arrange and write your resume so that it is concise and easy to understand. It's a good idea to include technical and soft skills in a three-column highlight section at the top of your resume. This is just above your professional experience. You can also add keywords that you have identified to this section.

To show your value, you don't need to write more than a few words. A bulleted list that a reader can easily scan should be used. Your work history will include complete sentences.

These are just a few examples of what professionals could list in this section of different industries when writing a resume.

1. Accounting jobs

Accountants must not only crunch numbers but also draw data-driven conclusions that can be communicated to others. These are some of the areas you might be skilled in:

Problem-solving and analytical thinking.
Microsoft Excel.
Software for enterprise resource planning.
Leadership and business.
Writing and verbal skills.
Data Analytics.
Recognizing revenue.
Compliance and risk.
GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles).
We are looking for accountants, controllers, and clerks.

Customer service jobs

Customers often have concerns or questions about companies and turn to customer service departments for help. These skills are often required to deal with the public in these roles.

Working in data entry requires an individual with incredible skill and expertise. Being successful demands a combination of attentive listening, troubleshooting acumen, research proficiency, patience under pressure, speed & efficiency to complete tasks quickly & accurately along with an unwaveringly positive attitude. Additionally, strong diplomatic skills coupled with excellent communication capabilities are necessary to maintaining exceptional time management all the while providing impeccable customer service! You can search for customer service jobs to view job descriptions for different roles, from managers to representatives.

Resume writing tips for a Business Analyst

Business analysts can be data specialists, finance professionals, or problem solvers. A business analyst may have the following skills:

Business acumen.
Data mining.
Relations with clients.
Strategic thinking.
Communication and presentation skills.
Management of projects.
Collaboration.
Critical thinking.
Problem-solving.

Resume writing tips for Marketing jobs

There are many marketing jobs, from a product manager or brand manager to social media and email marketing specialists. However, applicants for marketing jobs should have a combination of hard and soft skills that reflect both the creative and analytical nature of the job. Some examples include:

Content creation.
Market research.
Web analytics.
SEO and SEM.
Critical thinking.
Management of projects.
Content management systems.
Social media (strategy, campaigns, etc.)
Creativity.

Resume writing tips for Web developer jobs

Web developers must have both technical skills to complete their tasks and soft skills to communicate with clients and other stakeholders. You should carefully read the job posting to determine the technology stack and then tailor your resume to meet the needs of the employer. You might have the following soft and hard skills to include on a resume for a web developer:

Programming languages.
Troubleshooting and testing skills.
Operating systems.
Software for database management.
UX and UI design.
Management of projects.
Frameworks for the web.
API design.
Teamwork.

Resume writing tips for Graphic design jobs

Graphic designers must have both creativity and technical proficiency. You can also create a digital portfolio that impresses and include these soft and hard skills in your resume.

Design principles include color theory and typography.
Brand development.
Storytelling.
Attention to detail.
Collaboration with clients.
Management of projects.
Respect deadlines.
Time management.
Communication and presentation skills.
Check out all of our graphic designer jobs.

A skills column could be added to your first page if you are in a technical or legal field. This will give you more room to list all skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

It is important to make your skills section a prominent part of your resume writing. You don't have to use an ATS for every employer. This section should stand out to the reader.

There are many ways to use your skills in order to get a job.

Remember to highlight your skills in your work history, as well as other sections of your resume such as volunteer activities and professional certifications. You'd be less likely to list a skill in your work history if you could show it. For example, you may have "led a team project to success" and not "have leadership skills" or project management skills.

You can also include concrete examples of how you have impacted your employer, past or present. Your resume should demonstrate your impressive skills. Your resume should be impressive and can help you get an interview or a job offer.

These are some examples and tips to help you present your skills when writing a resume.

Communication -- You should not only focus on your writing, presentation, and verbal skills but also your collaboration and customer service skills. Show your ability to communicate well with colleagues, managers, clients, and customers in your work history.
A monthly email newsletter was written to customers. It increased website traffic by 35%.
Presentations in eight company webinars reached an average audience of 5,000 per session.
Multitasking -- Multitasking can be more difficult to quantify. You can still provide an employer with information about the tasks and situations that you have handled frequently, and how calmly and efficiently.
Multiple web design projects were prioritized calmly and smoothly for a group of 20 people working in a fast-paced environment.
Competing editorial deadlines were met for the annual report and corporate citizenship reports. Weekly content was delivered to the email marketing team, which resulted in a 20% increase in click rates.
Leadership -- It doesn't take a managerial position to demonstrate leadership. Leadership can be demonstrated by taking on a key deliverable for a larger project, being an entrepreneur, or digging into a problem beyond what is expected to find a solution. You can also demonstrate leadership through action by volunteering for company roles outside of your official duties.
A task force of 10 people was formed that helped to lower operating costs by 15%.
A six-member employee volunteer task force was formed and chaired by me. This group researched corporate philanthropic practices and suggested new beneficiaries for senior management consideration.
Problem-solving -- Highlight examples of times when you have shown creativity or doubled down on long-standing team problems.
New consolidation procedures were implemented for quarterly and monthly closes, which reduced the closing time by 30%.
Close to 92% of desktop support tickets were resolved on the first call, without any escalated steps.
Dependability -- Hiring managers need people who will do the right thing and do the right things. When working with clients outside of your company, dependability is crucial. Missing a deadline could result in lost business or a bad reputation.
After 12 months, you were promoted to account manager if all your projects were completed on time.
Twice the CEO's "Perfect Attendance" commendation was presented at the annual employee recognition event.
Technology -- Your resume should reflect the specific job you are applying for. You don't have to be a data logic major if you are applying for an administrative assistant position. You don't need to be a UX designer or a computer programmer to show your proficiency with Word and Google Docs.