The 'Core Competencies' or 'Skills' Section: What to Include and How to Format It
The 'Core Competencies' or 'Skills' Section: What to Include and How to Format It
The 'Core Competencies' or 'Skills' section of your resume is a high-impact snapshot of your capabilities. It serves as a crucial keyword-rich area for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and a quick reference for recruiters to validate your qualifications for a role.
This guide provides a clear framework for identifying, selecting, and formatting the skills that will get your resume noticed.
What is a 'Core Competencies' Section?
A 'Core Competencies' or 'Skills' section is a dedicated part of your resume that lists your most relevant abilities. Its primary purpose is to quickly communicate your value and align your qualifications with the specific requirements of a job description.
Think of it as the index of your professional capabilities, providing immediate proof that you are a strong candidate.
Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills: What's the Difference?
A powerful resume balances both hard and soft skills. Understanding the distinction is key to presenting a well-rounded professional profile.
Mini-Definition: Hard Skills are teachable, technical, and often industry-specific abilities that can be easily measured or quantified. Examples include programming languages, data analysis, or foreign language fluency.
Mini-Definition: Soft Skills are interpersonal or character traits that define how you work and interact with others. These include communication, leadership, and problem-solving.
| Feature | Hard Skills | Soft Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Technical, Teachable | Interpersonal, Inherent |
| Measurement | Easily Quantifiable | Difficult to Quantify |
| Examples | Python, SEO, Graphic Design | Leadership, Teamwork, Adaptability |
| Verification | Certifications, Portfolio | Interviews, References |
How to Identify Your Key Skills
To build a compelling skills section, you must first inventory your abilities. The goal is to be comprehensive and then select the most relevant skills for each job application.
Start by meticulously reviewing job descriptions for roles you are interested in. Use tools like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' O*NET OnLine to see common skills for your target career.
Next, analyze your own work history. Think about projects you completed, tools you used, and challenges you overcame. This process will uncover both technical proficiencies and demonstrated soft skills.
How to Format Your Skills Section for ATS and Recruiters
Formatting is critical for readability by both software and humans. The best format is clean, scannable, and strategically organized.
Mini-Definition: An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by companies to screen and manage job applications. It scans resumes for specific keywords and skills.
Use a simple multi-column, bulleted list. This is highly readable for recruiters and easy for an ATS to parse. Avoid graphics, charts, or rating systems (e.g., star ratings), as they can confuse automated systems.
Group related skills under subheadings to add structure. For example:
- Technical Skills: Python, SQL, Tableau, Microsoft Azure
- Marketing Tools: Google Analytics, HubSpot, SEMrush
- Languages: English (Native), Spanish (Professional Proficiency)
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Skills Section
A poorly constructed skills section can undermine an otherwise strong resume. Avoid these common pitfalls.
Do not include outdated skills like "Microsoft Word" unless the job specifically requires advanced knowledge (e.g., mail merge, macros). It is assumed you have basic office software proficiency.
Avoid listing purely subjective soft skills without context. Instead of just listing "Leadership," ensure your work experience bullets provide concrete examples of you leading a team or project.
Never lie or exaggerate your proficiency. This can be easily exposed during technical assessments or interviews and will immediately disqualify you.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Resume Skills Section
Should I use bullet points for my skills?
Yes. Simple, clean bullet points are the most effective format. They are easy for both recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to read and parse quickly.
How many skills should I list on my resume?
Aim for 10-15 of your most relevant skills. The focus should be on quality and relevance to the target job, not quantity. A cluttered list can dilute the impact of your strongest abilities.
Where does the skills section go on a resume?
Typically, it goes after your professional experience section. However, if you are a recent graduate or making a significant career change, placing it near the top, below your summary, can help highlight your transferable skills.
How Cruit Supercharges Your Skills Section
Cruit’s intelligent platform provides a suite of tools designed to perfect your skills section and align it with your career goals.
The Job Analysis Module instantly compares your resume against a job description, giving you a clear list of your "Matching Skills" and any "Skill Gaps." It provides a roadmap of "Corrective Actions," suggesting courses on platforms like Coursera or project ideas to build missing skills.
Cruit’s Resume Tailoring Module then helps you seamlessly integrate these skills. Its AI assistant engages you in a conversation to uncover overlooked experiences, ensuring every skill you list is authentic and backed by a real-world example from your career.
Finally, the Career Exploration module analyzes your resume to identify your most valuable transferable skills, presenting curated career paths where your unique abilities would be an immediate asset.
This guide was created by Cruit, a career growth platform that helps professionals build and execute their career strategy.