What Not To Include in Your Resume Skills Section
Introduction
The skills section of your resume is a crucial component that highlights your professional capabilities to potential employers. However, not all skills are equally valuable or appropriate to include. Understanding what not to include in your resume skills section is just as important as knowing what to include. This knowledge can help you create a more focused, impactful resume that effectively showcases your most relevant and impressive skills.
Body
Here are key elements to avoid in your resume skills section:
- Outdated or Irrelevant Skills:
- Avoid listing skills that are no longer relevant in your industry or for the position you’re applying for.
- Example: Proficiency in outdated software or programming languages that are no longer in use.
- Basic or Assumed Skills:
- Don’t include skills that are considered basic or assumed for professionals in your field.
- Examples: “Microsoft Word” for most office jobs, “Internet browsing” for tech positions.
- Personal Attributes or Soft Skills Without Context:
- While soft skills are important, listing them without context or evidence can appear vague and unconvincing.
- Examples: “Hard-working,” “Team player,” or “Good communicator” without supporting examples.
- Exaggerated or False Skills:
- Never include skills you don’t actually possess or exaggerate your proficiency level.
- This can lead to awkward situations during interviews or on the job.
- Irrelevant Hobbies or Interests:
- Unless directly related to the job, avoid including personal hobbies or interests in the skills section.
- Example: “Avid golfer” for a software engineering position.
- Controversial or Polarizing Skills:
- Avoid mentioning skills related to controversial topics or that could be seen as polarizing.
- Examples: Skills related to political affiliations or controversial social issues.
- Overly Specific or Niche Skills:
- Unless directly relevant to the job, avoid listing highly specific or niche skills that don’t add value to your application.
- Example: “Expert in 15th-century French literature” for a marketing position.
- Redundant Skills:
- Don’t list the same skill multiple times using different wordings.
- Example: “Customer service,” “Client relations,” and “Customer support” all listed separately.
- Skills with Low Proficiency:
- Avoid including skills in which you have only basic or beginner-level proficiency, especially if they’re not directly relevant to the job.
- Example: Listing a language you only know a few phrases in.
- Overused Buzzwords or Jargon:
- Steer clear of overused industry buzzwords or jargon that don’t add real value to your skill set.
- Examples: “Synergy,” “Think outside the box,” or “Results-driven” without specific context.
Conclusion
Crafting an effective skills section on your resume requires careful consideration of what to include and what to omit. By avoiding irrelevant, outdated, or vague skills, you can create a more focused and impactful representation of your professional capabilities. Remember, the goal is to highlight skills that are directly relevant to the job you’re applying for and that set you apart from other candidates. Be honest, specific, and strategic in your skill selection to create a resume that truly showcases your strengths and increases your chances of landing the job you want.