Career Planning Finding a Job Resumes Resume Example With a Key Skills Section By Alison Doyle Alison Doyle Alison Doyle is one of the nation’s foremost career experts. learn about our editorial policies Updated on July 22, 2021 Photo: RubberBall Productions / Brand X Pictures / Getty Images Studies have shown that recruiters and hiring managers spend as little as seven seconds reviewing a resume before deciding whether to move forward with a candidate. To get their attention, you need to make a good impression right away. A key skills section at the top of the page shows the hiring team what you can do without making them weed through a page of work experience, educational credentials, and other qualifications. Note Done well, the skills section of your resume emphasizes your ability to do the job and persuades the reader to learn more about you. Review the type of skills to include and how to write a resume skills section, get a resume template to download, and review a list of the best skills to highlight in your resume. What to Include in a Resume Key Skills Section TheBalance Your skills section includes your abilities related to the job you're applying for. You should include both "hard skills"—specific, quantifiable attributions such as proficiency in a foreign language, typing speed, or computer software knowledge—and "soft skills" like flexibility, patience, and time management. Note Make sure the work experience listed on your resume reflects your skills. Then, when it comes time for an interview, be prepared to provide anecdotes, examples, or additional details supporting these skills. Resume Example with Key Skills Section Review this resume example with a key skills section to get ideas for writing your resume. Download the resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) and adapt this template to your own experience – or read the example below and create your own. Download the Word Template Resume With a Key Skills Section (Text Version) Jane Applicant123 Main St.Sarasota, Florida 12345(123) 456 -7890jane.applicant@email.comSkills SummaryCommunication: Award-winning customer service skills. Deals with internal and external customers at all levels via telephone and email to ensure successful communication through active listening and thoughtful questions.Problem Solving: Resolves in-depth queries in a methodical manner independently and with internal and external business partners to find appropriate resolutions and efficiencies, all with a high level of quality.Team Player: Enjoys sharing knowledge and encouraging the development of others to achieve specific team goals.Planning and Organizing: Refined planning and organizational skills that balance work, team support, and ad-hoc responsibilities in a timely and professional manner.Systems Knowledge: Peoplesoft and Oracle. Experience in preparing and analyzing reporting data for management accurately and to timescales.Professional ExperienceAsebeth Medical Services, Sarasota, FLHR Coordinator, March 2021-Present Collaborated with each office territory and developed processes to enable compliance and recruitment of national field employees following medical client guidelines and contracts.Processed background checks, coordinated drug screenings, and expedited preparation and compliance of files to ensure seamless accreditation of health organization.Proactively monitored employee files for monthly compliance requirements by utilizing the computer system to generate reports.Borders Books, Music and Café, Sarasota, FLInterim Operations Manager, November 2020-March 2021Supervised, coached, and counseled staff of 50 employees.Recruited and scheduled staff to ensure balanced coverage at the information desks, on the floor to restock merchandise, and at the cash registers.Adapted and revised the weekly schedule to consist of maximum 1400 hours as regulated by the Home Office.Education & CredentialsHuman Resources Certificate, 2019Sarasota City College, Sarasota, FLSystems Experience:Advanced skill in Peoplesoft and Oracle Tips for Creating a Skills Section That Stands Out When you're crafting your resume, impeccable attention to detail always makes a difference. Taking the time to write compelling but concise descriptions will give you a leg up on the competition. Those targeted descriptions will show you're a fit for the position. The keywords and terms you use in your resume also make it easier for the employer to review your resume as a potential match for the job. Match Your Skills Section to the Job Description Analyze the job listing, paying particular attention to the keywords used to describe the job requirements. Look for the hard and soft skills, experience, and educational background that the employer is looking for and that you possess, and feature those prominently on your resume. Review these tips for matching your qualifications to a job. Review Resume Examples Learn how to craft a skills section that will get the hiring manager’s attention by looking at resume samples and templates. You’ll see how to make your qualifications and experience stand out from the competition while using the limited space above the fold to your advantage. Pay Attention to Small Details Make sure your formatting choices are both aesthetically pleasing and consistent in terms of font choice, font sizes, and spacing. Proofread your resume before you send it, and ask a family member or trusted friend to review it for errors and typos, as well. Best Skills to Include on Your Resume When you're applying for a job, the best skills to include on your resume will be those that are the closest match to the position for which you're applying. They should also be current and in-demand skills that will be an asset to your resume. Here's a list of the top skills for resumes, how to include them on your resume, and more examples of resumes with featured skills. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Ladders. "You Have 7.4 Seconds to Make an Impression: How Recruiters See Your Resume." Accessed July 18, 2021. CareerOneStop. "Skills and Abilities." Accessed July 18, 2021.