The “skills developed” section of a resume highlights and showcases the key technical, soft, and transferable skills you have gained through your education, work history, volunteer roles, and life experiences. This section allows you to explicitly connect your background to the specific qualifications and attributes the employer is looking for in an ideal candidate.
A well-written skills section should be tailored for each job application by highlighting the 3-6 most relevant skills for that particular role or industry. The skills addressed need to match as closely as possible to what is required in the job description. This section acts as a second chance to convince the recruiter you are a strong fit after they have reviewed your work history.
To effectively format this resume section for maximum impact, I recommend using the following structure:
Section Header:
Skills Developed
Formatting:
Use a bold header centered at the top of the page to draw the reader’s eye.
Format your skills as bullet points for easy scanning by the recruiter. Use consistent bullet styles and formatting throughout.
Group related skills together under subheadings for improved organization and readability.
Content:
Research the job description thoroughly to identify the core competencies, technical tools/systems, soft skills, and transferable skills required for success.
Quantify your proficiency with strong action verbs where possible such as “advanced skills in Microsoft Excel with experience creating dynamic spreadsheets, dashboards, and models.”
Highlight both technical/digital skills as well as soft skills. Soft skills are increasingly important but often overlooked on resumes.
Incorporate results, achievements, and impact whenever you can by including metrics, numbers, or positive outcomes. For example, “performed quality control testing that reduced errors by 25%.”
Cite specific technologies, programs, certifications or skills that are directly mentioned as requirements in the job posting.
Use the STAR method to showcase relevant experience—situation, task, action, result. This helps prove your competency rather than just listing skills.
Keep the overall length to 3-6 well-written bullet points per skill or subheading to maintain a scannable format.
Customize the wording and order based on what will be perceived as most important and relevant to the specific company, role, and industry you are applying to.
Here is a sample skills section formatted this way:
Skills Developed
Technical Skills
Advanced skills in SQL, Python, R for statistical analysis and predictive modeling
Proficient in Tableau, Power BI, MicroStrategy for data visualization and dashboard creation
Expertise in Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics for digital marketing analytics
Project Management
5+ years of experience managing complex projects from start to finish while adhering to deadlines
Expert skills in Agile methodology, Jira, Confluence for managing development workflows
Communication
Proficiency creating comprehensive reports, presentations, and business plans
Experience conducting stakeholder interviews and facilitating workshops
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences
In this example, the key technical, digital marketing, project management and soft skills required by the job are directly addressed based on the job description. Related skills are grouped under descriptive subheadings for better flow. Concrete examples and metrics are incorporated to showcase experience and impact. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional suggestions to improve this skills section sample.
A well-crafted “Skills Developed” section is an essential resume component that allows applicants to clearly demonstrate their qualifications for the role. With strategic formatting, highlighting of in-demand competencies, customized language, and incorporation of relevant results or achievements, this area can truly showcase a candidate’s strengths and differentiate them from other applicants. Taking the time to thoughtfully plan, outline, and customize this section for each application will significantly improve the chances of advancing to the interview stage. Please let me know if you have any other questions!