Hiring companies are interested in job-specific skills, so job descriptions commonly state requirements and qualifications that an employee needs to get the work done properly. Applicants who can list and explain job-related skills on their resumes might be more successful than the competition at getting a callback for an interview. There are thousands of job-specific skills. As you compile skills for your resume, think about your total life experience -- personal as well as professional.
Employer Expectations or Your Work Experience
Refer to the job advertisement to find a list of job-specific skills. The manager -- or a software program -- will scan your resume for these details, such as in the Summary of Qualifications or Skills sections. In addition, use industry literature and professional association publications to find a list of relevant skills that may be shared by employers in your career field. Alternatively, use your professional experience to make a list of job-specific skills. For example, an experienced administrative assistant would know that employers want fast typing, answering busy telephone lines, word processing proficiency and skilful business correspondence writing.
Educational Experience
The skills and information that you gain from college and vocational schools often prepare you to start a job after graduation. Employers might want applicants with the following job-specific skills derived from education: "knowledge of concepts and principles," "reading volumes of materials," and "teaching and training other individuals." In addition, recall specific college courses that focused on preparing you for continuous learning on the job, such as "Analyzing Business Processes 101" or "Medical Terminology Origins 202."
Volunteerism and Community Service
Hiring managers may consider charity and non-profit work while screening and selecting applicants for a job opening. Examples of job-related skills that are derived from volunteering include "becoming actively involved," "public speaking and motivating others," as well as "counseling." Helping people in the community to recover and rehabilitate, maybe from substance abuse or a serious illness, can also be framed as a skill. Companies might see teamwork and leadership qualities in applicants who are willing to help others, unpaid.
Home Life and Hobbies
Employers are aware that your life outside of work might also include the use of job-specific skills. For example, some families have just as many members as a small business. Being a parent of young children means being calm under stress, and mediating arguments and conflicts among family members. From a hobby standpoint, some homeowners might enjoy redecorating the interior, as well as fixing up and weatherizing the house as weekend-warriors. Some people love to cook elaborate dinners or barbecue, and then host large gatherings for family and friends -- skills that many managers and co-workers would be happy to add to the team.
