Crafting a resume that effectively showcases your skills is crucial in today's competitive job market. But knowing *what* skills to include and *how* to present them can feel overwhelming. This guide aims to demystify the process by providing a curated list of in-demand skills across various industries, along with helpful tips on strategically incorporating them into your resume. We'll explore both hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (interpersonal qualities), ensuring you highlight the competencies that resonate most with potential employers.
Think of your resume as a marketing document, where you're selling your unique value proposition to recruiters. Simply listing skills isn't enough; you need to demonstrate their impact through quantifiable achievements and relevant experiences. We'll delve into best practices for showcasing your skills within different sections of your resume, such as the skills section, work experience, and projects. By following these guidelines, you can create a compelling resume that grabs attention and lands you interviews.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career journey, this resource will equip you with the knowledge and tools to create a resume that accurately reflects your skillset and maximizes your chances of success. Let's unlock your potential and craft a resume that helps you achieve your career goals!
Why resume template skills to put on resume matter
The skills you include on your resume, particularly in the context of crafting and utilizing resume templates, are critical for landing interviews. Recruiters and hiring managers often use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes for specific keywords and skills that match the job description. Listing relevant template-related skills ensures your resume gets past the initial screening process and into the hands of a human reviewer.
Furthermore, highlighting your proficiency in resume template skills demonstrates your understanding of modern job application practices and your ability to present yourself effectively. It shows that you're not only aware of the importance of a well-structured resume but also possess the technical knowledge to create or adapt one. This can be especially beneficial if the target role involves any aspect of HR, recruitment, career coaching, or content creation related to job searching.
Consider these factors when selecting resume template skills to showcase:
- ATS Compatibility: Understand which file formats (e.g., .docx, .pdf) are best parsed by ATS and ensure your template skills include the ability to create resumes in these formats.
- Design Principles: Familiarity with visual hierarchy, typography, and layout to create visually appealing and easily readable resumes.
- Keyword Optimization: Ability to identify and incorporate relevant keywords from job descriptions naturally into resume content.
- Software Proficiency: Expertise in using resume builder software (e.g., Resume.io, Kickresume), word processors (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs), or design tools (e.g., Canva) to create and customize templates.
- Content Strategy: Knowing how to tailor resume content to different industries, job titles, and experience levels using templates as a foundation.
In essence, strategically including resume template skills on your resume demonstrates both technical competence and an understanding of effective job search strategies, significantly increasing your chances of securing an interview.
Resume Example: resume template skills to put on resume
Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to resume template skills to put on resume. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.
Jane Doe
[email protected] · (555) 123-4567 · Anytown, USA · LinkedIn.com/in/janedoe · Portfolio.com/janedoe
Professional Summary
Highly skilled and detail-oriented Resume Template Specialist with 5+ years of experience creating ATS-friendly and visually appealing resume templates. Proven ability to design templates that improve applicant visibility and increase interview rates. Expertise in keyword optimization and content tailoring for diverse industries.
Key Skills
- Resume Template Design
- ATS Optimization
- Keyword Research
- Content Tailoring
- Visual Communication
- Software: Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Resume.io, Canva
Experience
Resume Template Specialist — ABC Career Services (2018–2023)
- Designed and implemented a new library of 50+ resume templates, resulting in a 20% increase in client interview rates.
- Conducted keyword research and optimized templates for various industries, including IT, healthcare, and finance.
- Provided training and support to career coaches on effective use of resume templates.
Freelance Resume Writer — Self-Employed (2016–2018)
- Developed customized resume templates for individual clients, resulting in positive feedback and repeat business.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices in resume writing.
Projects (Optional)
- Template Library Project: Developed a searchable online library of resume templates for ABC Career Services, accessible at abc.careerservices/templates.
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor of Arts in English — University of Anytown (2016)
- Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)
Additional
- Awarded "Employee of the Month" twice at ABC Career Services.
- Proficient in Spanish.
Core hard skills for resume templates
When crafting a resume template, certain hard skills are essential to demonstrate proficiency. These skills typically involve technical knowledge or specific competencies that can be quantified and objectively assessed. Including these skills helps demonstrate your abilities and the value you bring to potential users of your resume templates.
Here are some crucial hard skills to highlight in a resume that focuses on resume templates:
- Design Software Proficiency: Mastery of industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, or Figma is paramount. Showcasing your ability to use these tools effectively to create visually appealing and functional templates is critical.
- Layout and Composition Principles: Understanding the principles of layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy is essential for creating effective and user-friendly templates. This includes knowing how to arrange elements on a page to guide the reader's eye and ensure readability.
- User Interface (UI) Design: Knowledge of UI design principles allows you to create templates that are intuitive and easy for users to navigate and customize. This involves understanding user needs and preferences and designing templates that meet those needs.
- Technical Writing Skills: Creating clear and concise instructions or documentation for using the templates is beneficial. This might include guidelines on customizing the templates, using specific features, or troubleshooting common issues.
- ATS Optimization: An understanding of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and how to optimize templates for them is essential if the templates are designed to be submitted electronically. This includes using appropriate keywords, formatting the templates in a way that ATS can read, and avoiding elements that may confuse the system.
Remember to provide examples of how you have applied these hard skills in your previous work. This could include showcasing a portfolio of resume templates you have created, describing your design process, or highlighting the results you have achieved. Quantifiable achievements are particularly impactful, such as "Increased template downloads by 30% through improved design and usability."
Resume Example: resume template skills to put on resume
Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to resume template skills to put on resume. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.
Jane Doe
[email protected] · (555) 123-4567 · City, USA · LinkedIn.com/in/janedoe · Portfolio.com/janedoe
Professional Summary
Highly creative and detail-oriented designer with 5+ years of experience creating visually appealing and ATS-friendly resume templates. Proven ability to translate design principles into practical and effective resume layouts that enhance user experience and improve applicant success rates.
Key Skills
- Resume Design
- Template Development
- UI/UX Principles
- Visual Communication
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Figma, Google Docs
Experience
Lead Resume Template Designer — TemplateCo (2018–2023)
- Increased template sales by 40% through redesigning existing templates with modern UI/UX principles.
- Managed a team of three junior designers, providing guidance and mentorship on design best practices.
- Utilized Adobe InDesign and Illustrator to create a library of over 50 ATS-friendly resume templates.
Graphic Designer — Design Agency (2016–2018)
- Developed visual assets for marketing campaigns, resulting in a 20% increase in engagement.
- Designed and maintained the company's internal template library.
Projects (Optional)
- Resume Template Redesign: Led the redesign of the company's core resume template, resulting in a more modern and user-friendly design. Link to project
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design — University of Arts (2016)
- Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) in InDesign
Additional
- Awards: Design Award 2020 · Publications: Featured in "Creative Resume Designs"
Essential soft skills to highlight
While technical skills and specific software proficiencies are crucial for many roles, demonstrating your soft skills is equally important. These interpersonal attributes showcase how you interact with others, solve problems, and contribute to a positive work environment. Emphasizing the right soft skills can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your overall value to a potential employer.
When selecting soft skills to highlight on your resume, prioritize those that are most relevant to the specific job description and industry. Consider skills like communication (written and verbal), teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and leadership. Provide concrete examples of how you have utilized these skills in previous roles to demonstrate their impact. For example, instead of simply stating "Excellent communication skills," describe a time when you successfully presented a complex project to stakeholders and secured their buy-in.
To effectively showcase your soft skills, integrate them throughout your resume, not just in a dedicated "Skills" section. Weave them into your bullet points describing your work experience, highlighting how you used these abilities to achieve specific results. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible to further strengthen your claims. For instance, instead of stating "Improved team collaboration," say "Improved team collaboration by implementing a new communication system, resulting in a 15% increase in project completion rate." Tailoring your soft skills to each job application will demonstrate your understanding of the employer's needs and your ability to meet them.
Industry-specific skills examples
While core resume writing skills like attention to detail, communication, and organization are universally valuable, highlighting industry-specific abilities demonstrates a deeper understanding of the target role and its unique demands. These tailored skills resonate more strongly with hiring managers and showcase your practical expertise within the specific field.
For example, a candidate applying for a technical writing role should emphasize skills like proficiency in specific documentation tools (e.g., MadCap Flare, Adobe FrameMaker), experience with API documentation, and understanding of various content management systems (CMS). Demonstrating knowledge of information architecture and user experience (UX) principles would also be highly relevant. Similarly, a resume writer targeting the legal field should showcase skills such as legal research, case analysis, and familiarity with legal terminology. They might also highlight experience writing legal briefs, contracts, or other legal documents.
To identify relevant industry-specific skills, thoroughly research the target job description and the company's requirements. Analyze the responsibilities and qualifications sections to pinpoint the technical skills, software proficiencies, and industry knowledge that are essential for success in the role. Furthermore, review the profiles of professionals in similar positions on LinkedIn to gain insights into the skills and experience that are commonly valued in the industry. Don't hesitate to tailor your skills section to each specific application to demonstrate a clear alignment with the employer's needs.
Here are some examples of industry-specific skills for various roles:
- Marketing: SEO/SEM, Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing, Email Marketing, Marketing Analytics, Campaign Management
- Software Engineering: Programming Languages (e.g., Python, Java, C++), Data Structures & Algorithms, Cloud Computing (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP), DevOps, Agile Methodologies
- Finance: Financial Modeling, Budgeting & Forecasting, Investment Analysis, Risk Management, Accounting Principles, Regulatory Compliance
- Healthcare: Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems, Patient Care, Medical Terminology, Clinical Documentation, HIPAA Compliance, Diagnostic Testing
Remember to quantify your skills whenever possible, using metrics and data to demonstrate the impact of your abilities. For instance, instead of simply stating "Proficient in social media marketing," you could say "Increased social media engagement by 30% through targeted content campaigns." This approach provides tangible evidence of your skills and strengthens your value proposition.
Action verbs to showcase skills
Using strong action verbs is crucial for showcasing your skills effectively on your resume. Instead of simply listing your responsibilities, action verbs help you demonstrate what you accomplished and the impact you made in previous roles. These verbs should be specific, measurable, and tailored to the job description to highlight your relevant skills and attract the attention of recruiters and hiring managers.
When choosing action verbs, consider the specific skills you want to emphasize. For example, if you want to highlight your leadership abilities, use verbs like "led," "managed," "guided," or "mentored." To showcase your problem-solving skills, use verbs such as "resolved," "analyzed," "diagnosed," or "implemented." Use a variety of action verbs throughout your resume to avoid repetition and keep your descriptions engaging. Varying your verb choices will show a broader range of capabilities and make your achievements more dynamic.
Here are some examples of how action verbs can be used to showcase skills:
- Communication: Communicated, presented, articulated, negotiated, collaborated, mediated.
- Technical: Developed, implemented, designed, tested, automated, optimized, engineered.
- Analytical: Analyzed, researched, evaluated, identified, assessed, interpreted.
- Management: Managed, supervised, directed, coordinated, organized, planned.
- Creative: Created, designed, developed, innovated, conceptualized, authored.
Remember to quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your actions. For instance, instead of saying "Managed social media accounts," say "Managed social media accounts, increasing followers by 30% and engagement by 20% in six months."
Resume Example: resume template skills to put on resume
Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to resume template skills to put on resume. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.
Full Name
Email · Phone · City, Country · LinkedIn · Portfolio
Professional Summary
Highly motivated and detail-oriented professional with 5+ years experience in resume design and ATS optimization. Proven ability to create compelling and effective resume templates that increase applicant success rates. Seeking a challenging role where I can leverage my expertise to help job seekers land their dream jobs.
Key Skills
- Resume Design
- ATS Optimization
- Keyword Research
- Content Writing
- Typography
- Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop)
- Microsoft Word
Experience
Resume Template Designer — ResumeGenius (2019–2024)
- Increased template usage by 30% through data-driven design improvements.
- Designed and implemented 5 new resume templates optimized for specific industries.
- Utilized keyword research tools (e.g., Jobscan) to ensure templates are ATS-friendly.
Content Writer — CareerBuilder (2017–2019)
- Developed resume writing guides and samples, resulting in a 15% increase in user engagement.
- Collaborated with designers to create visually appealing and effective resume templates.
Projects (Optional)
- Personal Portfolio Website: Showcases resume template designs, link to portfolio.
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design — University of Design (2017)
- Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)
Additional
- Awards: Design Excellence Award (2022)
- Languages: English (Native), Spanish (Conversational)
Quantifying skills for impact
Simply listing skills on your resume isn't enough to impress recruiters. To truly stand out, you need to demonstrate the impact of your skills by quantifying your achievements. This means using numbers, percentages, and other concrete data to showcase how your skills have contributed to positive outcomes for your previous employers. By quantifying your accomplishments, you provide tangible evidence of your abilities and make it easier for recruiters to understand the value you can bring to their organization.
Quantifying your skills involves transforming abstract abilities into measurable results. For instance, instead of saying "Improved customer satisfaction," try "Improved customer satisfaction scores by 15% within six months." Instead of "Managed social media accounts," say "Managed social media accounts, increasing follower engagement by 30% and driving a 20% increase in website traffic." When describing projects, highlight key metrics such as budget savings, time saved, or revenue generated. This approach clearly illustrates your contributions and helps hiring managers visualize your potential impact in their company.
Here are some tips for effectively quantifying your skills:
- Use specific numbers whenever possible: Avoid vague terms like "increased" or "reduced." Instead, use precise figures, such as "increased sales by 25%" or "reduced costs by $10,000."
- Focus on results, not just responsibilities: Instead of listing your duties, describe the positive outcomes you achieved. For example, instead of "Responsible for managing project budget," say "Managed project budget of $500,000, completing the project $50,000 under budget."
- Use percentages and ratios to show improvement: Percentages are a powerful way to illustrate the magnitude of your impact. For example, "Improved efficiency by 10%" or "Reduced error rate by 5%."
- Use timeframes to add context: Specify the duration of your achievements to provide a clearer picture of your performance. For example, "Increased sales by 20% in the first quarter" or "Reduced customer churn by 10% year-over-year."
- Think about the impact on the company's bottom line: How did your actions contribute to increased revenue, reduced costs, improved efficiency, or enhanced customer satisfaction? Use metrics that directly relate to the company's key performance indicators (KPIs).
By quantifying your skills, you create a compelling narrative that showcases your value and differentiates you from other candidates. This approach demonstrates your ability to not only perform tasks but also to deliver measurable results, making you a more attractive prospect for potential employers.
FAQs
Choosing the right skills to showcase on your resume when applying for roles that involve resume templates is crucial. It's about highlighting your proficiency not just in using templates, but also in understanding what makes a resume effective in today's job market. This section addresses common questions to help you craft a resume that stands out.
One frequently asked question is, "What skills are most important to list?" The answer lies in understanding the specific requirements of the job you're applying for. For example, if the role involves designing or customizing resume templates, you should emphasize skills like design software proficiency (e.g., Adobe InDesign, Canva), understanding of typography and layout principles, and familiarity with various resume formats (chronological, functional, combination). If the role focuses on advising job seekers or creating content for resume templates, highlight your understanding of ATS systems, keyword optimization, and current resume best practices.
Another common question is whether to include "soft skills." Absolutely! Soft skills like communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving are vital in almost any job. In the context of resume templates, demonstrating your ability to understand a client's needs and translate them into an effective resume format is crucial. List relevant soft skills alongside your technical skills to provide a well-rounded picture of your abilities.
Finally, remember to tailor your skills section to each job application. Don't just list every skill you possess. Carefully review the job description and identify the skills that are most relevant to the position. Prioritize those skills on your resume and provide specific examples of how you've used them to achieve results in previous roles. This targeted approach will demonstrate that you are a strong fit for the job and increase your chances of getting an interview.
Resume skills checklist
Creating a comprehensive skills checklist is crucial when tailoring your resume, especially when aiming for roles emphasizing "resume template skills to put on resume." This process ensures you don't overlook valuable abilities and helps you align your resume with the specific requirements of the job. Start by thoroughly reviewing the job description and identifying the key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Then, brainstorm all the skills you possess that are relevant, even if they aren't explicitly mentioned.
Categorize your skills into hard skills (technical abilities and knowledge) and soft skills (interpersonal and personal attributes). For example, if the role requires experience with specific software or design principles, list those under hard skills. Soft skills might include communication, problem-solving, and time management. Be specific and provide concrete examples of how you have used these skills in past roles or projects. Use keywords from the job description to optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Once you have compiled your comprehensive skills list, prioritize the most relevant and impactful skills to showcase on your resume. Place the most important skills in a prominent location, such as the skills section or within your professional summary. Consider using bullet points or a skills matrix to present the information clearly and concisely. Remember to quantify your achievements whenever possible, demonstrating the impact of your skills on your previous employers or projects. Regularly update your skills checklist to reflect your ongoing professional development and to stay competitive in the job market.
Resume Example: resume template skills to put on resume
Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to resume template skills to put on resume. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.
Full Name
Email · Phone · City, Country · LinkedIn · Portfolio
Professional Summary
Highly motivated and results-oriented professional with X years of experience specializing in resume optimization and template customization. Proven ability to craft compelling and ATS-friendly resumes. Expertise in translating skills and experience into impactful narratives to secure interviews.
Key Skills
- Resume Template Customization
- ATS Optimization
- Keyword Research
- Resume Writing & Editing
- Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Resume.io, Canva
Experience
Resume Specialist — ABC Company (2020–2024)
- Increased client interview rates by 30% through targeted resume revisions.
- Developed and maintained a library of over 50 industry-specific resume templates.
- Utilized keyword research tools to optimize resumes for Applicant Tracking Systems, resulting in improved search rankings.
Career Advisor — XYZ University (2018–2020)
- Provided resume and cover letter workshops to over 200 students annually.
- Conducted one-on-one resume reviews, providing personalized feedback and guidance.
Projects (Optional)
- Personal Branding Website: Designed and launched a personal website showcasing resume writing services and client testimonials. Link: [website address].
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor of Arts in English — University Name (2018)
- Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)
Additional
- Awards: Dean's List, Scholarship Recipient
Refine Your Resume and Land Your Dream Job
Crafting a compelling resume is an ongoing process. Take the skills listed in this template as a starting point and tailor them to each specific job application. Remember to quantify your accomplishments whenever possible, demonstrating the value you bring to the table.
We encourage you to revisit our site regularly for updated templates, expert advice, and industry-specific tips. Your perfect role is out there, and we're here to help you create a resume that opens doors and gets you noticed!