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TLDR:
This blog post provides a comprehensive guide on how to improve your resume to maximize your chances of getting hired by using a technique called skill matching. The guide emphasizes the importance of including both hard and soft skills on your resume and provides tips on how to identify and highlight relevant skills for your target job. The guide also provides suggestions for perfecting your resume, including formatting and highlighting your skills, and includes a list of must-have skills that employers look for.
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When it comes to applying for jobs, your resume is often the first thing a hiring manager will see. But getting a hiring manager to see it in the first place is not as straightforward as you might think.
For years, employers have been using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to manage the hundreds, even thousands, of job applications they receive. In fact, 99% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS in their recruitment process.
We will talk about ATS platforms in depth in a later post, but for now, just know that if you've ever felt like your job applications end up in a black hole, they probably do.
The good news is there are many ways to greatly improve the chance an actual human being reads your resume. These different methods are often collectively referred to as "resume optimization" techniques.
In our first ever blog post, we thought it would best to focus on one of the most impactful resume optimization techniques - and one that Stellar will be the best at - which is skill matching, also known as keyword matching.
Further, we'll be diving into how to discover the key skills for your target job, and shed some light on some of the top must-have skills to include on your resume, if you have them of course. We'll also provide tips for perfecting your resume, and answer frequently asked questions about skill matching in general.
But for now, just know that if you've ever felt like your job applications end up in a black hole, they probably do.
Skill matching means making sure that the skills and experience listed on your resume align with the requirements and preferences of the employer, often as described in the job description.
In the world of the ATS, think of it as showcasing your abilities in a way that "matches" the needs of the company, telling the ATS you are a top candidate and thus being rewarded by ranking high on the applicant list.
Skill matching can be a painstaking affair if done manually by sifting through the job description and highlighting skills you think are important and then adding them to your resume. That's where tools like Stellar come in very handy.
To make things lightning fast, Stellar uses AI technology to scan both your resume and the job description to instantly tell you what skills are missing from your resume. Then, with a single click, you can tell Stellar to generate resume experience bullet points for each missing skill, making it incredibly easy to skill match your resume.
So, don't be afraid to get creative and strategic with your resume to effectively showcase your skills and demonstrate why you're the right person for the job. With a little effort, you can make sure your resume is a standout in the pile!
Skills are important on your resume because employers often use resumes as a quick and easy way to screen job applicants, and highlighting your skills can help to set you apart from other candidates.
But that is only part of the answer. In reality, including skills relevant to the job on your resume plays a big role in getting your resume past the ATS. Although ATS technology is getting better, skill matching still is one of the main ways an ATS determines if you are a good fit for the job or not. So, by showcasing the skills that are most relevant to the job you're applying for, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the qualifications and experience to excel in the role.
Skills can include both hard skills, such as specific technical abilities or software proficiency and soft skills, such as communication or leadership. We will dive deeper into the most common soft and hard skills later in the guide.
Additionally, including skills on your resume can also help to fill in gaps in your work history or lack of experience in a specific field. For example, if you're a recent graduate or transitioning into a new career, highlighting your skills can help to demonstrate to employers that you have the potential to excel in the role.
Before spraying job applications left, right and center, it's important to have a clear understanding of the key skills required for the position you're applying for. This will help you to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job, and increase your chances of getting an interview.
Here are some ways that can help you discover the key skills for your target job:
One way to do this is by using a resume optimization tool like Stellar, which can help you find missing skills and improve your "Job Fit" score. This feature allows users to input their current skills, qualifications, and experience and then compare them to the skills and qualifications required by the job description they are interested in. The results of the comparison show which skills the user has and which skills they may need to develop in order to be a strong candidate for the job.
One of the best places to start is by reading the job description. Employers will typically list the key skills and qualifications they are looking for in a candidate. Make sure you read the job description carefully and take note of any specific hard and soft skills or qualifications that are mentioned.
Researching the company can also provide valuable information about the hard and soft skills that are required for the job. Look at the company's website, social media profiles, and press releases to get a sense of the company's culture, mission, and values.
Another way to discover key skills is by looking at other job postings in the same field. This can give you an idea of the skills that are commonly required for positions in that industry.
Networking can be a powerful tool when it comes to discovering the key skills for your target job. Talk to people who are currently working in the field and ask them about the skills and qualifications that are most important for success in that job.
Industry publications can also be a great source of information about the key skills for your target job. Look for articles that discuss the skills and qualifications that are most important for success in that field.
Although we strongly recommend skill matching your resume and only include the most relevant skills, we thought it would be helpful to share some skills to put on a resume anyway.
Problem solving skills refer to the ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems logically and efficiently. A strong problem-solving skill set includes the ability to gather and interpret information, think critically and creatively, and make sound decisions. Strong problem solving skills are essential in many different fields, as they enable individuals to effectively manage challenges and find solutions to complex issues. This makes them one of the resume soft skills employers look for the most.
Perhaps one of the most important soft skills to put in your resume's skills section. Having strong written and verbal communication skills means having the ability to effectively convey information and ideas through speaking, writing, and listening. This includes verbal, nonverbal, and written communication, as well as the ability to tailor communication to different audiences. Effective communication is crucial in building relationships, collaborating with others, and achieving goals in both personal and professional settings.
Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and understand one's own emotions and the emotions of others, and to use this information to guide thoughts and actions. This includes self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Having strong emotional intelligence can have immense positive impacts on one's career.
Customer service skills refer to the abilities and techniques a candidate uses to interact with customers and clients professionally and positively. These skills include having strong written and verbal communication abilities, as well as being an active listener, a capable problem solver, and be to resolve conflicts as they arise in the workplace. Hiring managers love candidates that can demonstrate strong customer service skills not only because they help the business improve customer satisfaction and retention and promote a positive image for the company, but also because positive customer service has been widely known to have a direct impact on a company's bottom line.
Do you have a favorite boss that you tell everyone how awesome they are? If the answer is yes, then that probably comes down to your awesome boss' strong leadership abilities. Having strong leadership skills refers to the ability to guide, motivate and direct a group of people toward a common goal or objective. If you want to demonstrate leadership in your resume skills section, make sure to showcase related skills such as examples of effective communication, decision making, and delegation. Leadership skills are important in many fields, and the best thing about them is that you can improve your leadership skills with proper training, mentorship, and experience.
One of the lesser mentioned soft skills, adaptability skills are becoming much more important to put on a resume as the way we work is changing. The best example to show adaptability is the dramatic shift to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you want to include adaptability-specific skills in your resume, then make sure to show your experience in flexibility, open-mindedness, and the ability to learn quickly.
Time management skills refer to the ability to effectively plan, organize and prioritize tasks and responsibilities to make the most efficient use of time in a work setting. This includes being able to set and achieve goals, meet deadlines, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and avoid procrastination. Good time management skills can lead to increased productivity, improved job performance, and a better work-life balance.
Organization skills refer to the ability to effectively manage time, prioritize tasks, and keep track of details to complete projects and meet deadlines. These skills are essential for managing workload, delegating tasks, and maintaining a clear and efficient workflow. Strong organization skills can help individuals and teams to be more productive and achieve better results.
Interpersonal skills are the abilities to effectively communicate, interact, and build relationships with people. At work, these skills are important for building positive relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and clients. Effective interpersonal skills can lead to better collaboration, improved performance, and increased job satisfaction. Interpersonal skills are particularly important in roles where there is a lot of interaction with other people and in roles where teamwork is a key component. Soft skills, such as interpersonal skills, are often used to evaluate a person's potential and performance on a job. Therefore, investing time and energy into developing and honing these skills can lead to career advancement and success.
Conflict resolution is a vital skill that can make or break a professional in the workplace. Being able to effectively handle and resolve conflicts with colleagues, supervisors, or clients is crucial for maintaining a positive and productive working environment. Whether it's a small disagreement or a larger issue, the ability to navigate and find a solution to conflicts is a highly valued trait in any job. By learning how to effectively navigate and resolve conflicts, you can not only improve your work performance but also contribute to a more harmonious and productive work environment for everyone.
In today's workforce, it is almost a necessity to have a basic understanding of programs such as Microsoft Office and G Suite for tasks such as creating documents, managing data, communicating through email, making presentations, and working with others. However, for certain positions, a more advanced understanding of technology is required. Make sure to include all the software you know how to use, and which is important for your industry. In technical roles, hiring managers pay special attention to your software knowledge, so don't sell yourself short, and make sure you mention all the software you know.
In today's world, data is being generated at an unprecedented rate, and the ability to make sense of it all is becoming increasingly important. In a job setting, data analysis skills are crucial for making informed decisions, identifying patterns, and drawing conclusions. What is important to keep in mind here is that you don't have to be a Data Analyst to need data analysis skills. Analytical skills are important for people working in other roles as well such as marketing, finance, and management. Data analysis skills can help candidates in any field to understand trends, identify patterns, and make better decisions.
Project management skills are essential for many jobs, as they involve the ability to effectively plan, organize, and execute tasks to complete projects on time. These skills include things such as task management, time management, and the ability to work well in a team. Make sure to include the project management software you have used in the resume skills section.
If your role requires extensive and accurate writing, then it might make sense to highlight your technical writing skills. Include any language proficiency you have if you have experience in technical writing for a multilingual audience. If you have experience working in a technical writing role, include the job title matching the job description and responsibilities in your resume.
As a web developer, include your experience in web design principles, user experience (UX) design, and search engine optimization (SEO) best practices. To make sure you showcase your web development skills, highlight specific programming languages, frameworks, and tools that you are proficient in, as well as any relevant projects or work experience that you have.
Programming skills refer to the ability to write, test, and maintain code using programming languages such as C++, Java, Python, and others. These skills allow a person to develop and create software, websites, mobile apps, and other computer-based systems. Programming skills include knowledge of various programming concepts such as data structures, algorithms, and software design principles, as well as the ability to debug and troubleshoot code. Programming skills are important for careers in software development, web development, and many other technology-related fields.
Networking skills involve the ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with people in a given industry or field. These skills include the ability to connect and communicate effectively with others, as well as the ability to navigate and navigate professional networks. These skills are highly valued in many industries, particularly in business and technology, where professional connections can lead to job opportunities and career advancement.
Cybersecurity skills refer to the knowledge and abilities related to protecting computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. These skills include knowledge of security protocols, firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, encryption technologies, and best practices for maintaining network security. Cybersecurity hard skills are in high demand as the increasing reliance on technology and the internet has led to a greater need for professionals who can protect organizations from cyber threats.
Graphic design skills enable you to create visual content, such as images and layouts, for various forms of media, including websites, print materials, and marketing materials. These skills include an understanding of design principles, such as composition, color theory, typography, and image manipulation. Graphic designers use a variety of software and tools to create and edit visual content. They may also use web development tools to create and design web pages. Graphic design hard skills also include the ability to collaborate with other team members to create cohesive and effective designs that meet the needs of the client or project.
Accounting skills refer to the knowledge and ability to perform various financial and accounting tasks, such as preparing financial statements, creating budgets, managing accounts payable and receivable, and analyzing financial data. These hard skills include an understanding of accounting principles and regulations, proficiency in accounting software and tools, and the ability to analyze and interpret financial data. Additionally, accounting skills also include knowledge of financial modeling, budgeting, forecasting, and accounting best practices. These skills are essential for roles such as accounting, finance, and financial analysis.
You've done all the hard work skill matching your resume, now is the time to make sure your skills are prominently displayed and stand out to potential employers. The best way to do this is by including a skills section on your resume. You can add your skills using bullet points in a list, or a grid as shown in the picture below.
Pro tip: Never use tables in your resume. Most ATS tools find it difficult to parse data from tables. Err on the side of caution and use a bullet point list if your Word formatting skills aren't the best to create the grid in the example below.
Another important aspect of perfecting your resume is formatting. One of the limitations of ATS tools is their inability to process complicated formatting. It's important to make sure your resume is formatted in a way that will not be rejected by these systems. This means avoiding the use of fancy fonts or graphics, and making sure that your resume is easy to read. You can easily make sure your resume's formatting is ATS friendly by using Stellar's Intelligent Editor feature.
You also want your resume to be formatted properly in the event an employer reads it. Some basic formatting tips to keep in mind are:
In addition to formatting, it's also important to make sure that your skills are woven into the rest of your resume for maximum relevance. This means doubling down on the skills section by demonstrating how you applied this skill in your job.
For example, if you list data analysis as a skill, make sure to include specific examples of how you've used that skill in past job experience. This can help to show potential employers how you can apply your skills in a real-world setting and how you can bring value to their company.
Stellar's AI-powered feature, Stellar Skills, offers a seamless way to achieve this. With Stellar Skills, you can use our AI to generate high-quality experience bullet points for your missing skills and directly copy-paste them into your resume from the same screen.
A: The best way to achieve this is to use a resume optimization tool like Stellar. You can also research the job you are applying for and determine which skills are required or preferred for that position. Look at the job description and any qualifications listed in the posting. You can also review similar job listings to get an idea of the common skills needed.
A: No, it's not necessary to list all of your skills on your resume. Instead, focus on the skills that are most relevant to the job you are applying for. It's also important to prioritize your most important and relevant skills so that they are easily noticeable to the employer.
A: Typically, skills are listed in a separate section on a resume, but it's also good to weave them into your job experience and education sections. You can also list your top skills prominently in a summary or objective statement at the top of your resume.
A: Research the job you are applying for and determine which skills are required or preferred. Then, think about how you have used those skills in past experiences and be prepared to highlight those examples in your resume and during the interview. You can also use industry-specific language and terminology in your skills section.
A: Yes, soft skills are also important to include on a resume. These are skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. These skills can be listed in a separate section, or woven into your job experience and education sections.
A: Yes, certifications can be a great way to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in a specific field. List any relevant certifications in a separate section on your resume, and be sure to include the name of the certification and the organization that granted it.
Having the right skills on your resume is crucial for beating the ATS and getting an employer to read your resume. It is also important for making a strong impression and landing your dream job.
By understanding the importance of skills, discovering the key skills for your target job, and including top must-have skills on your resume, you can optimize your resume for maximum job fit.
In addition, by perfecting your resume with effective formatting and weaving in your skills throughout the document, you can further increase your chances of getting past ATS systems and into the hands of a hiring manager.
If you're not sure where to start, consider using a tool like Stellar to find missing skills and improve your job fit score. And, if you have any questions about what skills to put on a resume, remember to refer back to this guide for answers.
Use what you've learned in this guide to give yourself the best chance of success in your job search. Go ahead, optimize your resume, and land that dream job!
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