How can you showcase your skills in your resume and cover letter?

1 Identify your skills

Before you start writing your resume and cover letter, you need to identify your skills and how they relate to the job you are applying for. Skills can be divided into two categories: hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills are the technical or specific abilities that you can measure or demonstrate, such as coding, accounting, or languages. Soft skills are the interpersonal or transferable skills that you use to communicate, collaborate, or solve problems, such as leadership, creativity, or adaptability. To identify your skills, you can use various sources, such as your previous job descriptions, performance reviews, feedback, awards, certificates, or online assessments.

2 Tailor your skills

Once you have a list of your skills, you need to tailor them to the specific job and employer you are targeting. You can do this by analyzing the job description, the company website, and the industry trends. Look for keywords and phrases that indicate the skills and qualifications that the employer is looking for. Then, select the most relevant and impressive skills from your list and prioritize them according to the job requirements. You can also use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your skills and provide concrete examples of how you used them in your previous roles.

3 Format your skills

The next step in preparing your resume and cover letter is to format your skills in a way that is clear, concise, and consistent. Depending on your experience level, industry, and preference, you can use different sections and formats to present your skills. For example, a skills summary or profile at the top of your resume can highlight your main skills and achievements that match the job. Additionally, a skills section with bullet points or tables can list your hard and soft skills using keywords from the job description. Your work experience section should showcase your skills in action with the STAR method and quantify your results with numbers or percentages. Finally, a cover letter should introduce yourself, explain why you are interested in the job and the company, and demonstrate how your skills and experience make you a suitable candidate.

4 Proofread your skills

The final step is to proofread your skills and make sure they are error-free, accurate, and relevant. You can use online tools, such as grammar checkers, spell checkers, or resume scanners, to help you catch any mistakes or gaps in your skills. You can also ask someone else, such as a friend, a colleague, or a career coach, to review your resume and cover letter and give you feedback. Proofreading your skills will help you avoid typos, inconsistencies, or exaggerations that could undermine your credibility and professionalism.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?