In today’s competitive job market, it is essential to craft resumes that are not only AI-friendly but also skills-focused and tailored to specific job descriptions. Understanding which skills are most attractive to recruiters can make all the difference in landing your dream job. As competition intensifies and employer expectations evolve, aligning your resume with the most sought-after skills can give you a significant edge.
As a Certified Executive Resume Master (CERM) – one of only 38 credentialed worldwide – I have worked with hundreds of senior executive resumes. I stay on top of resume trends by renewing my certification every three years, ensuring I offer the latest insights to my clients.
Key Findings on Key Skills
A recent Zety report analyzed over 93,000 resumes to reveal the most frequently highlighted skills by industry and job title. This research shows that the skills section is a crucial part of your resume, helping you quickly demonstrate your qualifications to recruiters.
According to the report, American resumes include an average of 9.65 skills, with most listing between 6 and 10 skills. These skills include both hard and soft skills, reflecting the range of qualifications recruiters look for.
Top soft skills:
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
Top hard skills:
- Data entry
- Computer proficiency
- Expertise in Microsoft Office
For professionals in fields like consulting and finance, analytical thinking and project management are essential, highlighting the need for strong decision-making and leadership. Senior roles such as Directors and Managers average over 18 skills per resume, showcasing the broad expertise required at this level.
The study also emphasizes the importance of tailoring resumes for specific job descriptions. While common skills lay a solid foundation, customization helps you stand out to potential employers. This is where resumes crafted at Jody Michael Associates excel.
Related: Why Your Resume Deserves More than ChatGPT
Why the Skills Section Matters
When hiring managers and HR leaders are sifting through hundreds of resumes, the skills section provides an immediate snapshot of a candidate’s strengths. A well-organized list allows recruiters to quickly gauge what you bring to the table and how your qualifications can benefit their organization. It presents a clear picture of your leadership style and areas of expertise—without them having to comb through the entire resume.
The skills section can be customized depending on where you are in your career. For entry-level candidates, I use terms like “Key Skills,” while for C-suite executives, I prefer more refined language like “Signature Strengths.” Regardless of the title, the skills section follows an introductory paragraph that highlights your key capabilities. After listing your skills, I will follow that with bullet points throughout the resume that quantify and provide context to those skills. For instance, if “strategic planning” is listed as a key skill, I will include detailed examples in the body of the resume to show how the candidate has successfully executed strategic initiatives.
Enhancing Visibility through SEO and ATS Optimization
A well-structured resume is not only appealing to recruiters but also optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS). These systems help employers sort resumes based on how closely they match job descriptions. When the key skills listed in your resume align with the job posting, your chances of being shortlisted increase.
I always tell my clients that the top quarter of the resume is the most critical. This is the space that will determine whether a recruiter wants to read further. By strategically placing relevant skills and achievements in this section, you capture attention quickly.
Soft Skills vs. Hard Skills
Unlike the Zety report, I generally do not include soft skills (like adaptability, decision-making, and emotional intelligence) in the key skills section. These qualities are important, but they do not make you stand out in a competitive job market. Instead, I integrate them into the opening paragraph, which provides an overarching view of the candidate’s strengths. Soft skills should be woven into your career narrative – by displaying how you have applied these skills, rather than simply listing them.
The number of key skills listed on a resume depends on the individual’s career level and accomplishments. For executives, I typically highlight around 12 key skills, while early-career professionals may list fewer. Technical skills, particularly software proficiency, can be included in the key skills section. In tech-heavy industries, I might separate hard and technical skills into distinct sections for clarity. This ensures that each skill is prominently displayed in the top quarter of the resume, making it easier for both recruiters and ATS to identify your qualifications.
My Resume Writing Process
My approach to resume writing process is highly individualized. First, I have a call to understand the client’s current situation and career goals. Then, they complete a detailed questionnaire about their experience. With this information, I develop a comprehensive career narrative that starts with their most recent role, allowing me to highlight their expertise and achievements. From there, I compile a word bank of key skills.
This process can be tricky, especially when multiple candidates in the same field (e.g., engineers) may have similar skills. My focus is always on identifying what makes each client unique – the “sweet spots” that differentiates them from other applicants.
The Modern Resume Advantage
Many prospective clients tell me they already know their key skills, experience, and career goals, so why should they hire a professional resume writer?
The answer lies in the value a professional brings to the process. A resume writer provides elevated content that speaks to the latest trends in resume formatting and language. At JMA, we work with a lot of seasoned professionals, including those concerned about age discrimination or sounding outdated on their resumes. We know how to modernize their resume language while still accurately representing their skills and experience.
Resume writers also provide an impartial perspective, helping clients identify the most important skills and achievements for today’s job market. We know how to present those skills in a compelling way that resonates with recruiters. A well-crafted resume is more than just a document; it is a portfolio of career marketing materials that increases your chances of landing your next opportunity.
Ready to Elevate your Resume?
If you are ready to take your career to the next level, consider how expert-crafted career documents can help you stand out in today’s competitive job market. Learn more about our resume writing services and how we can help you craft a resume that opens doors.