Writing a Skills Based Resume

Written by: AlexisW • Edited by: Trent Lorcher
Published Sep 22, 2009 • Related Guides: Windows 98 | Resume

When writing a resume, the most important decision you can make is the resume type. For some, a skill based resume may be the best answer. This is more unusual than a standard chronological resume, so check out these helpful tips for writing a skill based resume.

Writing a Skills Based Resume - When to Use It

Presenting yourself in the best possible light through your resume is crucial if you want to get the job, or if you are submitting a resume as part of your college application. The traditional resume is the chronological resume. This shows work history, skills and educational qualifications in a chronological order starting from present and working down.

A chronological resume is good for those who have a solid work history in a particular field. It does not, however, support unexplained gaps in working history. It is also not useful for high school students who may have a strong academic background and a lot of skills developed through community service and volunteer work, but may be lacking a strong work history.

On the other hand skills based resumes focus on those skills that are job related. It puts more emphasis on the skills needed for the job being applied for. If you have gaps in your career history this resume allows for that. A skills based resume is able to highlight skills over experience. It allows you to express yourself in a competent manner. A skills based resume is able to communicate that you have the right skills regardless of the fact that you may not have much work experience

A skills based resume can make the difference between having your resume disregarded or being granted that all important interview.

How to Write A Skill Based Resume

The object in writing a skills based resume is to give the prospective employer a resume that can communicate your competencies at a quick glance.

It is best to restrain your skills to three of four major ones that are directly relevant to the position being applied for. These skills will in turn become the main section of the resume. Along with these skills, you need to provide details of how you developed these skills. In what capacity did you work to get them and how have you previously used them? If your skills are IT based, it is a good idea to list your proficiency. For example you could list Windows 2000 or Windows 98.

Your skills should be listed in order of how you believe they are relevant to the position. This will make sure that prospective employers see those skills first. Write clearly and concisely and employers or colleges will be impressed by your skills.