Skills Resume

Strategy

The skills resume organizes work experiences and other accomplishments under key skill areas. These should be skill areas needed to be successful in the type of employment the applicant is seeking.

Best Uses

Individuals who have little or no work experience that supports their employment objective or applicants with gaps in their employment history best use the skills resume format. It is a common format for individuals who are changing careers or entering the workforce after completing an educational program unrelated to past work experiences

Worksheet

Skills Resume Worksheet PDF

Advantages

Unrelated work experiences and/or gaps in employment history are not emphasized.
Places emphasis on related accomplishments and skills the applicant wishes to highlight.
Candidates can take more credit for accomplishments not readily associated with specific job titles.
Hands-on, educational related experiences and accomplishments could be highlighted within skill areas.

Disadvantages

It takes more effort to write.
Some employers disfavor it because they cannot readily associate developed skills and accomplishments with specific employers or job titles.

Sample of Skills Resume

Helen Hopper
3344 Any where Street
La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601
(608) 777-7777
(608) 777-7770
E-Mail Address

Professional Objective

Seeking an administrative assistant position with an educational institution

Education

Administrative Assistant, Associate in Applied Science Degree
Western Technical College, La Crosse, WI May 2005

Related Course Work:

Business Law
Fundamentals of Accounting
Technical Reporting
Payroll Applications

Qualifications

Software Knowledge

Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Word
Visual Basic
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Outlook

Bookkeeping and Records Management

Maintained detailed records for all store accounts with a major wholesale supply company
Organized and implemented a new numerical and alphabetical filing system
Learned and applied accounting software programs during company accounting system conversion

Customer Service Skills

Experienced working with the public in a fast-paced work environment
Communicated with potential clients to answer questions and provide referrals to account representatives
Conducted a customer satisfaction survey and presented the results to the administration of the business

Related Work Experience

Administrative Assistant Intern, Northwoods Elementary School, La Crosse, WI Spring, 2005
Participated in all aspects of the school district records management system
Applied spreadsheet software knowledge to a variety of grant funded school projects
Assisted in the organization and dissemination of a staff in-service program
Organized parent/teacher conference schedules for twenty-four teachers within a two week time period

Work History

Switchboard Operator, Wholesale Supply Company, La Crosse, WI
June 2003 - February 2005
Educational Aide, Willy Wonka Child Care Center, La Crosse, WI
April 2000 - June 2003
Bookkeeper, Taxes Are Us, Bigbucks, WI
January 1999 - April 2000

Honors and Awards

Volunteer Award Recipient, 2003-2004
Student Leadership Scholarship Recipient 2001-2004

Samples of skills/qualifications for resumes

Work well under pressure as part of a team
Well-groomed appearance
Polite, respectful, and courteous manners
Responsible, efficient, and flexible
Ability to work in a fast-paced, intense environment smoothly
Unusual ability to elicit confidence and build rapport
Talented in problem solving and office system design
Familiar with legal terminology and litigation documents
Quick learner, eager to further my ___(fill in the blank) knowledge and skills
Meticulous worker; attentive to quality and detail
Able and willing to assist co-workers, supervisors, and clients in a cooperative manner
Committed to providing total quality work
Dependable employee with common sense and a variety of skills
Work well under pressure to meet deadlines
Three years experience working in the ___(fill in the blank) industry
Competent at managing responsibilities in a high-volume atmosphere
Skilled at interacting with customers of all socioeconomic backgrounds
Hard worker, quick learner, and ability to assume responsibility
Ability to balance books and handle finances in a responsible manner
Expert knowledge of computer software packages
Work cooperatively with a wide range of personalities
Proven ability to gain customer's confidence and trust
Relates easily with all levels of co-workers and customers
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Collaborate easily with co-workers and work well independently
Possess excellent communication and inter-personal skills
Perform effectively despite sudden deadlines and changing priorities
Proven ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems
Highly reliable self starter; can be counted on to complete assignments
Proven competence in working with others in a team effort
Worked both as a crew member and independently
Get along well with employers and coworkers
Experienced in customer relations
Self-motivated; able to learn on my own initiative
Excellent record of dependability and reliability
Versatile and multi-skilled person
Competent and reliable professional, committed to top quality work
Versatile and multi-skilled person
Resourceful in solving problems and maximizing resources
Enthusiastic, dependable, self-motivated
Skilled in handling the public with diplomacy and professionalism
Excellent hand and eye coordination and a safe work record
Demonstrated ability to adapt to new equipment and technology
Strong skills in organizing workflow, ideas, materials, people
Hired, trained and supervised work crews
In-depth knowledge of ___ (fill in the blank)
Proficient in the use of computers
Sensitive, caring, and professional attitude toward staff, patients, and their families
Responsible, dependable, punctual; take pride in work
Skilled at working with people with diverse backgrounds
Excellent leadership skills and training

Examples of other categories of skills which you might want to expand on by having an additional separate category instead of just one category called "Highlights of Skills" or "Summary of Skills".

Computer skills
Software Skills
Customer Services Skills
Equipment Operated
Public Relations
Technical Knowledge
Business Management Sills
Supervisory Skills
Construction Skills
Repair and Maintenance
Office/Clerical Skills
Bookkeeping Skills
Administration Skills
Carpentry Skills
Electrical/Mechanical Skills
Organizational Skills
Clinical Skills
Your Program Skills
Scheduling Skills
Problem Solving Skills
Fundraising Skills
Management Skills/Sales
Training Skills
Supervision
Sales
Teamwork/Problem Solving
Cash Handling
Technical Creative Expertise
Speaking Skills
Troubleshooting Skills
General Office Skills
Communications Skills
Office Management
Technical Expertise
Equipment Operated
Interpersonal Skills
Accomplishments
Mechanical Skills
Special Projects
Set up, Maintenance Repair
Machine Abilities
Machinery Knowledge
Inventory Control Skills
Communication/Liaison Skills
Process Development Skills
Counseling Skills
Production Quality Assurance Skills
Electronics Knowledge