Resume/Cover Letter TIPS
What is a Skills-Based Resume?
The goal of your resume is to sell yourself but what if outlining your work experience isn’t really the best way to do that? What if you have no work experience or changing careers? The solution is creating a skills based resume. While most job seekers use the traditional chronological resume format, there are times when an alternate format that highlights your skills might be a better fit.
So, find out whether this lesser-known resume style is right for you. And if you’re ready to give it a shot, then Careers In Government is here to help you succeed!
This resume style focuses on specific skills you have and particular aspects of your experience as opposed to the old chronological order of a resume.
If you have a limited work history, or the history you do have isn’t directly related to the job you’re applying for, then a skills-based resume may be the best way for you to showcase what you can bring to the position.
Here is a checklist to see if this resume format is right for you:
- You have worked in short-term positions or internships.
- There are gaps in your work history.
- You are changing careers.
- You want to make a hobby your career.
- Limited work experience in the field you desire.
- Your past positions are redundant.
Determine the job you want to target. Pick three to four broad skill sets that specifically relate to the job description and that you can back up with specific accomplishments or experiences.
After you determine your skills, start drafting accomplishment statements that describe your experience with each skill area. Focus more on your specific achievements and results. Be sure to eliminate words that are too industry-specific.
After the skills section, draft a brief work history section. Just include the company name, your job title, employment dates, and the city and state of the organization. .
Add in any other headings that you think will highlight your experience, such as education, professional associations, testimonials, completed projects, continuing education, articles published.
