Why Knowing What To Say For Skills On A Resume Is Your Secret Weapon For Landing The Job
Written by
James Miller, Career Coach
You’ve spent time perfecting your resume, carefully listing your most relevant skills in a dedicated section. But what happens when the interview begins? How do those bullet points on paper translate into compelling conversation that convinces a hiring manager you're the right fit? Simply listing skills isn't enough; knowing what to say for skills on a resume during interviews, sales calls, or even college applications is crucial for turning potential into opportunity.
This isn't just about reciting a list. It's about demonstrating how your abilities solve problems, add value, and contribute to success in the specific context you're in. Mastering what to say for skills on a resume allows you to move beyond the printed page and make a dynamic, memorable impression.
What skills should you put on your resume and what to say for skills on a resume during preparation
Before you can talk about your skills, you need to know which ones are most relevant and how to represent them effectively on your resume. Skills generally fall into two main categories:
Hard Skills: These are technical abilities that are often measurable or quantifiable. Examples include software proficiency (e.g., Python, Salesforce), data analysis, foreign languages, specific machinery operation, or marketing techniques like SEO. [^1]
Soft Skills: These are interpersonal or behavioral attributes that relate to how you work with others and navigate challenges. Examples include communication, problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, critical thinking, and leadership. [^2]
Identifying the essential skills starts with understanding the job description or the goal of your communication. Tailoring your skills section to match the specific requirements mentioned is paramount. [^3] Analyze the keywords used in the job posting and ensure those skills, if you possess them, are prominent on your resume. This also provides a roadmap for what to say for skills on a resume when you're asked to elaborate.
Crafting an impactful skills section on your resume involves more than just listing words. Grouping related skills (e.g., "Software: Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud"), using clear language, and even adding a brief descriptor of proficiency can make it more compelling. However, the real magic happens when you prepare to discuss these skills verbally.
How do you prepare what to say for skills on a resume before an interview or call
Preparation is key to confidently discussing your skills. Simply listing "Problem-Solving" on your resume won't impress an interviewer as much as a concise story demonstrating your ability to overcome an obstacle.
Situation: Describe the context or challenge.
Task: Explain your responsibility in that situation.
Action: Detail the steps you took to address the task.
Result: Quantify the outcome or impact of your actions.
One highly effective method for preparing what to say for skills on a resume is the STAR method: [^4]
For each key skill listed on your resume that's relevant to the job, prepare at least one STAR story. This allows you to illustrate your skills with concrete examples, showing how you've applied them successfully in the past.
Beyond STAR stories, practice discussing your skills in a natural, conversational way. Think about how your skills directly benefit the employer or contribute to the specific goal of your communication. Practice articulating not just that you have a skill, but why it matters in their context. Preparing what to say for skills on a resume also involves anticipating common questions like "Tell me about a time you..." or "How would you handle...".
Tailoring your preparation is vital for different scenarios. For a job interview, focus on skills directly required by the role. For a sales call, highlight skills related to understanding client needs and providing solutions. For a college interview, discuss skills that demonstrate academic potential, teamwork, and leadership. Adjusting your approach for these different audiences is a key part of knowing what to say for skills on a resume.
When should you discuss what to say for skills on a resume during the conversation
You won't usually be asked to just read your skills section aloud. Instead, opportunities to discuss what to say for skills on a resume will arise naturally throughout the conversation.
Responding to behavioral questions: This is where your prepared STAR stories shine. Questions like "Tell me about a time you faced a difficult client" allow you to demonstrate communication, problem-solving, and resilience skills.
Answering questions about your experience: When discussing past roles or projects, weave in mentions of the specific skills you utilized and the positive results you achieved.
Explaining your interest in the role: Connect your skills directly to the requirements of the position and the challenges the company faces. Explain how your specific abilities make you a strong candidate.
Asking insightful questions: Even the questions you ask can subtly highlight your skills like critical thinking or industry knowledge.
In your closing statement: Briefly reiterate how your key skills align with the company's needs and your enthusiasm for the role.
The goal is to integrate your skills discussion seamlessly, illustrating them with anecdotes rather than simply stating you possess them. Show, don't just tell. Demonstrate confidence and genuine interest, which are soft skills themselves, as you talk about what to say for skills on a resume. [^5]
What if you face challenges with what to say for skills on a resume like limited experience
It's common to face challenges when preparing what to say for skills on a resume, especially if you have limited professional experience or feel you have skill gaps.
Limited Experience: Don't despair! Focus on transferable skills gained from other experiences like internships, volunteer work, academic projects, or even extracurricular activities. [^6] Highlight soft skills like adaptability, eagerness to learn, and a strong work ethic. Emphasize your potential and willingness to grow. Discussing projects where you demonstrated skills, even if not in a formal job setting, can be powerful.
Skill Gaps: Be honest, but don't dwell on what you lack. Identify the crucial skills needed for the role that you don't fully possess. If possible, mention steps you are taking to acquire them (e.g., online courses, certifications). Then, pivot back to focusing on the relevant skills you do have and how they make you a strong candidate despite the gap. Highlighting versatility and the ability to quickly learn new things can also address concerns about skill gaps.
The key is to approach these challenges proactively in your preparation what to say for skills on a resume. Frame your experiences positively, focus on what you can do and are willing to learn, and connect your existing abilities to the potential of the role.
How Can Verve AI Copilot Help You With what to say for skills on a resume
Preparing what to say for skills on a resume for interviews can feel overwhelming. The Verve AI Interview Copilot is designed to help you practice and refine your responses. Verve AI Interview Copilot can simulate interview environments, asking you common behavioral and situational questions. It provides instant feedback on your answers, helping you structure your STAR stories effectively and articulate how your skills relate to the role. By practicing with Verve AI Interview Copilot, you can gain confidence in discussing what to say for skills on a resume naturally and compellingly, ensuring you're well-prepared to make the best impression. Visit https://vervecopilot.com to learn more about how Verve AI Interview Copilot can enhance your interview preparation.
What Are the Most Common Questions About what to say for skills on a resume
Q: Should I list every skill I have on my resume?
A: No, focus on skills most relevant to the specific job or context you're applying for.
Q: How do I know which skills are most important to mention?
A: Review the job description carefully and highlight skills listed in the requirements or desired qualifications section.
Q: Is it better to list hard skills or soft skills?
A: A good resume and discussion include a mix, tailored to the role. Both are valued by employers. [^1]
Q: How can I prove I have a skill if I don't have professional experience?
A: Use examples from academic projects, volunteer work, internships, or personal projects. [^6]
Q: Should I use technical jargon when discussing skills?
A: Use jargon appropriately if your audience understands it, but be prepared to explain complex terms simply.
Q: How long should my answers be when discussing a skill?
A: Use the STAR method for structure, aiming for concise, impactful answers (typically 1-2 minutes).
Mastering what to say for skills on a resume is about transforming a static list on paper into a dynamic demonstration of your capabilities. By carefully selecting, preparing, and articulately discussing your skills with relevant examples, you significantly increase your chances of success in any professional communication scenario.
[^1]: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/best-resume-skills
[^2]: https://www.livecareer.com/resources/resume-skills
[^3]: https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/insights/landing-job/skills-that-will-make-your-resume-pop
[^4]: https://www.jobscan.co/blog/best-resume-skills/ (Implicitly supports using examples for skills)
[^5]: https://novoresume.com/career-blog/most-important-skills-to-put-on-your-resume (Mentions confidence and enthusiasm)
[^6]: https://www.jobscan.co/blog/best-resume-skills/ (Suggests highlighting transferable skills)
