One of the smartest methods to make a resume ATS-friendly and noticeable is to exhibit the right skills to put on a resume.
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In a fiercely competitive job market, the sending of a resume is not sufficient; one must ensure that the resume talks straight to the recruiter and can finally get past those silent gatekeepers called Applicant Tracking Systems. One of the smartest methods to make a resume ATS-friendly and noticeable is to exhibit the right skills to put on a resume, those skills that best describe your strengths in what employers would be searching for.
The truth is, resumes aren’t just read by humans anymore. Most companies use ATS software to filter candidates before a recruiter even sees your name. That’s why your skills section isn’t optional; it’s essential. It tells the ATS that your resume matches the job description and tells the recruiter you’ve got what it takes.
Why Skills Make Your Resume ATS Friendly
Here’s the deal: if your resume doesn’t contain the keywords the job ad is looking for, it might get filtered out, no matter how good you are. That’s where picking the right skills to put on a resume comes in.
A well-optimized skills section helps you:
Boost your ATS score: Matching the job description’s keywords makes your resume more relevant and helps it clear the ATS filter.
Speak the employer’s language: Using the same terms they use shows you’re aligned with their needs.
Stand out instantly: Clear, relevant skills give recruiters a quick snapshot of what you bring to the table.
What Skills to Put on a Resume: A Smart Mix
To create a resume ATS-friendly and appealing to hiring managers, include a balance of technical and soft skills, both of which show you’re capable and well-rounded.
Hard Skills (Technical/Job-Specific)
These are learnable, often role-specific skills, showing that, once hired, you can hit the ground running.
Software Knowledge: Salesforce, Microsoft Excel, Google Analytics, Tableau, SAP, Adobe Photoshop, Python, SQL
Customer Relations: Client engagement, customer support, stakeholder communication
How to Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly with the Right Skills
Here’s how to make those skills to put on a resume work for you:
Tailor for Each Job: Read the job description and highlight all the mentioned skills, tools, and software. These are your must-have keywords.
Use a Keyword Scanner: Tools like Jobscan can compare your resume with the job posting and show what skills are missing.
Mirror the Language: If the ad says “CRM Software,” don’t just write “CRM”—match it exactly.
Group Your Skills Clearly: Use categories like “Technical Skills,” “Tools & Technologies,” or “Soft Skills” to make scanning easy for both ATS and recruiters.
Include Skills Throughout: Don’t just dump skills in one section. Weave them into your summary and job experience bullets, too.
Be Specific and Honest: Say “SEO, Email Marketing, Social Media Strategy” instead of just “Marketing.” And never list a skill you don’t have; you’ll need to back it up in the interview.
Final Thought
Nowadays, this magic happens in the skills section of an ATS-friendly resume for recruiters. By choosing the right skills to put on a resume that is tailored according to each job, and keyword-rich, you’re not just filling in another boring blank; you are virtually pitching why you’re the one for the job.
