Another Word for ‘Skills’ on Resume
If you think you have used the word ‘skills’ on your resume too often; You probably have!
You don’t need to use the word ‘skills’ nearly as often as you might think.
Here are three solutions to reduce your use of the word ‘skills’ in your resume.
Prove your skills with examples
When writing your resume, you want to avoid simply listing your skills or making vague claims like ‘customer service skills’ or ‘skilled in problem solving.’
Instead, demonstrate your skills with actual examples of your success or with other compelling evidence.
So, rather than listing ‘customer service skills’ include an achievement story that describe a time you delivered strong customer service. For example:
Resolved customer complaint; remained composed and successfully calmed irate customer. Achieved solution. Manager used call as a positive example in staff training.
Assisted customer select product according to a detailed list of requirements; listened carefully and provided a recommendation that met customer needs. Customer called store to notify supervisor of exceptional service.
You can also provide other tangible evidence of your customer service skills. For example:
Awarded Customer Service Representative of the Year in 2019
Scored in the 95% percentile on customer satisfaction ratings
Achieved an average 4.5 out of 5 rating for customer service last quarter
The evidence will speak for its self and is much more convincing than merely listing ‘customer service skills.’
Is it a skill?
Another way to reduce the use of the word ‘skills’ is to consider if ‘skills’ is the best way to describe the key qualities you are presenting.
Is it a skill? Or would it be more appropriate to classify as knowledge, experience, work style, work approach or personal quality?
Using these terms will ensure you don’t rely heavily on ‘skills’ in your writing.
Synonyms for Skills
The final option is to simply replace the word ‘skills’ with a synonym.
Try these: ability, expertise, competence, competency, capability, aptitude, talent, knack, handy, savvy, proficiency, know-how
This list of synonyms is heavily edited.
I have purposefully selected words that we use in everyday language. Don’t go overboard with the thesaurus. You want to keep your writing simple.
Try:
‘I bring to the role of Plant Operator strong technical know-how and a knack for knowing what needs doing to keep construction moving.’
Rather than trying too hard:
‘I bring to the role of Plant Operator strong technical adroitness and adeptness for knowing what needs doing to keep construction moving.’
The first version is more natural and authentic.
