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What are competencies, and how should you write them on your resume? Learn how to make your resume shine when you follow these resume competencies tips.
When we talk about resumes, we often focus on skills – listing them in a skills list, summarising them in a skills summary, and highlighting them in your work experience descriptions.
Today, however, we’ll highlight personal core competencies – a broader category that includes skills, personal traits, and certifications.
Core competencies are important because they “contribute to better employee performance leading to organisational success.” Are core competencies a good fit for your resume? How do you fit them into your resume? Consider the tips below and check out this blog post for more information on including core competencies on your resume.
Should I Include Core Competencies on My Resume?
The core competencies section can give your resume an air of professionalism while making you look like a well-rounded candidate. If any of the following apply to you, consider including a competencies section.
Get Attention in a Crowded Market
When you apply for jobs online, you may be competing against hundreds or even thousands of other applicants. Before your application is considered by the hiring manager, it is vetted by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). This software is designed to search for keywords corresponding to necessary skills.
Including a core competencies section at the top of your resume is a good way to feature relevant keywords. The concise descriptions of the core competencies ensure that you clearly state your skills. In turn, this will help your resume rank well during digital scans.
The competencies section helps you get attention in another way. Imagine your hiring manager still sorting through dozens of resumes that have ranked highly. Clear statements of your necessary skills at the top of your resume may grab his or her attention.
When You Need Help Structuring Your Resume
A core competencies section can take some of the guesswork out of designing your resume. It always appears at the top, before your work experience and education. It can also flesh out a short resume, proving you have the skills you need even if you are short on experience.
When Your Employer Expects It
In some fields, employers will expect the added detail of core competencies. And, if the word “competencies” appears in the job listing, make this section a priority.
What Core Competencies Should I Include?
Many of the top core competencies are both soft skills and transferable skills – personal attributes that are useful at practically every type of job. These skills include time management, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, adaptability, communication, innovation, computer skills, research, and decision-making skills. Other core competencies are highly specialised and job-specific.
How can you decide which core competencies to include on your resume? Consider the following questions.
What Are My Top Traits?
Think about your skills and personal attributes, and write them down. Try to include as many as you can think of. You may identify dozens of competencies in this way.
Now, whittle your list down to include only your strongest competencies. Cross out any that aren’t truly your strong suite. Combine similar skills in a single word or phrase. Mark out any redundant skills or synonyms of other skills.
What you are left with should be a handful of your strongest attributes.
What Is Needed for the Job at Hand?
Remember the keywords we discussed earlier? Scour the job listing for skills, software, technologies, and personal traits that are a must or are preferred for the job. You can also view the company’s mission statement, vision statement, or statement of values to look for traits in line with the company culture.
For example, imagine you are seeking a job in fashion. The job listing mentions Adobe Photoshop, creativity, and an eye for colour. The company’s mission statement says it strives to be culturally inclusive and eco-conscious. Be sure to include these terms on your resume.
How to Format the Core Competencies Section
Place your Core Competencies section at the top of your resume, just below your name and contact information. Depending on the layout of your resume, you may use a bolded section header followed by a bulleted list. Or, you may simply list your competencies in the following manner:
Core Competencies: Skill 1 | Skill 2 | Skill 3
If you’re short on space, you can even leave off the words “Core Competencies.” Your hiring manager will recognised this list, with its prominent placement, as highlighting your top skills and attributes.
You can use an online resume template if you need extra help. These templates plug your information into a professionally designed resume.
In Conclusion
Core competencies can attract attention to your resume and make you look like a well-rounded hire. It can also help you get past a digital ATS. In deciding which competencies to include, focus on your personal strengths and on keywords from the job listing.