Avoid Skills Section Mistakes That Cost You ATS Matches

The skills section of your resume is crucial for both ATS and recruiter evaluations. It's where you showcase your competencies, making it a prime target for keyword matching during the initial screening process.

Neglecting this section can lead to missed opportunities. By understanding common mistakes, you can ensure your resume stands out for the right reasons.

Issue #1 – Overloading with Irrelevant Skills

Why this hurts

Listing too many unrelated skills can dilute your core competencies and confuse ATS algorithms.

Example

• Weak: Microsoft Office, Cooking, Photography
• Stronger: Project Management, Data Analysis, Team Leadership

How to fix

• Focus on skills that are directly relevant to the job you’re applying for.
• Use the job description as a guide to highlight the most pertinent skills.

Issue #2 – Using Vague Terms

Why this hurts

Vague skills like 'good communication' don't provide enough detail for recruiters or ATS systems.

Example

• Weak: Good communicator
• Stronger: Excellent written and verbal communication skills

How to fix

• Be specific about your communication skills by including examples or outcomes.

Issue #3 – Not Tailoring Skills to Job Descriptions

Why this hurts

Failure to customize your skills section may make your resume appear generic and irrelevant to the position.

Example

• Weak: Leadership, Technical Skills
• Stronger: Agile Leadership, Cloud Computing Technologies

How to fix

• Adapt your skills for each application to reflect what the employer is seeking.

Issue #4 – Neglecting Soft Skills

Why this hurts

Focusing solely on hard skills can give a skewed impression of your abilities.

Example

• Weak: Java, SQL
• Stronger: Java, SQL, Teamwork, Adaptability

How to fix

• Include a balanced mix of soft and hard skills to present a well-rounded profile.

Issue #5 – Ignoring Metrics

Why this hurts

Not using metrics to quantify your skills can make them less impactful.

Example

• Weak: Managed a team
• Stronger: Managed a team of 10, improving project delivery by 30%

How to fix

• Whenever possible, provide measurable results that demonstrate your skills in action.

Issue #6 – Using Jargon or Acronyms

Why this hurts

Overly technical language may alienate recruiters unfamiliar with specific terms.

Example

• Weak: Proficient in ERP systems
• Stronger: Proficient in SAP and Oracle ERP systems

How to fix

• Use clear and simple language while still including necessary technical details.

Issue #7 – Listing Skills Without Evidence

Why this hurts

Claiming skills without demonstrating how you’ve used them can undermine credibility.

Example

• Weak: Excellent negotiation skills
• Stronger: Negotiated contracts resulting in a 15% cost reduction

How to fix

• Provide context for each skill that illustrates your expertise.

Issue #8 – Ignoring ATS Formatting

Why this hurts

Poor formatting can lead to ATS misreading your skills, resulting in keyword omissions.

Example

• Weak: Skills listed in a table
• Stronger: Skills listed in bullet points

How to fix

• Use standard formatting techniques to ensure ATS compatibility.

Entry

Entry-level candidates often lack a well-defined skills section. They may list generic skills without evidence or specificity.

Mid

Mid-level professionals might overload their skills section with too many irrelevant items, diluting their key competencies.

Senior

Senior candidates sometimes focus too much on technical skills and neglect soft skills that are equally essential for leadership roles.

• Tailor skills to match job descriptions.
• Avoid vague or generic terms.
• Include both hard and soft skills.
• Quantify your skills with measurable outcomes.
• Use clear and simple language.
• Ensure proper ATS formatting.

The skills section is a critical component of your resume, affecting both ATS matching and recruiter perceptions. By addressing common mistakes and optimizing your skills, you increase your chances of being noticed.

Consider using Mistakes.cv as a hidden-mistake detector to uncover issues you might not see, ensuring that your resume is polished and ready for submission.