What exactly are resume skills and resume abilities? Are they different? The short answer is yes. Although resume skills and resume abilities overlap at times, they are generally used in different ways.
• Resume skills involve the measurable manipulation of data, things, or people who
one gains as a result of practice or training. For example, you might be prompted to describe your computer skills. A perfect response would include the computers and software programs you have operated (or the “manipulation of data”), a statement that quantifies your effectiveness (or the “measurable” aspect), and the situations in which you developed computer skills (or the experience of “practice or training”). Resume skills can often be improved over time. Also,
resume skills typically involve the use of your hands, speech, or mind.
• Resume abilities, on the other hand, are quite different from resume skills.
A resume ability is a natural or acquired power to perform a mental or physical activity. The main difference is that resume abilities suggest a capacity to perform, whereas resume skills result from the actual performance. Resume abilities only become resume skills when observed through actions. Unlike resume skills, resume abilities are often very broad and can be applied to a variety of circumstances. Abilities may or may not be improved over time.
• Typing skills
• Debating skills
• Computer programming skills
• Problem solving skills
• Management skills
• Listening skills
• Debating skills
• Computer programming skills
• Problem solving skills
• Management skills
• Listening skills
• Ability to motivate others
• Ability to lead a team
• Ability to interpret information
• Ability to multi-task
• Ability to prioritize and manage time well
• Ability to accept responsibility and to make decisions
• Ability to lead a team
• Ability to interpret information
• Ability to multi-task
• Ability to prioritize and manage time well
• Ability to accept responsibility and to make decisions
Skill Audit
Free guide on skill audit and self assessment.
Prepare your skill matrix, resume, covering letter and more with The Educators
Skill AuditNOTICE: There is a cross over in the definition of the differences between resume skills and abilities in the job hunting industry and by employers. For the most part, for the purpose of resume writing, determining or recognizing the difference between skills and abilities is not always vital.
Resume skills list:
| Analytical | Attention to details | Creative |
| Applying information Assembling products Working with hands | Budgeting Calculating Comprehension | Imagination Inventing ideas Visualizing |
| Administration support | Bringing people together | |
| Administering programs Clerical Compiling data Completing forms Sorting data Writing Reports | Coaching people Communicating Confronting people Evaluating performance Handling Complaints Providing customer service Remaining calm in a crisis | |
| Management | Following instructions | |
| Problem Solving Decision making Delegating tasks Listening Motivating people Negotiating Planning Troubleshooting Setting Standards | Interpreting information Manipulating numbers Meeting deadlines Reading Writing Prioritizing tasks Responsible Teamwork Self Motivated Setting goals | |
