Are you tired of using the word skills again and again on your resume?
Perhaps you’re looking for something that will spice up your applications and make you more hireable.
Well, you’ve come to the right place to learn more.
This article will show you better ways to say skills on a resume.
6 Alternative Ways to Say “Skills”
You should review these synonyms to learn another way to say skills:
- Strengths
- Competencies
- Proficiencies
- Expertise
- Talents
- Capabilities
- Qualifications
1. Strengths
So, we’d like to start with strengths as one of the most common ways to explain your skills in a resume.
This is a great choice that keeps things clear and direct. It explains to recruiters that you have specific skills that you think you can take with you in a new role.
Generally, referring to your skills as strengths suggests that they put you at an advantage. It’s a confident way to show that you know what you’re talking about and think you’ll do well.
You can refer to these CV samples to learn a bit more about how to use it:
I have a lot of strengths that will help me in this department. I’m certain you’ll be impressed with what I can do.
My strengths include negotiating with customers and being a solid team player. I’m happy to explain more about these things.
2. Competencies
It’s also good to write competencies instead of skills. This is a less common choice, but it can help your resume to stand out amongst the general crowd.
After all, most people stick to standardized words and phrases. The more resumes a recruiter reads, the more bored they could be reading the same things again and again.
Therefore, something like this helps to make your CV unique. It also comes across as more professional and to the point, which is a great way to get someone’s attention.
Feel free to review these examples if you’d like to learn more about it:
I have plenty of competencies that I’d like to bring with me here. I’m sure you’ll be amazed by my work.
My competencies certainly play into what you’re looking for. Please review my cover letter to learn more about them.
3. Proficiencies
Another way to say skills is proficiencies. This is a great way to remain professional and confident when talking about the things you’re good at.
Generally speaking, recruiters look for words like these. They will often help you to stand out amongst the crowd and let people know what to expect from you.
Of course, it makes the most sense to ensure your proficiencies relate to the job role. So, find ways to make connections that explain why you’ll be a good fit.
You should also review these examples to learn a bit more:
My proficiencies in this field will help me achieve greatness in this role. I’m certain that it’s designed with me in mind.
I have a lot of proficiencies relating to customer satisfaction. Therefore, this seems to be suitable for me.
4. Expertise
You can also use expertise as a formal way to say skills.
This will help to spice up your resume a bit, as it shows that you consider yourself an expert in some fields.
Of course, you will often be asked to prove if this is true. So, you might need to find ways to prove your ability when a recruiter asks you for an interview.
As long as you’re not lying, it shouldn’t be difficult to prove your expertise. Therefore, this is a great way to help you stand out.
You should also review these examples to learn a bit more:
My expertise helps me to stand out compared to my peers. I’m so proud of the work I’ve done to get here.
I’ve got a lot of expertise in these areas. That’s why I know this is a good fit for me.
5. Talents
To go back to something simpler, there’s nothing wrong with saying you have talents.
Generally, this is a great option that suggests you’re capable of proving your ability.
Talents often refer to things you have naturally. They aren’t learned over time; they are simply things you have always excelled at.
So, you can use this in a resume to let a recruiter know that you plan on being successful. It’s useful because it shows them you’re serious about your application.
Check out these examples to learn a bit more:
I have many talents to bring with me for this opportunity. I hope you’ll consider me for the role.
My talents include leading teams and working closely with important clients. I just know how to work with them.
6. Capabilities
It’s also a good idea to refer to your capabilities. This is another way to say skills that shows what you think you can do in the workplace.
If you’re capable of something, it means you’re able to do it proficiently. So, anything that you’re capable of in the workplace suggests you’re able to work efficiently and play to your strengths.
Therefore, this is a great way to convince an employer that you’re worth hiring.
Luckily, it’s quite formal as well. That’s why it can be a good choice when spicing up your resume.
Check out these examples to find out how it works if you’re still stuck:
My capabilities help me to stand out amongst my peers. I’m sure you’ll be very impressed with what I can do.
I have a lot of capabilities relating to this field. Therefore, I know I’ll be a good fit.
7. Qualifications
The last synonym we want to go through is qualifications. This is effective because it shows that you’ve gone out of your way to pick up skills.
The implication here is that you’ve qualified for your skills. This suggests you’ve taken specific courses to improve your skills to make yourself a better employee.
Employers will always be impressed by people with specific and relevant qualifications. After all, it shows you’re going to be a really good fit for their team.
So, check out these examples to learn more:
I have picked up plenty of qualifications over the years. They all help me to be the best employee I can be.
My qualifications carry me in the workplace. I’m so proud of everything I’ve achieved.
Can You Say “Skills” on a Resume?
You can sayskills on a resume. It’s formal and allows you to express all the relevant skills you’ve picked up that might help you secure a job.
Generally, it’s a good resume word. After all, it’s professional and simple.
Employers and recruiters look for words like this in a resume. It’s considered a buzzword, and it’s a great way to express what you know and how you plan to use your skills.
Feel free to review this resume sample to learn how to use skills in a sentence:
I have a lot of skills relating to this job role. Therefore, I know I’m going to be a great fit if you take me on.
However, you don’t just have to talk about skills in a sentence.
Sometimes, it’s more apt to write a list of skills. This could help to streamline your writing and make it clearer to the recruiter what you’re bringing to the table.
For example, you could include a skills heading in your resume:
Skills
- Excellent communicator
- Team player
- Adaptable
- Well-versed in Microsoft Office
So, there’s nothing wrong with talking about your skills in a resume. But there are certainly more interesting ways to do so!
Feel free to have a look at our list of synonyms to learn how to say skills on a resume.
