Some people put every skill they can think of on their résumé. But six skills you SHOULDN’T include . . .
1. A language that you only studied in high school. Unless you’re fluent . . . or could at least have a conversation in that language . . . it’s not really a “skill.”
2. Basic computer skills. Things like email, Microsoft Word, or anything else they’d EXPECT you to know. At this point, saying you know how to use email is like bragging that you can count to 10. Also, don’t list any technical skills that are OUTDATED.
3. Don’t list “social media” as a skill unless you did it as part of a job. Doing it as a job tends to be more involved than just posting good content. You have to do things like analyze data too, and understand how to drive traffic to your company’s website.
4. Don’t include “soft” skills in list form. Meaning things like “good communicator” or “great multitasker.” You’re better off giving examples. So instead of “great multitasker,” you might say you “led multiple concurrent projects” at your last job.
5. Skills you don’t actually have. In other words, you just LIE and put them on there. Some people do it to look like a better fit for the job. But you’re not usually expected need to have ALL the skills from the job listing. About 80% of them is enough.
6. Skills that are really just bad jokes. A surprising number of people put things on there like “expert-level guacamole maker.” But HR people see a ton of résumés, and probably won’t think it’s funny. So just try to be professional.
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