Assignment task: How to build your core competencies section
You can follow these guidelines to create a core competencies section for your resume:
List of your best qualities: A core competencies section typically contains up to 10 qualifications or skills. When creating this section, make sure you use the qualities that describe you as the best candidate for the job. Include skills you're proficient in or certifications that show your dedication to the profession. Read the job description for any keywords that you might be able to use. Try to make each ability unique and different to demonstrate your diverse skill set. Using keywords in this first section can quickly get the interest of the hiring manager.
Keep it short: In a core competencies section, you should use one or two words to describe each skill or qualification to ensure you use less space. You can use bullet points or separate each skill with a vertical line. It can be helpful to add them in a row instead of a column to use as little space as possible. For example: Skill 1 | Skill 2 | Skill 3 | Skill 4 |
Tailor it for each application: You want to tailor every aspect of your resume toward that specific job rather than sending out the same resume to every open job. Changing your core competencies section for each application shows your interest in the position.
Choose a layout: While the most popular place to add core competencies is right below your name and contact information, you can include in the right- or left-hand margin, above your resume objective or summary or below it. Choose a layout that you believe makes your resume the most visually appealing. You can also use a resume template or generator as a guide in creating this section.
After reading Core Competencies and Career Readiness and Creating Core Competencies for your Resume, identify five (5) core competencies from the list that you possess and could include on a resume. For each competency, provide a short paragraph that defends your selection with a specific example from your academic or work experience.