How to Format Skills Section on Resume: Layout Tips for 2024

TL;DR:

The format of your skills section can significantly impact its effectiveness. Use clear categorization, consistent formatting, and strategic placement to highlight your most relevant abilities. Consider using bullet points, columns, or skill bars depending on your resume style. Ensure your formatting is ATS-friendly while still visually appealing to human readers.

While the content of your skills section is crucial, its presentation can make the difference between a resume that gets noticed and one that gets overlooked. This guide provides expert tips on how to format your skills section to maximize impact and readability.

Want a Professionally Formatted Resume?

Our AI-powered resume builder offers expert templates with perfectly formatted skills sections. Get started in minutes with our easy-to-use tools.

Create Your Resume

Strategic Placement of Skills Section

The location of your skills section can impact its visibility and effectiveness:

Placement Options:

  • Top of Resume: Ideal for recent graduates or career changers with limited experience
  • After Work Experience: Suitable for experienced professionals with substantial work history
  • Side Column: Effective for resumes with a two-column layout, allowing skills to be visible while scrolling
  • Integrated Throughout: Weave relevant skills into job descriptions for a more narrative approach

Formatting Styles for Skills Section

1. Categorized List Format

Group skills by category for better organization:

Example Format:

Technical Skills: JavaScript, Python, SQL, React, AWS

Soft Skills: Leadership, Communication, Problem Solving

Tools & Technologies: Git, Docker, Jenkins, JIRA

Certifications: AWS Certified Developer, PMP

2. Column Format

Use columns for a compact, scannable presentation:

Example Format:

Programming:

  • JavaScript
  • Python
  • Java

Tools:

  • Git
  • Docker
  • Jenkins

Need Help Formatting Your Resume?

Our AI-powered resume builder offers multiple formatting options to showcase your skills effectively. Choose from professional templates designed to pass ATS systems.

Start Free Trial

3. Skill Bars Format

Use visual indicators to show proficiency levels:

Example Format:

JavaScript Expert

Python Advanced

SQL Intermediate

Note: Skill bars may not be ATS-friendly. Use with caution.

4. Integrated Skills Format

Weave skills throughout your work experience:

Example Format:

Senior Software Engineer | Tech Company | 2019-Present

  • Developed responsive web applications using React and Node.js
  • Implemented CI/CD pipelines with Jenkins and Docker
  • Optimized database queries in PostgreSQL, improving performance by 40%

Formatting Best Practices

  • Be consistent: Use the same formatting style throughout your resume
  • Use clear headings: Label skill categories with descriptive titles
  • Limit length: Keep your skills section concise (10-15 skills maximum)
  • Prioritize relevance: Place most relevant skills first in each category
  • Use standard terminology: Avoid abbreviations unless widely recognized

Create a Visually Appealing Resume

Our resume builder offers professional templates with expertly formatted skills sections. Stand out to hiring managers with a visually appealing resume that highlights your strengths.

Get Started Now

ATS-Friendly Formatting Tips

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) may struggle with certain formatting elements:

ATS-Friendly Formatting Guidelines:

  • Avoid graphics: Skip skill bars, charts, or icons that can't be read by ATS
  • Use standard fonts: Stick to common fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
  • Skip tables: Avoid using tables for layout as they can confuse ATS
  • Use simple bullets: Stick to standard bullet points (•) rather than custom symbols
  • Maintain hierarchy: Use standard heading formats (H1, H2, etc.)

Formatting for Different Resume Types

1. Chronological Resume

For traditional chronological resumes:

Formatting Approach:

  • Place skills section after work experience
  • Use a simple categorized list format
  • Focus on skills developed through work experience
  • Include dates for certifications or training

2. Functional Resume

For skills-focused functional resumes:

Formatting Approach:

  • Place skills section near the top of the resume
  • Use detailed skill categories with examples
  • Include achievements that demonstrate skills
  • Consider using a two-column layout for skills

3. Combination Resume

For combination resumes that blend chronological and functional elements:

Formatting Approach:

  • Include both a skills summary and detailed work history
  • Use a concise skills section at the top
  • Weave relevant skills into job descriptions
  • Balance skills presentation with experience details

Common Formatting Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcrowding: Including too many skills in a cramped format
  • Inconsistent styling: Mixing different formatting approaches
  • Poor readability: Using fonts that are too small or difficult to read
  • Excessive creativity: Using flashy designs that distract from content
  • ATS-unfriendly elements: Including graphics or tables that can't be parsed

Conclusion

The format of your skills section plays a crucial role in how effectively your qualifications are communicated to potential employers. By choosing the right formatting approach for your resume type and ensuring ATS compatibility, you can create a skills section that stands out while remaining accessible to both human readers and applicant tracking systems.

Ready to Create Your Perfectly Formatted Resume?

Our AI-powered resume builder offers professional templates with expertly formatted skills sections. Get started today and increase your chances of landing interviews.

Create Your Resume