Resume Rework: What Skills Should You List?

by Kristen Pavón

My résumé is ever-changing. I have about five or six different versions focusing on different types of jobs with varying templates. However, the one section that I can never seem to improve is my “skills” section.

I never know what is appropriate to include — what do employers expect to see in this section? I have the usual “proficient in XYS legal research engine” and my language skills… but what else goes in there? Should computer skills go on there at all? Should I only have a “language” section?

On Linkedin, you can add skills to your profile. I’ll admit, I went a bit skill-crazy. I’ve added things like strategic development, issue advocacy, counseling, nonprofit management, etc. That got me thinking —  what about on your résumé? Are these the types of skills you should add or should you just stick to computer and language skills?

According to Guerrilla Tactics For Getting the Legal Job of Your Dreams, your skills section is for languages, computer skills and other licenses. However, Harvard Law School’s Office of Public Interest Advising suggests omitting computer skills altogether. I tend to agree.

What do you think? What do you include in your “skills” section?