Relevancy is the key here! Do not add each thing that comes across your mind. Start by focusing on the hard skills and then your soft skills.

A resume is a summary of your Experience and an introductory tool. That's it. You don't need to list 1000 skills. Best hack is to get 3 jobs you'd like to apply for, highlight the skills they're looking for, and incorporate them in your Experience section while talking about your achievements. Don't have a section filled with keywords. Make sure to talk about them.

I advise candidates to be highly strategic with skills listings. First, analyze the job description and highlight skills that directly match - especially specialized lab techniques or specific software platforms like LIMS or ELN systems. Recently, I helped a senior researcher land a position at Moderna by highlighting her mRNA expertise and bioinformatics skills front and center. I recommend using LinkedIn's Skills Assessment feature to validate technical competencies. Also check BioSpace's annual hiring trends report to identify high-demand skills. Quality trumps quantity - focus on 8-10 core skills relevant to your target role rather than listing everything. Your crystallography experience from 10 years ago? Probably not worth the space.

To prioritize skills on your resume, focus on those most relevant to the job you're applying for and align them with the job description. Highlight key skills that showcase your expertise and match the employer’s needs.

Here’s an approach my team at GRONXT takes to prioritize skills effectively: Start by listing all the key skills from your resume that align with the job description. Categorize them under three headers: 1. Strategic Skills (big-picture thinking) 2. Domain Skills (technical expertise) 3. Soft Skills (collaboration, communication, etc.) Incorporate these strategically across your resume—Achievements, Headline, and Experience sections. This method ensures your skills are tailored to the role, showcasing your value clearly and concisely.

"I encourage candidates to highlight quantifiable achievements, such as 'reduced time-to-fill for open roles by 20%.' As a hiring manager, seeing specific metrics not only showcases a candidate’s skills but also clearly demonstrates their tangible value and impact. It’s a powerful way to stand out!"

Prioritize skills most relevant to the job you're applying for. Focus on those that directly align with the job description and highlight achievements that showcase these skills. Consider using a functional resume format to group similar skills together, making it easier for the employer to see your qualifications. Quality over quantity is a good rule. A concise and well-targeted resume is more effective than a lengthy one.

To prioritize skills on your resume, align them with the job description, focusing on the most relevant ones. Highlight key skills that demonstrate your ability to perform the role effectively. Use bullet points to emphasize transferable skills and achievements. Consider the industry and select skills that are in high demand. Tailor your resume for each application, ensuring the most impactful skills are featured prominently.

Trying to cram every skill onto your resume is like overpacking a suitcase—you’ll end up with a cluttered, unfocused mess. Instead, prioritize skills that directly align with the job you’re applying for. Start by analyzing the job description—are they looking for data analysis? Leadership? Creativity? Match your skills to their needs. Group related skills to show depth, like “Project Management” under which you list budgeting, scheduling, and team leadership. And ditch the generic ones—“Microsoft Word” won’t impress anymore. Remember, your resume isn’t about listing everything you can do; it’s about proving you’re the perfect fit for the role.