<h1>Think skill rating charts on resumes look impressive?&nbsp;</h1><h2>Think again. Rating your own skills doesn’t hold much weight with employers and could hurt your chances of landing an interview. Here’s why and what to do instead.</h2><h3>Why Skill Rating Charts Don’t Work</h3><h3><img class="image_resized" style="width:55.92%;" src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_01_28_094055635_b3de538daa.png"></h3><p>When you rate your skills on your resume—whether it’s through stars, bars, or percentages—you’re essentially offering a subjective opinion. What you consider 4 out of 5 in proficiency might not match an <a href="https://dev.to/tim012432/do-not-put-skill-bars-on-your-resume-lh6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>employer's expectations</strong></a>. These self-assessments lack context and can leave hiring managers questioning your credibility. Instead of impressing recruiters, you risk coming across as unprofessional.</p><hr><h3>What to Do Instead: Show, Don’t Tell<img class="image_resized" style="width:65.92%;" src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_01_28_094410410_517426cfe9.png"></h3><p>Employers care more about <i>how</i> you’ve applied your skills in real-world situations than how you rate them. <a href="https://gethppy.com/hr-infographics/how-to-decode-a-resume-showing-instead-of-telling#:~:text=In%20a%20resume%20it%20might,30%25%20increase%20in%20client%20engagement." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Highlight your skills</strong></a> by backing them up with concrete examples, such as:</p><ul><li><strong>Achievements:</strong> Share specific accomplishments tied to your skills. For example, instead of rating your proficiency in Excel, mention how you streamlined reporting processes, reducing analysis time by 25%.</li><li><strong>Certifications:</strong> Demonstrate your expertise through certifications relevant to the role. For instance, if you’re a project manager, mention your PMP certification or Agile training.</li><li><strong>Projects:</strong> Include <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/how-to-write-about-your-projects-on-resume?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=stop_rating_your_skills_on_your_resumes!_do_this_instead.&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>key projects</strong></a> where your skills made a difference. Did your graphic design expertise boost social media engagement by 40%? Let employers know!</li></ul><hr><h3>How to Structure Your Resume</h3><h3><img class="image_resized" style="width:48.54%;" src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_01_28_094445139_944177a562.png"></h3><p>Organize your resume to showcase your expertise and results effectively:</p><ol><li><strong>Professional Summary:</strong> Start with a brief overview of your experience and key strengths. Highlight skills relevant to the job.</li><li><strong>Experience Section:</strong> Use bullet points to detail your contributions and achievements in previous roles.</li><li><strong>Skills Section:</strong> List technical skills, tools, and software you’re proficient in without self-rating them.</li><li><strong>Certifications and Training:</strong> Add relevant qualifications to validate your skill set.</li></ol><hr><p>Your LinkedIn profile is an excellent platform to showcase skills without relying on subjective ratings. Add endorsements and recommendations from colleagues to strengthen your credibility. Learn how to optimize your LinkedIn profile for recruiters with our <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/linkedin-profile-tips-9-ways-to-get-headhunters-to-look-at-your-profile?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=stop_rating_your_skills_on_your_resumes!_do_this_instead.&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>LinkedIn guide</strong></a>.</p><hr><h2>Get more helpful resume writing tips in these posts:</h2><ul><li><a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/is-resume-design-important?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=stop_rating_your_skills_on_your_resumes!_do_this_instead.&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Is The Design Of Your Resume Or CV Important To Recruiters?</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/stop-putting-these-in-your-resume?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=stop_rating_your_skills_on_your_resumes!_do_this_instead.&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>You Need To Stop Putting These In Your Resume And CV!</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/perfect-resume-checklist?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=stop_rating_your_skills_on_your_resumes!_do_this_instead.&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Perfect Resume Checklist</strong></a></li></ul><hr><h3>Discover your unique strengths with <strong>Hiredly’s </strong><a href="https://hiredly.typeform.com/to/K4idZTDK?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=stop_rating_your_skills_on_your_resumes!_do_this_instead.&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Work Personality Test</strong></a> and use the insights to tailor your resume. Connect with like-minded professionals in the <a href="https://hub.hiredly.com/young-leaders-community?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=stop_rating_your_skills_on_your_resumes!_do_this_instead.&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Young Leaders Community</strong></a> to gain valuable career tips and networking opportunities.</h3><h3>Ditch the skill rating charts and craft a resume that truly stands out. With <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/jobs?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=stop_rating_your_skills_on_your_resumes!_do_this_instead.&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hiredly</a>, you’re one step closer to landing your dream job!</h3>

<p>Those bars, stars and charts ranking your skills aren&#8217;t doing anything for you. </p>
