Crafting a standout resume can be crucial for landing your dream job. As you put together your application, pay attention to how you present your abilities. When listing your abilities, make sure to refer to them using the correct term. You may wonder whether to use “skill-set, skillset or skill set.”
Choosing the right version is important, especially in fields where attention to detail is key. The term you should use is “skill set.” Using this correct version not only demonstrates your proficiency but also ensures that your resume is polished and professional.
What Does a Set of Abilities Mean?
When you talk about a “set of abilities,” you’re describing a group of skills and talents you have, which help you perform specific duties. This group can be applied to different areas, like careers or creative activities. Your talents make up your particular set of abilities, which can prepare you for different tasks.
You might have more than one group of talents. When you’re looking for a job, it’s crucial to spotlight the groups of skills that match what the employer needs. For instance, if you aim to become a graphic designer, highlight your artistic and computer-related abilities. Additionally, skills like good writing, teamwork, and critical thinking are valuable traits to mention.
Why Is a Group of Abilities Different from Just One Skill?
The key is in the word “group.” While having proficiency in one area is helpful, combining several related skills is more advantageous. Instead of being exceptional in just one skill, it’s better to be proficient in several that work together. This combination can make you exceptionally good at what you do for a living.
Imagine a “handyperson” who can fix household problems. Their ability to handle tools, dismantle and reassemble items, and their understanding of how home systems operate showcases a versatile group of skills. Having one skilled person to rely on for fixing things around the house is often more efficient than needing a different specialist for every small task.
In professional settings, being able to draw from a pool of related abilities can make you more adaptable and valuable. By developing a diverse range of skills, you can be better prepared for various situations and challenges.
Skillset or Skill Set: Which Is the Correct Spelling?
How Should You Spell Skill Set: Is a Hyphen Necessary?
When writing “skill set,” use a space between the two words, as it is an open compound word. This means phrases like “skillset” or “skill-set” with a hyphen are incorrect. Major dictionaries, such as Merriam-Webster and Cambridge Dictionary, only recognize “skill set” without a hyphen or as a single word. Searches for “skillset” or “skill-set” in these dictionaries will lead you to “skill set,” indicating it’s the acceptable form.
For instance, the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary and the Macmillan Dictionary might prompt you to check “Did you mean skill set?” if you search for “skillset.” This highlights “skill set” as the preferred choice among recognized sources. Google’s dictionary might return “skillset” but shows “skill set” as the correct entry, reinforcing the consensus across different sources.
The Exception for Skillset
An exception to the conventional spelling exists with an organization named Skillset in New South Wales. When referring to this organization, the correct approach is to use the single-word format, “Skillset,” with a capital “S.” This is the specific name of the organization and is spelled this way to honor its branding.
In general, following the open compound form “skill set” is recommended unless you are particularly discussing the organization with this name. This clarity will keep your writing in line with widely accepted grammatical standards.
Sample Sentences with Skill Set
“Skill set” is widely considered the correct form. Many popular sources agree on this usage.
Final Remarks on Skill Set
Whether you’re drafting a resume, cover letter, or any article, remember to use “skill set.”
If you’re revising another’s work, this rule stands as well. Instances of “skillset” do appear, but they are less common and often seen as incorrect.
Simply put, sticking with “skill set” ensures accuracy.
Whether you’re drafting a resume, cover letter, or any article, remember to use “skill set.”
If you’re revising another’s work, this rule stands as well. Instances of “skillset” do appear, but they are less common and often seen as incorrect.
Simply put, sticking with “skill set” ensures accuracy.
20 Revision Tips from Professional Authors
Whether You're Crafting a Novel or an Email
Whether it’s a novel, essay, article, or email, polished writing is key to sharing your thoughts effectively.
Key Writing Tips and Methods by Experts
This collection includes the top 20 editing strategies and approaches from numerous renowned authors.
Frequently Asked Questions
The term can be spelled either as “skill set” or “skillset.” While both are commonly understood, “skill set” is often seen in formal contexts. The single-word version, “skillset,” is gaining popularity, especially in informal writing. If you’re following a specific style guide, it’s good to check which version it recommends.
A professional skill set might include various abilities like communication skills, problem-solving abilities, technical skills, and teamwork. For example, a graphic designer’s skill set may include proficiency in software like Photoshop, creativity, and attention to detail.
The plural form is “skill sets.” For example, “The job description listed different skill sets required for various roles within the company.”
When listing a skill set on your resume, consider organizing it in a bullet-point format. Make sure to include relevant skills and categorize them, such as technical skills or soft skills, to make them stand out.
In both the UK and the US, the term “skill set” is used to describe a person’s abilities and competencies. However, slight variations may exist in how it’s applied in different job markets and industries across these regions.
According to AP Style, “skill set” should be written as two words in journalistic writing. This keeps consistency with how compound nouns are generally treated in this style guide.
