When creating your skills section, it's essential to tailor it to the specific job you're applying for. Review the job description carefully and identify the key skills and qualifications that the employer is looking for. Then, make sure to include those skills in your resume, using the same language and terminology as the job posting.

For example, if the job description emphasizes experience with budgeting and financial management, your skills section might look like this:

• Financial analysis
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Cost control and reduction
• Profit and loss management

By aligning your skills with the job requirements, you'll demonstrate to the employer that you have the qualifications they're looking for and increase your chances of getting an interview.

As an Operations Director, employers will be looking for candidates with a strong set of hard skills and technical expertise. These are the specific, measurable skills that are essential for success in the role. Some examples of hard skills to include in your resume might be:

• Operations Management: Process improvement, supply chain management, logistics
• Financial Management: Budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis
• Project Management: Agile methodologies, Scrum, Kanban
• Technology: ERP systems, CRM software, data analytics

Avoid including soft skills like "leadership" or "communication" in your skills section. While these are important qualities, they are better demonstrated through your work experience and accomplishments. Instead, focus on the hard skills that set you apart from other candidates and are directly relevant to the job.

To demonstrate your expertise and credibility as an Operations Director, it's important to use industry-specific terminology in your skills section. This shows that you are well-versed in the language and concepts of your field and can communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.

However, be careful not to overdo it with jargon or acronyms that may be unfamiliar to some readers. Strike a balance between using industry-specific terms and keeping your skills section accessible and easy to understand.

For example, instead of simply listing "supply chain management," you might say:

• Supply chain optimization
• Inventory management and forecasting
• Vendor management and negotiations
• Lean manufacturing principles

By using more specific and descriptive language, you'll convey a deeper understanding of your field and the value you can bring to the organization.

Many companies today use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes and filter out candidates who don't meet certain criteria. These systems scan your resume for specific keywords and phrases related to the job requirements, and if your resume doesn't contain enough of these keywords, it may be automatically rejected.

To ensure your resume makes it past the ATS and into the hands of a human recruiter, it's important to include relevant keywords from the job description in your skills section. However, don't simply copy and paste the entire job description into your resume. Instead, use the keywords naturally and strategically throughout your skills section and the rest of your resume.

For example, if the job description mentions "Lean Six Sigma" as a desired qualification, you might include it in your skills section like this:

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certified
• Experience leading Lean Six Sigma projects to improve operational efficiency
• Trained in Lean Six Sigma methodologies and tools

By incorporating the right keywords in a natural and relevant way, you'll increase your chances of getting past the ATS and being considered for the job.