In Quebec, the job market remains competitive: several sectors, particularly manufacturing and professional services, regularly show a high number of job vacancies, according to data from the Institut de la statistique du Québec. In this context, a recruiter often screens a resume in just a few seconds.
Whether you're targeting a position in finance, information technology, supply chain, or manufacturing engineering, how you present your skills can make all the difference between a resume that gets ignored and one that gets a callback for an interview. Here's how to choose, phrase, and tailor them to your industry.
Key takeaways
- A well-phrased skill on a resume demonstrates a result, it isn't just an isolated keyword.
- Skills generally fall into two broad categories: technical skills (hard skills) and behavioral skills (soft skills).
- Specialized recruiters expect skills aligned with the target industry, not a generic list copied from an online template.
- Between 6 and 10 well-chosen, well-supported skills are worth more than a long, diluted list.
Technical Skills vs. Behavioral Skills: What's the Difference?
Technical skills prove what you know how to do; behavioral skills prove how you do it. A well-balanced resume combines both: a specialized recruiter evaluates your mastery of a tool or method just as much as your ability to fit into a team and handle the unexpected.
Technical Skills (Hard Skills)
A technical skill is a measurable capability, acquired through training, a certification, or hands-on experience. It's easy to verify : you either have it or you don't. In finance, this might mean advanced Excel proficiency or a CPA designation. In IT, it could be mastery of a programming language or a tool like NetSuite. In logistics, it might involve managing an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
Behavioral Skills (Soft Skills)
A behavioral skill relates to professional demeanor: communication, adaptability, priority management, teamwork. It's harder to assess on paper, which makes it all the more important to illustrate with a concrete example rather than a single word in a list. To dig deeper into this topic, check out our article on qualities to highlight on your resume.
| Skill type | Definition | Examples by Fed Group Sector | How to Prove It on a Resume |
| Technical (hard skills) | Measurable capability acquired through training or experience | Advanced Excel and CPA designation (finance), programming languages (IT), ERP management (supply chain), technical drawing reading (manufacturing) | Certification earned, software mastered, quantifiable result |
| Behavioral (soft skills) | Relational and organizational qualities | Communication, autonomy, priority management, teamwork | Example of a real situation with an observable outcome |
What Are the 3 Key Skills to Highlight on a Resume?
The three most decisive skills are those that directly address the target job posting, that are proven through a concrete result rather than simply mentioned, and that combine industry-specific technical expertise with a behavioral skill employers value, such as communication or autonomy.
Rather than searching for the "best" skills in the abstract, reread the job posting and identify the two or three requirements that come up repeatedly. Those are the ones to prove first on your resume, backed by a specific example.
What Are the 4 Types of Skills to Know?
Skills are generally grouped into four categories: technical or job-specific skills, cognitive and analytical skills, interpersonal and social skills, and language skills. A strong resume draws from each of these categories depending on the requirements of the position.
- Technical or job-specific skills: know-how specific to the field (accounting, software development, procurement management).
- Cognitive and analytical skills: problem-solving, critical thinking, ability to interpret data.
- Interpersonal and social skills: communication, collaboration, conflict management.
- Language skills: French-English bilingualism remains a frequently sought-after asset in Greater Montreal, particularly for roles that interact with head offices outside Quebec.
How to Phrase Your Skills to Grab Attention
A poorly phrased skill remains an isolated keyword with no proof. A well-phrased skill starts with an action verb and ends with an observable result, making it credible and memorable for the recruiter reading it.
Action Verbs to Favor
Choose precise verbs rather than vague phrasing: manage, optimize, coordinate, analyze, supervise, design, negotiate, automate. Avoid passive phrasing like "responsible for" or "in charge of," which describes a function without demonstrating a result.
Turning a Keyword into a Compelling Statement
- ❌ Weak: "Excel"
- ✅ Strong: "Automated monthly reports in Excel, cutting processing time by several hours per week"
- ❌ Weak: "Team management"
- ✅ Strong: "Supervised a team of 6 technicians, reducing turnover over a 12-month period"
This approach applies to all skills, technical and behavioral alike: name the action, specify the context, end with the impact.
Which Skills to List Based on Your Industry
Skills expected vary significantly from one industry to another, and this is often the angle least well covered in generic online advice. Manufacturing is one of the sectors that traditionally shows a high number of job vacancies in Quebec, according to the Institut de la statistique du Québec, a signal that demand for qualified technical profiles remains structural rather than temporary.
Skills Sought in Finance and Accounting
At Fed Finance, recruiters assess technical mastery (accounting standards, financial management software, CPA designation depending on the role) as much as the ability to communicate financial results to non-specialist teams. For leadership positions, priority management and leadership carry almost as much weight as financial expertise.
Skills Sought in IT
At Fed IT, versatility across infrastructure and cybersecurity is increasingly in demand, as is the ability to translate technical issues for business teams. Mastery of specific tools (languages, cloud platforms, integrated management solutions) remains the first filter, but adaptability in a changing environment often makes the difference between two otherwise comparable candidates.
Skills Sought in Supply Chain and Logistics
At Fed Supply, recruiters look for profiles that combine technical rigor (planning, flow management, knowledge of customs regulations) with resilience in the face of uncertainty, particularly given ongoing international trade tensions that complicate import-export operations.
Skills Sought in Manufacturing Engineering
At Fed Manutech, technical skills related to continuous improvement, Industry 4.0, and quality compliance are highly valued, as is the ability to adapt to a production environment where priorities shift quickly. Employers are also placing growing importance on cultural fit, beyond technical expertise alone.
How Many Skills Should You List on Your Resume?
Between 6 and 10 well-chosen skills are generally enough, as long as they're directly relevant to the position. A longer list dilutes the recruiter's attention and can make a resume feel generic rather than targeted. It's better to tailor this selection to each application than to use a fixed list for every job search. If you'd like to rework your resume's overall presentation, our article on how to improve your resume covers the other sections worth optimizing.
Need Help Showcasing Your Skills?
Phrasing your skills well is one step, but knowing which ones to highlight based on the actual market in your industry is another. Fed Group's recruiters support candidates in finance, IT, supply chain, and manufacturing engineering in presenting their profile, backed by an in-depth understanding of what Greater Montreal employers expect.
Check out our sector-specific salary guides to see where your skills stand relative to the current market, and find out how our recruiters can support you in your job search.
Your Questions About Resume Skills
What skills should I list if I don't have professional experience?
Draw on skills developed through internships, school projects, or volunteer work: project management, teamwork, mastery of digital tools. Illustrate them with a concrete example, even outside a professional context.
Should I tailor my skills to each job posting?
Yes. Reread the posting and prioritize the skills that match the requirements mentioned repeatedly in the text. A generic resume has a harder time passing the initial screening, whether it's done by a person or a system.
How can I prove a skill without a quantifiable example?
Describe a specific situation and its qualitative outcome: a problem solved, a process improved, a project completed. A number is a bonus, not a requirement.
Do software tools count as technical skills?
Yes, as long as you specify your level of proficiency and how you actually used it (automation, analysis, report generation), rather than simply listing the software's name.
Should I include language skills on a resume in Quebec?
In Greater Montreal, French-English bilingualism is often a sought-after asset, particularly for roles that interact with head offices outside the province. State your actual proficiency level rather than a rough estimate.
Should I repeat the same skills in my resume and cover letter?
No. Use the cover letter to expand on the context and impact of one or two key skills, rather than repeating the resume's list.
