Determining Your Levels of Competency on Your Resume

When it comes to your job experiences and skills, you have different levels of competencies. You may have more experience with customer service but have little understanding about working with a cash register, and that's okay. When you are creating your resume, you're tailoring it to your skills by highlighting your skills and your competency in certain areas.

With your qualifications and skills, there are three levels of competency:

• Competent
• More competent
• Very competent

1. Competent

Competent means you have average knowledge in a specific area. You don't have to be an expert, you just have to know the basics of how something works. You may be relatively new to this area and have more to learn. Phrases you can use to describe you are competent in an area are:

• Basic knowledge of...
• Familiarity with..
• Understanding of...
• Experience in...

Example: Familiarity with (POS) Point of Sales terminals

2. More Competent

More Competent means you have more than average knowledge in a specific area. You are not yet an expert, but you have gained more experience and knowledge since you began working in that area. Phrases you can use to describe you are more competent in an area are: 

• Solid understanding of...
• Proficient in...
• In-depth knowledge of....
• Three years experience in...

Example: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Internet Research

3. Very Competent

Very Competent means you excel in a specific area of work and have had a lot of experience. You have a strong skill set and have a lot of knowledge in a certain area. 

• Highly skilled in...
• Successful experience in...
• Extensive background in....
• Effective in...

Example: Extensive background in working independently and in a team-based environment. 

Hopefully this has helped you gain a better understanding of your skills on your resume!


This was meant to help you highlight your strengths and identify your weaknesses in the work area.



If you need any feedback on your resume, go to the Career Development Center at C-102!



-Amanda Blando