Top Descriptive Skills For Resume

Learn how to effectively list descriptive skills on your resume with real-world examples. Includes top descriptive skills, sample resume phrases, and related skills.

descriptive resume skills

Top 20 Descriptive Skills for Resume

  1. Writing Style: Mastery of various writing styles (e.g., descriptive, expository, persuasive) enhances clarity and engagement in communication.

  2. Imagery Use: Ability to effectively use vivid and evocative language to create mental images that engage readers.

  3. Figurative Language: Skillful use of metaphors, similes, and personification to enrich descriptions.

  4. Tone Control: Ability to adjust writing tone appropriately for different audiences and contexts (e.g., formal, informal, humorous).

  5. Sentence Structure: Proficiency in varied sentence structures for rhythm, emphasis, and readability.

  6. Punctuation: Correct use of punctuation marks to ensure clarity and flow in written work.

  7. Grammar: Strong grasp of grammatical rules for effective and error-free writing.

  8. Word Choice: Ability to select precise words that best convey intended meaning.

  9. Clarity: Skill in presenting ideas clearly and concisely without ambiguity or confusion.

  10. Detail Orientation: Ability to provide detailed descriptions without overwhelming the reader with excessive information.

  11. Conciseness: Skill in expressing complex ideas succinctly, reducing verbosity.

  12. Active Voice: Use of active voice to make writing more engaging and direct.

  13. Passive Voice: Strategic use of passive voice for emphasis or formal writing styles.

  14. Editing: Ability to self-edit and refine written work for clarity, coherence, and flow.

  15. Proofreading: Skill in detecting and correcting errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

  16. Research: Ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize information from various sources.

  17. Citation: Correct use of citation styles (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) in academic or professional writing.

  18. Layout: Skill in organizing written work effectively using headings, subheadings, and bullet points.

  19. Visual Description: Ability to accurately describe visual elements in detail for visually impaired readers.

  20. Accessibility: Sensitivity to the needs of diverse audiences and commitment to creating accessible and inclusive written content.

How to List Descriptive Skills on Resume

  1. Use a clear, easy-to-read format (e.g., bullet points or paragraphs) for presenting skills.

  2. Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., "Wrote and edited 50 blog posts per month," "Improved website conversion rates by 30%").

  3. Use action verbs to begin each skill description (e.g., "Developed," "Edited," "Revised").

  4. Customize your skills list based on the job requirements and emphasis.

  5. Incorporate descriptive skills throughout your resume, not just in a separate skills section.

Examples of How to List Descriptive Skills on Resume

Example 1 - Bullet Point Format:

  • Mastered various writing styles (e.g., descriptive, expository, persuasive) for engaging readers.

  • Used vivid and evocative language to create mental images.

  • Effectively employed figurative language (metaphors, similes, personification).

  • Adjusted tone for different audiences and contexts.

  • Demonstrated proficiency in varied sentence structures.

Example 2 - Paragraph Format:

As a versatile writer, I master various writing styles to engage readers effectively. My ability to use vivid and evocative language creates mental images that captivate the audience. Additionally, I strategically employ figurative language (metaphors, similes, personification) to enrich descriptions and make my writing more engaging. Moreover, my proficiency in varied sentence structures allows me to adjust tone for different audiences and contexts.

Example 3 - Section-based Format:

Writing Style & Clarity

  • Mastered various writing styles (e.g., descriptive, expository, persuasive) for engaging readers.

  • Used vivid and evocative language to create mental images.

  • Employed figurative language (metaphors, similes, personification).

  • Adjusted tone appropriately for different audiences and contexts.

  • Demonstrated proficiency in varied sentence structures for rhythm, emphasis, and readability.

Detail Orientation & Conciseness

  • Provided detailed descriptions without overwhelming the reader with excessive information.

  • Expressed complex ideas succinctly, reducing verbosity.

Jobs that Demand Descriptive Skills

  1. Content Writer/Editor: Creates engaging and informative content for various platforms.

  2. Technical Writer: Writes clear and concise technical documentation.

  3. Copywriter: Develops persuasive copy for advertising and marketing campaigns.

  4. Screenwriter: Writes scripts for films, television shows, and video games.

  5. Novelist/Fiction Writer: Crafts compelling narratives for fiction works.

  6. Journalist: Reports on events and issues in a clear and engaging manner.

  7. Grant Writer: Prepares proposals to secure funding for organizations or projects.

  8. Speechwriter: Writes speeches for politicians, executives, or public figures.

  9. Creative Director: Oversees the development of creative concepts across various media.

  10. Instructional Designer: Develops educational content for online and offline learning platforms.

  1. Oral Communication: Ability to speak clearly, concisely, and persuasively in various settings.

  2. Listening Skills: Active listening to understand others' perspectives and needs.

  3. Design Thinking: Employing a problem-solving approach that focuses on the user experience.

  4. Graphic Design: Ability to create visually appealing graphics and layouts.

  5. SEO (Search Engine Optimization): Understanding how search engines rank web content for maximum visibility.

  6. UX/UI Design: Focusing on the user's experience with a product or service through its design.

  7. Social Media Management: Managing social media accounts and creating engaging content.

  8. Branding: Developing and maintaining a consistent brand identity across various platforms.

  9. Public Relations: Building and maintaining positive relationships between an organization and the public.

  10. Content Strategy: Planning, developing, and managing a cohesive content marketing strategy.

How to Address Gaps in Descriptive Experience on a Resume (for Descriptive Professionals)?

Highlight any relevant skills or achievements gained during gap periods, such as online courses, workshops, or certifications. Showcase these accomplishments under a dedicated section titled "Professional Development" or "Continuing Education." If necessary, provide brief explanations for gaps longer than three months that are not related to employment or education.

How to Showcase Self-taught Descriptive Skills Without Formal Education (for Descriptive Professionals)?

Emphasize your self-taught skills by including a dedicated section on your resume titled "Self-Taught Skills" or "Professional Development." List each skill you have mastered and provide details about the resources, projects, or tools you used to acquire these competencies. Additionally, showcase any relevant accomplishments, such as freelance work or completed projects, that demonstrate your proficiency in these skills.

How to Handle Outdated Descriptive Skills on a Resume (for Descriptive Professionals)?

Focus on the most up-to-date and relevant skills within your field. If an older skill is necessary for the position, mention it briefly alongside your current proficiency level, any recent training or experience you've had with that skill, and how you intend to continue developing it.

How Long Should a Descriptive Professional's Resume Be (for Descriptive Professionals)?

Aim for a one-page resume if you have less than ten years of experience in the field. If you have more than ten years of experience, a two-page resume is acceptable. Ensure that the most relevant and impactful information is clearly visible at the top of your resume, as hiring managers often skim resumes quickly.

How to Address Descriptive Certifications that are in Progress (for Descriptive Professionals)?

List your in-progress certification under a dedicated section titled "Certifications" or "Professional Development." Include the name of the certification, the issuing organization, and an expected completion date. Mentioning certifications in progress demonstrates your commitment to professional growth and staying current with industry trends.

What to Do If You Have Limited Descriptive Experience but Want to Enter the Field (for Descriptive Professionals)?

Highlight any relevant skills or experiences that may not be directly related to the field, but can be transferred to the role you're targeting. This might include soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Additionally, emphasize your passion for the industry, any education or training you have received, and any self-directed projects or learning experiences that showcase your dedication to the field.

How to Compete with More Experienced Descriptive Professionals (for Descriptive Professionals)?

Focus on demonstrating your unique strengths and achievements, rather than trying to mimic the experiences of more established professionals. Highlight any specific skills or competencies that set you apart from other candidates, such as expertise in emerging technologies, niche areas within the field, or a proven track record of innovation.

How Frequently to Update Descriptive Skills on Your Resume (for Descriptive Professionals)?

Update your resume every time you acquire a new skill or achieve a significant milestone in your career. This ensures that your resume accurately reflects your current proficiency level and keeps your professional development top of mind for potential employers.

Whether to Include Descriptive Side Projects or Volunteer Work on a Resume (for Descriptive Professionals)?

Absolutely! Side projects and volunteer work can provide valuable opportunities to develop new skills, showcase your initiative, and demonstrate your passion for the field. Include these experiences under a dedicated section titled "Side Projects" or "Volunteer Work." Be sure to highlight the specific skills you developed, the impact of your contributions, and any notable achievements or accomplishments related to the projects.

How to Format a Descriptive Professional's Resume for Ats (applicant Tracking Systems) (for Descriptive Professionals)?

Use a simple, easy-to-read font like Arial, Calibri, or Verdana. Use a consistent font size of 10-12 points. Avoid using tables, columns, or excessive formatting. Use clear and concise language, avoiding industry jargon that may not be understood by ATS. Finally, save your resume as a PDF to ensure the layout remains consistent across different systems.

Copyright ©2025 Workstory Inc.