“Strong skills” is understandable on a resume, but it is vague. Stronger wording names the level or type of ability more precisely, such as “proven expertise,” “advanced proficiency,” “technical proficiency,” or “demonstrated competence.”
Best Resume Phrases by Emphasis
- Proven expertise
- Advanced proficiency
- Demonstrated competence
- Strong command of
- Extensive experience in
- Highly developed skills
- Technical proficiency
- Specialist knowledge
- Core competencies
- Proven capability
- Solid understanding of
- Accomplished in
- Skilled in
- Adept at
- Experienced in
Proven expertise
Use this when you can back up your expertise with results, experience, qualifications, or a substantial track record.
Example: Proven expertise in financial modelling and scenario analysis.
Advanced proficiency
A good choice for tools, languages, systems, or technical methods where your ability is above an intermediate level.
Example: Advanced proficiency in Excel, Power BI, and SQL.
Demonstrated competence
Works well when you want to emphasize evidence that you can perform a task effectively.
Example: Demonstrated competence in managing complex stakeholder relationships.
Strong command of
Natural before a subject, language, system, or body of knowledge.
Example: Strong command of Python and statistical modelling techniques.
Extensive experience in
Best when experience itself is the evidence for your ability.
Example: Extensive experience in leading multidisciplinary project teams.
Highly developed skills
Useful when naming a mature skill set, especially communication, leadership, analysis, or negotiation.
Example: Highly developed written communication and presentation skills.
Technical proficiency
A precise option for software, equipment, technical processes, or specialist systems.
Example: Technical proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit.
Specialist knowledge
Use this for deep knowledge in a defined field rather than for a general ability.
Example: Specialist knowledge of UK employment law and HR policy.
Core competencies
Suitable for a grouped skills section, especially when several capabilities are central to the role.
Example: Core competencies include forecasting, budgeting, and commercial analysis.
Proven capability
Highlights that you have already shown you can deliver in a particular area.
Example: Proven capability in delivering projects to tight deadlines.
Solid understanding of
A measured phrase for knowledge that is dependable but does not necessarily imply expert status.
Example: Solid understanding of data protection and information governance.
Accomplished in
A confident choice when you have substantial achievement or experience in the area.
Example: Accomplished in building and mentoring high-performing sales teams.
Skilled in
Simple, direct, and often better than an inflated phrase when the skill itself is clear.
Example: Skilled in contract negotiation and supplier management.
Adept at
Concise wording for abilities you perform smoothly and confidently.
Example: Adept at translating complex findings for non-technical audiences.
Experienced in
A versatile phrase that lets the evidence come from the experience you describe elsewhere on the resume.
Example: Experienced in designing and evaluating digital marketing campaigns.
Use Evidence Instead of Adjectives Alone
Whichever phrase you choose, pair it with specific tools, responsibilities, or outcomes. “Skilled in process improvement” is stronger than “strong skills,” but “reduced invoice-processing time by 30% through process redesign” is stronger still.