skills on resume not but not from working

jamesleecoleman

Hi there,

I was trying to find a post about the skills that people can put on their resume but I couldn't find it. So, I'll kinda ask again.

I've been learning about Wireshark and some other things. Would it be safe to put them under the skill's section? I haven't used them at the work place but I do work with them in labs.

I really wanna try to increase the views that my resume gets but I wanna do it without looking like a fool or lying.

srj

I think it is fine, but you have to be ready to answer questions about it. I'll usually disclose to people that it is something that I have learned on my own time. Most employers seem to be happy to hear that you are improving yourself outside of the workplace.

jvrlopez

If you can hold your own and speak to it during an interview, I say putting it on there won't be an issue. Always be prepared to be able to hold a discussion about anything you list on your resume.

Had a guy list Wireshark on his resume once and couldn't tell us about basic packet capture analysis.

roch_greg

It really depends on who your interviewing with.

Some interviewers will discount any listed skills if you can't point to a job where you used them. Which is why you see in some job listing next to the technology "in a production environment".

Then again some interviewers will admire the fact that you took it upon yourself to train in technologies on your own.

I've had both. I say go for it and put it on your resume but be prepared to answer any questions.

jamesleecoleman

Thanks for the response everyone!

I honestly don't mind talking about the skills or answering questions. I really enjoy talking about the technical stuff.
So would it be alright to put "lab" next to the skill in order for the interviewers to know that I have a lab and that's where I'm learning from?

Danielm7

If it's in the skills section I wouldn't even bother putting lab next to it if you can perform the skills needed.

networker050184

In my opinion a resume is for professional experience and qualifications only. Leave the labs or book reading off. If I read a skill on someone's resume I'd be expecting actual work experience with it. It'd be a waste of both of our times if we got on the phone and I found out it's something you've never touched in a production environment.

N2IT

I don't think there is a hard fast rule for this but I personally agree with networker. I know how to backup databases on my home lab but don't do it in a production environment, I am sure the hell not listing that on my resume.

If we were having a conversation and the opportunity presented itself I may bring it up, but even then I would be leery.

I would rather under sell and over deliver than over sell and under deliver.