So... practical certifications, do you add the 'skills' on your resume?

If you theoretically were a CCNP or RHCE with no experience using those skills in a real job, you should be putting what you can do on your skills right? Even though you can't attach them to a specific job.

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networker050184

I wouldn't add any skills to a resume I haven't used in a job.

Sponx

"Skills" are usually assumed to be something that you have actual 'real life' experience doing. That's what makes it a skill, not because you read about (for example).

Michael2

So what do you do when you're trying to change professions and you have no experience in the field you're trying to enter? How do you make your resume look attractive to employers if you can't put down any relevant skills?

networker050184

You put what you have done. Nothing else you can do really.

Sponx

You can always "fluff" your resume; however, if you are called out on it I believe that would decrease your chances for that job incredibly.

ptilsen

I don't even have a skills section, and I typically don't recommend them if you have any significant amount of experience and other credentials.

That being said, when I did have one, I put anything in there in which I was proficient, even if I didn't do it in a professional setting. Now my experience descriptions are always accurate, but there's no rule that says you can't have skills unless you got them on the job. That being said, don't fluff it. Unless you are truly well-versed enough in the technology in question that you would be comfortable having to work with it right away on day one, don't put it on your resume. And certainly, if you put anything on there you haven't used in a production environment, be forthcoming with that in your interviews.

I've put various forms of Linux proficiency on my resume over the years, but when asked I'll always explain my limited experience and knowledge with it. (Off-topic, but sadly enough that most shops are impressed by even that and invariably send Linux stuff at me. Definitely some high demand for that skill set)