Automation Skills: Example Usage on Resumes, Skill Set & Top Keywords in 2024
Including automation on your resume signals to recruiters your ability to streamline processes and your knack for upgrading efficiency. Explore the guide below for creative ways to showcase your skills and add a competitive edge to your application.
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Automation skill involves knowing how to use technology to do tasks without much help from people. It means you can set up computers or machines to do things like send emails, make things, or track information by themselves. When you know about automation, it can make your resume stand out because it shows you can use modern tools to get work done faster and with less error. This skill is in demand in many jobs, including manufacturing, technology, and business, as companies always look for ways to do things more efficiently.
However, there are some things to consider before adding automation to your resume. If the job you're applying for doesn't use automation much, this skill might not seem as important to your potential boss. Also, sometimes focusing too much on one skill can make it look like you're not good at other important things. Instead of just listing automation, it can be better to talk about how you've used it to improve things at your last jobs, and show you have a bunch of other skills that can help the company.
In this article, you will learn:
- The importance of showing how automation has helped in your past jobs.
- Why having a balance of different skills on your resume is key.
- Other ways to talk about your automation knowledge without overdoing it.
Misusage of automation on resumes
Automation skills are in high demand across various industries, due to their potential to streamline operations and increase efficiencies. However, when presenting these skills on a resume, it's crucial to provide clear, specific examples of how you've applied them. Vague or exaggerated claims can raise doubts about your expertise and experience. Employers value candidates who can demonstrate practical contributions, rather than those who list automation as a buzzword without context.
Examples of misusing automation skill on your resume:
- In the summary section: "Expert in automation," without explaining how the skill was applied or what tools were used.
- In the experience section: Labeled a routine use of Excel macros as "advanced automation programming," overstating the complexity of the task performed.
- In the achievements section: Claimed to have "fully automated department processes," without detailing the projects or the specific outcomes of the automation efforts.
How to demonstrate automation skills on your resume
- List specific automation tools and technologies you are proficient in using, such as Excel macros, Selenium for web testing, or Ansible for IT automation.
- Describe projects where you have implemented automation, specifying the processes you automated, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved.
- Highlight any certifications or training you've completed that are relevant to automation, such as Certified Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Developer or Lean Six Sigma.
- Show your understanding of programming by mentioning programming languages you're familiar with that are relevant to automation, like Python, JavaScript, or Bash scripting.
- Quantify your achievements: for example, state how much time or money your automation efforts have saved the company.
Example 1: Demonstrate automation in the experience section
03/2019 - to date 
- •Led a team of 5 developers in creating an automated payroll system, reducing processing time by 30%, directly affecting the timely salary distribution to over 10,000 employees.
- •Spearheaded the integration of a new database management system that improved data retrieval efficiency by 50%, significantly enhancing decision-making processes for management.
- •Initiated a cross-departmental task force to revamp the company's eCommerce platform, resulting in a 45% increase in online sales and a 20% reduction in cart abandonment rates.
06/2015 - 02/2019 - •Conducted comprehensive analysis on consumer patterns, uncovering key insights that enabled a 20% increase in targeted marketing campaign effectiveness.
- •Automated the reporting process using SQL and Python, slashing report generation time by 40% and allowing for more agile market response strategies.
- •Collaborated with a team of product managers to refine user experience, which boosted customer retention rate to 70%, one of the highest in the industry.
09/2009 - 05/2015 - •Directed the successful delivery of a major web infrastructure project within a 9-month deadline by coordinating a team of 12 developers, resulting in a 25% increase in client web traffic.
- •Oversaw the budgeting and resource allocation for IT projects averaging $2M, maintaining a record of delivering within 95% of the set budget constraints.
- •Implemented a continuous improvement program, identifying key adjustments to the project lifecycle that curtailed project lead times by an average of 15%.
- Highlighting specific measurable results in each bullet point showcases concrete achievements rather than just listing tasks.
- Illustrating improvements, such as time reduction and efficiency gains, exhibits a direct impact on business operations.
- Presenting varied scenarios emphasizes versatility and adaptability in the workplace.
- Directly tying each experience to a key business goal or challenge demonstrates alignment with company objectives.
- Using clear, simple language ensures the content is easily understood, relatable and precise.
Example 2: Demonstrate automation in the summary section
- The summary clearly outlines the applicant's extensive experience, showcasing a decade-long commitment to their field.
- Technical skills are plainly stated, with a focus on programming proficiencies and familiarity with key frameworks.
- A specific career highlight is mentioned, quantifying their impact on a previous employer's operations.
- The applicant's passion is implied through the dedication to problem-solving and quality results.
- This example is free of overused industry jargon, ensuring the applicant's capabilities are presented clearly and directly.
Example 3: Demonstrate automation in the achievements section
- This section focuses on actual results achieved, showcasing specific numeric improvements.
- The achievements are framed around real work scenarios, making the applicant's skills evident.
- It doesn't rely on overused buzzwords, instead presenting clear evidence of competence.
- The language is straightforward, avoiding industry jargon and ensuring easy understanding.
- Each achievement offers a clear before-and-after picture, demonstrating the candidate's impact.
What are the relevant certifications for automation skills on resume
If you're looking to showcase your expertise in automation, certfications can be a strong addition to your resume.
The top 5 certifications for gaining automation skills expertise:
The CAP certification demonstrates proficiency in automation and control systems, including working knowledge of current technologies and practices. It can help validate your skills for roles requiring competence in automation engineering.
This certificate covers advanced topics in robotic process automation, focusing on designing and developing complex RPA solutions. It can assist in securing positions that require a deep understanding of RPA software development and deployment.
The VCA6-DTM certification showcases your abilities in deploying and managing VMware Horizon environments, which is ideal for careers that involve virtual desktop and application virtualization.
Holding a CCST credential proves your technical skills in control systems and instrumentation. This is beneficial for technical roles that require precise system calibrations and maintenance.
This certification covers fundamental concepts of artificial intelligence and machine learning on Azure. This can aid in pursuing roles that leverage cloud-based AI solutions and services.
Top skills people add together with automation skill on resume:
programming
scripting
robotic process automation (RPA)
software development
machine learning
artificial intelligence
process improvement
data analysis
system integration
quality assurance
problem-solving
critical thinking
attention to detail
adaptability
teamwork
communication
time management
project management
creativity
leadership
continuous learning
Most relevant jobs for automation skills
Automation skills are vital in many industries, helping streamline operations, reduce errors, and increase efficiency. Here is a list of the 10 most common job titles that demand expertise in automation:
- Automation engineer
- Robotics engineer
- Software developer
- Data scientist
- Control systems technician
- Business analyst
- Manufacturing engineer
- Quality assurance analyst
- DevOps engineer
- Process improvement consultant
Key takeaways
- Automation skill refers to the ability to use technology to automate tasks, making your resume stand out by showing efficiency and tech-savviness.
- To use automation skills properly, avoid over-reliance on technology which can lead to mistakes and inefficiency; balance is key.
- Showcase your automation expertise on your resume by detailing accomplishments or projects that resulted in time-saving or improved processes.
Make one that's truly you.
