This exercise is not something to be done off-the-cuff; it can be quite time consuming. You need to give some serious thought about what you have done in your personal life, at work, and if you're a new graduate, at school. Jot down everything that you can think of; remember, even basic skills and modest accomplishments are noteworthy.

When you think you have listed all your skills and accomplishments, think about which of those skills (computer skills, communication skills, leadership skills, or technical skills, for example) have led to each accomplishment. Assign each accomplishment to one or more skill categories. Use action words to catch the reader's attention, and wherever possible, quantify the results of your contributions within the context of the problem you solved or the project you completed. Hiring managers like to see quantifiable results; if you are able to provide numbers, do so. Here's an example:

Project Management Skills
· Supervised staff of 10 employees in reviewing, evaluating, and validating analytical data.
· Designed efficient databases for organic and inorganic analytical test results.

Analysis/R&D Skills
· Prepared and analyzed volatile and semivolatile compounds using GC/MS.
· Developed an efficient synthesis (85% overall yield) of sucrose derivatives.

Modify your list until you feel that it best reflects your experience. When you are finished, you will have a list of your skills, backed up by concrete examples (your accomplishments), to help you compose your resume, write cover letters, and prepare for interviews.

When you identify your skills and accomplishments, only the results count. It is not enough to say what you did; you have to go one step farther and show the outcome of those actions. Be as specific and quantitative as possible in identifying your accomplishments, because vague statements will not hold up to scrutiny.