specific skill set

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specific skill set" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a particular combination of abilities or expertise that someone possesses, often in a professional context. Example: "To apply for this position, you need to demonstrate a specific skill set that includes project management and data analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"Knitwear is such a specific skill set: using the machinery; how to program the pattern.

The New York Times

"Only a small percentage of the population possesses the specific skill set to become an air traffic controller," says Steph Kelly, a Nats air traffic controller at Heathrow.

The Guardian - Money

Its specific skill set, developed over the years, is likely to become more, not less, important to the new strategic environment.

The Guardian

"I wanted to work with people who have the same values and have a very specific skill set," Mr. Büsser said during a telephone interview.

The New York Times

Conte retained a diverse set of defenders at Juventus, each with a specific skill set, and as such could yet have a role for John Terry – in theory, at least.

The Guardian - Sport

Entrenched systems of exclusion need to be challenged, of course, but this appointment showed how utterly irrelevant a quota can seem when someone who needs a specific skill set goes looking for it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

At these specific skill sets, N.B.A. players rank among the world's elite.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, Ms. Garretson said that "a thread that runs through all those jobs is that they have specific skill sets and play specific roles in our companies, and they should be considered part of our technology sector".

The New York Times

A social enterprise that connects refugees with companies that look for specific skill sets, Zharity is another Helsinki-based company.

TechCrunch

But UQ uses personalization technology to better understand students' specific skill sets, as well as their needs.

TechCrunch

Competition winners receive the opportunity to interview for jobs as well as certifications to validate specific skill sets.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a role or project requirement, be explicit about the "specific skill set" needed to ensure clarity and attract suitable candidates.

Common error

Avoid using "specific skill set" when referring to general skills. Ensure the skills are indeed specialized and not broadly applicable to various roles or situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specific skill set" functions as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb or preposition to describe a particular combination of abilities or expertise needed for a specific purpose. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science & Research

8%

News & Media - Sports

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specific skill set" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig, used to denote a specialized collection of abilities. It commonly appears in professional and academic contexts, particularly within News & Media and scientific discourse. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects specialized skills rather than general abilities. For alternatives, consider "specialized skillset" or "particular expertise" to add nuance. The phrase maintains a professional register, highlighting its suitability for formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specialized skillset

Emphasizes expertise in a particular field.

particular expertise

Highlights a deep understanding and proficiency in a specific area.

unique capability

Focuses on a distinctive ability that sets someone apart.

distinct talent

Highlights a natural aptitude or skill.

specialized knowledge

Emphasizes in-depth understanding of a specific subject.

technical proficiency

Focuses on competence in technical skills.

defined competency

Highlights a well-established and recognized skill.

domain-specific skills

Highlights skills applicable to a precise domain.

bespoke abilities

Emphasizes abilities tailored for a specific purpose.

niche expertise

Highlights specialized knowledge in a narrow field.

FAQs

How can I effectively highlight my "specific skill set" in a job application?

Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize the "specialized skillset" required for the position, providing concrete examples of how you've successfully applied those skills in previous roles.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "specific skill set"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "particular expertise", "unique capability", or "specialized knowledge".

Is it redundant to say "very specific skill set"?

While not strictly incorrect, "very specific skill set" can sometimes be redundant. Consider whether ""specialized skillset"" or "unique skill set" might be more concise and impactful.

How does a "specific skill set" differ from general skills?

A "specific skill set" refers to a specialized combination of abilities tailored to a particular task or field, whereas general skills are more broadly applicable across various contexts. For example, coding in Python versus general computer literacy.