Identifying Client Skills

I've always struggled with this a bit. What is a skill, exactly? I found some clarity in The Quick Resume & Cover Letter Book.

Author J. Michael Farr identifies several types of skills, including job-related skills, basic skills, and "key transferable skills." For both types of skills, it's important to list them, but then provide justification to "back up" your assertion that your client has these skills.

Job-related skills are the ones the client needs to perform his/her job effectively.
For example--
Auto mechanic: tune engines, repair brakes
Accountant: create a general ledger

Basic skills include:

• Basic academic qualifications
• Accepting supervision
• Following instructions
• Getting along well with coworkers
• Meeting deadlines
• Punctuality
• Good work ethic
• Productivity
• Honesty

Key transferable skills include:

• Instructing others
• Public speaking
• Managing people
• Managing money/budgets
• Meeting the public
• Working effectively as part of a team
• Negotiating
• Organizing/managing projects
• Communicating orally and in writing
• Organizational effectiveness and leadership
• Self-motivation and goal setting
• Creative thinking and problem solving
  

You can also find relevant skills from job postings for the types of position the client is seeking. For example:

"Business management position requiring skills in problem solving, planning, organizing, and cost management."