16 Subject Matter Expert Skills for Your Career and Resume

A subject matter expert (SME) is a person who has a deep understanding of a particular topic or area of knowledge. SMEs are often called upon to provide their expertise to help solve problems, develop new products or processes, or train others in their area of expertise. If you want to become a subject matter expert, you need to develop a range of skills that will enable you to effectively share your knowledge with others.

Technical Writing

Technical writing is the ability to create documents that explain complex topics in a way that most people can understand. This skill is important for subject matter experts because it allows them to communicate their knowledge clearly and concisely. It also helps them develop training materials, which are an essential part of any job as a subject matter expert.

Grammar

Grammar is the proper use of punctuation, capitalization and spelling in written language. As a subject matter expert, you may be asked to review or edit documents for grammar errors. Having strong grammar skills can help you communicate more clearly with your audience and improve the quality of your work.

Problem Solving

Problem solving is the ability to identify and resolve issues. As a subject matter expert, you may encounter challenges when working with clients. For example, if they have trouble understanding your recommendations or implementing them, you can use problem-solving skills to help them overcome their obstacles. You can also use this skill to troubleshoot technical difficulties that arise during meetings.

Creating & Managing Documentation

As a subject matter expert, you may be responsible for creating and managing documentation that explains how to use the product or service your company offers. This can include manuals, guides, checklists and other types of written materials. You should have excellent writing skills so you can create clear instructions that are easy to understand. Your ability to manage this type of project is also important because it ensures all necessary information is available when needed.

Web Content Management

Web content management is the ability to create and edit web pages. This includes understanding how to use HTML, CSS and other coding languages to build a website. It also involves knowing how to write for the internet, including creating titles, subheadings and paragraphs that are easy to read on a computer screen.

Proofreading

Proofreading is the process of reviewing written work to ensure it’s free of errors. As a subject matter expert, you may be asked to review and edit documents for accuracy. This can include technical or scientific materials that require precision in language. Your ability to proofread effectively can help ensure your audience receives accurate information.

Working with SMEs

SMEs often work with subject matter experts to develop and implement solutions for clients. This collaboration can be beneficial because SMEs may have more experience in the industry or topic area than subject matter experts do, so they can help guide them through the process. Additionally, SMEs can provide valuable insight into what types of solutions are most effective for their clients.

Writing

Writing is a necessary skill for subject matter experts because it allows them to communicate their knowledge and expertise to others. This can include writing blog posts, articles or books about the topic they specialize in. It also means that these professionals are able to write instructions on how to use products or services related to their field.

Creating Training Materials

A subject matter expert can also be a trainer, and they may need to create training materials for their company. This requires them to have excellent writing skills so that they can explain complex topics in an easy-to-understand way. They should also know how to use software programs like PowerPoint or Prezi to create presentations that help trainees retain information more easily.

Project Management

Project management skills are important for SMEs because they can help you manage the various projects your company may assign to you. This includes scheduling meetings, creating project plans and assigning tasks to other team members. Having strong project management skills can also allow you to identify potential challenges in advance so that you can develop solutions before any issues arise.

Organization

Organization is the ability to keep track of files, documents and other information. As a subject matter expert, you may need to store and retrieve large amounts of data for your company or clients. Having strong organizational skills can help you find what you need quickly and efficiently. You may also be responsible for maintaining records and files for your organization, so having good organizational skills can help you stay on top of your responsibilities.

Communication

Communication is the ability to convey information in a way that others can understand. As a subject matter expert, you may need to communicate with clients and colleagues through email, phone calls or video conferencing software. Strong communication skills allow you to relay complex ideas clearly so that your audience understands them. You also need to be able to listen to questions and answer them thoroughly.

Leadership

Leadership skills can help you become a subject matter expert in your field. Leadership involves motivating and inspiring others to achieve goals, so it’s important for someone who works as a SME. You may also need leadership skills when training employees or teaching classes on topics like finance or marketing. Examples of leadership skills include planning, delegating tasks and providing feedback.

Public Speaking

Public speaking is the ability to speak in front of an audience. This skill can be useful for subject matter experts because it allows them to communicate their knowledge and ideas to a large group of people. Public speaking also requires confidence, which is another important aspect of being a subject matter expert.

AP Style

AP style is a set of rules for writing and editing text that ensures consistency in the use of punctuation, capitalization and other elements. It’s important to know AP style because it can help you ensure your content is written clearly and consistently. For example, if you’re working on an article about proper grammar, you might want to make sure all examples are written correctly.

Editing

Editing is the process of reviewing and correcting written content. As a subject matter expert, you may be asked to review or edit documents for accuracy and clarity. This skill can help ensure that your audience understands the information you provide. It’s also important to check your spelling and grammar when editing text so that you present yourself professionally.

How Can I Learn These Subject Matter Expert Skills?

There are a few ways that you can learn the Subject Matter Expert skills that are listed above. One way is to find a course or program that offers training in these specific skills. Another way is to read books or articles that cover these topics. You can also look for online resources that provide tips and advice on how to improve your writing, editing, and public speaking skills. Finally, you can try to find a mentor who is an expert in these areas and who can help guide you in your learning.