key business skills for resume

Soft Skills

11 minute read

How to Showcase Business Skills on Your Resume

Kat Boogaard

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You’re applying for a job, and you need to pull together a resume that showcases all of your impressive skills.

But here’s the problem: You’ve been staring at that blinking text cursor for five minutes, and the page is still totally blank.

You know you have a ton of different skills. You make the best pie crust you’ve ever tasted. You’re weirdly good at committing song lyrics to memory. You still have the high score in skee-ball at that corner pub. 

Unfortunately, you also know that those aren’t necessarily the job-related skills employers are looking for. When it comes to generating a long list of competencies that will prove you’re a no-brainer fit for that open role, you’re coming up short.

That’s where this guide comes in. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about business skills for resumes that hiring managers want, so that you can showcase all of the relevant know-how you bring to the table.

How can you know which skills are the most relevant? 

Yes, we could give you a list of skills that employers are hoping to see on your resume (and we’ll do that a little later!). However, it’s important to note that what hiring managers want to see can vary from company to company and from job to job.

That’s why this is an important first step when crafting your resume for a specific job application: take a fine-tooth comb to the job description .

Keep your eyes peeled for words and skills that the employer seems to emphasize. Are there any key terms that crop up again and again?

For example, do they emphasize being a “strong communicator” in a couple of different places? Have they called a lot of attention to the fact that you need to be able to collaborate with a team? Do most of the responsibilities have to do with Microsoft Excel ? Those are skills that you’ll want to inject into your own resume (provided that you honestly possess them, of course).

Remember that the goal of your resume is to prove that you’re a relevant fit and draw obvious parallels between what the job requires and what you possess.

That means you’re going to need to invest some elbow grease into tweaking your resume for each and every position you apply for so that it's clearly relevant to the job. 

What’s the difference between hard skills and soft skills?

As you’re digging into some different skills that you could include in your resume , you’re bound to come across these two terms: hard skills and soft skills .

Hard skills are the more technical or job-specific competencies you’ll need in order to do a job. Maybe you need to be an expert in Photoshop , or perhaps you need to know how to write in HTML . Those are hard skills, because they’ll be necessary and valuable in a very specific type of position. They’re also easier to quantify, demonstrate, and prove. 

In contrast, soft skills are more general competencies that could benefit you in a variety of positions. These could be things like organization, teamwork, communication, and more. They’re important, but they’re also tougher to measure—since they’re essentially a demonstration of how you function in the workplace.

Soft skills get a bad rap as resume fluff or buzzwords that hiring managers don’t pay any attention to. However, these types of skills really do matter. In one survey conducted by LinkedIn, 92% of talent professionals said that soft skills matter as much as hard skills when they’re making hiring decisions. 

Want to learn more?

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Where should you include your skills on your resume?

Here’s the short answer: everywhere. Your entire resume exists to showcase your skills, so you’ll want to incorporate them anywhere you can. But, below are a few places that you’ll want to make sure to showcase your most relevant capabilities.

1. Your professional summary

Not every resume needs to include a professional summary. But, if you’re making a career change, have been out of the workforce for a while, or even just want to provide a little more detail about your work experience beyond the confines of bullet points, a summary can help offer a little more context and fill in the gaps.

The professional summary has replaced the objective statement of the past, and it’s your chance to call attention to some of your most valuable and relevant attributes right upfront—especially since the summary goes right at the top of the document.

Here’s a peek at what a very simple professional summary could look like: 

Self-motivated and driven sales professional with eight years of experience and a knack for prospecting new clients and cold calling. Passionate communicator, active listener, and expert in Salesforce. Ability to thrive independently and in a team environment.

A summary like this one calls attention to a mix between hard skills and soft skills .

• Hard skills: Prospecting new clients, cold calling, Salesforce
• Soft skills: Self-motivation, communication, active listening, teamwork

It’s only three short sentence fragments, but goes a long way in shining a spotlight on some of your best, most impressive skills. 

2. Your key skills section

Duh, right? But seriously, a key skills section is one of the easiest places to tweak with different skills that are being asked for in the job description. So, you’ll definitely want to have one on your own document—because you can tailor your resume without having to re-do the whole thing!

Your key skills section is simply a bulleted list of the traits and expertise you’ll bring to the job. If you picked out certain important terms when you were evaluating the job description, you’ll want to include those here exactly as they were listed in the description. This is helpful if the employer has an applicant tracking system (ATS) in place that’s scanning for pre-set keywords.

You can use a key skills section instead of or in addition to your summary (again, a summary isn’t required!). 

If you were going to opt to use a key skills section instead of the summary example we listed above, then it might look like this:

• Client Prospecting
• Cold Calling
• Communication
• Active Listening 

3. Your employment history

There’s a big difference between saying that you possess certain skills and actually proving that you do . That’s why the bulleted responsibilities you include under your previous positions is a great place to showcase what you’re capable of in a less straightforward (but equally impactful) way. 

For example, if you wanted to prove your knack for cold calling, maybe you’d include a bullet under your most recent position that says something like:

• Successfully researched and cold-called up to 20 prospective per month, increasing our total client revenue by 45% in a three-month period. 

See? You’re still calling attention to an important hard skill (cold calling), while backing it up with some quantifiable evidence that you really are good at that. 

5 of the best soft skills to put on your resume

Alright, so we’ve laid the groundwork and now your wheels are turning with all sorts of hard and soft skills you could incorporate into your own resume.

If you need some more creative inspiration , we’ve pulled together some more impressive business skills for your resume here. 

But first, an important note: these skills are impressive, but only if you’re truthful about what you do and don’t possess. If you don’t consider yourself a particularly skilled communicator, then don’t list it on your resume just because you see it included here.

As with anything, honesty is always the best policy—especially when hiring managers will quickly see through any fibs you’ve told or exaggerations you’ve made. 

1. Communication

You’ve heard that communication is key, and hiring managers think so too. In one survey about what employers were looking for in business school graduates, communication skills were cited as the most important skill. So, if you’re a strong communicator—whether it’s written or verbal communication, or both—make sure you all attention to that on your resume. 

2. Teamwork and collaboration

Nobody works in isolation, which is probably why 75% of employers rate teamwork and collaboration as “very important.” Whether you’re in a traditional office or in a remote work environment, you’re going to need to collaborate with others. Make sure to point out that you not only can work with other people, but that you actually enjoy doing so. 

3. Problem-solving

Wouldn’t the working world be a dream if everything went according to plan and you never hit any snags? Unfortunately, that’s hardly ever reality. Surprises crop up in the workplace, and you’re going to need to be able to problem solve and make decisions. This is a skill you’ll definitely want to back up with examples—whether through your previous job responsibilities or by talking about times you overcame challenges in job interviews. 

4. Time management

When you’re on the job, you’re going to need to be able to juggle numerous priorities and manage your own time effectively. Leaders don’t want to feel like they need to constantly monitor and micromanage you in order to make sure you’re getting your work done—which is why they tend to look for candidates who are strong time managers. 

5. Leadership

Even if you aren’t applying for a management position or supervisory role, employers still look for applicants who have leadership skills . These types of candidates are able to spearhead their own projects, follow through on their goals, and overall serve as positive examples for the rest of their team members. 

Move your resume to the “to be interviewed” pile 

Applying for jobs is nerve-racking, and you want to do everything you can to separate yourself from the competition and increase your chances of scoring an interview (and hopefully the job!).

Well, your skills are a big piece of that puzzle. But, knowing just what relevant skills to include on your own document (you know, besides that skee-ball high score) can be a challenge.

Use this post as your guide, and you’re one step closer to landing on the right competencies that will prove you’re a no-brainer fit for that open role (and keeps your resume far away from the recycling bin).

Once you've got your skills down, try our selection of free Word resume templates for a professional, stylish resume sure to impress potential employers.

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Kat is a writer specializing in creating online content for software clients in the training, careers, self-development, human resources, productivity, project management, and business ownership spaces. Her content has been published and/or syndicated by brands such as The New York Times, Forbes, Fast Company, Inc., Business Insider, TIME, Mashable, and LifeHacker. Beyond writing, she has had roles in marketing, public relations, and has worked as an employment advisor. When she escapes her computer, she enjoys reading, hiking, golfing, and dishing out tips for prospective freelancers on her website. . Find her on Linkedin here.

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Resume builder

Top 60 Business Skills for a Resume

Are you looking to elevate your resume and stand out in the competitive job market? Look no further!

In this article, we will guide you through the top business skills that employers are looking for and provide you with practical tips on how to showcase them in your resume.

From hard skills to soft skills, we have got you covered.

With our expert guidance, you will be able to craft a winning resume that highlights your business skills and catches the eye of potential employers.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Finance Skills

Finance skills are vital for businesses to effectively manage their financial resources. These skills include budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, investment analysis, and cash flow management.

They help companies to make informed decisions about their financial future, reduce financial risks, and maximize profits. These skills are valuable for a wide range of roles within a business, from accounting and finance to project management and operations.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in financial analysis and advising will grow by 15% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.

Including finance skills on your resume shows your ability to manage financial resources, which is highly valued in the business world.

Budgeting involves creating and managing a financial plan for a business or project.

“Developed and managed a $1 million annual budget for a non-profit organization.”

Financial Forecasting

Financial forecasting is the process of predicting future financial performance based on past and present data.

“Conducted financial forecasting and analysis, resulting in a 15% increase in revenue for a retail company.”

Financial Analysis

Financial analysis involves evaluating financial data to make informed business decisions.

“Created financial analysis and provided recommendations for cost savings, resulting in a 10% reduction in expenses for a manufacturing company.”

Investment Analysis

Investment analysis is about evaluating investment opportunities to determine their potential return and risk.

“Conducted investment analysis and recommended investment opportunities, increasing portfolio value for a financial services company by 20%.”

Cash Flow Management

Cash flow management involves managing the inflow and outflow of cash to ensure the business has enough liquidity.

“Developed and implemented cash flow management strategies, resulting in a 30% increase in cash reserves for a small business.”

Cost Analysis

Cost analysis involves evaluating the costs of a product or service to determine its profitability.

“Developed cost analysis and implemented pricing strategies, increasing profits for a SAAS company by 20%.”

Accounting involves recording, classifying, and summarizing financial transactions to provide accurate financial information.

“Managed all accounting functions, which resulted in accurate and timely financial reporting for a healthcare organization.”

Financial Modeling

Financial modeling involves creating mathematical models to forecast financial performance.

“Developed financial models to support strategic decision-making, resulting in a 10% increase in revenue for a software company.”

Risk Management

Risk management involves identifying and managing potential risks that could impact a business or project.

“Supervised risk management strategies, which reduced project delays for a construction company by 50%.”

Financial Reporting

Financial reporting involves preparing and presenting financial information to stakeholders.

“Prepared financial statements and reports for quarterly board meetings, resulting in informed decision-making for a non-profit organization.”

Project Management Skills

Project management skills are essential for organizations to deliver projects on time, within budget, and with the desired outcomes. They involve the ability to plan, organize, and execute projects effectively.

Project management skills include agile methodology, Scrum framework, project planning, resource management, and more. These skills are valuable for project managers, team leaders, and anyone involved in executing projects.

By 2027, there will be a need for 88 million employees with project management skills, according to PMI.

Including project management skills on your resume shows your ability to manage projects effectively, which is highly valued by employers.

Agile Methodology

Agile methodology refers to a project management approach that emphasizes iterative development and flexibility in responding to changes in requirements. Demonstrating experience with Agile methodology can involve listing specific Agile techniques used, such as user stories or sprint retrospectives.

“Facilitated weekly stand-up meetings to track progress and adjust project’s scope according to Agile principles.”

Scrum Framework

Scrum framework is a specific methodology within Agile that focuses on empowering teams to self-organize and make decisions. Demonstrating Scrum skills can involve listing specific Scrum ceremonies participated in, such as sprint planning or backlog refinement.

“Led daily Scrum ceremonies and facilitated sprint planning sessions to prioritize tasks and ensure team alignment with project goals.”

Project Planning

Project planning involves developing a comprehensive plan for a project, including defining scope, objectives, timelines, and resources needed. Demonstrating project planning skills can involve listing specific project management tools used, such as Gantt charts or resource allocation software.

“Developed and maintained detailed project plans using MS Project, ensuring timely completion of project milestones and deliverables.”

Resource Management

Resource management involves allocating, managing, and optimizing resources to maximize efficiency and achieve project goals. An example of demonstrating this skill on a resume could be:

“Successfully executed a resource allocation strategy that led to a 9% increase in productivity.”

Risk management involves identifying, assessing, and controlling potential risks to minimize negative impacts on the project.

“Devised a comprehensive risk management plan that minimized project risks by 22%.”

Project Scheduling

Project scheduling involves creating and maintaining a project schedule to ensure timely completion.

“Oversaw a team in establishing a project schedule and completing the project two weeks before the deadline.”

Change Management

Change management involves managing the process of change within a project or organization.

“Formulated and executed a change management plan that boosted employee adoption.”

Project Budgeting

Project budgeting involves creating and managing a project budget to ensure that resources are used effectively.

“Managed a project budget of $500,000, completing the project within budget and achieving a 10% cost savings.”

Stakeholder Management

Stakeholder management is the process of identifying, analyzing, and planning communication with stakeholders to ensure their needs and expectations are met. Effective stakeholder management can result in increased support and buy-in from stakeholders.

“Developed and executed a stakeholder engagement plan, resulting in a 25% increase in stakeholder satisfaction scores.”

Project Communication

Project communication is the process of exchanging information and ideas between team members and stakeholders to ensure everyone is informed and aligned. Good project communication can help build trust, reduce misunderstandings, and avoid delays.

“Implemented regular project status updates, reducing stakeholder inquiries by 15%.”

Technical Skills

Technical skills are crucial for businesses to leverage technology and stay competitive in today’s fast-paced digital world. They help businesses to analyze data, create engaging websites, secure their networks, and develop innovative products and services.

Technical skills are valuable for a wide range of roles within a business, from marketing and sales to operations and finance. Including technical business skills for a resume shows your ability to work with technology, which is highly valued in the modern business world.

Data Analysis

Data analysis involves collecting, processing, and performing statistical analysis on data to derive insights and make data-driven decisions. Proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques can enable a person to uncover trends and patterns in data. Collaborating with data warehouse consultants can further enhance the efficiency of data analysis by streamlining data integration and ensuring accuracy.

“By utilizing multivariate regression analysis, we were able to pinpoint the main catalysts behind customer churn, ultimately leading to a notable 15% decrease in churn rate.”

Data Visualization

Data visualization is the representation of data in a graphical or pictorial format, making it easier to understand and interpret. Effective data visualization skills can help convey complex information in a clear and concise manner.

“Developed an interactive dashboard using Tableau, reducing time to interpret data by 20%.”

SQL, a programming language primarily used for the management and manipulation of relational databases, has become increasingly important in modern data management. Knowledge of SQL can help individuals extract data from databases and perform various operations on them.

“Developed complex SQL queries to extract data from multiple tables, reducing data retrieval time by 30%.”

Python is a general-purpose programming language used for data analysis, machine learning, and web development. Proficiency in Python can enable a person to build complex data-driven applications.

“Built a machine learning model using Python, which improved prediction accuracy by 25%.”

JavaScript is a programming language used for building interactive web applications. Knowledge of JavaScript can enable a person to build dynamic and responsive web applications.

“Created user-friendly web applications using React.js and JavaScript, resulting in a 40% increase in user engagement.”

HTML/CSS are markup languages used for creating and styling web pages. Proficiency in HTML/CSS can enable a person to build responsive and visually appealing web pages.

“Developed a website using HTML/CSS, resulting in a 30% increase in website traffic.”

UX (User Experience)

UX (User Experience) design is the process of designing products that are easy to use, engaging, and meet users’ needs. Knowledge of UX design can help a person create user-friendly and intuitive products.

“Through conducting user research and developing wireframes, we were able to achieve higher levels of user satisfaction.”

UI (User Interface)

UI (User Interface) design is the process of designing the visual layout and elements of a product. Proficiency in UI design can help a person create visually appealing and cohesive products.

“The design of our mobile app’s user interface was optimized, ultimately resulting in a noteworthy 20% increase in app downloads.”

Network Security

Network security involves implementing security measures to protect networks and systems from unauthorized access and cyber attacks. Knowledge of network security can help a person ensure the safety and integrity of data.

“Through the implementation of access controls and firewall configuration, we were able to achieve a significant 11% reduction in network security incidents.”

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing encompasses the delivery of a range of computing services, including software, databases, storage, and servers, over the internet. Acquiring expertise in cloud computing can facilitate the development and implementation of scalable and dependable cloud-based systems.

“Following the transition of our legacy systems to a cloud-based infrastructure, we succeeded in reducing operational costs by a noteworthy 20%.”

Soft Skills

Soft skills are essential for businesses to build positive relationships, promote teamwork, and improve overall performance. These skills include leadership, communication, time management, and much more.

They help businesses to create a positive work environment, improve employee morale, and foster innovation. Soft skills are valuable for a wide range of roles within a business, from customer service and sales to management and executive positions.

Including soft skills on your resume shows your ability to work effectively with others, which is highly valued in the business world.

Here’s are the top soft business skills for a resume:

Leadership is the ability to guide and motivate a team towards achieving a common goal. Being able to inspire and influence others is a highly valued skill in any industry. To showcase your leadership skills on a resume, you can mention examples of times when you took charge of a project or led a team to success.

Communication

Effective communication involves the ability to listen actively, express ideas clearly, and respond appropriately. Being able to communicate with colleagues, customers, and stakeholders is crucial in any job. To demonstrate your communication skills , mention examples of times when you e ffectively communicated a complex idea or resolved a conflict through clear communication.

Time Management

Time management involves the ability to prioritize tasks, set goals, and meet deadlines. Employers value individuals who can effectively manage their time and work efficiently. To demonstrate time management skills, you can mention examples of times when you successfully completed a project ahead of schedule or implemented a new system to streamline workflows.

Teamwork involves the ability to collaborate with others towards achieving a common goal.

75% of employers rate teamwork and collaboration as “very important” when hiring, making it the top-ranked skill in demand by employers.

Being able to work effectively in a team is important in any industry. To show your teamwork skills, you can mention examples of times when you contributed to a team project or collaborated with colleagues to solve a problem .

Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution involves the ability to identify, address, and resolve conflicts in a professional and constructive manner. Being able to manage conflicts effectively is important in any work environment. To demonstrate your conflict resolution skills, you can mention examples of times when you successfully resolved a conflict with a colleague or customer and maintained a positive relationship .

Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills are the ability to build positive relationships with others. Strong interpersonal and networking skills are crucial in almost any workplace and include traits like empathy, respect, and active listening. To present interpersonal skills on a resume, mention any team-building activities you’ve led or participated in.

Creativity is the ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions. A creative individual can generate new ideas, take risks, and approach challenges from unique angles. To present creativity on a resume, highlight any projects or initiatives you’ve spearheaded that required you to think creatively.

Problem-solving

Problem-solving is the ability to identify and resolve issues efficiently. A strong problem solver can analyze data, brainstorm solutions, and implement a plan to fix the problem. To demonstrate problem-solving skills on a resume, highlight any specific problems you’ve solved and the results of your solutions .

Adaptability

Adaptability is the ability to adjust to new circumstances and situations. A person with strong adaptability skills can stay calm and focused when plans change, and can quickly pivot to a new direction. To showcase adaptability on a resume, mention any times you’ve had to adapt to new procedures or situations in a previous job.

Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is the ability to focus on the small things that matter. Someone with strong attention to detail can spot errors and inconsistencies, ensuring that everything is accurate and precise. To present attention to detail on a resume, highlight any projects or tasks you’ve completed that required a high level of accuracy and precision .

Marketing Skills

Marketing skills are crucial for businesses to attract and retain customers, promote their products and services, and grow their market share.

They help businesses to create compelling marketing campaigns, generate leads, and convert prospects into customers. Marketing skills are valuable for marketing and sales roles within a business, as well as for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Here are the top marketing business skills for a resume:

Brand Management

Brand management is the process of creating, developing, and maintaining a brand’s identity and reputation. Knowledge of brand management can help a person build and promote a strong brand image.

“Developed brand strategy and increased brand awareness by 25% within six months.”

Market Research

Market research is the process of collecting and analyzing data about a market, including customer needs, preferences, and behaviors. Knowledge of market research can help a person identify market trends and make informed business decisions.

Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is the use of digital channels, such as social media, email, and search engines, to promote products or services. Proficiency in digital marketing can enable a person to create and implement effective online marketing campaigns.

“Managed social media accounts and increased engagement by 30% within three months.”

Content Creation

Content creation is the process of creating and sharing valuable and relevant content, such as articles, videos, and infographics, to attract and engage a target audience. Knowledge of content creation can help a person develop engaging and effective marketing materials.

“Over the course of six months, we generated blog content that led to a remarkable 20% increase in website traffic.”

SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the practice of enhancing a website’s content and structure to attain higher rankings on search engine results pages. Adeptness in SEO can help individuals amplify website visibility and draw in greater organic traffic.

“We created and executed a customer service training initiative that led to an impressive 20% upsurge in customer satisfaction ratings.”

Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing involves creating and executing marketing campaigns on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

“Increased Instagram engagement by 25% through targeted social media ads and influencer partnerships.”

Marketing Analytics

Marketing analytics involves using data to analyze marketing performance and make informed decisions.

“Developed and implemented marketing analytics strategy resulting in a 15% increase in website traffic and a 10% increase in conversion rate.”

Sales Funnel Management

Sales funnel management is the process of optimizing the stages of a sales funnel to increase conversions.

“Managed sales funnel for a B2B SaaS company resulting in a 20% increase in leads and a 15% increase in sales.”

Email Marketing

Email marketing involves creating and sending marketing emails to a targeted audience.

“Increased email open rates by 30% through A/B testing and personalized email content.”

Event Planning

Event planning involves organizing and executing events to promote a product or service.

“Planned and executed a successful product launch event with over 200 attendees resulting in a 50% increase in sales within the first month.”

Operations Skills

Operations skills are essential for businesses to manage their resources, optimize their processes, and deliver products and services efficiently. These skills include supply chain management, logistics, and they help businesses to reduce costs, improve quality, and deliver value to their customers.

Operations skills are valuable for a wide range of roles within a business, from operations and supply chain management to finance and marketing.

Supply Chain Management

Supply chain management involves the coordination and management of activities involved in the production and delivery of goods or services.

“Implemented a new inventory management system, reducing stock-outs by 25% and improving order fulfillment by 20%.”

Logistics involves the planning and coordination of the movement of goods or services.

“Reduced transportation costs by 15% through route optimization and renegotiating contracts with logistics providers.”

Process Improvement

Process improvement involves identifying and improving inefficient processes within a company.

“Led a team to implement Lean methodology in manufacturing, resulting in a 30% reduction in waste and a 15% increase in production efficiency.”

Lean Methodology

Lean methodology involves the elimination of waste and streamlining of processes to improve efficiency.

“By incorporating Lean Six Sigma principles and a Kanban system in our manufacturing process, we were able to diminish lead time by 20%.”

Quality Control

Quality control refers to the procedures involved in ensuring that products or services meet or exceed customer expectations.

“Our implementation of a new and innovative quality control system resulted in a significant decrease of 50% in defects and customer complaints.”

Six Sigma is a set of quality management methods that use data and statistical analysis to identify and eliminate defects in processes.

“Implemented Six Sigma methodology resulting in a 25% reduction in defects within the production line.”

Inventory Management

Inventory management involves tracking and controlling a company’s inventory levels to optimize costs and ensure availability of stock.

“Implemented new inventory management system reducing inventory holding costs by 15%.”

Customer Service

Customer service involves providing support and assistance to customers before, during, and after a purchase.

“Developed and implemented a customer service training program resulting in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction scores.”

Vendor Management

Vendor management involves managing relationships with suppliers to ensure the timely delivery of goods and services.

“Negotiated new contracts with vendors resulting in a 10% reduction in costs and improved delivery times.”

Facilities Management

Facilities management involves overseeing the maintenance and operation of a company’s buildings and equipment.

“Implemented preventive maintenance program resulting in a 30% reduction in equipment downtime and repair costs.”

How to List Business Skills on a Resume

When it comes to crafting an effective resume, highlighting your business skills on a resume is essential. It can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your value to potential employers. However, it’s important to present your business skills in a clear, concise, and compelling way that showcases your expertise and ability to contribute to the organization. Here are a few tips to help you list your business skills on your resume.

• Identify the specific skills that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. This may involve reviewing the job description and researching the company to understand the skills they value most.
• Organize your skills into categories such as leadership, communication, financial management, project management, and so on. Within each category, list your skills in order of importance, with the most critical skills listed first.
• Use bullet points to describe your experience and accomplishments that demonstrate your mastery of each skill. By following these steps, you can present your business skills in a way that is clear, concise, and compelling, helping you stand out from other applicants and land your dream job.

Where to Include Business Skills on a Resume

There are several places where you can include your business skills on a resume, depending on the format and layout you choose. Here are some options to consider:

Skills section: One of the most common ways to list your business skills is to create a dedicated skills section, just like the contact information section, near the top of your resume. Here, you can list your skills in bullet points or in a table format, making it easy for employers to quickly scan and identify your strengths.

Job descriptions: Another way to highlight your business skills is to incorporate them into the descriptions of your previous job roles. For example, you can include specific accomplishments or responsibilities that demonstrate your proficiency in areas like financial analysis, project management, or strategic planning.

Cove r letter: If you’re submitting a cover letter along with your resume, you can also include a brief section that highlights your most relevant business skills. This can help to reinforce your qualifications and demonstrate your fit for the role.

How to Tailor Your Business Skills to the Job

Tailoring your business skills to the job you’re applying for is an important step in creating a strong and effective resume. Here are some tips to help you do this:

• Review the job description: Read through the job description carefully to identify the specific skills and qualifications that are required for the role. Look for keywords and phrases that indicate the types of business skills that are most important.
• Identify your relevant skills: Once you’ve reviewed the job description, make a list of the business skills you possess that are most relevant to the role. Focus on skills that you have experience with, and that you can demonstrate through specific examples from your work history.
• Prioritize your skills: Next, prioritize your list of skills based on their relevance to the job. Put the most important skills at the top of your list and make sure they’re prominently displayed on your resume.
• Use examples: When describing your business skills on your resume, use specific examples from your work history to illustrate how you’ve applied those skills in a professional setting. This will help to demonstrate your expertise and make your resume more compelling.
• Be concise: While it’s important to showcase your business skills on your resume, it’s also important to be concise and to-the-point. Focus on the most important skills and avoid overwhelming the reader with too much information.

Resume Example for a Business Position

Emily Johnson Seattle, WA 98101 (555) 555-1234 [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/emily-johnson-example SUMMARY Highly motivated and results-driven Business Administration professional with over 5 years of experience in project management, process improvement, and financial analysis. Proven track record of delivering strategic solutions to improve organizational performance and profitability. Skilled in data analysis and interpretation, with experience using Excel, Tableau, and other data visualization tools. Strong communicator and team player with excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach. WORK EXPERIENCE Business Analyst – ABC Company, Seattle, WA June 2019 – Present Conducted financial analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities, resulting in a 10% reduction in operational expenses. Developed and implemented process improvements to increase efficiency and streamline operations, resulting in a 20% increase in productivity. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify and address key business challenges and opportunities, resulting in improved organizational performance. Project Coordinator – XYZ Corporation, Bellevue, WA September 2017 – June 2019 Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely and accurate completion of deliverables. Coordinated project activities with cross-functional teams, including IT, finance, and operations, resulting in successful project outcomes. Developed and maintained project plans, timelines, and budgets, ensuring project goals were achieved within established parameters. Customer Service Representative – Acme Corporation, Seattle, WA May 2015 – September 2017 Provided excellent customer service to a diverse customer base, resulting in high customer satisfaction ratings. Resolved customer complaints and issues in a timely and professional manner, ensuring customer retention and loyalty. Collaborated with team members to identify and implement process improvements, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity. EDUCATION Bachelor of Business Administration – University of Washington, Seattle, WA 2011-2015 Major in Business Administration Minor in Accounting SKILLS Project Management Financial Analysis Process Improvement Data Analysis and Interpretation Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) Tableau Interpersonal Skills Teamwork and Collaboration

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101 Essential Skills to Put on a Resume in 2024 [For Most Jobs]

Skills make a huge chunk of a potential employer’s decision to hire you. 

You might think this section of your resume is easy - you just list your skills and you’re good to go.

But listing your skills the right way is a bit trickier.

How do you know if you’re mentioning the necessary skills for the job or if you’re just giving the hiring manager irrelevant information? 

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

In this guide, we’re going to walk you through the process of putting skills on your resume from start to finish.

You’re going to learn:

What Are the Different Types of Skills?

• Why Should You List Your Skills on Your Resume?
• How to List Skills on a Resume
• 12 Best Skills to Put on Any Resume 
• 400+ Skills to Put on a Resume for Different Professions

Let’s dive in!

Skills are the various abilities and attributes that you bring to the table when you’re applying for a job.

Your skills can be your ability to do a specific task or solve a problem with some level of proficiency, and they’re typically divided into hard skills and soft skills.

If you want to create an effective resume that catches the hiring manager’s attention, you need to mention both hard and soft skills.

Let’s break down what each means:

Hard Skills

Hard skills involve the technical knowledge or know-how one can gain through experience, training, or education. 

While hard skills are essential for completing tasks in just about any job, they’re also teachable and easily measurable. 

For example: 

• Machinery skills. Some fields require operating specialized machinery or equipment. (E.g., operating a road roller, pallet-stalker, forklift, or others.)
• Software skills. Depending on the field, you need to know how to use different software, such as the Adobe Creative Suite for designers or the Ableton Live Suite if you’re a DJ.
• Tools. If you’re a digital marketer , you’ll need to know how to use tools like Stethoscope, Google Search Console, Google Analytics, Ahrefs, and SEMrush.
• Languages. Being able to communicate in more than one language is an extremely useful skill. The more customers or teams you can communicate with, the more valuable you are as an employee. Some of the most sought-after languages today include German, Chinese, Spanish, and Arabic.
• Computer skills. Most jobs will require that you have at least some basic computer knowledge in MS Office and G-Suite, emailing, and presentations. If you’re a web developer , your hard skills will likely include more specialized software knowledge or proficiency in coding languages such as Python, C++, or PHP.
• Techniques. Different specialized techniques you’ve learned can be listed as individual skills. (E.g.: frequency analysis, crystallization, gamification, or even CPR and first aid.)
• Mathematics. A lot of professions, such as accounting and finance, require mathematical skills. If you’re applying for a position in a field that uses advanced mathematics, such as a research assistant , you should be more specific with the types of mathematical skills you have. (E.g.: statistics, trigonometry, calculus, algebra, etc.)
• Data analysis. Businesses are always looking for professionals who can gather and analyze data for various stakeholders and help make strategic decisions, making different types of data analysis a very in-demand hard skill.

…so, just about any field-specific skill is a hard skill you can list on your resume.

Soft Skills

The attributes and habits that describe how you work individually or with others are known as soft skills .

Generally speaking, soft skills aren’t job-specific, so they’re transferable skills that indirectly help you adapt to the work environment and company culture. 

Some examples of the most in-demand soft skills include: 

• Time management
• Communication
• Adaptability
• Problem-solving
• Interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail
• Emotional intelligence
• Conflict resolution
• Stress management
• Critical thinking
• Organization

Soft skills are essential for just about any job out there.

While some soft skills can be critical to doing your job well, such as communication with a customer support representative , others ensure that you get along with your coworkers and foster a positive work environment.

Like hard skills, you can also learn how to develop soft skills, but it’s significantly harder. 

While you can acquire computer skills through a technical course, you’ll need to put in a lot more effort to develop your communication skills. 

For example, you would need to practice active listening in the workplace, learn how to notice nonverbal cues and practice your oral communication skills as much as possible to improve.

What’s the Difference Between Hard Skills and Soft Skills?

There are three main differences between hard skills and soft skills.

• How you obtain them. You can obtain hard skills through work experience , education, training, and certifications. Soft skills, on the other hand, can be gained through life experience, both in and out of work.
• How you use them. While you apply hard skills directly to the job, soft skills usually come into play indirectly and may often complement your hard skills. For example, you may be a communicative marketer or an office manager with great leadership qualities.
• How you list them. Hard skills and soft skills should be listed separately on your resume, but unlike soft skills, hard skills can include your level of proficiency. You can say you’re an advanced user of Adobe Photoshop, but you can’t measure how creative you are in the same way.

When it comes to your employability, both sets of skills are crucial for your resume.

If a hiring manager is on the fence about two candidates with the same hard skills, it’s the soft skills that are going to tip the scales in someone’s favor.

Why Should You List Skills on Your Resume?

The skills section is one of the two most important resume sections , with the other being your work experience.

In fact, 41% of hiring managers notice skills on your resume first.

Let’s look at an example of a well-written skill section:

At first glance, listing some skills on your resume looks easy.

In reality, though, putting skills on your resume the right way is a bit more nuanced than that, and here’s why:

Most companies nowadays use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to help them go through the hundreds and thousands of resumes they receive every day.

This software scans your resume for keywords relevant to the job you’re applying for, and if it doesn’t find them, the ATS automatically rejects your resume.

For example, let’s say you’re applying for a job as a software engineer , and the job requires an expert level of proficiency in Javascript.

If you focus on other programming languages and don’t mention Java as a skill on your resume, the ATS will probably discard it immediately.

Resume statistics show that nearly 75% of resumes are rejected at this first screening stage, and they never make it to a hiring manager .

But let’s assume the company doesn’t use an ATS, and your resume ends up on a hiring manager’s desk.

There’s a good chance the hiring manager is only going to skim through your resume in less than six seconds , looking for the right set of skills.

So, regardless of whether you’ll need to breeze past the ATS or the hiring manager, you have to mention the right skills.

How to List Skills on a Resume (And Stand Out)

Now that you have a clear understanding of how important skills are, let’s talk about how you should list them on your resume.

We’ve divided the process into a step-by-step guide you can follow, starting with:

#1. Tailor Your Skills to the Job

The key to an effective skills section is making sure the skills you list are relevant to the job.

For example, if you’re applying for a job as a backend developer, the customer service skills you gained working as a server during college don’t belong on your resume.

So, only list skills that are useful for the job you are applying for.

Start by thoroughly reading the job advertisement to find out what skills to include on your resume.

Job ads usually list a set of requirements or skills they expect from candidates. Take note of which skills and experiences you have, and remember to write them down on your resume.

Let’s look at an example of a job ad for a line cook position in a restaurant:

At Restaurant X, we are dedicated to delivering an exceptional dining experience that reflects the heart of French cuisine. We are currently seeking a skilled Line Cook to join our team for the summer season. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced, prestigious environment under the mentorship of our acclaimed chef.

Key Responsibilities:

• Efficiently prep ingredients for service, ensuring high standards of quality and freshness.
• Execute recipes to exact standards, contributing to the creation of signature dishes that delight our guests.
• Maintain meticulous attention to detail in the plating and presentation of each dish.
• Uphold the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitation in the kitchen before, during, and after service.

Requirements:

• Proven experience as a line cook in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• A passion for French cuisine and a strong desire to learn and grow within the culinary field.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Knowledge of best practices for food handling, safety, and sanitation.

From this job description, we can see that the restaurant is looking for someone who:

• Is committed to excellence and is highly professional
• Works well under supervision and as part of a team
• Has experience working in a fast-paced kitchen environment
• Pays great attention to detail when it comes to cooking and presentation

Based on this, some of the skills you should definitely mention in your resume include:

• Culinary Expertise
• Food Preparation
• Knife Skills
• Plating Techniques
• Time Management
• Attention to Detail
• Safety and Sanitation
• Stress Management

Don’t mention skills that aren’t directly related to the job. For example, a line cook doesn’t need to list computer skills on their resume, even if those skills are relevant for most other jobs.

#2. Create a Skills Section

Once you’ve identified all the right skills to add to your resume, create a dedicated “Skills” section to list them under.

A dedicated section will help you pass the ATS, and it makes it easier for hiring managers to find the skills they’re looking for.

Here’s an example of what a skills section can look like on a resume:

We recommend keeping your resume skills section somewhere near the top of the page so that the hiring manager can see it quickly. Usually, they should go either next to or after the work experience section, depending on your resume layout .

Next, here are a few tips you should keep in mind when listing your skills:

• Be specific. “Verbal and written communication” sounds significantly better than just “communication.” 
• Sort your skills by relevance. Order your skills based on how crucial they are for the role. The more important skills should go at the top, and the nice-to-have ones should go after them.
• Format skills accordingly. Not everyone has dozens of skills they can show off on their resume, and that’s okay. If you don’t have a lot of skills, you can list both your hard and soft skills in a single section, just like the example we used above.
• Don’t lie or exaggerate. If you don’t have one of the required skills for the role or you’re not very experienced, just be honest. It goes without saying that you should never lie about what you can do. The employer will find out you lied eventually, your professional reputation will bear the consequences, and you could even lose your job.

#3. Match Each Skill With Your Proficiency Level

While some skills are hard to measure, others can be put on a proficiency scale .

We recommend only using a proficiency scale for some hard skills, such as specific tools or software programs. Soft skills are difficult to measure objectively, so there’s no point in putting them on a scale.

Here’s how to show your proficiency level:

• Beginner. You are just starting to learn this skill, or you haven’t practiced the skill through experience. This usually applies to students with no experience who only understand concepts through theories or classroom experience.
• Intermediate. You have applied this skill in practice, and you rarely need help with it, but you still have room to grow.
• Advanced. At this level, you know your stuff. You don’t need help with this skill anymore, and you can teach beginners how to use it.
• Expert. You’re a recognized authority when it comes to this skill, and you’re the go-to person if anyone has any questions.

#4. Back-Up Your Skills in Other Resume Sections

Only listing your skills in their dedicated section will get you so far. After all, everyone else is doing the exact same thing. 

If you want to take your resume from good to great, you need your most critical skills to make an impression from the get-go.

This is where the resume headline and work experience sections come in.

Resume Headline

Your resume headline can be either a resume summary or a resume objective.

The resume summary is a short, two to four-sentence-long paragraph that summarizes your resume. When done right, it shows the hiring manager your strongest selling points as a candidate right from the start.

Here’s an example in action:

But if you don’t have a lot of experience, you can use a resume objective instead.

The resume objective is a two to three-sentence statement of your career intent that goes at the top of your resume. It can include a snapshot of your professional experience, skills, achievements, and professional goals.

Here’s what it looks like:

Both the resume summary and resume objective go at the top of your resume, either before or after your contact information section .

Regardless of which resume headline you go for, the goal of this section is to pique the hiring manager’s curiosity and make them want to read your whole resume. You should always add one or two of the most necessary skills from the job description here.

Work Experience

Once you’ve mentioned some of your top skills in your resume headline, you have to prove you actually have them.

The best way to do that is by listing some impressive achievements in your work experience section and explaining how your skills helped you.

Let’s look at what the work experience section could look like for the data entry specialist from our resume summary example:

• Achieve a 99% accuracy rate, surpassing departmental accuracy goals by 15%.
• Leveraged advanced organizational abilities to streamline data entry processes, reducing task completion times by 20%.
• Employed superior communication and interpersonal skills to resolve 95% of customer inquiries on the first contact, earning an Employee of the Month award.
• Managed and maintained a complex database of over 10,000 records, ensuring data integrity and accuracy through effective office management practices.

Hobbies and Interests

Another section where you can back up your skills is your hobbies and interests section .

If you have leftover space on your resume, you can use this optional section to list a couple of hobbies or areas of interest that relate to your skills.

For example, let’s say you’re applying for a job as a writer, and the ad says you need to be creative, collaborative, and familiar with pop culture.

In that case, if one of your hobbies is playing a popular tabletop role-playing game with your friends, like Dungeons and Dragons, make sure to list it.

A hobby like that shows that you are genuinely creative, like writing for fun, and are capable of organizing with multiple people for a mutual goal.

#5. Put Transferable Skills to Use 

If you’re looking for your first job or if you’re making a career change , transferable skills are something you should make use of.

Transferable skills are skills that aren’t directly related to the job you are applying for, but they’re still useful and likely relevant for most jobs.

For example, if you're writing a career change resume and you’re going from a role as a sales associate to a copywriter, there are several transferable skills you can list on your resume.

Some of them include:

• Written communication. Both roles involve communicating through text. A salesperson needs to send cold outreach emails, while a copywriter has to write newsletter emails.
• Persuasion. A copywriter needs to create copy that drives sales, while a salesperson needs to be persuasive in person.
• Computer skills. Both jobs require some degree of computer literacy. For a salesperson, that might mean using Customer Management Software, while for a copywriter, that’s publishing content online.

12 Best Skills to Put on Any Resume

Now that you know how to put skills on your resume, it’s time to talk about which skills you should add.

Every profession requires some role-specific hard skills. For example, a photographer needs to know how to use photo editing software like Photoshop. 

But when it comes to soft skills, a lot of them are universal across different industries.

Soft skills are the skills that define your approach to work, how well you cooperate with others, and if you can fit into a company’s culture.

And while the right soft skills for a job may be harder to point out, they’re just as essential in today’s job market. In fact, 93% of employers say that soft skills play a critical role in the hiring decision.

There are very few, if any, jobs out there that don’t require at least some level of communication skills .

So, let’s look at some of the most highly valued skills for any resume:

#1. Communication skills

Whether you’re a writer who needs to communicate a message to your readers, a marketing specialist who needs to communicate an advertising campaign to your client, or an employee who needs to communicate with a coworker to complete a task, communication skills are vital. 

Communication is a multi-faceted skill that includes several skills, such as: 

• Oral and written communication
• Non-verbal communication
• Active Listening
• Presentation
• Public-speaking
• Negotiation

#2. Problem-Solving

Problem-solving means you’re able to identify problems, find the root cause behind them, and come up with creative solutions.

Considering there isn’t a single job where you won’t face problems in one way or another, problem-solving skills are a great asset to have.

Throughout your career, you might have to troubleshoot technical glitches, resolve customer complaints, streamline processes, or drive strategic initiatives. In any of these cases, strong problem-solving skills will be crucial to your success. 

But problem-solving is a broad set of skills that can include:

• Analytical thinking
• Root cause analysis
• Data gathering and evaluation
• Creative thinking
• Decision making
• Strategic planning
• Risk assessment and management

Whether you’re an IT professional debugging code or a manager implementing operational improvements, problem-solving skills let you tackle challenges head-on.

#3. Conflict Resolution

When working with diverse groups, disagreements are bound to happen. So, having the skills to resolve conflicts in a constructive manner is extremely valuable in any organization.

Conflict resolution skills are essential for managers addressing performance issues, HR professionals mediating workplace disputes, sales teams negotiating contracts, or coworkers with clashing personalities.

This multifaceted skill involves:

• Impartiality and objectivity
• Assertive communication
• Creative problem-solving
• Persuasion and influence
• Patience and composure

#4. Computer Literacy

Over 70% of jobs require medium-to-high-level digital skills.  

This means that computer and technical skills are priceless assets, even if your job isn’t centered around technology. So, computer skills are almost always a great addition to any resume.

Here are some valuable computer skills for every professional: 

• Office suites (MS Office, iWork)
• Social media
• Database management
• Web (Internet savviness, basic HTML, CMS)
• Troubleshooting
• Equipment installation and configuration
• Fast Typing

#5. Research

Effective research abilities are essential for making informed decisions and driving successful outcomes across any industry.

Whether you’re conducting market research to identify consumer needs, gathering data to explore a scientific hypothesis, or investigating to build a legal case, strong research skills are invaluable.

Some research skills include:

• Finding credible sources
• Evaluating information objectively
• Organizing data
• Identifying patterns
• Documenting and reporting findings

#6. Teamwork

Teamwork skills enable you to work effectively with others towards a common goal.

Since teams tend to drive most major projects and workplace initiatives, learning how to work well with others is essential to most jobs. You might be part of a project team, a committee, or just coordinate across departments someday.

What you need for strong teamwork skills is:

• Active listening
• Reliability
• Flexibility
• Motivating others

#7. Project Management

Project management skills are usually associated with dedicated project manager roles, but in reality, that's not usually the case. Any type of professional can benefit from strong project management skills.

In a nutshell, project management skills involve being able to effectively handle resources, timelines, deliverables, and processes for driving projects to successful completion.

Here are some of the most in-demand project management skills:

• Resource allocation and management
• Project planning and scheduling
• Risk identification and mitigation
• Logistics and coordination
• Action planning
• Task planning and prioritization
• Stakeholder management

#8. Leadership

Leadership includes both the ability to manage and inspire others. Managers are not always great leaders, but leaders almost always make good managers. 

People who are good at leading are emotionally intelligent, good communicators, and natural-born influencers. They can motivate others to reach their full potential and work together towards common goals. This makes leadership another great skill to have for many professions out there. 

Some important soft skills related to leadership include:

• Relationship-building
• Strategic thinking

#9. Organization

Organizational skills are a set of soft skills that help you keep track of information, materials, and even your time in such a way that you can tackle short and long-term tasks efficiently.

Organizational skills are among the top skills recruiters are looking for in 2022, primarily because they help employees be more productive, save companies time and money, and facilitate a more positive work environment. 

Here is what organizational skills consist of: 

• Physical organization
• Prioritization
• Goal setting

#10. Time Management

Time management is the ability to effectively prioritize and organize your tasks and responsibilities.

Needless to say, it’s a crucial skill in nearly every job, since being able to manage your time well allows you to increase productivity, meet deadlines, and maintain a healthy work-life balance .

Time management includes:

• Task prioritization and planning
• Task delegation
• Avoiding and Ignoring distractions
• Adapting to changing priorities

#11. Customer Service

A lot of the jobs out there involve dealing with customers. 

From customer support representatives to cashiers, customer service skills are a great asset to have in 2024. Particularly, that’s because it encompasses a number of other valuable skills, such as:

• Persuasion skills
• Product knowledge

#12. Networking

Networking skills refer to how well you can build professional relationships and connections.

It goes without saying that they're extremely useful for roles like sales, business development, or entrepreneurship, as a lot of the work involves meeting and engaging new people.

However, these skills are also useful for roles where you don't expect to rely on professional networking as much.

Take, for example, project managers. To be really effective, they need to:

• Understand the needs of stakeholders
• Collaborate with various teams across the organization
• Build rapport with people at all levels

Just like most other skills on our list, networking skills are multi-faceted. They include:

400 Must-Have Skills for Different Professions

Still not sure which skills to mention in your resume? We’ve got you covered.

We compiled a list of some of the most relevant skills on the market in 2024, for all sorts of different fields!

If you happen to possess some of these skills, make sure to mention them in your resume. If not, it’s never too late to learn something new!

#1. Retail and Sales Skills

Retail and sales are at the heart of successful business interactions.

Despite the rise of technology, the essence of sales hasn’t changed much . People still need contact with each other, and even with channels of communication becoming digital, communication skills and empathy still take top priority in this industry.

So, here’s a list of must-have skills for salespeople and retail workers :

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
• Cold-calling
• Merchandising
• Product demonstration
• Public speaking
• Inventory management
• Lead generation
• Buyer-Responsive selling
• Buyer engagement
• Point of Sale (POS) proficiency
• Effective communication and sociability
• Social media and digital communication
• Listening skills
• Personalized selling
• Service-based selling
• Follow-up techniques
• Up-selling and cross-selling
• Knowledge of return and exchange policies
• Organizational skills
• Multitasking capabilities

#2. Customer Service Skills

Customer service requires a specialized skill set centered around excellent communication and problem-solving. Success in this field relies on effectively managing various communication platforms and maintaining customer satisfaction through attentive service.

Some skills crucial for any customer service representative include:

• Telephone etiquette
• Data entry proficiency
• Customer needs assessment
• Crisis management
• Multitasking
• Ticket tracking systems
• Scripted responses
• Technical troubleshooting
• Complaint resolution
• Record-keeping
• Team collaboration
• Understanding of privacy and confidentiality
• Customer education techniques
• Feedback collection
• Call center operations
• Email Etiquette
• Live chat management
• Help desk support
• Client retention strategies
• Cultural sensitivity

#3. Hospitality Skills

Hospitality is all about making guests feel welcome and appreciated, no matter the setting - whether it’s a bustling hotel, a serene resort, or a cruise ship. Professionals in this field need to create memorable experiences for guests by providing impeccable service and making sure their every need is met with a smile.

Some of the most sought-after hospitality skills are:

• Customer service excellence
• Effective communication
• Foreign languages
• Reservation management
• Event planning
• Specialized software proficiency
• Front desk operations
• Tour and activity coordination
• Guest Relations
• Guest information management
• Concierge services
• Personalized guest experiences
• Safety and security protocols
• Marketing and upselling
• Health and hygiene standards
• Loyalty programs management
• Quality control
• Emergency response handling
• Environmental sustainability practices
• Check-in and check-out procedures

#4. Food and Beverage Skills

The food and beverage industry is one of the most dynamic and fast-paced environments you can work in. Here, professionals have to continually adapt to customers’ changing preferences, stay updated on culinary trends, and provide exceptional service.

Here are some skills that would look great on any food and beverage worker's resume:

• Menu planning and design
• Recipe development
• Food safety and hygiene
• Culinary arts
• Plate presentation
• Portion control
• Cost control and budgeting
• Wine pairing
• Beverage service
• Detailed menu knowledge
• Order taking and processing
• Table setting and arrangement
• Food preparation techniques
• Dietary restrictions and allergen awareness
• Staff training
• Quality assurance
• Health and safety regulations compliance
• Event catering management
• Customer feedback management
• Upselling techniques
• Point of sale (POS) system operation
• Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
• Communication skills

Looking for more skills? Check out our server resume example here.

#5. Marketing and Advertising Skills

With new technologies developing faster than ever, it’s essential to move beyond the basics of traditional marketing and advertising to succeed in the industry. New skills keep popping up, and even the biggest marketing executives out there need to stay up to date on the latest developments.

So, here are some  of the most important marketing and advertising skills for any level:

• Data analysis
• Web analytics 
• Email marketing
• Web scraping
• CRO and A/B testing
• Data visualization
• Pattern-finding through critical thinking
• Project/campaign management
• Social media and mobile marketing 
• Paid social media advertisements
• B2B Marketing
• The four P-s of Marketing
• Consumer Behavior Drivers
• Brand management
• Copywriting
• Storytelling
• Digital advertising
• Multichannel marketing
• Public relations
• Content strategy
• Market research
• Budget management
• Compliance and legal considerations
• Affiliate marketing

#6. Administrative Skills

If you work in an office setting, there are some skills you should know, regardless of your job. Whether you’re a secretary, office manager, or executive assistant , you can put these skills on your resume.

Some basic administrative skills include:

• Microsoft Office
• Google Suite
• Filing and paper management
• Bookkeeping
• Research and data analysis
• Office management
• Technical writing
• Cloud networking and file sharing
• Prioritization and task management
• Customer service skills
• Meeting planning and coordination
• Event management
• Travel management
• Document preparation
• Confidentiality and data protection
• Minute taking
• Report generation
• Problem-solving skills
• Calendar management
• Expense reports
• Reception duties
• Correspondence handling
• Presentation skills
• Project management skills

#7. Human Resources Skills

Human Resources is a field that needs a strategic blend of soft and hard skills.

HR specialists are essential for managing diverse workforce needs and enhancing employee and company productivity in the long run.

Here are some examples of HR skills that always come in handy:

• Emotional Intelligence
• Motivation techniques
• Technological savviness
• People management
• Business development
• Strategic management
• Negotiation skills
• Recruitment and selection
• Training and development
• Performance management
• Knowledge of compensation and benefits
• Employee relations
• Labor law compliance
• Succession planning
• HR analytics
• Diversity and inclusion initiatives
• Change management
• Employee engagement strategies
• Workplace safety
• Talent acquisition strategies
• Policy formulation and implementation
• Employee counseling and support
• HR information systems (HRIS)
• Cross-cultural communication

#8. Business Skills

Business professionals are increasingly vital to organizations since they offer operational support and strategic insights that can drive growth.

Experts in the business industry need a broad set of skills to analyze trends , optimize processes, and predict future outcomes so their companies remain competitive and responsive to changes in the market.

Here are some examples of skills any business professional could add to their resume:

• Financial forecasting
• Profit and loss management
• Market analysis
• Trend identification
• Competitive analysis
• Risk management
• Project management
• Operations management
• Leadership and team building
• Stakeholder engagement
• Supply chain management
• CRM software proficiency
• ERP systems
• Business reporting
• Compliance and ethics
• Sales and marketing strategies
• Customer service
• Business writing
• Analytical reasoning
• Cloud computing
• E-commerce management
• Social media strategy
• Digital marketing
• Innovation management

#9. Finance and Accounting Skills

The days of filing financial data and taxes by hand are long behind us, and now there are countless digital platforms and apps you can use instead.

So, it goes without saying that anyone working in finance or accounting should be familiar with the most popular skills and tools in the industry.

Some examples include:

• Microsoft Excel
• Enterprise Resource Planning 
• Big Data Analysis
• Know Your Customers (KYC)
• Cognos Analytics (IBM)
• Visual Basic
• Accounting Software
• Revenue recognition
• Anti-money laundering
• Clear communication
• General business knowledge
• Numerical competence
• Financial reporting
• Cost accounting
• Tax preparation and planning
• Financial modeling
• Investment analysis
• Credit analysis
• Cash flow management
• Portfolio management
• Compliance and regulatory management
• Audit coordination
• Project financing
• Mergers and acquisitions

#10. IT Skills

New technology is popping up every other day, and that’s a great reason for anyone working in IT to keep their skills updated.

That said, if you are proficient in a programming language or two, you pretty much have a leg up on the competition.

Here’s a list of some of the most useful skills for any IT professional out there:

• Programming languages (Python, Java, C#)
• Web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
• Frameworks (React, Angular, Vue.js)
• Mobile app development (iOS, Android)
• Database management (SQL, NoSQL)
• Cloud computing services (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
• DevOps practices (CI/CD, automation)
• Containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Network security protocols
• Cybersecurity best practices
• Data analysis and visualization
• Machine learning and AI algorithms
• Version control systems (Git, SVN)
• Agile and Scrum methodologies
• Software testing and debugging
• System architecture design
• API design and development
• Performance optimization
• IT project management
• IT support and troubleshooting
• Operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux)
• Scripting (Bash, PowerShell)
• IT infrastructure management
• Virtualization technologies
• IT compliance and governance
• UX/UI design principles
• SEO and web analytics
• Blockchain technology

#11. Nursing and Healthcare Skills

More than any other profession, healthcare professionals need to stay updated on the latest technologies, medicines, and techniques.

While the skills a registered nurse or other healthcare professional needs are countless and can be extremely specific to their specialization, the most basic skills boil down to:

• Mathematics
• Paperwork/record-keeping abilities
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Physical endurance 
• Infection control
• Surgery preparation
• Medication administration
• Emergency room care
• Psychiatric support
• Geriatric health
• Pediatric nursing
• Oncology knowledge
• Patient education
• Medical software proficiency
• Phlebotomy skills
• Vital signs monitoring
• Palliative care
• Obstetric and neonatal care
• Medical terminology
• Ethical decision-making
• Team coordination
• Cultural competency

#12. Art and Design Skills

Today, knowing the basics of art and design isn’t enough. To get hired as part of a creative team, be it as a designer or illustrator , you need to know how to create content with different tools and for different channels, like the web and social media.

Some of the most important art and design skills for your resume include:

• Graphic design
• Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop)
• Dreamweaver
• Infographics
• Web and app development (HTML, CSS, UX/UI)
• Photo Editing 
• Typography (spacing, line height, layout, choosing fonts)
• Storyboarding
• Targeting and marketing through visual communications
• Logo creation
• Digital printing
• Integration of visual communication in social media platforms
• Attention to detail and aesthetics
• Interactive media design
• Color sense and theory
• 3D modeling and animation (Blender, Autodesk Maya)
• Video editing (Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro)
• Motion graphics (Adobe After Effects)
• Print design
• Packaging design
• Branding and identity design
• Environmental graphic design
• Exhibition design
• Illustration
• Sketching and conceptual visualization
• User interface design
• User experience design
• Prototyping (digital and physical)
• Content management systems (WordPress)
• Accessibility standards for design
• Composition
• Crafting and use of traditional media
• Client relations and communication
• Augmented reality (AR) design
• Virtual reality (VR) design

#13. Education Skills

You might have three PhDs and still struggle to get the latest educational programs to work in front of your classroom. You’re likely missing some crucial skills for your field.

Teaching methods have evolved, and so have the skills you need to be a teacher or professor at the top of your game. So, here are some essential skills if you want to work in education:

• Updated curriculum knowledge
• Educational platforms (Elearn)
• Technological and digital literacy
• Lesson planning
• Classroom management
• Student assessments
• Differentiated instruction
• Educational theory and practice
• Parent and community engagement
• Child psychology
• Educational policy knowledge
• Student safety and welfare
• Career counseling
• Technology integration in the classroom
• Remote learning management
• Curriculum adaptation
• Educational software proficiency

Looking for a job in academia? Learn how to write an academic CV to get started.

Bonus Infographic: Skills to Put on a Resume

FAQs About Putting Skills on Your Resume

Do you still have some questions about what skills you should put on your resume and how? Check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions here:

#1. What kind of skills should I include in my resume?

Your resume should include a combination of two types of skills: hard skills and soft skills.

Hard skills involve job-specific skills that are acquired through education, training, or work experience, while soft skills involve personality traits that can be indirectly useful at the workplace and help you adapt to the company culture better.

Depending on your industry, some examples of hard skills you can list on your resume include copywriting, database management, graphic design, foreign languages, public speaking, and more.

Examples of soft skills include communication, creativity, leadership, teamwork, time management, and conflict resolution.

#2. What top skills do employers look for?

Currently, some of the top hard skills hiring managers are on the lookout for include blockchain development, SEO, virtual reality development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, business analysis, Java development, affiliate marketing, UX design, machine learning, project management, video production and editing, sales, and business development .

The top soft skills hiring managers are looking for include creativity, collaboration, persuasion, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.

#3. How can I identify my skills?

If you want to identify your skills, start by considering your greatest accomplishments . Have you been recognized for a specific achievement? What skills helped you do it? You’re probably still skilled in those areas.

Next, consider asking friends and coworkers. Sometimes, it’s easier for others to recognize your strengths . If you’re new to the job market, you can ask former professors and classmates to give you some insight, too.

#4. Where do skills go on a resume?

Your skills should go under a separate ‘Skills’ section on your resume, typically placed right below or next to your work experience section.

That said, you should further prove that you have the skills you list in this section. Weave the most relevant skills for the job in other resume sections, such as the resume summary and your work experience sections, to show the hiring manager how those skills are put to use.

#5. How many skills should I include in my resume?

The number of skills to add to your resume depends on the job you’re applying for, as well as your level of expertise and work history.

If you’re a seasoned professional with plenty of job-related skills, you should definitely include them in your resume.

As a rule of thumb, listing up to ten skills on your resume is typically a safe choice, as long as they don’t make your resume spill over to page two .

#6. What are the best skills for a candidate with no experience?

If you’re a student with no experience and few job-specific skills, you can benefit from adding transferable skills to your resume. These are skills that can be applied to many jobs across several industries.

Some examples of good skills for a no-experience resume include communication, organization, problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, and computer skills.

#7. What are the top 12 skills to put on your resume?

There are several skills that could go on just about any resume, regardless of your targeted job. These include both hard skills and soft skills that can be used in any industry.

We recommend including skills like communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, computer literacy, research, teamwork, project management, leadership, organization, time management, customer service, and networking.

#9. Does a CV need skills?

There are a few differences between a CV and a resume . But for the most part, if you’re writing a CV for a job application, the structure should be similar to a resume.

So, you should add a skills section to your CV and list skills relevant to the job you’re applying for. The only exception to this rule is when you’re writing an academic CV, in which case skills are optional or even discouraged.

#10. What’s the best way to list skills on a resume in 2024?

To really impress with your skills in 2024, don’t just list some random skills under a separate section and call it a day!

Instead, make them more credible by finding out more about the company culture, tailoring your skills to the job description, mentioning the most critical skills in your resume summary or resume objective, and using your achievements to explain exactly how you used your skills to your advantage.

Key Takeaways

And that’s all there is to putting skills on a resume!

By now, we’re sure you’re a pro and ready to impress the hiring manager with the skills on your resume.

But before you go, let’s sum up the most important things we mentioned in this article:

• One of the most important sections on your resume is the skill section, and over 41% of hiring managers check it first.
• The skill section is crucial for making it past the ATS because some of the most important resume keywords are skills you should list on your resume.
• Skills are divided into hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills are technical skills you can gain through experience, training, or education, while soft skills can be attributes or habits related to how you work.
• Your resume should only list skills that are relevant to the job. Find out which skills these are by scanning through the job ad picking out the required skills that you have, and adding them to your resume.
• Some skills are universally useful across different professions, like adaptability, communication, and teamwork.

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