what to put on resume for technical skills

50+ Key Technical Skills to List on Your Resume in 2024 (With Examples)

Including technical skills on a resume is an absolute necessity. These types of skills show employers your quantifiable qualifications. In this guide, we will cover exactly what a technical skill is and some of the best examples to include on a resume.

What are Technical Skills?

Skills on your resume can be broken down into two main categories:

• ‍ Soft Skills: Also called interpersonal skills, these are your social and emotional abilities. They affect how you interact and communicate with other people. ‍
• Hard Skills: Hard skills are also called technical skills. They are a person’s technical abilities and are often industry-specific.

Technical skills are hard skills because they are quantifiable in some way.

Usually, a hard skill can be either learned or taught.  

Why Should I Include Technical Skills on My Resume? 

Writing skills on your resume is a good way to highlight your personal and professional strengths to employers.

The key to including skills is to list both hard and soft skills.

By doing so, you show employers that you are both talented and a team player.

Certain industries require more technical skills than others.

These industries include:

• Information Technology (IT)
• Software Development
• UX and Web Design
• Engineering

However, all industries have specific technical skills they look for.

What Are the Best Technical Skills I Should Add to My Resume?

All businesses have industry-specific technical skills they look for.

To determine the best technical skills to add to your resume, you must examine the requirements of the industry you are entering.

For instance, if you are seeking a job as a software developer, emphasizing that you are skilled in using programming languages will be key.

Of course, all industries have certain technical skills they seek in applicants.

There are thousands of technical skills that you can learn and develop – far more than we can cover here.

The key is to read the job description thoroughly to identify the employer’s desired skills.

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‍ 10 Categories of Technical Skills (with Over 50 Examples)

Below we have defined 10 different categories of technical skills.

These tend to be the hard skills most commonly searched for by employers.

If your professional abilities do not fall into them, these categories can still be a good starting point for brainstorming technical skills within your industry.

For instance, someone working in the restaurant industry may have hard skills such as using Point of Sales systems or making reservations.

Without further ado, here are our top 10 categories for technical skills:

1) Programming

Programming involves many different skills and is used in a variety of industries.

From Information Technology to Web Development, programming is a widely beneficial skill.

Examples of technical skills for programming include:

• Programming languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, etc.)
• Cloud computing
• Front-End Development
• Back-End Development
• Cybersecurity

2) Digital Design

As the world becomes more digitally oriented, the field of digital design is rapidly growing.

Any business or industry that deals with digital products, platforms, and applications need talented designers.

Here are five great examples of technical skills for digital design:

• User Experience (UX)
• Wireframing
• Responsive Design
• Visual Design (Color Theory, Typography, etc.)

3) Marketing Strategy

Businesses these days can’t survive without strong marketing teams.

As such, the need for marketing skills has only continued to increase.

Technical marketing skills employers look for include:

• Social Media Marketing
• Content Management Systems
• Consumer Analytics
• Email Campaigns
• Creating Marketing Funnels

4) Copywriting

Writing is a vital part of any business.

Everything from sales funnels and websites to advertisements and press releases requires strong writing.

Here are five more technical skills in the field of copywriting:

• Search Engine Optimization
• Content Creation
• Landing Page Copy
• Headline Writing
• Topical and Keyword Research

5) Computer Programs & Software

At almost any job you can find, you will be required to use some form of software.

Having the ability to use the software before being hired is a great advantage in employers’ eyes.

Here five types of software commonly used in businesses you should familiarize yourself with:

• Adobe Software (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, etc.)
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.)
• Point of Sale Systems (Harbortouch, Clover, etc.)
• QuickBooks or Other Accounting Software
• CAD or Other Engineering Programs

‍ 6) Social Media

Social media has become a driving factor for online engagement.

As a result, employers have begun to seek out job applicants with backgrounds and skills in using social media.

The following technical skills are great for those of you looking for work in social media:

• Engagement Metrics
• Ad Campaigns
• Promotion Tactics
• Customer Research
• Expertise in Specific Platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc.)

7) Accounting

Accounting is a foundational component of businesses.

Without it, there would be no financial organization or analysis.

Thus, accounting professionals have highly sought-after skills by employers.

These examples are excellent technical skills for anyone applying to an accounting position:

• Bookkeeping
• Systems Analysis
• Data Visualization
• Interpreting Financial Statements
• Strict Adherence to Regulation

8) Data Analysis

 Data analysts help customers and businesses to make important decisions by scrutinizing data and information.

This field of work involves almost entirely technical skills and is highly necessary for keeping up with changing trends.

Examples of technical skills within data analysis include:

• Mathematical Ability
• Data Modeling
• Machine Learning
• Structured Query Language (SQL)
• Spreadsheets

9) Medicine & Healthcare

All jobs within the health and medicine industries involve a multitude of technical skills.

Healthcare is a vast field with many different sorts of career paths.

Here are five technical skill examples for healthcare:

• Electronic Medical Record Software
• Patient Preparation
• Physical Therapy
• Administering Injections
• Proficient Use of Modalities (Cryotherapy, Ultrasound, etc.)

10) Management

Becoming a manager is no small feat – the job requires a tremendous amount of technical talent!

From planning and organizing to ensuring the satisfaction of the staff, managers do it all.

Here are five final technical skills for management:

• Contract Negotiation
• Hiring and Onboarding
• Project Planning
• Staff Scheduling

Bonus Skills: 5 Productivity Software to Learn

Nowadays, a fair amount of business happens online.

As a result, remote work environments have become more and more common.

This has required many professionals to learn how to use productivity software to connect and collaborate with their teams.

Understanding how to use a specific productivity software is a key technical skill in an increasingly digital world.

Here are 5 key productivity software to familiarize yourself with:

• Google Suite

For even more ideas on skills to include on your resume, check out our guide on 100+ Key Skills for a Resume (with Examples for Any Job) .

How Do I List My Technical Skills on a Resume?

Generally, you should include your technical skills in a separate skills section of your resume.

Certain skills can be included within the work experience.

However, it is best to prioritize soft skills in the work experience section, as this allows you to provide greater context and detail.

Here is an example of how to format a technical skills section:

How to Create a Section for Technical Skills

In this example, imagine the job applicant is applying for a position as an administrative assistant.

I ncorrect:

Technical Skills • CPR and First Aid Certified • Fast Typing Speed • Computer Skills

Why It’s Wrong: When listing your technical skills, you want them to be both relevant and clear.

The employer shouldn’t have to wonder why you are including certain skills.

While it may come in handy for you to have a CPR certification, it is not the most relevant to the job.

Additionally, “fast typing speed” and “computer skills” lack quantifiable details to make them valuable to the employer.

Technical Skills • Microsoft Office Suite Certified • Typing Speed of 75 Words per Minute • Spreadsheets and Data Visualization

In this corrected example, the skills are much more specific and quantifiable.

This is what you want from technical skills – to provide employers with exact details about your abilities.

Are you feeling lost on where to start with formatting your resume?

Read our guide on How to Choose the Correct Resume Format (with Examples) .

What Are Some Things I Can Do to Improve My Technical Skills

If you lack many good or relevant technical skills, it is important to take the time to develop some.

Luckily, there are many resources and courses available today to help professionals develop their skillsets.

This can include going back to school or learning from home!

Here are 3 great ways to start improving your technical skills:

• ‍ Certifications and Training: Taking training or educational courses can help you to earn certifications. Including certifications on your resume is a great way to provide evidence for the skills you are claiming to have. ‍
• Mentorships/Apprenticeships: To enhance your technical skills, it is wise to learn from the best. Seeking out mentorships or apprenticeships with successful professionals in your field is a fantastic way to diversify your skills. ‍
• Personal Projects: Oftentimes, technical skills help to create products and carry out necessary processes. Completing a personal project that can be a centerpiece to a portfolio can also help you develop new technical skills!

Final Takeaways

Your technical skills on your resume inform an employer of your abilities.

By including the correct ones, you can significantly improve the impression you leave with your resume.

Here are our top 5 takeaways for including technical skills on a resume:

• Brainstorm the most relevant technical skills in your industry or niche.
• Include soft (interpersonal) skills along with your technical skills.
• List your technical skills in a separate section, rather than in your work experience section.
• Provide added context to give your skills quantifiable details.
• Earn certifications and seek out mentorships to further enhance your technical skills.

Easy Resume offers a wide collection of free resume guides and career advice articles. Check them out today to learn more about creating the perfect resume for you!

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Ed is a co-founder of Easy Resume. His background in scaling teams at tech startups over the last decade has given him extensive experience and knowledge around how to hire top talent and build successful teams. He enjoys mentoring, coaching, and helping others reach their career goals. When he's not writing about career-related advice, he's playing with his dog, Lilo, or going on long hikes in upstate New York.

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How to list technical skills on your resume (25+ samples & examples)

Your resume technical skills section will be an employer’s first look at what you’re capable of. One of the first things they look for when they read an application is the right skill set.

Companies are looking for talented candidates, and the technical skills you put on your resume may be the difference between getting rejected and getting the interview.

The right list of technical skills for your resume will depend on the job posting, however. Your skills list should always be based on the application.

With that in mind, here are some easy tips for displaying technical skills on your resume.

• What are technical skills?

Technical skills are the specific abilities that are needed to complete particular tasks. They are usually job-specific, and are often related to technology, like a type of software or machine.

Resume skills may be physical in nature, such as TIG welding or machining, or digital, such as C++ or data analysis. Technical skills require practise and experience to develop, and are highly sought after by employers. Even entry-level jobs, like retail or food service, may require technical skills, such as cash handling or using point-of-service systems.

Unlike soft skills , which are strengths that help you to work hard, collaborate, and solve problems, technical skills may require certifications or education.

Browse our gallery of resume examples here.

Technical skills can be learned in school, at workshops, or on the job, but it’s important to be able to back up any claims you make in your resume. Companies will likely test or measure your technical abilities as a part of the interview process. For example, if you interview for a job in computer programming, you will likely be asked to complete a technical interview where your competence with the tools of the job will be evaluated.

• Why do you need a technical skills section on your resume?

It’s important to let employers know that you have the right skills for the job. When you apply for a role, the company will be checking your resume to see if you have what it takes. The better your skills, the faster you will adapt to the new job and the less time the company can spend training you. Candidates who can handle the responsibilities of that specific position are much more likely to be hired.

Employers only spend a few seconds reading each resume, so it’s important to make sure your skills section draws their eye. Your Work History Section and descriptions of past roles may show what expertise you have to offer, but to ensure employers know exactly what skills you bring to the table it’s best to create a distinct list. This makes your skills easy to find and gives employers an overview of your skill set without making them read the entire resume.

Browse our gallery of resume templates here.

• Displaying your technical skills

The best way to display your technical skills is in a distinct Skills section. You should show your skills in the rest of your resume throughout your qualifications and job descriptions, but it’s important to have a concise list as well. This allows readers to quickly skim your application and see your resume technical skills in one place. To create a Skills section:

1: Create a skills section (or two)

To display your technical skills, start by creating a Skills section in your resume. Give this section a heading like “Skills”, “Core Competencies”, or something similar. You can then list your skills beneath that heading. Most job seekers list all of their skills under one title, both technical skills and soft skills.

If you would like to keep your technical skills separate from your soft skills, you can create two different Skills sections. For your technical skills, title one of the sections “Technical Skills” or something related to your field, like “Financial Skills”. For your soft skills, create another section called “Soft Skills”, “Leadership Skills”, or something similar. This way, you can keep your skill set organized and make your technical skills even easier to find.

2: Choose your most relevant and impressive technical skills

Not all jobs require the same skills, so it’s important to remember to customize your resume technical skills every time you apply for a new job.

To customize your resume, research the company and the role. You should know exactly what the company is looking for, what their company culture is like, and what kind of skills are in demand in your industry.

The best technical skills to put on your resume are the skills listed in the job posting. The company will have specific needs for the role, and your resume should reflect this. Use the language of the job posting in your Technical Skills section to show that you have exactly what they’re looking for. For example, if the posting asks for candidates with experience in jQuery, POS systems, or TIG welding, make sure to use that exact phrase in your resume technical skills (as long as it’s true!).

3: List your technical skills

In your Skills section, display your technical skills in a simple list. They should be well-organized and easy to read.

Place the most impressive and most relevant skills at the top of the list. The skills explicitly asked for in the job posting are the ones you should emphasize most.

Technical Skills

• Illustrator

If you would like to create categories in your skills list, you can use each bullet in the list as a separate category. For example, use one bullet to display programming skills and the next to show design skills:

• Programming : C++, SQL, Java, JavaScript
• Design : Corel Draw, Photoshop, Illustrator

For a list of skills that really stands out, you can also include a strength rating out of 10 for each skill. With skill strength bars, like those offered in an online CV builder , you can visually demonstrate your abilities with each skill.

4: Show your skills throughout the resume

Your Skills section is the most succinct list of your skills, but the rest of your resume should show your skills as well. Throughout your Summary section, Work History section, and other parts of your resume, emphasize achievements that demonstrate your abilities.

If you list Agile methodology as a technical skill, for example, you can emphasize this in your Work Experience section by noting that you “led an Agile team of 5 developers” or “implemented Agile methodology throughout development department teams.” Every part of your resume must contribute to showcasing your skills.

• Technical skills examples for your resume

The specific technical skills that you display on your resume will depend on your skill set, your industry, and the job you’re applying to. When deciding which skills to foreground, it’s important to know what the company is looking for and what you’re best at.

(And if you find throughout your job search that many companies are looking for technical skills that you don’t have, there is never a bad time to upskill .)

With that in mind, here are some technical skills that may work for your career:

Programming technical skills examples for resumes

When looking for a job in computer programming, it’s important to highlight the programming languages and technologies that you have experience in. Most job postings for programming roles will list the languages that the role requires, so be sure to prominently feature the programming technical skills that they’re looking for.

• Configuration
• Operating systems
• Troubleshooting
• Technical support
• Systems analysis

Digital marketing technical skills examples for resumes

Digital marketing roles may include social media management, blogging, SEO, and more. It’s important to highlight your specialties and show that you are a skilled marketer with the right digital marketing technical skills for the job.

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Affiliate marketing
• Automated Marketing Software
• Content Management Systems

Data analysis technical skills examples for resumes

Data analysis is integral to how businesses learn and grow in a fast-paced market. People with the ability to organize data and create data-driven business plans are in high demand. With the right data analysis technical skills, you can become an irreplaceable part of your next company.

• Data Mining
• Database Design
• Database Management
• Statistical Analysis
• Data Analytics
• Quantitative Research
• Documentation

Project management technical skills examples for resumes

Project management technical skills are in high demand. Good management can be the factor that makes or breaks an important project. If you are customizing your resume for a project management position, be sure to showcase the technical skills that make you a great manager.

• Performance Review
• Benchmarking
• Quality Assurance
• Budget Planning
• Project Planning
• Task Delegation
• Task Management
• Quality Control

Technical writing technical skills examples for resumes

While technical writing itself is often considered a technical skill, there are also many subcategories of technical writing that you may specialize in. When you apply for a role in technical writing, be sure to emphasize the specific skills that the job posting asked for.

• Technical Documentation
• Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
• Client Management
• Requirements Gathering
• Grant Writing
• Standard Operating Procedures

Healthcare technical skills examples for resume writing

Healthcare workers are always in demand. Whether you’re a medical assistant, health care aid, Licensed Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse, radiologist assistant, or hold any other health care role, there is plenty of demand for skilled workers in your field. When you write your healthcare resume, make sure it has the right technical skills for a healthcare role.

• Medical billing
• Patient care
• Record-keeping
• Electronic medical record software
• Performing EKGs

Product management technical skills examples for resumes

In addition to strong people skills and communication abilities, product managers need to have the right technical skills to be effective. As product manager you will be expected to lead teams, ship new features, maintain strong communication between different departments (including development, design, and marketing), develop revenue models, and drive user adoption. For a great product management resume, include skills like:

• Product roadmaps
• User experience design
• SCRUM methodology
• Agile methodology
• Product lifecycle
• Negotiation
• Stakeholder management

Design technical skills examples for resume success

When an employer is hiring for design roles, whether in graphic design, product design, or even interior design, they will be looking for certain technical skills. You can’t score an interview on good taste alone. It’s important to reassure employers that you are familiar with all the tools of the trade. Technical skills to put on your resume include:

• Interactive media
• Wireframing
• UX research
• Prototyping
• Responsive design
• User modeling
• Customer journey mapping

Research technical skills examples for your resume

Research is an important skill in many industries. Even if the role you’re applying to isn’t explicitly a research role, like fact checker, journalist, or research assistant, research skills can be important. No matter where you work, you could be tasked with researching competitors, products, processes, and more. If you want to include your research abilities in your next application, consider this list of technical skills for your resume:

• Data collection
• Source checking
• Intellectual property rights
• Report writing
• Interviewing
• Focus groups

Troubleshooting technical skills examples for resumes

Troubleshooting is an important part of using any technology. You don’t truly understand a product if you can’t find and fix common problems, or at least work around them. Even if you aren’t applying to a QA role, troubleshooting skills can look good on your resume. Troubleshooting technical skills to put on your resume include:

• System knowledge
• Communication

Video technical skills examples for resumes

Video creation is a powerful skill for people in many industries, whether it’s film, marketing, or customer support. The right resume technical skills will depend on your specific role, whether it’s director, editor, set designer, or any video-related role, but it’s important to make it clear what skills you have and what tools you can use. Video technical skills examples for your resume include:

• Video editing
• Sound editing
• Script supervision
• Final Cut Pro

Computer science technical skills examples for resume writing

Computer science technical skills are very useful in the modern workplace and can be an asset in many different careers. Data scientists, software developers, IT experts, Research and Development specialists, database administrators, and more, all need computer science skills to be successful in their careers. Resume technical skills for computer science professionals include:

• CAD Software
• System design
• Technical reporting
• Visual Studio
• Dreamweaver
• Data modeling

Engineering technical skills examples for resumes

The right engineering resume technical skills for you will depend on what you specialize in. There is some overlap between civic engineers and materials engineers, but the tools they work with may not be identical. Even so, here are some possible engineering technical skills you can consider for your resume:

• Structural Analysis

Journalism technical skills examples for resume writing

Journalism can be an uncertain career, but it’s irresistible to those who hear its call. In a competitive media landscape, your journalism resume should to have everything it needs to impress employers. Whether you’re a freelancer, an editor, or looking to become a star reporter for the New York Times, it’s important to develop your technical skills as much as possible. Resume technical skills for journalists include:

• Note-taking
• Fact-checking
• Self-promotion
• Time management

Logistics technical skills examples for resume writing

Logistics coordinators are integral to the functioning of many businesses. Any time products need to be shipped, tracked, and sold, someone has to be keeping an eye on the supply chain. This can require expertise in billing, developing relationships with clients and customers, coordinating suppliers, and optimizing costs and ship times. Logistics technical skills to put on your resume include:

• Freight monitoring
• Document distribution
• Route selection
• Track and trace
• Account management
• Dispute resolution
• Process development

Administration technical skills examples for resume success

Office administrators, program administrators, executive assistants, secretaries, and more, all need administration technical skills to put on their resume. Administration can mean different things depending on your role, field, and department, but any employer with an open administrator position will be looking for specific abilities. As you write your administration resume, consider these technical skills:

• Production planning
• Microsoft Excel
• Document preparation
• Processing invoices
• Phone operation
• Event coordination
• Bookkeeping

Architecture technical skills examples for resume writing

Architects are primarily responsible for designing buildings. Architects have to pay attention to the aesthetic, function, and safety of built structures, both new and existing. Depending on the role, architects may design a building using software, design parts of a structure as a part of a larger project, supervise new construction, inspect older buildings, and more. Some resume technical skills for architects include:

• Industrial design
• Materials science
• Zoning codes
• Building codes

Help desk technical skills examples for your resume

The specific duties of a help desk specialist will depend on the company and the role. Some help desk specialists work remotely, assisting customers with product questions and billing problems, while others work on-site, helping clients use products, services, and hardware. This role relies on strong soft skills, like communication, teamwork, and time management, but there are many technical skills to put on your resume as well, such as:

• Self-management
• Product expertise
• Billing systems
• Password administration
• Booking and scheduling
• Phone systems
• Device configuration
• Product onboarding

Information security technical skills examples for your resume

Cybersecurity is an important and growing field. Nearly all employers use the internet in one way or another, and they all need to make sure their data is safe and secure. If you want a meaningful and future-proof career, information security is a good choice. Whether you want to work in-house for a large company, or work with clients at an information security firm, it’s important to develop impressive technical skills to display on your resume. Information security technical skills include:

• SIEM Management
• FISMA Compliance
• HIPAA Compliance
• Intrusion Detection Systems
• Intrusion Prevention Systems
• Security analysis
• Incident response
• Data science

Content management technical skills examples for your resume

All businesses need websites, and all websites need content. If you want to create a great career in the digital age, developing a robust set of content management technical skills to put on your resume is a great place to start. Content managers write, edit, and curate content that is published online. This involves working with copywriters, contractors, marketing specialists, and designers. It may require some management abilities, social media savvy, an eye for detail, and more. Content manager resume technical skills include:

• Proofreading
• Content creation
• Social media management
• Content management system (CMS) proficiency
• Search engine optimization

Sales technical skills examples for your resume

Sales is a demanding field, but it can be rewarding for the right kind of person. More than just selling products and services, sales jobs require you to create relationships with customers and clients, keeping them informed of your company’s offerings and ensuring that they feel supported and looked-after as they use the services. Sales roles can entail inside sales, B2B, cold calls, travelling, and more. If you’re creating a resume for a sales role, consider this list of technical skills for your resume:

• Client management
• Sales prospecting
• Social selling
• Product knowledge
• Territory management
• Objection handling
• Presentation software
• Customer relationship management tools
• Buyer research
• Productivity software

Accounting technical skills examples for resumes

When hiring an accountant, employers look for an understanding of accounting regulations, proficiency in particular tools, and strong technical skills. While you should always research potential employers and customize your resume to suit the type of accounting you specialize in, there are plenty of accountant resume technical skills that can look good on a resume:

• Intrax ProcedureNet
• Microsoft Dynamics
• Regulatory standards
• ERP systems
• Cost and trend analysis

Warehouse technical skills examples for resume success

Many organizations need to ship, receive, and store items, all of which require warehouses. As online shopping becomes more popular, warehouses become even more important. Someone has to be there to organize, pack, and store all the items that are delivered to peoples’ doors. Whether you’re a labourer, forklift driver, or manager, warehouse jobs can be very physical and require some specialized knowledge. Warehouse technical skills examples for resumes include:

• Spreadsheets
• Supplies procurement
• Personnel management
• Preventative maintenance
• Forklift license
• Regulation knowledge
• Shipping and receiving
• Pallet jack

Retail technical skills examples for your resume

Retail workers spend long hours on their feet, working the sales floor, operating the cash register, and assisting customers. Retail work is a field that requires good people skills, stamina, and a lot of patience, but for the right person, it can be very rewarding. Soft skills like communication and patience aren’t all it takes for a successful retail resume, however. You also need to have the hard skills that go with the job. Retail resume technical skills include:

• Cash handling
• Point of Sale systems
• Industry knowledge
• Merchandising
• Active listening

Ecommerce technical skills examples for resume writing

Ecommerce is a broad field that encompasses all of marketing and selling online. It involves advertising, email marketing, search engine optimization, data collection, analytics, design, and development. As there is no sign that people are about to stop buying things online, ecommerce is a great field to get into to ensure a long career. If you’re applying for an ecommerce job, consider this list of technical skills for your resume:

• Email marketing
• Data analytics
• Web development
• Social media savvy
• Content writing
• Customer relationship management
• Point of sale technology

Welding technical skills examples for resumes

Welding is the process of using heat to fuse pieces of metal together. It is integral to many manufacturing and construction processes. If you’re looking to become a welder, you will likely need to get certified, but even with a certification your resume needs to list your skills. Welding technical skills to put on your resume include:

• TIG welding
• MIG welding
• Stick welding
• Angle grinding
• Arc welding

Secretary technical skills examples for resumes

Secretaries are responsible for professional administrative duties like taking calls, managing correspondence, scheduling meetings, and greeting guests. Whether you’re at the front desk of an office, act as an office administrator, or work as a private secretary, it’s important to have the right organizational skills and multitasking abilities. Secretary technical skills to put on your resume include:

• Operating phones
• Scheduling software
• Office hardware knowledge
• Note Taking
• Appointment booking
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Calendar software
• More technical skills

Your skill set is unique, and the competencies that you have developed throughout your career will depend on your interests, your education, and your previous jobs. When writing your resume, make sure that you understand your own abilities and what companies in your industry are looking for. With a well-targeted resume and the right technical skills, you can make your resume irresistible to employers.

• Accounting Software
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software
• Database Software
• Information Security
• Video Editing and Creation
• Cloud/SaaS Services
• Telecommunications
• Microsoft Office Certifications
• Business intelligence
• Manufacturing process
• Engineering drawing
• What are Technical Skills?
• Why are Technical Skills Important?

Employers only spend a few seconds reading each resume, so it’s important to make sure your skills section catches their eye. Your work history Section and descriptions of past roles may show what expertise you have to offer, but to ensure employers know exactly what skills you bring to the table it’s best to create a distinct list.

• How do you Describe Technical Skills?

Apart from listing them on a resume skills section - you can also describe your technical skills by leveraging your summary (or objective), work history and accomplishments sections of your resume.

For example, you can describe TDD technical skill on your resume by highlighting “Achieved 100% test coverage by following TDD” in your work experience section.

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71 Technical Skills For Your Resume (And What Are Technical Skills?)

• What Are Hard Skills?
• What Are Technical Skills?
• What Are What Are Life Skills?
• What Are Social Media Skills Resume?
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• What Are Analytical Skills?
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• How To Delegate

Find a Job You Really Want In

Technical skills are more important now than ever before. After all, telecommuting , conducting business virtually and Zoom calls are still the norm for many workers. Companies are scaling down, cutting back, and changing the way they do business. If you’re a worker looking to showcase your technical skills on your resume, you’re in luck. This article will cover everything you need to know about technical skills, and how you can perfect a technical skills resume. Key Takeaways: Technical skills allow you to perform a specific task and are often considered a “hard skill” that must be learned. Almost every profession requires some type of technical skill. Technical skills in data analysis, coding, programming, social media, and project management are in high demand. Technical skills can be learned through training or classes, as well as self-education. Technical skills can usually be listed on a resume in the skills section, depending on the template you use for your resume ; however it is also important to list accomplishments and quantifiable results to go with the skills. In This Article    Skip to section What are technical skills? Types of technical skills More technical skills How to improve your technical skills How to highlight your technical skills Technical skills FAQ Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs Show More What are technical skills?

Technical skills are the abilities or the knowledge you need to perform a specific task. They are often considered a hard skill , or a skill you learned through education or training. The interesting thing about the modern job market is that almost everyone needs some technical skills to do their jobs.

The first thing most people think of are tech jobs; a computer programmer needs to know how to code and program to be successful, and those are just a couple of the technical skills they need for their occupation. A statistician might need to know big data analysis and database management to do their job correctly. But those career paths are inherently very technical.

What about other professions?

Because we rely so much on technology, technical skills have spread into almost every job. A server at a restaurant might need to know point-of-sale software, and having that knowledge might get them more jobs more easily. Today’s trash collectors work in a high-tech portable office. That’s right, their trucks are decked out with all types of technology that they need to know how to operate.

These examples illustrate the wide variety of jobs that require technical skills and the even broader scope of technical skills there are.

Types of technical skills

Technical skills come in many forms. Though, when you’re looking to nail a job, you stand a better chance of impressing your future employers if you have technical skills in a few key areas. Obviously, if your job requires some specific skills, you’re going to need those, but you might also find that these can help your chances of getting hired.

Data analysis. We are a world that’s fueled by data. It’s so prevalent in business that just about anyone can benefit from having some sort of data management or analysis background . Big data is a newer field and it deals with incredibly enormous amounts of data.

The ability to sort through that data and narrow it down into data sets that can be used is very desirable. This skill crosses fields and is used in science, business, marketing, medicine, advertising, government, urban development, and more.

Examples of data analysis technical skills:

Big data analysis

Data analytics

Data mining

Database management

Database design

Documentation

Calculating and statistical analysis

Research and reporting

Database software certifications

Information management

Coding and programming. Coding and programming often go hand-in-hand, but they’re not the same thing. Coding is basically taking regular language and translating it into something the computer understands. Many people have a remedial understanding of a little coding, like using HTML to create page breaks or underlining.

Programming is more involved as it’s part of software development and includes planning, design, testing, and deployment. Not every profession needs coders and programmers but those computer jobs sure do.

Examples of coding and programming technical skills:

HTML , Python , JavaScript, C++, SQL, etc

Query Software

Data structures and algorithms

Source control

Text editors

Integrated development environment

Database management and creation

Testing basics

Software release

Information security

Cloud/SaaS services

Hardware Description Language (HDL)

Hardware verification tools and techniques

Artificial intelligence

Social media skills. Once upon a time, just having a Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram account of your own was enough to qualify you to say you have social media experience. Not so today.

Everybody has some accounts and there are a ton of different social media platforms these days. Now, to claim you have social media skills you’re going to need to talk about analytics, management tools for accounts, any paid advertising you’ve done, campaigns you’ve headed — if you know what all of this is, then you’re on the right path.

Examples of social media technical skills:

Content management systems (CMS)

Video Creation

Photography

Digital media

Blogging and blogging platforms

Search engine optimization (SEO)

Social media management systems

PPC and paid advertising

Social media platforms

Project management. Being incredibly organized used to be the hallmark of a project manager , now the technical knowledge behind this job includes knowing how to use scheduling software, performance tracking programs, financial modeling or accounting programs, project lifestyle management, and of course you’ll need to know a bit about the industry.

In addition, some companies like it if you’re trained in Agile, Scrum, Kanban, Lean Thinking, or another popular approach to managing teams and customers.

Examples of project management technical skills:

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software

Microsoft Office Certifications

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Productivity Software

Telecommunications

Human Resources Software

Accounting Software

Team management software

Benchmarking

Scheduling software

Task delegation and management

Quality control

Technical writing. Technical writing is not easy. It requires an ability to dive deeply into a topic, understand high-level data, and then translate that data into something that the average person, or someone with a moderate level of knowledge, can understand.

The thing about technical writing is, if you can do that with a degree of success, then you can write just about any business material and be good at it. Writing is a crucial part of the business world because communication is so important. Employers want to hire people who are good writers and who know how to get data out there without confusing or frustrating the readers.

Examples of technical skills for technical writers:

Source documentation

Solid grammar skills

Microsoft word and office

Subject matter experience

Data gathering

Content management systems

More technical skills

The technical skills above are fairly general examples that can help your resume stand out. If you have a little bit of a work history in each of these fields, it’s going to look good. Having mastered some of these skills is even better. But this is by no means the only technical skills there are.

There are career specific skills and credentials necessary for many jobs and some that can also play across different professions. Some addition types of technical skills include:

Blueprint design

Medical billing

Medical coding

Electronic medical records

Structural analysis

Mechanical maintenance

Manufacturing

Inventory management

Logistics management

Accounting and finance

Sales and marketing

Website design

Graphic design

Point-of-sale software

How to improve your technical skills

Technical skills might be easy to identify for some, but not for everyone. Then there might be some people who feel like they need to boost their resume. It never hurts to brush up on your technical skills or add a few more to your resume. You can do this in a number of ways.

Take some classes. It obviously depends on the skill, but there are classes being offered for just about anything. There are online classes, in-person classes, technical classes that last just a few hours, and then there are degrees you can obtain after years of school. How much you want to dedicate to improving your skills is totally up to you.

On-the-job training. Why not learn from an expert ? You can apply for official apprentice programs or internships to gain a certification or you can go a more informal route and just spend some time shadowing an expert. For some people, this hands-on training is the best way to learn.

Dive in. If you love to do and experiment, you can learn a lot by trial and error on your own. You don’t have to have a degree or a certificate to be skilled at something, just doing it over and over can be all you need to feel like a pro.

Stay updated. Technical skills can evolve and change over time. Imagine if you only knew how to use the very first version of Microsoft Word, it was released in 1983 and came on a floppy disc. Today, knowing how to use that version is an utterly useless skill. That’s why staying on top of technology is so important, no matter what field you’re in.

How to highlight your technical skills

You’ll want to mention your technical skills when applying for a job, especially the ones that are required for that position. There are a few different ways to showcase your accomplishments and technical knowledge and you can use one, a combination, or all of them to create the most appealing application possible.

Technical skills in a resume . This depends on your field and your experience. If you learned different skills in different positions, then you might want to bullet-point the skills under each job listing. If you’ve stayed in the same field, then adding a skills section to your resume (after your professional history or after your education ) is a good way to point out your proficiencies.

While a skills section is useful for hitting keywords for skimming hiring managers and recruiters, it’s important that you also include some accomplishments with each of your most valuable skills. To determine which skills are most important to the employer, read over the job description and see which skills are mentioned multiple times or otherwise emphasized as critical.

Then, list at least one accomplishment that relates to using that skill in your work history’s bullet points. That will back up and contextualize your otherwise hard-to-prove skills section. You can also mention one technical skill in your resume’s summary statement, as a way of instantly catching the hiring manager’s eye.

Also, note that keywords are immensely important for applicant tracking systems (ATS) which most large companies use to parse resumes before they reach a human reader . Make sure that you are as specific as possible with how you phrase your technical skills.

Technical skills in a cover letter. Your cover letter is a brief introduction to who you are and why you want to work for that particular company.

It’s also a great place to list your most relevant technical skills and how they make you a good fit for the job. The thing to be careful of here is not listing obvious skills. If you are a secretary looking for a job at a drafting firm, they will expect you to know Microsoft inside and out and you don’t need to mention that. But if you’ve had some CAD training then they might find that particularly exciting.

The addendum. In some cases, a resume and cover letter simply aren’t enough. It depends on the job and the career the individual has had, but there can be certifications that come with technical skills that you’ll want to attach to your application.

Technical skills during an interview. How you discuss your technical skills in an interview depends on who’s interviewing you. For a phone screening with a recruiter who has very little grasp of the technical details of your job, you want to keep your conversation direct but simple enough to understand.

For example, instead of going into the details of how your latest Python project was able to scrape demographic data and visualize the data simultaneously, stick to just saying something along the lines of “I’m proficient at using Python and have used it for many projects, including several recent ones.”

But when you get to further stages of the interview process where you’re meeting with a hiring manager who’d be your supervisor or talking to potential coworkers about the technical details of projects that are in progress, it’s time to step up your technical lingo and show off your depth of knowledge.

Just be careful not to oversell your talents or exaggerate your past accomplishments. You’re not the only “expert” in the building, so it’s only a matter of time before someone realizes you’re not as experienced as you claim to be.

Technical skills FAQ

What are the most important technical skills?

The most important technical skills are coding/programming, social media, project management, and data analysis. However, there is a wide variety of technical skills that are both broad and more niche.

Some other essential technical skills are:

Technical Writing

Computer Graphics

Medical Coding

Point-of-Sale Software

Software Testing

Customer Service Systems

Digital Marketing

How do you explain your technical skills?

You can explain your technical skills in a resume, cover letter, and interview to catch the attention of a hiring company. Suppose you’re applying for a tech-heavy position; it’s best to mention your core technical skills in your resume and then dive deeper into your experience with these abilities in your cover letter.

However, when you include technical skills in a cover letter, try to focus on the extra special stuff, not just what’s required for the job.

You can further explain your technical skills during an interview while adapting to the particular interview situation. If you’re being interviewed by a recruiter who doesn’t know much technical jargon, keep your explanations very digestible.

What are examples of specific technical strengths?

Examples of specific technical strengths include:

User Experience (UX)

Content Management Systems

Consumer Analytics

Landing Page Copy

Keyword Research

Adobe Software

Microsoft Office

Cloud Computing

What technical skills should I learn?

The technical skills you should learn are the various facets of artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, cyber security, and virtual reality. These are some of the fastest-growing industries around the world in 2022. Having some technical skills in one or a few of these fields puts you a step ahead of the game.

While these are smart technical skills to learn to get involved in emerging industries, it’s always good to be familiar with the traditional abilities, such as useful programming languages like Python and JavaScript.

What technical skills are the most in-demand?

The most in-demand technical skills are C++, SQL, Python, Java, and R. These sought-after technical skills are coding languages. C++, Java, and HTML are the traditional coding languages that many people know, and Python, SQL, and R are all useful for data analysis.

Besides these top five, some other in-demand technical skills are:

Network Security

Artificial Intelligence

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Kristin Kizer is an award-winning writer, television and documentary producer, and content specialist who has worked on a wide variety of written, broadcast, and electronic publications. A former writer/producer for The Discovery Channel, she is now a freelance writer and delighted to be sharing her talents and time with the wonderful Zippia audience.

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99 Popular Technical Skills for Your Resume: Insights for 2024

Here are the top ways to show your Technical skills on your resume. Find out relevant Technical keywords and phrases and build your resume today.

Is your resume ATS-friendly?

Drop your resume here or upload a file to find out if the skills in your resume are readable by an ATS.

In This Guide:

Top technical skills for your resume, most popular technical hard skills for your resume in 2022, how to list technical skills on resume in detail, where to include technical skills on your resume, how to match your skills to the job position, related resume examples, key takeaways.

Have you ever wondered what are the most in-demand technical skills for your resume in 2022?

The simple answer is that this would depend on the position you’re applying for.

That’s why at Enhancv, we’ve decided to cover for you 99 of the most popular technical skills, that recruiters are always on the lookout for.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• The most in-demand technical skills for different IT segments
• The technical skills that should be part of your resume for various other industries, including marketing, finance, healthcare, etc
• How and where to include your technical skills on your resume
• Best practices from real-life resume examples … and so much more

If you’re looking to create a separate resume skills section, make sure you check out our 10 Effective Resume Skills Section Examples .

While your technical skills are part of your resume hard skills , they are more focused on the tools, methodologies, and systems you have the ability to use.

You may need to take additional training and certification to be proficient, but in the end, technical skills certainly pay off.

They offer you more career perspectives and a certain competitive edge that’s priceless.

If you need help writing your resume, you can make use of some of our resume templates to get you started.

But now, let’s look at a basic list of the top technical skills:

Top Technical Skills for 2022

• Google Analytics

IT is one of the most popular fields across the globe, and no wonder. Our society has become more and more dependent on technological innovations.

It sure is an exciting field that offers professionals many opportunities to climb the ladder of success.

While recruiters are always on the lookout for IT candidates with soft skills , technical requirements are always at the core of each specific role.

Wondering where to list your IT skills on your resume ? Let’s find out the top 10 most sought IT skills for 2022.

Web development skills

With over 1.8 billion websites worldwide , web development sure is one of those booming fields that offers many opportunities to professionals.

It's a role that nurtures creativity and at the same time emphasizes specific technical requirements for both frontend and backend web developers.

Put it simply, different roles require an array of technical skills, that include programming languages, understanding of the user experience, and did we mention data management?

We've collected for you 6 of the most common technical skills that go hand-in-hand with most web development positions.

But if you need more help or ideas on creating your technical resume, make sure you check out our exclusive Enhancv web developer resume examples .

User Experience (UX)

UX skills pinpoint that you have the ability to oversee and manage the end-to-end consumer experience.

From mapping the processes step-by-step to building and integrating the interaction between consumers and the products, services, or company.

You can list your UX skills under the relevant experience section of your resume, as so:

Identified and resolved issues within the end-to-end UX to improve customer retention by 30% on the e-commerce platform

User Interface (UI)

Most often, UX and UI design skills are listed under the same category, but there is a difference between these two skills.

While UX is more about functionality, UI skills highlight more of an aesthetic vision and your ability to create the look and feel (or graphic layout) of the website.

Your UI skills could also be listed under the summary section of your resume:

UI designer with 5+years of experience in creating aesthetically appealing websites to bring awareness about products to new customers

Wondering how you can describe your experience in 2022? Our UI Designer Resume guide is 100% effective in helping you land your dream job.

Frontend Programming (Coding) Languages

This goes without saying, but front development requires some prior knowledge in building responsive websites using programming languages.

Those would vary from HTML, CSS, etc.

An example of listing your technical frontend skills within the experience section would be:

Used HTML and CSS to create the feel and look of 300+ live websites in a 5-year-period

For more examples and top keywords you can include, check out our CSS guide for 2022 .

Graphic design software

Despite the fact that you’d be dealing with more of the coding aspect of the role, some previous knowledge in Photoshop or Illustrator can surely be beneficial.

This would help you collaborate with graphic designers in achieving the vision you’re aiming for.

Listing your graphic design skills can be a part of your experience section:

Using Photoshop to assist in the design process, thus decreasing the time needed for launching a website by 15%

Read our guide for more ideas on how your Adobe skills could enhance your resume to get the job you want.

Backend Programming (Coding) Languages

As we all know, backend programmers have to deal with the development and maintenance of the servers of a given website.

Thus, showcasing your knowledge of Ruby and PHP is essential for the role.

Wondering how to list your backend programming languages in the summary section of your resume:

Backend developer with 6+years of experience in using Ruby to maintain 500+ websites

Check out our PHP resume examples guide to learn how to list your backend programming skills in different sections of your resume.

Sql and .net

The 2 most prominent database management frameworks are SQL and .Net.

Data management via these two languages is another technical skill for backend developers focused on databases and their specifics.

Listing your technical capabilities with SQL and .Net could fall under the experience section of your resume:

Backend maintenance via SQL in improving company-wide data management by 35%

If you’d like to learn how to list your SQL data management experience, check out our guide to the top SQL resume keywords in 2022 .

Programming languages

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted that by 2028, the job opportunities for programmers would rise by 21%. That’s 4 times the average for all occupations?!

Evidently, this is a very popular career choice and also in high demand.

As we have listed above some programming languages, this section will focus more in detail on 5 different coding languages.

If you need more ideas on how to list these technical skills within specific sections of your resume, we have the perfect programming languages guide for you .

C++ is one of the most common languages used to program systems that run applications in various industries.

A technical skill that would open multiple windows of opportunities for you, ranging from careers in PC gaming to mathematical simulations.

This programming language is a valuable skill that you could list in your summary section:

Software engineer with 10+ years of experience programming software with C++ for over 70 companies worldwide

For more examples of how to include your C++ skills, make sure you visit our guide .

Social media websites (Instagram and Pinterest) and financial services platforms; artificial intelligence and data science are all built using Python.

It is another very common programming language that would allow you to excel in your career and explore different industries and sectors.

Include Python in your experience section as so:

Used Python to successfully develop 16 different projects in fintech

For more examples of how to impress recruiters with your Python skills, check out our resume examples.

If you are interested in a career in building interactive digital platforms, you’ve come to the right place.

JavaScript is at the core of any website and/or mobile application development.

And what better way to showcase your JavaScript skills than within the summary section of your resume:

Website Developer with experience in JavaScript and Node.js to build over 600+ websites and applications in the e-commerce sector

Make sure you check out our comprehensive guide to writing your JavaScript Developer resume .

PowerShell is a scripting language used to automate management systems.

Knowledge of this particular language creates opportunities in scripting, administration, and engineering.

Include PowerShell within the experience section of your resume with this example:

Automated 10 business-crucial workflows with PowerShell to cut back on processing time by 12 hours per week

Make the most out of your scripting skills on your resume with our guide for 2022.

Or the programming language used by some of the most prominent platforms - Netflix, LinkedIn, eBay, Twitter, etc.

Scala is mainly used for cloud-based applications to resolve issues with other programming languages.

Make sure you include your Scala skills in your resume summary (if applicable):

Developer with 3+ years of experience in creating and managing Scala applications in the last mile sector

Scala is one of the fundamental languages within the Spark skills - learn how to list them within different sections of your resume.

Network Security

Over the past few years, organizations have started to prioritize their cybersecurity, as data breaches have become unfortunately more common.

Cyber and network security is a growing field, and experienced professionals are much needed to support this rising demand to protect business-crucial data.

Here’s your chance to leave your mark on this vital aspect within the digital environment - just don’t forget to list your technical skills.

Copy a page from our book, with our job-winning Network Security Engineer resume example.

Networking product vendors

This may be an obvious one, but you need to know the specifics of the different products out there to build, maintain, and fully secure company networks.

Networking product vendors include Cisco, Aruba, Azure, Juniper, etc.

Your knowledge of different product vendors could be an integral part of your resume experience section:

Set up, maintained, and upgraded 15 Cisco routers

If you need more examples of how to integrate your experience with different product vendors, check out 4 more network engineers resumes .

Data loss prevention via antivirus and anti-malware software is a crucial element for any network security role.

It’s one of those must-have technical skills within the cybersecurity and information security sector that shows recruiters an understanding of the field.

For example, this could fall under the summary section within your resume:

Junior Security Expert, ensuring company-wide cybersecurity via best DLP practices in the past year

Of course, your DLP skills could be included in various sections - visit our comprehensive guide for more examples of Security Analyst resumes .

Penetration and vulnerability testing

To be able to secure an organization’s network, you’d first have to perform tests to see if there are possibilities for data to be breached.

This is yet another popular skill within the cybersecurity space, which could lead to an exciting career pathway.

And if you want to include it in the experience section of your resume, check out our official example:

Performed up to 30 monthly pen tests on the IDS and IPS systems to ensure fintech data security

Learn more about including your penetration testing skills from our official resume examples for 2022.

Networking hardware

Some security professionals also happen to deal with installing and maintaining network hardware - ranging from routers and switches to hubs and bridges, etc.

It’s one of those technical skills which do impress recruiters, so make sure you include it within your resume.

This would ideally fit your summary section as so:

Highly Experienced Security Specialist in ensuring all network hardware is always effective in 25+ companies

Listing these technical skills may be just that deciding factor you need to make the perfect impression on recruiters. Learn how to include your hardware skills on your resume from our official guide.

Ethical hacking

This is another excellent technical skill to include within your resume, as it teaches you the ability to explore networks from a different perspective.

What is more, having this new outlook would allow you to take preventative measures to secure your organization.

Check out a real-life example from the summary section of our resumes:

Cybersecurity Analyst and Certified Ethical Hacker with 10+ years of experience in maintaining the security of 80+ companies in the financial sector

For more key skills to include in your cybersecurity analyst resume , check out our official examples guide.

Ecommerce platforms

As a result of the pandemic, we’ve seen a shift in consumer behavior: from shopping at brick-and-mortar stores to the vast universe of e-commerce.

In 2022, this trend is predicted to remain steady, while the seamless experience has become a must for all e-shoppers.

An expanding sector that offers multiple opportunities for professionals with a good technical background.

Find out how to showcase the rest of your e-commerce skills with tips and tricks on presenting your experience.

Copywriting

No matter the e-commerce platform, knowing how to write a succinct, yet exciting copy to get the audience’s attention is a must.

And if you can include a pinch of SEO and emotion when describing the product, you have the ideal technical background.

Copywriting is a great skill to include in your experience summary - here is an example of how:

Writing product pages for e-stores on Amazon and Etsy, resulting in a 65% increase in sales revenue

Not sure how to include your copywriting skills in your resume? We have the perfect copywriting resume guide for you that goes through the process with real-life examples.** **

Optimizing e-commerce shops so that they’d appear at the top of any relevant Google Search is a priceless skill.

If you’re looking to get into the online retail world, this is one technical skill you should include in your resume.

An example of how you can do so in the summary section:

SEO-Certified Marketer dedicated to making e-commerce shops more visible by attracting a 10K monthly audience.

The Best SEO Resumes will show you how to further list your technical skills to get that e-commerce role.

Google analytics

This might be an obvious one, but having an understanding of the #1 free web analytics platform in the world could be beneficial for you.

As e-commerce is a field that is constantly adapting to data, including this technical skill on your resume could be your winning ticket, especially if it’s listed in the job requirements.

So, if you want to include your Google Analytics skills in your experience section:

Analyzed Google Analytics Data to create client reports and recommendations, increasing customer traffic to all client e-commerce platforms by 25%

Learn how to create your Analytics Manager resume , where Google Analytics is integral to your hard skill set.

Inventory Management

If you’re applying for a role in e-commerce, this may require you to manage the inventory: from supply chain management to inventory accounting and control.

This technical skill showcases that you’re not only apt at working with specific software, but have an attention to detail and can manage big data sets of information.

It’s a skill you can include in the summary section of your resume:

E-commerce operations manager with 3+ years of experience in inventory management to identify opportunities for annual growth by at least 10%

Need some more inspiration for your resume? Check out our guide on how to include different inventory management skills to make an awesome first impression.

Even though most people deem this as a basic skill, collecting and analyzing data and trends with MS Excel can really help any e-commerce platform grow.

So if you happen to have experience with pivot tables, and MS Excel skills are listed within the job requirements, make sure to include this technical skill on your resume.

It could be part of the experience section:

Collected and analyzed customer data with Pivot Tables to optimize and cut back on data reporting time by 5 hours per week

_We have a guide with more tips and tricks on including MS Excel as part of the technical skill set of your resume. _

Data science

Data management.

Data is the superpower of our century - those who know how to work ethically with it to achieve results are the future of the workforce.

This technical skill is a must for anyone looking to explore the field of data science, but could also be an asset for multiple other roles.

Include your data management skills in the experience section of your resume:

Integrated data management strategies across 10 different departments in the business to achieve coherence and ensure 100% effectiveness against data breaches

Find out more on how to make the most out of your data management skills and put them into perspective for recruiters.

If you have the technical proficiency to use SPSS to manage and analyze data, this could be a great asset to your resume.

It’s one of the most popular software used in various research fields, including ​​market, health, government, education, etc.

You could add your SPSS skill to the summary section of your resume:

Data Analyst with 6+ years of experience in the production sector, using SPSS to harness and analyze data and trends

SPSS is a great technical skill to include in different parts of your resume. Check out our SPSS skills guide with live examples of the best practices for 2022.

Machine learning

This technical skill is ever in demand with the rise of automation in every single sector - from banking and finance to cybersecurity and software development.

Machine learning skills can showcase to recruiters that you have the expertise and creativity to enhance processes within the company.

For example, this could be an inseparable part of the experience section of your resume:

Used Machine Learning to enhance company-wide production processes - saving $75K in annual revenue

Interested in finding out what the fundamental skill set for machine learning is? Our machine learning skills article will provide you with pro tips and examples on how to include this skill on your resume.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

If you happen to have the ability to make intelligent machines and/or computer programs, don’t be shy about adding this to your resume.

AI skills go to show that you have invested in obtaining innovative and forward-facing knowledge, that can be a great asset to any company.

And they look great as part of the summary section of your resume:

Data Scientist with 15 successful AI projects providing 100% eco-friendly solutions to the mobility sector

IT surely is a competitive field, so make sure you stand out with expert insights on how to include your AI skills .

Data modeling

Data modeling differs from management, as it’s more about creating rules for different data entries to achieve specific outputs.

Of course, if you happen to have this technical skill, you’d probably already know that.

We recommend you include this in different sections of your resume - e.g. the experience part:

**Sustained the data model repository to achieve 100% company-wide database accuracy **

Data modeling is one of those must-have technical skills that make up data scientists resumes. Read our guide to find more skills and live examples of Data Scientist Resumes .

Software engineering

Integrating solutions for the cloud is a crucial aspect of the role of software engineers.

If you’re to include your cloud proficiency, make sure you can showcase the results you’ve achieved.

This technical skill would look fantastic in the summary section of your resume:

**Certified Software Engineer with 5+ experience in integrating innovative solutions for SMEs using cloud technology **

Make your resume stand out from the rest with some of our Cloud Skills best practice examples .

The number of available CMS platforms has been growing and companies are always on the lookout for apt professionals.

If you have a good track record of working with CMS platforms, and this is listed within the job advert, this can help you get recruiters' attention.

Wondering how to translate your CMS skills to the experience section of your resume?

Created and maintained up to 60 landing pages/month on various CMS platforms, using HTML and CSS

Need to further brush up your knowledge on how to include this technical skill on your resume? Our CMS skills guide will walk you through the basics and will provide you with expert insights.

Do you have the experience of working with data - specifically to extract, support, and transform it?

ETL is a powerful technical skill to have on your software engineer resume, as it shows your specific ability to work with databases and sets.

Why not add your ETL skills to your resume’s summary section:

Developer with 7+ years of experience in ETL warehouse database management

Check out our guide for more specific examples on how to include your ETL skills on your resume.

Within your previous roles, you might have had the experience of sorting Big Data with Hadoop - this one technical asset that’s a real gem for your resume.

This programming framework is becoming more and more popular in many industries, e.g. retail, banking and finance, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Include your Hadoop skills to the experience section of your resume:

Implementing Hadoop solutions in working with Big Data to decrease processing time by 6 hours weekly AVG

Get some ideas on how to add your Hadoop skills to your technical resume.

Over the past decade, IoT is on the rise as it enables companies to be more efficient and operations-focused.

As so, this invaluable skill could make your resume stand out, as long as it’s applicable to the job you’re applying for.

Hence, the summary section of your resume could include the following description:

Experienced Developer with 3 years of experience in providing IoT solutions in manufacturing and production

Showcase your full range of IoT skills on your resume with our expert recommendations and suggestions.

Project management

Microsoft project.".

An integrated approach toward project management that allows you to track deadlines, manage resources and check achievements.

Including this technical skill within your resume shows your ability to oversee all aspects of a certain project and plan ahead.

Used Microsoft Project to manage 6 individual projects, reaching all set KPIs, resulting in a 10% annual increase in profit

Learn more about why Microsoft Project is a great technical skill to include on your resume.

Another project management software that allows professionals to have an excellent overview of the lifecycle of the project.

Oracle also allows for creating budgets and forecasts - a very useful skill when managing the financial aspect of any given assignment.

Include your Oracle skills within the experience section of your resume to get recruiters’ attention:

Monitored the performance of 7 projects with Oracle to improve the ROI by 7% by taking into account the project tasks, resources, and time frames

Find out what other technical roles Oracle skills are useful for.

Integration

This technical skill includes all programming, data transformation, or scripting skills that are all necessary for a seamless approach to IT project management.

So whether you have experience working with in-house software or API integrations, integration is worthwhile listing.

Experienced professionals could include it within the summary section of their resumes:

Technical Project Manager with 2+ years working in developing API integrations for 10 SaaS products

Visit our i ntegrations guide to find out more of the specifics on how to include this technical skill in your resume.

Report writing

This is one of those basic technical skills that all IT project managers must use - the ability to collect and analyze data and present it concisely.

For some professionals, report writing may be a given, but if it’s listed within the job requirements, make sure you put the correct emphasis on it.

This technical skill could be included within the experience section of your resume:

Created 3 monthly reports reflecting upon set KPIs to discover and amend discrepancies within expectations

Want to find out more about the roles this technical skill is relevant for? Our report writing guide also includes useful know-how and top keywords to help you create your job-winning resume.

One of the most common ticketing tools, ServiceNow is another valuable asset to your project management resume.

Including this skill would highlight your ability once more to manage and monitor resource utilization, availability, and cost.

Your ServiceNow skills could be added to your experience summary section:

Used ServiceNow Time Card Management to prioritize the work of a team of 7 customer service experts

Creating your first ever project management resume? Or looking to upgrade your current one? Our 4 project manager resume examples can help you get the job of your dreams.

Administration technical skills

Administration professionals mainly handle office-related tasks: from client communication to documentation and filing.

As much as soft skills, e.g. communication and negotiation, are an inseparable part of the role, showcasing technical knowledge would show recruiters that you’re the ideal candidate.

Because every business or organization would benefit from an admin who understands:

• Operating Systems
• Bookkeeping
• Microsoft Office
• Calendar Management
• Email Writing

Make sure you highlight your admin technical skills in the relevant part of your resume:

Virtual PA managing 3+ hybrid offices by Quicken Bookkeeping and updating all data management systems

Check out our full list of technical skills you can add to your administrative assistant resume .

Business analysis technical skills

Let’s once more admit that the most valuable currency of the 21st century is data - to keep their competitive edge, businesses need to protect, understand, and implement it.

Here comes the role of the business analyst: “the chosen one”; who can see beyond mere numbers and graphs to implement crucial solutions.

To apply for a business analyst role, make sure you include your technical skills, as they are always at the top of recruiters' checklists.

You can list your experience with some of the following technologies that may apply:

• Tableau Big Data Analytics
• Microsoft Teams
• SAS Business Analytics (SAS BA)

Tracked product sales on Gtmhub to establish and implement recommendations to increase annual ROI by 25%

Check out the best business analyst resume samples to increase your opportunities in landing your dream job.

Sales technical skills

Do you know what the secret is to converting SQLs (sales qualified leads) to actual customers?

It takes a specific skill set that includes product and market knowledge, value proposition, and customer approach.

You’d have to demonstrate those abilities within your technical expertise, as some companies may require an ability to work with:

• Cold email scripts
• Google Sheets
• OLAP (online analytical processing) tools
• Cold Calling
• Microsoft Dynamics

Those technical skills could be listed in the summary section of your resume:

Sales Representative, increasing revenue by at least 25% with 7+ years of experience in cold emails and cold calls

Need more ideas on including your cold calling career milestones - our skills guide will show you how to create results-driven resume sections.

Marketing technical skills

To thrive in the dynamic modern-day marketing world, you not only need the necessary creativity and imagination.

Your technical skill set would distinguish your experience from the rest of the candidates - showing recruiters that you can do just fine managing any CRM software.

So make sure to include some of the following skills, if they are listed in the job description:

• Adobe Premiere and Photoshop

Digital Marketer creating content with Photoshop and Premier to increase brand awareness by 25% per quarter

Read our official guide if you want to have more focus on your Facebook marketing skills .

Non-IT engineering technical skills

There are various fields engineers outside IT can specialize in - ranging from civil, chemical, mechanical engineering, etc.

Each one would require specific technical skills, but we’ve created a list of the seven most common ones:

• Quality control
• Troubleshooting

Check out how this civil engineer has integrated their technical skill in the experience section:

Had 25 approved housing projects in Q3: used AutoCAD to model the buildings and prepare all relevant documentation

Make sure your robotics skills are on point with our skills guide, which looks at more industry examples.

Finance technical skills

This one might be obvious, but to succeed in finance, you need to have a high level of proficiency in Excel (and/or Google Sheets).

A career in finance offers the ability to apply your skills within many fields, including sustainability and renewable energy; tourism and hospitality; etc.

Finance is definitely a numbers game, so make sure you include some of the following technical skills:

• Financial modeling
• ERP systems (like SAP or Oracle)
• Preparation and analysis of financial statements
• Forecasting
• Financial analysis
• Projecting fiscal balances
• Risk analysis and management

Financial analyst with experience in building financial models to reach 100+ successful projects for 2021

Our expert-driven finance resumes include best examples on the most important resume sections and design ideas.

Accounting technical skills

There’s most certainly a wide range of career choices in accounting - from forensic accountant to auditor and investment accountant.

Of course, there are a few technical skills that are generally important to have within your skill arsenal to impress recruiters.

Apart from Quickbooks and Excel, you can include:

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for the U.S.
• Tax preparation software (Lacerte, ProConnect, and Drake)
• Cash flow management
• SimCorp Dimension
• HedgeSphere

Certified accountant with 200+ successful case studies in cash flow management

Use our guide to include your budget management skills in the experience section of your resume.

Healthcare technical skills

If you’re looking for a career in healthcare, this is one of those industries that will be ever relevant and growing.

While more senior roles require a specific set of skills, certification, and education, there are a few technical skills that would be relevant to add to your resume.

If you have the relevant experience, include these skills in your resume:

• ‍Medical Record Management (EpicCare, Cerner, WebPT, etc.)
• First Aid and CPR
• Patient scheduling
• Patient vitals
• Medical billing
• Electronic health record (MediTouch)
• Outbound / inbound calls

Assisted 600+ patients in scheduling their appointments and medical billing

Want more healthcare resume tips and tricks? Find out how to write your experience section and some soft skills you can include in our guide.

Manufacturing technical skills

One of the main priorities for recruiters in manufacturing is the technical side of your experience.

Simply put, if your technical aptitude is not good, then you won’t be able to do your job.

Our suggestion for you is to read up on the job requirements and include some of the following skills:

• CAM technology
• CNS machine tools
• Big data analytics (Hadoop, Cloudera, KNIME, etc.)
• Fabrication technology
• Product design
• MATLAB and LabView

Mechanical engineer with 10+ years of experience in the automotive product design niche

Read our guide to find out what the top 5 sections to have in your manufacturing engineer resume are.

Make sure the skills you list are relevant to the position

If you remember one thing from this article, it’s that your resume space is a limited asset.

That’s why you need to make the most out of it.

Best practices show that if you focus on the technical skills that are listed in the job description, you’re far more likely to make a good first impression on recruiters.

So, if you’re applying for a frontend web developer role, showcase more of your experience with HTML and CSS rather than your data management skills.

If you need further help with a specific template, make sure you check out our 500+ job-winning resume examples .

Provide concrete examples with numbers

Here is the secret to listing your technical aptitude: not only is the skill important, but also the results you’ve achieved.

Let’s say the DLP solutions you’ve implemented have increased your organization's cybersecurity effectiveness by 65%.

This surely sounds more impressive than just saying that you are “good at DLP”.

Be specific

Creating an endless list of the technologies you can use may confuse recruiters - as this doesn’t show your level of expertise.

In that sense - anyone can crop on Photoshop, but achieving the perfect light and color balance is a supposed more niche skill.

When writing your resume, make sure you include your experience with the specific technical skill.

In the header section of your resume

Some professionals tend to list their current position in the header of their resume.

This is a mistake you should avoid.

Your resume header is that perfect opportunity to outline your technical skills in line with the position you’re applying for.

Check out our example below:

Communicating your technical skills in the summary section

How do you write up to four brief sentences that make up your resume summary and should highlight your whole career and achievements?

We recommend you use this section to feature the technical skills you’re most experienced in, that may be applicable to the role.

Remember that your summary is as the very top of your resume and will be one of the first things recruiters notice.

Showcasing your technical resume skills in your experience bullet points

Your resume should tell a story, focused on achievements, highlights, and outcomes.

And what better way to do this than in the experience section of your resume?

Include your technical skills within this section to show how efficient you are at using the specific tool.

• • Set up 60+ workstations for all new colleagues joining the team - installing Windows and various applications
• • Managed the calendar and scheduled meetings for all 10 staff members on the decision-making board
• • Negotiated contracts with all 30 suppliers via email and telephone
• • Managed all office inventory on QuickBooks to ensure it’s 100% precise

So you’ve just decided to apply for the exciting Financial Analyst role, published by one of the Big Four, and you’ve taken the further step to tailor your resume.

Here are some ideas on how to match your technical skills to the role:

• read thoroughly the job requirements to align your experience
• learn more about the technologies the company uses from their LinkedIn or website
• highlight your strengths - the more proficient you are at using the particular technical skill, the more you can emphasize it within your resume

You don't have to boil the ocean to create your technical-focused resume.

Simply put - you need to frame your experience towards the role you’re applying for.

For more help, make sure you check out our resumes:

• Web Developer
• Front End Developer
• Software Developer
• Senior Developer
• C Developer
• Product Developer
• Senior Software Developer
• Software Engineer
• Freelance Developer
• Full Stack Developer
• Web Application Developer
• Expert-Driven Java Developer
• Freelance Software Developer
• Senior Web Developer
• Wordpress Developer
• PHP Developer
• Include your specific technical skills, applicable for the role you’re applying for
• You can list your technical skills within different sections of your resume
• Always remember to show the results you’ve achieved using the skill
• Don’t be vague: focus on highlighting the specifics within your experience
• Take your time to research the role and company so that you can tailor your resume and make a good first impression on recruiters

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• 17 Best Skills to Put on Your...

17 Best Skills to Put on Your Resume (with Examples)

20 min read · Updated on July 30, 2024

Everything you need to know about adding the right skills to your resume

Whether your resume has been through 19 revisions lately or you're just revisiting it for the first time in years, spending some time taking stock of your skills section can generate more interest in your candidacy and be the key to winning interviews. 

However, there's a lot of conflicting information online and in books about maximizing the effectiveness of this section. 

Do you simply list all of your key skills on the resume? 

What are the right skills to put on a resume? 

What order is best? 

How will a jumble of technical qualifications help you stand out? 

And what about those  soft skills ?

Let's tackle those questions one at a time and learn the 17 best skills to put on your resume – starting at the beginning.

Why is the resume skills section there in the first place?

The number one reason to spend a fair amount of time crafting your skills list is employability. Being employable means that you have the right skills – academic skills, applied knowledge, technology skills, vertical and lateral thinking abilities, and interpersonal skills – that employers value and are willing to pay you for. 

When the hiring manager picks up your resume to determine whether you're a fit for the role they have open, one of the first things they'll look at is your skill level. Having the right skills on your resume is also important to ensure your CV pops up in recruiter searches. 

There are three key reasons to include the skills section in your resume and to organize it well:

To list your skills and abilities in one place for easy reference and scanning

To highlight the match between your background and the job requirements for the position you're interested in

To get your well-crafted resume through keyword screening by applicant tracking systems

The right mix of resume skills will get you past the first hurdle and towards a conversation. Here's a blueprint for making the most out of your skills section:

Relevancy is critical

Including a jumble of skills on your resume, beefed up with some basics that pretty much everyone knows (like Microsoft Office, as an example) won't help you to stand out. In fact, listing out skills that are considered to be a common baseline can actually hurt your candidacy by making you look like you're scrambling to establish credibility. 

PRO TIP: As a general rule, basic user-level proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and email applications is  assumed to be a given . However, if you have advanced Excel skills (expert-level proficiency with macros and advanced analysis capabilities, for example), you should list those.  

Rather than go back to basics, you'll want to focus only on skills that look good on a resume.

So how can you tell that a skill is relevant? That's easy! Read the  job description . 

Interpret the job description

As you dissect the job description to learn what will be required of you if you're hired for the position, pay special attention to the “requirements” and “qualifications” bullets, as that's where you'll find the majority of the keywords your resume will need. Again, the goal is to ensure that your resume speaks to that particular job so you can impress the hiring manager. 

Let's say you're applying for a job as an Account Manager. You may see these bullets under the “requirements” part of the job description:

Build lasting relationships with new and existing clients

Maintain client records, including contract renewals 

Develop sales plans to meet key performance indicators

Understand product offerings to meet customer needs and upsell when available

The keywords you need to focus on in each bullet are:

Client relationships

Client records and contract renewals

Sales plans and KPIs

Product offerings, customer needs, and upsell

The question you then need to ask yourself is, “Do I have the skills to back up these keywords?” If the answer is “Yes,” then these skills should appear on your resume. 

This is called  tailoring your resume  and should be done with every job that you apply to. For example, if you are applying to be a Floor Manager at a store that sells musical instruments, your proficiency with inventory management and your ability to play guitar would both be relevant for the job.

The four main types of skills for your resume

As a human being, you have technical and interpersonal skills in a broad range of areas. You might be an expert whitewater rafter, or maybe you have advanced a World of Warcraft character all the way to level 80. Both of those accomplishments require dedication, practice, and technical proficiency, but they're probably not going to help you land a job. 

The general recommendation on standout skills for a resume is to only list skills that will, directly or indirectly, help you to be more effective in your job. 

To do this, you have to understand the different types of skills that employers look for. 

1. Hard skills for a resume

These are learned abilities that you've picked up during your career, either through education, training, or experience. They can be honed over time. When you add hard skills to your resume, you'll want to include numbers –   measurable accomplishments  – as often as possible. 

2. Soft skills for a resume

Soft skills are characteristics you possess that improve your ability to get along with others, solve problems, and communicate effectively. You'll find that hiring managers love soft skills. 

No matter how technical your position is, it will require interacting with people, dealing with deadlines, and adapting to change. It's not as easy to quantify soft skills as it is hard skills, but employers still want you to prove that you possess these traits.

While most skills can be categorized as hard or soft skills, there are other types of skills, too!

3. Transferable skills for a resume

In addition to hard and soft skills, you might consider whether you have any transferable skills. This becomes especially important if you're changing careers, as they allow you to provide tangible proof of your ability to adapt to new circumstances and use lateral or vertical thinking to apply knowledge about one thing to something else. 

When you're leaning on  transferable skills to sell your qualifications  to the hiring manager, you must take the time to relay how those skills will benefit them and their new team. So, rather than saying that you have good time management skills, prove it by demonstrating what you do to manage time and how this has benefitted previous employers. 

4. Adaptive skills for a resume

You can also show resiliency through skills in your resume if you're not changing careers. Let's face it, if there's one thing that's certain in life and work, it's that things change. If you're the type of person to leverage change as a learning opportunity, then you should definitely be highlighting your adaptability on your resume. 

The 17 best skills to put on your resume

Now that we've defined what types of skills you can use on your resume, let's explore some specific examples of different skills you can include.

1. Computer skills and programming languages

When the job description wants you to prove that you possess programming skills, you can add “ Proficiency in Python, Java, or HTML, ” for example. This signals to employers that you can do everything from coding to automation and makes you a valuable candidate in the tech space.

Some roles that require an understanding of computer languages include:

Software Engineer

Computer Scientist

2. Data analysis

Saying that you possess data analysis skills allows you to demonstrate that you can interpret raw data and draw actionable insights to fuel change. It's adaptable across industries and can be easily backed by quantifiable data. 

Some roles that require an understanding of data analysis include:

Data Scientist

Marketing Consultant

Senior Accountant

3. Project management

You don't have to be a Certified Project Management Professional to include an ability to manage projects on your resume. If you're good at leading, organizing, and delivering successful outcomes, then you should add that you know how to manage projects. 

Some roles that require an understanding of project management include:

Construction Contractor

Industrial Engineer

IT Project Manager

4. Creativity

Creativity is one of the most highly sought-after skill sets. Not only can you leverage it to create tangible marketing pieces that connect with target audiences, but it can also be used to solve problems and bring fresh perspectives to projects. Creativity also signals that you're adaptable to dynamic environments. 

Some roles that require you to be creative include:

Graphic Designer

Digital Marketing Manager

Brand Manager

5. Languages

The world gets smaller every day, so being able to speak more than one language is a skill that you should definitely include on your resume. Adding multiple languages to your application makes you highly valuable in a globalized, connected working world.

Some roles that require you to be speak other languages include:

International  HR Director

Foreign Exchange  Investment Banker

Some  Teacher  roles

6. Communication

Every job everywhere requires employees to have good communication skills. But instead of simply saying that you are a good communicator, be prepared to demonstrate that you understand the value of everything from active listening to properly articulating complex concepts. 

Some roles that require great communication include:

Sales Representative

Public Relations

Nurse Practitioner

7. Teamwork

A lot of people will throw the word “teamwork” into the skills list on their resume without giving it much thought. However, given the vast amount of hybrid and remote working environments, teamwork is more important than ever. A happy team that works together reduces burnout and increases morale. 

Some roles that require good teamwork include:

Sports Fitness Coach

Product Manager

Scrum Master

8. Leadership

If you're applying for a role that will involve guiding others, then including leadership skills is a must. When you add leadership to your resume, you highlight that you're not afraid to take the initiative to make decisions that drive outcomes. 

Some roles that require you to be a leader include:

Director of IT

Sales Manager

9. Critical thinking

When you're known for making well-informed decisions by analyzing information and evaluating situations objectively, you possess critical thinking skills. You may see this pop up in job descriptions where the employer is seeking someone with high emotional intelligence. Basically, if you can navigate your way logically through problems, then critical thinking is probably something you should add to your resume.

Some roles that require critical thinking include:

Data Engineer

Telecommunications Professional

10. Cultural competence

Diversity, equity, and inclusion have become buzzwords in today's workforce. People want a voice and value having a psychologically safe place in which to get things done. This is even more true when you have people coming together from different cultures. 

Some roles that require you to have cultural competence include:

Military-to-Civilian

11. Quality assurance

Quality assurance has implications across a number of fields, including software development and cybersecurity. There is an emphasis on quality assurance in roles that require you to maintain compliance with regulations or particular guidelines and best practices. 

Some roles that require an understanding of quality assurance include:

Aviation Mechanic

Cyber Security Specialist

12. Time management

Ranking right up there with creativity as far as top-rated skills go, being able to properly manage time is critical in today's workforce. It's not only something that's found in professional settings, but across industries and jobs worldwide. A simple search of job descriptions will reveal that the majority of them want people who can meet deadlines, at the minimum. 

Some roles that require good time management include:

Administrative Office Assistant

Finance Director

Project Manager

13. Conflict resolution

Being able to de-escalate situations with irate clients by demonstrating empathy and clearly defining options for a resolution means you're probably good at conflict management. However, conflict management isn't only demonstrated in client interactions. You may also be able to showcase conflict resolution skills if you've solved problems within team environments, too. 

Some roles that require conflict resolution skills include:

Retail Merchandising

Insurance Agent

Information Technology

14. Sales and upselling

Sales is all about employing active listening to ascertain customers' needs, to sell the right product or service at the right time. Whether you're connecting with target audiences to get them to buy something through a digital marketing campaign or you're trying to sell someone a product, meeting client needs is critical to demonstrating that you're good at sales and upselling. 

Some roles that require you to be able to sell and upsell include:

Marketing Manager

Consulting Manager

Real Estate Manager

15. Data entry

As you progress in your career, showcasing that you're good at data entry will become less and less important, however, there are still some roles that value candidates who can quickly and accurately input data into a system. 

Some roles that require data entry include:

Recent Graduate

Mid-Career Professionals

16. Tech-savviness 

Being tech–savvy means that you're always on the cutting edge and consistently keep up with emerging technologies. It helps you to deliver innovative solutions that help your company remain competitive in the ever-changing IT landscape.

Some roles that require candidates to be tech-savvy include:

DevOps Engineer

Technical Project Manager

Senior Software Engineer

17. Continuous learning

Today's employers value job seekers and employees who are fastidiously committed to ongoing education and skill development. Most even provide some sort of knowledge bank or in-house professional development courses to allow you to engage in continuous learning. 

Some roles that value a commitment to continuous learning include:

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Electrical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

How to add skills to your resume

Keep your skills specific and clear.

A common pitfall when it comes to resume skills is to list broad categories of abilities without going into sufficient detail. The problem with that approach is that it won't get your resume found in keyword searches, because they are looking for specific proficiency statements.

So, instead of writing “familiarity with accounting software,” list “Quickbooks, Quicken, Sage, and Xero.” 

Use numbers and descriptive words where appropriate – 

How many projects have you managed using Teamwork Projects? 

How many people have you trained to use Salesforce? 

A few well-placed quantifiers can position you as a serious candidate with supported qualifications.

Organize your skills list

When creating a long list of skills for a resume, consider how you organize everything. Ordering your skills strategically will make your resume easier to read and call the right attention to the right skills in the right place. 

This is especially true considering that our brains look for patterns. A well-organized skill section on your resume will improve the aesthetics and help the hiring manager to skim through it to find just what they're looking for. 

PRO TIP: There isn't a hiring manager alive who is reading your resume. They're  scanning through it in just a few seconds . This makes keeping things organized all the more important.

Another organizing tip is to list the most important skills for the job first. Specifics will vary by industry, but think through the critical technical skills that will drive your effectiveness and success in the role and put them at the top.

When you're starting to group your skills list together, deciding which is most important depends on the job description. While most employers want employees who are good communicators and can solve problems, you have to take the industry and employer preferences into consideration. 

Job relevance: This goes back to tearing the job description apart to find the relevant keywords

Industry trends: Stay on top of things that may be changing in your industry and highlight any new skills that come into demand

Employer preferences: Take some time to research the company and learn what they do, why they do it, and for whom – this will help you to get a feel for their company culture, so you'll know which soft skills will impress them the most

The best place to put skills on your resume

The placement of the resume skills section itself on the page is up to you. Many people prefer to have it positioned near the top of their resume, but it works at the bottom too.

PRO TIP: If you have a lot of skills to list, consider breaking them up (for example, technical skills at the top and additional skills at the bottom).

No matter where you place the skills section, the layout is critical in catching the eye of hiring managers and showcasing your qualifications in a way that helps you to stand out from the crowd. 

At the top of your resume

Technically speaking, your skills list shouldn't be at the top. The first things on your resume should be your  contact information ,  headline , and  summary paragraph . So, when we say “at the top of your resume,” we mean beneath the summary paragraph. 

When you put your skills list at the top of your resume, you call immediate attention to some key selling points. It's an effective technique if you have a strong set of skills that directly align with the job requirements. 

Here's what a skills list at the top of your resume would look like:

FIRST NAME, LAST NAME

City, ST 12345 • LinkedIn URL • [email protected] • 111-222-3333

REGIONAL MANAGER

Operations Management | Project Management | Sales Management | Business Analysis

Innovative and ambitious executive-level management professional offering extensive experience and an accomplishments-driven career in sales, marketing and operations, and key account management. Leverages an entrepreneurial spirit to orchestrate tactical business plans that challenge the status quo, allowing for reformation of process. Intuitive business acumen and skilled strategist who uses the most up-to-date business practices to create, implement, and oversee business continuity. Naturally assumes leadership roles to oversee and achieve organizational success.

Business Development • Executive Leadership • Strategic Business Planning • Data Analysis • Team Training & Development • Policy & Procedure Development • Marketing & Territory Expansion • Procurement, Sourcing, & Negotiation • Relationship-Selling • Customer Relations

This resume example actually has two skills lists. One just beneath the title and then the regular one beneath the summary paragraph. It's an effective way to separate out the skills that are most important – the specialized abilities that you want to call immediate attention to. However, if you do it like this on your resume, the skills listed beneath the title should only be one to two lines max!

At the bottom of the resume

If you've reached a point in your career where your work history and career achievements outshine your skills, then it's a good idea to place the skills list at the bottom of your resume. 

Here's what your skills could look like at the bottom of your resume:

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

[List your career history in reverse-chronological order, starting with the most recent and working backward about 10 years]

[List the degrees you've earned and the schools where you obtained your degrees. You can also mention any professional development classes you've taken and certifications or licenses you possess]

Core proficiencies:

Project Management | Lean Management | Change Management | Operations Management | 3PL | Inventory Management | Inventory Control | Inventory Planning | Logistics Management | Distribution & Processing | Budgeting | Procurement | Purchase Orders

Soft skills:

Team Leadership | Coaching | Persuasion | Creative Problem Solving | Negotiation

Technical skills:

Epicor | PeopleSoft | XAL(Concorde) | HighStage | Deltek (Costpoint) | KBM | Syteline | Kinaxis | Glovia (Oracle-based) | Oracle | Adept | Workflow | Data Vault (Oracle-based) | Intralink

English |  Spanish |  French

Throughout your resume

Since your resume is more than a list of skills, you should know that your master list of abilities and the keywords you've culled from the job description aren't limited to being placed only in a skills list. You can – and should – include hard, soft, adaptive, and transferable skills throughout your entire resume. 

After your contact information, the first thing that should appear on your resume is a headline. A lot of people will simply put a title, but if you take a moment to spruce it up and turn it into a headline, you'll be able to inject a few keywords on the top line of your resume. 

For example, if you're applying for a role as a Real Estate Broker, here's the difference between a title and a headline:

Title: Real Estate Broker

Headline: Real Estate Broker with Expertise in Property Valuation and Team Management

Put yourself into the shoes of a hiring manager and ask yourself, which of those would give you more information about the job seeker? The headline not only indicates which role you want, but also includes two keywords – property valuation and team management. 

Summary paragraph

As you move on to write your career summary, that appears just beneath the headline, you'll want to continue adding relevant skills from your career that are mirrored in the job description. Doing this will ensure that your resume presents a cohesive and powerful message that your experience and achievements will serve the new company well. 

In sticking with the example of Real Estate Broker, perhaps you find that the new company wants you to coordinate marketing events and client activities, write weekly reports, and have a solid understanding of the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) platform for listing properties. 

The keywords to include in your profile paragraph would be:

Marketing events

Client activities

Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

Thus, your profile paragraph could look like this:

Veteran real estate professional with a strong background in orchestrating impactful marketing events for single and multi-family residences. Specializes in managing client activities that turn passive consumers into active clientele. Proficient in maximizing MLS to enhance property visibility and streamlining documentation and reporting processes. Known for creating a culture of excellence and client satisfaction by maintaining an open-door policy that encourages communication among team members.

As you can see, the profile paragraph isn't a long and drawn-out diatribe of things you've done in your career. Rather, it's a short paragraph that matches your skills to the job you're applying for. 

Work experience

Let's move on to the meat of your resume - the part the hiring manager is going to spend the most time on – your  career history . You may be wondering how you can put future-facing keywords into the historical part of your resume, but all it takes is a bit of finesse. 

For example, if you have a history of closing multi-million-dollar deals in high-end neighborhoods, you could work a few keywords into an achievement bullet like this:

• Closed 5 multi-million-dollar property sales per month by leveraging MLS for property exposure

While you could stop after you say how many multi-million-dollar deals you closed, because that's a great achievement statement, expanding the bullet to include a keyword makes your overall resume all the more compelling. 

TopResume wants to do more than write your resume. We want to give you the tools you need to succeed in your job search and career. Click on the following link for more  resume and career advice .

Stand out from the crowd

When you master including the best skills in your resume, you reach a level of job search preparedness that propels your resume to the top of the pile. The whole idea is to make it easy for potential employers to see how you'll fit within the folds of their organization and team. That's where tailoring the skills on your resume comes in – wherever you include them. 

Want to see how your resume stacks up? Try out our  free resume review  today!

Recommended reading:

How to Write a Powerful LinkedIn Summary

How to Format a Resume for Multiple Jobs at One Company

The Best Resume Format to Get Hired  

Related Articles:

7 Signs Your Resume is Making You Look Old

Don't “Snowplow” Your Kids' Job Search — Set Them Up for Success Instead

Why a Simple Resume Layout is a Successful Resume

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100 Good Skills to Put on a Resume [Complete Guide]

Jeff Gillis 0 Comments

By Jeff Gillis

Updated 6/4/2022.

When you’re adding skills to a resume, you don’t just want to focus on what you’re good at. Instead, relevancy has to be part of the equation. After all, every job you’re trying to land requires a very specific skill set, one that you need to show that you have.

Choosing the skills to put on a resume when you’re applying to a role isn’t something you should do haphazardly. Instead, you want to use the job description, company mission, and company values as a guide, creating a sense of alignment.

Additionally, it never hurts to have a handy list of skills by your side, making it easier to explore your options. So, if you’re on the hunt for good skills to put on a resume, here’s what you need to know.

Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills

There are two basic types of skillsets that a job seeker can have and include on their resume: hard skills or soft skills.

Hard skills are the skills or abilities for a resume that are easily quantifiable…that can be learned through classroom work, apprenticeships, or other forms of learning. These include things like operating tools, computer programming, speaking foreign languages, or different kinds of technical prowess.

Soft skills are more subjective and harder to quantify and are often grouped together by what we know as “people skills.” Some examples of soft skills include communication, relationship building, self-awareness, and patience.

Which Skills Are More Important?

The debate rages on about which of these two types of skills is more important.

According to executive consultant and Forbes contributor Naz Beheshti , “…There is an ongoing debate about the relative importance of soft and hard skills that imply a competition between the two. However, they are both necessary and complementary to one another.”

On the one hand, job seekers with proficiency in a specific hard skill may get hired more quickly. Many employers want to hire people that can deliver value with fewer resources (ex., the need for training, etc.), making hard skills their priority.

However, we are also seeing that many hiring managers are choosing to hire candidates with highly developed soft skills.

In the end, as Indeed puts it, “soft skills are necessary to create a positive and functional work environment.” Plus, hiring managers feel that they can always train the candidate in the hard skill that is required to complete the job, but soft skills are often skills that cannot necessarily be taught.

So, what does this mean for you? Mainly that you can’t simply just pick one or the other and cross your fingers. Instead, the best strategy is to take a balanced approach and make sure that your resume contains both hard and soft skills.

How Do You Choose the Skills to List on a Resume?

Here’s the deal; there’s a good chance you know what you’re good at in a professional sense. Often, you can use your experience, duties, training, and education as a guide, giving you a strong foundation. Then, it’s about diving a bit deeper, looking at traits that could help you stand out, and comparing it all to the job description.

By using a simple process, you can make progress faster. Here’s a quick way to get started.

1. Make a List of the Skills You Know You Have

As mentioned above, the easiest way to get a grip on your current skills is to reflect on your academic and professional experiences. Consider the tasks you’ve taken on, the training you’ve completed, and the courses you had in school. In most cases, that’ll give you some solid ideas about your hard skills.

After that, it’s time for soft skills. Here, you want to think of traits or capabilities that help you engage with others and navigate professional relationships. Often, these are reflections of your personality, so use that as a jumping-off point.

2. “Mine” the Job Descriptions for Must-Have Skills

The next step is to take a look at the job description for the position you are applying for and make a list of the required skills it includes. Then, compare it to your capabilities. Are any of the skills on both of the lists you just created? If so, these are must-haves for your resume.

Now, notice if there are any skills on the job description that you don’t have. If there aren’t any, great!

But if there are…don’t panic. There are things you can do, which we’ll dig into shortly.

If you’re dealing with a vague job description, you aren’t stuck either. Here is a link to a ton of job descriptions that can give you an idea of the skills needed.

3. Tailor Your Skills to the Company/Position

As you may have read in our other blog articles, it is always very important to “tailor” your resume to the company and position you want to land. For an in-depth look into how to make that happen, check out our Tailoring Method article. 

If you want a quick overview, the idea is to focus on capabilities the company wants to find. Every job requires a unique skill set, and you want to show you have it. As a result, it is absolutely essential that skills from the job description make an appearance on your resume.

However, you also want to dig deeper. Spend some more time researching the company, including going through all of their various web properties, such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages.

Why? Because they will leave clues about the types of people they hire. That gives you more ideas about the best skills to put on a resume to land a job there, particularly when it comes to soft skills you may not find in a job description.

100 Resume Skills Examples

If you’re struggling with coming up with a list of skills based on your past experience, it can be easier if you have existing resume skills lists to work with. You don’t have to think up every possible skill; you can simply review the list and find the matches.

Here is a list of resume skills examples, divided into hard skills and soft skills, that you can use when applying for a job.

Hard Skills for a Resume

• Advanced Bookkeeping
• Appointment Setting
• Automotive Repair
• Cold Calling
• Computer Programming
• Conversion Testing
• Copywriting
• Customer Engagement
• Customer Service
• Data Analysis
• Digital Marketing
• Electrical Engineering
• Environmental Cleanup
• Forklift Operating
• Graphic Design
• Heavy Machinery Operation
• Installation
• Landscaping
• Mathematics
• Medical Coding
• Paid Online Traffic
• Patient Care
• Photo Editing
• Picking and Packing
• Project Management
• Schedule Management
• Search Engine Optimization
• Server Maintenance
• Social Media
• Spanish Fluency
• Statistical Analysis
• Systems Analysis
• Technical Support
• Telecommunications Systems
• Travel Booking
• Video Editing
• Website Design
• Word Processing

Soft Skills for a Resume

• Accountability
• Active Listening
• Adaptability
• Brainstorming
• Business Etiquette
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Conflict Resolution
• Contextualizing
• Critical Thinking
• Decision Making
• Emotional Intelligence
• Flexibility
• Goal-Setting
• Handling Pressure
• Influencing
• Insightfulness
• Interpreting
• Negotiation
• Open-Mindedness
• Organization
• Prioritization
• Problem Solving
• Relationship Building
• Reliability
• Resource Management
• Responsibility
• Self-Confidence
• Strategical Thinking
• Strong Work Ethic
• Time Management

What If I Don’t Have the Required Skill?

Whether you need to possess a specific skill depends on the job and the skill in question. Usually, here’s where you have to be honest with yourself. If the skills required are part of the core competencies of doing the job, you may want to reconsider your application.

For example, if a golf course posts a job posting for a golf pro, you probably shouldn’t apply if you’ve never swung a golf club.

However, you will come across situations where what you bring to the table is close. In this case, moving forward might be okay.

You need to be able to demonstrate, using examples from your past, that you are capable of doing the required skill, even if you haven’t specially done it. So, go over your work history with a fine-tooth comb and try to come up with a few examples of you doing something in the right ballpark.

They are going to ask about it in your interview, so don’t think you can just wing it, and everything will be fine.

Also, many job descriptions have “nice-to-have” skills on the list. If you happen to possess them, great. But if not, don’t assume you shouldn’t apply if you have the must-have skills. In the end, those capabilities aren’t outright requirements, so don’t screen yourself out based on them.

How To List Skills on a Resume

There are a few different schools of thought when it comes to deciding where to put (or how to list) the skills on your resume.

According to our friends over at online resume-builder Zety.com , “…skills are so very, very important that they should show up all over your resume. Not just in the resume skills section.” In other words, it is imperative that there are elements of your skills throughout your resume, including your resume objective/summary and experience sections.

In addition, there isn’t one right answer for where to include your skill section because that depends on the industry, company, and position you’re trying to land. For example, for a job where technical competencies are of the utmost importance, it is often beneficial to list the skills closer to the top of the resume, right underneath the resume objective or resume summary statement.

However, if through your research you determine that the hiring manager will put more weight into your experience, you may want to lead with your experience. Then, put the skills section further down your resume.

At the end of the day, the selection of the skills themselves is the most important thing. After all, most hiring managers will easily find your skill section regardless of where it is on your resume.

What About Skills for My Job Application?

When you’re looking for skills to put on a job application, you do have to treat it a little differently than skills for a resume. Usually, you’re working with a finite amount of space on an application, not just in an overall sense but in each applicable section.

Since that’s the case, you need to lean heavily on the job description. Look for any capabilities that are listed as must-haves or that are repeated through the job ad. Then, make sure those skills are featured prominently in several areas, including in work history descriptions and skills areas.

If you have to answer essay questions, discuss those skills there, too, whenever possible. Use any other relevant capability as a supplement, treating it as supporting information instead of the primary point you’re sharing.

However, if an essay question asks about a skill that’s not in the job description, feel free to dig in a bit. It’s a capability that’s clearly on the hiring manager’s mind, so touch on it occasionally to show you shine in that area.

Putting It All Together

If you were wondering, “What are some good skills to put on a resume?” you should now have a solid answer. The most important thing to remember is to select skills that are relevant to the position you are interviewing for and, more important than that, skills that your company puts a tremendous amount of value in.

Once you get your skills straightened out, you should make sure that the rest of your resume is congruent with the skills you just selected, namely, that your experience shows that you both used those skills in a work environment and developed the skill with on-the-job tasks.

Co-founder and CTO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Jeff is a featured contributor delivering advice on job search, job interviews and career advancement, having published more than 50 pieces of unique content on the site , with his work being featured in top publications such as INC , ZDnet , MSN and more.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Jeff gillis.

Co-founder and CTO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Jeff is a featured contributor delivering advice on job search, job interviews and career advancement, having published more than 50 pieces of unique content on the site , with his work being featured in top publications such as INC , ZDnet , MSN and more. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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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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16 Good Skills to Put on a Resume With No Experience

Looking for a list of good skills to put on a resume with no experience? Yes, it exists. When writing a resume for your first job , finding the best tools to show employers what you have to offer can make all the difference, whether or not you have work experience to back it up.

Today's job market is highly competitive, with companies seeking versatile candidates who possess a wide range of skills and the ability to adapt to challenging situations. The good news? You can check all those boxes, even without formal job experience.

Your entry-level resume should demonstrate your strengths and qualifications, while also being an accurate reflection of who you are—which means, not turning it into a compilation of buzzwords. Here's a list of the best skills to put on a resume when you have no experience. (Keep these in handy for your job hunt, and get ready to stand out!)

Once you perfect your resume, check out open jobs on The Muse and maximize your chances of getting hired »

What are entry-level resume skills ?

When it comes to what skills to put on a resume, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Yes, there are a couple of general skills that hiring managers typically look for. But specific roles may demand specific abilities.

For example, if you're an entry-level candidate applying to a sales associate position, your communication and customer service skills are going to be way more important than your Photoshop knowledge.

“When candidates have no experience in a position, recruiters look for skills that align directly with the role,” says Prestina Yarrington , Growth & Development Coach and former Global Talent Acquisition Senior Manager at Microsoft. “They're looking for a skillset match between the candidate's resume and the job description.”

The key is to identify past experiences that have helped you develop skills relevant to the job you're applying for. “These can be exhibited through your education, internships, or volunteer work, which may have allowed you to become familiar with the skills needed for the role. It can also include work you may have done as a member of a club or organization,” Yarrington says.

Examples of skills to put on a resume with no experience

OK, you understand now that your resume should be tailored to each job. But to get you started, here are 16 great skills to put on a resume with no experience—from soft to hard skills .

General and behavioral skills

Need some key skills to put on a resume for an entry-level position? General and behavioral skills—also known as soft skills —are a good place to start. Why? Because they are essential and highly valued in nearly every job out there.

By showcasing these skills on your resume, you'll be giving the hiring manager a glimpse into who you are and how you might act in the work environment.

1. Creativity

Most employers really value creative candidates because they're the ones who bring fresh ideas and innovation to the company. Even though this skill is often linked with traditional creative jobs like writing or design, it's actually useful in any work setting. You can leverage creativity to solve problems and handle tricky situations with ease.

Read more: 16 High-Paying Jobs for Creative People

2. Leadership

Companies crave employees who can motivate, engage, and manage others. That's why leadership skills can be a surprising asset on a resume with no experience. To demonstrate this quality, reflect on situations or relevant experiences from your past where you had the chance to effectively lead others. This could include team projects or involvement in extracurricular activities, for example.

4. Attention to detail

Another skill that can catch the recruiter's eye is attention to detail. People with this skill are typically meticulous, organized, and dedicated to high-quality work. However, it's important to find a balance. While a keen eye for detail is valuable, it shouldn't become an obsession to the point that slows you down.

With that in mind, to showcase this strength on your resume, highlight how your attention to detail helped you excel in a project or solve a problem. Focus on the positive impact it has on you.

3. Organizational skills

Are you an organized person? Have you ever had to multitask and handled it like a pro? If so, think about adding organizational skills to your resume. Employers really value this ability—especially in roles where you'll be dealing with a lot of tasks every day.

5. Communication skills

Whether you're working directly with the public or not, communication skills are a must on an entry-level resume. Regardless of your position, you'll likely need to communicate with your team, boss, and colleagues daily—be it in person or via email. So, make sure to highlight your ability to convey information clearly and express yourself effectively.

6. Ability to learn quickly

As an entry-level employee, you'll be constantly learning a lot of things. That's why you should highlight your ability to be a quick learner on your resume—it shows you're ready to soak up new knowledge and contribute effectively to any team, even without formal experience.

Mention a previous project where you started with minimal expertise and quickly absorbed new information. Even better if you provide examples illustrating what you learned and how it improved your performance.

7. Adaptability

The job market is constantly evolving. New technology, tools, and apps pop up all the time. Not only that—companies themselves are always changing, requiring employees to take on new responsibilities and adjust to new scenarios. By demonstrating your flexibility and willingness to embrace change, you can make your resume stand out.

Read more: 3 Ways You Can Deal With Change at Work

8. Public speaking

Even if the job you're applying for doesn't involve much public interaction, public speaking is a great skill to put on a resume with no experience. It signals you're a confident person who can communicate effectively. Plus, it's a useful skill to have in many work situations, such as presenting projects or leading discussions and meetings.

Transferable skills

Transferable skills are those you can apply to any job, regardless of the title or field—which makes them highly prized by hiring managers. “For entry-level positions, recruiters are looking for transferable skills the candidate may have demonstrated in another role. For instance, problem-solving, teamwork, or critical thinking skills,” says Yarrington.

However, it doesn't mean you should copy and paste the list onto your resume. Your choices should be tailored to the specific role you're seeking. “This can be taken directly from the job description. Try to stay away from general broad terms. Recruiters are looking to find a match for the position,” she says.

Read more: How to Read a Job Description the Right Way

9. Problem-solving

Problem-solving is one of the best skills to put on a resume with no experience because it shows your ability to tackle challenges and find solutions. Since most professions involve facing certain challenges sooner or later, employers highly value candidates with this capability.

Be sure to provide an example of a situation where you were faced with a problem and successfully find a solution to overcome it.

10. Teamwork

Being a team player is key. Employers seek candidates who can collaborate well with others and offer support, rather than competing with them. Most work environments rely on teams to achieve common goals. This includes everything from group discussions and brainstorming meetings to depending on your colleague to get your job done. Think about a chef who depends on the waiter to deliver the food to customers—that's teamwork in action.

Read more: 4 Tips to Help Control Freaks Be Team Players

11. Critical thinking

Another highly demanded skill is critical thinking . It involves analyzing complex situations and making informed, intelligent decisions to solve problems or improve processes.

Similar to problem-solving, this skill demonstrates that you're able to handle obstacles effectively. When crafting your resume, look for situations where you used your critical thinking skills to overcome challenges.

12. Time management

Time management is also a key skill to add to your resume, especially if you're new to the workforce, given how fast-paced many workplaces are today. It requires the ability to prioritize projects and handle multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting deadlines. Employees lacking time management skills are less likely to thrive in such environments, which could lead to delayed deliveries and low productivity.

Technical skills

Who says entry-level resume skills can't be technical? Also known as hard skills , they can be self-taught or acquired through certifications, work experience, and college education. Unlike behavioral and transferable skills, technical knowledge is typically more specialized, only applicable in specific fields.

14. Software programs

Are you a Photoshop expert? Can you edit videos using Final Cut or Adobe Premiere? These are good skills to put on a resume, particularly if you're applying for roles in social media, content creation, or marketing.

Do you have experience working with Excel or Google Presentations? Many office jobs require knowledge in one of these software programs. While more experienced professionals may omit them from their resumes, entry-level candidates should do the exact opposite and highlight this kind of skill.

15. Writing

Writing is one of the best examples of technical skills to put on a resume for first job, as many professions rely heavily on it. For example, roles in social media management and content marketing require strong writing abilities.

Read more: 9 High-Paying Writing Jobs for Word People: Editors, Writers, and Beyond

Even seemingly non-technical roles like receptionist or secretary often require strong writing skills. While graduates from journalism or literature may have an advantage, those from different backgrounds can still get online certifications in creative writing, technical writing, and more.

16. Social media management

If you think about it, almost every business—big or small—has a social media presence nowadays. That's why social media management is a skill worth considering for your resume, especially if you're interested in job opportunities related to content marketing or creation.

Like the others skills on this list, social media management is something you can develop through personal projects or certifications.

How do I list my skills on a resume with no experience?

You've learned what are some skills to put on a resume as an entry-level candidate. But how do you list them effectively? Ideally, each skill should be linked to a specific experience you've had. No worries though—even without formal work experience, there are some creative ways to showcase them and grab the attention of recruiters.

Use a minimalist template

You might have some amazing design skills (put that on your list!), but your resume isn't the place to show them off just yet. Focus on keeping your resume minimalistic and clear.

“Although most candidates put a lot of effort into the specific template used or the formatting of their resume, which is often aesthetically pleasing, the overall content of the resume is what we pay attention to more,” says Yarrington.

Read more: 40 Best Free Resume Templates to Use and Customize

Leverage the resume summary

The resume summary is the very first section of the document. It's used to highlight your main goal and your most important qualifications. As an entry-level applicant, you can take advantage of this section to tell a bit about yourself and list some of your best skills.

“It's a great idea to start with a summary briefly stating the intended career goals and highlighting key strengths that are relevant to the position,” says Yarrington. “For an entry-level position, it may be beneficial to include the desired next step in the career journey—this shows a desire to commit to learning the necessary knowledge and skills to progress.”

Here's an example:

Creative and detail-oriented computer science graduate with internship experience in web development. Proficient in HTML, Java Script, and CSS, with a solid understanding of software maintenance for engineering applications. Seeking an entry-level position to expand my knowledge and further develop my skills.

Create sections related to your skills

If you've never had a formal job before, you can create sections to include relevant experiences related to the skills you want to emphasize. For instance, “education and academic success, notable achievements or awards, and volunteer work,” says Yarrington.

It could be something like:

Volunteer Experience

Food bank of West Virginia

Volunteer Shift Manager, January 2023 — December 2023

• Managed the food pantry operations, developing a new organization system that resulted in a 35% decrease in waste
• Trained over 15 new volunteers, guiding them through all our internal processes and systems
• Created and implemented a new shift calendar to better accommodate the needs of both new and existing volunteers, resulting in a 10% reduction in absenteeism

Literally create a skills section

This skills section can be added at the very end of the document, below your experiences and education. There are two different ways to do it: vertically or horizontally.

Example #1:

Relevant skills

• Creative writing
• Critical thinking
• Adaptability

Example #2:

Creative content writing, SEO, editing, critical thinking, adaptability, attention to detail

Prioritize quality over quantity

Don't go listing every skill under the sun to fill up a page. Be truthful, and most importantly, focus on the quality of your resume.

“Is it geared towards the role you're seeking? Have you highlighted skills from the position that can be found in either your education, volunteer, or organizational work? Is the resume spell/grammar checked?” Yarrington asks.

Imagine claiming to be detail-oriented and then submitting a resume that doesn't align with the job description or, worse, is full of grammar mistakes. That's definitely not the impression you want to make.

“Many people miss small things when it comes to this,” she says. “It can convey whether or not the candidate pays attention to detail or reviews their work before submitting it. These are soft skills that are vital in an entry-level position .”

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How to Create a Winning Resume for Tech Jobs: A Step-by-Step Guide - TechCracked

Creating a standout resume for tech jobs is crucial in today's competitive job market. This guide will walk you through the process of crafting a resume that not only highlights your technical skills but also appeals to hiring managers and passes through automated application systems. By focusing on key elements and SEO-friendly practices, you can ensure your resume gets noticed.

Why a Tech Resume is Different

Tech resumes differ from traditional resumes in several ways. They need to emphasize technical skills, projects, and tools used, while also showcasing problem-solving abilities and teamwork. Here are the main components to focus on:

• Technical Skills: Highlight programming languages, software, and tools. These are the backbone of your tech resume and should be prominently featured.
• Projects: Include personal and professional projects that demonstrate your skills. Projects show your ability to apply your skills in real-world scenarios.
• Certifications: List relevant certifications that add value to your profile. Certifications can validate your expertise in specific areas.

Enhance Your Skills

To further enhance your resume, consider taking online courses that can bolster your qualifications and provide you with a competitive edge. Platforms like Udemy offer a wide range of courses that can help you gain new skills and knowledge relevant to your career goals. Similarly, Coursera provides access to courses from top universities and companies worldwide, allowing you to learn from industry experts.

If you're interested in mastering specific technical skills or pursuing a career in technology, consider exploring courses from Zero to Mastery where you can get an extra 10% off using the promo code: FRIENDS10 . These courses are designed to take you from beginner to expert, equipping you with the tools needed to excel in your field.

Crafting the Perfect Header

Your resume header should include:

• Full Name: Make sure your name is the largest text on the page.
• Contact Information: Include your email and phone number. Ensure these are professional and up-to-date.
• LinkedIn Profile or Personal Website: If applicable, include links to your professional profiles. This can provide employers with more insight into your professional background.

Writing a Compelling Summary

A resume summary should be a brief paragraph that highlights your experience and what you bring to the table. Use keywords that are relevant to the job description to ensure it aligns with what employers are looking for. For example:

I am a dedicated software engineer with over five years of experience in developing scalable web applications. Proficient in JavaScript and Python, I have a proven track record of improving system performance by 30%. Seeking to leverage my expertise in a challenging role at a forward-thinking tech company.

Detailing Your Work Experience

When listing your work experience, focus on achievements rather than responsibilities:

• Use Action Verbs: Start each bullet point with a strong action verb such as "developed," "implemented," or "optimized."
• Quantify Achievements: Use numbers to highlight your impact (e.g., "Increased system efficiency by 30%").
• Relevant Experience: Tailor this section to include only relevant job experiences. Focus on roles that demonstrate your technical expertise and problem-solving skills.

For example:

Software Developer, Tech Solutions Inc. June 2018 - Present Developed a customer management system that improved client onboarding time by 40%. Implemented a new data processing algorithm that reduced server load by 25%. Collaborated with a team of five developers to launch a new e-commerce platform. 

Showcasing Technical Skills

Create a separate section for technical skills. This can include:

• Programming Languages: Such as Python, Java, C++, JavaScript.
• Tools and Technologies: Like AWS, Docker, Jenkins, Git.
• Frameworks: Such as React, Angular, Django.

This section should be easy to read and quickly convey your technical competencies to the hiring manager.

Highlighting Projects

Include a section for projects that demonstrate your technical abilities:

• Project Name and Description: Briefly describe what the project entailed.
• Technologies Used: List the technologies and tools you used.
• Outcome: Highlight the results or impact of the project.

E-commerce Website Development Developed a fully functional e-commerce website using React and Node.js. Integrated payment processing with Stripe API. Achieved a 99.9% uptime over the first year of operation.

Education and Certifications

List your educational background and any relevant certifications:

• Degrees: Include your degree, major, and institution. Mention any honors or distinctions.
• Certifications: Such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Certified ScrumMaster (CSM).

This section validates your formal education and specialized training.

Additional Sections

Depending on your experience, you might want to include additional sections such as:

• Awards and Honors: Any recognitions that highlight your expertise.
• Volunteer Work: Relevant volunteer experiences that demonstrate skills or leadership.
• Languages: If you are multilingual, this can be a valuable addition.

Keyword Optimization

To ensure your resume is ATS-friendly and passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), focus on the following:

• Use Job Description Keywords: Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description. This increases the chances of your resume being selected by ATS software.
• Avoid Keyword Stuffing: Ensure the keywords fit naturally within the content. Overloading your resume with keywords can make it difficult to read.
• Use Simple Formatting: ATS systems can struggle with complex formats, so keep it simple. Avoid using tables, images, or unusual fonts.

Formatting Tips

• Consistent Font and Size: Use a professional font like Arial or Times New Roman, size 10-12.
• Bullet Points: Use bullet points for easy readability. They help break down information into digestible pieces.
• White Space: Ensure there is enough white space to make the document easy to read. A cluttered resume can be off-putting to employers.

Proofreading and Final Touches

Before submitting your resume:

• Proofread: Check for spelling and grammatical errors. A single typo can make a bad impression.
• Get Feedback: Have someone else review your resume for clarity and impact. A fresh set of eyes can catch mistakes you might have missed.
• Tailor for Each Job: Customize your resume for each application to match the job requirements. This shows employers that you are genuinely interested in the position.

Creating a resume for tech jobs requires a strategic approach that highlights your technical skills and achievements. By following these guidelines and optimizing your resume for keywords, you can increase your chances of landing your dream tech job. Remember, a well-crafted resume is your first step towards a successful career in the tech industry.

Also See : Mastering Your Resume: Essential Tips and Tricks for Job Seekers

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Looking to be a tech leader 16 skills and traits needed to succeed.

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An IT professional who’s looking to advance into a leadership position may be confident in their technical know-how, but that’s not all that’s needed to succeed at the next level. Moving into a leadership position usually means you’re spending much less time leveraging your tech skills and more time on essential initiatives, including guiding your team members, advocating for your business’ tech needs and working to improve your customers’ experience with your organization.

To reach a tech leadership position and succeed at it requires solid communication skills, a commitment to team building, an understanding of your role in shaping your organization’s tech stack—and much more. Here, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council share a few of the essential skills and traits aspiring tech leaders need to succeed.

1. Communication And Interpersonal Skills

IT professionals need strong communication and interpersonal skills to move into a leadership role. Good communication helps leaders explain complex tech concepts and build relationships with their colleagues and clients. These skills are essential for managing projects, addressing customer needs and making important decisions. Additionally, be passionate about what you do. Inspire others by your example. - Phil Steffora , Arkose Labs Inc.

2. Strategic Thinking And Effective Execution

Good communication skills, a servant leadership mindset and a commitment to being a hardcore mentor are table stakes for all leaders. For tech leaders specifically, strategic thinking and an innate ability to execute well are two important skills that go hand in hand. Strategic thinking allows a leader to think big and wide and focus on value. Strong execution skills allow a leader to walk the talk and actually deliver value. - Atif Saad , saasguru

Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?

3. Community Development

The changing landscape in the tech industry is driven by communities of open-source platforms and new talent developed by the remote gig economy. Collaboration, communication and continuous learning among team members, irrespective of their titles, develop a community that is vested in the growth of the organization. It will reduce the challenges of retention and attrition. - Cecilia Jackson , Forte Consulting

Interestingly, sales skills are very important for a tech leader. Most good tech people do their jobs well, but at the same time, they know there are tools or processes that can be implemented to make their jobs easier and benefit the company. However, many of them never get an opportunity to implement those systems, processes or technologies because they can’t sell the vision to their own company leadership. - Boyd Clewis , Baxter Clewis Cybersecurity

5. Active Listening

Every leader needs the ability to listen and consider various opinions as they make decisions. A skilled IT professional may be used to being the expert in everything, but if they want to transition to become a powerful leader, they must master active listening. - Joanna Riley , Censia Talent Intelligence

6. People Management

IT projects are typically team-driven by members with different skill sets. To grow as a leader and an IT professional, learn more about people-management skills, which are essential if you’re going to handle medium to large teams with diverse skill sets. It’s not necessary to be a great project manager, but you do need the skills to understand the EQ side of the people who are part of your team. - Dharmendra Panwar , Terracez

7. Commitment To Accessibility And Inclusion

Accessibility and inclusion go a long way toward setting leaders apart from their peers. Beyond meeting legal requirements, they motivate teams who associate positive values with such an agenda. At the same time, as a leader, you minimize legal and reputational risk, protect the organization’s reputation, inspire innovation, improve the user experience and fulfill social responsibilities. - Lionel Wolberger , UserWay Inc.

8. Delegation And Coaching

I have watched many talented tech professionals struggle in their transition from star performer to leader. The best ones are the people who know how to delegate, coach and give their team members the freedom to make mistakes. I believe the best leadership skill is the ability to bring out the best in everyone around you. - Stacey Shulman , Intel Corporation

9. Business Acumen

IT professionals need to enhance their business acumen if they wish to move into leadership positions. They must see their work from the perspective of their clients and their internal stakeholders and sharpen their communication skills so that they’re capable of translating technology into the language of business. - Michael Beygelman , Claro Analytics

10. Empathy

Empathy—for both customers and team members—is a key skill for an IT professional who wants to become a leader. Empathy for customers ensures that the IT solutions you help create are spot-on and that the advice that you give to customers is customized and accurate. And understanding the aspirations, difficulties and preferences of your team members goes a long way toward collectively achieving optimal outcomes, making yourself and your people a success. - Vivek Shaurya , beGalileo

11. Willingness To ‘Get Your Hands Dirty’

When push comes to shove, tech leaders must be ready to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty. Recent technology news has highlighted the problems that happen when tech leaders and C-level executives lose their acumen and ability to take on hands-on work when the situation demands it—whether to fix bugs, implement features when resources are in a crunch or even identify core issues that need to be addressed in a timely manner. - Sireesha Chilakamarri , AdMedia

12. Team Building

For IT staff who want to succeed in leadership positions, the capacity to build and lead a high-performing team is a crucial competency. It not only requires a “roll up your sleeves” attitude, but also excellent leadership abilities and empathy. You must have the capacity to foster an atmosphere that values diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace; create a culture of trust, respect and open communication; and build up your talented colleagues. - Neelima Mangal , Spectrum North

13. An Obsession With Impact

A tech leader needs the ability to constantly ask the question, “So what?” And you need to ask it until you get to a point where the question doesn’t make sense. Doing so will help you to be impact-obsessed and to focus on “doing the right things” rather than “doing things right.” It is easy to get lost in fancy technology, but often, the solution to a complex problem lies in leveraging “simple and boring” technology that’s focused on the customer experience. - Hari Ramachandran , Real Chemistry

14. Trust In Your Team Members

Tech leaders must have the ability to let go and trust what their people are doing. When working in a technical position, we can be confident in our skills and sharpen them to the point where we are experts. Yet, in a leadership position, you have others who might do tasks differently. Trusting employees and not micromanaging can be extremely hard and is a skill that takes practice to get right. - Kevin Korte , Univention

There will be only a few things that your team will do that will have an outsized impact. The rest is noise. Being able to home in on the “signal” amid all the “noise” is critical for leadership. - Chaitanya Vaidya , SignaPay

16. Bridging Business And Technology

Successful tech leaders have at least one thing in common: They are good translators who connect the business with the technology. They are able to help the rest of the business understand the opportunities and limitations of the technology while helping IT understand the business goals, needs and requirements. Building a bridge between the two enables success. - Matthew Lieberman , PwC

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Top 20 Hard Skills for Your Resume: A Guide

16 min read

In the hard skills vs. soft skills debate, there is only one solid answer: you need both. Yes, if you want to win over the hiring manager, your professional resume needs a balance of the two. 

While you might have your soft skills down, choosing the right hard skills for a resume can be tricky. Luckily, we have you covered. In this complete guide, we will look at what they are, why you need them, and the top 20 hard skills that you can consider including on your next resume.

What are hard skills?

Hard skills are competencies that apply directly to the job. These can include the ability to use specific software, industry knowledge, or technical skills, for example. Often enough, these skills are both teachable and measurable. You might learn them over the course of your career. 

The core hard skills that are expected of you will vary from sector to sector. However, there are certain trends of which you need to be aware. Having your finger on the pulse when it comes to what hard skills recruiters are looking for is always a good move. This strategy will allow you to continuously upskill and learn new things, according to the demands of the industry.

Why should you include hard skills on your resume?

Now that you understand what hard skills are, let’s talk about why they matter for your resume. While well-rounded candidates ought to have both hard and soft skills on their resume, the former play a vital role in showing the hiring manager that you have what it takes to succeed. With that in mind, let’s take a look at why you need hard skills for your resume.  

Match the job requirements

One of the main reasons that you need hard skills for your resume is to show that you match the job requirements. Before you apply for any role, you need to check out the criteria. Often enough, the hiring manager will add this information to the job posting or advertisement. 

Look at the exact requirements of the role. You should find that there is a list of hard skills that the employer expects of candidates. Of course, you need to ensure that your resume aligns closely with the demands of the role. Including the right hard skills will help you do just that. 

Beat the bots 

Including the right hard skills can also help you to get past the applicant tracking system (ATS) . The screening software ranks incoming resumes by how well they fit the criteria of the vacancy. One of the ways that it does this is by searching for specific keywords in each application. 

If you want to boost your chances of getting past the software, you need to make sure that your resume includes the right keywords. Once again, you should go back to the job advertisement and look for the hard skills that have been listed there. By including the skills that you have under your belt, you can easily improve your chance of ranking well with the ATS software.

Highlight your expertise

Hiring managers want well-rounded candidates. When they are filling any vacancy, they have to consider how well the person will fit into the workplace and, crucially, whether they have the skills to ace the job. Choosing hard skills for your resume helps you to highlight your expertise. 

When the hiring manager glances at your resume, they will instantly be able to tell which hard skills you have. This means that they can determine whether you have the right level of knowledge to start working in the position that they need to fill. The more technical skills you have, the better your chances will be of landing the role (so long as they are relevant to it!). 

Top 20 hard skills for your resume in 2024

Choosing the right hard skills for your resume can be hard. We recommend considering the employer’s needs when you are making this decision. However, there are some hard skills that are increasingly in demand in the modern working world. In the following section, we will take a look at the top 20 hard skills for your resume as well as clear definitions for each of them.

Technological hard skills 

First up, we’re going to kick things off with the most popular category. When you think of hard skills, chances are technical proficiencies spring to mind. While it’s true that there’s a wide range of hard skills out there, many do fall neatly into this category. For that reason, it’s worth breaking down some of the most common hard skills that employers may expect you to have.

1. Cybersecurity 

Cybersecurity talent is in high-demand. According to the 2023 Fortinet Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report , more than half of all organizations struggle to recruit candidates who have the cybersecurity skills that they need. When you consider that malware variants are on the rise, there is no wonder that the demand for this set of hard skills is booming. 

Cybersecurity skills include ethical hacking, information security, network security, secure software development, and cloud security. If you boast any of these in-demand hard skills and you’re applying for a role in the sector, including them on your resume is a must. 

2. Programming 

Since the technological world is advancing at a remarkable rate, programming skills will always top the charts. Understanding coding languages means that you can create and develop the technology of the future. Whether you work in software development or a related field, choosing these hard skills for your resume is always going to win over hiring managers. You may include: 

If you decide to include these hard skills on your resume, you should add context. Be clear about what language you use and any projects that you have worked on. The more detail you can add here, the easier it will be for the hiring manager to gage your level of expertise, 

3. Cloud computing skills 

Should you have expertise in any level of cloud computing — including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP) — it’s worth shouting about. This is an area that is set to expand in the years to come, and so showcasing your knowledge now could be key. As always, it’s smart to show you are continuously learning and developing these skills. 

4. Data and analytical skills 

Should you work in a research-based field, having a strong grip of data and analytics is a must. Of course, there are many ways in which these hard skills for your resume can manifest. You need to be specific about how you manage data and the techniques that you are au fait with. 

Wherever possible, try to hone in on this skill-set on your resume. Here are some examples of the types of hard skills you may choose to include on your next application: 

Data analysis 

Data mining 

Business analysis 

Data management 

Microsoft Excel

Marketing analysis 

Data forecasting 

SWOT testing 

Financial analysis 

Consider where your exact skill-set lies and how you have learned it over the years. You can include these hard skills in the skills section of your resume. However, you may also want to weave them into the fabric of the application. For instance, you can choose to include mentions of them in your tasks and duties when you are writing your work experience section. 

5. AI and machine learning 

You don’t need to have a crystal ball to know that AI is the future. From ChatGPT to algorithms, companies are looking for candidates who have a strong grasp of this rapidly expanding sector. If that sounds like you, there are plenty of hard skills for your resume that you don’t want to miss. Here are some of the skills that you may already have and should include: 

Machine learning (MI) 

Natural Language Processing (NLP) 

Autonomous systems

Expert systems 

Computer vision 

You don’t have to work in the technological sectors for AI to be a useful skill-set. As these systems become more prevalent across various fields, they will be in demand in a range of industries. For that reason, these are prime hard skills for your resume. 

Engineering hard skills 

Next up, let’s talk about the engineering sector. If you’re hoping to land a job in this industry, you need to make sure that you have a wide array of hard skills on your resume. As always, you can refer back to the original job posting to get an idea of what the hiring manager is after. In this next section, we will be looking at two of the top engineering hard skills you may need. 

6. Computer Aided Design (CAD) skills 

Used in product design, architecture, and manufacturing — among many other fields — CAD software gives you the chance to create detailed models of systems or structures. Put simply, it is one of the major tools that engineers use when they are creating their plans. Examples of this software include CATIA, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Revit.

7. Mechanical skills 

Needless to say, mechanical skills are a must in the realms of engineering . Once again, Rather than using this blanket term, you should try to be as specific as you can. You may want to talk about the following hard skills on your engineering resume: 

Blueprint drawing and reading 

Mechanical design and engineering 

Manufacturing troubleshooting 

Mechanical assembly and installation 

Safety regulations and protocols

In each case, consider what the hiring manager is looking for when it comes to their prime candidate. The better you can align your resume to their needs, the higher your chances. 

Digital marketing hard skills 

The global digital advertising and marketing market is set to reach $786.2 Billion by 2026 . It should come as no great surprise that digital marketing skills are popular among hiring managers. Whether you work in this sector directly or within a field that crosses over with it, these hard skills are invaluable. Let’s take a look at some that you may already have. 

8. Search engine optimization (SEO)

Unless you have been hiding under a rock for the past decade, you will have heard of SEO. Search engine optimization is an ever-changing discipline, and so you need to ensure that you're up to date on the latest industry updates and changes. If you know how to make the SEO ranking system work for you and clients, you will always be in a prime position. Not only should you list this in the hard skills for your resume, but also give it context in your application. 

9. Search engine marketing (SEM)

Following on from SEO, you have search engine marketing (SEM). In essence, this is how you use the founding principles of SEO to your best advantage. This hard skill is all about increasing web pages’ visibility and boosting their place in search engine results pages (SERPs). 

10. Social media marketing 

Social media marketing has remained one of the most in-demand hard skills when it comes to digital marketing. It’s clear to see why. The world of social media is always changing. 

While this marketing strategy was once confined to the likes of Facebook and Instagram, there are countless other platforms of which marketers should be aware. These include TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, LinkedIn, X (previously Twitter), and so on. 

If you have social media marketing skills already, be sure to name-check them on your resume. In addition, should you have undertaken any specific training, you need to list this in your education section. Try to give some real credibility to the claims that you make here. 

11. Graphic design 

Graphic design is all about visual communication. You may use a selection of software, such as Adobe programs, to create stunning marketing resources. When you are including this hard skill on your resume, be sure to include the tools that you are confident in using for your craft.

Financial hard skills 

Looking to break into the financial world? If so, you will need to have a diverse range of hard skills for your resume. Any discerning hiring manager will want to make sure that you have the right skills for the job. Let’s take a look at some of the core financial hard skills below.

12. Accounting software

It’s not merely about stating that you understand specific accounting software, such as Sage 50 Accounting or QuickBooks. You should also look at ways in which you utilize that software in your role. You can use the work experience section to elaborate on the way in which each piece of software has helped you in your financial role. 

13. Financial forecasting 

Financial forecasting means analyzing current trends and finances and making predictions on behalf of your business. As you might imagine, this is a hard skill that is always in high demand. Of course, financial forecasting involves a section of disciplines including the following: 

Revenue and expense forecasting 

Financial statements projection 

Budgeting and long-term planning 

Performance monitoring and altering 

Should you work in the financial sector, it’s worth strengthening this particular skill-set. Having these hard skills on your resume could be the key to your ultimate success. 

Methodology hard skills 

In the world of business, many professionals use intelligent methodologies to improve efficiency. So, if you have learned any of the core methodologies, you will want to mention them on your next resume. Here are some of the hard skills that may well come under that umbrella. 

14. Inquiry-based learning

Emphasizing the importance of evidence and research-based learning, this strategy is one that is being adopted by many modern workplaces. When you’re considering the best hard skills on a resume for students, you should not overlook this particular skill. The approach encourages professionals to investigate, ask questions, and further develop their critical thinking skills . 

15. Design sprint 

When teams are aiming to solve complex problems quickly, they will often use a design sprint. This five-day collaboration allows them to understand, diverge, and create a prototype to solve the problem. If you have taken part in this type of strategy — or even lead a design sprint — before now, that is well worth speaking about when creating your professional resume. 

16. Six sigma 

Next up, six sigma is a data-driven approach to operational excellence. It comprises different phases that you use to make sure that a team or department is reaching the highest possible levels of operations that they can. If you are confident in how this methodology works and have previously used it within your career, you may want to include that detail on your resume. 

Miscellaneous hard skills

Not all hard skills fall firmly into a category. In fact, some of the most popular hard skills are miscellaneous. So, let’s take a look at some of the skills you don’t want to forget. 

17. Healthcare skills

Whether you work in the healthcare field or you’re the designated first aider in your office, there’s no doubting the fact that these skills are hard. If you want to show that you can support the wider workforce and keep people safe, it is worth including these skills on your resume. Of course, there’s a broad range of healthcare skills you may choose to list on your application.

18. Languages 

Do you speak another language? If the answer is yes, you should talk about that fact on your resume. In some roles, having an additional language will be a prerequisite of the job. However, even if the job advert does not mention the need for language skills, you may still want to include them. These are the types of hard skills that are certain to set you apart from the crowd. 

19. Translation and interpretation 

While we’re on the subject of languages, why not take things one step further? If you are a pro when it comes to either translation or interpretation, let the hiring manager know. Include any special training or experience you have in this sector. In some cases, it may be worth listing the level of your language proficiency. That way, they can see the value in your language skills. 

20. Project management 

Project management is a hard skill that spans a whole selection of sectors. If you have experience of taking the lead on projects and finding the best ways to keep your team on track, you should include this in your hard skills for your resume. Don’t forget to mention any software, tools, or systems you use when you are taking the helm of a project. 

Tips for strengthening your hard skills 

If you have looked at our hard skills on resume examples and fallen short, don’t panic. There are plenty of ways that you can strengthen your skill-set. Here are some simple tips: 

Look into online training. Taking evening courses or any other form of online training could be the answer. If you want to boost a specific hard skill, this approach will allow you to do so and even gain a certificate in that discipline. 

Watch out for L&D programs. If your workplace offers learning and development programs, make good use of them. Signing up to one of these training systems may help you to gain valuable hard skills you can use later in your career.

Always take on new projects. Whenever there is an opportunity to take on a new project, put yourself forward. The more diverse your experience, the more likely you are to develop a solid range of hard skills on which you can rely. 

Final words 

Looking for a simple way to upgrade your resume? In this guide, we have shared a selection of hard skills examples that you can use for inspiration. Hiring managers are always looking for candidates that have a selection of technical skills that meet the job requirements. Consider which core skills are pertinent in your career and include them within your next resume. 

Be sure to tailor your resume to the role for which you are applying. If in doubt, you can always refer back to the job criteria and see how many of the competencies you already possess. Listing these on your resume will increase your chances of landing that all-important interview.

Want to make sure your resume is hitting the mark? Get your free resume review from our team of experts now. Learn how you can quickly and easily upgrade your application.

Recommended reading: 

5 Things Hiring Managers and Recruiters Want On Your Resume

The19 Essential Skills to Put on Your Resume

Communication Skills on a Resume (Examples + Tips)

Charlotte Grainger, Editor & Content Writer, Charlotte Grainger, Editor & Content Writer

Charlotte Grainger is a freelance writer living and working in Sheffield, UK. She has a passion for career development and loves sharing tips and advice. Follow her on Twitter

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45+ Best Communication Skills for Your Resume (Examples)

Discover the best communication skills for your resume. From verbal to written communication, learn how to list and describe them to make a lasting impression.

When adding communication skills to your resume, focus on tailoring them to the job ad and using specific terms from the job description. Highlight achievements showcasing your communication strengths, whether it's leading a project, resolving conflicts, or using digital tools like Slack and Zoom. This not only aligns you with what employers are seeking, but also boosts your chances with applicant tracking systems. Always back up your skills with examples to show you can deliver results and work well with others.

Soft skills often get a bad rap for being less important. But they hold serious value — these skills are innate and not always teachable. Yet, simply stating “communication skills” in your resume is too vague to show off your strengths to a recruiter.

Solid communication is key to building relationships, expressing needs, and sharing information — it’s everywhere, including the workplace. The trick is to show your communication skills in a way that highlights what you can achieve and the potential you bring to the company. 

And you can do this through your resume. This article will tell you: 

• All the top communication skills to include. 
• How to list your communication skills on a resume.
• The best ways to improve your abilities for future job opportunities. 

What Are Communication Skills and Why They Matter on a Resume?

Communication skills are how you share ideas, listen, and respond to others, whether verbal, non-verbal, visual, or written. We use these skills every day, so I’ll spare you the full textbook definition — it’s basically how you get your point across and understand others. 

Here’s how the main types of communication can translate into a resume: 

• Verbal communication. We all learn to talk early on, but clear and confident communication is a skill that takes practice. On your resume, you can highlight cases where you led a meeting, conducted a presentation, or explained complex ideas to a colleague.
• Non-verbal communication. This includes body language, eye contact, and facial expressions. Ever noticed how a smile can make someone more approachable? That’s non-verbal communication in action. Demonstrate this on your resume by mentioning roles where you engaged with clients face-to-face, showing approachability and confidence.
• Written communication. Writing emails, reports, or even messages in a chat all fall under written communication. If you’ve ever written a LinkedIn post, a persuasive email, or a detailed report, highlight these experiences on your resume. Show your impact with examples of increased engagement or positive feedback. 
• Visual communication. Using visuals like graphs, charts, or slides to communicate is a great way to get your message across. On your resume, you can mention creating PowerPoint presentations or designing infographics to convey complex ideas or data. 

Many communication skills are considered soft skills because they are personal traits that largely come from everyday experience—think active listening or body language. But many others are hard skills because they require specific knowledge and, usually, on-the-job training—for instance, negotiation techniques or even presentation skills.

With that said, all communication skills are precisely that: skills, not talents . And skills you can learn and improve. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a natural-born communicator, you can take steps to get better at both “hard” and “soft” types of communication skills.

Why do communication skills matter to employers?

Employers want candidates who can clearly express themselves and work well with others — would you really want a Dwight in your office? Good communication can prevent misunderstandings and frustration, making the workplace more productive. 

Communication skills are also crucial across many areas of professional life. You can apply them in business meetings, team projects, customer interactions, or those “networking” sessions in the office kitchen. Showing recruiters you’ve mastered the art of communication is showing them your versatility. 

Here’s a round-up of the top communication skills to include  on your resume: 

Top Communication Skills Examples 

Once your resume grabs the recruiter’s attention, be prepared to discuss all those impressive skills during the interview. Make sure you genuinely understand each skill you’ve listed and how it relates to your experience.

Here’s a rundown of the top communication skills and how they play out in the workplace:

Verbal communication

Verbal communication skills are basically about how good you are with the words and sounds that come out of your or other people’s mouths — about how well you articulate your thoughts and how well you understand what others say. These skills include expressing your ideas, dealing with customers, or persuading your boss to upgrade the office coffee machine. 

Strong verbal communication tells employers you can articulate information, suggestions, and feedback. For roles involving customer interactions or leadership, having solid speaking skills shows you can convey messages clearly and lead with confidence. But remember, verbal communication (like any other form of communication) is a two-way street. Active listening is just as important as speaking clearly.

Most of us can hold a conversation, so be specific on your resume. 

Here are some examples of how to list verbal communication on a resume: 

• Interpersonal communication
• Listening skills 
• Outbound calling 
• Body language
• Foreign languages
• Presenting skills 

Written communication

Written communication skills are about how well you convey information through messages, emails, reports, and notes. You don’t need to be a literary genius, but you should be clear and concise to avoid misunderstandings. 

One key thing to note: even if your job title doesn’t immediately bring “writing” to mind, strong writing skills can still be an asset on your resume.

When you write well, you can inform and persuade through your words, whether drafting reports, creating social media posts, or sending emails. And with so many of us working remotely, knowing how to communicate professionally (without overusing emojis or exclamation marks) is always a plus.

Check out these valuable writing skills for your resume: 

• Sending emails 
• Proposal and report writing 
• Spelling and grammar
• Editing skills
• Paraphrasing 
• Translation 

Giving and accepting feedback 

Giving and accepting feedback helps improve performance and productivity by showing employees and managers what’s working and what needs to change. 

Employers want to know you can handle constructive criticism without feeling like you’re under attack. Including this skill on your resume highlights that you’re committed to growth and can push others to do the same, making you a strong collaborator and proactive learner. 

Here’s how to frame those skills on a resume to show you’re dedicated to your development: 

• Constructive feedback
• Active listening
• Accountability
• Willingness to learn 
• Open-mindedness 

Team-building and collaboration

Team-building and collaboration involve working well with others to solve problems and achieve common goals. Effective team builders can delegate tasks, communicate clearly, and help team members grow. 

Teamwork makes the dream work, so being able to share ideas and listen to others tells employers you can work harmoniously in a group. Highlighting team-building and collaboration on your resume also shows you can motivate and support your team toward success. 

Here are some more skills to show you work well in a team: 

• Team communication
• Delegation 
• Goal setting 
• Adaptability
• Taking ownership 
• Inclusivity 

Leadership skills 

Leadership skills involve firing up your team, setting goals, training employees, and running operations. A successful leader can push their team to their full potential while making them feel valued and appreciated. 

Trust is key, and people work better for managers they believe in — so your ability to build rapport and guide teams in a positive working environment is a must. Nobody feels inspired by a micromanaging boss breathing down their neck, right?

Here are some phrases that will make your leadership abilities shine on a resume: 

• Management abilities 
• Employee training 
• Motivational feedback
• Planning and organization 
• Interviewing skills 
• Customer relationship management

Digital communication

Digital communication skills are essential in today’s remote and hybrid work environments. Knowing your way around Zoom, Slack, Asana and Microsoft Teams ensures easy collaboration and interaction.

Nobody wants to be the person who accidentally sends a private message to the entire team. Including this skill on your resume shows your ability to keep up with the times, especially handy for remote workers, or in areas like customer support or social media. 

Consider listing these skills on your resume to show your technical communication prowess: 

• Online meeting etiquette
• Remote collaboration
• Professional branding 
• Customer support 
• Digital messaging 
• Social media networking 

Conflict resolution 

Conflict resolution skills help navigate and settle any disputes to maintain a positive workplace. Whether you’re negotiating tough deals, dealing with customer complaints, or deciding on the office AC temperature, you can apply these skills to a range of situations. 

But it’s not just about settling disputes. Adding conflict resolution to your resume tells employers you value workplace harmony, which can boost productivity. It shows you have solid listening skills and that you consider others’ perspectives and respond thoughtfully. 

Check out these examples of how to frame conflict resolution on a resume: 

• Mediation skills 
• Trust building 
• Employee relations 
• Problem-solving 
• Emotional intelligence 
• Impartiality

Negotiating skills 

Negotiating skills are about reaching mutually beneficial agreements through formal contracts or verbal agreements. Skilled negotiators adapt their communication styles to fit the listener’s requests and avoid misunderstandings.

Pulling off a successful negotiation requires problem-solving, persuasive communication, and reading the room — all abilities that will make you an impressive candidate for future employers. 

Negotiation skills aren’t limited to the bargaining table, though. 

Take a look at some more specific ways to describe them on a resume: 

• Strategic thinking 
• Persuasive speaking 
• Assertive attitude
• Rapport-building 
• Contract negotiation 
• Business negotiation

How to Find the Best Communication Skills to Put on a Resume?

Googling “communication skills” and copy-pasting the first result won’t cut it. Recruiters have seen “listening skills” way too many times.

To make an impression, you need to be smart with your word choice, understand what the employer is looking for, and show exactly how your skills make a difference.

Check the job description

Tweaking your resume to match the job description might seem like extra effort — but it’s an easy way to get inspiration on what skills and experience the employer wants from you. 

Will you be working with a global team? Mention how your remote collaboration skills have helped you build connections. Are they looking for someone with growth potential? Outline your experiences in accepting and acting on feedback.

Using similar terms from the job description shows recruiters you’re the right fit for the role and boosts your chances with applicant tracking systems (ATS) when scanning resumes for keywords. 

Check out this job ad for a product manager position: 

This company’s looking for someone who can communicate in group discussions, so mention times you led projects or regularly contributed to meetings to show you’re a team player. They also emphasized data visualization, so include your knack for explaining complex ideas to non-technical clients. 

You don’t need to quote the job ad word for word — just outline your relevant experiences, and your skills will speak for themselves.

Research skills relevant to your industry

Every industry has its own communication style — whether it’s interviewing in recruitment, content creation in marketing, or interacting with customers in sales. Some working environments require online collaboration, while others have you mingling with your colleagues. 

Recruiters look for candidates who understand the core skills of your chosen industry and can show proficiency in those areas. Doing your homework on industry-specific communication tells employers you have the skills to address the unique challenges and needs of that field. 

Consider your achievements

If your skills list is still looking pretty thin, think about your accomplishments and how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. 

Look at your past achievements and identify the communication skills that played a key role. Have you successfully led a team project? Emphasize your abilities in team communication, delegation, and even conflict resolution. 

If you’re short on work experience, think about your days in education. Did you navigate a year of online learning during the pandemic? Perfect — you can list skills like remote collaboration, online messaging, and a great deal of patience on your resume.

Still stuck on inspiration? Check out our AI Skill Explorer to dig deeper into any key skills you may have missed.

How to Put Communication Skills on a Resume?

You’ve pinpointed your skills, but you can’t just list them on your resume and call it a day. Recruiters only spend a few seconds on each resume, so your skills must stand out and prove you’re a top-notch candidate. 

Let’s dig into where you should include your skills and how to use them to show off your accomplishments. 

Tailor to the job description

Job postings spell out exactly what they want — so use that to your advantage. 

Start by digging into the job ad and highlighting any specific communication skills listed as requirements. But avoid copying and pasting generic terms like “client support.” These phrases are bland and don’t tell the recruiter what you bring to the table. 

Focus on real wins — if they need someone to handle customer interactions, highlight your successes in customer service. You can also use action verbs, such as “presented” and “collaborated” to make your resume more dynamic and easier to scan by ATS systems.

You don’t need to overhaul your resume completely for each application. Just tweak your word choice and skill selection to match what each employer is looking for, and show how your skills translate into success.

Mention top skills in the resume summary

Your resume summary is your elevator pitch and how you’re going to grab a recruiter’s attention right off the bat. Make it concise, relevant, and interesting by focusing on the communication skills that make you a standout candidate. 

Include the communication skills that are most relevant to the position. If the job requires strong verbal skills, emphasize your expertise in delivering engaging presentations or negotiating with stakeholders. Always aim to link these communication skills to your achievements to show the impact of your abilities. 

Here’s an example of an eye-catching summary with a focus on communication skills: 

Customer service specialist with a knack for effective verbal communication and problem-solving. Skilled in handling customer inquiries, resolving complaints, and presenting product features. Recognized for maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and maintaining positive client relationships.

Showcase skills via your work experience

Listing skills in bullet points is neat for summarizing, but it’s just that — a summary. Recruiters need to see how you put those skills into action and how they benefit the company. Saying you’re great with phone calls doesn’t mean much if you prefer leaving long voice notes (guilty as charged)!

When describing your work experience , pick specific examples that show how you’ve used your communication skills. Think about times when your communication skills were pivotal and delivered real results. 

Did you lead a successful project meeting? Or negotiate a deal that brought in significant revenue? These are gold for showcasing your abilities. And you can add more weight to your accomplishments by using real numbers to back up your claims. 

Here’s how to show your skills in your work experience section with measurable outcomes:

Administrative Assistant | ABC Company March 2019 — Present • Managed office communications, including emails, phone calls, and scheduling meetings, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. • Coordinated travel arrangements and itineraries for executives, managing detailed records and expense reports. • Developed and maintained filing systems, boosting data retrieval efficiency by 30%. • Assisted in preparing presentations and translating complex data into clear, concise information for team meetings. • Acted as a liaison between departments, encouraging effective communication and collaboration across the organization. • Organized company events and meetings, ensuring all logistics were handled seamlessly and attendees were well-informed.

Through these experiences, the jobseeker is demonstrating key skills, like conveying complex information, teamwork, and leadership abilities. It's not about cramming “communication” into every sentence, but strategically emphasizing how strong communication skills helped you deliver results. 

Summarize with a list of skills

Once you’ve woven your abilities into your work experience, you can summarize them in your skills section. Including a bulleted list lets recruiters and ATS scanners quickly identify your strengths. 

Here’s an example of how to outline your skills: 

• Presenting data. Excellent at presenting complex information and ideas in meetings and client interactions. • Team Collaboration. Effective in working with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals. • Data Visualization. Adept at explaining data insights to non-technical stakeholders. • Analytical Skills. History of identifying issues and implementing practical solutions. • Project Management. Expertise in planning, executing, and overseeing projects to ensure successful completion. • Technical Knowledge. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project management software, like Asana and Trello.

But remember, recruiters will only glance over this section — they might even use it to determine if the rest of your resume is worth investigating. So make sure you tailor your skills to match keywords in the job description. 

While it’s handy to cover the basics, avoid using too many generic terms. Instead, opt for specific skills and tools, such as “Project Management,” “Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software,” or “Digital Marketing Campaigns.”

Spotlight skills using the right format

Many assume that a functional or combination format is the answer to drawing attention to your skills. However, using a functional or combination resume is a risky departure from the standard, recruiter-approved reverse-chronological resume format, which places your work experience front and center. 

Here’s a rundown of the main resume formats: 

• Reverse-chronological format . This widely used format highlights your work history, starting with your most recent position and working backward. Recruiters favor this layout because it clearly showcases your career progression and makes it easy to find key information. I highly recommend this structure to boost your chances of getting noticed. 
• Functional (skills-based) format . The functional format places your skills front and center, but can often lead recruiters to make the wrong assumptions and wonder what you have to hide. This outdated format also doesn’t perform well with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), so I wouldn’t recommend going down this route. 
• Hybrid (combination) format. Combining these two formats can be effective if you want to highlight your extensive skills upfront with extensive work experience. This format is a good choice if you have plenty of work experience, numerous accomplishments, or a diverse set of technical skills. 

My go-to choice would be the reverse chronological format or the hybrid structure, where you place your skills up top with specific examples or achievements that show how you’ve used these skills in real situations. 

Here’s an example from a combination resume: 

Customer Service:

• Resolved an average of 30 customer inquiries per day, with a 95% satisfaction rate. • Implemented a new customer feedback system that improved response times by 50%. • Improved retention rates by over 25% by designing and implementing customized cancellation surveys. • Trained and onboarded 22 Junior Customer Service Representatives.

Organizing your skills like this shows employers exactly what expertise you bring to the table. But you can demonstrate your skills just as effectively using a reverse chronological format — you just need to make sure that your descriptions of past jobs reflect whatever skills you listed in the skills section.

Focus on positive outcomes

You’ve got the gist by now — whenever you mention your skills or experiences, highlight the positive outcomes. So, you wrote social media posts for your company; did they boost engagement? Did your powers of persuasion close any deals?

Focusing on positive outcomes means you’re not just listing responsibilities — you’re showing employers the real impact of your communication skills and your ability to deliver results. Talk about how your clear communication helped finish a project ahead of schedule, or how your presentation skills secured a new client.

Use numbers and metrics whenever you can. Instead of saying you improved customer satisfaction, say you increased it by 20% through adaptable communication strategies.

If you’ve received awards or recognition tied to your communication skills, flaunt them. Mention specific achievements like winning a speech competition or receiving praise for a successful presentation.

Be clear and concise

You can’t claim to be a master communicator if your resume isn’t clear. Your grammar skills, writing style, and ability to tell your story will be under scrutiny — you don’t want to miss an opportunity because of a few typos. 

When crafting your resume, go through it with a fine-tooth comb and remove any unnecessary details or wordy phrases to keep it to the point. Remember, recruiters take less than ten seconds to scan your resume — you want them to focus on the good stuff. 

Space on your resume is precious real estate, so make every word count. Highlight your communication skills and other abilities concisely. Use bullet points to list achievements and skills — it’s easier to read and quickly grabs the recruiter’s attention. 

Ways to Improve Your Communication Skills

You’re probably itching to send out your resume and land that job, not spend more time tweaking your skills. But trust me, sharpening your communication skills is worth it. These skills are versatile and can open up all kinds of doors in any industry you choose. Plus, those improved skills will eventually shine on your resume.

Improving your communication skills is easy. It just takes a bit of self-reflection, a fresh perspective, and a genuine desire to get better. Simple steps that can lead to big results down the road.

Master active listening

The tech boom has made our attention spans shorter — how many times have you glanced at your phone mid-conversation? Start by putting away your phone, closing your laptop, and giving the person your full attention.

Resist the urge to jump in with questions or solutions prematurely. We’ve all been guilty of planning our response before the other person finishes — and people notice. Let them complete their thoughts to show you’re genuinely listening and understanding their message.

Once they’ve wrapped up, take a moment to summarize what you’ve heard. You might say, “So, what I’m hearing is…” This shows you’re paying attention while clarifying any potential misunderstandings.

Show interest and ask questions 

Small talk easily makes it on the list of things I prefer to avoid. You’re not exactly showcasing your communication skills if your go-to topic is the weather. 

Try asking open-ended questions in discussions that get people talking more. Skip the yes or no non-starters and go for open-ended questions like, “How did you tackle that problem?” or “What do you think about this plan?” It shows you’re genuinely curious about their perspective and opens the conversation.

Don't be afraid to dig deeper into topics that interest you or where you need more clarity. Asking follow-up questions shows you’re really processing what’s being said and want to learn more, leading to more engaging chats and stronger connections.

Go out of your comfort zone

Fun fact: Back in my early 20s, I moved to a foreign country by myself — no job, no friends, and no grasp of the language. Did it make me a more confident and self-assured person? Absolutely. 

There’s a reason people tell you to venture out of your comfort zone — and honestly, it’s never as scary as you imagine. 

Challenge yourself with new communication tasks regularly. It could mean stepping up to lead a meeting, speaking up in group discussions, or presenting ideas to a larger audience. Each challenge (whether big or small) adds to your confidence and broadens your skills, making future interactions less daunting.

And you don’t have to dive in headfirst. Let’s say you have a presentation coming up — take some time to outline your points, anticipate questions, and consider how best to get your message across. Practice and preparation are key to making you feel more at ease.

Build relationships

Good communication starts with getting along with the people around you. Take time to connect with your coworkers on a personal level. Ask about their weekend plans or what they do for fun outside of work. 

Approach conversations with a friendly and positive attitude. No one wants to talk to someone who looks like they just had a sour glass of milk. Smile, make eye contact, and use a polite tone to create a welcoming atmosphere where communication flows naturally.

As you build deeper relationships, your confidence will grow, giving you more room to improve your communication skills. Who knows? It might even lead to a promotion or an interesting networking opportunity.

Change your mindset 

Changing your perspective is easier said than done, right? When I first entered the professional world, I wasn’t great at taking feedback. I’d get frustrated and defensive whenever someone pointed out areas for improvement.

But then I realized, how does getting defensive serve me? It doesn't help me learn or grow; it only holds me back. So, I decided to shift my mindset. I started seeing feedback not as criticism, but as valuable insights to help me get better.

Surprise, surprise — once I started embracing feedback and thinking about how I could use it to improve, things got a lot smoother. Those negative feelings I used to have? They faded away.

Feedback is your golden opportunity to learn and grow. When someone gives you feedback, they are ultimately trying to help, so listen with an open mind. Everyone’s got their perspective, so take the time to understand where they’re coming from. And don’t be afraid to challenge your own beliefs — sometimes, our mindset can hold us back without us even realizing it. 

Learn from the experts

We all know someone who can stroll into any room and strike up a conversation with ease. Pay attention to how they talk — their tone, facial expressions, and body language. What makes their communication so smooth and engaging? Reflect on this and apply those techniques to your conversations and presentations.

If your job relies heavily on customer service or client interaction, you can even check out platforms like Coursera and Udemy, which offer a range of courses on communication skills. 

Here are some top recommendations: 

• Successful Negotiation: Essential Strategies and Skills (edX)
• Finding Your Professional Voice: Confidence & Impact (Coursera)
• The Complete Communication Skills Master Class for Life (Udemy)
• Winning Communication Skills for Telephone & Conference Calls (Udemy)
• Effective Communication: Writing, Design, and Presentation Specialization (Coursera)

Look for courses that align with your interests and career goals. Whether it’s nailing public speaking or polishing your writing chops, structured courses can dish out some great tips and techniques.

But I'd only recommend shelling out for a course if your job hinges on strong communication skills. If not, there are tons of freebies out there, like TED Talks and documentaries on communication styles and tricks. Take notes on how top-notch speakers grip their audience, organize their messages, and use language to get their point across.

Here’s a recap of all the tips and tricks you need to know when adding communication skills to your resume: 

• Don’t just say “excellent communication skills.” Instead, mention specific skills like “negotiation,” or “public speaking,” to add clarity and show recruiters what you can offer the company.
• Match your communication skills to those listed in the job description. If they value teamwork, emphasize specific collaborative skills or your experiences working on successful team projects. 
• Start bullet points with action verbs like “presented,” “collaborated,” “mediated,” or “negotiated” to show practical application and boost your chances with ATS scanners. 
• Include numbers to quantify your positive impact. For example, “increased customer satisfaction by 20% through effective communication strategies.”
• Mention specific situations where your communication skills made a difference, such as closing a deal or delivering a key presentation to clients.
• Focus on positive outcomes of your communication efforts, like “secured a new client” or “resolved conflicts efficiently,” to demonstrate results and achievements. 
• If you have many communication skills under your belt, consider a dedicated skills section to list them clearly — just avoid generic statements. 
• Be clear and concise in your descriptions to keep your resume easy to read and impactful, ensuring it grabs the recruiter's attention. 

How do you describe communication skills on a resume?

First, include your most important skills in the skills section. But don’t stop there. Describe your communication skills by outlining your experiences and any positive outcomes. For example, “Negotiated contracts with vendors, resulting in a 15% cost reduction.” By focusing on your accomplishments, you’re telling the recruiter how your skills have a tangible impact.

What is considered an extensive communication skill?

Extensive communication skills cover a broad spectrum of abilities, including verbal (public speaking, storytelling), written (emails, reports), listening (active listening, empathy), and non-verbal communication (body language, eye contact). Mastery in multiple areas, such as conflict resolution, persuasive communication, and digital communication tools, also falls under this category.

How to say you have good communication skills on a resume?

Simply saying you have “good communication skills” is generic and doesn’t tell recruiters what you can bring to the table. Instead, use specific skills to showcase your achievements. For example, “Authored and edited newsletters that increased readership by 40%.”

What is another word for communication?

“Interaction” or “dialogue” can serve as alternatives for communication. Depending on the context, terms like “correspondence” (for written communication) or “engagement” (for interactive communication) could also be appropriate.

Other synonyms for communication skills include “people skills”, “social intelligence”, and “interpersonal skills”. 

What is a good sentence for communication skills?

A good sentence demonstrating your communication skills should focus on specific abilities and how they contributed towards your accomplishments. You could say, “articulated complex ideas clearly, boosting team productivity through improved understanding and collaboration.

Lauren Bedford

Lauren Bedford is a seasoned writer with a track record of helping thousands of readers find practical solutions over the past five years. She's tackled a range of topics, always striving to simplify complex jargon. At Rezi, Lauren aims to craft genuine and actionable content that guides readers in creating standout resumes to land their dream jobs.

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How to use ChatGPT to help write your resume in 9 easy steps

AI your way into an interview

Crafting the perfect résumé can be a daunting task. You stare at the blank page, wondering how to best showcase your skills and experiences. That's where ChatGPT comes in. Open AI's large language model has been making waves in various industries, and resume writing is no exception.

But how exactly do you approach use ChatGPT for this purpose? It's not as simple as asking it to write your entire résumé. We'll explore the nuances of leveraging ChatGPT to proofread your résumé, refine your language, and format your experience in the best possible way. We'll also discuss potential pitfalls to avoid — after all, your résumé should still sound like you, not a robot.

ChatGPT won't do all the work for you, but it might just help you see your experience in a new light. So, let's get into how this AI tool can help you put your best foot forward on paper.

1. Understand ChatGPT's role

ChatGPT is a tool to assist you, not replace your input. It's crucial to understand that the AI will help generate ideas and refine language, but the content should ultimately come from your own experiences and skills. 

2. Prepare your information

If you have an existing résumé, review it and note areas for improvement. If you're starting fresh or you're a student, list your experiences, skills, and achievements. Include part-time jobs, internships, volunteer work, and academic projects.

3. Log into ChatGPT

Go to the ChatGPT website. If you're new to ChatGPT click Sign up and follow the on-screen instructions . If you're a returning user, click Log in. 

4. Begin your prompt

First, click the paper clip in the prompt box and click Upload from computer. Once you've attached your resume, type a simple prompt like 'I need help improving my résumé.' 

For those writing a résumé for the first time, provide ChatGPT with your experience in the prompt box. For example, 'I'm creating my first résumé as a graduate student. Here is my experience...' 

5. Enhance your professional summary

Ask ChatGPT to help craft a concise professional summary. For example: 'How can I improve this existing summary for my Editor role?', or 'Can you help me write a 2-3 sentence professional summary for a marketing graduate?' Then hit enter.  

ChatGPT will provide you with the first section of your résumé. The great thing about breaking it down into chunks is that you can easily refine and personalize each section.

After receiving the AI-generated summary, review it carefully. Does it accurately reflect your experience and career goals? If not, you can ask ChatGPT to revise it. 

6. Develop your work experience section

Next, work through your job history, or for beginners, your relevant experiences. For the next prompt you could ask ChatGPT: 'Structure my work experience section to maximize readability and impact.' 

Alternatively, you could say 'How can I describe my internship/coursework to show my potential as an...' 

ChatGPT will provide you with a detailed and concise bullet-pointed list of your experience , perfect for a résumé. 

7. Tailor to job descriptions

If you have a specific job in mind, ask ChatGPT to help tailor your résumé. For example, you could ask ' Here's the job description for a Senior Editor position. How can I adjust my resume to better align my experience with these requirements? 

8. Highlight your skills

Request ChatGPT's assistance in listing and describing your skills. For experienced professionals, you might ask, 'What skills should I emphasize when moving from an Editor to a Senior Editor role?' This prompt will help you identify and articulate the skills that set you apart.

For those just starting their careers, try a prompt like, 'What skills should I highlight as a recent graduate applying for an entry-level Editor position?' 

9. Put it all together

Now it's time to bring everything together . You could use a prompt like: 'Can you take all the information we've generated for my Editor résumé and compile it into a cohesive document?' This will give you a complete draft to work from. Once ChatGPT provides this compilation, review it carefully for flow and consistency. 

You might then ask, 'Can you suggest ways to improve the overall flow and consistency of this résumé?' This step helps ensure that your résumé reads smoothly from start to finish, with a consistent tone and style throughout. 

10. Bonus tip

Ask ChatGPT to proofread your résumé and suggest improvements. If you're an experienced professional, you might use a prompt like this: 'Can you review my updated résumé and suggest any improvements to make my transition from Editor to Senior Editor more compelling?' 

For those just starting their careers, you could ask: 'Can you review my résumé and suggest improvements for an entry-level position?' This will help you identify areas where you can strengthen your résumé to appeal to employers looking for fresh talent.

After receiving ChatGPT's suggestions, carefully review each one. Make sure these improvements align with your experiences and the job requirements. Remember, its important to maintain your unique voice and ensure all information is accurate. Once happy with it, you can format it using a template in google/word docs, or a resume maker. Happy job hunting! 

To maximize ChatGPT's resume-writing potential, explore these 5 tips for getting smarter prompts in ChatGPT . While powerful, it's worth checking out the best ChatGPT alternatives for comparison. Plus, ChatGPT advanced voice is out, and these 9 examples demonstrate why you should be excited. 

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Kaycee is an Editor at Tom’s Guide and has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her journey into the tech world began as Cazoo's Knowledge Content Specialist, igniting her enthusiasm for technology. When she’s not exploring the latest gadgets and innovations, Kaycee can be found immersed in her favorite video games, or penning her second poetry collection. 

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Best Skills for a Resume [Tips with Examples]

When seeking jobs, I've noticed how crucial it is to highlight your strengths in the skills section of your resume. Many people overlook this or aren't sure which skills are appropriate for the job they're applying for. This can make or break your chances of landing an interview. So, what are the best skills for a resume?

In this guide, I'll walk you through an often overlooked aspect of drafting a resume: showcasing your skill set effectively and aligning it with the role you're aiming for. Drawing on years of experience from both sides of the hiring table, I'll share insights on the best skills to include and practical tips to help you craft a standout resume that secures that coveted interview.

Best Hard Skills for a Resume

Hard skills are those specific, teachable abilities that you can easily define and measure. Think of them as the technical know-how you’ve gained through school, training programs, and hands-on work. These are the skills that can be tested, like knowing how to use certain software, perform complex calculations, or operate machinery. When you list these skills on your resume, you’re showing potential employers that you have the concrete capabilities required to do the job.

1.Data Analysis

Details: The ability to collect, process, and analyze data to derive meaningful insights.

Advantages: Helps in making informed business decisions, identifying trends, and improving processes.

Suitable Positions: Data Analyst, Business Analyst, Market Researcher.

2.Programming

Details: Proficiency in coding languages such as Python, Java, or C++ to develop software and applications.

Advantages: Essential for software development, troubleshooting, and optimizing code performance.

Suitable Positions: Software Developer, Web Developer, Systems Engineer.

3.Design Skills

Details: Expertise in graphic design, UI/UX design, and using design software like Adobe Creative Suite.

Advantages: Enhances the visual appeal of products, websites, and marketing materials.

Suitable Positions: Graphic Designer, UX/UI Designer, Art Director.

4.Financial Modeling

Details: Creating numerical representations of business operations for analysis and forecasting.

Advantages: Aids in financial planning, valuation, and investment decisions.

Suitable positions: Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Accountant, Business Consultant

5.Project Management

Details: Ability to plan, execute, and oversee projects to ensure they are completed on time and within budget.

Advantages: Improves efficiency, ensures project success, and enhances team collaboration.

Suitable Positions: Project Manager, Operations Manager, Product Manager.

6.Cloud Computing

Details: Knowledge of cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.

Advantages: Facilitates scalable and flexible IT infrastructure management.

Suitable positions: Cloud Architect, DevOps Engineer, Systems Administrator, IT Manager

7.Database Management

Details: Proficiency in SQL and database systems like Oracle, MySQL, or MongoDB.

Advantages: Enables efficient data storage, retrieval, and management.

Suitable positions: Database Administrator, Data Engineer, Backend Developer, IT Consultant

8.Foreign Languages

Details: Fluency in one or more foreign languages.

Advantages: Enhances communication in a globalized market, supports international business operations.

Suitable Positions: Translator, International Sales Representative, Diplomat.

9.Machine Learning

Details: Knowledge of algorithms, data structures, and model training for AI development.

Advantages: Drives innovation in technology, automates processes, and enhances decision-making.

Suitable Positions: Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist, AI Specialist.

10.Cybersecurity

Details: Skills in protecting systems, networks, and data from cyber threats.

Advantages: Ensures data integrity, prevents breaches, and maintains organizational security.

Suitable Positions: Cybersecurity Analyst, IT Security Manager, Network Administrator.

Best Soft Skills for a Resume

Soft skills, on the other hand, are more about how you interact with others and manage your own behavior. These are traits like being a good communicator, working well in a team, or having the ability to think creatively. Unlike hard skills, they’re not as easy to measure, but they’re just as important. Soft skills are what help you work effectively with colleagues, handle stress, and navigate the day-to-day challenges of a workplace. Including these on your resume highlights that you’re not just technically proficient but also a well-rounded individual who can thrive in any work environment.

1.Communication

Details: Ability to convey information clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Advantages: Enhances team collaboration, client relationships, and overall workplace efficiency.

Suitable positions: Public Relations Specialist, Sales Representative, Customer Service Representative, Manager

Details: Capacity to work effectively with others towards a common goal.

Advantages: Improves productivity, fosters a positive work environment, and enhances problem-solving.

Suitable positions: Team Leader, Project Coordinator, Human Resources Specialist, Collaborative Researcher

3.Adaptability

Details: Ability to adjust to new conditions, challenges, or environments quickly and effectively.

Advantages: Enables resilience in fast-paced or changing industries, improves problem-solving.

Suitable positions: Startup Employee, Consultant, Freelancer, Change Management Specialist

4.Critical Thinking

Details: Ability to analyze information objectively and make reasoned judgments.

Advantages: Enhances decision-making, problem-solving, and strategic planning.

Suitable positions: Business Analyst, Lawyer, Researcher, Executive

5.Creativity

Details: Ability to think originally and develop innovative ideas or solutions.

Advantages: Drives innovation, problem-solving, and competitive advantage.

Suitable positions: Marketing Strategist, Product Designer, Entrepreneur, Artist

6.Leadership

Details: Ability to guide, motivate, and influence others towards achieving goals.

Advantages: Improves team performance, drives organizational success, and fosters employee development.

Suitable positions: Manager, Team Lead, Executive, Entrepreneur

7.Time Management

Details: Ability to organize tasks and work efficiently to meet deadlines.

Advantages: Increases productivity, reduces stress, and improves work-life balance.

Suitable positions: Project Manager, Administrative Assistant, Freelancer, Event Planner

8.Adaptability

Details: Ability to adjust to new conditions and handle change effectively.

Advantages: Enhances resilience, supports continuous learning and growth.

Suitable Positions: Startup Employee, Project Manager, Consultant.

9.Problem-Solving

Details: Ability to identify issues, develop solutions, and implement effective resolutions.

Advantages: Enhances efficiency, drives innovation, and improves customer satisfaction.

Suitable positions: Engineer, IT Specialist, Business Consultant, Customer Service Manager

10.Attention to Detail

Details: Ability to achieve thoroughness and accuracy when accomplishing tasks.

Advantages: Improves quality of work, reduces errors, and enhances overall performance.

Suitable positions: Quality Assurance Specialist, Editor, Accountant, Research Analyst

How to List Skills for a Resume? 5 Steps!

Listing down skills in your resume is mandatory, but what job seekers often forget is listing the right skills for the job, the overall presentation of the resume, and its clarity. So in this section, we will be covering how to research top skills for a particular role and how to list these skills on your resume.

Step 1: Research the Company - AIPal

When creating your resume, the first question that should come to mind is, "What skills should I include on my resume?". It's crucial to research the company you're applying to. Learn about their values, culture, and mission statement. This helps you tailor your resume to their specific needs and interests. For example, if you're applying for a job as an accountant, computer engineer, or credit manager, pay attention to the keywords in the job description and qualifications.

Extract these keywords using tools like AIPal, a user-friendly Chrome extension. This tool not only helps with various tasks but also excels in keyword extraction for your resume. By aligning your resume with the keywords employers are searching for, you significantly increase your chances of getting noticed.

To identify the right skills, job seekers can simply use AIPal,

Let's assume the position you are wishing to apply for has a job post on LinkedIn.

Step 1: Simply copy the entire job post and open the AIPal Chrome extension.

Step 2: Make sure you are in AIPal chat mode by clicking on the "Chat" tab.

Step 3: With a simple prompt, you can ask AIPal to extract all the top soft and hard skills the employer is looking for. Here is a prompt example that could help you extract keywords:

Prompt: Here is a job post for a [Job Title]. Extract and create separate lists of hard skills and soft skills keywords mentioned in this job post.

Step 4: Copy this list of keywords and keep them safe. We will be using these keywords in the next steps to create the skill list for your resume.

To keep your list of keywords organized, use WPS Spreadsheet, a free spreadsheet software. This will help you efficiently manage and integrate the keywords into your resume.

By using AIPal, you'll save time and ensure you don't miss any crucial details. This AI-powered approach helps you tailor your resume more effectively to each specific job application.

Step 2: Choose a Template

Now that you have a clear understanding of what the employer is looking for, it’s time to choose the right resume template. I highly recommend WPS Office for this purpose. Their extensive selection of professionally designed templates offers a variety of styles to suit different needs. Additionally, with WPS Writer's built-in word processing capabilities, you can easily edit and format your resume, ensuring it looks polished and professional.

Let's take a look at how we can access WPS Office resume templates:

Step 1: Launch WPS Office on your system, and click on the "New" tab on the left side pane.

Step 2: Next, click on the "All" tab and use the search bar to search for resume templates.

Step 3: With plenty of options to choose from, click on the resume template that appeals to you the most and fulfills your purpose.

Step 4: Preview the resume template, look at the different sections it accommodates, and then click on "Download" to start editing and creating your own resume.

WPS Office offers a wide range of customizable templates. A well-chosen template can give your resume a professional look and help you stand out from the crowd. Users can also utilize the Resume Master within WPS Templates to create a new resume from scratch, customizing the sections they wish to add or remove according to their requirements.

Step 3: Self-assessment

This step is crucial for identifying your most relevant skills. Here's how to conduct a thorough self-assessment:

1.Make a comprehensive list of all your skills:

First of all, make a list of all the skills you possess. These can be:

Hard skills

Soft skills

Technical abilities

Certifications

You are the best judge of your own abilities, so ensure that your skills genuinely reflect your strengths. Avoid listing skills you are unsure about, as this could lead to embarrassment during interviews or on the job. Only include skills you are highly confident in.

2.Compare your list with the job description:

Next, compare your list of skills with the keywords extracted using AIPal. If you’ve saved this list in a spreadsheet tool like WPS Spreadsheet, this process will be much smoother. You can easily highlight the job-required skills that directly align with your own expertise.

3.Identify the most relevant skills:

Focus on the skills that have a direct impact on the job you're applying for. Narrow down your list to the top five skills that will make you stand out as the best candidate for the role. Prioritize quality over quantity; a well-curated list of highly relevant skills is more valuable than a lengthy list of unrelated abilities.

Step 4: Organize Skills on Your Resume

Once you have identified the relevant skills, organize them in a proper format on your resume. Here are some tips:

Edit the skills section to highlight the most relevant skills.

Use keywords from the job description to make your resume stand out.

Add brief and specific descriptions of your experiences that demonstrate these skills.

Consider using images or icons to make your resume visually appealing.

Step 5: Review and Revise

Finally, review and revise your resume to ensure it is clear and error-free. Carefully proofread to avoid any mistakes, and make use of WPS AI’s spell check feature to ensure your resume is flawless. If you’re applying for different positions, customize your resume for each application by emphasizing the skills most relevant to each specific job.

Your resume is a dynamic document that should be updated as your career progresses. Regularly revising and improving it is important. Highlighting relevant skills is key to landing an interview for the job you're applying for, and customizing your resume shows your enthusiasm for the position. By following this step-by-step guide on what skills to put on your CV, you'll be better equipped to create a targeted and effective resume. If you need a refresher on any of the steps, just revisit this tutorial.

Examples for Popular Positions

Let's take a look at some example skill sets for popular positions, along with explanations of why these skills are relevant for each role:

1.Example #1: Marketing Manager

2.Example #2: Software Developer

3.Example #3: Project Manager

4.Example #4: Customer Service Representative

5.Example #5: Data Analyst

6.Example #6: Financial Analyst

7.Example #7: Graphic Designer

Using WPS AI to Perfect your Resume

When it comes to crafting your resume, WPS AI is unmatched with its advanced features. It offers an extensive selection of templates, a Resume Master tool, and an AI assistant that provides valuable insights into various job roles. For me, WPS AI is a true game-changer in resume creation. Its powerful language capabilities and innovative tools make it an exceptional choice for anyone looking to make a standout impression in the job market.

1.Give Some Templates:

WPS AI is a fantastic overall AI assistant; you can even ask it to provide a template specific to your job role. With a simple prompt, WPS AI can generate a resume template tailored to your job specifications, which you can easily edit or format for your needs.

2.Check the Grammar and Syntax:

WPS AI can also help you polish your resume by checking for grammar, punctuation, and syntax errors. Ensuring your resume is clear and error-free enhances its readability and makes a great impression on potential employers.

3.Learn About Job Descriptions

Use WPS AI to get detailed information about job descriptions. Simply prompt it with "Write a job description about a data analyst", and WPS AI will provide insights on qualifications, job roles, benefits, and more. You can also adjust the prompt to get specific skills required to plan your career effectively.

1. How many skills should I include on my resume?

When deciding how many skills to include on your resume, consider hard and soft skills relevant to your industry and the job you're applying for. Generally, it's advisable to list up to 10 skills in your skills section. Additionally, you can incorporate other relevant skills throughout your resume, such as in the summary and experience sections, to provide a comprehensive view of your qualifications. This approach ensures your resume remains focused and effectively demonstrates your suitability for the role.

2. What are some good skills for a resume if I have no experience?

If you lack work experience, you can still build a compelling resume by emphasizing your skills. Include key skills such as:

Innovative Thinking: Demonstrates creativity and the ability to generate new ideas.

Team Leadership: Exhibits capability to motivate and manage others effectively.

Detail-oriented: Shows meticulousness and a focus on high-quality work.

Effective Communication: Clearly conveys information and interacts well with others.

Ability to Learn Quickly: Quickly acquires new knowledge and adapts to new challenges.

Public Speaking: Confidently presents ideas and communicates in front of groups.

Time Management: Effectively schedules and prioritizes tasks to ensure deadlines are met.

These skills, along with your educational background and involvement in extracurricular or volunteer activities, can effectively showcase your capabilities and potential to employers.

3. Should I prioritize hard skills or soft skills on my resume?

Both hard and soft skills are essential for a strong resume. Tailor your resume to the specific job by highlighting the most relevant skills for effectiveness. Focus on your hard skills in the technical skills section and provide examples of their application in your work experience. In the qualifications or summary section, underscore your soft skills and demonstrate their impact on your previous successes. A balanced presentation of both skill types will showcase your qualifications effectively and align your resume with the job requirements and employer expectations.

Showcase Your Skills for Success

In today’s job market, having the right skills is crucial—often even more so than a degree. Unfortunately, many job seekers overlook this key aspect—What are the best skills for a resume. Resumes need to be updated regularly and customized for each job role. And at the same time, the presentation of your resume is just as important as the content. This is where WPS Office shines, offering professional templates and a Resume Master feature that creates perfectly formatted resumes with just your input and template choice. No more formatting headaches—just polished, impressive resumes. Ready to craft a standout resume? Download WPS Office today and let your skills shine!

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15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.