key skills to put on a resume

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]

Listing skills on your resume is fairly easy. 

Listing the right skills in the right way is a little bit trickier.  

Are you mentioning the right skills for the job, or are you boring the HR manager with irrelevant information? 

The hiring manager for the software development team couldn’t care less about your expertise in marketing. What they’re dying to know, though, is your skill level in Python and how you get along with the team.

In this guide, we’re going to walk you through the process of putting skills on your resume from start to finish. We’ll explain how to identify the right skills and how to list them in a way that catches the hiring manager’s attention!

Here’s what you’re going to learn:

Hard Skills Vs Soft Skills - What’s the Difference?

• Why Should You List Your Skills on a Resume? 
• 8 Best Skills to Put on a Resume 
• How to List Skills on a Resume 
• 120+ Skills to Put on Your Resume (For 10+ Fields)

New to resume-making? Give our resumes 101 video a watch before diving into the article!

Skills are divided into hard skills and soft skills .

To create an effective job application, catch the hiring manager’s attention, and land your next job, you should mention both hard and soft skills in your resume.

But what exactly is the difference?

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

• Machinery skills. E.g., operating a road roller, pallet-stalker, forklift, etc.
• Software skills. Depending on the field, you need to know how to use different software, such as the Adobe Creative Suite for graphic designers or the Ableton Live Suite if you’re a DJ.
• Tools. Say you’re a digital marketer . You’ll need to know how to use tools like Stethoscope, Google Search Console, Google Analytics, Ahrefs, and the sorts.
• Multilingualism. The more customers you can communicate with, the more valuable you are as an employee. Some sought-after languages today include German, Chinese, Spanish, and Arabic.
• Computer skills . If you’re a web developer, your hard skills will likely include coding languages such as Python, C++, etc. Even if you’re not though, most jobs will require that you have at least some basic computer knowledge in MS Office and G-Suite, emailing and presentations, etc.
• Techniques. E.g. frequency analysis, Crystallization.
• Mathematics. Many professions, such as accounting and finance, require mathematical skills.
• Data analysis. Businesses are always looking for professionals who can gather and analyze data for various stakeholders, which makes data analysis a very in-demand hard skill.

…and just about any field-specific skill. While hard skills are essential to complete tasks in about any job, they’re also teachable and easily measurable.

Soft skills , on the other hand, are attributes and habits that describe how you work individually or with others. They are typically not job-specific but rather transferable skills that indirectly help you adapt to the work environment and company culture. 

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

• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Organization
• Adaptability

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

While you can acquire computer skills through a technical course, you’ll need to work much harder to develop, say, your communication skills. 

In the workplace, for example, you’d need to practice active listening , learn how to notice nonverbal cues, and practice your oral communication skills as much as possible.

What’s the Difference Between Hard Skills and Soft Skills

Here are the two main differences between hard skills and soft skills: 

• How you obtain them. You can obtain hard skills through work experience , education, training, and certification. Soft skills, on the other hand, can be gained through life experience, both on and off work.
• How you use them. You apply hard skills directly to the job, whereas soft skills 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.

Why Should You List Skills on Your Resume?

The skills section is one of the 3 most important resume sections , with the other two being work experience and education sections. 

If written correctly, the skills section looks something like this:

By now, you’re probably thinking “ how hard can this be, right? All I have to do is list all my skills and call it a day! ”

Well, not exactly. The process of putting skills on your resume is a bit more nuanced than that, and we’re going to tell you why.

Most companies nowadays use Applicant Tracking Systems 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 software automatically rejects the resume.

Say, for example, the job you’re applying to requires an Expert level in Java. If you haven’t mentioned Java as a skill on your resume, your resume can automatically get discarded.

In fact, 70%+ of resumes are rejected at this stage, never having even been seen by an HR professional. 

And, even if the company doesn’t use an ATS, there’s a good chance that the HR manager is going to skim through your resume looking for the right skill set.

So, whether you’re doing this for the ATS or the HR, it’s important to mention the right skills .

Below, we’re going to explain just how to do this in the best way possible. 

But first, let’s cover some of the best skills to mention in any resume, regardless of your profession. 

8 Best Skills to Put on a Resume

Every profession requires some role-specific hard skills if you want to do it properly. An accountant, for example, needs to know math to do their job right, just like a photographer needs to know how to use photo editing software like Photoshop. 

In most cases, it’s easy to identify such skills and understand whether you’re qualified enough for the job. 

The right soft skills for a job may be harder to point out, but they’re just as essential in today’s job market - 93% of employers say “ soft skills play a critical role in their decision about whom they want to hire. ” 

To give you an example, if you’re a project manager, you will need to have excellent organizational skills in addition to your project management skills. Or, if you’re a developer, you need to also be an apt problem solver. 

You can find lists of field-related, relevant soft and hard skills later in the article, but for now, here are the top soft and hard skills valued by hiring managers in most professions : 

#1. Communication skills

There are very few, if any, jobs out there that don’t require at least some level of 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 office worker who must communicate with a colleague 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. Computer skills

By 2016, over 70% of US jobs required 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. As such, 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

#3. Management skills

Management skills are usually associated with management positions, but in reality, that’s not usually the case. Any type of professional can benefit from strong management skills. 

In a nutshell, management skills involve being able to effectively handle people, resources, and processes, including your time, plans, projects, and so on.

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

• People management
• Project management
• Time management
• Risk management
• Action planning
• Conflict Resolution

#4. Problem-solving skills

Problem-solving means you’re able to identify problems successfully, 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. When it comes to managerial, professional, and technical positions , problem-solving skills are essential. 

Problem-solving is a set of skills that includes: 

• Research skills
• Analytical skills
• Critical thinking
• Decision-making skills
• Attention to detail

#5. Organizational skills

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

#6. Leadership skills 

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’re 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

#7. Customer service skills

A big part of 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

#8. Interpersonal skills 

Interpersonal skills refer to how well you can understand and get along with other people. 

It goes without saying that they’re extremely useful for team-oriented or customer-facing roles, as a big chunk of the work involves communicating with other people.

Such skills, however, are also useful for roles where you don’t get to interact as much with people.

Take, for example, writers. To be a really good writer, you need to be able to:

• Understand and communicate with your audience
• Collaborate with your publishing team
• Understand what people are like

Just like most other transferable skills on our list, interpersonal skills are multi-faceted. Here is what they consist of: 

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

Now that you have a clear understanding of how important skills are - and how some are more relevant than others - let’s talk about how you should list them on your resume. 

There are several things you need to do to stand out: 

#1. Tailor Your Skills to the Job

Relevance is key; the customer service skills you acquired working as a server during college won’t come in too handy when you start work as, say, a data analyst . 

So, the first thing you should remember is to only list skills that are useful for the job you are applying for . To find out what these skills are, you should scan the job listing.

Job ads usually list a set of requirements or skills they expect a good candidate to have. Make sure you don’t leave any of those out on your resume.

For example, imagine you are applying for a line cook position in a restaurant:

• “Here at ‘ABCD’ we are committed to creating a one-of-a-kind experience for our guests . Our French restaurant is looking for a professional line cook for the summer season to work directly under the supervision of our chef. Responsibilities include prepping and cleaning food, creating and cooking meals, and cleaning up the working area . Impeccable attention to detail in food cooking and presentation is needed.”

The underlined bits in this job description are the role’s responsibilities. By paying a closer look, you can understand that ABCD is looking for someone who:

• Is committed to excellence and is highly professional
• Works well under supervision, and with others
• Can prep, clean, and cook food
• Pays great attention to detail in cooking and presentation

Based on this, some of the skills you should definitely mention in your resume can include teamwork, attention to detail, communication, food prepping, and culinary skills. 

As a given, you wouldn’t mention anything that isn’t directly related to the job. As a line cook, you’re not going to be using a lot of tech, so you wouldn’t include your computer skills in your resume (even though such skills are relevant for a ton of other jobs).

#2. Create a Skills Section

Once you’ve identified all the right skills to add to your resume, create a “Skills” section to list them under. This way, the hiring manager will be able to check whether you have the right skills more easily and the ATS software won’t disqualify your resume. 

Here’s what you should remember while making this section:

• Be specific. “Verbal and written communication” sounds significantly better than “communication.” 
• Sort your skills by relevance. Order your skills based on how critical they are for the role. More important skills go on top, and the nice-to-have ones go on the bottom.
• Don’t lie or exaggerate. It goes without saying that you should never, ever, lie about your skills. The employer will know you lied the moment you have to work on a task that requires that very skill.

#3. Match Each Skill With Your Proficiency Level

For each skill that you list on your resume, use the competencies proficiency scale to show your proficiency level:

• Beginner. You are just starting to learn or have not practiced the skill through experience (usually fresh graduates that only understand concepts through theories or classroom experience).
• Intermediate. You have applied the skill in practice, and require assistance with it on rare or special occasions. You still have room to grow.
• Advanced. You know your stuff! You don’t need help with the skill anymore. You can also teach beginners how to use it.
• Expert. You are a recognized authority on this skill, the go-to person if anyone has any questions. You have consistently proved to be excellent in this skill. You could even write a whole book about it!

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

Listing your skills in a separate section will only get you so far. After all, everyone else is also doing exactly the same thing. 

To take your resume from good to great, you want your most critical skills to “pop” from the get-go and to prove to the hiring manager that you actually possess them.

Here is where the resume summary and work experience sections come in. 

The resume summary is a short, 2-3 sentence-long summary of your resume that, done right, shows hiring managers your strongest points as a candidate the moment they lay eyes on your resume. 

Positioned right under your contact information section , this is the first place where you can mention that you possess one or two of the most role-critical skills listed in the job description. 

Here’s how the resume summary of the line cook example we mentioned above would look in practice: 

• Detail-oriented line cook with over 5 years of experience prepping and cooking over 200 Mediterranean cuisine recipes. Collaborative professional who puts the needs of the team first. In my last position, was able to help the chef handle rush hour work of over 100 tables with 100% accuracy and approval rate from our customers. 

Once you’ve grabbed the hiring manager’s attention by including your top skills on your resume summary, it’s time to prove that you have them . 

The best way to do that? List some accomplishments in your work experience section and explain how utilizing a particular skill helped you achieve them. 

Here’s how that would look like in practice: 

• Prepped and helped cook food for over 500 customers in the past two years, receiving high praise and positive recommendations for the restaurant continuously. 
• Helped restaurant to receive positive reviews for 3 years in a row from Gastronomica magazine for attention to detail and food aesthetics and presentation.

#5. Put Transferable Skills to Use 

If you’re an entry-level candidate or if you’re switching careers , you should definitely put transferable skills to use. Transferable skills are not directly related to the job you are applying to but are still useful, as well as relevant to most jobs. 

Let’s say, for example, that you’re going for a career change from sales to copywriting. You can benefit from listing at least some of the skills acquired in sales in your copywriter resume , such as: 

• Written communication. Both roles involve communication via text. A salesperson needs to send cold 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 knowledge. For a salesperson, that’s using Customer Management Software, while for a copywriter, that’s publishing content online.

150+ Must-Have Skills (for Every Field)

Are you 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. Soft Skills 

Soft skills are essential for just about any job out there. While they’re not necessarily critical to doing your job well, they ensure that you get along with your coworkers and foster a positive work environment.

When evaluating two candidates with equal hard skills, the hiring manager is always going to pick the one that has better soft skills.

So, it’s very important to mention your soft skills in your resume.

Here are some of the most in-demand soft skills today:

• Effective communication
• Emotional intelligence
• Conflict management
• Teamwork skills
• Stress management
• Productivity & Organization

#2. Marketing Skills

With new technologies developing faster than ever, it becomes essential to move beyond the basics of traditional marketing. Here are some of the most relevant marketing skills these days, including both cutting-edge online tools, as well as classic marketing skills:

• Data analysis
• Web analytics 
• Email marketing
• Web scraping
• CRO and A/B Testing
• Data visualization & pattern-finding through critical thinking
• Search Engine and Keyword Optimization
• Project/campaign management
• Social media and mobile marketing 
• Paid social media advertisements
• B2B Marketing
• The 4 P-s of Marketing
• Consumer Behavior Drivers
• Brand management
• Copywriting
• Storytelling

#3. Management Skills

As a manager , you need to have the right mix of soft and hard skills.

Below are the management skills needed to not only get the job but to also enhance employee and company productivity in the long run.

• Six Sigma techniques
• The McKinsey 7s Framework
• Porter’s Five Forces
• Emotional Intelligence
• Dealing with work-related stress
• Task delegation
• Technological savviness
• Business Development
• Strategic Management
• Negotiation 
• Proposal writing

#4. Sales Skills

The art of selling has stayed the same despite technological advancements. Humans still strive for contact with other humans. Despite channels of communication becoming digital, communication and empathetic skills take priority in the sales industry. 

A comprehensive must-have skill list for salespeople includes:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
• Cold-calling
• Public speaking
• Lead generation
• Buyer-Responsive selling
• Buyer engagement
• Effective communication and sociability
• Social media/digital communication

#5. Design Skills

Today, knowing the basics of design does not suffice anymore. To get hired as a designer, you must know how to create killer branded content for the web and for social media channels. 

Some of the most important design skills for your resume are:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop
• Dreamweaver
• Infographics
• 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 & aesthetics
• Interactive media design
• Color sense & theory
• Active listening

#6. Basic Technical Skills

These are skills that almost everyone working in an office should know. You can put these skills on your resume if you are applying as a secretary, office clerk, or any other type of office employee.

The basic technical office skills include:

• Microsoft Office Pack: Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, Outlook, Powerpoint
• Filing and paper management
• Bookkeeping through Excel or TurboTax
• Research and data analysis
• Basic knowledge of user interface communication
• Technical writing
• Cloud networking and file sharing

#7. Accounting & Finance Skills

Goodbye, filing by hand. Hello, countless platforms and apps. Accountants and financial specialists should familiarize themselves with these skills in order to have a successful career:

• Microsoft Excel (Advanced)
• Enterprise Resource Planning 
• Big Data Analysis & SQL
• Know Your Customers (KYC)
• Cognos Analytics (IBM)
• Visual Basic
• Accounting Software
• Revenue recognition
• Anti Money Laundering
• Clear communication
• General business knowledge
• Numerical competence

#8. Education Skills

How many times have you witnessed a 50-year-old honorary doctor with three PhDs struggle to play a YouTube video during undergrad or grad school? Teaching methods have evolved, and so have the required skills to be part of the education industry.

Some of the most essential educational skills are:

• Updated curriculum knowledge
• Research & Data analysis
• Educational platforms (software like Elearn)
• Technological & digital literacy

#9. Web Development Skills

It seems like there’s new technology popping up every other second now, a good enough reason for web developers to keep updating their skills. 

That said, if you are proficient in HTML, CSS, and Java, you pretty much have a leg up on the competition. All other skills on this list derive from or build upon the three basic programming languages. You can learn or improve your web development skills here.

• CSS preprocessors
• Graphic User Interfaces (GUI)
• Git/Version control (Github, GitLab)
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Application Programming Interface (API)
• Adobe Photoshop, InDesign
• Content Management Systems (CMS)
• Testing/Debugging
• Responsive design principles

#10. Business Analytics

BAs are very in demand right now by businesses, and for a good reason! They perform an almost magical task of analyzing past and present data to give future predictions. To perform their magic, they need some analytical spells:

• SQL (a must) and Hive (optional)
• Programming language (R, Python, Scala, Matlab)
• STATA, SPSS, SAS 
• Data Mapping
• Entity Relationship Diagrams
• Big Data tools 
• Microsoft Visio
• Agile Business Analysis
• Machine learning 
• System Context Diagrams
• Business Process Modeling
• Technical and non-technical communication

#11. Nursing & Healthcare Skills

More than any other profession, healthcare professionals need to stay constantly updated with new technologies, medicine, and techniques. The skills nursing requires are countless and specific, but the most basic ones boil down to:

• Mathematics
• Patient care and assistance
• Paperwork/record-keeping abilities
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Physical endurance 
• Infection control
• Surgery preparation

Bonus Infographic: Skills to Put on a Resume

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have some questions about what skills you should put on your resume (and how)? Check out the answers below:

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, multilingualism, public speaking, SEO, etc.

Meanwhile, examples of soft skills are communication, creativity, leadership, teamwork, time management, conflict resolution, etc.  

2. What top skills do employers look for?

The top hard skills recruiters 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 , on the other hand, are creativity, collaboration, persuasion, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.

3. How can I identify my skills?

Some effective ways to identify your skills before adding them to your resume include:

• Consider your achievements. Did you ever get recognized for a specific achievement? What skills helped you do it? You are probably still skilled in those areas.   
• Ask friends and coworkers. Sometimes, it’s easier for others to recognize the strengths that you don't see. Colleagues can definitely be of help but if you’re fresh into the professional world, former professors and classmates can also give you some insight.

4. Where do skills go on a resume?

Skills go under a separate ‘Skills’ section on a resume, typically placed right below, or on the side, of the work experience section.

That said, you can further prove that you possess the skills you list in this section, by weaving the most relevant skills for the job in other resume sections, such as the resume summary and the work experience sections. 

5. How many skills to 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 work-related skills, you should definitely include them in your resume. Also, if the job you’re applying for requires a number of skills you possess, it’s safe to include them all 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 2 .

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

Candidates with no experience and few job-specific skills can benefit from adding transferable skills to their resumes. 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, work ethic, and computer skills. 

7. 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 on your resume summary or resume objective .
• Using your achievements to explain exactly how you used your skills to your advantage.

Key Takeaways

Let’s sum up everything we’ve learned about putting skills in your resume:

• You must have a section in your resume devoted entirely to your skills. This helps you pass through applicant tracking systems and get noticed by the HR manager.
• The differences between hard skills and soft skills are in the way they are applied (directly vs. indirectly) and the way they are obtained (through education and practice vs. personality traits and experience)
• On your resume, list only skills that are relevant to the job, scan the job listing for must-have skills and list those (if you have them), pair each skill with a responding proficiency level, back up your skills with other resume sections, and mention transferable and universal skills.

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How to List Skills on a Resume (Real Skill Examples)

This essential resume writing article is about how to list skills on a resume. For more resume writing help, visit our job seeker resource center .

EdgeWater Pharmacy just posted an opening for a Sales Associate right down the street from your home. You think you are the perfect fit for the job, so you submit your resume, but so do 30 other candidates.

Do you know who is going to get called in for an interview? 

The job seeker who looks like they have the most relevant skills for the job.

Make sure you’re getting the callback for an interview from a hiring manager by reading how to list your skills on a resume.

This essential job seekers’ guide will walk you through how to add the skills a hiring manager wants to see on your resume, along with 50+ real resume examples of skills you can use.

This article on how to include key skills on a resume covers:

• What are professional skills?
• Why are skills important on resumes?
• Different types of skills for job seekers
• Where and how to incorporate skills on a job application
• Top 50+ skills hiring managers want to see on your resume
• Fastest ways to gain new skills to get hired

What Are Skills? Why Are Skills Important?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a skill is:

“the ability to use one’s knowledge effectively and readily in execution or performance”

“a learned power of doing something competently : a developed aptitude or ability”

When it comes to job hunting, your skills are what set you apart. Every human on earth has a set of skills that is unique to them. Likewise, every professional position has a unique set of skills that is required for performing the job.

Finding the perfect alignment between these two ideas is the key goal for every hiring manager.

If a hiring manager finds someone that already possesses the skills needed for their job, they won’t have to spend so much time and money on training. It also means that their new employee will be able to pull their own weight more quickly, providing a quicker return on their hiring investment.

But how do hiring managers know who has what it takes to perform well on the job?

The first and most important place hiring managers look is at your resume. On average, a hiring manager spends 6 seconds reviewing a resume and during that time they are scanning the pages to see if the skills required for the job jump out at them.

If they find what they are looking for, you get called in for an interview. If they don’t quickly see what they are looking for, your resume will most likely be discarded.

As a job seeker, it is your responsibility to make sure you know what skills hiring managers are looking for.

Once you identify those skills, it is also your responsibility to make sure those relevant skills are incorporated into your resume in a way that stands out.

If you do these two things accurately, you will be the one getting called in for an interview and will be that much closer to landing a new job.

Types of Professional Skills (Real Resume Examples)

Skills can be broken down into four main categories:

• Hard skills
• Soft skills
• Transferable skills
• Job-related skills.

Before you start writing your own list of skills, let’s go through each of these skill categories to see what the difference between them is.

Hard Skills vs Soft Skills

Hard skills are specific, teachable, and tangible. They can be measured and tested using assignments and assessments. Hard skills are learned, either through on-the-job training or through school, rather than coming naturally.

Examples of hard skills for a resume:

Soft skills are intangible and are harder to measure. They are personality traits and interpersonal skills that come naturally to humans, rather than being learned through school.

People are born with soft skills. These soft skills grow and develop over time from your upbringing, education, and experiences.   

Examples of soft skills:

Contrary to popular belief, hiring managers often care more about soft skills than hard skills, though both hard and soft skills contribute to your appeal as a candidate.

Hard skills, such as computer programming or accounting, can be taught using a combination of curriculum and hands-on practice. Whereas soft skills, such as a positive attitude or punctuality, are harder to teach.

Regardless of your background, hiring managers are usually flexible with teaching you the hard skills needed for their job, as long as you already have the right attitude along with the aptitude to learn.

Transferable Skills vs Job-Related Skills

Transferable skills can be carried with you from one job to the other. These skills can be a hard skill or soft skill, as long as they can be used in any type of role, regardless of the industry, company, or position.

Examples of transferable skills:

Job-related skills are usually always hard skills.  These job-related skills are specific to a certain type of role or position.

Examples of job-related skills:

How And Where To List Skills On Your Resume

Skills should be included throughout your resume, rather than confined to one area.

While scanning your resume, hiring managers will be looking over each resume section, starting with the top. Because of how people read resumes, you need to make sure they see your skills immediately.

Guarantee hiring managers will see your skills by listing them in four key areas of your resume:

• Resume header
• Professional summary
• Summary of skills
• Work Experience section

If you are writing a resume from scratch, try using this free and easy-to-use resume builder from Resume.com. The sections and formatting are already created for you, so all you need to worry about is filling in the blanks to finish a free printable resume.

1. Resume Header

At the top of your resume, directly below your name, write your job title along with the three most relevant skills you have as a candidate.

This is the first section hiring managers will be reading, so it is important to draw their attention using bold and large lettering.

If you’re using this resume builder , the ‘ Blue Skies ’, ‘ Three Blocks Digital ’, and ‘ van Deco ’ resume templates already have a header section included, which will make finishing your resume easier.

When writing your header, it is crucial that you customize the job title and skills to each job you’re applying for. Your job application needs to be consistent – you can read more about consistency in this article .

For example, if you write Java Developer in your resume header, but are applying for a .NET Developer position, a huge red flag will go up for the hiring manager.

When writing your top three skills in your header, make sure they align with the required skills listed in the job posting.

If you’re applying for a job at a large company or corporation, or you’re applying through a job board, it’s helpful to keep applicant tracking systems (ATS) in mind. Make sure your resume makes it past ATS software by listing your skills using the same wording as the job posting.  

Example of skills in the resume header: 

2. Professional Summary

Below your header and contact information, you will have a professional summary section. A professional summary used to be called an ‘objective’, but the modern resume writing approach is to replace your objective with a professional summary section.

Your professional summary should give an overview of your background, years of experience, and the top skills that set you apart. The skills in your professional summary should be written in sentence form, rather than listed out.

If using the resume builder , the ‘ My Employment ’, ‘ Apple Green ’, and ‘ Side Panel ’ resume templates have professional summary sections that are sure to draw attention to your most relevant skills.

Example of skills in the professional summary of a resume:

3. Summary of Skills

Below your professional summary, include a ‘summary of skills’ section. Alternative titles for this section could be ‘core competencies’, ‘key skills’, ‘professional skills’, or ‘relevant skills’.

If you have less than 10 skills, you can list them out in columns. 

Summary of skills resume example (less than 10 professional skills) :

Summary of skills resume example (more than 10 professional skills) :

For your skills section, your skills should be listed, rather than written out in sentence form. This formatting choice helps hiring managers to pick out the key words quickly, which they can read about in more detail in the experience section after.

4. Experience Section

The ‘experience’ section usually comes after your summary of skills on a resume. Depending on your background, this could also be called ‘professional experience’, ‘work experience’, or ‘relevant experience’.

Your experience section is the perfect place to back your skills up with real-life examples of when you have used your skills, in addition to the results you have achieved.

When writing your experience section, give specific details about where, when, and with whom you have used your skills. When possible, use numbers and metrics to quantify your achievements.

Example of how to list skills in the experience section of a resume:

How to List Skills On A Resume – Finding Relevant Skills For You

To figure out what skills you should include on your resume, follow these three simple steps.

Step #1: Create a master list of skills

Go through each category and create a master list of the skills in your toolbox. Don’t be afraid to list things that seem obvious, like computer skills or customer service.

Although they might seem like a given in your profession, many hiring managers still want to see these skills listed.

Never include skills that you are no longer familiar with. If you write a skill on your resume, hiring managers will be expecting that you can deliver on that activity.

If you are worried that a hiring manager will over or underestimate your level of proficiency, feel free to write ‘beginner’, ‘intermediate’, or ‘proficient’ next to each skill listed.

Step #2: Figure out the skills needed for the job

When applying for jobs, it is important to identify the set of skills that are needed. Picking out the needed skills will help you determine if you are a good fit for the role. It will also help you tailor your resume skills to the specific job you are applying for.

There are two main ways to determine the skills needed for a job.

The first is to dissect job descriptions and job postings that are posted on career websites and job boards. To do this, go through a job description and highlight each quality that describes the candidate the company is looking for.

For example, here is a job posting for a cashier position: 

Then create a list of all the qualities described, making sure to write each skill using the same wording that is used in the job posting.

The second way to figure out what skills are needed for a job is to search for people on LinkedIn who are already performing the role.

By searching for a certain job title in the search bar, you can find a list of professionals who are already in that job and then search through their profile to see what skills they have listed, both in their summary and experience sections.

Step #3: Match your master list with the skills needed for a job

The skills you write on your resume should be whatever overlaps between your master list and the list of skills you created from researching jobs.

By using this technique, you will be making sure that the skills you have listed on your resume are relevant to the jobs you are applying for.

A general rule of thumb is to never include skills that aren’t important for the job you are applying for.

For example, if you are applying for a project manager position, there is no need to list that you know yoga or CPR.

Top 50+ Skills Hiring Managers Look For On Resumes

A lot of research has been done as to what hiring managers look for on a resume. Many of the skills they seek are job-specific, while others are transferable.

To increase your chances of getting called in for an interview, include these top skills throughout your resume.

These professional skills are divided by category to help you find the skills that are relevant to you.

Soft Skills

Basic computer skills, customer service, project management, art & design, human resources, fastest ways to obtain new skills.

Are you looking for your first job? Are you missing some of the required skills on a job posting? If so, don’t worry. There are a range of ways for you to obtain the needed skills quickly.

If you are in need of a hard skill, this task is much easier. Hard skills are learned, so you can typically find an online resource, school, or curriculum to pick up the needed skills.

If you don’t have enough time to attend class in person, there are a number of online learning platforms with courses that you can take online, in your spare time. Some examples of popular eLearning platforms include Lynda, Udemy, and Skillshare.

Learning soft skills are a little trickier. These interpersonal and personality traits are hardwired into humans, so the only way to get better at them is to practice, practice, practice.

If you can’t practice soft skills while on a job, try to find some day-to-day activities that you can practice these skills during.

For example, if you need to work on punctuality, set a goal to arrive 5 minutes early wherever you need to be, no matter if it is for class or for coffee. Or if you need to work on your professionalism, pick up a volunteer job based in a professional, office setting.

More Skill-Related Articles For Resume Writing:

• How To List Hard Skills On A Resume (50+ Technical Skill Examples)
• How to List Computer Skills on a Resume (50+ Computer Skill Examples)

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

20 min read · Updated on March 21, 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. 

When you talk about adaptive skills on your resume, be sure to provide specific examples as they can be the powerhouse statements that  win you an interview .

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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Resume Examples & Samples

50+ skills to put on a resume [key to get a job].

Dayana Aleksandrova

Create a Resume in Minutes & Get More Job Interviews

Table of Contents

How to tailor your skills using a job description, emotional intelligence, technical resume skills, results-driven, social media.

• Transferable Skills

Most resumes recruiters receive on a daily basis end up on the one-way express to the shredder. With fierce competition and a ton of details to keep in mind, creating a resume that gets you hired can seem like mission impossible.

One major aspect of landing the job is including key resume skills . Your skills show what you know. A recruiter won't hire a graphic designer who can't do Photoshop. On top of that, the Applicant Tracking Systems won't let your resume through unless you've included the relevant skill set for the position.

Tailoring your resume skills you present to a particular job is a must. Doing a little bit of homework to include the appropriate skills on your resume will increase your chances landing a job exponentially.

Think of formatting as the “ skeleton ” of your resume. Each bullet point and skill will then be its “ flesh .” One of the challenges that comes with crafting the perfect resume is to keep it short and to the point. All of the skills you include have to be powerful and match the job description.

Steer clear of fluff and include only the relevant resume skills. We are going to go through all the information you need to present the most important skills in the best way. If you don't have a resume to work with yet, have a look at these resume templates .

SKILLS TO MENTION ON A RESUME: THE COMPLETE LIST

in this guide, we will teach you:

• How to select your strongest skills and use them strategically on your resume
• How to choose the keywords recruiters look for
• How to figure out what your transferable skills are
• What the commonalities are between different industries in order to create a versatile resume
• How to use strong, clear language and avoid vague terms
• Which action words to include
• What the benefits of your skill section are

When listing skills on your resume, remember always to be honest about your level of ability. Include the Skills section after Experience.

For example, if you're a beginner at Photoshop, tell the truth. You don't want to end up in an awkward situation and be fired for lying.

Use the descriptors:

• Intermediate

when talking about your level of expertise.

Often times, we only take a glance at the job description and discard it. This is a big mistake. Job descriptions are incredibly valuable.

They list all the tasks that will be required of you. By examining each one, you can choose the most relevant skills to put on your resume.

For example, if a job description requires “developing front-end of a website,” skills such as “CSS, HTML, HAML” are going to get noticed.

If it calls for “team management,” you should delve into your past experience that demonstrates the results you have achieved working in a group and your mentor experience.

A good resume will mirror the job description and will be tailored in a way that hits all the important points. Feel free to use keywords from it as well.

VelvetJobs Expert Tip

Need help? Check out our resume builder .

THE NINE MAJOR CATEGORIES OF RESUME SKILLS

Not all skills are created equal. Some abilities, such as handling Big Data are hot right now. Others, such as leadership, are an all-time classic.

Here are the nine major groups of resume skills we will cover:

Be sure to cover these key categories on your resume. Combined, they will make your candidacy credible and desirable.

If you aren’t an expert in all of the categories yet, don’t worry. This guide will give you tips on how to improve and how to most accurately present your current level of expertise.

# emotional-intelligence

While many focus on a high level of IQ, they forget EQ . A lot of people might have a high IQ, but in a workplace environment, EQ is much more appreciated. Emotional intelligence is one of the most important, yet least understood categories of resume skills.

EQ determines how good of a team-player you will be - and everyone knows that teamwork is synonymous with success.

Have you ever met someone who is “book smart” but doesn’t know how to act in social situations? This is where EQ comes in.

So, what is emotional intelligence? Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand your own emotions and those of others. It entails the ability to influence those feelings as well.

Why do we need it?

Have you ever walked into a room and felt the soul-crushing tension in the air? I bet that you’ve been a part of an awkward conversation at the office at least once.

Emotional intelligence is the difference between being sucked into the vortex of emotional drama and skillfully resolving the issue in a sensitive and rational way . Emotional intelligence allows us to actively hear what others are saying.

Let’s say that you are applying for a manager-level positions. Being in charge of others is not like working on a computer all day.

Managing a team is a tough job due to the different personalities that comprise it. There is no one-fits-all way to manage your employees.

Some respond very well to constructive criticism, while others take it personally and get upset. It is emotional intelligence that helps us determine how to act according to the person and circumstances.

Use these descriptions to showcase your emotional intelligence:

Using any one of those keywords on your resume is a clear indicator of emotional intelligence and will be noticed right away.

This emphasis is essential for any people-focused industries like sales, teaching, customer success, hospitality, event planning, public relations.

How to Improve Your Level of EQ

Emotional intelligence will help you both at work and in life. This is why it is important to master it. Some are naturally inclined to be great listeners and empaths . Others require a bit more work. You can easily increase your level of emotional intelligence doing the following:

Journaling is a great way to identify emotions. Writing your thoughts and reactions down will serve as evidence to detangle your feelings.

Ever had a bad day at work? Write the experience in detail. Then go back to it and follow the course of events, analyze why you felt that way. The same applies to the moments when you felt great at work. Remember when you got promoted?

Write down how that felt and what your boss said to you. Could it be that you were promoted because you always listened to what they wanted you to do and did your job correctly?It’s really as simple as that. Analyze your actions and link them to emotions.

Trying to speak only 30% of the time in the conversation

Ask yourself: do you actually listen to others in a conversation? Here is a simple trick from the hospitality industry to help you become more attentive.

Any time you speak to someone, you have to walk away knowing three things about the other person. This is on top of their name, which is an absolute imperative.

Going into a conversation knowing that you’d be testing yourself on it later will help you pay attention. Make sure that the words the other person says actually make sense to you. You can repeat the last phrase they said in order to remember it.

for example, you can have a conversation like this:

"I was born in Minnesota and have been working in finance for the past 5 years."

"So, you were born in Minnesota, how long does it take you to fly home?"

The added benefit of being aware of the conversation is that people will like you a lot more than if you listen. The the best conversationalists are those who just listen. Listening to others will make them feel important. The golden ratio of listening to speaking is 3:1 . If that’s too hard for a start, go 50/50 and build up from there.

If you have ever worked in customer service, you know that every now and then a very grumpy customer will come in.

Trying to feel what the other person is feeling.

While a normal first reaction is to think that you did something to provoke their bad mood, that is rarely the case. In fact, customer service employees have little to do with the initial mood of the customer when they first come in.

People get upset because of any number of reasons - hunger, lack of sleep, confusion. While it’s not your job to conduct a therapy session, your life will become immensely easier if you can pick up on these emotions and empathize .

The next time someone is giving you a tough time remember not to take it personally. Imagine that you were the one who had been waiting in line for an hour for help and let yourself feel their frustration. Then begin by telling them that you understand how they feel. Make sure to be genuine when you say this.

That way you will show that you care. Customers will be more willing to cooperate, and your employees will work harder to make you happy.

Your boss will appreciate that as well. In fact, bosses are some of the most misunderstood people simply because many employees feel intimidated by them and are afraid to approach.

If you empathize with your boss, you will prove that you can put yourself in their shoes. Guess what - that right there makes you management material.

You can use emotional intelligence very effectively to interact with the hiring manager during the interview.

• Feel out their mood and mirror their language.
• First impressions count, so doing this right off the bat is essential.

When it comes to emotional intelligence, showing your skills as opposed to telling the recruiter they exist is key.

Make sure to describe situations and include tasks from your experience that require EQ :

• Fostered new client relationships
• Resolved personnel issues
• Mentored and trained new employees
• Interviewed prospective candidates

If you have had any interview experience where you were the one asking the questions, this will score you major EQ points.

Don’t be shy to mention it. The person interviewing you might be interested in meeting you in order to evaluate these resume skills and see your approach.

Need some more inspiration? Have a look at these resume templates .

# leadership

Leadership is a key quality to have in any industry. If you don’t have what it takes to be in charge, chances are you will not get hired or promoted.

Because a managerial position pays a lot. Just look at the recent CEO salaries. Jokes aside, leadership and teams is what enables scale to any operation and it is very valuable and high in demand.

Key leadership skills to include on your resume:

Some are natural born leaders, while others require a bit of practice. We've got some advice on how to enhance and demonstrate your leadership skills.

How to Improve Your Leadership Skills

Public Speaking

Have you ever had one of those nightmares where you have to deliver a speech in front of a crowded auditorium while you’re in your underwear? In real life, public speaking is not that scary.

It requires a bit of confidence. If you’re not confident at first, imagine that you are.

Create an alter ego for yourself who is confident and poised in front of a crowd. Then channel this character whenever you have to give a speech or a toast. Public speaking will make others see you as a leader.

It takes courage to stand up and speak your mind and others appreciate those who aren’t afraid to do so. If you don’t know where to start, just do a simple Facebook Live. Record yourself speaking to your friends and post the video.

See what feedback you get. This is a comfortable first step before going in front of an actual audience.

Take Initi ative

Interviewers love to see that you take the initiative and aren’t afraid of responsibility. You can demonstrate your leadership skills by including charities and volunteer organizations you’ve participated in.

Did you participate in a volunteer trip abroad? Helping communities is a great experience to have on your resume, as it shows initiative and adaptability.

Did you ever create a club at your school or lead a work-related activity with your co-workers at your old job? Don’t forget to mention these experiences.

Mentoring others

Showing that you care about others is essential. It is very likely that the interviewer will ask you to talk about your relationship with your past team.

Beat them to it and mention your mentoring experience on your resume. What counts as mentoring experience?

If you’ve ever taken time from your day to show a colleague how to do something: write a report, do research, use software; it counts. Mentoring does not just end with demonstrating another person how to complete a task.

Whenever someone new joins the company, and your boss asks you to be their trainer, this effectively makes you a mentor. Mentoring can mean advising newbies regarding integrating themselves into the team.

Make sure to mention all of these experiences. Companies want to hire people who care.

# technical-resume-skills

Technical skills are always handy. It's very important to be honest about your level of expertise in this section, as you can easily be tested on your understanding and abilities.

Now let's have a little more detailed look at a few of these skills:

• Big Data Analysis - data is absolutely necessary these days and companies need employees who are able to interpret it. This skill will definitely come in handy.
• Coding and Programming - being able to understand various programming languages is a huge plus.
• Project Management - technical projects are challenging and they require not only hard skills like programming, but also leadership skills. These will elevate you above the competition.
• Technical Writing - technical writing is the link between different divisions in a company. It makes complicated procedures available to the non-tech side by explaining in a clear and simple way.

How do you acquire technical skills?

Online courses

Learning technical skills will take a bit of dedication. There are, however, dozens of ways to get started. Plenty of courses like Coursera , Code Avengers, Code Academy and Lynda are available. You can find both paid and free alternatives.

Video Tutorials

You can watch Salesforce tutorials on YouTube. Universities like MIT and UC Berkeley provide top-notch online courses. All you need is motivation and time.

# languages

Here are the top languages in demand to list as skills on your resume:

Did you take French in college? Did you pick up some Spanish while traveling in South America? Don’t be shy and add these to your resume.

This is especially valuable to international candidates applying for positions at English-speaking companies. Today, a great number of people worldwide speak Spanish. Same goes for Mandarin.

What this means is that businesses will favor candidates who can reach this and other markets as well as the established English-speaking .

One important factor is to be honest about your level of proficiency. Don’t say that you have a high level of conversational Spanish when you don’t because chances are that you’ll get tested.

If you use your language skills to separate yourself from the competition, be ready to converse in that language at any given moment during the interview.

You never know what languages the interviewer speaks, so do not lie about your proficiency. Be honest about your language skills. If you’re just a beginner, that may work out in your favor.

Some companies out there offer language classes to employees, so your willingness to learn can be of help as that demonstrates your motivation to succeed and be of greater help.

What is a quick way to learn a new language?

Don’t be intimidated of foreign languages. Today, there are many ways to help you get started. The mobile app Duolingo is a great resource. It’s free and teaches all the core languages.

There’s also the Rosetta Stone software. It’s great for both beginners and intermediate level students. The most important aspect of learning a new language is to practice.

The easiest way to do so is to watch movies in the language you’re learning. If you have Netflix, you’d be able to switch your language to French, Spanish, German, etc.

Hang out in places where this language is spoken and don’t be shy to participate in conversations.

Gone are the days when we could just say that we’re masterminds at “Microsoft Office.” Today, knowing how to use Word, Excel, and Powerpoint is pretty much a given. This is why we have to take a deeper look at our software knowledge.

Adobe Illustrator - artists and graphic designers should be very familiar with this software. This is the best way to create logos and designs and knowing how to use it, especially in combination with Photoshop is a major plus.

Adobe Photoshop - there are hardly any photographers left who don't know how to use Photoshop . Having extensive knowledge of this software comes in very handy not only in photography but also in marketing and advertising.

Quickbooks - this accounting software is used to manage billing, process payments and execute payroll functions. Knowing how to use it will keep your work process organized and efficient.

Final Cut Pro - this software is an absolute must if you work in journalism. Video production is a huge part of the industry not only for the traditional newscast but also for various modern platforms like Instagram . Knowing how to edit well will be very helpful in the social media industry.

Having any one of those resume skills is a huge plus for virtually any career. Even if the job you are applying to requires no technical skills whatsoever, you should list at least one or two.

Employees who can master both people skills and technology are more valuable than their peers who possess only one of the two.

Having experience blogging with WordPress and CMS is a great beginning. Good content is a must for any company today, so if you are able to help out with writing as a side project, you can increase your chances of getting hired.

How do you learn to work with new software?

Go right for the open source libraries online. There are a ton of instructional material on how to do basic programming or use Photoshop .

YouTube is another great source of information. It breaks down complicated programs step by step to show you how to code, edit, design and much more.

In our increasingly visual world, having design resume skills can be a big plus. These are some of the major design skills recruiters look for:

Having proficiency in design is a clear indicator of creativity and thinking out of the box. Even if you haven’t mastered Photoshop yet, having created a basic WordPress website will look great on your resume. It is likely that the question of your web presence will come up.

Interviewers may ask you whether you have your own blog. Chances are that if you do, they have already seen it. This is a great addition to your experience, so make sure to keep your site professional and speak about it during the interview.

How do you improve your design skills?

Create PowerPoint presentations

Start small. Work on Powerpoint presentations with an emphasis on graphics and visual transitions. You can elaborate on animations and logo creation as the following step.

Make your own site

Move on to creating a blog. You can do so with WordPress , Squarespace , and Wix . WordPress is perhaps the best option of the three, as it offers the most freedom for customization.

You can simply choose a theme you like and build design skills through arranging each section.

Need help with your resume design? Check out our resume builder .

You can also go for an online portfolio. Apart from your LinkedIn profile , create a website that will tell the recruiter everything they need to know about you. Make it interactive by having different sections dedicated to your skills and experience. You can add photos, video and any other visual stimulant that is relevant.

# results-driven

It’s great to be motivated and know how things work in theory. What you need to be, however, is results-driven . This applies especially to industries like sales, where you need data to show your efforts on a consistent basis.

Results-driven people are:

Being results-driven will elevate you above the competition. Employers need to know that their team will work hard towards reaching the established goals. There are many ways to show your results-driven personality and skills on your resume.

Use definitive time frames

Explain how quickly you achieved results and how long it took to complete an important project. Add numerical data to your resume. Do not simply say “met and exceeded the goal.” Use numbers to demonstrate your achievements.

Show how you helped others on your team improve, so that you could help the company faster. Include your hobbies that demonstrate your competitive spirit.

Are you a part of an after work sports team? Do you run marathons? Have you worked on a fundraising campaign? Make these experiences work for you.

How do you become more results-driven ?

Set clear deadlines for yourself

Set clear time frames for the things you’d like to accomplish. Instead of saying “ I’d like to have some interviews this week,” say: “ I’d like to have three interviews completed by Friday.”

Being vague is your worst enemy when trying to accomplish a goal. Are you someone who works better under pressure? Then setting clear time frames will be especially helpful to you.

Hold yourself accountable

Once you establish the goals you’d like to reach and the deadlines, you will be able to hold yourself accountable. Be strict and reasonable. Evaluate the projects you take on and the time you allocate to finish them.

Make sure to look at the situation objectively and set realistic expectations for yourself. Don’t set impossible goals saying: “ I’d like to get a new career in a week.” This will most likely fail, because finding a job that is the right fit takes a bit longer.

Do not procrastinate either. It is completely reasonable to land three interviews in one month, so aim for it with confidence. If you fall short of your goal, evaluate why that happened at the end of the month.

Does your resume need more work? Did you not spend enough time talking to recruiters and applying? Figure out what it is that you did wrong and fix it. Then start again. If you do manage to accomplish the goal you set for a number of interviews in a month, see what worked well.

Then continue to do it and move on to the next part of the task. This will help you become more results-driven .

# social-media

Social media has become extremely prevalent. Though some positions do not require social media expertise, having skills in the area is a big advantage.

Being good at social media demonstrates:

Being proficient in social media will soon become a must in most industries. A company’s online image is crucial, regardless of whether it’s in finance, engineering, fashion or food and beverage.

How do you gain social media skills?

Make sure to follow the company that you would like to work for on social media and engage with their posts. This especially applies to LinkedIn .

Endorse others and ask for endorsements yourself. Add links and photos relevant to your past work experiences.

The major social media channels you should be proficient in are:

If you don’t want to post personal content on social media, pick a cause you care about.

This could be anything from helping women in Ghana build businesses or support a local environmental group contribute to efforts against climate change. Either way, get involved with an online campaign and be active.

Let your passion show through, regardless if it’s a personal hobby you’d like to blog about or support an established organization.

Create a Personal Brand

Employers no longer look at you as a simple worker hired to use a particular skill. Now, you have to be a brand .

What does that mean?

Just like any good brand (think Forbes, Coca-Cola , Tesla), you have to have a mission and something that distinguishes you from the rest. Let’s say that you are applying for a job at an airline.

You would then have to exhibit the same values the airline does. If they care about safety, customer service and have a passion for travel, you have to mirror that.

How do you mirror company values?

Post relevant content on Twitter. Comment on new safety regulations and share your customer service experiences. Upload your travel photos to demonstrate a passion for the industry.

You can showcase different personality traits by uploading videos online. If you’re into adrenaline sports, grab a GoPro and film yourself skydiving.

Not only will you have something fun to share with friends, but hiring managers will also see the side of you that is not afraid of challenges. Social media can be a very powerful tool, so make sure to use it to your advantage.

Do You Have Transferable Skills?

Often times we think that we may not qualify for a certain industry because we haven’t had direct exposure to it. Some struggle to craft appropriate resumes when they switch industries, thinking that all the skills they have built would be irrelevant.

For example, how would concierge experience possibly apply to finance? As it turns out, industries that look completely opposite at first glance may have a lot in common.

identify your transferable skills

A transferable skill is your ability to do something that can be applied to various fields.

Here are some examples of transferrable skills:

Customer Service - being able to listen actively and demonstrate empathy is super important in any industry that has to do with people. If you've worked as a sales rep or have done cold calls, this will also be useful when applying for a job as a personal banker. While the two may not seem related at first, you will be using your ability to connect with others in both cases.

Design and illustration - knowing how to design logos and create images is a great skill you can transfer from your position as a graphic designer to a new one as a marketing executive. Since you'll already be familiar with the creative process, you will be one step ahead of those who only have the business idea in mind.

Hospitality - working in hospitality makes you very attentive to detail and teaches you to strive to fulfill customers' needs at all cost. This level of dedication translates into you being a very hard worker in general, regardless of the industry. You can directly apply your hospitality knowledge to positions that require teamwork and leadership, or have to do with sales.

You should not be intimidated by the fact that you are completely switching industries or functions. You can still use your existing resume. The only thing you need to do is rework it and tailor to the new industry or job function.

Find out How and Why To Tailor Your Resume to the Job (10+ Examples) .

In order to present the most suitable skills for each position you apply to, you have to spend time on research . You can do so by analyzing the job description.

Make sure to tailor your resume and skills set to each position. Reading the job description can help you identify what you can bring to the table. Make sure to hit as many of the nine major skill groups as you can.

Although some skills may not look like they are directly applicable to the industry you are applying for, they can still be a plus.

Having technical skills and being able to work with different types of software is always a benefit, even if you are applying for a customer-oriented job. Be sure to have a great online presence and don’t be shy of social media.

Establish yourself as a brand . Mirror the ideology and values of the company you are applying for on social media. Sharing the same ideals will make you a good match.

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Soft Skills

8 minute read

Top 10 Skills Employers Want to See on a Resume in 2024

Corissa Peterson

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With the working world growing to be more remote than ever , 2024 is a unique time for the job market. With such a drastic rise in remote and hybrid work and a changing recruitment landscape, many job seekers are left wondering how it all affects the application process.

According to research by Upwork , 36.2 million Americans will be working remotely  by 2025. This represents an 87% percent increase from pre-pandemic levels. Hybrid work has also gained prominence, with 58% of Americans able to partially work from home.

As far as your job application is concerned, employers are looking to see if you have the skills it takes to succeed in 2024. To make sure you stand out among a sea of applicants, choose a resume format that complements your strengths as a candidate and write a strong cover letter to match. 

Here are the top 10 skills to put on your resume:

1. Adaptability

Adaptability is a key soft skill that employers are looking for in 2024. Employers value employees who are able to adapt to changes in the workplace, such as new procedures for doing things or the adoption of new software. 

To showcase your adaptability on your resume, mention a moment in your work experience when you successfully adapted to a change. Here’s an example:

Implemented company-wide roll-out of new collaboration software to keep teams active and engaged, leading to an 8% increase in productivity.

2. Creativity

Though creativity may be traditionally less valued in some industries, it is perhaps more valued now than ever . Similarly to adaptability, creativity is a useful skill for succeeding in a rapidly evolving work environment because it means you can come up with new innovative ideas and solutions. 

A creative employee is more likely to be able to solve problems that arise with remote work, shifting markets, and emerging technologies.

To highlight creativity in your work experience, consider this example:

Consistently proposed new ideas for social media campaigns that increased our following by over 2000%.

3. Collaboration

While work environments are becoming more remote-friendly in 2024, this doesn’t mean collaborating with your peers is going anywhere. 

Recruiters are looking for candidates with strong collaboration skills, as working together virtually can be more challenging. Those with the ability to collaborate well are more likely to be able to carry these skills from in-person offices to at-home ones, and vice versa. 

To highlight collaborative abilities, include a bullet point under your work experience like this one:

Collaborated with clients to consistently deliver high-quality promotional materials. 

4. Self-motivation

With little oversight present in at-home positions, self-motivation is required to maintain productivity levels. Being self-motivated means you’re able to be proactive while operating independently from others and get work done on time without having to be asked repeatedly. 

Additionally, self-motivated employees are often more eager to take on new challenges, learn new skills, and put effort into professional development. The level of engagement from self-motivated workers is very valuable to employers.  

As only 22% of employees worldwide feel engaged in their work , make sure to showcase your self-motivation to stand out.

Here’s an example of how to incorporate self-motivation on your resume:

Consistently reached or exceeded managerial goals without any oversight.

Another great way to demonstrate self-motivation on your resume is to include any online courses you’ve taken. You can put them in your education section, or make a dedicated “Continued Education” section. Including this experience on your resume will signal to employers that you’ll be a proactive employee.

Want to learn more?

Take your soft skills to the next level with our comprehensive (and free) ebook!

5. Problem-solving

The ability to solve problems, from business hiccups to interpersonal conflicts, is a valuable asset to companies in 2024. With rapid changes in work environments and technology, new and unforeseen issues are bound to arise. 

Employers want to hire candidates they know they can count on to contribute valuable solutions. To demonstrate your problem solving skills, add a relevant bullet point to your resume like this:

Noticed that our website content was performing poorly and conducted an SEO audit to identify areas for improvement, leading an SEO campaign that increased traffic by 1000%.

6. Communication 

While communication has always been a valuable skill in the workplace, it’s especially in demand in 2024 as forms of communication diversify. 

Not only do we need to be able to communicate verbally and by email, we now have to contend with communicating effectively via zoom, various social media platforms, productivity software (like Slack), etc. As a result, strong communication skills are a must in today’s job market.

To demonstrate communication skills on your resume, think of a time your excellent communication paid off in your role. Here’s an example:

Leveraged our online presence to build strong relationships with industry leaders, who in turn promoted and invested $300K in our company.

7. Time management

Employees with more remote flexibility also require stronger time management skills because they need to be able to complete their daily tasks on time while working independently. Candidates with time management skills are more likely to succeed, as they are efficient at planning their working hours, staying productive , and getting tasks done. If you'd like to improve your time management and productivity skills, it's never too late to learn!

Consistently completed work before deadlines, including time for final checks and edits.

8. Digital literacy

As work becomes more reliant on technology, digital literacy is an increasingly critical skill for all job seekers. Employers want to be confident that you know how to find, analyze, and communicate information in many forms across many platforms.

Here’s an example of how to demonstrate digital literacy on a resume:

Analyzed daily research on social media trends and developed a social media strategy that increased the number of our viral posts, with 1.2 million views in total.

9. Data analytics

With more companies looking toward digital tools and solutions to drive profits, data analytics is a useful skill for any business. In fact, the data analyst occupation is expected to grow by 23% from 2021 to 2031 . 

Being able to analyze data on popular platforms like Google Analytics or Microsoft Excel is required for many roles, such as marketing positions. To include data analytics skills on your resume, make sure to include data-driven examples. For example:

Analyzed daily user data for over 120,000 users to improve sales funnel and increase profit margins by 23%.  

10. Industry-specific tools

Last but not least, employers are looking for candidates who know how to leverage industry-specific tools. No matter what industry you’re looking to work in, it’s likely that there are new technologies to master. 

Some examples are:

• Slack 
• Google Classroom
• Scheduling software
• Practice management software
• Project management software
• Adobe Premiere
• GitHub 
• Rhino 

Make sure to include any software that you’re proficient in under the “Skills” section of your resume, or in work experience in a bullet point like this:

Facilitated the entire WordPress content management system for the content team.

To convince employers you’re the right candidate for the position, you need to show them that you have the top skills they’re looking for in 2024. 

Luckily, many of these skills are transferable soft skills that you can demonstrate with a wide variety of experiences. Make sure to include specific examples in your work experience section that demonstrate each of these skills to hiring managers, and try to quantify them with numbers where possible. 

Having these examples on hand will help equip you for a successful interview, where you can expand on your achievements and show off your skills. 

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Corissa is a Career Advisor and Staff Writer at Resume Genius, where she loves equipping others with the tools they need to pursue their dreams. She graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in Philosophy and a certificate in Peace and Conflict Studies.

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13 skills examples for resumes that grab recruiters’ attention

What skills should you put on your resume.

Write a resume as unique as you

You have a distinctive and impressive skillset that sets you apart from other candidates, making you the best fit for a new role. But how can you effectively showcase your exceptional abilities and capture the attention of recruiters?

If you’re ready to make a career move, it’s time to dust off your resume. And when you’re adding your latest professional experience, you should also highlight your innate talents and special skills — these attributes make your application exciting and memorable. 

Of course, crafting a compelling resume can be challenging. The stakes are high, and resumes follow a fairly strict format, meaning you don’t have much creative (or spatial) leeway.

Deciding on the right unique skills for your resume can make or break the success of an application. Sit down, open your laptop, and seize this opportunity to stand out in the job market.

The best skills to put on a resume are the ones that best describe you. Don’t stretch the truth — keep descriptions accurate. But don’t be shy to show off what makes you an unbeatable fit for the role. 

If you’re struggling to brainstorm, we can help. Check out these 13 attention-grabbing hard and soft skills:

Hard skills

Hard skills are learned abilities, often technical or creative. These are key skills to put on a resume because they demonstrate how well you’ll be able to meet and exceed the granular, day-to-day expectations of a position. 

If you’re applying for a UX position and have graphic design skills, adding this tidbit to your resume tips off a hiring manager and tells them you would bring a keen visual eye to the role. Similarly, highlighting strong editing skills for a marketing job could be a plus, as you’ll likely have to produce snappy copy. 

Here are a few essential hard skills to consider adding to your resume: 

Writing: Most roles, particularly ones that involve client interactions, demand excellent writing skills. Whether you expect to craft perfect emails to customers or generate blurbs for social media, having a solid understanding of style and grammar is worth highlighting on your resume.

If you’re applying for a writing-forward position, such as SEO content generation, advertising your skills in this area is a must. Include what type of content you’ve generated, the publications or companies you’ve worked with, and any relevant metrics that demonstrate the content’s success.

Project management: While it’s obvious that a project manager needs to highlight this skill, any person applying for a leadership or tech role should include this point on their resume.

Consider a software developer: they may spend most of their time coding but likely also participate in Agile sprints or similar project management structures. And working knowledge of project management methodologies is a resume booster across various industries and niches.

Data analysis: Aspiring data analysts should itemize technical skills. (You could even list them in a spreadsheet.) Be sure to use search-browser-friendly terms that align with those hiring managers seek for data analysis roles, such as SQL, data modeling, and business intelligence.

Graphic design: Anyone in a design-focused career — including marketers, content creators, and developers — should highlight graphic design skills. If you’re applying for a design-based role, you might get more specific and call out unique knowledge or qualifications, such as the specific applications you’re proficient in.

Language skills: In the age of remote work, language skills are a plus — and sometimes a must. Many tech companies, for example, have cross-cultural teams. Speaking a second language that promotes better understanding between you and your coworkers in another part of the world makes you a more versatile, empathetic candidate. 

Soft skills

Soft skills define a person’s character. Some socially-oriented abilities are inherent, but you accumulate or perfect others in your professional and personal relationships. Everyone communicates, but it takes work to become an expert listener or great at public speaking .

Not everyone has the same soft abilities — that’s what makes them stand out as special skills for your resumes. Some people are natural-born leaders, while others prefer collaborative work in a team setting. There’s room for everyone’s soft skills at most companies, and many recruiters — 93% of them, to be exact — want to see them. Here are a few in-demand soft skills worth listing on your resume:  

Communication: Are you excellent at active listening ? Do you have the patience to facilitate difficult conversations?Briefly describe what’s unique about your interpersonal skills instead of simply stating that communication is a strong suit.

Problem-solving: Conflict and obstacles are inevitable in any workplace. Being able to think critically about issues, draft potential solutions, and select the correct route forward is a valuable skill. Highlighting the skill implies you can face a roadblock with a clear head, which is what employers want to hear.

Leadership: Anyone in a workplace can be a leader , no matter their position or seniority. A team member who steps up because they have specific knowledge that can help a project is a leader. A relatively new employee who shows an even newer one the ropes is a leader, too. Listing this soft skill tells a recruiter you can motivate, guide, and support others.

Highlight this skill and let the work experience on your resume do the rest. Perhaps one of the bullet points under your last job is that you “Led a team of five developers to complete an app development project successfully” or “Took the initiative to introduce an innovative planning method.” These anecdotes demonstrate leadership and back up your skills section.

Time management: This top skill for resumes is important because virtually all employees must possess it. Whether you’re coordinating a project for a team or ensuring you finish your tasks on time, you must prioritize and schedule work and respect others’ expectations in order to mesh with a team.

Ability to work on a team (and independently): Hiring managers want to know how you’ll fit into the team. Highlight your ability to collaborate with others and take initiative on solo work by listing specific and relevant skills, such as conflict resolution and the ability to perform research.

Adaptability: In the workplace, you have to shift to meet changing project landscapes and circumvent roadblocks. Show — don’t tell — your ability to do so by listing various unique tasks and projects in which you’ve been involved. Tailor the list to the needs of the role: for example, if you’re applying to a development job, include some of the most out-of-the-box pieces of software you’ve worked on.

Self-motivation: Show hiring managers that you take the initiative to learn and grow by highlighting your ability to self-motivate. Cite a specific occasion when you taught yourself a new skill, vied for a promotion, or devised a new way of working. 

Customer service skills: Relating to clients is a communication skill that not everyone has — if you’ve got it, flaunt it. Someone needs to handle client-facing work, so if you excel at explaining concepts to others, selling products or services, or representing a company well, let potential employers know. 

Your resume is a powerful marketing tool — use it to showcase your unique abilities and align with the specific requirements of each job you apply for. While there's no one-size-fits-all approach to selecting the perfect skills for your potential employer, here are some tips to help your application stand out :

• Customize for the role: Tailor your resume to each role by thoroughly analyzing the job description. Extract essential keywords and phrases like "takes initiative" or "knowledge of InDesign" and incorporate them into your resume using the same language. This approach allows recruiters to quickly identify key qualifications that align with their needs.

• Avoid excessive lists: Be selective and intentional with the skills you include. If you're applying for an advanced developer role, there's no need to state basic skills like using Microsoft Office (recruiters will assume you know this). Focus on relevant assets that add clear value to the specific role you're applying for.
• Create a balanced resume: While customizing your resume to match the job description is important, don't forget to make it stand out. Strike a balance between showcasing the skills recruiters are looking for and emphasizing what makes you special.
• Expand on your talents: Consider creating a dedicated skills section to list languages, software proficiency, and other abilities that don’t require elaboration. However, ensure your experience section also highlights your talents with specific examples of professional growth and successful initiatives.

Write a resume as unique as you 

You’re the only person in the world with your blend of talents, experience, and skills. A resume is your opportunity to prove this to potential employers.

Editing your resume to fit every role you apply to can be tedious work, but it’s worthwhile. Your resume may be your first and only chance to present yourself to a recruiter. Put your best foot forward and include the most impactful and unique skills on your resume.  

Elizabeth Perry

Content Marketing Manager, ACC

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20 good skills to put on resume for new grads

Looking for the top skills to include on your resume as a new grad? This guide highlights 20 essential skills to showcase your value to employers.

As a new graduate, it can be challenging to know which skills to highlight on your resume. Employers are looking for candidates who can bring a diverse set of skills to the table, and it's essential to show that you have the skills that are in demand in today's job market. Here are the top 20 skills that new grads should consider including on their resumes:

1. Critical thinking

Employers expect candidates to have strong critical thinking skills to solve problems and make informed decisions. Demonstrate your ability to analyze complex situations, evaluate different perspectives, and develop creative solutions that meet business goals. Provide examples of how you have used critical thinking to improve processes, increase efficiency, or solve complex problems.

2. Creativity

Employers appreciate candidates who can bring fresh ideas to the table and find innovative solutions. Highlight your creativity by sharing examples of how you have solved problems in unconventional ways or how you have introduced new processes that have led to positive results. Provide specific examples of how your creative approach has positively impacted your previous roles or projects.

3. Leadership

Leadership skills are highly sought-after by employers as they demonstrate the ability to motivate and manage others effectively. Highlight your experience in leading teams or projects, and provide examples of how you have inspired team members to achieve common goals. Share specific examples of how you have created a positive work environment, delegated tasks, and provided constructive feedback to team members.

4. Teamwork

Employers value team players who can collaborate, communicate effectively, and support their colleagues. Highlight your ability to work in a team by sharing examples of how you have contributed to a team's success and how you have handled conflicts or disagreements. Demonstrate how you have actively participated in team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative projects.

5. Time management

Effective time management is crucial in the workplace, and employers look for candidates who can manage their workload efficiently. Demonstrate your ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and handle multiple projects simultaneously. Share specific examples of how you have managed your time effectively to complete projects on time and handle unexpected challenges.

6. Organization

Employers seek candidates who are organized and can manage multiple tasks and projects effectively. Highlight your organizational skills by providing examples of how you have kept track of details, managed projects, and met deadlines consistently. Share specific examples of how you have organized your workday, kept track of project timelines, and prioritized tasks to meet deadlines.

7. Attention to detail

Employers look for candidates who pay attention to detail, especially in industries such as healthcare, finance, and law. Showcase your ability to catch errors, maintain accuracy, and deliver high-quality work. Highlight specific instances where your attention to detail has resulted in positive outcomes, such as catching errors before they become costly mistakes, ensuring compliance with regulations, or improving the quality of deliverables.

8. Adaptability

The job market is constantly evolving, and employers want candidates who can adapt to new situations and challenges. Highlight your flexibility by sharing examples of how you have adjusted to changes in your previous roles or how you have learned new skills quickly. Demonstrate your ability to be open to new ideas, take on new responsibilities, and adjust your approach to achieve results in a changing environment.

9. Customer service

Employers want candidates who can provide exceptional customer service to build strong relationships with clients. Highlight your experience in providing customer service and showcase how you have handled challenging situations to ensure customer satisfaction. Share specific examples of how you have handled difficult customers, resolved complaints, and exceeded customer expectations.

10. Communication

As a new graduate, it's essential to showcase your communication skills through your resume and interview. Employers seek candidates who can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to convey ideas, collaborate with team members, and interact with clients. Highlight your ability to tailor your communication style to different audiences, use active listening skills, and convey complex information in an easy-to-understand manner. Share specific examples of how you have effectively communicated in your previous roles or projects.

11. Data analysis

Data analysis is becoming increasingly important in many industries. Highlight your ability to collect and analyze data by showcasing your experience in data analysis tools and techniques. Share specific examples of how you have used data analysis to inform decision-making, identify trends, and solve complex problems.

12. Technical skills

Depending on your field, you may need to have technical skills, such as coding or proficiency in specific software programs. Highlight your technical skills by providing examples of how you have used them in previous roles or projects. Showcase your ability to learn new technical skills quickly and adapt to changes in technology.

13. Project management

If you've managed projects in the past, be sure to highlight your experience. Employers want candidates who can manage projects from start to finish. Showcase your project management skills by sharing specific examples of how you have planned, executed, and monitored projects, managed resources, and delivered successful outcomes. Highlight your ability to collaborate with stakeholders and communicate project progress effectively.

If you've worked in sales, highlight your experience. Sales skills are valuable in many industries. Showcase your sales skills by providing examples of how you have achieved sales targets, built relationships with customers, and closed deals. Highlight your ability to prospect, negotiate, and communicate effectively with clients.

15. Marketing

If you've worked in marketing, highlight your experience. Marketing skills are valuable in many industries. Showcase your marketing skills by providing examples of how you have developed and executed marketing campaigns, managed social media platforms, and analyzed market trends. Highlight your ability to create compelling content, work with cross-functional teams, and measure the success of marketing initiatives.

16. Public speaking

Public speaking is a valuable skill that requires confidence, preparation, and effective communication. Showcase your ability to speak in front of an audience by highlighting your experience in delivering presentations, leading discussions, or participating in public speaking events. Emphasize your ability to connect with the audience, deliver messages with impact, and handle questions and feedback.

17. Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills are essential in the workplace and involve communication, collaboration, and relationship-building. Highlight your ability to build positive relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders by providing examples of how you have worked with diverse teams, managed conflicts, and demonstrated empathy and respect. Emphasize your ability to listen actively, provide feedback constructively, and communicate effectively in different settings.

18. Research

Research skills are valuable in many industries and involve gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to inform decisions and solve problems. Highlight your ability to conduct research by showcasing your experience in designing and implementing research studies, collecting and analyzing data, and synthesizing information. Emphasize your ability to use various research methods, tools, and technologies, and to present findings in a clear and compelling way.

19. Writing

Writing skills are essential in many industries and involve communicating ideas, information, and messages through various media. Highlight your ability to write by showcasing your experience in writing different types of documents, such as reports, proposals, emails, or social media posts. Emphasize your ability to write clearly and concisely, adapt to different audiences and purposes, and use correct grammar, syntax, and punctuation.

20. Presentation skills

If you've given presentations in the past, highlight your experience in delivering effective and engaging presentations. Emphasize your ability to plan and prepare presentations, use visual aids and multimedia effectively, and deliver messages with clarity and impact. Provide examples of how you have adapted your presentation style to different audiences, managed time effectively, and received positive feedback.

Hard Skills vs soft skills

When crafting your resume or preparing for an interview, it's important to understand the difference between hard skills and soft skills. Both types of skills are valuable, but they serve different purposes in the workplace. Here's a breakdown of hard skills vs. soft skills and how to showcase them effectively:

Hard Skills:

Hard skills are specific, technical skills that can be taught and measured. Examples of hard skills include programming, data analysis, or graphic design. These skills are typically learned through formal education, training programs, or on-the-job experience. Hard skills are often used to demonstrate proficiency in a particular area or to qualify for a specific job.

To showcase your hard skills, it's important to be specific and provide concrete examples of how you have used these skills in past roles or projects. Use relevant keywords and include any certifications or training programs you have completed to demonstrate your expertise in these areas. You can also highlight any technical tools or software programs you are proficient in.

Soft Skills:

Soft skills, on the other hand, are personal attributes that are often harder to measure or quantify. Examples of soft skills include communication, teamwork, and leadership. Soft skills are often considered to be just as important as hard skills because they can affect how well you work with others and adapt to new situations.

To showcase your soft skills, provide examples of how you have used them to achieve specific goals or overcome challenges. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to work well with others, communicate effectively, or lead a team. Soft skills can also be highlighted in your cover letter or personal statement, where you can discuss your personal values and work ethic.

Common Questions

What skills should i include on my resume.

It depends on the job you are applying for and the industry you want to work in. Generally, you should include skills that are relevant to the job and showcase your strengths and abilities.

How many skills should I include on my resume?

You should include the skills that are most relevant to the job, but try to keep it to around 10-15 skills. Including too many skills can make your resume look cluttered and unfocused.

Should I include soft skills on my resume?

Yes, soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management are highly valued by employers. These skills can demonstrate your ability to work well with others and adapt to new situations.

How should I format my skills section on my resume?

You can format your skills section as a bullet list or a table. Use bullet points to list your skills and highlight the ones that are most relevant to the job. You can also group similar skills together and use subheadings to make the section more organized.

How can I showcase my skills on my resume?

You can showcase your skills by providing examples of how you have used them in past roles or projects. Use action verbs and specific examples to demonstrate your achievements and show how your skills can benefit the company.

Can I include skills that I don't have much experience in?

It's okay to include skills that you are still developing, but make sure to be honest about your level of experience. You can also highlight your willingness to learn and improve in these areas.

Should I customize my skills section for each job application?

Yes, you should customize your skills section for each job application to highlight the skills that are most relevant to the job. Use keywords from the job description to ensure that your resume passes the initial screening process.

Should I include certifications or training in my skills section?

Yes, you can include relevant certifications or training in your skills section to demonstrate your expertise in a particular area. This can also show that you are committed to continuous learning and professional development.

In conclusion, as a new graduate, it's essential to highlight the skills that are in demand in today's job market. By including the skills listed above on your resume, you'll be able to show employers that you have the skills and abilities they're looking for in a candidate. Good luck with your job search!

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Related stories, most recent stories.

50+ Key Technical Skills to List on Your Resume in 2022 (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.

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job

‍ 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 in 2022:

• 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!

Browse more resume templates that fit your role

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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Pursuing a career in management gives you many opportunities for professional advancement. To land a management job, it is crucial to include the right skills on your resume. In this guide, we will discuss the best management skills and how to use them on your resume.

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10 Most In-Demand Soft Skills to Put on Your Resume

L ong gone are the days when listing hard skills was the best (and oftentimes only) way to get your foot in the door at a prestigious company. While technical knowledge and training will always be important, soft skills (or essentially personality traits) are becoming increasingly important to highlight on your resume. And it makes sense, as more companies prioritize work culture and, therefore, the personalities of those they’re hiring.

But which soft skills are the ones that standout the most on a resume? Using data from Indeed.com, CashNetUSA scoured job ads for 46 predetermined soft skills to find the ones that appeared the most on high-paid jobs that surpassed the 75th percentile of wages in America’s most populated cities as well as each state. These are the soft skills that came out on top.

10. Resilience

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 34.29%

Resilience is a soft skill that highlights your ability to handle stress and challenges that come up at work. 

A good example of how to add this to your resume could be, “Showed resilience when leading a team after budget cuts by still delivering work on time and within scope.”

* Data comes from a January 2024 report released by CashNetUSA .

9. Financial Management

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 38.24%

If you’ve ever been in charge of a budget of any size, you can say that you have financial management skills. 

For instance, something like “oversaw the financial management of the freelance budget” could work if you hired contractors for a specific project.

8. Innovation

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 39.24%

Sure, this one makes our eyes roll a bit, too, but in today’s fast-paced world, innovation is key. No one wants an employee that stays stagnant or, worse, digs their heels in at the slight mention of change. 

You know who’s not stagnant? Someone who “excelled at brainstorming and ideation in the innovation process for [fill in project name].” You get it.

7. Emotional Intelligence

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 43.11%

We’re actually pleasantly surprised with this one. After all, we didn’t think corporations necessarily had it in them to care about this.

Jokes aside, having emotional intelligence is something that makes a good team member and an even better manager. After all, it’s hard to resolve team conflicts without it. The more a company emphasizes a “harmonious work environment,” the more this soft skill will matter.

6. Mentoring

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 47.89%

Here’s another managerial skill that job ads like to use to weed out the haves from the have-nots when it comes to managers. Do you actually enjoy mentoring people or have you just fallen up the corporate ladder into a management position?

True leaders will make mentoring a priority and want to highlight it on their resume.

5. Critical Thinking

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 47.94%

“Critical thinking” or “problem solving” can be put in the same bucket as resilience. How did you handle a challenging situation at work? It’s even better if you have data to back up your claim.

Well, maybe you “demonstrated strong critical-thinking skills when analyzing financial reports and making forecasts for the following quarter.”

4. Presentation Skills

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 56%

Presentation skills are the nature of the beast when it comes to today's Corporate America. That's because lots of today’s high-paying jobs require working with cross-functional teams and being able to explain your work in easy, digestible terms.

Think someone on a data science team explaining their findings to a marketing team. Along with "presentation skills," you could also add the specific presentation tools or software you use for your presentations on your resume.

3. Persuasion

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 57.41%

Persuasion sounds rather seductive, but it's crucial when trying to get specific projects across the finish line.

It's also a term that's used a lot in marketing when talking about "persuasive marketing skills" required to communicate well with a customer audience.

2. Negotiation

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 58.26%

This skill goes back to business basics. Proper negotiation skills come in handy in any aspect of life, whether you're negotiating a $1 billion merger or whether or not your toddler can have dessert for breakfast.

That said, it's a skill that takes time to hone — which is why it's considered all the more valuable.

1. Strategic Thinking

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 64.77%

Strategic thinking is essentially a combination of innovation and critical thinking, but the best way to incorporate this keyword on your resume is by using the CAR (challenge, action, result) technique.

You could say something like, "Used strategic thinking skills by analyzing user engagement data and running an A/B test that resulted in increased engagement of 20 percent."

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Skills to Put on Your Resume (With Examples)

Creating the perfect resume can be tricky. A key fact is that employers spend less than a minute reviewing each resume . This article will guide you on which skills to include to grab their attention quickly.

Discover tips and examples that make your resume stand out . Read on for success!

The Importance of Showcasing Skills on a Resume

Showcasing skills on a resume helps you stand out from other candidates and demonstrates your value to potential employers. It's essential to highlight your unique abilities that align with the job requirements.

Stand out from other candidates

To stand out from other candidates, you need to highlight your unique skills and experiences on your resume. Show employers why you are the best match for the job by listing relevant hard skills such as technical proficiencies and soft skills like communication or leadership.

Use clear examples that demonstrate how you've successfully used these skills in past roles. This approach will make your application memorable and show potential employers your value.

Including both job-specific abilities and transferable skills can set you apart from the competition. Make sure to tailor this section of your resume for each application, focusing on what makes you uniquely qualified for that particular role.

By doing so, you signal to employers not just your qualification but also your genuine interest in the position. Your attention to detail here could be what lands you the interview over others with similar qualifications.

Demonstrate your value to potential employers

When aiming to demonstrate your value to potential employers, focus on showcasing specific skills and achievements that directly align with the job requirements. Use quantifiable results and examples to illustrate how you have positively impacted previous roles, emphasizing your ability to contribute effectively in the new position.

By highlighting your relevant expertise and demonstrating a track record of success, you can convey your value as a strong candidate for the role.

Refine your resume by incorporating keywords from the job description that mirror the company's needs. Frame your experiences and skills in a way that shows their direct relevance to the prospective employer, conveying how you can bring tangible value through your capabilities.

Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills

Differentiating hard skills from soft skills is essential for a well-rounded resume. Understanding the distinction between them is crucial to effectively showcasing your capabilities.

Definition and examples

Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities that can be quantified. They are often job-specific and include proficiencies such as computer programming , machinery operation, data analysis, and foreign languages.

On the other hand, soft skills are interpersonal or people skills that describe how you work and interact with others. Examples of soft skills include communication, leadership, time management, and teamwork.

How to determine which ones to include on your resume

To determine which skills to include on your resume, review the job description and research the company to identify the most relevant abilities . Choose a format that best showcases these skills, whether it's a skills section or incorporating them into your professional experience .

Tailor your skills for each application by highlighting those that align with the job requirements and demonstrate value to potential employers .

Moving forward to " How to List Skills on Your Resume ," let's delve into practical ways of effectively presenting your abilities for maximum impact.

How to List Skills on Your Resume

- Review the job description and research the company to understand their needs.

- Choose the best format for your skills section based on your experience and strengths.

Review the job description and research the company

Before applying for a job, review the job description thoroughly. Understand the qualifications, skills, and experience required. Research the company to gain insights into its culture , values, and work environment.

Tailor your resume to highlight the skills and experiences that align with the company's needs.

Moving on to "Choose the best format for your skills section".

Choose the best format for your skills section

When listing your skills on a resume, consider using a combination of formats . You can group similar skills under relevant subheadings like "Technical Skills," "Leadership Skills," and "Communication Skills." Alternatively, you can arrange them in a straightforward list .

Tailor the format to best showcase your strengths and make it easy for potential employers to scan through. Make sure to use keywords from the job description .

Moving on to “Incorporate relevant skills into your professional experience section”..

Incorporate relevant skills into your professional experience section

When incorporating relevant skills into your professional experience section, focus on showcasing specific examples of how you applied those skills in previous roles. Use action verbs and quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your abilities.

For example, instead of simply stating "strong leadership skills," emphasize how you led a successful team project resulting in a 20% increase in productivity. This approach effectively highlights your skills within the context of real-world accomplishments , making your resume more impactful and engaging for potential employers .

Moving on to "Examples of Skills to Include on Your Resume"..

Examples of Skills to Include on Your Resume

Include essential skills like communication, time management, interpersonal abilities, technical proficiencies, leadership qualities, and customer service expertise on your resume.

Showcasing these skills will help employers understand your value in the workplace.

Communication

Include effective communication skills on your resume to demonstrate the ability to convey ideas clearly and listen actively . Showcase strong written and verbal communication , as well as the capacity to collaborate with diverse teams .

Highlight your experience in delivering presentations or negotiating effectively, emphasizing your role in fostering positive working relationships.

It is essential to portray your proficiency in communication tools such as email, telephone, and video conferencing, along with any foreign language fluency . If applicable, mention specific achievements that showcase successful communication outcomes within previous roles.

Time management

When it comes to time management, it is essential to demonstrate your ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines . Employers value candidates who can efficiently allocate their time and complete projects on schedule.

Effective time management showcases your organizational skills and reliability in the workplace. Incorporate specific examples of how you have successfully managed multiple tasks within tight timelines and the positive outcomes that resulted from your efficient time management skills .

Time management skills are crucial for a wide range of positions, including roles that require meeting strict project deadlines, handling client appointments, or managing team schedules.

Interpersonal skills

Transitioning from time management to interpersonal skills , it's crucial to highlight your ability to work well with others . Interpersonal skills involve communication , collaboration , and empathy which are vital in any workplace setting.

Being able to effectively communicate and build relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders is key to creating a positive and productive work environment . Keywords: Interpersonal skills, communication, collaboration, empathy.

Technical skills

Transitioning from interpersonal skills to technical skills, it's essential to showcase your proficiency in specific tools and technologies related to your field. Employers often seek candidates with expertise in areas such as coding languages , software applications , data analysis tools , or machinery operation .

Highlight your abilities using relevant keywords like programming languages (e.g., Python, Java), design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite), or hardware proficiency (e.g., operating heavy machinery).

By including these technical skills on your resume, you demonstrate the practical value you can bring to a potential employer in various job roles within today's competitive job market.

Demonstrate leadership by showcasing your ability to guide and motivate teams , make strategic decisions , and drive results. Highlight specific instances where you led projects or mentored others.

Use keywords like " team management ," "decision-making," and "strategic planning" to emphasize your leadership skills effectively. Incorporate quantifiable achievements to demonstrate the impact of your leadership in previous roles.

Employers value candidates who can inspire and lead others towards achieving common goals.

Customer service

When listing your skills on a resume, consider including customer service as it demonstrates your ability to interact with clients and resolve issues effectively. This skill showcases your proficiency in communication , problem-solving , and maintaining positive relationships with customers.

Employers value candidates who can provide exceptional customer service , making it an important skill to highlight on your resume. Customer service experience can set you apart from other candidates by showing that you understand the importance of meeting the needs of clients .

Ensure that you include specific examples of how you have utilized customer service skills to address inquiries or complaints and improve overall satisfaction. Highlighting this skill will demonstrate your commitment to delivering quality service and contributing positively to the success of the company.

Tips for Showcasing Skills on Your Resume

Customize your skills for each job application and use specific examples to highlight your strengths. To discover more valuable tips, keep reading!

Tailor your skills to the job

Use specific examples and backing statements.

When listing your skills on a resume, it's crucial to use specific examples and backing statements . For instance, rather than simply stating "strong communication skills," provide concrete examples of when you effectively communicated with a team to achieve a project goal.

Backing up your skills with tangible examples gives employers an understanding of how you've applied these skills in real work situations , making your resume more compelling for potential job opportunities.

Additionally, using quantitative data or specific achievements can further strengthen your statements and showcase the impact of your skills in previous roles.

Highlighting specific instances where you demonstrated key skills such as problem-solving , teamwork , or professional development can set your resume apart from others. By providing clear examples and supporting evidence, you not only showcase your abilities but also demonstrate the value you can bring to a prospective employer by illustrating how those skills have contributed to positive outcomes in past experiences.

Highlight transferable skills

When highlighting transferable skills on your resume, focus on abilities such as problem-solving , teamwork , and communication that can be applied across different job roles. Emphasize skills like leadership and adaptability to show employers how you can excel in various work environments.

Highlighting these transferable skills will demonstrate your versatility and value to potential employers.

To showcase transferable skills effectively, use specific examples from past experiences to illustrate how you've utilized these skills in different scenarios. Tailor the language of your resume to align with the requirements of the job you're applying for and emphasize how your transferable skills make you a well-rounded candidate.

Keep your skills section up to date

Regularly update your skills section to reflect your most current abilities and qualifications. This ensures that potential employers have an accurate understanding of your capabilities and increases the relevance of your application to the job requirements.

By staying updated, you showcase a proactive approach and remain competitive in the job market. Keep abreast of industry trends to identify new skills that are in demand and align with your career goals .

Stay attentive to changes in technology , methodologies, or regulations that may necessitate acquiring additional skills relevant to your field .

Customize your skills for each job application

Tailor your skills to match the requirements of each job you apply for. Use keywords from the job description and align them with your skills. Highlight relevant achievements and experiences that showcase your suitability for the specific role.

This approach demonstrates a strong fit and increases your chances of standing out in the hiring process.

Ensure that you modify your resume to emphasize different skills based on the needs of each position. It is vital to customize your application to reflect how you can contribute value in diverse roles within varying industries, thus increasing the impact of your job applications.

In conclusion, showcasing a well-rounded set of skills on your resume is crucial as it helps you stand out from other candidates and demonstrates your value to potential employers.

You should carefully consider the specific hard and soft skills that align with the job description and the company's needs, tailoring them accordingly on your resume. By doing so, you'll effectively highlight your abilities in areas such as communication, time management, interpersonal relations, technical expertise, leadership, and customer service.

Remember to use specific examples and backing statements to showcase your skills effectively within your professional experience section .

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How to Write Effective Resume Bullets

The Formula

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Writing resume bullets is often the most challenging aspect of writing a resume. Yes, settling on the best design and format and determining the most relevant experiences to highlight on your resume can take time; however, effectively describing your experience is the most important task. In many ways, this is because your bullets provide the majority of the content and context for your resume, and it is the content of a resume (i.e. the resume bullets) that will distinguish an average resume from a competitive one.

The first step to writing more effective bullet points is to recognize that your bullets can and should be more than just a list of the tasks and responsibilities you managed in a particular role. Don’t just copy and paste directly from your position description. While a job description is a great place to start, simply listing your duties doesn’t harness the full potential of a resume bullet. It doesn’t communicate the skills that you have developed nor does it distinguish you from someone else who has been in the same role or had similar experiences. Most important, it doesn’t demonstrate the impact or results of the tasks and the responsibilities you had.

Instead, think of your bullets as accomplishment statements . Using this framework, you are able to focus more on the results of your work and the skills you have developed through your various experiences. Ask yourself: What did you accomplish? Why and how did you complete this task? What was your unique impact or contribution within this role? What sets you apart from others in this or a similar role? The answers to these questions will help you outline the skills you will bring to your next position and demonstrate the results you are likely to produce once you are in the new role.

To help you get started, use the following basic formula to craft your resume bullets:

In addition to the above mentioned formula, many students find it helpful to think about their experiences using the Problem - Action - Result framework. For each task or responsibility, what problem were you seeking to address? What action did you take to address this problem? What were the results of your action? Once you have determined these answers, you can summarize the content into one (or more) bullets. 

We’ve compiled a list of “before” and “after” resume bullets to help demonstrate how you can transform your bullets from good to great.

If you are having difficulty turning your resume bullets into accomplishment statements or you would like someone to review your newly created bullets, set up an appointment with your Advisor for Career Exploration (ACE) or an industry/field Career Advisor in Handshake ! You can also come to Career Education Drop-In Hours for a quick resume review.

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