Top Skills to Put on a Resume (+ Examples for Popular Jobs)
Video: Hard Skills and Soft Skills
A great resume must feature the right skills for the job. Understanding how to list skills on your resume and determining good skills to put on a resume is critical to your job-hunting success.
Wondering how to make a great resume? We’ve compiled the best hard skills and soft skills to include throughout your resume and cover letter.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- The best skills to list on a resume in 2023.
- Top 10 hard skills and soft skills for resumes.
- How to list skills on your resume and cover letter.
- How to learn new professional skills.
- Resume skills examples for popular industries.
Need help writing the rest of your resume? Our Resume Builder helps you make one in minutes!
Best skills for a 2023 resume
Our research into skills searches online shows these are the most in-demand skills for a resume in today’s job market.
It’s important to note that the right resume skills for the job you’re applying for will come down to the employer’s requirements (but more on identifying these skills later).
While reviewing our list of potential skills to put on your resume, note those soft, hard and technical skills that apply to you and set them aside to include on your resume skills list.
1. Communication skills
Effective communication skills are a prerequisite for most jobs. Ensure that the skills section of your resume includes achievements that involve interacting well with others and highlights “verbal and written communication.”
2. Teamwork skills
Great candidates know they are part of a larger group and can support their fellow team members to achieve goals. Teamwork is an excellent skill to put on your resume. Provide examples of how you’ve worked alongside others and contributed to overall team success to let recruiters know what you can bring to the team.
3. Digital literacy
Understanding how to effectively use technology, protect your privacy and master basic computer skills can make you a great candidate. Digital literacy is a good skill for your resume. It sets you apart from other candidates and demonstrates your ability to adapt to changing work environments and technological advancements.
4. Attention to detail
Catching mistakes and fixing them, ensuring all your job duties are handled correctly and delivering accurate, high-quality work are all hallmarks of great employees — and all stem from great attention to detail, making it a good skill to put on a resume. Give evidence of work responsibilities and achievements that depend on this trait.
5. Adaptability
A rapidly changing job market needs candidates who can handle ever-shifting demands and continue to excel at their jobs. Your ability to adapt to new surroundings is a plus in your resume skills section. Add examples of how you’ve been able to go with the flow and adapt to what companies need.
6. Time management skills
Employers need workers who can work efficiently and manage their time. To show recruiters you have this skill, provide work examples that show you can successfully and consistently meet deadlines or juggle multiple tasks without delay using this skill to list on your resume.
7. Work ethic
How you approach your work is as important as the technical skills you add to your resume skills section. Employers will always appreciate a work ethic that shows you’re dedicated and committed to the job. List tasks and work achievements in your resume that show you are going above and beyond and demonstrate how you’ve put time and energy into your work.
8. Customer service skills
Include customer service skills on your resume by listing work experience where you’ve successfully assisted others, facilitated customer satisfaction and management, and delivered measurable results for the company.
9. Creativity
Personal skills such as creative problem-solving and out-of-the-box thinking are great to add to your resume skills list. Creativity is a good skill to put on a resume, especially for industries that rely on innovation to maintain a competitive edge. Give an example from your work history that shows you can bring an inventive, original approach.
10. Project management skills
Advancing your career relies heavily on showing you can oversee and manage work projects. Be sure to mention any familiarity with Agile methodologies, such as Scrum, and project management software, such as Trello and Zoho, in the skills section of your resume. Give specific details on projects you’ve led that had positive results.
To see the top skills experts in your field feature on their resume, visit our resume examples page.
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What are hard skills and soft skills?
The list of skills for a resume is long, but deciding which ones to highlight isn’t as confusing as you might think. The general rule of thumb is to choose a mix of hard and soft skills. But what’s the difference between them?
Hard skills for a resume:
- Abilities you learn on the job (e.g., inventory management).
- Abilities specific to the job (e.g., knowledge of mortgage processing for a loan officer position).
- Abilities you learn through formal education and training (e.g., certification in specific software).
Soft skills for a resume:
- Abilities that show how you approach work (e.g., time management, attention to detail).
- Intangible or interpersonal abilities (e.g., reliability, relationship building).
- Personal attributes that come naturally or can be developed over time (e.g., multitasking, leadership).
Including hard skills on a resume is crucial — after all, if the job requires specific knowledge or training, you need to feature those abilities in the skills section of your resume. But don’t underestimate the power of including many soft skills. Studies show that 75% of U.S. employers are more likely to accept a candidate with the right soft resume skills and zero hard skills than the other way around.
Top 10 hard skills examples for resume
1. Data analysis
The world runs on data and the ability to analyze it, draw intelligent conclusions, and use your findings to improve business operations. Essential related resume skills include:
- Data visualization
- Programming
- Skills statistics
- Knowledge programming tools
- MATLAB
2. Cybersecurity
Nothing is worse for a business than stolen data, and cybersecurity professionals are the first vital line of defense against hackers. In addition to cybersecurity certifications, other highly sought-after computer skills for resumes include:
- Knowledge of security across different platforms
- Computer forensics skills
- Risk identification and management
- Scripting
- DevOps
Related jobs:
3. Programming
Programming skills are valuable for working with websites, internal networks and mobile apps. Feature your knowledge of specific programming languages and other related skills in your resume skills section, such as:
- Java
- HTML5
- Cloud computing
- Web development
- Object-oriented programming (OOP)
Related jobs:
4. Marketing
Marketing helps businesses reach out to consumers and increase sales, subscriptions and overall engagement. Related job skills for a resume include:
- Search engine optimization (SEO)
- Search engine marketing (SEM)
- Email and social media marketing
- Copywriting
- Google Analytics
5. Accounting
Handling financial matters is an essential part of any business, and the ability to parse numbers, analyze budgets and provide detailed, accurate account management is a crucial component of finance. Skills to add to a resume in this field include:
- Microsoft Excel
- Big data analysis
- QuickBooks
- Tally
- Financial statements
Related jobs:
6. Design
Companies have a high need for polished design work, from multimedia to website layouts. Important skills to put on a resume for this type of job include:
- UX design
- InDesign
- Photoshop
- Illustrator
- Typography
Related jobs:
7. Writing
Even in today’s tech-heavy world, good writing skills are still necessary for communication, executing marketing campaigns, assembling documentation and creating presentations. Good skills to put on a resume for this ability include:
- Content writing
- Editing
- Business report and proposal writing
- Creative storytelling
- Planning and outlining
Related jobs:
8. Cloud computing
Jobs in cloud computing will only increase as more companies move important data to the cloud or use it to manage employee tasks. Related skills to add to a resume for this career include:
- Cloud architecture
- Networking
- Cloud middleware technologies
- Data management
- Application programmer interfaces (APIs)
Related jobs:
9. Specialized machinery
Whether licensed to drive large transport vehicles or operate heavy equipment, having training or certification in machinery operation is something you can add to the skills section of a resume to open doors to jobs in many industries, from inventory to construction. These include:
- Forklift operation
- Backhoe
- Certified Equipment Manager (CEM)
- Loaders operation
- Physical stamina and strength
10. Foreign languages
As the global economy becomes more integrated, employers increasingly need multilingual employees. People who speak more than one language also often have better memory and multitasking ability. Make sure to highlight your multilingual abilities in your resume skills section, such as:
- Spanish
- Italian
- Japanese
- German
- French
Related jobs:
Top 10 soft skills for a resume
Soft skills are highly valuable to employers and can improve job performance while increasing your career advancement opportunities. The demand for soft skills is expected to continue to grow as the workplace evolves. These are the top 10 sought-after soft skills to include in your resume
1. Communication
Employers count good communication skills as a prerequisite for most jobs, whether assisting a customer or interacting with your team members. In your resume, include achievements that involve interacting well with others and stress “verbal and written communication” in your resume skills section.
2. Teamwork
Even if you’re working remotely, collaborating with and supporting other team members remains an essential soft skill for your resume. Ensure you describe yourself as a team member by providing examples of how you’ve successfully worked alongside others and contributed to the successful operations of your team.
3. Problem-solving
Another soft skill for your resume that never goes out of style is solving problems: using creative thinking, experience and resourcefulness to overcome obstacles. Show off problem-solving skills in your resume’s work history section by sharing accomplishments in which you had to work through a challenge.
4. Adaptability
Do you handle change well? Do you remain calm when plan A doesn’t work out and make a smooth transition to plan B? Show employers you can think on your feet and handle changes by including this in your resume skills section and providing work experience examples that describe a time you dealt with an unforeseen change of plans.
5. Leadership
One of the surest ways to advance in your career is to demonstrate a talent for leading others toward success, whether by taking charge of a project, mentoring junior employees, or providing positive direction for a team or company. Always emphasize work history achievements which show your job skills in these areas.
6. Self-motivation
An employee who can be successful without constant guidance and direction will cause fewer headaches for an employer — hence why self-motivation is a good skill to put on a resume. Give examples in your resume of when you carried out tasks and projects without close management or created your own projects.
7. Active listening
Focusing when interacting with and getting instructions from others will help you better connect with colleagues and clients and more quickly pinpoint work problems and solutions. Show that you’re present by including this ability in your job skills list.
8. Critical thinking
Employers don’t want automatons — they want employees who can make reasoned choices and adjustments depending on the situation, making this a great soft skill for your resume. Show you’re a critical thinker by giving examples of times when you had to use good judgment to complete a project, improve a process, or achieve the desired result.
9. Conflict management
Let’s face it; not everything will run smoothly at work all the time. When friction arises with co-workers, a boss, between departments or clients, an even-keeled, calm and goal-oriented approach is a useful asset. Essential skills for a resume that fall under the conflict management category include facilitation, mediation and active listening.
10. Organization
Keeping a firm handle on all your duties and turning chaos into order is a crucial job skill, especially for positions requiring coordinating large amounts of paperwork or data or managing large events or groups. Call out any experiences you have in which your ability to organize made a difference.
How to list skills on your resume
Now that you know which are the best skills to put on a resume, use our advice to put together a great work skills list:
1. Review the job posting and choose what skills to put on your resume.
Read the job description thoroughly to understand what the employer is looking for, and note which key skills to add to your resume accordingly.
Depending on the job and industry, required skills may include personal qualities such as being a team player, a problem-solver or an excellent communicator, and hard skills like Photoshop, AutoCAD or budgeting. You can also visit the company’s website to learn more about its mission and goals, which are great places to discover the qualities its culture embodies and the goals they’re working toward.
Administrative Assistant Job Description
Job Tasks:
- Schedule appointments, make travel arrangements, complete expense reports and create presentations.
- Review executives’ inbox to proactively follow up or bring attention to time sensitive or urgent matters.
- Maintain financial reports or other business information that is updated regularly for executives.
- Order office supplies, equipment and the processing of invoices/ purchase orders.
- File maintenance, process mail, copying, etc.
- New hire on-boarding (Technology set up, Introductory meetings scheduled, iProcurement, iExpense and travel training).
Who you are:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Strong organization skills
- Proficient computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office)
- Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and deadlines; time management skills
- High degree of professionalism and confidentiality
- Normally receives little instruction on daily work, general instructions on newly introduced assignments.
- A demonstrated team player with ability to resolve conflict
- Attention to detail
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information
- Positive attitude
Hard Skills
Skills
- Scheduling management
- Expense reports
- Presentation creation
- Office inventory management
- Administrative software
Example of related software
- iProcurement, iExpense
- Outlook, Google Mail
- Powerpoint, Google Slides
- inFlow, Odoo
- Microsoft Office
Soft Skills
Skills
- Proactive
- Ability to prioritize
- Organization
- Verbal and written communication
- Multitasking
- Time management
- Professionalism
- Confidentiality
- Self-starter
- Strong work ethic
- Team player
- Conflict resolution
- Confidentiality
- Positive attitude
2. Match your skill set to the job.
Once you’ve pinpointed your skills that match the company’s needs, create a master list of the 10 most critical hard and soft skills for your resume. Ensure you include a good mix of soft and hard skills.
Not every skill you possess needs to be — or should be — listed in your resume skills section. Instead, target your resume to the specific job by including only those directly impacting the job you’re applying for and will help you prove to be the best candidate for the role. Use the resume summary to highlight your strongest job-related skills.
If you’re making a career change, focus on transferable skills for your resume: qualities and abilities that can be transferred from one job to another and help you align your past experiences with your potential new job. For example, good soft skills for a resume like communication, teamwork and adaptability, are universal — all employers want to hire people they can depend on.
3. Choose the right resume format.
There are three main resume formats you can choose from, each one highlighting a different aspect of your career profile. Let’s dissect each resume format to help you understand which one is ideal for shining a light on your unique career level.
Functional format resume skills list
Functional format: If you’re short on work experience but can feature skills and training that fit the job, go with a functional resume. This functional resume skills section example shows how you can provide a detailed snapshot of your best abilities by categorizing them.
Professional Skills:
Administration
- Scheduled 10+ visitors daily and greeted them upon arrival at the reception.
- Validated insurance credentials and ensured claims complied with the office’s policies.
- Reordered stock in short supply with enough time to restock the item before it ran out entirely.
Interpersonal
- Interacted with 10+ vendors, professional services personnel and contractors to receive orders and communicate instructions.
- Collaborated and organized weekly staff meetings with teams of 20+ personnel.
- Organized conference rooms with appropriate materials and distributed notes for personnel.
Technical
- Composed internal memos and external correspondence for four senior executives using MS Office.
- Coordinated bookkeeping activities in QuickBooks and AdvancedMD medical billing software.
- Managed multiline telephone and directed internal and external phone calls to senior executives.
Skills
- Medical records management
- Medical office administration
- Billing and invoicing
- Patient-doctor communications
- Appointment scheduling and followup
- Visitor services and support
Chronological format resume skills list
Chronological format: If you have extensive experience in the career or field you’re interested in, go with a chronological resume. In the chronological format, your work history is followed by a list of eight to 10 key skills. Focus on your top soft and hard skills for your resume, and give examples of how you’ve applied your skills in past jobs under your work history entries.
Use this chronological resume example skills section to understand how to list your skills:
Skills
- Medical administration
- Knowledge of HMOs and Medicare
- Electronic Medical Record (EMR) software
- Insurance and billing processes
- Patient services
- Verbal and written communication
- Multitasking
- Leadership
- Attention to detail
- Strong work ethic
Combination format resume skills list
Combination format: If you have years of experience in your field or are switching careers and want to display your most relevant skills alongside your experience, go with a combination resume.
This resume format blends a skills list (including a summary of qualifications, as seen in the example below) with work history details showing how you’ve applied your skills (similar to a chronological resume). It combines the chronological and functional resumes to emphasize your work experience and skills section of your resume in equal measure.
Look at this combination resume example’s skills section to see how skills are listed and organized.
Summary of Qualifications:
- Well-versed in records management and maintenance.
- Researches and resolves claims on time.
- Specializes in quality assurance and auditing.
Key Skills:
- Financial reporting
- Payment processing
- ERP software
- Completing insurance forms
- Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
- Account reviews and assessment
- Proficient in QuickBooks
- Attention to detail
- Verbal and written communication
- Project management
4. Show how you’ve used your skills in your work history.
Don’t limit your skills to just your resume skills section. Use examples in your work experience section to show how you’ve used your skills to accomplish a project or address a critical task. For example:
This work example demonstrates three good skills to put on a resume based on their experience: Microsoft Office knowledge, training and mentoring others, and facility for IT work.
Here’s another example:
This example shows that you know how to multitask (servicing a large team), and can handle administrative duties (such as phone call management), along with good communication abilities (receiving visitors and answering calls). All of these are excellent skills to put on a resume.
5. Select the best skills for your resume summary.
Your resume summary statement is the first thing recruiters should look at, so start it off with a bang by mentioning your top qualifications and resume skills. What’s the one trait or area of expertise you want employers to know most about? Mention it right off the bat in your summary. For example:
You’ve outlined your strengths in just a few sentences: office coordination, patient advocacy and a professional approach. Be sure to read the job description well to determine the best skills to put on a resume summary statement for the job you’re applying to.
6. Use a cover letter to highlight your skills.
Don’t just ask yourself, “What skills should I put on my resume?” but also consider what skills to include or expand upon in your cover letter.
Each paragraph of your cover letter should include job-relevant skills.
- In the introduction paragraph, include your strongest job-relevant skill.
“For the past six years, I have been working as a sales executive. Every year, I have leveraged my product knowledge, customer service skills and business acumen to exceed our sales goals by at least 8%, while also building strong relationships with clients to ensure their satisfaction and encourage referrals. I am excited about the possibility of joining your startup as a Sales Manager and contributing to its growth with a solid foundation.”
- In the body paragraphs, offer examples of your accomplishments to highlight.
Throughout my career, I have been committed to creating engaging and interactive learning environments that foster student growth and development. My teaching style is rooted in a student-centered approach that encourages critical thinking, active participation and collaborative learning. I am confident that my ability to assess student needs and differentiate instruction will enable me to create an inclusive classroom where all students can succeed.
- In the closing paragraph, reiterate your strongest skill and how it could be an asset to the potential employer.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I look forward to discussing how my collaboration and data analysis skills in Python can help your company stand out from its competitors.
If you’re unsure about how to choose your most marketable skills for a cover letter, our Cover Letter Builder can help you with this and all steps to create a compelling letter.
7. Mention your skills in your job interview.
What better time to give in-depth job skills examples than in a job interview? Here are some ways to do it when you’re talking to the recruiter or hiring manager:
- Describe when your active listening skills paid off: As mentioned above, active listening is a key soft skill, so demonstrate it here.
- Describe a moment when your coping skills were tested: An excellent example of succeeding under pressure will always impress an employer.
- Give an example of using research skills to solve a problem: Knowing how to find the correct answers is a valuable ability to put on a resume and explain during your job interview.
- Describe your leadership skills: Leadership ranks high as a soft skill for a resume, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve displayed it.
- Describe a time your leadership skills failed you: Failure isn’t a problem as long as you can prove you’ve learned something from it.
- Describe the skills you’ve learned from previous work: The ability to pick up on new skills is a skill.
How to learn skills for your resume
Hard skills are acquired through education and job experience.
- Experience — Every employment opportunity or volunteer experience will give you skills. For example, a cashier’s job will give you Point of Sales (POS) system skills, a role as a teacher’s aide will give you a background in Montessori, and working as a marketing assistant will help you highlight your SEM and SEO knowledge.
- Education — Learning from professionals who have experience in your field. Education encompasses the traditional school, trade school, colleges and also:
- Apprenticeships
- Certifications
- Trainings
- Workshops
- Conferences
Soft skills work differently as these are habits and innate behaviors. However, you can still learn soft skills through different methods.
- Self-evaluation — Consider what you need to work on as a person. Is your time management an issue? Could you improve as a team player? Be honest with yourself and research tips on how to improve your weaknesses.
- Work on your habits — How you manage your daily life has an effect on your work. After your self-evaluation, improve your daily work behaviors and slowly incorporate new ones.
- Requesting feedback — Ask a trusted colleague, manager or mentor about your work performance, where you succeed and what to improve. Create a plan to succeed in your improvements, and touch base with them every so often to reevaluate what’s working and what isn’t.
- Traditional learning resources — Find resources on your own or through your employer to improve your soft skills. Consider online courses, workshops provided by organizations and conferences tailored to the needs of your industry.
Top resume skills for popular industries
Accounting skills for a resume:
Soft skills:
- Attention to detail
- Organization
- Time management skills
- Critical thinking
Hard skills:
- CRM systems
- Knowledge of tax regulations
- Proficiency with specific software (e.g., Intuit QuickBooks Online, FreshBooks)
- Financial reporting and budgeting
Business Operations skills to list on a resume:
Soft skills:
- Communication
- Motivational
- Organizational abilities
- Problem-solving
Hard skills:
- Project management
- Negotiation skills
- Compliance and oversight
- Financial analysis and reporting
Computer Software skills for a resume:
Hard skills:
- AWS
- Project management
- Knowledge of programming languages (e.g., Java, Python)
- Software testing and debugging
Soft skills:
- Problem-solving
- Written and verbal communication
- Attention to detail
- Adaptability
Customer Service skills to add to a resume:
Soft skills:
- Communication
- Flexibility
- Positivity
- Active listening skills
Hard skills:
- Product/service knowledge
- Point of sale
- Customer management
- Digital awareness
Data Administration skills for resume:
Soft skills:
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Collaboration
Hard skills:
- Data collection and management
- Knowledge of database applications (e.g., DB2)
- Troubleshooting
- Database administration certification (e.g., Oracle MySQL)
Finance list of skills for a resume:
Soft skills:
- Analytical ability
- Communication
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
Hard skills:
- Financial reporting
- Data collection and management
- Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks)
- Project management
Fitness and Nutrition skills for a resume:
Soft skills:
- Motivation
- Patience
- Communication skills
- Empathy
Hard skills:
- Personal training techniques
- Knowledge of physiology
- Knowledge/certification in dietetics
- Assessing nutritional needs
Food Service job skills for a resume:
Soft skills:
- Multitasking
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Flexibility
Hard skills:
- Customer service
- Menu memorization
- Knowledge of food safety standards/procedures
- Inventory management
Health Care Support skills for a resume:
Soft skills:
- Excellent communication
- Attention to detail
- Empathy
- Adaptability
Hard skills:
- Analyzing medical information and data
- Certification in first aid/CPR
- Specialized medical knowledge (e.g., occupational therapy)
- Knowledge of regulatory practices
Hospitality skills and abilities for a resume:
Soft skills:
- Communication
- Multitasking
- Conflict resolution
- Teamwork
Hard skills:
- Customer service
- Human resource management
- Maintenance and cleaning
- Marketing skills
Human Resources special skills for a resume:
Soft skills:
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Multitasking
- Time management
Hard skills:
- Performance management
- Legal knowledge
- Project management
- Knowledge of HR-related software (e.g., BambooHR, OpenHR)
Information Technology list of skills for resume:
Soft skills:
- Organizational skills
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Critical thinking
Hard skills:
- Coding skills
- Computer networking
- Project management
- Troubleshooting
Inventory Management professional skills for a resume:
Soft skills:
- Verbal and written communication
- Organizational skills
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
Hard skills:
- Inventory control
- Warehouse operations
- Supply chain management
- Knowledge of inventory software (e.g., NetSuite)
Marketing skills to include on a resume:
Soft skills:
- Organizational skills
- Excellent time management
- Verbal and written communication
- Collaboration
Hard skills:
- Copywriting
- Social media
- Project and campaign management
- Data analysis
Medical skills to put on a resume:
Soft skills:
- Problem-solving
- Empathy
- Flexibility
- Interpersonal skills
Hard skills:
- Patient preparation
- Taking vital signs
- Administration
- Expertise in specific medical fields (e.g., phlebotomy)
Nursing skills for a resume:
Soft skills:
- Empathy
- Time management
- Communication
- Strong work ethic
Hard skills:
- Basic life support
- Patient records maintenance
- Critical care nursing
- EHR proficiency
Production key skills for a resume:
Soft skills:
- Dependability
- Strong work ethic
- Teamwork
- Attention to detail
Hard skills:
- Quality management
- Computer-automated technologies
- Knowledge of continuous improvement processes
- Internal purchasing
Sales top skills for a resume:
Soft skills:
- Communication
- Active listening
- Problem-solving
- Time management
Hard skills:
- Product knowledge
- Negotiation
- Prospecting
- Buyer research
Teaching good skills for a resume:
Soft skills:
- Patience
- Communication skills
- Conflict resolution
- Enthusiasm
Hard skills:
- Subject-matter expertise (e.g., social studies, science)
- Mentorship
- Creativity
- Lesson planning
Web Development work skills examples:
Soft skills:
- Verbal and written communication
- Analytical abilities
- Problem-solving
- Detail-oriented
Hard skills:
- Coding and programming skills (e.g., HTML/CSS, Java, Python)
- Knowledge of web platforms and browsers
- Testing and debugging
- Back-end or front-end knowledge
Top Skills for Resume Key Takeaways
- Choose a balanced mix of hard skills and soft skills for your resume.
- The skills must highlight your strength as a candidate and showcase your abilities to perform the job.
- The best skills for a resume are those presented in the job description and your strongest job-relevant skills.
- Choose a resume format that highlights your strengths as a candidate. Functional for entry level candidates, chronological when you have over ten years of experience, and combination when you have some experience or are changing industries.
- The professional summary will highlight your strongest job-relevant skill.
- Use the work history section to showcase how you used your skills and, if applicable, add numbers to create quantifiable achievements.
- The skills section should be a balanced mix of soft skills and hard skills.
- A cover letter will help you expand on your skills. Use storytelling to expand on accomplishments that use a mix of hard and soft skills.
- Prepare for your interview by practicing possible answers that include your skills and how you’ve successfully used them.
Top Skills for a Resume FAQ
What are the most important skills to include on a resume?
The most important skills in a resume will be your strongest skills and those that match the job description. The skills for a resume should be tailored to the needs of the industry and what you bring to the table as a candidate. A balanced mix of soft and hard skills will help highlight your strengths.
How can I make sure my resume highlights my skills?
If you are unsure what skills to put on a resume, use the resume format to your advantage by including your skills throughout the document.
- Use the professional summary to show your strongest skills and years of experience in the field.
- Highlight the skills from the job description that match your own in the skills section.
- The work experience section will include skills in the achievements section — use those bullet points underneath each position. You can show off your soft skills here through your accomplishments.
- The education and certifications sections will highlight your formal knowledge in your skills.
To maximize your resume and set you apart from other candidates, avoid repeating skills and research the potential employer to add a different skills set.
How can I show that I have transferable skills?
To showcase your transferable skills on your resume, focus on how you build your resume. Make sure every section is created to center on the skills you already have to offer.
- Choose a combination resume format. It focuses on your skills and downplays the lack of experience.
- Include your strongest job-relevant skills in your professional summary and that you’re changing industries.
- Highlight your soft skills in the skills section of your resume and include hard skills you can still use in this new position, for example, Microsoft Office, a programming language or data analysis.
- Use job-relevant achievements in your work experience section and include numbers to highlight your strength as a candidate.
- Build a cover letter to launch your new career by expanding on your skills, willingness to learn, and how skills from a different job experience can help you excel at this role.
How do I highlight my technical skills on a resume?
To highlight technical skills on your resume, divide the section into categories to showcase your knowledge and expertise. For example, if you’re on the technical side of the tech industry, divide your skills section into programming languages, networks, frameworks and others.
If the role benefits from your languages, separate them from the rest of the skills by creating a language section. For a candidate seeking a job as a chef, their skills section could be divided into their cooking techniques, meal planning, and so on.
What computer skills should I list on my resume?
Always match the skills from the job description to your own. If you are applying for a tech heavy role, divide your skills section into categories and include every skill that matches your own and those that could benefit the employer.
If the role does not require more than basic computer skills, include those used in the industry and skills you have expertise in.
For example,
- MS Office: Word, Excel, Outlook
- Social Media: Twitter, Mastodon, LinkedIn, Discord
- Graphic design: Illustrator, Photoshop, Canva
In your work experience, show quantifiable achievements that use your computer skills.
How can I show my soft skills on a resume?
When it comes to soft skills, showing, not telling works best. Use the work experience achievements to highlight your soft skills. It will help an employer see your skills and how you use them to successfully complete the job. When possible, use quantifiable achievements by adding numbers.
For example:
Led an 8-person team across three departments, coordinating a customer cross-selling project, which increased new revenue by 12%.
This example showcases your leadership, time management and mind mapping.
Another example:
Served events of 200+ guests maintaining ambience, cleanliness and timely food and drinks delivery.
In this example, you showcase your ability to prioritize, attention to detail, organization and customer service.
How can I differentiate my resume from other candidates?
A crucial step is to research the company. Use your research to build your resume and write your cover letter tailored to the role and industry. Your findings will help you create a document to showcase how your skills and experience are relevant to the job.
Don’t forget to:
- Choose the right resume format according to your years of experience.
- Select a resume template to showcase professionalism. When in doubt, keep it simple and let the content speak for itself.
- Match the job description to your skills and experience.
- Use a cover letter to expand on your interest in the role, your expertise and experience and, most importantly, to connect with the hiring manager.
What are some good skills for a resume if I have no experience?
When writing a resume with no experience, skills will be the center focus. Play up your soft skills, especially those the employer is seeking, and include any job-relevant hard skills, even if you don’t have much experience with them. Remember to always research the employer to learn more about the skills they want in their candidates to start your career the right way.
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How we reviewed this article
Since 2013, we have helped more than 15 million job seekers. We want to make your career journey accessible and manageable through our services and Career Center’s how-to guides and tips. In our commitment to bring you a transparent process, we present our Editorial Process.
Sources
- Human Resource Executive. Article. O’Brien, Michael J. Are Soft Skills More Important than the Right Qualifications?
- Brainscape. Article. The cognitive benefits of being multilingual
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Top Skills for a Resume (+ How to Write Skills on a Resume)
Nilda is a Certified Professional Resume Writer who has written for The Washington Post and Latina Style Magazine. She has a master's in Journalism from Columbia University and is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
