Top Skills to Put on a Resume in 2022
The resume skills section is more than just a list. It shows off your full repertoire of abilities, and when presented correctly, shows the employer that you have what it takes to succeed in the role.
To make sure you feature the skills that meet the demands of today’s top jobs and industries, pull from our extensively researched suggestions below, and follow our in-depth guide to write a resume with a skills section no hiring manager can turn down.
Table of Contents
Hard skills versus soft skills
The list of skills to put on a resume is long, and deciding which ones to highlight might be confusing. The general rule of thumb is that you should include a mix of hard and soft skills. But what’s the difference between them?
Hard Skills:
- Abilities you learn on the job (e.g., inventory management)
- Abilities that are 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:
- Abilities that show how you approach work (e.g., time management, attention to detail)
- Intangible or interpersonal abilities
- 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 your abilities in these areas in your resume. But don’t underestimate the power of including a good number of soft skills. Studies show that 75% of American employers are more likely to accept a candidate with the right soft skills and zero hard skills than the other way around.
Top skills for a resume
Based on our research into skill searches online, these are the most in-demand job skills in today’s job market. It’s important to note that the right skills for the job you’re applying for will come down to the employer’s requirements (but more on how to identify these skills later).
While reading our list of potential skills to put on your resume, note those that apply to you and use our Resume Builder to create the right skills section.
10 hard skills to put on your resume
1. Data analysis
The world runs on data and the ability to analyze it, draw intelligent conclusions from it, and use these conclusions to improve business operations. Important related resume skills include data visualization, programming skills, statistics knowledge and programming tools.
Related jobs: database developer, data analytics manager, data management analyst
2. Cybersecurity
Speaking of data, nothing is worse for a business than stolen data, and cybersecurity professionals are the first important line of defense. In addition to cybersecurity certifications, feature knowledge of security across different platforms, computer forensics skills, and risk identification and management.
Related jobs: cybersecurity specialist, information security manager
3. Programming
Programming skills are valuable for working with websites, internal networks, and mobile apps. Feature your knowledge of specific programming languages such as Java or HTML5 and your ability to work with databases in your resume skills section.
Related jobs: programmer, object-oriented programmer, mobile application developer
4. Marketing
Marketing helps businesses reach out to consumers and increase sales, subscriptions and overall engagement. Related job skills include search engine optimization (SEO), email and social media marketing, copywriting and Google Analytics.
Related jobs: media planner, campaign manager, communications specialist
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. Feature your skills in Microsoft Excel, big data analysis, QuickBooks and other accounting software.
Related jobs: accountant, external auditor, project accountant
6. Design
From multimedia to website layouts, companies have a high need for polished design work. Important skills to list on a resume include user experience (UX) design, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), typography and photo editing.
Related jobs: graphic designer, freelance graphic designer
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. Highlight any job skills you have in content strategy and management, editing, business report and proposal writing, and creative storytelling.
Related jobs: editor, technical writer, copywriter
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 list on a resume for this career include cloud architecture, networking, cloud middleware technologies and data management.
Related jobs: cloud computing engineer, Salesforce developer
9. Specialized machinery
Whether it’s being licensed to drive large transport vehicles or operating heavy equipment such as a backhoe or forklift, having training or certification in machinery operation can open the door to jobs in many industries, from inventory to construction.
Related jobs: certified crane operator, truck driver, class B CDL driver
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.
Related jobs: translator, teacher, customer service representative
10 soft skills to put on your resume
1. Communication
Whether it’s assisting a customer or interacting with your team members, employers count good communication skills as a prerequisite for most jobs. 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 skill for most job seekers. Provide some 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 adapt to sudden changes by providing work experience examples that describe a time you handled an unforeseen change of plans.
5. Leadership
One of the surest ways to rise in your career is to demonstrate a talent for leading others towards success, whether 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 abilities in these areas.
6. Self-motivated
An employee who can be successful without the need for constant guidance and direction will cause fewer headaches for an employer. Give examples in your resume in which you could carry out tasks and projects without close management or even had a hand in creating your projects.
7. Active listening
Being able to focus when interacting with and getting instructions from others will help you better connect with colleagues and clients and pinpoint work problems and solutions much more quickly.
8. Critical thinking
Employers don’t want automatons — they want employees who can make reasoned choices and adjustments, depending on the situation. Show you’re good with critical thinking by giving examples of where 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, goal-oriented approach is a useful asset. Important skills for a resume that fall under this category include facilitation, mediation and active listening.
10. Organization
Keeping a firm handle on all your duties and turning chaos into order is a key job skill, especially for jobs that call for 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.
5 steps to identify good skills for your resume
Being prepared will save you time. Follow our tips to organize your skills and have everything ready before writing your resume skills section.
1. Review the job posting and pick out skills.
Read the job description thoroughly to understand what the employer is looking for, and make a note of key skills. This can include personal qualities such as being a team player, problem-solver, or excellent communicator, and required skills like Photoshop, AutoCAD or budgeting, depending on the job and industry. You can also go to the company’s website to learn more about its mission and goals, and match them with your skills.
2. Pinpoint skills that are valuable for your profession.
In addition to researching the specific job posting and the company, take some time to research other postings for similar jobs. You’ll likely find some skills for your resume that all of these jobs have in common. For example, if you’re looking at a teaching position, you’ll find phrases such as “problem-solving,” “solution-oriented” or “good judgment” across several teacher job postings. Make sure you find some space in your resume for these skills.
3. Make a list of your skills.
Put down skills that you’ve trained for (e.g., earning a first aid certification or completing a course in project management) and you’ve learned on previous jobs or through extracurricular activities or volunteer work. If you’re having trouble coming up with skills, use this method:
- Think of particular tasks or challenges you’ve faced.
- Think of actions you took to solve these tasks.
- What were the traits or knowledge you needed when you took action?
For example, if you’ve worked in retail and dealt with dissatisfied customers, you can include “conflict resolution,” “communication” and “customer service” in your repertoire of skills.
4. Match your skill set to the job.
Once you’ve got a good handle on your skills and what the company needs, create a master list of the 10 most important hard skills and soft skills. You can circle or highlight the skills you possess that align with the job requirements.
5. Focus on your relevant skills.
Not every skill you possess needs to be — or should be — listed in your resume skills section. Include only the ones that directly impact the job you’re applying for and will help you look like the best candidate for the role.
How to write skills on your resume (with examples)
1. Choose the right resume format.
There are three standard resume formats: chronological, combination and functional. They organize your information differently, so while they generally have the same key elements, they’re not interchangeable. Choosing the right format for you will come down to your years of experience and skills.
The functional resume format is an excellent ally of first-time job seekers or people with less than two years of experience. This format shifts most of its focus to your skills and abilities, highlighting everything you’re capable of doing for the employer despite your lack of work experience.
The functional format also features other sections where you can expand on your job skills and qualifications.
If you have extensive experience in the career field you’re interested in, go with a chronological resume format, which focuses on your work history and a list of key job skills. Focus on your top 8-10 soft and hard skills for the skills section, and give examples of how you’ve deployed your skills in past jobs.
As the name suggests, the combination resume format — also known as the hybrid resume — is the best of both worlds and best suited for mid-level job seekers with a couple years of experience. It combines the chronological and functional resumes to put equal emphasis on your work experience and skill set.
Top skills for popular industries
Looking for more skills to put on your resume? Use some of these top attributes for top industries, based on our research.
Accounting skills for a resume:
- Attention to detail
- Analytical skills
- Organization
- Spreadsheet proficiency
- CRM systems
- Knowledge of tax regulations
- Proficiency with specific software (e.g., Intuit QuickBooks Online, FreshBooks)
- Financial reporting and budgeting
Business operations skills for a resume:
- Communication
- Customer service
- Motivational and leadership skills
- Project management
- Negotiation skills
- Compliance and oversight
- Organizational abilities
- Financial analysis and reporting
Computer software skills for a resume:
- Presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Keynote)
- AWS
- Project management
- Knowledge of programming languages (e.g., Java, Python)
- Software testing and debugging
- Problem-solving
- Written and verbal communication
- Attention to detail
Customer service skills for a resume:
- Communication
- Flexibility
- Product/service knowledge
- Conflict resolution
- Positivity
- Active listening skills
- Organizational abilities
- Efficiency
Data administration skills for a resume:
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Data collection and management
- Knowledge of database applications (e.g., DB2)
- Troubleshooting
- Collaboration
- Database administration certification (e.g., Oracle MySQL)
Finance skills for a resume:
- Analytical ability
- Communication
- Financial reporting
- Data collection and management
- Attention to detail
- Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks)
- Problem-solving
- Project management
Fitness and nutrition skills for a resume:
- Motivation
- Patience
- Communication skills
- Personal training techniques
- Knowledge of physiology
- Coaching
- Knowledge/certification in dietetics
- Assessing nutritional needs
Food service skills for a resume:
- Customer service
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Knowledge of food safety standards/procedures
- Flexibility
- Inventory management
Health care support skills for a resume:
- Communication
- Attention to detail
- Analyzing medical information and data
- Empathy
- Teamwork
- Flexibility
- Certification in first aid/CPR
- Specialized medical knowledge (e.g., occupational therapy)
Hospitality skills for a resume:
- Customer service
- Communication
- Multitasking
- Attention to detail
- Maintenance and cleaning
- Conflict resolution
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
Human resources skills for a resume:
- Performance management
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Attention to detail
- Project management
- Training
- Multitasking
- Knowledge of HR-related software (e.g., BambooHR, OpenHR)
Information technology skills for a resume:
- Organizational skills
- Problem-solving
- Coding skills
- Computer networking
- Project management
- Analytical abilities
- Troubleshooting
- Attention to detail
Inventory management skills for a resume:
- Verbal and written communication
- Organizational skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Multitasking
- Knowledge of inventory software (e.g., NetSuite)
Marketing skills for a resume:
- Creativity
- Copywriting
- Social media
- Project and campaign management
- Organizational skills
- Knowledge of design and design software
- Data analysis
- Storytelling
Medical skills for a resume:
- Interpersonal skills
- Stress management
- Attention to detail
- Administration
- Problem-solving
- Expertise in specific medical fields (e.g., phlebotomy)
- Empathy
- Flexibility
Nursing skills for a resume:
- Empathy
- Time management
- Communication
- Attention to detail
- Flexibility
- Patient records maintenance
- Strong work ethic
- Teamwork
Production skills for a resume:
- Quality management
- Dependability
- Strong work ethic
- Quality management
- Teamwork
- Computer-automated technologies
- Knowledge of continuous improvement processes
- Communication skills
Sales skills for a resume:
- Product knowledge
- Communication
- Active listening
- Problem-solving
- Negotiation
- Time management
- Prospecting
- Buyer research
Teaching skills for a resume:
- Subject matter expertise (e.g., social studies, science)
- Patience
- Communication skills
- Mentorship
- Creativity
- Enthusiasm
- Conflict resolution
- Time management
Web development skills for a resume:
- Verbal and written communication
- Coding skills (e.g., HTML/CSS)
- Analytical abilities
- Knowledge of web platforms and browsers
- Testing and debugging
- Problem-solving
- Back-end and programming knowledge (e.g., Java, Python)
- Detail-oriented
Resume examples to get inspired
We have an extensive library of resume examples created with our professional resume templates that you can use as a base to write yours. Search for examples with the same or a similar job title and in the same industry. They will help you see how you can present your skills and other key sections of your resume.
Entry-level resume example
Mid-level resume example
Experienced professional resume example
Use a cover letter to expand on your skills
When you create a cover letter to accompany your resume, it’s an opportunity to provide more detail on specific job skills that are important to the company and how you’ve used them. See our article on How to Write a Cover Letter to see the many ways you can highlight your top skills in your letter (and all the other benefits of a cover letter).
We also have cover letter examples for different industries and unique job scenarios created with our expertly-designed cover letter templates. Once you find one you like, you can use our Cover Letter Builder to create your letter.
Rate this article
Maria Correa
Career Advice Expert
Maria Correa is a content writer at My Perfect Resume. She has a background in marketing, digital content creation and creative writing. Maria is passionate about creating compelling content and making information accessible to a wide range of audiences. She holds a B.S. in English Literature from the University of…
More Articles by Maria Correa
