what to put on resume for technical skills

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.

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‍ 10 Categories of Technical Skills (with Over 50 Examples)

Below we have defined 10 different categories of technical skills.

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

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

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

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

1) Programming

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

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

Examples of technical skills for programming include:

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

2) Digital Design

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

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

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

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

3) Marketing Strategy

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

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

Technical marketing skills employers look for include:

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

4) Copywriting

Writing is a vital part of any business.

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

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

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

5) Computer Programs & Software

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

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

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

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

‍ 6) Social Media

Social media has become a driving factor for online engagement.

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

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

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

7) Accounting

Accounting is a foundational component of businesses.

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

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

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

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

8) Data Analysis

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

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

Examples of technical skills within data analysis include:

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

9) Medicine & Healthcare

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

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

Here are five technical skill examples for healthcare:

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

10) Management

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

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

Here are five final technical skills for management:

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

Bonus Skills: 5 Productivity Software to Learn

Nowadays, a fair amount of business happens online.

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

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

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

Here are 5 key productivity software to familiarize yourself with 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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

• What are technical skills?

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

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

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

Browse our gallery of resume examples here.

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

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

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

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

Browse our gallery of resume templates here.

• Displaying your technical skills

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

1: Create a skills section (or two)

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

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

2: Choose your most relevant and impressive technical skills

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

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

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

3: List your technical skills

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

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

Technical Skills

• Illustrator

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

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

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

4: Show your skills throughout the resume

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

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

• Technical skills examples for your resume

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

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

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

Programming technical skills examples for resumes

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

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

Digital marketing technical skills examples for resumes

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

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

Data analysis technical skills examples for resumes

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

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

Project management technical skills examples for resumes

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

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

Technical writing technical skills examples for resumes

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

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

Healthcare technical skills examples for resume writing

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

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

Product management technical skills examples for resumes

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

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

Design technical skills examples for resume success

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

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

Research technical skills examples for your resume

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

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

Troubleshooting technical skills examples for resumes

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

• System knowledge
• Communication

Video technical skills examples for resumes

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

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

Computer science technical skills examples for resume writing

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

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

Engineering technical skills examples for resumes

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

• Structural Analysis

Journalism technical skills examples for resume writing

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

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

Logistics technical skills examples for resume writing

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

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

Administration technical skills examples for resume success

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

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

Architecture technical skills examples for resume writing

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

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

Help desk technical skills examples for your resume

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

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

Information security technical skills examples for your resume

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

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

Content management technical skills examples for your resume

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

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

Sales technical skills examples for your resume

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

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

Accounting technical skills examples for resumes

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

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

Warehouse technical skills examples for resume success

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

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

Retail technical skills examples for your resume

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

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

Ecommerce technical skills examples for resume writing

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

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

Welding technical skills examples for resumes

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

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

Secretary technical skills examples for resumes

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

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

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

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

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

• How do you Describe Technical Skills?

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

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

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Ben is a writer, customer success manager and CV writing expert with over 5 years of experience helping job-seekers create their best careers. He believes in the importance of a great resume summary and the power of coffee.

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Our 2023 Free Resume Writing Guide is filled with quality job search tips, resume examples and information you need to know before writing your resume or CV.

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A guide to what personal information to include in your CV, no matter where you are applying for a job.

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99 Popular Technical Skills for Your Resume: Insights for 2024

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

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In This Guide:

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

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

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

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

In this article, you’ll learn:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top Technical Skills for 2022

• Google Analytics

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

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

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

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

Web development skills

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

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

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

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

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

User Experience (UX)

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

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

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

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

User Interface (UI)

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

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

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

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

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

Frontend Programming (Coding) Languages

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

Those would vary from HTML, CSS, etc.

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

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

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

Graphic design software

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

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

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

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

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

Backend Programming (Coding) Languages

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

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

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

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

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

Sql and .net

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

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

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

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

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

Programming languages

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Include Python in your experience section as so:

Used Python to successfully develop 16 different projects in fintech

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

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

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

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

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

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

PowerShell is a scripting language used to automate management systems.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Network Security

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

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

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

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

Networking product vendors

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

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

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

Set up, maintained, and upgraded 15 Cisco routers

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

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

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

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

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

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

Penetration and vulnerability testing

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

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

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

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

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

Networking hardware

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

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

This would ideally fit your summary section as so:

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

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

Ethical hacking

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

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

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

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

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

Ecommerce platforms

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

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

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

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

Copywriting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Google analytics

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

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

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

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

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

Inventory Management

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It could be part of the experience section:

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

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

Data science

Data management.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Machine learning

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

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

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

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

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

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

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

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

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

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

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

Data modeling

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

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

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

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

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

Software engineering

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Project management

Microsoft project.".

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Integration

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

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

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

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

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

Report writing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Administration technical skills

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Business analysis technical skills

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sales technical skills

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marketing technical skills

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

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

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

• Adobe Premiere and Photoshop

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

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

Non-IT engineering technical skills

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

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

• Quality control
• Troubleshooting

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

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

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

Finance technical skills

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

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

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

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

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

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

Accounting technical skills

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

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

Apart from Quickbooks and Excel, you can include:

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

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

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

Healthcare technical skills

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

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

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

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

Assisted 600+ patients in scheduling their appointments and medical billing

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

Manufacturing technical skills

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

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

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

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

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

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

Make sure the skills you list are relevant to the position

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

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

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

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

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

Provide concrete examples with numbers

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

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

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

Be specific

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

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

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

In the header section of your resume

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

This is a mistake you should avoid.

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

Check out our example below:

Communicating your technical skills in the summary section

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

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

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

Showcasing your technical resume skills in your experience bullet points

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About this report:

Data reflects analysis made on over 1M resume profiles and examples over the last 2 years from Enhancv.com.

While those skills are most commonly met on resumes, you should only use them as inspiration and customize your resume for the given job.

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105 Technical Skills to Power Up Your Resume

Last Updated on January 27, 2024 by Milton Campbell

Need to elevate your resume to the next level? This comprehensive guide discusses which technical skills are vital to list on your resume. We’ll dive into the different types of skills, give you examples, and explain how they can enhance your resume’s attractiveness to potential employers. Read on and learn how to stand out among the competition!

What is a Technical Skill for a Resume?

Technical skills are the abilities and knowledge needed to perform specific tasks. They’re practical and are often associated with mechanical, IT, mathematical, or scientific tasks. A technical skill for a resume may include computer skills, programming skills, and technical knowledge, among others.

Including technical skills on your resume is crucial as it demonstrates to the hiring manager your competence in the necessary hard skills for the job. These might encompass skills like project management , specific technical skills related to your job, or even new technical competencies you recently acquired. These technical skills may require formal education or online learning to acquire. The fact that technical skills can be learned and improved upon makes your resume more dynamic and attractive to potential employers.

What Are the Best Technical Skills to Put on a Resume?

Here are 105 technical skills categorized into various fields to give you a comprehensive list suitable for a wide range of job applications:

Programming Languages & Frameworks

• HTML : The language used to create the layout and structure of websites.
• CSS : Stylesheet language for designing the appearance of web pages.
• JavaScript : Essential scripting language for web development, enabling dynamic content.
• Python : A versatile, high-level programming language used for web development, data analysis, machine learning, and more.
• C++ : A general-purpose programming language with a performance emphasis, used in applications ranging from video games to embedded systems.
• Java : A popular, object-oriented programming language for building enterprise-scale applications.
• C# : A powerful language developed by Microsoft, used for creating Windows applications and game development with Unity.
• Ruby : A dynamic, object-oriented scripting language for web application development, popular for the Rails framework.
• PHP : A widely used server-side scripting language for web development.
• Swift : A modern programming language developed by Apple for crafting apps on iOS, macOS, and other platforms.
• Kotlin : A statically-typed programming language used for Android app development.
• R : A language and environment for statistical computing and graphics, popular in data analysis.
• Go : A statically-typed, compiled language developed by Google, known for its simplicity and strong support for concurrent programming.
• Angular : A popular framework for building dynamic, responsive web applications using TypeScript.
• React : A JavaScript library developed by Facebook for building user interfaces.
• Vue.js : A progressive JavaScript framework for building user interfaces in web applications.
• Django : A high-level Python web framework that promotes rapid development and clean, pragmatic design.
• ASP.NET : An open-source server-side web application framework designed for web development using .NET.

Design & Creativity

• UI Design : Developing visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces for software applications.
• UX Design : Crafting seamless user experiences by focusing on usability and user satisfaction.
• Graphic Design : Creating visual content using design software like Adobe Creative Suite.
• CAD : Mastery of Computer-Aided Design software used for engineering, architecture, and product design.
• Photoshop : Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, a leading photo editing software.
• Illustrator : Competency in Adobe Illustrator, a popular vector graphics editor.
• Indesign : Adobe InDesign expertise for creating print and digital layouts, such as brochures, eBooks, and magazines.
• Video Editing : Skills in video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.
• 3D Modeling : The ability to create three-dimensional representations of objects using software like Blender or Autodesk Maya.
• Animation : Expertise in producing animated content through software like Adobe Animate or Toon Boom Harmony.
• Infographics Design : Visual representation of information or data, e.g., by using Adobe Illustrator.
• Storyboards Creation : Designing a sequence of drawings that define the sequence of a story.
• Sketch : A vector-based digital design tool.
• Figma : A cloud-based design tool useful for collaborative interface design.
• 3D Animation : Creating moving images in a three-dimensional digital environment.
• After Effects : Adobe’s tool for creating motion graphics and visual effects in post-production process.

Data Analysis & Visualization

• Statistical Analysis : Leveraging statistical methods to make data-driven decisions.
• Data Visualization : Displaying complex data in a visually appealing and easily digestible format using tools like Tableau.
• Machine Learning : Familiarity with algorithms and statistical models that enable machines to improve their performance over time.
• Artificial Intelligence : Frameworks and technologies for creating intelligent systems capable of learning and problem-solving.
• Natural Language Processing : Techniques to enable machines to understand, interpret, and respond to human language.
• Deep Learning : Neural networks and algorithms that facilitate advanced machine learning capabilities.
• Data Mining : Extracting and analyzing patterns from large datasets.
• Database Management : Ensuring data integrity, backup, and access through systems like Oracle and MySQL.
• Big Data : Managing and processing large sets of data using frameworks such as Hadoop or Spark.
• Excel : Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data management, calculations, and visualization.
• Data Cleaning : The process of detecting and correcting (or removing) corrupt or inaccurate records from a record set or database.
• Data Modeling : Creating a data model for an information system by applying formal data modeling techniques.
• SAS : A software suite used for advanced analytics, business intelligence, and data management.
• SSAS (SQL Server Analysis Services) : MS SQL’s tool to implement data warehousing solutions.
• PowerBI : Microsoft’s suite of business analytics tools delivering insights throughout your organization.
• QlikView/Qlik Sense : Business Intelligence (BI) data discovery product that is used to create guided analytics applications as well as dashboards custom-made for business challenges.

IT & Cybersecurity

• Networking : Setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting of computer networks.
• Network Security : Protecting the network infrastructure and its data from unauthorized access or attacks.
• Cloud Management : Administration and monitoring of data operations on cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure.
• Cybersecurity : Securing information systems, networks, and critical data from potential threats.
• Encryption : Understanding and applying encryption techniques to protect sensitive data.
• System Administration : Management, maintenance, and monitoring of computer systems and servers.
• Technical Support : Diagnosing and resolving hardware, software, and network issues for users.
• Virtualization : Installation, configuration, and management of virtual machines and environments.
• Penetration Testing : Evaluating and probing computer systems for potential vulnerabilities.
• Incident Management : An organized approach to dealing with unplanned interruptions to an IT service or reductions in the quality of an IT service.
• Identity and Access Management (IAM) : The security and business processes that enable the right individuals to access the right resources at the right times for the right reasons.
• Disaster Recovery Planning : A documented strategy containing steps to rapidly recover IT infrastructure following a disaster.
• Firewall Administration : Maintaining firewall infrastructure to prevent unauthorized access to data.

Project Management & Collaboration Tools

• Project Management : Organizing and managing resources, timelines, and deliverables for successful project completion.
• Agile Methodologies : Applying iterative work cycles for efficient software development and project management.
• Scrum : Using Scrum framework to enhance team collaboration, communication, and productivity in Agile projects.
• Lean Six Sigma : Applying Lean Six Sigma methodology to optimize project efficiency and quality.
• Microsoft Project : Proficiency in using Microsoft Project for project planning, scheduling, and management.
• Trello : Using Trello for visual project management and team collaboration.
• Asana : Organizing and managing projects effectively using Asana.
• Slack : Proficient in using Slack for internal team communication and collaboration.
• Microsoft Teams : Experienced in using Microsoft Teams for chat, collaboration, and video conferencing.
• Zoom : Effectively managing meetings and webinars using Zoom.
• Basecamp : Using Basecamp for managing projects and organizing communication.
• Jira : A proprietary issue tracking product developed by Atlassian for bug tracking, issue tracking, and project management.
• Confluence : Atlassian’s content collaboration tool that helps teams collaborate and share knowledge.
• Microsoft OneNote : A program for free-form information gathering and multi-user collaboration.
• Zendesk : A customer service software and support ticketing system.

Marketing & Sales

• SEO : Optimizing websites for higher search engine rankings and visibility.
• SEM : Advertising and marketing on search engines like Google and Bing.
• Content Marketing : Creating and distributing valuable content to attract an audience.
• Google Ads : Skilled in managing and optimizing advertising campaigns on Google Ads.
• Social Media Marketing : Leveraging social media platforms to promote brands and engage with potential customers.
• Email Marketing : Designing and deploying targeted email campaigns using tools like Mailchimp or Constant Contact.
• Affiliate Marketing : Building partnerships and earning commission on sales or leads generated through referrals.
• Conversion Rate Optimization : Improving the percentage of visitors to a website that converts into customers.
• Inbound Marketing : Attracting potential customers through content creation and engaging strategies.
• CRM : Proficiency with Customer Relationship Management software like Salesforce or HubSpot for managing customer interactions.
• Brand Development : The process of creating and strengthening your professional services brand.
• Digital Marketing : Marketing that utilizes internet and online based digital technologies.
• Google Analytics : A web analytics service offered by Google that tracks and reports website traffic.
• A/B Testing : The practice of comparing two versions of a web page or other user experience to determine which one performs better.
• Google Search Console : A free service offered by Google that helps you monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot your site’s presence in Google Search results.

Miscellaneous Technical Skills

• Touch Typing : the ability to type quickly and accurately without looking at the keyboard.
• Blockchain : Knowledge of blockchain technology and its applications such as cryptocurrency.
• API Development : Designing, implementing, and maintaining APIs for software integration and communication.
• Git : Version control and collaboration on coding projects using Git.
• WordPress : Creating and managing websites using the WordPress platform.
• E-commerce : Running an online store, including digital marketing, inventory management, and customer service.
• Docker : Deployment and management of containerized applications using Docker.
• Responsive Design : An approach to design that ensures web pages render well on different devices and window or screen sizes.
• Cross-Browser Compatibility : The ability for a website, web application, HTML construct or client-side script to function among different web browsers.
• Web Accessibility (WCAG & ADA) : Making web content accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities.
• Moodle : Open source learning platform designed to provide educators, administrators and learners with a single robust, secure and integrated system.
• Linux System Administration : Basic knowledge of Linux systems such as Ubuntu, CentOS, or Debian.

This extensive list should help you tailor your resume to showcase your skills in various domains. Be sure to include the most relevant skills depending on the job to which you’re applying.

In the ever-changing job market, professional growth is often synonymous with keeping your technical know-how fresh and relevant. Regardless of your career field, listing these skills can make your resume shine and open up numerous possibilities.

Highlighting Your Technical Skills in a Resume

Emphasizing your technical skills is an essential part of creating a standout resume. Here’s how to ensure your technical competencies shine:

Include Them in Your Resume Objective or Summary

Your resume summary or objective is often the initial section employers look at. Highlight your key technical skills while also giving a snapshot of your career accomplishments.

Example: “A results-driven software engineer with expertise in Java, Spring Boot, and microservices architecture. Proven track record of developing robust and maintainable code for diverse industry applications.”

Create a Specific Section for Technical Skills

Having a separate ‘Technical Skills’ part on your resume provides an easily referable point for employers. Maintain a checklist of your main technical skills that fit the job requirements.

Example: “Technical Skills: Programming Languages: Java, Python, C++ Database Management: SQL, MongoDB Web Development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Angular.js”

Mention Them in Your ‘Work Experience’ Section

Within the ‘Work Experience’ section, enumerate your tasks and demonstrate the application of your technical skills in these tasks. This can provide real-world proof of your abilities.

Example: “Software Developer | XYZ Company | 2016 – Present Developed data-driven web applications using Java and Angular.js, significantly improving user engagement. Optimized database queries using SQL, enhancing system performance and speed.”

Display Them in Your Education Section

If you’re freshly out of school, the ‘Education’ section is where you can demonstrate the technical skills you earned. Discuss coursework, projects, or specializations that developed these skills.

Example: “Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | ABC University | 2012 – 2016 Used C++ and Python in several machine-learning-related coursework and projects. Developed a responsive web application as part of a team project using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.”

List Relevant Certificates

Adding certifications that you’ve earned gives your resume added credibility. Listing such credentials exhibits your motivation to learn and update your skill set.

Example: “Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Certified AWS Solutions Architect – Associate”

Remember, customizing your resume for specific job listings, and focusing on the most relevant technical skills can boost your chances of landing the interview .

How to Improve Your Technical Skills?

Enhancing your technical skills is an essential step in staying competitive in today’s digital-centric job market . Here are various strategies you can employ to hone your technical skills:

Online Courses

Numerous digital platforms offer a range of courses in various technical disciplines. Websites like Coursera , Udemy , and Khan Academy provide classes across different proficiency levels, letting you pick the intensity of your learning pace. Many of these courses also feature verification of your skills with tests, offering digital certificates upon completion.

Attend Workshops and Seminars

Participating actively in workshops and seminars can support your learning process. These gatherings provide hands-on experience and networking opportunities with industry professionals. Participating in industry conferences can also be beneficial as they provide insights into the latest technologies, tools, and best practices.

Practice Regularly

The principle ‘practice makes perfect’ holds true – consistent hands-on practice is vital for mastering technical skills. For instance, if you’re learning a new programming language, try to code daily. Daily use of a new tool or software will imprint its functions and applications in your mind.

Work on Real Projects

Applying your new skills to real-world projects allows you to put your new knowledge into practice and acquire on-the-job experience. The challenges you encounter and overcome while working on projects can improve your problem-solving skills. Open-source projects or freelance work can provide solid starting points.

Read Technical Books and Blogs

Stay current with the latest advancements and trends in your field by engaging with technical literature – books, blogs, and articles. Many authors provide valuable insights, and tips, and share their experiences, augmenting your practical knowledge and keeping you up-to-date in your domain.

Join a Study Group or Online Community

Collaborating within a study group or participating in an online community can facilitate mutual learning and discussion. Such communities provide diverse views, help resolve doubts, and encourage knowledge sharing . Platforms such as Stack Overflow or GitHub can connect you with industry peers and fellow learners.

Gain Certifications

Getting certified in a field can effectively demonstrate your competency in new technical skills and enhance existing ones. Certifications serve as proof of your expertise and can convey a sense of dedication and determination, giving you an edge over counterparts during job applications, or even promotions.

Remember, professional development via continual learning not only improves your job prospects but also nurtures your problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Technology is constantly evolving, and lifelong learning is crucial to adapt to this changing landscape. Each skill you learn can unlock new potential opportunities.

Key Points to Remember:

• Understanding Skills : Knowing the difference between hard and soft skills can help you categorize your abilities accurately.
• Highlighting Skills : Don’t just list skills, highlight them. Demonstrate how you’ve applied these in previous roles.
• Choosing Relevant Skills : The best technical skills to put on a resume depend on the job you’re applying for. Make sure you pick relevant ones.
• Skills Section : Allocate a dedicated section for your technical skills on your resume.
• Continuous Learning : Always aim to improve your technical skills as it is a significant aspect of career development .
• Professional Presentation : Use professional resume templates to efficiently present your technical skillsets.
• Stay Updated : Know the demands of your industry and keep your technical skills up-to-date.

Employers today require technical skills. Whether you’re crafting your first resume or updating an existing one, this detailed guide should give you the confidence to include, highlight, and keep updating your technical skills.

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Top Technical Skills for Resume

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, it’s more important than ever to showcase your technical skills on your resume. With technology playing a crucial role in many industries, demonstrating your technical expertise and proficiency can help you stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of landing your dream job. In fact, according to a report by PWC , 85% of all jobs will require technical skills by 2023.

However, many job seekers struggle with how to effectively communicate their technical skills on their resume. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this blog post will provide tips and best practices for including technical skills in your resume to showcase your expertise and help you secure your next job.

Table of Contents

What Are Technical Skills?

Technical skills are the abilities, knowledge, or expertise required to perform specific tasks or job functions related to a particular field or industry. These skills are usually learned through education, training, or work experience and are used to carry out tasks such as operating equipment, programming, designing, or troubleshooting.

Examples of technical skills can include proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++, proficiency in operating systems like Windows or macOS, experience with database management systems, familiarity with CAD software, knowledge of network security protocols, or proficiency in using data analytics tools.

Top 10 Technical Skills

Here are the top 10 technical skills that are in high demand and can make your resume stand out:

Cloud computing: Proficiency in cloud-based technologies such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is highly sought after.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning: Knowledge of algorithms, data structures, and programming languages used in AI and ML is in high demand.

Programming languages: Proficiency in popular programming languages such as Java, Python, and C++ is essential for many technical roles.

Cybersecurity: Understanding of security principles, risk management, and experience with security tools is essential in many industries.

Big data: Knowledge of big data processing tools and platforms such as Hadoop, Spark, and NoSQL databases is in high demand.

DevOps: Experience with DevOps practices and tools, such as continuous integration and deployment, automation, and containerization, is becoming increasingly important.

Network and information security: Understanding of network security protocols, firewalls, and experience with security tools is highly sought after.

Database management: Knowledge of database management systems such as MySQL, Oracle, and MongoDB is essential for many technical roles.

Project management: Familiarity with project management methodologies, such as Agile and Scrum, and tools, such as Jira and Trello, is important for many technical roles.

Mobile development: Proficiency in mobile development platforms and programming languages, such as iOS and Android, is becoming increasingly important in many industries.

It is important to note that the most in-demand technical skills may change over time, depending on industry trends and advancements in technology.

Examples of Technical Skills for a Resume

IT (Information Technology) skills refer to a broad set of competencies and abilities required for designing, developing, managing, and maintaining information technology systems and applications. These skills may include the following:

• Operating systems: Windows, Linux, macOS, Unix
• Networking: TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, LAN, WAN, VPN
• Cloud computing: AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform
• Virtualization: VMware, Hyper-V, Citrix
• Storage: SAN, NAS, RAID
• Programming languages: Java, Python, C++, PHP, JavaScript, HTML, CSS
• Database management: MySQL, Oracle, SQL Server, MongoDB
• Cybersecurity: Firewalls, intrusion detection, encryption, security protocols
• Mobile development: iOS, Android, React Native, Xamarin
• Web development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Angular, Vue.js
• Project management: Agile, Scrum, PMP, Jira, Trello
• Software development: Git, SVN, Continuous Integration, Continuous Deployment
• IT support: Helpdesk, troubleshooting, hardware repair, software installation
• Technical writing: User manuals, technical reports, documentation
• Data analysis: SQL, Excel, Tableau, PowerBI, R, Python

Administration

Administration skills refer to the abilities and knowledge needed to effectively manage and coordinate various administrative tasks and functions in an organization. Here are some examples of technical administration skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Experience using office equipment such as fax, printer, scanner, etc.
• Knowledge of database management software such as Salesforce or Oracle
• Familiarity with project management tools such as Asana or Trello
• Experience with v ideo conferencing software such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams
• Ability to create and edit PDF files using Adobe Acrobat or similar software
• Knowledge of cloud-based storage solutions such as Dropbox or Google Drive
• Familiarity with social media platforms and scheduling tools such as Hootsuite or Buffer
• Strong typing skills and experience with data entry software such as Salesforce or QuickBooks

Accounting skills refer to the abilities and knowledge needed to effectively manage and analyze financial transactions, maintain financial records, and produce financial reports. Here are some examples of technical accounting skills:

• Financial reporting: Preparation of financial statements, income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements
• Budgeting and forecasting: Development and management of budgets, forecasting of future financial performance
• Accounts payable and receivable: Management of accounts payable and accounts receivable, including invoicing, payment processing, and collections
• Payroll administration: Management of payroll, including calculation of taxes and employee benefits, and preparation of payroll reports
• Bookkeeping: Recording of financial transactions, maintaining accurate financial records, and reconciliation of bank statements
• Auditing: Internal and external auditing, financial statement audits, and compliance audits
• Tax preparation: Preparation of tax returns, tax planning, and tax compliance
• Cost accounting: Calculation of cost of goods sold, product costs, and cost-benefit analysis
• Financial analysis : Analysis of financial data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement
• Accounting software: Proficiency in accounting software such as QuickBooks, Xero, and MYOB
• GAAP and IFRS: Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
• Financial modeling: Creation of financial models for forecasting and decision making
• Banking and treasury management: Cash management, investment management, and bank reconciliation
• Regulatory compliance: Knowledge of accounting regulations, such as SEC and Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and experience with compliance reporting

Project Management

Project management skills refer to the abilities and knowledge needed to effectively plan, execute, and close projects within budget and time constraints. Here are some examples of technical project management skills:

• Project management methodologies: Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, etc.
• Project management tools: Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello, Jira, etc.
• Continuous improvement methodologies: Lean, Six Sigma, etc.
• Budgeting and financial management
• Resource allocation and scheduling
• Risk management and mitigation strategies
• Change management processes
• Quality control and assurance methodologies
• Requirements gathering and analysis
• Stakeholder management and communication
• Collaboration and team management software: Slack, Microsoft Teams, etc.
• Data analysis and visualization tools: Microsoft Excel, Tableau, etc.
• Time tracking and project reporting
• Technical writing and documentation
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills

Business Analytics

Business analytics skills involve the use of statistical and computational methods to draw insights from data, and the ability to communicate those insights to both technical and non-technical audiences. Some of the key skills in business analytics include:

• Business analysis methodologies: Agile, Waterfall, Lean, etc.
• Requirements gathering and elicitation techniques: Interviews, Workshops, Surveys, etc.
• Process modeling and mapping tools: BPMN, UML, Visio, etc.
• Data analysis and visualization tools: Microsoft Excel, Tableau, Power BI, etc.
• Project management tools: Jira, Trello, Asana, etc.
• Business intelligence and data warehousing
• Business process improvement methodologies: Six Sigma, Lean, etc.
• IT system analysis and design
• Prototyping and wireframing tools: Sketch, InVision, etc.
• SQL and database management
• Financial modeling and analysis

Data Analytics

Data analytics skills are the abilities and knowledge required to collect, process, analyze, and interpret data to extract valuable insights and inform business decisions. These skills include a combination of technical, mathematical, and business acumen. Some of the key data analytics skills include:

• Proficiency in data analysis tools and languages , such as SQL, Python, R, SAS, or Excel
• Experience with data visualization tools , such as Tableau, Power BI, or QlikView
• Knowledge of statistical analysis methods and techniques , such as regression analysis, cluster analysis, or time series forecasting
• Familiarity with database management systems and data warehousing concepts , such as ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes and data modeling
• Strong understanding of data quality and data governance principles , including the ability to identify and address data quality issues
• Experience with data mining and machine learning algorithms and techniques , such as decision trees, logistic regression, or k-means clustering
• Knowledge of programming and scripting languages , such as Java, JavaScript, or Perl
• Familiarity with big data technologies , such as Hadoop, Spark, or Hive
• Ability to work with unstructured data sources , such as social media data or sensor data

Engineering

Engineering skills are the technical abilities and knowledge that are required to perform engineering tasks and functions. These skills are critical for engineers to design, develop, and test products, systems, and processes that meet customer needs and solve complex engineering problems.

• Design and Development: Ability to design, develop, and implement complex engineering projects from concept to completion.
• Project management: Knowledge of project management methodologies, tools, and techniques for planning, executing, and closing projects.
• CAD software: Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software, such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and CATIA.
• Technical writing: Ability to prepare technical reports, specifications, and other documentation related to engineering projects.
• Analytical skills: Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data to solve complex engineering problems.
• Problem-solving: Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify, diagnose, and resolve technical problems.
• Coding and programming: Proficiency in one or more programming languages, such as C++, Java, and Python.
• Testing and quality assurance: Knowledge of testing methodologies and quality assurance processes to ensure that engineering projects meet customer requirements.
• Prototyping: Ability to create and test prototypes to validate design concepts.

Also read: Computer Skills for Resume

Management skills are the abilities and qualities that allow an individual to effectively supervise, direct, and lead a team or organization towards the achievement of specific goals and objectives. Some common management skills include:

• Experience with project management software , such as Microsoft Project or Asana
• Knowledge of financial analysis tools and techniques , such as budgeting, forecasting, or financial modeling
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques , such as Excel or SQL, to support decision-making
• Familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) software , such as Salesforce or HubSpot
• Understanding of supply chain management principles and tools , such as inventory management or logistics software
• Knowledge of business intelligence (BI) tools and techniques , such as Tableau or Power BI, to monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) software , such as SAP or Oracle, to manage business processes and data
• Understanding of organizational development principles and techniques , including change management and process improvement methodologies.

Marketing skills refer to the abilities and knowledge needed to effectively promote products or services and reach target audiences. Here are some examples of marketing skills:

• Experience with marketing automation and lead nurturing tools : such as Hubspot or Marketo)
• Knowledge of data analytics and reporting software : such as Google Analytics or Tableau
• Proficiency in content creation and design tools : such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite
• Familiarity with email marketing platforms : such as Mailchimp or Constant Contact
• Ability to use website analytics and A/B testing tools : such as Optimizely or VWO
• Understanding of search engine optimization (SEO) and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising : such as Google Ads or Bing Ads
• Knowledge of virtual and augmented reality tools for marketing campaigns
• Experience with s ocial media management tools : such as Hootsuite or Buffer
• Familiarity with influencer marketing and brand partnerships
• Ability to use virtual collaboration tools for remote teams such as Zoom or Skype
• Knowledge of marketing project management tools such as Asana or Trello
• Understanding of customer relationship management (CRM) systems : such as Salesforce or Hubspot CRM

Teaching skills refer to the abilities and knowledge needed to effectively deliver instruction and facilitate learning in a classroom setting. Here are some examples of technical teaching skills:

• Proficiency in learning management systems : such as Blackboard or Canvas
• Knowledge of educational technology and digital resources : such as Kahoot! or Quizlet
• Experience with presentation and multimedia tools : such as PowerPoint or Prezi
• Familiarity with virtual and remote learning platforms : such as Zoom or Google Classroom
• Ability to use assessment and grading software : such as Turnitin or Gradescope
• Understanding of accessible and inclusive technology for learners with disabilities
• Knowledge of game-based learning and gamification techniques
• Experience with project-based learning and collaboration tools : such as Google Drive or Slack
• Familiarity with mobile learning and app-based resources : such as Duolingo or Coursera
• Ability to use virtual collaboration tools for remote teams : such as Zoom or Skype
• Knowledge of educational research and data analysis tools : such as SPSS or NVivo
• Understanding of cybersecurity and digital citizenship best practices

Sales skills refer to the abilities and knowledge needed to effectively sell products or services to customers. Here are some examples of technical sales skills:

• Proficiency in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software
• Knowledge of marketing automation tools
• Experience with d ata analysis and reporting software such as Excel or Tableau
• Knowledge of cloud-based platforms and SaaS (Software as a Service) products
• Ability to use collaboration and productivity tools such as Slack or Google Suite
• Knowledge of e-commerce platforms and payment systems
• Ability to use web-based communication and virtual meeting tools such as Zoom or Skype
• Knowledge of social media platforms and their use in sales and marketing
• Familiarity with presentation software such as PowerPoint or Keynote
• Understanding of website design and development
• Experience with product demonstration and virtual sales tools

Writing skills refer to the abilities and knowledge needed to effectively communicate through written words. Here are some examples of technical writing skills:’

• Proficiency in word processing software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs
• Knowledge of desktop publishing software such as Adobe InDesign or QuarkXPress
• Experience with content management systems (CMS)
• Knowledge of HTML, CSS, and other web design technologies
• Ability to use c ollaboration and productivity tools such as Slack or Google Suite
• Knowledge of graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator
• Experience with video editing and animation tools such as Adobe Premiere or After Effects
• Familiarity with audio editing software such as Audacity or Pro Tools
• Understanding of search engine optimization (SEO) and online marketing
• Knowledge of social media platforms and their use in content promotion and engagement
• Ability to use v irtual collaboration tools for remote teams (such as Zoom or Skype)

Healthcare skills refer to the abilities and knowledge needed to provide medical care and support to patients in a healthcare setting. Here are some examples of technical healthcare skills:

• Proficiency in electronic medical record (EMR) systems
• Knowledge of medical coding and billing systems
• Experience with telemedicine platforms and virtual consultations
• Familiarity with patient management software (such as Practice Fusion or Cerner)
• Knowledge of laboratory and diagnostic imaging software
• Ability to use collaboration and productivity tools (such as Slack or Google Suite)
• Understanding of data privacy and security regulations (such as HIPAA)
• Experience with telehealth monitoring and remote patient monitoring systems
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical databases and prescription management systems
• Ability to use virtual collaboration tools for remote teams (such as Zoom or Skype)
• Knowledge of health informatics and data analytics
• Familiarity with medical terminology and anatomy software

Logistics skills refer to a set of competencies and abilities that enable individuals to efficiently and effectively manage the movement, storage, and transportation of goods and resources from one location to another.

• Knowledge of transportation management systems (TMS)
• Proficiency in warehouse management systems (WMS)
• Experience with supply chain management software (such as SAP or Oracle)
• Familiarity with project management tools (such as Asana or Trello)
• Ability to use data analysis and reporting software (such as Excel or Tableau)
• Understanding of i mport/export regulations and documentation requirements
• Knowledge of GPS tracking and fleet management systems
• Experience with transportation optimization and route planning software
• Familiarity with customs brokerage systems
• Knowledge of global trade and logistics networ Experience with inventory management and tracking systems

Video Editing

Video editing skills refer to the ability to use software and tools to manipulate, modify, and refine video footage to create a final product. These skills may include the following:

• Proficiency in video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro
• Experience with motion graphics and animation tools such as After Effects or Cinema 4D
• Knowledge of color grading and color correction techniques
• Familiarity with s ound design and audio editing software such as Pro Tools or Audition
• Ability to use visual effects software such as Nuke or Houdini
• Understanding of video compression and encoding techniques
• Knowledge of video production workflow and project management
• Experience with virtual and augmented reality production
• Familiarity with 360-degree video and VR production techniques
• Knowledge of file-based workflows and digital asset management
• Understanding of streaming video platforms and distribution methods

Architecture

Architecture skills refer to the set of competencies and abilities required to design and plan the construction of buildings, landscapes, and other physical structures. These skills may include the following:

• Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software (such as AutoCAD or Revit)
• Experience with building information modeling (BIM) software
• Knowledge of 3D rendering and visualization tools (such as SketchUp or Lumion)
• Ability to use virtual and augmented reality tools for design presentations
• Understanding of construction and engineering principles
• Knowledge of structural analysis software (such as SAP or ETABS)
• Experience with sustainability and green building design techniques
• Familiarity with fire and life safety codes and regulations
• Knowledge of building codes and accessibility standards
• Understanding of construction materials and methods

Finance skills refer to the ability to effectively manage and analyze financial data, make informed financial decisions, and communicate financial information to others. These skills may include the following:

• Proficiency in spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets
• Experience with financial analysis and modeling software such as Bloomberg or S&P Capital IQ
• Knowledge of data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI
• Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems such as SAP or Oracle
• Ability to use financial reporting software such as QuickBooks or Xero
• Understanding of accounting and tax laws and regulations
• Knowledge of risk management software and techniques
• Experience with payment processing and online banking systems
• Familiarity with investment management tools and platforms such as Charles Schwab or Fidelity
• Knowledge of financial forecasting and budgeting techniques
• Understanding of financial derivatives and securities trading

Social Media

Social media skills refer to the set of competencies and abilities required to effectively leverage social media platforms for personal or business purposes. Examples of social media skills include:

• Proficiency in social media management tools such as Hootsuite or Buffer
• Experience with content creation and design tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite
• Knowledge of analytics and reporting software such as Google Analytics or Sprout Social
• Familiarity with email marketing platforms such as Mailchimp or Constant Contact
• Ability to use video and image editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Lightroom
• Understanding of SEO and online advertising such as Google Ads or Bing Ads
• Knowledge of virtual and augmented reality tools for social media content
• Experience with influencer marketing and brand partnerships
• Familiarity with social media listening and monitoring tools such as Brandwatch or Mention
• Knowledge of emerging social media platforms and technologies
• Understanding of crisis management and r eputation management techniques

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) skills refer to the set of competencies and abilities required to optimize a website’s ranking and visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs). Examples of SEO skills include:

• Knowledge of search engine optimization (SEO) best practices and algorithms
• Experience with keyword research and analysis tools such as Google Keyword Planner or Ahrefs
• Proficiency in website development and coding languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP
• Familiarity with content management systems such as WordPress or Shopify
• Ability to use website analytics and reporting tools ( such as Google Analytics or SEMrush)
• Understanding of link building and backlinking strategies
• Knowledge of mobile optimization and responsive design
• Experience with local search optimization and maps listing s
• Familiarity with voice search optimization and voice assistants such as Siri or Alexa
• Knowledge of schema markup and structured data for search engines

How to Describe Technical Skills on a Resume

Here are some tips on how to describe technical skills on a resume:

• Be Specific: Be specific about the technical skills you have, including the specific software, tools, or platforms you have experience with, and your level of proficiency (e.g., intermediate, advanced, expert).
• Use Keywords: Use keywords related to the technical skills required for the job you’re applying for. This will help your resume get noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS) and hiring managers.
• Provide Evidence: Provide concrete examples of how you have used your technical skills in real-world situations, including the results you achieved. This will help demonstrate your value to potential employers.
• Highlight Relevance: Highlight how your technical skills are relevant to the position you’re applying for and how they can help you contribute to the company’s goals and objectives.
• Keep It Simple: Use clear and concise language when describing your technical skills, avoiding technical jargon that may not be understood by hiring managers who are not familiar with the technology.
• Stay Up-to-Date: Make sure to keep your technical skills section up-to-date, highlighting any new skills or certifications you have obtained, and deleting any skills that are no longer relevant.
• Use Active Verbs: Use action verbs to describe your technical skills, such as “designed,” “implemented,” or “optimized.” This will help make your resume more dynamic and engaging.

By incorporating these tips into your resume, you can effectively showcase your technical skills and demonstrate how you can bring value to the position you’re applying for.

Where to Put Your Skills on a Resume

There are several places where you can list your skills on a resume:

• Skills Section: Create a separate skills section near the top of your resume and list your skills in bullet points or a table format. This section is an opportunity to quickly showcase your strengths and relevant skills.
• Professional Experience Section: In the professional experience section, you can mention the technical and soft skills you used in previous jobs. This will show how you have applied your skills in real-world situations and achieved results.
• Summary or Objective: If you have a resume summary or objective, you can use this section to highlight your most relevant skills and how they can benefit the company you’re applying for.
• Education Section: If you have completed a relevant degree or certification, you can mention any technical skills you learned as part of your studies in the education section of your resume.
• Additional Skills or Certifications: You can create a separate section for additional skills or certifications, if you have any. This section is an opportunity to showcase skills that are not necessarily related to your work experience.

It’s important to tailor the placement and presentation of your skills to the job you’re applying for, and to highlight the skills that are most relevant to the position. Also, make sure that your skills are consistent with the rest of your resume and aligned with the job description and requirements.

Why Do Technical Skills Matter?

Technical skills are often essential for many jobs, especially in technical fields such as IT, engineering, and software development. Hiring managers look for specific technical skills when evaluating candidates for these positions, so it’s important to showcase your relevant skills on your resume.

Including technical skills on your resume can make you a more competitive candidate. With increasing demands for technology-focused skills in many industries, having a well-rounded set of technical skills can help you stand out from other applicants.

Technical skills are often associated with problem-solving capabilities and the ability to find creative solutions to complex issues. By demonstrating your technical skills on your resume, you can show potential employers that you have the ability to tackle challenging problems and find innovative solutions.

How Can I Improve My Technical Skills?

There are many things you can do to improve your technical skills.

One effective way is to take online courses or attend in-person training programs to learn new tools and technologies.

You can also read industry blogs and attend conferences or workshops to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in your field.

Participating in projects or contributing to open-source initiatives can also help you develop your technical skills and build a portfolio of work to showcase your abilities.

Finally, networking with others in your industry and seeking out mentorship or coaching can provide valuable opportunities for growth and learning.

How Do I Keep My Technical Skills Up To Date?

One way to stay current is to continuously learn and explore new tools and technologies. This can be done through online courses, attending industry conferences and workshops, or participating in training programs.

Practical experience is also a key factor in maintaining and improving your technical skills, so consider taking on freelance projects or participating in open-source initiatives to apply your knowledge and build your portfolio.

Additionally, seeking out mentorship or coaching opportunities can provide valuable insight and guidance as you navigate the latest developments in your field. By staying proactive and dedicated to your professional development, you can ensure that your technical skills remain current and relevant.

How Do I Show I Am Tech Savvy on My Resume?

You can show that you are tech savvy on your resume by including specific technologies, tools, and software that you have used in your work experience section, along with quantifiable results or achievements.

You can also include any certifications or training programs that you have completed to demonstrate your commitment to staying current with industry trends and advancements.

Additionally, you can highlight any relevant side projects or contributions to open-source initiatives, which can showcase your technical aptitude and problem-solving skills.

What Are the Most in Demand Technical Skills?

The most in-demand technical skills vary depending on the industry and the current job market.

However, some of the most sought-after technical skills in today’s job market overall include proficiency in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analysis and visualization, cyber security, web and mobile development, and Internet of Things (IoT) technology.

What is the Difference Between Technical Skills vs Soft Skills?

Technical skills are related to a specific job or industry, and include the knowledge and ability to use specific tools, technologies, and processes. For example, programming languages, data analysis, and project management are examples of technical skills. On the other hand, soft skills are more general interpersonal skills that are important in any work setting. These skills include communication, teamwork, time management, problem-solving, and leadership.

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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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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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10 essential resume skills to showcase your value to employers

by YouScience | Apr 16, 2024 | Blog

Writing a compelling resume involves more than just listing your work history and education. You also need to highlight your skills effectively to stand out to employers. It can be difficult to know what skills to put on a resume, especially if you don’t have much work experience. Below, we discuss 10 essential resume skills and advice for proving your value to potential employers.

What are good skills to put on a resume?

The best skills to put on a resume include a mix of hard and soft skills. Focus on skills that are most relevant to the position you want. Here are some resume skill examples you could include:

Communication skills

Effective communication is a fundamental skill required for almost every type of job. Communication skills include being able to articulate your ideas clearly and listening to others while understanding their perspective.

Active listening skills

Active listening requires paying close attention, asking clarifying questions, and showing empathy to ensure you thoroughly understand what someone is trying to say.

• Interpersonal skills

These skills refer to how well you work with other people. They include collaboration, conflict resolution, and the ability to build connections with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.

Leadership skills

Even if you’re not in a leadership role, showcasing your leadership qualities on your resume can set you apart from other candidates. Examples can include taking initiative, motivating others, and showing accountability.

Problem-solving skills

Employers value candidates who can think quickly to solve problems. Include times when you’ve identified issues, developed solutions, and implemented effective strategies to overcome challenges.

Computer skills

Nearly every job will require the use of a computer, so experience with computers and software is essential. Make sure to include any specific programs or tools you’re proficient in, especially ones directly related to the job you’re applying for.

Customer service skills

Even if you’re not applying for a customer-facing role, including customer service skills on your resume can still be valuable . These skills demonstrate your positivity, adaptability, communication skills, and attention to detail.

Transferable skills

These are skills that can be used in several different positions and industries. Transferable skills may include teamwork, adaptability, organization, or any other qualities all employers are looking for.

Management skills

Highlighting your management skills is crucial if you’re applying for any management role overseeing projects or teams. Management skills can include examples of delegation, decision-making, and conflict resolution.

Time management skills

Efficient time management shows your ability to prioritize assignments, meet deadlines, and maximize productivity. Employers want to hire disciplined employees who can tune out distractions during work hours.

Hard resume skills vs. soft resume skills

Skills for resumes are either hard or soft skills. Employers typically look for both types of skills on candidates’ resumes.

• Hard skills are specific skills needed to perform the job. These can include technological skills, field-specific education, or credentials related to the job.
• Soft skills include your personality attributes and interpersonal skills. These may include communication skills, leadership qualities, stress management, and problem-solving abilities.

How to list skills on a resume per job type

Tailor your skills to the job you’re applying for to show employers you’re suitable for the job. Here are some hard and soft resume skills examples for different positions:

Digital marketing specialist

Hard skills

• Google Analytics
• Project management systems

Soft skills

• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Analytics thinking

Financial analyst

• Financial modeling
• Data analysis
• Attention to detail
• Creative thinking
• Collaboration

Data analyst

• Python and other statistical programming languages
• Data visualization
• Statistical analysis
• Machine learning
• Time management
• Adaptability

How YouScience helps with building a resume

Related articles.

Check out these articles for more helpful information on optimizing your resume. 

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Getting hired: Five resume tips for students

The 12 Best Skills to Put on Your Resume (Plus Examples)

S kills can make or break your resume. They should match the jobs you're applying for and show recruiters that you can succeed at their companies.

Sometimes companies will use applicant tracking systems (ATS) that automatically scan resumes and forward the best matches to hiring managers. Whether a human or a computer is looking over your resume, it pays to have a robust set of skills.

Below, we'll cover some skills to put on your resume, the difference between soft and hard skills and the best ways to highlight skills when communicating about your work experience:

The 12 Best Skills to Put on a Resume

Putting the right skills on your resume signals your readiness for the jobs you apply for. Almost anyone can develop these, regardless of professional background—they're huge green flags for recruiters.

1. Adaptability

Change is the only constant in business, according to Mark Cuban . The skills you develop when you start a job may not be relevant in five years, even if you're still in the same position.

Companies want employees who can adapt to changing times. Demonstrating that on your resume shows employers that you're a good long-term investment.

2. Attention to Detail

Anyone can do sloppy work. Having attention to detail means spotting the little mistakes before they become big problems.

Calling out your attention to detail on your resume sets you apart as someone who will sweat the small stuff and pursue excellence in every part of your job.

3. Communication

Virtually every job involves some amount of communication . Are you a software engineer who just wants to code? You still have to talk to clients about their needs.

Eyeballing a management role ? You'll need to successfully communicate with direct reports to give feedback and achieve team goals.

Talking about your communication skills on your resume, including listening, presentation and writing skills, shows you know how to work with others. You can also mention your communication style to make sure you're a good fit for a company's culture.

4. Creativity

The best employees are not just cogs in a machine. They stand out by thinking outside the box and offering creative new solutions to their company's problems.

But creativity doesn't necessarily mean you're artistic. If you're an analyst, it could mean drawing novel conclusions from data. If you're a manager, it could mean finding interesting new ways to engage your team.

Including creativity as a skill on your resume shows employers that you can offer value beyond the job description.

5. Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is your ability to find solutions beyond the obvious. Good critical thinkers can get to the "why" behind a problem, anticipate future problems and elevate the quality of work their teams produce.

Putting critical thinking on your resume takes your skills to the next level. It also speaks to your independence—you come up with solutions on your own, rather than relying on others.

6. Customer Service

Many jobs require some sort of customer service element. Salespeople or project managers talk to customers, helping them get exactly what they're looking for. Other workers, like copywriters or data engineers, may still meet with customers to speak to their area of expertise and demonstrate the viability of their company's work.

Don't take customer service skills for granted. They're valuable in almost any position.

7. Digital Skills

Most office jobs require basic computer literacy. Employers expect employees to know how to open computer and phone applications, send emails and sometimes use video call tools like Teams or Zoom . Being digitally literate can mean knowing when to send a quick chat vs. a long email .

These skills are absolutely worth listing on your resume, especially if you have experience with specific software or tools common in your industry.

8. Leadership

Leadership is your ability to get your team to work together toward a shared goal. It's not just important for managers—individual contributors can communicate better if they have strong leadership skills. ICs can also use leadership skills to take charge when their teams are confused and get the job done.

Putting leadership skills on your resume identifies you as someone who can bring order to a complicated workplace. It also sets you up as potential management material —someone worthy of future internal promotions at a company.

9. Organization

Many jobs require you to juggle several tasks. Organization is your ability to keep everything together, even when you have multiple deadlines or you're working for clients with very different expectations.

Highlighting your organizational skills puts you forward as a candidate who can perform the full range of job responsibilities without getting lost.

10. Problem-Solving

Good problem solvers can take projects from point A to point B in the most efficient way possible. They can also spot solutions that aren't obvious, making them invaluable to their employers.

Setting yourself up as a problem-solver makes you an excellent candidate for almost any job since this skill is so widely used.

11. Teamwork

Teamwork is your ability to function well with your immediate coworkers, but also with other teams you may encounter. It's more than just good communication; it includes good social skills and compassion for others.

Listing teamwork as a skill on your resume shows that you're ready to work in a bustling company where you're one part of a bigger whole.

12. Time Management

Many employers want things done yesterday. That's not always possible, but good time managers offer the next best thing: work that's done well and finished as soon as possible.

Introducing yourself as a good time manager shows that you'll finish tasks before they're due. That's something hiring managers love to see.

Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills on Your Resume

Hard skills are what you do. Soft skills are how you get it done. Good resumes include both.

Soft Skills for Your Resume

Soft skills are non-technical aspects of work, like being a good communicator or managing your time wisely. They're relevant everywhere.

According to data from LinkedIn, 92 percent of professionals say soft skills matter as much or more than hard skills.

"Soft skills are often what set one candidate apart from another with similar technical qualifications," Dan Schawbel, Managing Partner of Workplace Intelligence, told Newsweek . "Employers look for candidates who not only have the required hard skills but also possess the interpersonal and communication skills necessary to work well with others and fit into the company culture."

The introduction of artificial intelligence in the workplace may only improve the value of soft skills.

"While AI will automate certain tasks and change the nature of work, it will also place a premium on soft skills that are uniquely human," Schawbel said. "Soft skills related to creativity, emotional intelligence, ethics, collaboration, and adaptability will continue to be highly valuable in the AI-augmented workplace, enabling individuals to work alongside AI systems effectively and ethically."

Hard Skills for Your Resume

Hard skills refer to technical knowledge that you can spend months or even years developing. These are the things you learn in specialized degree programs and job training. Connecting a website to a database, operating a complex piece of machinery and balancing a quarterly budget are all hard skills.

Most jobs require certain hard skills. You wouldn't apply to be a video editor without some knowledge of editing software and techniques.

Companies may teach some hard skills on the job. For example, teaching new salespeople how to use their unique customer relationship management (CRM) software. However, most careers require hard skills that you learn elsewhere, either in school, training or an entry-level job .

How to List Skills on Your Resume

There are two sides to listing skills on your resume: the skills you include and how you express them.

Schawbel recommends creating a dedicated "Skills" section on your resume. List hard and soft skills there.

Next, Schawbel says to back up your soft skills with specific examples from your work experience. Did you demonstrate leadership when you took command of a flailing project at your last job? Write that down, using keywords that highlight those skills like "leadership" or "teamwork." Your work experience is evidence of your skills.

Remember that recruiters and hiring managers read hundreds of resumes. You want to present your highlights without going on and on about yourself. Schawbel recommends starting each bullet point in your resume with action verbs to quickly demonstrate your skills to an employer. Use language like:

• "Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to deliver budget analyses."
• "Wrote marketing emails that increased product engagement by 130 percent over six months."
• "Managed construction projects across multiple sites with 15 direct reports."

Stand out by presenting a different version of your resume for each new job you apply for. Tailor your skill list for each new position by looking at the job's duties and responsibilities.

If you're applying for a management position, include your leadership skills and the times you used them. Otherwise, consider leaving those off the resume and highlighting other skills.

Skills Section Examples by Job Type

Here are some examples of possible skill sections for jobs in multiple industries and experience levels. Use these as starting points to think about skills on your resume. However, you should always look at job descriptions to see exactly what skills to include.

Copywriters write content for videos, emails and other marketing collateral. They try to persuade readers or listeners to buy the product or service they're highlighting.

Hard Skills:

• Copywriting
• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• Social media marketing

Soft Skills:

• Attention to detail

Data Scientist

Data scientists explore massive data sets with advanced mathematics and computer models. They work with business managers to produce actionable insights from raw data.

• Data analysis
• Data visualization
• Machine learning
• Communication
• Critical thinking
• Organization

Nurses perform a range of tasks in hospitals and other health care settings. The exact skills they need depend on their medical subfield and the type of institution they work for.

• Medical knowledge
• Medical technology
• Nursing ethics
• Patient education
• Workplace safety
• Adaptability
• Time management

Project Manager

Project managers organize work across multiple teams. They often bridge the gap between individual contributors and clients or other stakeholders. They keep projects on time and within budget.

• Negotiation
• Project management
• Technical writing

Retail Sales Associate

Retail sales associates sell items, maintain the sales floor and assist customers. This is an entry-level position, but it can be an excellent opportunity to build skills.

• Basic mathematics
• CRM or point of sale (POS) software
• Inventory management
• Customer service

Frequently Asked Questions

Still not sure what skills to put on your resume? Here we tackle some common questions.

How Many Skills Should I Put on My Resume?

You want enough skills on your resume to impress recruiters without wasting their time.

"Aim for a list of 5 to 10 key skills. This allows you to emphasize your most critical qualifications without overwhelming the reader," Schawbel says.

Should I Format My Resume for an ATS?

Don't try to write your resume for a computer. It's a myth that most applications are rejected by automated systems—HR workers read most resumes and make decisions based on their merits.

Make things easier for recruiters by organizing information well on your resume. Include a dedicated skills section and describe your work experience directly and efficiently, with callouts to the skills you've listed.

Should I Change the Skills Section for Each Job Application?

Yes. It's a good idea to write a resume draft and then modify that draft slightly for each new job application.

Be sure to mention skills that appear in the job description. Cut mentions of skills that aren't relevant to the position, so that you don't waste recruiters' time.

What Skills Should I List if I Have No Work Experience?

Without work experience, you still have life and school. Draw up a list of transferable skills you've developed throughout your life and use those on your resume.

You should have several soft skills. If you had a leadership position in school, for example, list leadership, communication and teamwork skills.

Transferable soft skills aren't always obvious, but if you put some thought into your activities you should come up with a good list. For example, practicing a musical instrument alongside school demonstrates good time management, attention to detail and creativity.

Should I Add Certifications or Trainings?

Yes. Certifications and training are outside proof of your competence in skills. They can set you apart from other candidates who don't have that kind of evidence on their resumes.

Can I List Skills That I'm Still Learning?

Yes. Feel free to list skills where you're a beginner.

Some professionals label skills with their experience level, such as "beginner," "intermediate" or "advanced."

You can also describe your experience level in your work experience. For example:

• "Learned the core functions of our company's CRM system."
• "Wrote advanced web applications with JavaScript for five years."

Once you have your resume in good condition, you can start thinking about cover letters . Then you can learn more about finding your next opportunity with our review of the best job search apps .

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• Resume and Cover Letter
• Highlighting Writing Skills...

Highlighting Writing Skills on Your Resume

11 min read · Updated on April 22, 2024

Do you know how to prove your writing skills in a resume?

In today's competitive labor market, it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate yourself from other job candidates. To successfully compete, you need to make sure that your resume delivers a powerfully compelling message that makes a positive first impression on hiring managers. One way to enhance your resume narrative is to include your relevant writing skills.

In this post, we will explain the following: 

Why writing skills are important in so many different industries

We'll examine the different types of writing abilities that employers may be looking for

We will also help you learn how to match your skills to your desired job role

We'll show you how to use achievements to highlight writing skills in your resume

We'll provide some examples showing you how to include writing skills in a resume and offer some tips you can use to enhance your writing ability

What are writing skills, and why are they important?

Many job seekers assume that they only need to include writing skills in a resume if they're seeking a job that involves a lot of writing. Obviously, the ability to communicate through the written word is an essential skill for people who create marketing presentations, reports, legal briefs, and similar documents. At the same time, though, those same skills are invaluable assets in many other fields as well.

That's because writing skills enable you to communicate ideas in a convincing way. People who possess these skills are often proficient in a wide array of communication styles, including everything from persuasive writing to the use of descriptive, technical, or creative writing. Effective writers also tend to excel in the use of good writing structure, grammar, punctuation, and messaging tone.

Employers who see writing skills on a resume will recognize you as someone whose communication skills can provide real value to any team. That's true whether you're seeking a job as a copywriter or pursuing a role in marketing, accounting, or management. 

The bottom line is clear: even if you're not seeking a job that regularly requires great writing skills, highlighting them in your resume can help set you apart from rival job seekers.

Types of writing skills for a resume

At this point, you might be wondering just how detailed you should be when describing your writing skills in your resume. The reality is that there are a host of distinct writing skills that can benefit you in various job roles. Let's take a moment and review some of the most common writing skills that employers might want to see:

Fundamental writing skills like grammar, punctuation, etc.

Business writing

Creative writing

Content writing

Technical writing

Email composition

Report writing

Grant writing

Collaborative writing

Media content creation

Social media writing

Presentation writing

Brand management

How to identify the right writing skills for the job

Before you just start listing different writing skills on your resume, it's important to ensure that you're aligning those skills with the employer's needs. The easiest way to do that is to use your research skills to examine the job posting and any role description you can find. 

Which specific writing skills are listed as required qualifications? 

What terms are used to describe those abilities? 

Create a list of all those skill requirements and focus on including them in your resume's skill section.

It can also be helpful to search the Internet for similar job resumes to see which skills are typically listed as core competencies. That can provide useful insight into what employers want to see from candidates in your field.

It's also vital to make sure you're using the same terms the employer used in their job posting since those terms may be keywords needed to satisfy applicant tracking systems, or ATS. 

You'll want to include those keywords throughout your resume to ensure the ATS software finds them during the automated screening process. That can improve your resume's chances of being seen by a hiring manager.

Use achievements to demonstrate your writing skills on a resume

As you create your list of writing skills, always focus on skills that you can demonstrate by referencing specific experiences and accomplishments. Employers understand that anyone can claim to possess certain skills. However, only truly skilled individuals will be able to back up those claims with real-life achievements. By citing those skills in the summary and work experience sections of your resume, you can more effectively demonstrate how your writing skills create real value for employers.

The following tips can help you create powerful achievement statements that demonstrate your writing skills in your resume.

Select writing skills that have achieved real results

Make sure that you include achievements that show how the writing skills in your resume were used to produce real results for employers. Your focus should be on using achievements to prove your skills. For example, if you've used those abilities to create client presentations that helped close deals, create an accomplishment statement that highlights that achievement.

Quantify the value your skills have provided

It is also vital that you quantify your achievements by including real numbers that reflect the value your skills can bring to any organization. Those numbers can demonstrate the amount of revenue that your writing skills helped to generate, increases in online engagement, time savings, cost reductions, or any other measurable achievement that contributed to your employers' profitability, productivity, and operational efficiency.

Create achievement statements

If you really want to make sure that employers understand the value of your writing skills, you can highlight those abilities throughout your resume. Obviously, you'll want to include some of the most prominent writing skills within your core competencies section, and in the bullet point achievements that you include in your professional experience section. For maximum impact, you can also include an achievement statement in your summary that emphasizes those skills.

Below, we'll show you how to highlight your writing skills in each of those key sections.Writing skills in your core competencies section

As you might imagine, your core competencies, or skills section, can be a great place to highlight these writing abilities. You can include some of your core writing skills in this section, along with other key technical abilities and relevant soft skills. Remember to use bullet points for your list and use two or three columns to format the section. 

Some of the key soft skills that complement writing expertise include:

Communication

Search engine optimization

Adaptability

Research techniques

Time management

Social media management

The ability to connect with audiences

Try to include a mix of these hard and soft skills. That will help employers understand that you not only have the technical abilities to perform the job but also possess the interpersonal skills you'll need to work effectively with others.

Related post : Soft Skills Explained - and the Top 7 for Your Resume

Writing skills in your resume summary

Your resume summary is another fantastic place to highlight writing skills in your resume. Obviously, it's one of the first things many employers read, and serves as your introduction to the reader. If writing skills are an important part of your resume narrative, you need to include some mention of them in this vital summary paragraph. 

The best way to do that is to add an achievement statement that demonstrates those talents. For example:

Dynamic Marketing Manager with 9 years of experience in strategic campaign development, team building, and project implementation. Skilled content creator with proficiency in online branding, search engine optimization strategies, and increased website traffic and sales engagement. Created multi-tiered email and social media content that reached 20,000 new customers monthly, increasing customer engagement by 22% and leading to a 17% boost in sales.

In that sample summary statement, the last sentence highlights the candidate's writing skills, providing hard numbers that quantify how their content provided real benefits to the employer. If you can create solid achievement statements that demonstrate this type of value, your accomplishments will help to convince employers that you have the skills you claim to possess.

Related post : Resume Profile Explained (with Examples)

Writing skills in your work experience section

It will come as no surprise that the best place to highlight and prove writing skills on your resume is in your work experience section. Here, you will want to use bullet-point achievement statements that quantify your results. For each job title you've included in this section, add between four and six of these bullet-point accomplishments using real numbers that demonstrate your value proposition.

Related post : 47 Accomplishment Examples for Your Resume: Expert Picks

How to list writing skills on a resume: examples

Below are some examples of the types of achievements you can include in these bullet point statements.

• Wrote ABC Corp. Sales Training Manual, revising onboarding and training techniques to reduce onboarding time by 17%; improved new salesperson sales results by 22% in their first six months on the job.
• Created presentation content for Alpha Bank proposed merger, helping overcome M&A negotiation barriers and facilitating $100 million acquisition.
• Crafted more than 500 blog posts, website landing pages, and email campaigns in two years, credited with 130% increase in customer online traffic and 12% increase in sales revenue.

You get the point. The key is to focus on your writing contributions, describing the challenge you faced, what you did to overcome that obstacle, and defining the results. 

If you find yourself struggling to condense those narratives into brief achievement statements, check out a related post: How to Create an Effective STAR Method Resume (With Examples) .

Tips to improve your writing skills

You may find it interesting to know that even professional writers actively work to further develop their writing skills. The reality is that everyone can benefit from continuing to develop their written communication skills, and that includes those who only use these skills on an occasional basis. 

So, how can you develop your writing skills to ensure that you have the abilities needed to make a great impression on employers? Below are some tips to guide you in that question.

1.     Return to the basics

Spend some time reacquainting yourself with writing fundamentals like grammar, spelling, and punctuation. You can find free resources online or take a class at a local community college if you need additional help.

2.     Read more

Believe it or not, regular reading is one of the biggest secrets to effective writing. Immerse yourself in the written word and pay attention to how other writers communicate to their audiences.

3.     Learn to use outlines

Another secret to effective writing is to learn how to create outlines. Before you begin to write any complex document, always start with an outline that provides a clear structure for your narrative.

4.     Practice writing

This cannot be emphasized enough: if you want to be a better writer, you have no choice but to write. Write something every day to ensure that your skills are constantly being used. Practice won't make you perfect, but it will make you better.

5.     Get used to creating drafts

Never assume that the first words you write will be your finished product. Instead, take your ideas and get them out of your head and into your document to create a first draft. Once that's done, you can go back and revise that content as much as needed to create the right message.

6.     Always do your homework

Don't underestimate the power of research. By doing your homework before you start writing, you can ensure that you write with conviction and authority. Readers are drawn to authentic content.

7.     Don't be afraid to delete unnecessary content

Never be afraid to delete words, sentences, or entire paragraphs that contribute little to your narrative. The best writers are always willing to abandon content that isn't achieving their goals.

Enhance your job search by including writing skills in your resume

When you want to highlight your writing skills on a resume, it's not enough to just say that you possess those abilities. Instead, you need to demonstrate those skills by providing real examples of measurable achievements. If you can do that, you'll have an easier time proving those writing skills to employers – which can help differentiate you from rival job seekers and improve your odds of landing an interview and job offer!

Want to make sure that the writing skills in your resume effectively convey your writing talent? Get a free resume review from our team of experts today!

Recommended reading:

Seven Key Resume Sections and How to Organize Them

11 Key Things to Put on Your Resume

17 Resume Tips to Get Seen and Hired Faster

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

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• Resume and Cover Letter
• 8 best teamwork skills for...

8 best teamwork skills for your resume (with examples)

10 min read · Updated on April 22, 2024

Prove you're the right fit for the team

When hiring managers are looking for the next new member of their team, they're not just looking for someone who can carry out the day-to-day tasks associated with the role. No, they're also looking for someone who will fit well into their team and contribute as a valued part of that unit. 

With that in mind, it will help your job search efforts if you can show on your resume that you know how to be a good team player. In this post, we'll identify the top 8 teamwork skills to put on your resume and look at how and where to include them. We've got some examples, too, so you can understand the best way to show off this important skill. 

The essential skills for teamwork on your resume

Adding teamwork to your resume isn't as simple as throwing in the line “works well independently and in a team.” In fact, we'd strongly recommend you avoid that line! It's generic, overused, and doesn't show how you add value. Instead, try adding some of these skills to show how you can excel in a team environment:

1. Conflict resolution

Unfortunately, conflict is a fact of life - even more so in a work environment, where you're thrown together for hours on end with people you may not choose to associate with otherwise. It's equally true that conflict doesn't make for a very happy or productive team. If you're the type that can step in to diffuse conflict or prevent it from escalating, that's well worth showcasing on your resume. 

2. Giving and receiving feedback

As companies seek continuous improvement in every aspect of their operation, change is necessary. That could mean change on a company, team, or personal level. But once the need for change is identified, it needs to be communicated. Whether you're the person giving or receiving feedback to enable this change, it's important that it's done graciously, fairly, and non-confrontationally. If that's a skill you have in your arsenal, why not weaponize it on your resume?

3. Communication

Communication  is one of the most vital teamworking skills of all! It encompasses a host of other skills, the main ones being speaking, writing and listening. If you can engage with others, convey information articulately, and understand the concerns of colleagues, you can put some very in-demand teamwork skills on your resume. 

4. Delegation

No one can do everything and knowing when to ask for help is a superpower. If you can recognize that someone else in the team may be better placed than you to complete a certain task, it's time to activate your delegation skills. When you can do this, you're well on your way to mastering a key leadership attribute and working your way further up the career ladder. That's not to say it's OK to offload all your work onto others though - that's likely to lead to bad feeling and rapidly crash team morale .

While you may not always agree with your colleagues, showing respect is non-negotiable for team cohesion. The ability to value others' perspectives and treat other people as you'd like to be treated yourself is hugely important in a team environment. If you can successfully work with the quirks of different personalities without provoking conflict, it could be worth letting your future employers know by showcasing it on your resume. 

6. Collaboration

Collaboration is at the heart of teamwork. Being able to work harmoniously with others is a vital teamwork skill for your resume, so make sure you show how you've achieved strong outcomes by working collaboratively either with your team, with other teams across the business, or even with suppliers and partners. 

7. Positivity

There's nothing quite like a moaner for sucking the lifeblood out of a team. You know the type – always on hand with some salacious gossip, a complaint, or a generally negative attitude. They sow discontent, which leads to low morale and is often accompanied by a decrease in productivity. Prove you're not that person by showing off your positive, can-do attitude on your resume.

8. Relationship building

Some people seem to naturally strike up a rapport with others, while some people find it a bit trickier. If you're the type that can make a friend of anyone, you have a great teamwork skill for your resume. Building positive relationships not only improves team harmony, it's also valuable for engaging wider teams such as suppliers, customers and colleagues from other functions. It's easy to see why it's a great teamwork skill on your resume!

Where to show professional teamwork skills on your resume

Now you know which specific teamwork skills are in demand, but how can you show them off on your resume? There are several places where you could consider adding them. 

In the Profile section 

The Profile is the elevator pitch at the top of your resume. In this short paragraph, the aim is to convince the reader that you have the skills and experience required for the vacant role and that it's worth reading your resume in greater depth. Depending on the role, it may be worth highlighting a couple of teamwork skills here. Make sure the skills you select are the ones most relevant to the vacancy and, if possible, frame them as a success that has directly benefited the business. 

In the Key Skills section 

The Key Skills section seems like the ideal place to add teamwork skills, doesn't it? Not so fast! Ideally, this section will be weighted in favor of hard skills - they're the job-specific skills you've acquired throughout your career. While it's OK to include some soft skills here too, remember that a long list isn't particularly engaging to read and limit yourself to keywords that you find in the job advert. 

In the Professional Experience section 

Now we get to the meat of the matter. In the Professional Experience section, you can really show off and emphasize all those amazing teamwork skills on your resume to position yourself as a fantastic addition to any team. You have a bit more space here to give detail and context, so that you're doing more than just saying “I'm a great team player” - you're actually proving it. 

In the Education or Professional Development section 

These sections aren't traditionally used to show off specific skills but, if you're light on work experience, you can expand this section to demonstrate skills you've gained while studying. Perhaps you were part of a team project at university or completed a course in conflict resolution that you could highlight here. 

In the Hobbies and Interests section 

While the Hobbies and Interests section is by no means obligatory, you can use it to show off skills you've developed outside of work. This is particularly handy if you're struggling to add teamwork skills elsewhere on your resume. Sports teamwork skills are great on a resume for students, for example.

How to add teamwork skills on your resume

As with any skill on your resume, the best way to add it is by showing, rather than telling. That means providing concrete examples of when you've used a particular skill - ideally with a positive outcome that benefited the business or the team. Below you'll find some teamwork skills examples, so that you can fully understand how to incorporate them and use them as inspiration for your own document.

Example of teamwork in the Profile section 

A positive and customer-focused Customer Service Assistant, with an extensive knowledge of the railway network. Confident handling delays, cancellations, and security and takes a calm, professional approach to resolving incidents and complaints. Communicates respectfully with colleagues and customers alike to quickly build a rapport. Possesses an in-depth understanding of health and safety requirements and prioritizes customer welfare. 

Example of teamwork in the Key Skills section 

Product Management   |   Stakeholder Communications   |   Conflict Management   |   Analysis   |   Project Management   |   Strategic Thinking   |   Agile Methodology

Examples of teamwork in the Professional Experience section 

Mediated between a Junior Developer and the Team Manager to resolve conflict over processes, listening to both sides and proposing a solution accepted by both parties 

Conducted performance reviews, provided constructive feedback on areas for improvement and offered support and development opportunities to address them

Liaised with teams across the business, communicating persuasively to win their buy-in to new projects and delivering confident presentations to large audiences

Turned around a delayed project by reviewing plans and delegating tasks fairly across the team, achieving delivery 2 days ahead of the original deadline

Led by example to build a cohesive and productive team that respected and valued each other despite having very different personalities

Negotiated a $10,000 cost reduction with a supplier, having collaborated with them to identify and address inefficiencies in the current supply process

Motivated colleagues to complete a complex project on time by adopting a positive, can-do attitude to overcoming challenges

Increased team output by 15% by instilling a sense of common purpose through team-building exercises and optional team social events

Example of teamwork skills in the Education section 

Course: Conflict Management and Resolution, 2024

BSc degree: French and English Literature, University of Alabama, 2023

Gained skills in collaboration and delegation as leader of a group project

Example of teamwork skills in the Hobbies and Interests section 

Soccer player:  Contributed significantly to the team that won the Alabama Youth Cup

PTA member:   Collaborated with other parents to raise $10,000 for the school 

Other words for team working

Of course, you don't want to repeat “teamwork” and “team working” multiple times throughout your resume. Switch up the vocabulary to ensure you're presenting a compelling and engaging read. Try these ideas: 

Collaborating

Communicating

Cooperating

Supporting 

Working together

How to improve your teamwork skills 

Not everyone was born a natural collaborator and not everyone has had the opportunity to contribute to a team before they first hit the job market. If you're looking to develop or improve your teamwork skills, there are plenty of ways to do so.

Understand your role

By fully understanding your role in the team and the role of the team in the wider business, you'll be equipped to fulfill your responsibilities and support others in fulfilling theirs. Hold yourself accountable for completing all your tasks, as they will likely impact other members of the team. 

Stay open minded

Actively seek feedback and act on it. Listen to what others are saying and try to look at issues from their perspective. Accept differences rather than taking a negative attitude. 

Get organized

An organized team member is a reliable team member, so plan, schedule, use apps, and set yourself deadlines to ensure you're not letting anyone down. 

Push yourself

Ask if there are opportunities to contribute to teams beyond your day-to-day role - if a project is looming, you may get the chance to work as part of a different team, with different objectives and different perspectives. Take the opportunity to learn from others and push yourself beyond your comfort zone. 

Teamwork skills on a resume are essential!

Whichever role or industry you're aiming for, it's almost guaranteed that you'll be part of a team – small or large, on-site or remote, traditional or matrix. Therefore, it makes sense that you dedicate a corner of your resume to proving your skills in this area. With our advice, you're now well-placed to make sure your resume demonstrates your excellence in this area. 

If you'd like an expert eye on your resume before you send it out to recruiters and hiring managers, why not submit it for a free, no obligation resume review ?

Recommended reading:

The 10 Secrets of Effective Team Management

11 Best Administrative Skills for Your Resume (With Examples)

How to Create an Effective STAR Method Resume (With Examples)

Related Articles:

How to Add Dean's List on Your Resume + Examples

How to Add an Internship on a Resume + Examples

Past vs. Present Tense on Resumes: Best Practices

See how your resume stacks up.

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