Key Skills to Put on a Resume. Examples and expert tips

What are the best skills to put on a resume?

When it comes to job market trends, according to LinkedIn report “The 2023 Most In-Demand Skills“, the most desirable soft skills are: management , communication, leadership, and teamwork. When it comes to hard skills, most sough after ones are: software development skills and data management skills.

If you are wondering what are best skills to put on your resume, it depend on various factors such as: your career stage, job type, requirements, and company culture. It’s essential that you tailor your skills, to align with the specific job you’re applying for.

In Career Strategies we know that it can be a bit hard to choose the right skills for a resume. Therefore, we created this article, where we’ll highlight the most important skills for different areas.

Communication skills

Communication skills are essential for establishing and maintaining positive relationships with others. It goes beyond simply talking and listening. Effective communicators possess the ability to actively listen, understand the perspectives of others, and convey their messages clearly, both orally and in writing. They adapt their language to different audiences, ensuring clarity and understanding. These skills also contribute to conflict resolution and the ability to manage stressful situations.

These skills are desirable in every job, from customer service to management, as they ensure smooth team collaboration and customer interaction.

Examples of communication skills include:

• Active listening,
• Oral and written communication
• Public-speaking and presentation skills
• Negotiation
• Persuasion
• Teamwork
• Constructive feedback
• Discussion
• Non-verbal communication
• Empathy
• Being able to adapt your communication style to different situations or people.

if you feel, you need to improve these skills, you can watch the free course “Communication Foundations” on LinkedIn.

Leadership skills

Leadership skills are related with guiding and inspiring others. A strong leader can successfully finish projects on time by planning, organizing, and coordinating all the necessary tasks. They can overcome obstacles, keep track of progress, and make any needed adjustments along the way. Additionally, a good leader has the power to motivate and uplift people when needed.

Leadership skills are crucial in roles like: project management, team lead, or executive positions. However, even if you’re not in a leadership role right now, these skills can demonstrate your potential for future growth.

Leadership skills examples:

• Conflict resolution
• Decision-making
• Time management
• Motivation and Coaching
• Problem-solving
• Strategic Planning
• Delegation
• Accountability
• Persuasion
• Project Management Software. Tools like Microsoft Project, Trello, Jira, or Asana)
• Data Analysis, like(Excel or Tableau)
• Human Resources Systems – HR software like Workday or BambooHR
• Communication Tools, like Slack or Microsoft Teams

Computer skills

Computer skills are essential in today’s digital world. They involve understanding and using technology effectively. Almost every job requires some level of computer proficiency. For instance, office jobs often require knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, while jobs in the tech industry, may require some technical skills, like: coding skills or familiarity with specific software and platforms.

Examples of computer skills include:

• Office Suite Proficiency (Microsoft Office, iWork or Google Workspace)
• Email and Social Media Management
• Data Analysis
• Database management
• Programming,
• Graphic design,
• Hardware Maintenance and Troubleshooting
• Network Management
• Fast typying
• Web skills (navigating the internet, online research, basic HTMLand CSS, familiarity with CMS)
• Online Collaboration Tools: (Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Trello, Slack, or Jira)

Organizational skills

Organizational skills are crucial in any role, as they lead to better work efficiency, less stress, and higher productivity.

You will need those skills as a project manager coordinating complex timelines, an office worker, or a sales representative.

Examples of organizational skills:

• Time management,
• Task prioritization and Workflow Optimization
• Multitasking,
• Project Planning Tools, like Trello, Asana, Google Calendar, etc.
• Goal setting

Customer service skills

Customer service skills are crucial for any role that involves interacting with customers or clients.
They are especially important for roles in: retail, hospitality, customer support, sales, and any other job where you’re directly interacting with customers. However, even if you’re not in a customer-facing role, good customer service skills can improve your interactions with colleagues, and clients in any industry.

Examples of customer service skills include:

• Active listening,
• Empathy and patience
• Problem-solving,
• Communication skills
• Conflict Resolution
• Responsiveness
• Up-selling/Cross-selling
• Customer Feedback Collection
• Technical Troubleshooting and Product knowledge
• Attention to detail
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software, like: Salesforce, HubSpot, or other CRM tools

Management skills

Management skills are key abilities that help you lead a team, make decisions, and keep projects on track. Good management skills can make a team more productive, create a better work environment, and help a business succeed.

You want to list these skills on your resume if you are a leader, manager, or director. However, they can also be beneficial for any employee looking to advance their career.

Examples of management skills employers are looking for:

• Strategic planning
• Team leadership
• Project management
• Decision-making and risk management
• Delegation
• Conflict resolution
• Resource management
• Project Management Software. Tools like Microsoft Project, Trello, Jira, or Asana)
• Data Analysis, like(Excel or Tableau)
• Human Resources Systems – HR software like Workday or BambooHR
• Communication Tools, like Slack or Microsoft Teams

Project management skills

Project management skills are a skillset that helps you successfully lead and complete a project. These skills let you break big tasks into smaller ones. Then you decide how to prioritize and assign tasks. Finally you track progress to meet deadlines.

These skills are useful in any job, where you need to manage a project, whether it’s organizing an event, building a website, or launching a new product. They can help you make sure your project gets done on time and within budget, without forgetting anything important.

Examples of project management are similar to leadership skills:

• Time management,
• Planning,
• Delegation,
• Communication,
• Problem-solving
• Risk Management
• Quality Control
• Critical Thinking
• Task Prioritization

Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills, also known as people skills, involve the ability to understand and connect with others and communicate effectively. You will use them in any job that requires interaction with people. However, they are especially useful in roles that require customer service.

Examples of interpersonal skills to add on you resume:

• Active listening and communication
• Empathy
• Collaboration
• Networking
• Teamwork.

Problem-solving skills

Problem-solving skills help you find solutions when things go unexpectydly wrong. They are especially important, when time is short and a deadline is comming.

These skills let you quickly understand a problem, come up with new ways to fix it, make fast decisions, and stay strong even when things get tough. If your first solution doesn’t work, you should be able to change your plan quickly to achieve goal.

Examples of problem-solving skills: creativity, resilience, analysis, decision-making, and adaptability.

Time management skills

Time management skills are abilities that help you use your time efficiently. They’re important in every job because they help plan your work day, prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency, break down big tasks into smaller parts, and avoid procrastination. You can also balance your work duties with your personal life, which can help reduce stress.

Examples of time management skills include: setting goals, planning, prioritizing, multitasking, and delegating.

Transferable skills

Transferable skills are skillset you gained through various experiences, such as previous jobs, internships, volunteering, education, or even hobbies. They’re not related to the particular job or industry, so you can apply them in many different jobs or sectors. These skills are especially useful when you’re changing careers or industries.

Examples of transferable skills include:

• Communication,
• Problem-solving,
• Leadership,
• Teamwork,
• Time management

How to include transferable skills on a resume?

If you include transferable skills on your resume, you’ll show adaptability and versatility to potential employers. Here are a few steps to do it:

1. Identify relevant skills in your resume and compare them with the job offer requirements.
2. Highlight transferable skills in the skills section.
3. Demonstrate how you used your transferable skills in the roles you are describing in a work experience section. For example, if you have strong communication skills, you might write about how you presented reports to your team or dealt with customer complaints.
4. Also, mention your transferable skills in your cover letter. Here, you can explain in more detail how you’ve used these skills in past roles, and how you can apply them in the job you’re applying for.

Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills. What is the Difference?

According to TestGorilla, an Amsterdam-based HR tech firm, 76% of employers today use skills-based hiring to haunt talents.

Therefore, to make a powerful impression, you need a well-prepared skils section with the mix of both soft and hard skills.

Hard Skills

Hard skills or technical skills are specific abilities and know-how, you’ve gained through education, training, or in previous jobs. These skills are related to the job type or industry. The are easy to measure, so you can add a level of proficiency if you add them to your cv.

Hard skills show future employers and HR Managers that you have the practical qualifications to do the job. These skills are often the ‘must-haves’ in job descriptions and are key to passing Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Here are examples of hard skills:

• Computer Programming: Proficiency in coding languages like Python, Java, C++, or JavaScript.
• Data Analysis: Ability to use statistical software, such as SPSS, Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or data visualization tools, like Tableau, Looker Studio.
• Project Management: Knowledge of project management methods and tools, like Agile or Scrum, and software like Trello or Asana, Jira, or Monday.
• Digital Marketing: Experience with SEO, email marketing, social media management. Familiarity with tools like: Facebook Ads, Google Ads, Ahrefs, Semrush, Screaming Frog, Hubspot, etc.
• Foreign Languages: Fluency or proficiency in a second (or third) language, such as German, Spanish, Mandarin, or French.
• Graphic Design: Skills in design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign, or AI tools, like MidJourney, Stable Diffusion or Leonardo.
• Accounting: Proficiency in accounting software like QuickBooks, or skills in financial reporting using Excel.
• Writing and Editing: Experience with writing styles such as APA or Chicago, proofreading, or copy editing. Additionally experience with AI tools, like ChatGPT, Jasper, or similar.

How to you list hard skills on a resume?

To list hard skills on your resume, follow these steps:

1. Identify Relevant Skills. Look at the job description. Highlight the hard skills mentioned. Choose those you’re proficient in.
2. Create a ‘Skills’ Section and list the identified skills here.
3. In your ‘Work Experience’ section, provide examples of how you’ve used these skills in your previous roles.

Hard Skills Example:

• Python Programming
• Data Analysis (SPSS, Tableau)
• Project Management (Agile, Scrum)

Work Experience

ABC Company, Data Analyst

• Utilized Python to automate data collection processes, increasing efficiency by 40%.
• Analyzed business data using SPSS and Tableau, providing actionable insights for business growth.
• Managed a team using Agile methodologies to successfully complete a key project on time.

Ok, but an effective resume isn’t only about hard skills.

Soft skills are also extremely important because they can define your success at work. For instance, you might be excellent in coding, but if you’re unable to cooperate effectively with a team, it could impact your productivity.

Soft skills

Soft skills, also known as transferable skills, are personal attributes and behaviors that influence how you interact with others. Unlike hard skills, which are specific and job-related, soft skills are applicable across various roles and industries. They’re not about what you know, but how you behave and relate with others.

Some examples of soft skills include:

• Communication. This includes both verbal and written communication skills.
• Teamwork. The ability to work well with others, whether as a leader or a team member.
• Problem-solving. This skill involves thinking creatively and critically to find solutions to problems.
• Adaptability. It means being open to change and able to adjust to new situations.
• Work ethic. This includes being reliable, responsible, and diligent about completing tasks.
• Emotional intelligence. This refers to the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, as well as relate to and empathize with others’ emotions.
• Time management. It is all about ability to prioritize tasks and use your time effectively.

How to you list soft skills on a resume?

Listing soft skills on your resume requires some extra effort, and a strategy.

When highlighting your soft skills, don’t just list them like a robot. Show them off with real-life examples, that prove you’re the real deal. Here’s what you should do:

1. Drop those soft skills in your skills section, like “Excellent communication skills” or “Master of adaptability.”
2. Sprinkle them into your work experience. Use action-packed verbs and describe tasks where you flexed those skills, like “Facilitated team meetings and expertly resolved conflicts.”
3. Don’t forget your achievements! Highlight how your soft skills led to smashing goals, like “Boosted customer satisfaction by 20% through ninja problem-solving and smooth communication.”

So, go ahead and rock that resume with your awesome soft skills, and let those employers know you’ve got it all!

ADDITIONAL TIP:

Unlike hard skills, soft skills may not always be explicitly mentioned in a job description. However, they’re often desired. You have to read between the lines to identify the soft skills a potential employer values.

For example, if the job description mentions teamwork, collaboration, or any form of interpersonal interaction, it’s a hint that communication and teamwork skills are important.

What’s the Difference Between Hard Skills and Soft Skills

The difference between hard skills and soft skills lies in their nature, acquisition, and application.

Hard skills are concrete, technical abilities that you get mainly through education, training, and job experience. They are specific to each job and measurable.

In contrast, soft skills are less tangible and not typically job-related. They’re tied to your personality, how you relate to others, your tasks and work. You gain soft skills not just at work, but also through personal experiences and in daily life.

Soft skills complement hard skills, adding an extra layer of strength to your professional arsenal.

In simple words: hard skills show what you know, while soft skills indicate how well you can apply that knowledge in the real world.

How to List Skills on a Resume?

To effectively list skills on a resume, follow these guidelines:

1. Review the job description and identify the key skills sought by the employer.
2. Create a dedicated “Skills” section on your resume. This can be placed after your summary/objective and contact information.
3. Whenever possible, provide specific examples or accomplishments that showcase your skill in action.
4. Use industry-specific keywords, relevant to your skills. This helps with applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catches the attention of hiring managers.
5. Be specific. Provide specific examples or accomplishments related to each skill to showcase your proficiency. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.
6. Include a mix of hard skills (technical skills) and soft skills (people skills). Both are valuable in most job roles.
7. Place the most relevant and desired skills at the top of the list. This grabs the attention of recruiters who often spend limited time scanning resumes.
8. Add proficiency levels. Use descriptors such as “proficient in,” “advanced in,” or “basic knowledge of” to indicate your skill level.
9. Avoid overload. Focus on the most important skills. A long list can be overwhelming and diminish the impact.
10. Regularly update your skills section to reflect new competencies gained through training, courses, or professional development.

Remember, the goal is to highlight the skills that are most relevant to the specific job you’re applying for. Customize your skills section for each application.

What to do If You Don’t Possess Relevant Skills?

If you think you lack some key skills, invest in yourself.

There are many ways to learn those skills:

• Online Learning. Take free or paid courses to gain knowledge and practice. Go to skills development platforms, like: Coursera, Udemy, edX, LinkedIn Learning, Skillshare, or Skillshop and learn the skills you need.
• Volunteer, Freelance, or Internships. Look for volunteer opportunities, freelance projects or internship positions that align with the skills you want to develop.
• Networking and Mentoring. Connect with professionals in your desired field through networking events, social media platforms, or industry-specific groups. Seek out mentors who can offer guidance, advice, and support
• Personal Projects. Undertake personal projects related to the skills you want to acquire.

Don’t Lie About Your Skill Set

It’s tempting to exaggerate or lie about your abilities to appear more qualified. However, think twice before doing this. It can have serious consequences.

Here’s why you should never lie about your skill set:

• Job Interview. If you get invited for an interview, the employer may ask detailed questions about the skills you claimed to have. If you lied, you may struggle to answer, and they may discover the truth.
• Trust. If your lies come to light, it can harm your professional reputation and break trust, which is crucial.
• Job Performance. Because of lying, may get you a job. However, If you don’t have the necessary skills, you’ll find it difficult to meet expectations and get things done.

Instead of lying, focus on showcasing your existing skills and and strenghts. Highlight your willingness to learn and grow.

If you are still performing poorly, go back to the previous section in this article, and learn how you can acquire new skills.

Key Skills on a Resume for Freshers

If you build a resume as a fresher, recent graduate, or student, without much professional experience, focus on relevant and transferable skills. Highlight skills acquired through education, internships, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, or even personal life.

Emphasize skills that demonstrate your adaptability, creativity, energy and willingness to learn and grow. This allows you to showcase your potential and value as a candidate, even without a long list of previous job roles.

Here are some key skills examples to include when you write a resume as a student or recent graduate without experience:

• Technical Skills. Include any technical skills you’ve acquired, such as programming languages, software proficiency, or familiarity with specific tools or equipment.
• Soft skills, like: problem-solving, communication, teamwork, leadership, adaptability, organization and time management, critical thinking, and other interpersonal skills, such asŁ empathy, active listening, and the ability to build positive relationships with others.

Remember to tailor your resume skills section to align with the job requirements. 

Resume skills examples for different job types

Let’s explore various combinations of skills that job seekers can include on their resumes, depending on the job type:

Marketing skills

A marketing professional is responsible for promoting products or services, conducting market research, and developing effective marketing strategies. In this role, strong communication, creativity and analytical skills are important. Some of the top skills for your resume in marketing:

Soft Skills	Hard Skills
Communication Creativity Adaptability Teamwork Problem-solving Time management Emotional intelligence Critical thinking	Market research Content creation Social media management Search engine optimization (SEO) Analytics and data interpretation Brand management Campaign management Email marketing Copywriting

Sales specialist skills

A sales specialist is responsible for generating revenue by selling products or services. They must possess excellent communication and negotiation skills to build relationships with clients and close deals. Some of the key skills for a sales resume:

Soft Skills	Hard Skills
Communication Relationship building Negotiation Problem-solving Adaptability Resilience Active listening Empathy Time management	CRM software proficiency Prospecting and lead generation Product knowledge Sales techniques Closing deals Presentation skills Sales analytics Forecasting and pipeline management Market research Customer service

Nursing & Healthcare Skills

In the nursing and healthcare field, professionals play a critical role in providing patient care and ensuring the well-being of individuals. Example skills list to add on a resume for a nursing or healthcare job:

Soft Skills	Hard Skills
Empathy Communication Compassion Teamwork Adaptability Attention to detail Time management Problem-solving Patience	Patient care Medical knowledge Medication administration Diagnostic procedures Electronic health records (EHR) Infection control Wound care CPR and basic life support IV therapy Surgical assistance

Graphic Design skills

A graphic designer, needs to utilize their creative abilities to create visual designs and graphics for various purposes. They combine artistic skills with technical knowledge to communicate messages and concepts through visual elements. Examples of required skillset for a graphic designer:

Soft Skills

Hard Skills

Creativity Communication Attention to detail Time management and Organization  Problem-solving Collaboration Flexibility Open-mindedness

Graphic Design Software Proficiency: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Sketch, Figma, Procreate, Canva InVision, Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D, Affinity Designer, CorelDRAW, Blender AI graphics tools (MidJourney, Stable Diffusion, Leonardo) Branding and typography Layout Design Visual communication Print design Responsive Web Design Photo Editing and Manipulation Motion Graphics Image editing Illustration

Skills on Accounting & Finance Resume

In the field of accounting and finance, professionals are responsible for managing financial records, analyzing data, and providing financial insights. Sample list of skills for a job in accounting or finance:

Soft Skills	Hard Skills
Analytical thinking Attention to detail Communication Time management Problem-solving Adaptability Collaboration Integrity Critical thinking Organization	Financial analysis Bookkeeping Budgeting and forecasting Auditing Financial reporting Taxation Risk management Data analysis Business acumen Excel proficiency

Skills on a resume for teacher

In the field of education, teachers play a vital role in shaping and nurturing young minds. They facilitate learning, create engaging lesson plans, and provide support to students. Example of required skills for a resume in education:

Soft Skills	Hard Skills
Classroom management Effective communication Differentiated instruction Assessment and evaluation Subject matter expertise Technology integration Collaboration Empathy and patience Creativity	Lesson planning Curriculum development Grading and assessment Classroom technology proficiency Classroom organization Classroom discipline strategies Knowledge of educational standards Special education expertise Classroom resource utilization Student progress monitoring

Mechanic skills

In the field of automotive repair, mechanics play a critical role in diagnosing and repairing vehicles. They possess expertise in mechanical systems, electrical components, and diagnostic tools. Some required job skills:

Soft Skills	Hard Skills
Problem-solving Communication Attention to detail Time management Adaptability Collaboration Customer service Critical thinking Analytical skills Patience	Automotive repair Technical knowledge Diagnostic skills Electrical system expertise Mechanical system expertise Brake system repair Engine diagnostics and repair Suspension and steering repair Transmission repair Safety compliance

What is a Skills-based Resume?

A skills-based resume, also known as a functional resume, emphasizes your relevant skills rather than your work history. It highlights your abilities and achievements at the beginning of the resume. This format is suitable for individuals who want to highlight specific skills rather than a career progression.

Skills-based Resume vs chronological

A skills-based resume is effective for individuals with limited work experience, career changers, or job-seekers with gaps in their employment history. On the contrary, a chronological resume is more suitable for candidates with a consistent and progressive work history.

Ultimately, the choice between the two formats depends on your specific circumstances, career goals, and the impression you want to make on potential employers.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Key Takeaways

Congratulations, you’ve reached the end!

Now let’s summarize the key takeaways on how to put skills on your resume.

• Tailor your resume skills to match the specific requirements of the job you’re applying for.
• Keep a balance between soft skills and hard skills.
• When it comes to soft skills, carefully analyze the job description to discover the hidden gems of necessary soft skills sought by the employer. 
• Depending on your career goals and the specific job, choose between a skills-based resume, or a standard chronological resume format.
• Whenever possible, demonstrate how you have utilized your skills in previous roles, through well-crafted work experience descriptions.
• Provide specific examples or accomplishments that highlight your skills in action, showcasing tangible results and achievements.
• Remember quality over quantity. Focus on a concise selection of key skills that strongly align with the job requirements.