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
- SEO
- PPC
- CRM
- Google Analytics
- Project management systems
Soft skills
- Creativity
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Analytics thinking
Financial analyst
Hard skills
- Financial modeling
- Excel
- Data analysis
- Budgeting
- Reporting
Soft skills
- Attention to detail
- Creative thinking
- Leadership
- Collaboration
Data analyst
Hard skills
- SQL
- Python and other statistical programming languages
- Data visualization
- Statistical analysis
- Machine learning
Soft skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Adaptability
Teacher
Hard skills
- Lesson planning
- Teaching
- Research and writing
- Educational technology
- Administration
Soft skills
- Flexibility
- Creativity
- Leadership
- Communication
Nurse
Hard skills
- Emergency care
- Patient safety
- EHR systems
- Medication administration
- Measuring vital signs
Soft skills
- Stress management
- Compassion
- Attention to detail
- Interpersonal skills
Accountant
Hard skills
- GAAP knowledge
- Tax preparation
- QuickBooks
- Financial reporting
- Regulatory management
Soft skills
- Organization
- Integrity
- Analytical thinking
- Attention to detail
Mechanic
Hard skills
- Automotive repair
- Diagnostic tools
- Engine overhaul
- Brake systems
- Wheel alignment
Soft skills
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Ethics
- Customer service
Frequently asked questions
Below, you’ll find the answers to commonly asked questions about the skills section of a resume.
Should I list certifications in my resume skills section?
Including certifications that are relevant to the job you want is a great way to prove your experience in certain areas. Certifications can also show your commitment to continual learning and development.
What are good skills to put on a resume if I don’t have job experience?
Check if any of your skills match the ones in the description. Focus on transferable skills you’ve gained through schooling, internships, or other activities. Highlight any relevant school work, projects, or achievements that demonstrate your abilities.
How to write skills on a resume?
Organize your skills section based on relevance to the job you’re applying for. Begin with the most noteworthy and directly applicable skills first. You can also categorize them into hard and soft skills or group them by proficiency level.
How many skills to list on a resume?
Include around six to eight key skills for your resume. Make sure they’re directly related to the jobs you apply for. Focus on quality and prioritize those that match the position requirements most closely.
How can I promote my job skills for my resume?
Provide specific examples or accomplishments that showcase each skill in action. Use measurable metrics or results whenever possible to highlight your influence and success.
Can I put skills on my resume that I have little experience with?
You can include skills you’re only slightly familiar with, but be honest about your proficiency level. You can also note your plan to develop these skills. Be ready to talk about them in more detail if asked about them by an interviewer.
How to make an ATS-friendly resume
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to manage job applications and screen candidates. ATS scanners give employers a quick way to weed out applicants who don’t meet the position’s qualifications. These systems categorize a resume’s content and look over it for specific keywords to determine if the applicant has the necessary skills. Here’s how to ensure your resume is ATS-appropriate.
- Use simple formatting and easy-to-read fonts
- Include clear sections and headings
- Don’t put critical details, like contact information, in the header or footer
- Use the right file type. Some systems will accept PDF versions of resumes, but if it’s not mentioned in the application, use a Word document
- Avoid using graphs, images, or unusual formatting
- Include keywords from the job description. Look for common industry terms, specific skills, and qualifications mentioned in the job posting and add them to your resume
- Proofread for spelling and grammar mistakes
- Include a detailed skills section near the top of your resume. The list of skills for your resume should include hard and soft skills
How YouScience helps with building a resume
YouScience® Brightpath includes a resume builder, which helps students create professional resumes that effectively highlight their aptitudes and skills for employment, college applications, apprenticeships, or internships. This tool allows students with limited experience to demonstrate their value by combining performance measures of aptitudes and skills with both current knowledge and career potential.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for step-by-step guidance, explore our YouScience ChatGPT Resume Guide to quickly turn your aptitudes and experiences into a polished resume with AI.
Get YouScience today and see how discovering your aptitudes can help you write an impressive resume.
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