Essential Resume Skills: Examples for Any Job

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You have the skills to perform the role you’re seeking. Now get the attention of hiring managers by choosing the right skills for your resume. A great resume must feature the right skills for the job. 

Understanding how to list skills on your resume and deciding on good skills to put on the resume does not have to be complicated. 

Wondering how to make a great resume? We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of skills for resume, including the best hard skills and soft skills to put on your resume in 2024.

We’ll cover: 

• The best skills for a resume 
• Hard skills vs soft skills for your resume
• Top 10 hard skills examples for a resume
• Top 10 sought-after soft skills to put in your resume
• Best resume skills for popular industries
• How to list skills for a resume
• How to list skills on a cover letter
• How to learn skills for a resume

Looking for specifics industry skills to put on your resume? Use our clickable Table of Contents on the left to find the right skills to include on your resume.

Best skills for a resume

Our research into skills searches online shows these are the most in-demand skills for a resume in today’s job market.

It’s important to note that the right resume skills for the job you’re applying for will come down to the employer’s requirements (but more on identifying these skills later).

While reviewing our list of potential skills to put on your resume, note those soft, hard and technical skills that apply to you and set them aside to include on your resume skills list.

Hard skills vs soft skills

The list of skills for a resume is long, but deciding which ones to highlight isn’t as confusing as you might think. The general rule of thumb is to choose a mix of hard and soft skills. But what’s the difference between them?

Top 10 resume hard skills examples for popular jobs

1. Data analysis

The world runs on data and the ability to analyze it, draw intelligent conclusions, and use your findings to improve business operations. Essential related resume skills include:

• Data visualization
• Programming
• Skills statistics
• Knowledge programming tools
• MATLAB

Related jobs:

• Salesforce Administrator
• Data Analytics Manager
• Backup Administrator

2. Cybersecurity

Nothing is worse for a business than stolen data, and cybersecurity professionals are the first vital line of defense against hackers. In addition to cybersecurity certifications, other highly sought-after computer skills for resumes include:

• Knowledge of security across different platforms
• Computer forensics skills
• Risk identification and management
• Scripting
• DevOps

3. Programming

Programming skills are valuable for working with websites, internal networks and mobile apps. Feature your knowledge of specific programming languages and other related skills in your resume skills section, such as:

• Java
• HTML5
• Cloud computing
• Web development
• Object-oriented programming (OOP)

Related jobs:

• SQL developer
• Computer Software
• Java Developer

4.Marketing

Marketing helps businesses reach out to consumers and increase sales, subscriptions and overall engagement. Related job skills for a resume include:

• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• Search engine marketing (SEM)
• Email and social media marketing
• Copywriting
• Google Analytics

5. Accounting

Handling financial matters is an essential part of any business, and the ability to parse numbers, analyze budgets and provide detailed, accurate account management is a crucial component of finance. Skills to add to a resume in this field include:

• Microsoft Excel
• Big data analysis
• QuickBooks
• Tally
• Financial statements

Related jobs:

• Accountant
• Internal Auditor
• Project Accountant

6. Design

Companies have a high need for polished design work, from multimedia to website layouts. Important skills to put on a resume for this type of job include:

• Knowledge of security across different platforms
• Computer forensics skills
• Risk identification and management
• Scripting
• DevOps

7. Writing

Even in today’s tech-heavy world, good writing skills are still necessary for communication, executing marketing campaigns, assembling documentation and creating presentations. Good skills to put on a resume for this ability include:

• Content writing
• Editing
• Business report and proposal writing
• Creative storytelling
• Planning and outlining

Related jobs:

• Editor
• Technical Writer
• Copywriter

8. Cloud computing

Jobs in cloud computing will only increase as more companies move important data to the cloud or use it to manage employee tasks. Related skills to add to a resume for this career include:

• Cloud architecture
• Networking
• Cloud middleware technologies
• Data management
• Application programmer interfaces (APIs)

9. Specialized machinery

Whether licensed to drive large transport vehicles or operate heavy equipment, having training or certification in machinery operation is something you can add to the skills section of a resume to open doors to jobs in many industries, from inventory to construction. These include:

• Forklift operation
• Backhoe
• Certified Equipment Manager (CEM)
• Loaders operation
• Physical stamina and strength

Related jobs:

• Certified Crane Operator
• Truck Driver
• Class B CDL Driver

10. Foreign languages

As the global economy becomes more integrated, employers increasingly need multilingual employees. People who speak more than one language also often have better memory and multitasking ability. Make sure to highlight your multilingual abilities in your resume skills section, such as:

• Spanish
• Italian
• Japanese
• German
• French

Top 10 soft skills for a resume

Soft skills are highly valuable to employers and can improve job performance while increasing your career advancement opportunities. The demand for soft skills is expected to continue to grow as the workplace evolves. These are the top 10 sought-after soft skills to include in your resume.

1. Communication

Employers count good communication skills as a prerequisite for most jobs, whether assisting a customer or interacting with your team members. In your resume, include achievements that involve interacting well with others and stress “verbal and written communication” in your resume skills section.

2. Teamwork

Even if you’re working remotely, collaborating with and supporting other team members remains an essential soft skill for your resume. Ensure you describe yourself as a team member by providing examples of how you’ve successfully worked alongside others and contributed to the successful operations of your team.

3. Problem-solving

Another soft skill for your resume that never goes out of style is solving problems: using creative thinking, experience and resourcefulness to overcome obstacles. Show off problem-solving skills in your resume’s work history section by sharing accomplishments in which you had to work through a challenge.

4. Adaptability

Do you handle change well? Do you remain calm when plan A doesn’t work out and make a smooth transition to plan B? Show employers you can think on your feet and handle changes by including this in your resume skills section and providing work experience examples that describe a time you dealt with an unforeseen change of plans.

5. Leadership

One of the surest ways to advance in your career is to demonstrate a talent for leading others toward success, whether by taking charge of a project, mentoring junior employees, or providing positive direction for a team or company. Always emphasize work history achievements which show your job skills in these areas.

6. Self-motivation

An employee who can be successful without constant guidance and direction will cause fewer headaches for an employer — hence why self-motivation is a good skill to put on a resume. Give examples in your resume of when you carried out tasks and projects without close management or created your own projects.

7. Active listening

Focusing when interacting with and getting instructions from others will help you better connect with colleagues and clients and more quickly pinpoint work problems and solutions. Show that you’re present by including this ability in your job skills list.

8. Critical thinking

Employers don’t want automatons — they want employees who can make reasoned choices and adjustments depending on the situation, making this a great soft skill for your resume. Show you’re a critical thinker by giving examples of times when you had to use good judgment to complete a project, improve a process, or achieve the desired result.

9. Conflict management

Let’s face it; not everything will run smoothly at work all the time. When friction arises with co-workers, a boss, between departments or clients, an even-keeled, calm and goal-oriented approach is a useful asset. Essential skills for a resume that fall under the conflict management category include facilitation, mediation and active listening.

10. Organization

Keeping a firm handle on all your duties and turning chaos into order is a crucial job skill, especially for positions requiring coordinating large amounts of paperwork or data or managing large events or groups. Call out any experiences you have in which your ability to organize made a difference.

What are transferable skills?

Transferable skills are skills and abilities that you acquire in one job or situation that can be applied to another job or situation. These skills are considered valuable to employers because they can be used across different industries or job functions. 

Some examples of transferable skills include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, time management, leadership, adaptability, and customer service. These skills are often developed through work experience, education, or personal life experiences.

Transferable skills are essential in today's job market, where many people change careers multiple times throughout their working lives. Having a strong set of transferable skills can make it easier to transition between jobs and industries. They can also make you a more attractive job candidate, as employers value employees who can bring diverse skills and experiences to their organization.

Top resume skills for popular industries

How to list skills on your resume

Now that you know which are the best skills to put on a resume, use our advice to put together a great work skills list:

1. Review the job posting and choose what skills to put on your resume.

Read the job description thoroughly to understand what the employer is looking for, and note which key skills to add to your resume accordingly.

Depending on the job and industry, required skills may include personal qualities such as being a team player, a problem-solver or an excellent communicator, and hard skills like Photoshop, AutoCAD or budgeting. You can also visit the company’s website to learn more about its mission and goals, which are great places to discover the qualities its culture embodies and the goals they’re working toward.

2. Match your skill set to the job.

Once you’ve pinpointed your skills that match the company's needs, create a master list of the 10 most critical hard and soft skills for your resume. Ensure you include a good mix of soft and hard skills.

Not every skill you possess needs to be — or should be — listed in your resume skills section. Instead, target your resume to the specific job by including only those directly impacting the job you’re applying for and will help you prove to be the best candidate for the role. Use the resume summary to highlight your strongest job-related skills. 

If you’re making a career change, focus on transferable skills for your resume: qualities and abilities that can be transferred from one job to another and help you align your past experiences with your potential new job. For example, good soft skills for a resume like communication, teamwork and adaptability, are universal — all employers want to hire people they can depend on.

3. Choose the right resume format.

There are three main resume formats you can choose from, each one highlighting a different aspect of your career profile. Let’s dissect each resume format to help you understand which one is ideal for shining a light on your unique career level.

Functional format resume skills list

Functional format: If you’re short on work experience but can feature skills and training that fit the job, go with a functional resume. This functional resume skills section example shows how you can provide a detailed snapshot of your best abilities by categorizing them.

Chronological format resume skills list

Chronological format: If you have extensive experience in the career or field you’re interested in, go with a chronological resume. In the chronological format, your work history is followed by a list of eight to 10 key skills. Focus on your top soft and hard skills for your resume, and give examples of how you’ve applied your skills in past jobs under your work history entries.

Use this chronological resume example skills section to understand how to list your skills:

Combination format resume skills list

Combination format: If you have years of experience in your field or are switching careers and want to display your most relevant skills alongside your experience, go with a combination resume.

This resume format blends a skills list (including a summary of qualifications, as seen in the example below) with work history details showing how you’ve applied your skills (similar to a chronological resume). It combines the chronological and functional resumes to emphasize your work experience and skills section of your resume in equal measure.

Look at this combination resume example’s skills section to see how skills are listed and organized.

 4. Show how you’ve used your skills in your work history.

Don’t limit your skills to just your resume skills section. Use examples in your work experience section to show how you’ve used your skills to accomplish a project or address a critical task. For example:

This work example demonstrates three good skills to put on a resume based on their experience: Microsoft Office knowledge, training and mentoring others, and facility for IT work.

Here’s another example:

This example shows that you know how to multitask (servicing a large team), and can handle administrative duties (such as phone call management), along with good communication abilities (receiving visitors and answering calls). All of these are excellent skills to put on a resume.

5. Select the best skills for your resume summary.

Your resume summary statement is the first thing recruiters should look at, so start it off with a bang by mentioning your top qualifications and resume skills. What’s the one trait or area of expertise you want employers to know most about? Mention it right off the bat in your summary. For example:

You've outlined your strengths in just a few sentences: office coordination, patient advocacy and a professional approach. Be sure to read the job description well to determine the best skills to put on a resume summary statement for the job you’re applying to.

 6. Emphasize your skills with a cover letter

Don’t just ask yourself, “What skills should I put on my resume?” but also consider what skills to include or expand upon in your cover letter.

Each paragraph of your cover letter should include job-relevant skills. 

• In the introduction paragraph, include your strongest job-relevant skill.

"For the past six years, I have been working as a sales executive. Every year, I have leveraged my product knowledge, customer service skills and business acumen to exceed our sales goals by at least 8%, while also building strong relationships with clients to ensure their satisfaction and encourage referrals. I am excited about the possibility of joining your startup as a Sales Manager and contributing to its growth with a solid foundation."

• In the body paragraphs, offer examples of your accomplishments to highlight. 

Throughout my career, I have been committed to creating engaging and interactive learning environments that foster student growth and development. My teaching style is rooted in a student-centered approach that encourages critical thinking, active participation and collaborative learning. I am confident that my ability to assess student needs and differentiate instruction will enable me to create an inclusive classroom where all students can succeed.

• In the closing paragraph, reiterate your strongest skill and how it could be an asset to the potential employer. 

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I look forward to discussing how my collaboration and data analysis skills in Python can help your company stand out from its competitors. 

If you’re unsure about how to choose your most marketable skills for a cover letter, our Cover Letter Builder can help you with this and all steps to create a compelling letter.

7. Highlight your skills in a job interview with examples

What better time to give in-depth job skills examples than in a job interview? Here are some ways to do it when you’re talking to the recruiter or hiring manager:

• Describe when your active listening skills paid off: As mentioned above, active listening is a key soft skill, so demonstrate it here.
• Describe a moment when your coping skills were tested: An excellent example of succeeding under pressure will always impress an employer.
• Give an example of using research skills to solve a problem: Knowing how to find the correct answers is a valuable ability to put on a resume and explain during your job interview.
• Describe your leadership skills: Leadership ranks high as a soft skill for a resume, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve displayed it.
• Describe a time your leadership skills failed you: Failure isn’t a problem as long as you can prove you’ve learned something from it.
• Describe the skills you’ve learned from previous work: The ability to pick up on new skills is a skill.

How to learn skills for your resume

Hard skills are acquired through education and job experience.

• Experience: Every employment opportunity or volunteer experience will give you skills. For example, a cashier’s job will give you Point of Sales (POS) system skills, a role as a teacher’s aide will give you a background in Montessori, and working as a marketing assistant will help you highlight your SEM and SEO knowledge.
• Education: Learning from professionals who have experience in your field. Education encompasses the traditional school, trade school, colleges and also:
  
  • Apprenticeships
  • Certifications
  • Trainings
  • Workshops
  • Conferences

Soft skills work differently as these are habits and innate behaviors. However, you can still learn soft skills through different methods.

• Self-evaluation: Consider what you need to work on as a person. Is your time management an issue? Could you improve as a team player? Be honest with yourself and research tips on how to improve your weaknesses.
• Work on your habits: How you manage your daily life has an effect on your work. After your self-evaluation, improve your daily work behaviors and slowly incorporate new ones.
• Requesting feedback: Ask a trusted colleague, manager or mentor about your work performance, where you succeed and what to improve. Create a plan to succeed in your improvements, and touch base with them every so often to reevaluate what’s working and what isn’t.
• Traditional learning resources: Find resources on your own or through your employer to improve your soft skills. Consider online courses, workshops provided by organizations and conferences tailored to the needs of your industry.

Key Takeaways