What counts as important skills?

Important skills are the ones that you can use across several different industries. They are sometimes referred to as transferable skills and are great to highlight early in your resume, especially if you are applying for a job in a new field or have a break in your work history. Here are a few transferable skills that you might want to add to your skills section if you have them: Skills for which you have received certifications Experience in programming languages like CSS and JavaScript Adobe software Microsoft Suite (including Outlook, Excel and Powerpoint; not just Word processing) Google Suite (Gmail, Sheets, etc.) Graphic design experience and knowledge Advanced SEM and SEO experience Foreign languages, as well as your level of proficiency These are all important job skills but also if you have soft skills and can elaborate on them those would be an excellent addition to your resume as well. Being a respectful leader, a great communicator and excellent problem solver are assets that have a high value across almost every job field. Resume examples can come into play here as well so that you can have a template for the industries you’re interested in. Utilize the resume samples ResumeHelp has curated to check the resume skills sections on samples for specific jobs to see what kinds of skills are being listed.

Are accreditations considered relevant skills?

Accreditations should have their own section on your resume, along with certifications or honors. You can also discuss accreditations and qualifications in a‘Summary of Qualifications” section to explain and draw attention to these top skills. Different resume formats may offer you the space to include accreditations or you may find that it will go in your general list of skills. This will depend on which resume format you choose.

How do I find out what technical skills are valued in my line of work?

The best way for you to figure out what technical skills are valued in a specific line of work is just to look at other resume examples and job postings for the same line of work. The more you look at these resume examples, the more you’ll be able to see what employers are looking for and what employees are putting front and center. Make sure you look at resumes in both your general industry and, if you can find them, the specific job you’re applying for. Different places will value different skills and if you don’t have some of the skills on the list, prioritize showing off the skills you do have rather than stressing out about the skills you don’t. As you continue to polish your resume, you can start learning those important skills and add them to your resume as you become more confident in them.

What skills do I put on a resume?

Your resume should be a record of your most significant skills and accomplishments, so only highlight the skills you possess that are relevant to the position. You may want to include everything the employer highlighted in their job description but if you don’t actually have the qualifications they need, they’ll know. You should also consider adding personal accomplishments like being a high school basketball champion. While finding familiarity with a recruiter is important, save space on your resume and stay on track by having a statement in your cover letter that reflects specific details of the company and why you’re interested.

What are the best job skills to put on a resume?

The best job skills to highlight in your resume are the ones noted most frequently in the job description, but as noted above, make sure you actually possess those skills. Hiring managers also want to see a good balance of hard skills, technical skills and soft skills as there is more to a role than just being familiar with a specific tool or program. Companies value candidates who can cooperate and communicate well with others especially since there is so much communication performed outside of a traditional office setting.

What should my resume say?

Your resume should ‘say’ to the employer what skills and qualifications you would bring to the role and how you would fit into their company culture. You can achieve this by using a resume format best suited to your level of skills and experience, that way the hiring manager will see your ideal qualities at first glance. ResumeHelp has great resources regarding the construction of chronological resumes: the best type for applicants with a long work history, combination or hybrid: great for candidates who want to showcase a variety of different skills and functional resumes: which are ideal for those who are entry-level candidates or career changers. For more on writing a resume, check our How to Make a Resume article.

Where to put skills on a resume?

A resume template will typically give you three areas to write your most job-relevant abilities: the resume skills section, resume summary and work experience section. The most straightforward is the resume skills section, where you simply have to list skills using bullet points. You should include a well-balanced mix of soft and hard skills that directly relate to the job description. In the summary (or resume objective) you should highlight skills that are most important for the job. If the prospective employer says in their job ad that they prefer a candidate with strong writing skills and administrative skills, be sure to mention it in the resume summary, as this is the first section the hiring manager or recruiter will read. For the work experience, you’ll want to briefly explain how you used an essential soft skill or hard skill. For example, a great way to highlight important nursing skills in the work history is by talking about how you provided comfort for patients and their families during difficult times. This sentence implies that you have empathy skills and care for your patients.

How many skills should I include in my resume?

The number of skills you include in a resume will depend on the resume format. A functional resume, also known as a skills-based resume, will have separate skills sections for you to expand on your abilities if you don’t have enough work experience. You’ll find that most functional resumes have over 12 skills mentioned. Combination and chronological resume formats will typically feature 8-10 soft and hard skills in a resume skills section. They should be well-mixed and speak to your abilities to not just do the job well but get along with the rest of the team. Whatever the case, it’s important to tailor your resume skills to the job. Use the job description as a guide to determine the specific skills to put on a resume.

What skills should I list if I have no work experience?

The key to writing a resume with no experience is to focus on relevant skills and experience, even if it comes from internships, extracurricular activities or volunteer work. Highlight in your resume soft skills that are universal across jobs and industries. Hiring managers pay a lot of attention to soft skills, so even if you’re still learning or don’t have years of experience in a field, they might give you a chance if you have the right soft skills to join the team. Some relevant soft skills that are important whether you work in engineering or customer service include communication, adaptability, conflict resolution and leadership. If you’re thinking about resume hard skills, it’s important to include ones that you have some grasp on and are crucial to perform the duties of the job. Hard skills are job-specific, so your programming knowledge or basic understanding of HTML might not come in handy at a journalism job. Read the job description well and see what hard skills the employer is looking for in a candidate before deciding what to add on your resume.

How do I include skills in a cover letter?

A cover letter is a great space to include additional hard and soft skills or expand on your skill set. You could tell the hiring manager a story of how you used your leadership skills to lead your team to complete a task under deadline and the excellent results of your hard work. Or you could describe how you developed your communication skills by taking public speaking lessons outside of work or bettered your computer skills by following online tutorials. Explain what prompted you to start a career in project management and what has been your proudest accomplishment thus far. A cover letter also provides the space to talk about other hard skills and soft skills that weren’t mentioned on your resume. If you run out of space, you can mention important project management skills, other writing skills or more customer service skills that are important to the job. Cover letters have a story-telling element that’s meant to convince hiring managers that you have the professional and personal qualities to be of value to the company, and that they should contact you for a job interview. For more cover letter tips, see our How to Write a Cover Letter article and our library of cover letter examples and cover letter templates.

20+ Best Skills for Resume (With Examples)

Want to outshine the competition? See our guide on the best skills for a resume and how to highlight impactful skills to put on a resume for any role.

By Ho Apr 03, 2025 3 minutes read

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20+ Key Skills to Put On Your Resume - Examples and Tips

Whether acquired through experience, education, or sheer talent, skills profoundly enhance your value to an employer. To help you understand how to choose the best skills for your resume that will help you get the job you want, I’ll show you:

Which skills employers look for on resumes.
Sample skills from various industries.
How to use resume skills to target keywords and pass ATS.
Where to include skills on your resume.

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Resources for Your Next Career Move

Explore our complete resume examples selection for tips and resources tailored to every career path.

Top 20 Skills for a Resume

1. Communication Skills

Effective communication skills involve excellent verbal, written, and nonverbal communication, such as body language, which is equally important. Through communication, you can clearly convey any message, idea, intention, and goal to others in a way that achieves the best results.

Related resume skills:

Written communication
Active listening
Public speaking
Friendliness
Empathy

Don’t miss to include this skill if you are writing a copywriter resume or a manager resume.

2. Teamwork

Teamwork skills involve collaborating with others to achieve a shared goal, emphasizing cooperation, mutual respect, and effective contribution within a group setting. They showcase your ability to thrive in diverse environments and contribute positively to group dynamics.

Related resume skills:

Collaboration
Conflict resolution
Dependability
Interpersonal communication
Flexibility

Teamwork is a must-have for roles like project manager resumes or customer service resumes.

3. Leadership

Leadership skills involve motivating and guiding a team toward achieving objectives while fostering growth and maintaining high morale. They also highlight one’s ability to take charge, make decisions, and inspire others to perform at their best.

Related resume skills:

Decision-making
Delegation
Strategic planning
Conflict management
Influencing

Include this in resumes for managerial positions, such as a CEO resume or marketing director resume.

4. Problem-Solving

Problem-solving is the ability to analyze situations, identify issues, and develop effective solutions. It demonstrates resourcefulness, critical thinking, and the capacity to address challenges efficiently.

Related resume skills:

Analytical thinking
Creativity
Research
Attention to detail
Decision-making

Ideal for engineering resumes or software developer resumes.

5. Adaptability

Adaptability is about adjusting to new challenges, environments, and tasks quickly and efficiently. This skill showcases your resilience and ability to stay productive even during significant changes.

Related resume skills:

Flexibility
Resilience
Learning agility
Stress management
Openness to feedback

This skill is valuable for teacher resumes or entrepreneur resumes.

6. Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to evaluate information objectively, make logical decisions, and solve problems effectively. It involves a systematic approach to analyzing situations and drawing rational conclusions.

Related resume skills:

Analytical skills
Creativity
Problem-solving
Research
Decision-making

Highlight this skill in resumes for analyst roles or legal professions resumes.

7. Time Management

Time management involves organizing and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines efficiently. It demonstrates discipline, focus, and the ability to balance multiple responsibilities effectively.

Related resume skills:

Scheduling
Planning
Goal-setting
Prioritization
Task delegation

Essential for administrative assistant resumes or product manager resumes.

8. Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to understand, manage, and regulate emotions in yourself and others. It emphasizes empathy, social skills, and relationship management.

Related resume skills:

Empathy
Interpersonal communication
Conflict resolution
Self-awareness
Leadership

Highlight this in resumes for HR roles or customer-facing positions.

9. Active Listening

Active listening is the ability to focus completely on a speaker, understand their message, and respond thoughtfully. It enhances communication and fosters stronger relationships.

Related resume skills:

Empathy
Nonverbal communication
Focus
Patience
Questioning

Add this skill to resumes for psychology or social work resumes.

10. Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution involves identifying the root cause of disputes and finding peaceful, effective solutions. It demonstrates strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.

Related resume skills:

Negotiation
Mediation
Problem-solving
Emotional intelligence
Collaboration

Critical for HR manager resumes or warehouse supervisor resumes.

11. Creativity

Creative thinking is the ability to think outside the box and develop innovative ideas or solutions. It highlights originality and the capacity to solve problems in unique ways.

Related resume skills:

Brainstorming
Design thinking
Idea generation
Innovation
Visualization

Perfect for graphic designer resumes or marketing resumes.

12. Decision-Making

Decision-making skills involve choosing the best course of action based on available information and potential outcomes. It showcases your ability to weigh options and act confidently.

Related resume skills:

Strategic thinking
Problem-solving
Analytical skills
Leadership
Prioritization

Highlight this on resumes for executive or leadership roles.

13. Attention to detail

It’s about being able to complete a task while demonstrating a thorough concern for all the areas involved, no matter how small. Attention to detail includes monitoring and reviewing work or information for accuracy, while organizing time and resources efficiently.

Related resume skills:

Proofreading
Editing
Task-oriented
Dedication
Diligence

Editor resumes, or video editor resumes, can greatly benefit from including this resume skill.

14. Data Analysis

Data analysis is the ability to collect, organize, and interpret data to make informed decisions. It showcases your technical expertise and problem-solving skills.

Related resume skills:

Data visualization
Statistical analysis
Critical thinking
Excel proficiency
SQL

Crucial for data analyst resumes or financial analyst roles.

15. Project Management

Project management involves planning, organizing, and overseeing projects to ensure they are completed on time and within budget. It demonstrates leadership and organization.

Related resume skills:

Scheduling
Task delegation
Risk management
Budgeting
Leadership

Key for resumes targeting operation manager or project manager roles.

16. Programming

Programming skills include writing and testing code to develop software, apps, or websites. It demonstrates technical expertise and problem-solving ability.

Related resume skills:

JavaScript
Python
Debugging
Code optimization
Software testing

Essential for programmer resumes or entry-level IT resumes.

17. SEO/SEM Marketing

SEO/SEM marketing involves optimizing content and managing ads to improve online visibility. It highlights your expertise in driving traffic and increasing engagement.

Related resume skills:

Keyword research
Google Analytics
Content strategy
Ad campaign management
Data analysis

Perfect for digital marketer resumes or resumes for SEO roles.

18. UX/UI Design

UX/UI design is the ability to create user-friendly interfaces and experiences. It demonstrates creativity, technical skills, and attention to detail.

Related resume skills:

Wireframing
Prototyping
User research
Visual design
HTML/CSS

Crucial for web designer resumes or UX designer roles.

19. Organizational skills

Effective organizational thinking skills increase productivity and decrease confusion in the workplace, whether it’s keeping accurate records or arranging information for easy reference.

Related resume skills:

Budgeting
Records management
Strategic thinking
Delegation
Documentation

Crucial for Scrum master resumes and office assistant resumes.

20. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence involves designing and implementing algorithms to enable machines to learn, reason, and make decisions. It showcases your ability to work with AI technologies and improve processes through automation and intelligent systems.

Related resume skills:

Machine learning
Natural language processing (NLP)
Neural networks
Deep learning
Python programming

Perfect for machine learning resumes or senior software engineering roles.

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What Are the Two Types of Skills

Skills are typically divided into two main categories: hard skills and soft skills. While hard skills demonstrate job-specific expertise, soft skills showcase your interpersonal traits and how you collaborate, communicate, and adapt in the workplace. Both are essential to paint a well-rounded picture of your qualifications and potential.

Let’s break them down.

Hard Skills

Hard skills are technical abilities you’ve gained through training, education, or hands-on experience. These skills are specific, measurable, and often applicable to a limited array of particular jobs. They’re what helps you tackle the technical side of work and solve job-specific challenges.

Examples of Hard Resume Skills

Data Analysis: Proficient in using tools like Excel, Python, or Tableau to interpret data and make informed decisions.
Coding: Experienced in programming languages like Java, Python, or HTML for building and maintaining websites and applications.
Graphic Design: Skilled in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Canva for creating marketing materials, logos, and branding.
SEO and Digital Marketing: Knowledgeable in search engine optimization strategies to increase website traffic.
Project Management: Expertise in tools like Trello, Asana, or Microsoft Project to organize and execute tasks efficiently.
Technical Writing: Capable of creating user manuals, reports, and guides that are clear and effective.
CRM Tools: Experienced with platforms like Salesforce or HubSpot to manage customer relationships and drive sales.

These skills can be backed by resume certifications, training, or additional projects, making them easy to prove on a resume.

Soft Skills

Soft skills are personal and interpersonal abilities that define how you interact with others and approach challenges. They show your personality and give insight into how well you’ll work within a team or handle workplace dynamics.

Examples of Soft Resume Skills

Communication: Skilled at delivering clear messages and listening actively to understand others.
Teamwork: Proven ability to collaborate with colleagues to achieve shared goals in dynamic environments.
Problem-Solving: Adept at identifying issues and finding creative, effective solutions under pressure.
Adaptability: Thrives in ever-changing environments, adjusting quickly to new tools or workflows.
Time Management: Strong ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines while maintaining high-quality work.
Leadership: Experienced in motivating and guiding teams to success, even in high-stress situations.
Conflict Resolution: Skilled in mediating disputes and fostering positive outcomes for all parties.
Emotional Intelligence: Able to read emotional cues and respond thoughtfully to build stronger relationships.

Soft skills are harder to measure, but just as important for showing your ability to contribute to a workplace’s culture and team.

Why You Should List Skills On Your Resume

Adding skills to your resume is one of the easiest ways to show employers what you’re good at. It helps them see why you’re the right fit for the job quickly. Here’s why listing your skills is so important:

Show what you can do: Your skills tell employers exactly what you bring to the table. They show that you have what it takes to succeed in the role.
Get through ATS systems: Most companies use software to scan resumes for specific skills. Adding the right skills can help your resume pass ATS filters and reach a hiring manager.
Stand out from the crowd: Listing relevant skills makes your resume stand out, especially if you include the ones that match the job description.
Customize your resume for each job: Tailoring your skills to match the resume keywords the employer is looking for shows you’ve read the job description and understand their needs.

Make a Great First Impression: Recruiters skim resumes, and your skills section is one of the first things they’ll notice. A strong skills section can grab their attention right away.

Where and How to Showcase Resume Skills

The first thing you need to do is come up with a “master list” of relevant skills you can use for your resume. The skills you actually end up listing in your resume will depend on your field and each specific job opportunity, so it’s important to pay close attention to the job description.

Next, slot them into these resume sections:

1. Resume Introduction

Your introduction, whether it’s a resume summary or a resume objective, is the first place to highlight key skills that match the job description. Use it to quickly grab the recruiter’s attention by showcasing your most valuable strengths.

Skills for Resume Example—Introduction

Results-driven Sales Manager with 8+ years of experience in leading high-performing teams, boosting revenue by 20%, and delivering exceptional client satisfaction. Skilled in team leadership, strategic planning, and CRM software.

2. Work Experience

Demonstrate your skills in action by connecting them to specific accomplishments in your work experience section. Use strong resume bullet points to describe how you applied your skills and their impact.

Skills for Resume Example—Work History

Managed social media campaigns, increasing engagement by 35% through strategic content creation and analytics tools.
Utilized SEO expertise to drive a 50% increase in website traffic within six months.

3. Skills Section

The skills section is a straightforward way to list your top abilities. If you’re writing a skill-based resume, you may divide the list into categories, such as technical skills, soft skills, or industry-specific tools, for better clarity. If you’re writing a regular reverse-chronological resume, keep them in one list. Use keywords from the job description to match ATS systems.

Skills for Resume Example—Skills Section

Python
JavaScript
Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure)
SQL
Problem-solving
Communication
Attention to Detail

4. Education

The education section is more than just a record of your degrees—it’s an opportunity to highlight skills gained during your academic journey. Include relevant coursework, academic projects and honors to showcase your abilities.

Skills for Resume Example—Education

Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Artificial Intelligence, UX/UI Design
Academic Project: Designed a machine learning algorithm to predict stock market trends, improving accuracy by 15%.

5. Additional Sections

Additional sections like certifications, awards, or languages are great for showcasing niche skills that don’t fit elsewhere. These can provide extra credibility and set you apart from other candidates.

When it comes to languages on a resume, I always recommend giving them a separate section. clear, separate section for languages lets employers quickly see your skills without hunting through other parts of your resume. It’s especially useful if the job description mentions language requirements, like speaking to international clients or working in a diverse team.

Skills for Resume Example—Bonus Sections

Awards

Winner of the 2023 Creative Design Award for Best Logo Design

Certifications

Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) in Photoshop. Issued by Adobe | July 2023
Google UX Design Certificate. Issued by Google | March 2022

Languages

English: Native (C2)
Spanish: Professional Proficiency (B2)

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Include Skills in a Cover Letter

Don’t stop with just your resume. Including skills in your cover letter is essential because it helps show employers how your abilities match their needs. When writing a cover letter, you can go beyond simply listing skills by giving real and detailed examples of how you’ve used them to achieve results.

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Hungry for more resume guides? Here are a couple great ones:

Sources

WRITTEN BY Ho

Ho is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and editor with two decades of experience in content strategy, creation, and development. He holds a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from Johns Hopkins University and his background includes experience aiding military veterans as they transition to civilian careers.

20+ Best Skills for Resume (With Examples)

20+ Key Skills to Put On Your Resume - Examples and Tips

Resources for Your Next Career Move

Top 20 Skills for a Resume

1. Communication Skills

2. Teamwork

3. Leadership

4. Problem-Solving

5. Adaptability

6. Critical Thinking

7. Time Management

8. Emotional Intelligence

9. Active Listening

10. Conflict Resolution

11. Creativity

12. Decision-Making

13. Attention to detail

14. Data Analysis

15. Project Management

16. Programming

17. SEO/SEM Marketing

18. UX/UI Design

19. Organizational skills

20. Artificial Intelligence

What Are the Two Types of Skills

Hard Skills

Examples of Hard Resume Skills

Soft Skills

Examples of Soft Resume Skills

Why You Should List Skills On Your Resume

Where and How to Showcase Resume Skills

1. Resume Introduction

Skills for Resume Example—Introduction

2. Work Experience

Skills for Resume Example—Work History

3. Skills Section

Skills for Resume Example—Skills Section

4. Education

Skills for Resume Example—Education

5. Additional Sections

Skills for Resume Example—Bonus Sections

Include Skills in a Cover Letter

Sources

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