When you’re applying for a job, your resume is your first impression—and your skills section is often the part hiring managers focus on first. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a career changer, or a seasoned professional, knowing what skills to include (and how to present them) can dramatically improve your chances of landing an interview.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 10 best skills to put on your resume, complete with real-world examples, tips for customization, and a comprehensive FAQ section to address common resume-writing questions.
Why Skills Matter on a Resume
Skills are the backbone of your qualifications. They tell the hiring manager not only what you know, but how you can apply your knowledge to create value. Employers typically seek a mix of:
- Hard skills: Specific, teachable abilities such as coding, data analysis, or graphic design.
- Soft skills: Interpersonal qualities such as teamwork, leadership, or communication.
By showcasing both types of skills in a clear and strategic way, you present yourself as a well-rounded, capable candidate.
10 Best Skills To Put On Your Resume
Here are ten essential skills that are highly valued across industries:
1. Communication Skills
Strong communication is key in nearly every job. It includes verbal, written, and interpersonal abilities.
Why it matters: Companies want professionals who can convey ideas clearly and collaborate effectively with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
Examples to include:
- Presented quarterly results to the executive team, leading to a 15% budget increase.
- Wrote technical documentation for internal software used by 200+ employees.
2. Teamwork and Collaboration
Even if you work independently, you’ll likely interact with others. Being a reliable team player is essential.
Why it matters: Employers value employees who can contribute to team success and help create a positive work environment.
Examples to include:
- Collaborated with sales and marketing to launch a campaign that generated 1,000+ leads.
- Participated in weekly agile team stand-ups to align on development goals.
3. Problem-Solving Skills
Problem-solving demonstrates your ability to think critically and find solutions quickly.
Why it matters: Businesses need employees who can address challenges without constant supervision.
Examples to include:
- Identified inefficiencies in the procurement process, reducing vendor costs by 18%.
- Handled escalated customer complaints, resolving 90% of issues on first contact.
4. Adaptability and Flexibility
The modern workplace is constantly evolving. Your ability to adjust is a major asset.
Why it matters: Employers want professionals who can pivot easily, learn new tools, and stay calm under pressure.
Examples to include:
- Transitioned to remote work within 24 hours during COVID-19 lockdowns and maintained productivity.
- Learned Adobe Illustrator in 10 days to support a marketing design project.
5. Time Management
Effective time management ensures that you complete tasks efficiently and meet deadlines consistently.
Why it matters: Teams thrive when individuals are dependable and self-disciplined.
Examples to include:
- Managed social media content calendar and increased post consistency by 40%.
- Balanced 5+ client projects while maintaining 100% on-time delivery.
6. Technical Skills
These skills vary by profession but are often essential to perform your job duties effectively.
Why it matters: Technical skills often determine whether you’re qualified for a role.
Examples to include (by field):
- Data analyst: Proficient in Python, Excel, and Power BI.
- Graphic designer: Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
- Marketer: Experience with HubSpot, Google Analytics, and SEO tools like Ahrefs.
7. Leadership
Leadership doesn’t only mean management—it also includes taking initiative and motivating others.
Why it matters: Companies value employees who step up, mentor peers, and lead by example.
Examples to include:
- Mentored three junior developers, helping them transition to full-time roles.
- Spearheaded a sustainability initiative that cut office waste by 35%.
8. Critical Thinking
This skill shows that you can interpret data, think logically, and make well-informed decisions.
Why it matters: Strong critical thinkers help businesses operate more strategically.
Examples to include:
- Analyzed customer feedback to suggest product improvements that reduced churn by 12%.
- Conducted market research that guided entry into a new region, resulting in $500K in new revenue.
9. Customer Service
Whether you’re in retail, tech, or finance, serving clients effectively builds trust and loyalty.
Why it matters: Happy customers drive repeat business, referrals, and brand loyalty.
Examples to include:
- Maintained a 97% satisfaction score across 1,000+ customer interactions.
- Trained new employees on customer handling best practices.
10. Project Management
Project management includes planning, delegating, budgeting, and tracking progress.
Why it matters: Employers look for organized team members who can bring structure and deliver results.
Examples to include:
- Led a cross-departmental project to launch a new CRM platform under budget and ahead of deadline.
- Managed a $250,000 campaign from ideation to execution.
Bonus: In-Demand Industry-Specific Skills
Technology
- Cloud computing (AWS, Azure)
- Cybersecurity
- SQL and database management
Marketing
- SEO/SEM
- Email automation (Mailchimp, Klaviyo)
- Paid advertising (Google Ads, Meta Ads)
Healthcare
- EMR/EHR systems
- HIPAA compliance
- Patient care planning
Finance
- Financial modeling
- Risk analysis
- Budget forecasting
Education
- Curriculum development
- Classroom management
- Learning management systems (LMS)
Tailor your resume to your industry for best results.
How to Choose the Right Skills for Your Resume
Not all skills belong on every resume. Here’s how to decide:
1. Read the Job Description Carefully
Highlight the exact skills the employer is asking for. These are your priority.
2. Mirror the Language Used
If the job listing says “cross-functional collaboration,” don’t just say “teamwork.” Use their terminology when possible.
3. Show Evidence
Instead of listing skills in isolation, show how you’ve applied them in real-world scenarios.
4. Prioritize Transferable Skills
Especially if you’re changing careers, focus on skills that apply across industries like communication, leadership, and problem-solving.
Where to Include Skills on a Resume
1. Skills Section
Place a dedicated “Skills” section near the top or side of your resume. Use bullet points for easy scanning.
2. Professional Summary
Incorporate 2–3 top skills that relate to the job in your resume summary.
3. Work Experience
Demonstrate your skills with achievements and action verbs under each role.
Sample Skills Section
Here’s what a well-formatted skills section might look like:
Core Skills:
- Project Management
- Data Analysis (Excel, SQL)
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Time Management
- Google Analytics
- Customer Success
- Leadership
- Problem-Solving
How to Optimize Skills for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes before a human even sees them.
Tips to optimize:
- Use exact keywords from the job posting.
- Avoid graphics or images in your resume that may confuse the ATS.
- List skills in both a dedicated section and under relevant work experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How many skills should I include on my resume?
A: Aim for 6–10 core skills that match the job you’re applying for. Focus on quality over quantity.
Q: Can I include soft skills like “leadership” or “communication”?
A: Yes, but always back them up with specific examples in your experience section.
Q: Should I include skills I’m still learning?
A: If they’re relevant to the job, yes. Clarify with phrasing like “Currently learning SQL” or “Basic knowledge of Adobe InDesign.”
Q: How do I know which skills are most in demand?
A: Review multiple job listings for your target role. Look for recurring skills across postings.
Q: Is it okay to use the same resume for every job?
A: No. Tailor your skills and resume content to each job application for better results.
Final Thoughts
Your skills don’t just fill space—they tell your story. Choosing the right ones and presenting them effectively can elevate your resume from average to interview-worthy. Focus on relevance, back up your skills with examples, and tailor your resume for every job you apply for.
By leveraging a smart mix of hard and soft skills—and optimizing for both human readers and ATS—you’ll increase your chances of landing the role you want.
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