The “skills” section of your resume is meant to showcase your abilities and demonstrate to potential employers that you’re worth considering for the role. Many hiring managers will first scan your skills section, looking for keywords related to the job, so it’s important to get this part correct.
Even if you think you have resume-writing down to a science, the skills section is still a treacherous place for mindful job seekers, especially those who have amassed a lot of skills over time. Should you list all of your skills, or edit the section to focus on the job you’re applying to?
We spoke with experts to find out how resume skills sections should be formatted, which skills to list on your resume, and which job resume skills you can leave out.
Best skills to put on a resume
Hard skills relate to the technical aspect of your job, and should absolutely be listed in your skills section. Employers want more than technical prowess, though; they want to know you’ve got soft skills, too.
Here are a few great skills to list on your resume:
- Problem-solving skills. If you’re being hired for a job in tech, your potential employer will want to know you’ve got the ability to handle complex or dynamic issues that arise with aplomb.
- Critical thinking skills. Employers want people who can think critically and come up with creative solutions to problems. Employers also want someone who can think ahead and plot a course for a project or team.
- Listening skills. Stubbornness is a trait most employers aren’t willing to put up with. Demonstrate you’re an active listener and you’re more likely to earn an interview.
- Communication skills. Listening is great. So is communicating your needs, particularly as it relates to your job. Employers value feedback that’s delivered professionally. Employers also look for people who are comfortable presenting to a group.
- Time management skills. Being organized and keeping yourself on-task means work is completed on-time. All employers want staff who have this attribute.
- Project management skills. Even if you’re not in a leadership role, the company you’re applying to will want to know you’ve got transferable skills, and can lead a project or small team if necessary.
Jennifer Fishberg, Job Search Strategist at Career Karma Resume Development and Career Services, tells Dice: “One skill that’s almost universally valued by employers, especially these days with the pace of changes in tech, is an ability to manage change effectively. Whether around company reorganizations and mergers, transitions to remote or hybrid work, or shifting priorities, an ability to not just pivot on an individual level, but to bring others along who are struggling, can really distinguish you among candidates.”
“One key aspect to emphasize is that there isn't a one-size-fits-all list of skills that universally applies to every resume,” notes Erik Pham, CEO of Health Canal. “The critical factor is alignment with the specific job description. Job seekers should meticulously analyze the requirements outlined in the job posting and tailor their resumes accordingly. The goal is to demonstrate to employers that they possess the relevant skills to the position in question.
“While a candidate may have acquired diverse skills over their career, it's imperative to prioritize the most recent and job-relevant ones. Highlighting the skills that align with the employer’s current needs demonstrates a candidate's suitability for the role and showcases their adaptability and currency in the industry.”
A recent study from the Project Management Institute notes that 85 percent of respondents agree having industry-specific skills listed on a resume is a good idea.
Hard skills vs. soft skills
Hard skills and soft skills are equally important to employers. This may be most evident in the technology sector. With the dynamism of the industry and the increased need for tech pros to wear many hats daily, employers focus on building great teams of dynamic individuals.
What are hard skills?
Hard skills are those related to the core aspect of a job. These are technical skills that can be learned in formal education, through certification, or gained with real-world experience. Data analysis, programming, and graphic design are good examples of hard skills.
Hard skills are sometimes difficult to quantify on a resume, which is why tech roles typically have several rounds of interviews where you’re expected to write code. Before sitting down to write your resume, consult the original job posting and note all the hard skills you’ve mastered; make sure you include those on the skills section of your resume. Many employers rely on automated resume scanners which will check for those skills, and potentially reject your resume if they’re not present.
If you don’t know a particular hard skill listed in a resume, of course, don’t mention it. Given the technical questions asked during the interview process, the employer will figure out your lack of knowledge sooner or later (trust us).
What are soft skills?
Soft skills are personal attributes or character traits that aren’t learned, but inherent to who you are. If you’re a great listener who is capable of leading teams, it’s unlikely you’ve learned those skills in a college course; you learn it by making a conscious effort to listen and empathize with others.
Soft skills can also be demonstrated in tech interviews. The ability to solve dynamic problems will be shown in technical interviews, where you will have to utilize your problem-solving skills (a soft skill) to find a path to success with your programming prowess (a hard skill). Also, come prepared with stories that show how you’ve utilized your other soft skills, such as empathy and communication, to help teams succeed in your previous roles.
Example Resume Skills by Job Type
Curious about which skills pop up on resumes for certain tech jobs? Here’s a breakdown:
- Programming Languages (Python, Java, C++, etc.): The foundational skill, choose languages relevant to your target projects/companies.
- Databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, etc.): Storing and manipulating data is crucial for most software applications.
- Software Development Methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall): Demonstrate understanding of project management and collaboration.
- Version Control Systems (Git, SVN): Essential for code collaboration and tracking changes.
- Testing & Debugging: Ability to identify and fix errors is key for maintaining quality software.
Data Scientist: - Python & Statistical Libraries (NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn): Mastering Python and powerful libraries is the core of data analysis.
- Machine Learning Algorithms (Regression, Classification, etc.): Knowledge of various algorithms and their applications is necessary.
- Data Visualization & Communication (Tableau, Power BI): Effectively presenting insights is crucial for influencing decision-making.
- Cloud Computing Platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP): Knowledge of cloud data storage and processing platforms is becoming increasingly important.
- Database Management & SQL: Understanding data structures and efficient querying is essential for data manipulation.
- Software Engineering Skills (Python, Data Structures, Algorithms): Strong programming foundation is needed for building ML models.
- Deep Learning Frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch): Familiarity with popular frameworks for building and deploying ML models.
- Model Training & Optimization: Expertise in training and optimizing models for accurate predictions and performance.
- Big Data Processing & Streaming (Spark, Kafka): Ability to handle large-scale data for building robust ML systems.
- MLOps & Model Deployment: Knowledge of tools and practices for integrating ML models into production environments.
- Networking Protocols & Technologies (TCP/IP, Routing, Switching): A deep understanding of the core building blocks of networks.
- Network Security & Firewall Configuration: Skills to protect networks from cyber threats and unauthorized access.
- Cloud Networking Concepts (AWS, etc.): Knowledge of virtual networks and services in cloud environments.
- Scripting & Automation (Python, Bash): Ability to automate routine tasks and improve network management efficiency.
- Troubleshooting & Problem-Solving Skills: Identifying and resolving network issues quickly and effectively is crucial.
- Design Software (Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD): Proficiency in industry-standard design tools for creating user interfaces.
- UI/UX Principles & Research: Understanding how users interact with interfaces to design for usability and accessibility.
- Visual Design (Typography, Color Theory, Layout): Skills to create aesthetically pleasing and effective visual experiences.
- Prototyping & User Testing: Ability to rapidly test and iterate on designs to ensure user satisfaction.
- Front-End Development Knowledge (HTML, CSS, JavaScript): Understanding basic code allows for better collaboration with developers.
- Operating Systems (Linux, Windows Server): Expertise in managing and maintaining server systems.
- Virtualization Technologies (VMware, Hyper-V): Knowledge of creating and managing virtual machines for efficient resource utilization.
- Scripting & Automation (Python, Bash): Automate repetitive tasks for managing systems and configurations.
- Network Administration & Security: Familiarity with network protocols and security best practices.
- Disaster Recovery & Backup Strategies: Expertise in planning for and recovering from system failures.
- Market Research & Competitive Analysis: Ability to understand market needs and competitor landscape.
- Product Development & Agile Methodologies: Familiarity with product lifecycles and managing development teams.
- User Experience (UX) Research & Design: Understanding user needs to shape product direction and features.
- Data Analysis & Metrics Tracking: Ability to measure product performance and make data-driven decisions.
- Communication & Collaboration Skills: Effectively communicating with stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
- Scripting & Automation (Python, Bash, Ansible): Automate infrastructure provisioning and configuration management.
- CI/CD Pipelines & Cloud Platforms (Jenkins, AWS, Azure): Expertise in deploying and managing software applications in cloud environments.
- Containerization Technologies (Docker, Kubernetes): Knowledge of containerization for efficient app development and deployment.
- Monitoring & Logging Tools: Ability to track system health and troubleshoot issues proactively.
- Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation): Define and manage infrastructure with code for consistency and scalability.
Conclusion
“There’s a big difference between stating you possess a skill and demonstrating your ability to use it effectively to address real-world challenges,” Fishberg adds. “While a skills list has some at-a-glance value for technical and other hard skills, it’s a complete waste of valuable resume real estate when it comes to soft skills because it’s so subjective. Everyone thinks and says they have great communication and collaborative skills, but we all know the reality is quite different!
“Incorporate specific examples within your resume’s bullet points and summary that show your skills in action and connect them back to big-picture results for the company. For example, talk about a successful project you worked on where you used your communication and collaborative skills to bridge differences among stakeholders or where you met a stringent deadline that required contributions from a geographically dispersed team.
“Effectively conveying skills on your resume is all about finding that intersection between data and storytelling.”
