What Are Some Good Skills To Put On A Resume

Landing your dream job often feels like navigating a complex maze, and your resume is the map. But what if that map is missing crucial details, leaving potential employers lost and unable to see your true potential? In today's competitive job market, simply listing your work history isn't enough. Employers are actively searching for candidates who possess a specific blend of technical and interpersonal abilities that align with their company's needs and culture.

That's why strategically highlighting the right skills on your resume is essential. It's your chance to showcase not just *what* you've done, but *how* you've done it and the value you bring to the table. By carefully selecting and presenting the skills that are most relevant to the role you're seeking, you can significantly increase your chances of grabbing the attention of hiring managers and securing an interview.

What Skills Should I Highlight On My Resume?

What hard skills are most valuable to include on my resume?

The most valuable hard skills to include on your resume are those that are directly relevant to the specific job you're applying for and demonstrate your ability to perform the core functions of the role. These typically fall into categories like technical skills (programming languages, software proficiency), analytical skills (data analysis, statistical modeling), project management skills (Agile methodologies, budgeting), or industry-specific certifications and licenses. Tailoring your skills section to match the job description is crucial for capturing the attention of recruiters and applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Beyond tailoring to specific roles, certain hard skills consistently remain in high demand across various industries. Proficiency in data analysis tools (like Excel, SQL, Python for data analysis), project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall), and cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) are generally valuable assets. Furthermore, strong writing and communication skills, while sometimes considered "soft skills," often require demonstrable technical abilities, such as creating clear technical documentation or delivering effective presentations on complex topics, making them valuable hard skills to highlight. Ultimately, the "best" hard skills depend on your career goals and the industries you're targeting. Researching industry trends, identifying skills gaps, and continuously upgrading your skillset through courses, certifications, or personal projects will significantly enhance your resume and career prospects. For example, if you're aiming for a marketing role, highlighting skills in SEO/SEM, content management systems (CMS), and marketing automation platforms would be highly beneficial.

How do I effectively showcase soft skills on a resume?

The most effective way to showcase soft skills on a resume is to avoid simply listing them. Instead, demonstrate these skills through concrete examples and quantifiable achievements within your work experience and other sections. Weave them into descriptions of your responsibilities and accomplishments, providing evidence of how you've utilized these skills to achieve specific results.

Instead of just writing "Excellent Communication Skills," describe a situation where you used communication to solve a problem or achieve a goal. For instance, you could write, "Successfully negotiated a contract with a key vendor, resulting in a 15% cost reduction, by effectively communicating project requirements and addressing their concerns." This not only highlights your communication skills but also demonstrates your negotiation and problem-solving abilities. Use action verbs and quantifiable metrics whenever possible to strengthen your claims. Remember to tailor your soft skills to the specific job description. Carefully analyze the required skills and focus on showcasing the ones most relevant to the position. You can also subtly integrate them into your skills section by providing context or levels of proficiency. For example, instead of just "Teamwork," you could write "Collaborative Teamwork: Successfully led cross-functional teams of up to 10 members on multiple projects." Consider including them in your summary/objective, especially if they are key differentiators.

Should I tailor your skills section to each job application?

Yes, absolutely. Tailoring your skills section to each job application is crucial because it demonstrates to the employer that you possess the specific qualifications they are seeking. A generic skills section might not highlight the skills most relevant to the position, reducing your chances of being selected for an interview.

By carefully reviewing the job description and identifying the key skills and qualifications the employer is looking for, you can strategically emphasize those skills in your resume's skills section. This targeted approach makes your resume more appealing to the applicant tracking systems (ATS) often used by companies to filter candidates, as well as the human recruiters who will eventually review your application. Think of it as speaking directly to the employer's needs and showcasing your ability to meet those needs effectively.

Furthermore, tailoring your skills section allows you to prioritize the most impactful skills for each role. While you might possess a wide range of abilities, highlighting only the most relevant ones avoids overwhelming the reader and ensures that your strongest qualifications stand out. You can also use the same language and keywords used in the job posting, which can improve your resume's chances of getting past the initial screening process and into the hands of a hiring manager. This customization demonstrates your attention to detail and your understanding of the specific requirements of the job.

Here are some categories of skills you might consider including, and examples of specific skills within them:

What's the best way to quantify my skills with examples?

The best way to quantify your skills on a resume is to use numbers, percentages, and specific metrics to demonstrate the impact you've had in previous roles. Instead of simply stating you possess a skill, provide concrete evidence of how you've successfully applied that skill and what results you achieved. This makes your claims more believable and allows potential employers to quickly grasp the value you bring.

Quantifying your skills transforms them from generic statements into compelling evidence of your abilities. For instance, instead of saying "Improved customer satisfaction," say "Increased customer satisfaction scores by 15% within six months by implementing a new customer service protocol." Notice the before-and-after comparison and the specific action taken. Similarly, instead of "Managed social media," say "Managed social media accounts for a company with 50,000 followers, increasing engagement by 20% and driving a 10% increase in website traffic through targeted campaigns." This demonstrates not just that you performed the task, but that you performed it effectively and contributed to measurable business outcomes. When choosing metrics, consider what's most relevant to the role you're applying for. If the job emphasizes sales, focus on sales figures, lead generation, and conversion rates. If it's in project management, highlight project completion rates, budget adherence, and team performance metrics. Always contextualize the numbers so they are easier to understand, and tailor examples to align with the specific requirements and priorities outlined in the job description. Make sure your claims are provable and that you have information ready to back them up during an interview, if asked.

Are there any outdated skills I should remove from my resume?

Yes, absolutely. Removing outdated skills from your resume is crucial to presenting yourself as a current and relevant candidate. Including skills that are no longer widely used or are considered basic knowledge can make you appear less competitive and can even age your application.

Think of your resume as prime real estate – every line should contribute to highlighting your value. Outdated skills take up valuable space that could be used to showcase more relevant and impressive qualifications. For example, listing proficiency in outdated software like MS DOS or specific versions of software from decades ago (e.g., Microsoft Office 2003) isn't going to impress hiring managers. In fact, it might make them question how up-to-date your overall skill set is. Similarly, skills that are now largely automated or considered entry-level, like basic data entry or typing speed, can be safely omitted unless they are directly relevant to a specific job requirement (and even then, consider phrasing it in a more modern way). Instead of focusing on outdated skills, prioritize skills that are in high demand within your industry. Research current job postings for the roles you're targeting and identify the key skills and technologies employers are seeking. This will allow you to tailor your resume to match the specific needs of each position, increasing your chances of getting an interview. Remember, your resume is a marketing document designed to showcase your qualifications and demonstrate your ability to meet the employer's needs, so ensure every skill listed is relevant and adds value.

How important are technical skills versus interpersonal skills?

Both technical and interpersonal skills are crucial for career success, but their relative importance often depends on the specific role and industry. Technical skills, also known as hard skills, are the specific abilities needed to perform tasks, while interpersonal skills, or soft skills, relate to how you interact with others. Generally, technical skills get you the interview, while interpersonal skills help you get the job and excel within the company.

Technical skills are essential for demonstrating competence and the ability to perform the core duties of a role. Without the required technical expertise, it’s difficult to even be considered for many positions. These skills are often quantifiable and can be assessed through tests, certifications, or demonstrated experience. However, in today's collaborative work environments, technical proficiency alone is rarely enough. Interpersonal skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability, are increasingly valued by employers. They enable you to effectively collaborate with colleagues, navigate complex situations, and contribute to a positive work environment. While technical skills might be easier to learn and measure, interpersonal skills are often more challenging to develop and are crucial for long-term success and career advancement. Companies often prioritize candidates who possess a strong combination of both, recognizing that they are essential for both individual and team performance.

Where can I find a list of in-demand skills for my industry?

To discover in-demand skills for your specific industry, leverage online job boards, industry-specific publications and websites, professional networking platforms, and reports from market research firms. These sources provide insights into the skills employers are actively seeking, based on current job postings and industry trends.

Expanding on these sources, start with major job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and Monster. Filter searches by your target industry and job titles, then analyze the common skills mentioned in job descriptions. Look for recurring keywords related to technical expertise, software proficiency, and soft skills. Industry publications, such as trade journals and online magazines, often publish articles and reports on emerging technologies and skills that are crucial for professionals in that field. For example, if you are in marketing, check publications like MarketingProfs or Adweek for trending digital marketing skills. Professional networking platforms like LinkedIn are also invaluable. Not only can you examine the skills listed on the profiles of successful professionals in your field, but you can also join relevant industry groups and participate in discussions to learn about the skills being prioritized by employers. Finally, consider reports from market research firms like Gartner, McKinsey, and Forrester. These firms often conduct in-depth research on industry trends and skills gaps, providing valuable data on the capabilities that will be most sought after in the future.

So there you have it! Hopefully, this gave you some great ideas on skills to sprinkle throughout your resume. Remember to tailor them to each job you apply for – it's all about showing them why *you're* the perfect fit! Thanks for reading, and feel free to pop back anytime you need a little resume boost!