What Skills To Put On Resume

Ever stare at a blank resume template and wonder what skills actually matter to potential employers? You're not alone. Your resume is your first impression, and in today's competitive job market, simply listing your past job duties isn't enough. Highlighting the right skills can be the difference between landing an interview and having your application overlooked. Recruiters often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter candidates based on keywords, and those keywords are often skills. Showing that you possess the skills required, and demonstrating your expertise, is crucial for success.

Think of your skills section as your personal highlight reel, showcasing the most valuable assets you bring to the table. Tailoring your skills to match the specific job description demonstrates that you understand the role's requirements and have the capabilities to excel. This section gives you the opportunity to highlight your hard skills like coding languages or data analysis, as well as soft skills such as communication and problem-solving. A well-crafted skills section will grab the attention of recruiters and demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the job.

What Skills Should I Include on My Resume?

What skills are most valued by employers now?

Employers currently prioritize a blend of hard and soft skills that demonstrate adaptability, problem-solving, and effective communication. While specific technical skills vary by industry, core valued skills include critical thinking, communication (written and verbal), problem-solving, adaptability, and strong teamwork abilities. Employers seek candidates who can not only perform tasks but also contribute to a positive and productive work environment.

Beyond the foundational skills, digital literacy is increasingly essential across nearly all industries. This encompasses proficiency with common software applications, data analysis skills (even at a basic level), and an understanding of digital communication platforms. Furthermore, the ability to learn quickly and embrace new technologies is highly sought after, as the business landscape is constantly evolving. Demonstrating a growth mindset and a willingness to upskill are significant assets. When deciding what skills to put on your resume, tailor your selection to the specific job description. Highlight skills that directly address the requirements and keywords mentioned. Quantify your skills whenever possible by providing concrete examples of how you have utilized them to achieve results in previous roles. For instance, instead of simply stating "Excellent communication skills," you could say "Led cross-functional project teams, consistently delivering presentations that secured stakeholder buy-in and resulted in a 15% increase in project efficiency." Remember to also showcase how your soft skills, such as adaptability and teamwork, contributed to positive outcomes in past experiences.

Should I list soft skills or hard skills?

You should list *both* hard and soft skills on your resume, strategically balancing them to showcase your overall qualifications. Hard skills demonstrate your technical proficiency and ability to perform specific job duties, while soft skills highlight your interpersonal abilities and how well you work with others. A strong resume presents a well-rounded profile that appeals to potential employers.

Hard skills are quantifiable and teachable abilities, often acquired through education, training, or experience. Examples include proficiency in specific software programs (like Adobe Photoshop or Salesforce), programming languages (like Python or Java), data analysis techniques, or specialized equipment operation. These skills directly relate to the core requirements of the job and are usually verifiable through certifications or project experience. Tailor your hard skills list to match the specific requirements outlined in the job description for maximum impact.

Soft skills, on the other hand, are personality traits and interpersonal abilities that enable you to succeed in a work environment. These include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, time management, and adaptability. While harder to quantify, soft skills are crucial for effective collaboration and contribute significantly to a positive work culture. Instead of just listing them, provide concrete examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in previous roles. For instance, instead of saying "Communication," say "Effectively communicated project updates to stakeholders, resulting in a 15% increase in project transparency."

How many skills should I include on my resume?

Aim for a sweet spot of 5-10 skills on your resume. More than that and you risk diluting your key qualifications; fewer, and you might undersell your abilities. Focus on quality over quantity by selecting skills that are highly relevant to the specific jobs you're targeting.

While there's no magic number, the goal is to create a concise and impactful representation of your skillset. Before deciding which skills to highlight, carefully review the job descriptions you're interested in. Identify the keywords and required skills they mention, and prioritize those on your resume if you possess them. It's far more effective to showcase a few skills that perfectly match the employer's needs than to list a laundry list of everything you've ever learned. Remember to provide context for your skills whenever possible. Don't just list "Project Management"; instead, quantify your experience by adding details such as "Managed cross-functional projects, delivering on time and under budget, resulting in a 15% increase in efficiency." Showcasing specific examples of how you've applied your skills in previous roles will make your resume much more compelling to potential employers.

How do I tailor my skills to the specific job description?

Carefully analyze the job description, identifying the keywords related to skills and experience the employer is seeking. Then, strategically highlight those exact skills (and demonstrable evidence of them) on your resume, prioritizing them in your skills section, work experience bullet points, and summary statement. This targeted approach demonstrates you understand their needs and possess the qualifications they value most.

Start by dissecting the job description. Look beyond the broad overview and focus on the specific tasks and responsibilities outlined. Underline or highlight the keywords that represent the skills they require, both technical skills (e.g., Python, data analysis, project management) and soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork, problem-solving). Pay attention to the level of proficiency they're expecting. Are they seeking a beginner, intermediate, or expert in a particular skill? Once you have your list of target skills, honestly assess your own abilities and gather examples from your previous roles where you've successfully utilized them.

Next, incorporate those keywords strategically into your resume. If a skill is listed as a primary requirement, ensure it's prominently displayed in your skills section and reinforced with concrete examples within your work experience. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your skills. For instance, instead of saying "Managed social media accounts," say "Managed social media accounts, increasing follower engagement by 30% in six months." Prioritize the skills that are most relevant to the job and tailor your summary statement to reflect your key qualifications and career goals in relation to the specific role. Remember to adjust your resume for each job application, as tailoring is crucial for showcasing your suitability and increasing your chances of landing an interview.

What's the best way to demonstrate my skills on a resume?

The best way to demonstrate your skills on a resume is to showcase them using a combination of a dedicated "Skills" section and concrete examples within your work experience descriptions. Simply listing skills isn't enough; you need to provide context that proves you possess and have successfully applied those skills in real-world scenarios.

To elaborate, your "Skills" section should include both hard skills (technical abilities like programming languages or software proficiency) and soft skills (interpersonal abilities like communication or teamwork). Tailor this section to match the requirements listed in the job description, prioritizing skills that are most relevant to the specific role. However, don't just copy and paste from the job description; be authentic and only include skills you genuinely possess.

The most impactful way to demonstrate your skills is by weaving them into your work experience descriptions. Instead of simply stating your responsibilities, use action verbs and quantifiable results to highlight how you utilized your skills to achieve specific outcomes. For example, instead of writing "Responsible for managing social media accounts," try "Increased social media engagement by 30% within six months by implementing a data-driven content strategy, leveraging skills in social media marketing, analytics, and content creation." This approach provides concrete evidence of your skills and their positive impact.

Consider using this example for your resume:

Are there any skills I should avoid listing?

Yes, you should avoid listing skills that are irrelevant to the job, outdated, overused to the point of being meaningless, or demonstrably lacking in proficiency. Including such skills can weaken your resume and make you appear out of touch or even dishonest.

Irrelevant skills distract from your qualifications. For example, listing your skill in a specific software program that isn't used in the industry or mentioned in the job description simply takes up valuable space. Similarly, avoid mentioning hobbies or personal interests unless they directly relate to the position or showcase transferable skills like teamwork or leadership. Focus on highlighting the skills that directly address the employer's needs and demonstrate your ability to succeed in the role.

Outdated or overly generic skills can also detract from your credibility. Skills like "data entry" or "basic computer skills" are often assumed in today's workforce and don't differentiate you from other candidates. Similarly, buzzwords that have lost their meaning through overuse, such as "team player" or "hard worker," should be avoided unless you can provide specific examples that demonstrate these qualities. Instead, opt for more specific and quantifiable skills that showcase your expertise and accomplishments.

Should I include skills even if I'm not an expert?

Yes, you should absolutely include skills on your resume even if you're not an expert. It's crucial to represent your abilities honestly, so focus on showcasing proficiency levels appropriate to your experience. Hiring managers aren't always looking for masters of every skill, but rather individuals with the foundation and aptitude to learn and grow within the role.

Instead of presenting yourself as an "expert" in everything, use qualifiers that accurately reflect your level of proficiency. For example, instead of saying "Python," consider using phrases like "Proficient in Python," "Experience using Python for data analysis," or "Familiar with Python libraries such as Pandas and NumPy." This provides context and allows the employer to understand your capabilities without inflating your experience. Focus on highlighting how you've used those skills in previous projects or roles, quantifying your accomplishments whenever possible. This approach adds credibility and demonstrates practical application, which is often more valuable than claiming expertise.

Furthermore, including skills you are actively developing can signal your eagerness to learn and adapt. If you're taking an online course or working on a personal project to enhance a particular skill, mentioning it demonstrates initiative. Just be honest about your current skill level, perhaps stating "Currently developing proficiency in..." or "Basic understanding of...". This helps manage expectations while showcasing your commitment to continuous improvement. Tailoring your skills section to match the specific requirements of each job description is also crucial. Carefully review the job posting and emphasize the skills most relevant to the role, even if they aren't your strongest, as long as you possess a functional level of competence.

So there you have it! Hopefully, this has given you some great ideas about the skills you can sprinkle throughout your resume to really make it shine. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back soon for more tips and tricks to help you land your dream job!