The appropriate skills to put on resume make all the difference between you and other applicants. This article is a guide on how to put and describe resume skills, especially when applying for jobs in technology, to a managerial position, or creative enterprises. It will give you recommendations that perfect the skills section on your resume so that it can create that difference.
Skills to Put on Resume: Why is it Critical?
Resume skills are the abilities and expertise you’ve acquired over your lifetime that make you valuable to a potential employer. Having skills to put on a resume at the forefront of your resume lets them see at a glance your qualifications and may just give you the edge that will set you apart from other applicants. Given the fact that hiring managers typically glance at a resume in only a matter of seconds, your skills section should hit them immediately.
20 Best Skills to Put on a Resume
These are some good skills to put on a resume:
1. Communication Skills to Put on Resume
Almost all professions require good communication. Good communication means you can express yourself clearly and work effectively using verbal, written, or other forms of non-verbal communication. Some specific examples include:
Written Communication: Reports, Emails, Presentations
– Active Listening: Listening to and responding to your colleagues, clients
– Public Speaking: Presenting speeches or presentations confidently
– Friendliness and Empathy: Inspiring a positive and cooperative workforce
Jobs where this skill comes in handy:
Copywriter, Teacher, Manager.
2. Problem Solving Skills to Put on Resume
The ability to address problems and devise solutions to deal with complex situations manifests critical thinking. It is a very prized skill in those fields where quick thinking is at a premium.
Similar Skills: Brainstorming, strategizing, decision-making, and analytical thinking skills.
Jobs this skill is helpful for:
Computer Engineer, Programmer, Event Manager
3. Leadership Skills to Put on Resume
Every industry requires strong leadership, but often, any position only guides a project. This means leadership skills help you demonstrate a capacity for control and influence over others, which is pretty relevant to your desire to be a great leader.
Related Skills: Presentation, negotiation, relationship building, innovation, and adaptability.
Jobs where this skill is useful:
Business Manager, Human Resources, Sales Manager.
4. Time Management Skills to Put on Resume
A valuable employee is able to prioritize, meet deadlines, and work on multiple projects. It displays time management and demonstrates that the individual is reliable and efficient.
Related Skills: Organization, Prioritization, Planning, Delegation, Goal Setting
Jobs where this skill will be useful:
Executive Assistant, English Teacher, Nurse.
5. Flexibility Skills to Put on Resume
Being flexible with work demands is hard when job demands shift or unexpected challenges arise. Flexibility thus shows the capability of effective response to change.
Skills Involved: Open-mindedness, ability to shift focus, and being proactive.
Jobs where this skill is useful
Hospitality, Logistics Manager, Web Developer.
6. Attention to Detail
Attention to detail means one’s ability to be meticulous and precise in doing his/her work. Such a person would be very helpful in jobs where certain errors can really mean much in life.
Skills Involved: Proofreading, editing, task orientation, and diligence.
Jobs where this skill is useful:
Editor, Pharmacist, Video Editor.
7. Software and Computer Knowledge – Skills to Put on Resume
Having software acumen is the need of the day in most jobs around technology. In some professions, an absence of experience with specific software or platforms is a major weakness.
Related Skills: Photoshop, Illustrator, SEO, Final Cut Pro, Microsoft Office Suite.
Applicable Jobs:
Graphic Designer, Photographer, Java Developer.
8. Project Management Skills – Skills to Put on Resume
A good project manager should be very organized and develop strong communication with others to take the project from development to delivery.
Related Skills: Scheduling, teamwork, presentation, briefing, and project management software expertise.
Jobs where this skill is useful:
Product Manager, Construction Superintendent, Project Manager.
9. Collaboration
The ability to work well with others in a team environment is an absolute must within every industry. Great collaborators are also great communicators.
Related Skills: Emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, agility, and foresight.
Jobs where this skill is useful
Dental Assistant, Office Administrator, Store Manager.
10. Conflict Resolution Skills – Skills to Put on Resume
An all-round sought-after soft skill is the ability to work in the workplace without escalating situations or conflict.
Relevant Skills: Mediation, open communication, responsibility, and perspective-thinking.
Jobs where this skill is applicable:
Customer Service, Kindergarten Teacher, Nurse Manager.
11. Language Skills to Put on Your Resume
Speaking more than one language is highly valuable in jobs that involve dealing with international clients or customers.
Languages to consider: Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, French, German.
Jobs where this skill is useful:
Hotel Front Desk, Nanny, Retail Sales Associate.
12. Customer Service Skills – Skills to Put on Resume
Customer service is critical in many lines of business. It demonstrates you can answer customer questions, resolve issues, and keep a professional attitude, which helps in all customer-contact jobs.
Related Skills: Compassion, self-regulation, influencing, and product knowledge.
Jobs where this skill is useful:
Librarian, Sales Associate, Veterinarian.
13. Organizational Skills
Good organizational skills for positions involving attention to detail and extensive amounts of data.
Related Skills: Budgeting, strategic thinking, documentation, and record management.
Jobs where this skill is useful:
Clerical, Office Assistant, Scrum Master.
14. Strong Work Ethic – Skills to Put on Resume
A good work ethic should be a no-brainer in any type of position. It indicates you are motivated, committed, and responsible.
Related Skills: Discipline, determination, integrity, collaboration, and responsibility.
Jobs where this skill is useful:
Inventory Manager, Paralegal, Social Worker.
15. Critical Thinking Skills
Highly in-demand skills within problem-solving professions are the ability to think critically and make rational decisions.
Skills Related: Logical reasoning, inquisitiveness, data analysis, and research
Jobs where this skill is useful:
Accountant, Data Analyst, Software Developer.
16. Planning Skills – Skills to Put on Resume
No other way than good planning can deliver that nicely on the goals and projects, especially those that require strategizing and thinking ahead.
Related Skills: Budgeting, teaming, decision-making, and risk management.
Jobs where this skill is useful:
CFO, Event Coordinator, Public Relations.
17. Creative Thinking
Creative thinking arouses innovative solutions and new perspectives in many fields, but especially in the arts.
Related Job Skills: Inductive reasoning, brainstorming, and creativity.
Jobs where this skill is useful:
Art Director, Interior Designer, Writer.
18. Patience
It helps you remain calm and productive even in stressful situations. It’s a much-needed quality in customers-facing job or just plain stressful jobs.
Related Skills: Flexible, tolerating, resilient, and empathetic.
Jobs where this skill is useful:
ER Nurse, Preschool Teacher, Sales Representative.
19. Stress Management Skills – Skills to Put on Resume
The ability to tackle the pressure and remain cool is required in stressful fields.
Related Skills: Mindfulness, meditation, time management, and delegation.
Job skills where this is useful:
Healthcare, Substitute Teacher, Entrepreneur.
20. Mentorship
Mentorship demonstrates leadership ability and the ability to lead and guide others while remaining dedicated to the growth of both oneself and the team.
Related Skills: Management, accountability, motivation, and coaching
Jobs where this skill is useful:
Nurse Manager, Supervisor, Creative Director.
Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills
Keep in mind that a resume should include both hard skills and soft skills.
Hard skills are those concrete abilities that you learn either by studying or experience-such as programming or financial analysis. Earning a degree can be expensive, but which example shows why it might be worth it? It is a hard skill, certainly. With a professional degree, there is proof that you have learned the skills needed for a job.
Soft skills are the personality traits that can be applied to any job, such as teamwork and communication.
1. Master List of Skills
Include all your relevant professional skills. Customize the list with skills for a job you applied for.
2. Skills Relevance
Highlight most of the relevant skills against the job description given.
3. Hard and Soft Skills to Put on a Resume
Incorporate a combination of both to show the complete picture of your qualifications.
4. Acquire New Skills If Necessary
Acquiring a particular type of skill will be justified if it means including an attribute in an activity required in the job.
5. Prioritize the Skills Smartly
Based on which resume formats best focus on your strengths, for instance, a functional resume focuses much on the skills, whereas a chronological one concentrates on experiences.
Conclusion
Creating an effective skills area in your resume is very important in this highly competitive job market. If you’re concentrating on the hard skills of technical know-how, or you are, at the opposite end of the spectrum, concentrating on soft skills such as leadership and communication, for instance, ensure that it is where you place the talents in your resume related to a relevant job. With these tips, and skills to list on resume, your resume is sure to dazzle!
FAQs
What are important skills to put on a resume?
Answer: Hard skills that strictly apply to your industry and other soft transferable skills such as communication, leadership, among others.
Do I need to include accreditations in my resume?
Answer: Yes, accreditations may be included to make your resume better.
Why should I add skills to my resume?
Answer: It makes the resume worded and well-rounded and gives insight into your skill set.
What are the top skills for the resume?
Answer: Software, leadership, management, and communication skills are some of the top professional skills to list on a resume.
