Throughout our careers, we accumulate a variety of hard and soft skills. But which skills will catch the eye of your future employer, and how should you present them on your resume?
Your upcoming role will likely differ from your past experiences. While highlighting your achievements showcases your potential, presenting a comprehensive skill set is equally impactful.
When listing skills on your resume, they don’t necessarily need to be tied to recent accomplishments. Though this is ideal, many skills may have been underutilized recently. Mentioning them on your resume invites hiring managers to explore these skills further. You never know what combination of skills they are seeking, so be prepared with relevant stories.
This blog explores the different aspects of including skills on your resume:
– Why are resume skills so important?
– Where do you include your skills on a resume?
– Examples of hard skills
– Examples of soft skills
Why Are Resume Skills So Important?
While work experience is crucial, professional skills come a close second. You may have a wide range of skills beyond what can be mentioned in the work experience section. Brief descriptions of your skills can serve as a springboard for engaging interview discussions.
Avoid listing skills you’re not proficient in, but don’t discount skills that were underutilized in previous roles. Tailor your resume to include skills relevant to the specific job application, including those that may be useful in the future role.
Where to Include Professional Skills on a Resume
Your skills should be featured throughout the resume, but there are three primary sections where they belong:
The Skills Section
Include your technical and hard skills here, especially those that don’t fit naturally into the work experience section. Avoid basic skills common to everyone in your field. Instead, list unique skills with compelling stories to attract hiring managers’ attention.
The Work Experience Section
While hiring managers will infer your skills from your job descriptions, explicitly mention rare skills that led to significant achievements. Focus on detailed accomplishments rather than simple lists of skills.
The Summary
If certain skills are unique and central to the role, highlight them in the career summary at the top of your resume. Ensure these skills are impressive and relevant, as this section should balance achievements, career ambitions, and personal motivations.
Examples of Hard Skills
Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities often acquired through education, training, or on-the-job experience.
Technical Skills
– Software development, web development, mobile applications, user interface design, UX design, information architecture, machine learning, data analysis, cloud computing, DevOps, cybersecurity, systems administration, network architecture, IT troubleshooting, IT project management, hardware development, software testing, database management.
Design & Creative Skills
– Graphic design, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Sketch, Figma, video editing, animation, motion graphics, photography, 3D modeling, CAD, illustration, storyboarding, art direction, branding, typography, color theory, print design, web design.
Data Analysis & Management Skills
– Data mining, data modeling, SQL, Python, Tableau, Power BI, Google Analytics, predictive modeling, big data, regression analysis, data visualization, quantitative analysis, SAS, data management, database design, statistics.
Marketing & Sales Skills
– SEO, SEM, social media marketing, content marketing, email marketing, CRM, market research, brand marketing, direct sales, product management, sales strategy, advertising, event planning, public relations, copywriting, media planning, affiliate marketing.
Scientific & Research Skills
– Experimental design, lab safety, biostatistics, clinical trials, microscopy, genetic engineering, environmental testing, molecular biology, organic chemistry, bioinformatics, genome analysis, field research, lab management, scientific presentation.
Finance & Accounting Skills
– Budgeting, cost accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, QuickBooks, financial modeling, SAP, investment analysis, auditing, business valuation, debt restructuring, cost reduction, accounts payable/receivable, GAAP, corporate finance.
Manufacturing & Engineering Skills
– Lean manufacturing, quality control, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, supply chain management, process engineering, materials engineering, industrial engineering, Six Sigma, mechanical design, electrical engineering, robotics, production scheduling, safety management.
Examples of Soft Skills
Soft skills are interpersonal and behavioral skills that facilitate working with others. Employers highly value these skills.
Communication Skills
– Verbal communication, written communication, active listening, presentation skills, public speaking, storytelling, negotiation, conflict resolution, persuasion, interviewing, facilitation, feedback, empathy, assertiveness, patience.
Teamwork Skills
– Team building, collaboration, constructive criticism, peer-to-peer collaboration, mediation, networking, stakeholder management, diplomacy, conflict management, group facilitation, cross-cultural communication, partnering, relationship building, mentoring, delegation.
Management Skills
– Leadership, strategic planning, project management, delegation, decision making, change management, risk management, resource allocation, personnel management, coaching, business development, performance management, strategy, vision, succession planning.
Problem-Solving Skills
– Critical thinking, analytical thinking, creativity, decision making, adaptability, initiative, innovation, resourcefulness, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, risk assessment, judgment, lateral thinking, diagnostic skills, scenario planning, data interpretation.
Innovation Skills
– Idea generation, artistic ability, brainstorming, problem-solving, creative writing, visualization, concept development, design thinking, curiosity, open-mindedness, originality, invention, aesthetics, creative problem-solving, out-of-the-box thinking, risk-taking.
Organizational Skills
– Time management, prioritization, planning, multitasking, project management, event planning, efficiency, record keeping, process improvement, attention to detail, scheduling, resource management, workflow management, delegation, goal setting, task management, quality control, performance measurement, deadlines management, inventory control.
Key Takeaways
– Resume skills are essential for showcasing your career story.
– Include them in the skills section, work experience, or summary.
– Highlight the most impressive skills and omit the mundane ones.
– Tailor your resume to emphasize relevant skills.
– Have a story ready for each skill you include.