resume key qualifications examples

100+ Key Skills for a Resume in 2024 (Examples for any Job)

Learn how to professionally and efficiently list your skills on a resume.

How to List Skills on a Resume 

Your skills are just as important as your work experiences. Skills show a recruiter what you can do for the company -- without taking up too much space in your resume. 

Skills can be anything from “creativity” (a soft skill) to “JavaScript” (a hard skill). It’s important to include a mix of both on your resume.

Don’t know what skills you have? Read on to learn the difference between “soft” and “hard” skills, or skim our 250+ skills for each industry to jump right into the resume writing process. 

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job

Soft Skills vs Hard Skills

“Soft” skills are those that are not quantifiable, such as leadership. These skills also cannot be learned, but  are rather a facet of your personality. Nevertheless, soft skills are still critical to have, for they demonstrate that you are personable and competent.

‍ Tip: Use some of the soft skills as adjectives when writing your profile summary . For example, try “enthusiastic entrepreneur,” “empathic childcare worker,” “organized nurses’ aid,” “supportive administration assistant” or “detail-oriented sales associate.”

The resume below is for a Childcare Worker and includes many soft skills that companies look for, including Creativity and Organizational skills.

In contrast, “Hard” skills are those that are learned -- either in school or through a certification program. These skills are quantifiable and can be continuously expanded upon through further education. Today, most hard skills have to do with computer technology, such as SEO, CSS/HTML, or Microsoft Suite. Even if you aren’t tech-savvy, chances are you still have a few hard skills.

Tip: Be specific about your hard skills. Instead of listing “Programming Languages,” specify which ones you know -- Python, Java, C, etc. Same with photo editing software and any other platforms you are familiar with.

The resume below is for a Content Marketing Associate, and includes manyhard skills that companies in the marketing industry look for, including experience with Social Media tools. Remember, it's important to be specific in terms of defining and listing what softwares you know.

How to List Your Skills

Whether you’re a jack of all trades or a master of one, you absolutely must list some skills on your resume. Skills offer additional insight into what you can offer the company as an employee, and may just push your resume over the edge and into the interview pile. 

• Only list relevant skills . If you’re applying for a position as an engineer, don’t brag about your marketing abilities. Instead, save the space to list the software and programming languages that you know. 
• List around 5 Skills . Writing too many skills on your resume can be an overwhelming experience for the recruiter. He or she may not fully register your skills, and instead just blankly skim the long list. Conversely, listing too few skills is only selling yourself short. You definitely have more than two skills -- no matter your experience level! So shoot for around 5 skills, with a little wriggle room. 
• Include both hard and soft skills . Even if your profession seems to rely on soft skills more than hard skills -- or vice versa -- including both makes your resume stronger. For example, if you’re applying to work as a laboratory assistant, list soft skills such as “teamwork,” “problem-solving,” “time management,” or “organization.” If you’re in a more creative field, hard skills include softwares such as “Adobe Creative Suite” and talents such as “photography,” “writing & editing,” or “videography.” 
• Note your experience level . With each skill, specify whether you are a “beginner,” “expert,” or somewhere in between (using words like “intermediate” and “moderate”). Our resume templates have bars beneath each skill that you can toggle to reflect your expertise. 

The resume below is for a Human Resources Manager, and includes all of the above tips.

250+ Skills for Each Industry  

Although we’ve split these skills up by industry, please note that many skills are applicable to a variety of careers. For example, someone working in marketing might find knowledge of JavaScript just as useful as someone working in the computer science field. 

Let’s jump in!

Office and Administrative Job Skills

• Answering Phones
• Bookkeeping (Excel, Turbotax)
• Office Equipment
• Welcoming Visitors
• Calendar Management
• Organization 
• Time Management 
• Problem Solving
• Attention To Detail
• Adaptability 
• Written Communication 
• Email Platforms (E.G., Gmail And iCloud Mail)
• Word Processing Software (E.G., Google Docs)
• Spreadsheet Software
• Digital Calendars
• Prioritization 

Sales, Retail, and Customer Service Job Skills

• Product Knowledge
• Lead Qualification
• Lead Prospecting 
• Customer Needs Analysis
• Referral Marketing
• Contract Negotiation
• Self Motivation
• Increasing Customer Lifetime Value (Clv)
• Reducing Customer Acquisition Cost (Cac)
• CRM Software (Salesforce, Hubspot, Zoho, Freshsales)
• Cashier Skills
• Knowledge Of Products And Services 
• Customer Service
• Communication (More Specifically -- Verbal Communication Skills, Listening Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Written Communication Skills, Public Speaking Skills, Presentation Skills)
• Math Skills
• Negotiation 
• Persuasion  
• Diplomacy  
• Cold Calling
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
• Lead Generation
• Buyer-responsive Selling
• Buyer Engagement

Nursing and Healthcare Job Skills

• Patient Assessment
• Taking Vital Signs
• Patient Care
• Recording Patient Medical History
• Wound Dressing And Care
• Urgent And Emergency Care
• Record-keeping
• Patient Education
• NIH Stroke Scale Patient Assessment
• Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
• Medicine Administration
• Blood Pressure Monitoring
• Rehabilitation Therapy
• Hygiene Assistance
• Use Of X-ray, MRI, Cat Scans
• Glucose Checks
• Electronic Heart Record (EHR)
• Decision-Making Ability 
• Critical Thinking
• Leadership 
• Thorough Understanding Of HIPPA And Privacy Policies
• Ability To Take And Record Vital Signs
• CPR And First-Aid Certifications
• Perform And Evaluate Diagnostic Tests
• Maintain Patient Charts

IT Job Skills

• Programming Languages
• Web Development
• Data Structures
• Open Source Experience
• Machine Learning
• Front-End & Back-End Development
• Cloud Management
• Agile Development
• CSS Preprocessors
• Graphic User Interfaces (GUI)
• Git/Version Control (Github, gitlab)
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Application Programming Interface (API)
• Adobe Photoshop, InDesign
• Content Management Systems (CMS)
• Testing/Debugging
• Responsive Design Principles
• Mobile and Web Development (e.g. iOS, Android)

Engineering & Technical Job Skills

• STEM Skills
• Prototyping
• Troubleshooting
• Project Launch
• Lean Manufacturing
• Workflow Development
• Computer Skills
• Technical Report Writing
• Programming Languages HTML, CSS, CRM tools

Advertising & Marketing Job Skills

• SEO (SEMRush, WordPress, and Ahrefs)
• SEM (i.e., Google Adwords)
• CRO and A/B Testing
• Social Media Marketing and Paid Social Media Advertising
• Sales Funnel Management
• CMS Tools (WordPress, Weebly)
• Graphic Design Skills (Adobe Creative Suite)
• Email Marketing (MailChimp, Constant Contact)
• Email Automation
• Data Visualization
• Print Design
• Photography and Branding
• Communication 
• Creativity 
• Data Analytics (Google Analytics )
• Web Analytics
• Email Writing 
• Google Adwords
• Social Media And Mobile Marketing 
• Paid Social Media Advertisements
• Consumer Behavior Drivers
• Brand Management
• B2b Marketing
•  Writing Advertising Copy
• Soliciting Feedback From Customers
• Cutting Costs
• Leadership skills
• Task Delegation 
• Strategic Management
• Proposal writing
• Problem-solving
• Problem solving
• Website Management
• Social Media Outreach
• Video Production
• Campaign Management
• Photo Editing
• Logo Creation
• Digital Printing
• Interactive Media Design 
• Color Sense & Theory
• Social Media Publishing
• Storytelling
• Financial Analysis
• Consumer Research
• Statistical Analysis
• Videography 
• Technical Writing 

General Management and Project Management Job Skills

• Agile Project Management (Kanban)
• Managing Cross-Functional Teams
• Scrum Management
• Performance Tracking
• Financial Modelling
• Ideation Leadership
• Feature Definition
• Forecasting
• Profit and Loss
• Scope Management
• Project Lifecycle Management 
• Meeting Facilitation
• Risk Management 
• Cost Management 
• Data Analysis 
• Collaborative 
• Collaborative Programs (Slack, WhatsApp, Dropbox)
• Adobe Creative Suite

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The Right Way to Add Skills to Your Resume in 2023 (With 250+ Example Skills)

Stripped down to the core, the most important thing to show employers in any job search is your skills.

Everything in your application and candidacy comes down to your skills: Your past experience shows how you’ve used your skills to help other employers, your interview shows you understand what skills an employer is looking for and proves you have both the hard and soft skills needed to work well as part of their company, and your skills test…well it’s right in the name. Even checking your references—that’s just asking other people to vouch for how you’ve used your skills in the past.

If you’ve heard that employers care about all your interactions throughout the hiring process—like how you’ve greeted receptionists, how you’ve answered emails, and whether or not you sent that thank you note —that’s true, and it’s because these things show off your communication , interpersonal , and other professional skills.

Skills matter. And your first encounter with most employers is going to be via your resume. So how you put skills on your resume can make or break your job search.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Hard vs. soft skills

There are two major categories of skills:

• Hard skills are the abilities or knowledge you need to complete specific work tasks. For example writing software code, driving a specific kind of vehicle, and scheduling social media posts are all hard skills.
• Soft skills are the traits and qualities that categorize how you work and relate to the people you work with. For example, managing your time well, motivating others, and being curious are all soft skills.

For any job, you’ll need a mix of soft and hard skills—and you’ll want to show them both on your resume. Hard skills are fairly clear cut: You either have them or you don’t. They’re also easier than soft skills to prove that you possess—and to add to a resume. Meanwhile, soft skills are a bit more open to interpretation—for example, everyone’s definition of a good leader is different. But you can still show them on your resume if you use the right techniques.

Read More:   Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills: What the Heck Is the Difference?

Top skills for your resume

Every resume will need skills that are specific to the job you want. For example, to be a software engineer you’ll need coding skills. But here are some of the types of skills that can be valuable for any job or industry:

1. Communication skills

Whether you’re a teacher interacting with students all day, a copywriter making sure you understand the needs of a given project, or an employee working in any other role, you’re going to need to give and receive information. Employers are always looking for those who can communicate clearly and effectively—in writing , in person, or over the phone, email, or any other platform.

Read More: Your Communication Skills Matter for Every Job—Here’s How to Use, Improve, and Show Off Yours

2. Time management skills

Time is a social construct, but unfortunately it’s one we’ve all more or less agreed on. Every job will require you to get tasks done on time, show up for scheduled meetings and events, and organize your schedule effectively. If you’re applying to a role with many different responsibilities or one where you’ll be managing or collaborating with a team, time management skills are even more vital to ensure that you’re hitting goals.

Read More: These Time Management Skills Can Make You a Better Employee—and Improve Your Work-Life Balance

3. Organizational skills

Organization is more than just making sure a physical area is well arranged and clean—though it is that too! Organization skills also encapsulate ensuring digital files are accessible, teams are well coordinated, events and projects are efficient, your work is on schedule, and a lot more. Though the type of organization you’ll be doing will vary from job to job, the need to logically arrange and plan is universal.

Read More: Your Guide to Organizational Skills on the Job—and During the Job Hunt

4. Technical skills

Technical skills are the knowledge you need to use a certain piece of technology, equipment, or technique. They’re a subset of hard skills and most jobs will require specific technical know-how to complete core tasks. However, there are also broader technical skills that are useful for all or many jobs such as the ability to use email, office suite software, and common communication programs like Zoom.

Read More: What Are Technical Skills and How Should You Include Them On Your Resume? (Plus a List of Examples)

5. Computer skills and literacy

Technology is constantly changing, and of course you can’t know how to use any new feature or piece of software immediately after it comes out. But if you can show employers that you have digital literacy, they’ll be confident in your ability to quickly adapt to new technology and troubleshoot basic computer issues.

Read More: Computer Skills You’ll Need in the Workplace—and How to Show Them Off on a Job Search

6. Management and leadership skills

You don’t need to be an executive or anyone’s boss to need management and leadership skills. These are the skills that help you plan, coordinate, motivate (both yourself and others), and complete any project or initiative. They also help you hit long-term goals and allocate resources well.

Read More: How to Improve Your Management Skills (and Show Them Off in a Job Search)

7. Analytical skills

Lots of jobs have the word “analyst” right in the title, but these skills aren’t just for them. Analytical skills cover any of the skills you need to take in or gather information, organize and synthesize it, and use it to make decisions or predictions.

Read More: No, Analytical Skills Aren’t Just for Analysts—Here’s How to Show Yours Off in a Job Search

8. Interpersonal skills

These are the skills that help you work, communicate, and build relationships with others. Employers are always looking for people with strong interpersonal skills like empathy, persuasion, and conflict resolution because it allows them to work well as part of a team. Employees with good interpersonal skills are better at resolving and avoiding issues with others, which helps keep companies working efficiently. For jobs where you’d be working with clients or customers, interpersonal skills are especially important to help drive business and uphold a company’s reputation.

Read More: How Strong Interpersonal Skills Can Help You at Work—and in Your Job Search

9. Problem-solving skills

Most roles are created to solve a problem the company is facing—whether it’s broad like “we need more business” or specific like “we need an expert in Javascript who has experience boosting page-load speed to make our web pages more appealing to the Google algorithm.” Even if a job feels like it’ll follow a set daily routine, issues are still going to pop up, and employers are more likely to hire people who can spot and identify potential or ongoing problems, communicate those problems, look for causes, brainstorm solutions, and/or implement them. 

Read More: How to Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills (and Show Them Off in Your Job Hunt)

10. Decision-making skills

Many jobs require you to make choices all the time. For example, picking a new vendor for office supplies, making cuts to a budget, deciding to bring other people in to solve an issue, or prioritizing work tasks on your to-do list all require decision-making skills. Employers want to know you can identify options, weigh the pros and cons, and choose a path in a logical way.

Read More: You’ll Need Decision-Making Skills in Any Job—Here’s How to Get Them, Use Them, and Show Them Off

11. Other transferable skills

Broadly speaking, your transferable skills are any abilities you gained or used in one context that are also helpful in another. Some transferable skills, like the ability to communicate in a second language, pay attention to detail , or manage a project can be useful in almost any job or workplace. But others might be transferable in only certain situations.

For example, maybe you managed the budget for a club in college and now you’re applying to a position where you’d be managing a budget for freelancers. Or maybe you’ve used Excel to do data analysis in the past, but the company you’re applying to uses Excel to track project progress.

As you’re making your resume, don’t discount any of your skills just because you haven’t used them in exactly the same way and context this job opening calls for.

Read More: Transferable Skills: The Key to Landing Your Dream Job

How to list skills on a resume

Here are some tips for making sure anyone who reads your resume comes away with the right impression of what you can do for them if they hire you.

1. Identify which skills belong on your resume.

Recruiters and hiring managers don’t necessarily have a lot of time to devote to looking at your resume for the first time—about 7.4 seconds, according to the most recent data . So your resume has to make it very clear very quickly that you’re qualified for any job you apply to. The best way to do this is to tailor your resume —or change your resume for every application to match the specific requirements and language of the job description . Take a good look at any posting you’re applying to and note any mentions of skills you have. Also, think about any experience or skills you have that might be transferable to the role. These are the skills that belong on your resume.

For soft skills, you might need to read between the lines a bit. Some postings might mention that they’re looking for a skilled multitasker, but you’re not necessarily going to get an explicit list of all the qualities the employer is looking for in a hire. So think about which of your soft skills can help you accomplish the duties of the job. If there’s a lot of mentions of other teams you’ll be working with, for example, you’ll want to emphasize your collaboration abilities in your resume. Or if you’ll be giving a lot of presentations, you might want to highlight your public speaking chops.

And don’t feel like you need to include every skill you have. Scuba diving is a hard skill, but only relevant to very specific jobs. Remember, hiring managers are reviewing your resume with the job you applied for in mind, so keep your skills at least tangentially relevant to avoid a “Wait, why did they apply for this?” reaction.

2. Don’t oversell or undersell your skills.

Before you add skills to your resume, be honest with yourself (and companies you’re applying to) about your ability level. A hiring manager in the finance industry once told Muse writer Lily Zhang that he hated it when people listed skills in their resume and then added the word “basic” in parenthesis next to it. If you only have a basic understanding of something, it may not belong in your skills section. But if you’re saying your skill level is basic just to be modest, maybe don’t do that. Your future employer can’t pick up how humble you are from this document—you’ll just look less qualified than you are.

Hiring managers might also use your skills section to judge how truthful a candidate has been in their application. If a candidate lists a string of 20 programming languages, but only has done projects in one, it’s not a good look. In general, a good rule of thumb is to only include skills you’re comfortable talking about in an interview.

3. Create a skills section.

A skills section is one of the most important parts of your resume. Remember that 7.4-second initial look that you get from recruiters? That’s why the skills section exists. If you’re applying for a role where a certain skill or skill set is absolutely required for consideration, it’s not unusual for the reader to take a little shortcut and scan the skills section of all the resumes submitted to see if they’re there—and only look at those more intently.

Generally, your skills section is a list of the skills you have without any additional context. If you have a lot of skills to list, consider grouping your skills to make the section even easier to scan. For example, a web developer may have a “design skills” and a “coding skills” subheading within their skills section.

Note that your skills section is usually reserved for hard skills over soft skills.

4. Put your skills section in the right place.

Most commonly, you’ll place your skills section after your work experience section, toward the bottom of the page. But in certain situations , you may decide to put it elsewhere—most commonly near the top of the page just after your heading or your summary (if you have one). You might do this if:

• You’re using a hybrid resume format. As opposed to the more common chronological resume , a hybrid resume puts your skills at the top of the page along with some additional context around how you’ve used your skills.
• You’re in a career where skills sections commonly go at the top of the page. For example, product management resumes often list skills before experience. Look for example resumes for your field to see if they have any specific quirks
• You’re changing or pivoting careers. If your previous job titles might make someone reading your resume assume you applied to the wrong position, consider putting your skills section first. Career pivots and transitions are often dependent on transferable skills or skills you’ve picked up outside of your main work experience. (For career changes, you should probably also lead with a resume summary to help clear up any confusion.)
• You’re in any other situation where your skills boost your qualifications more than your past work experience. For example, if you’ve recently graduated, you may choose to put your skills ahead of your experience (though often after your education section) rather than have a reader comb through your internships, part-time jobs, and extracurriculars looking for what you can do.

5. Show how you’ve used your skills in your bullet points.

Anyone can list skills in a skills section. To really prove that you have them, you need to show how you’ve used your skills in the past—and that you’ve gotten results. Your skills section should actually be rather redundant. Ideally, a close read of your experience section should get across all your hard and soft skills.

Rather than just listing job duties under your past positions, phrase your bullet points as accomplishments . Then, add in the skills you used to achieve those accomplishments and what the results were. Inserting numbers when possible will also show anyone reading your resume just how much your skills have done for your past employers.

Tuck soft skills into your bullets rather than adding them to your skills section. Making the first word relate to your soft skills is particularly effective. For example, instead of, “Assisted with annual corporate retreat,” you could write, “Collaborated in a group of four to plan and facilitate annual corporate retreat for 200 employees.” While both bullets describe the same task, only the second one shows that you’re a team player. Instead of, “Attended monthly sales meetings,” you could write, “Presented product insights to 12 clients in monthly sales meetings,” to demonstrate strong communication skills.

For example, here’s a solid bullet point for your resume with the skills bolded:

• Produced and edited three 10-minute “Day in the Life” videos for different jobs at the company; running initial brainstorming meetings for each over Zoom ; coordinating and communicating with 10+ employees for each video using Airtable, Google Calendar, email and Slack ; arranging shot composition, lighting, and sound and overseeing shoots ; editing using Final Cut Pro and Adobe Creative Suite ; and uploading to YouTube resulting in 200K views and a 10x boost in job applications for focus jobs.

All your bullet points don’t need to be this hefty, of course. But it shows just how many skills can go into one professional accomplishment.

6. Include your skills in other resume sections.

Your work experience isn’t the only place you can drop in those skills. You can also weave them into your:

• Resume summary
• Education section (especially if you’re a recent graduate)
• Volunteer section
• Activities section
• Projects section
• Awards section

7. Add certificates, classes, and certifications that prove your skill set.

If you’ve gotten certifications that prove you’re skilled at something, like project management, don’t forget to put that on your resume. If you’ve taken courses to further your professional development, you can add those too—particularly if you haven’t gotten the chance to use all the skills you learned in your day job yet.

8. Use the same language as the job description.

Most employers use applicant tracking systems (ATSs) to parse and organize candidate’s resumes. Hiring managers and recruiters will search ATSs for the most relevant resumes using skills as their search terms. So whenever possible, use the same language as a job description to describe your skills to increase your chances of landing an interview. For example, if a job listing wants experience with project management software, say “project management software” on your resume, not just “Trello.”

List of skills for different jobs

Below are some examples of specific roles you might be applying for and skills that could be appropriate to list, but remember that a job posting is always the best place to find the skills you need for a specific role. To get a more robust list for your specific industry, you can check out O*NET , a resource developed by the U.S. Department of Labor that breaks down occupations by skills, tasks, and activities.

Accountant resume skills

• Accounting software
• ADP Workforce Now
• Analytical software
• Budget forecasting
• Cash flow analysis
• Cost accounting
• Credit/debt management
• Estate planning
• Financial accounting
• Financial compliance
• Financial reporting
• Forensic accounting
• Google Sheets
• Income tax planning
• Intuit QuickBooks
• Management accounting
• Microsoft Excel
• Payroll management
• Reconciliation
• Revenue forecasting
• SPSS Statistics
• Tax preparation

Administrative assistant resume skills

• Administrative support
• Booking travel
• Calendaring
• Customer service
• Google Workspace
• Meeting coordination
• Meeting minutes recording
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Office support
• Proofreading
• Social media management
• Video conferencing software

Back-end developer resume skills

• Application scaling
• Back-end framework
• Back-end programming languages
• Database administration
• Front-end web technologies
• Hosting environment
• Load changes
• Security compliance
• Version control (e.g. Git)

Customer service resume skills

• Account management
• Chat support
• Language skills (spoken and/or written)
• Phone support
• Resolutions

Data scientist resume skills

• Apache Hadoop and Spark
• AWS software
• Data analysis
• Data cleaning
• Data modeling
• Data sampling
• Data structure
• Git and GitHub
• Key libraries
• Scikit-learn
• The MathWorks MATLAB
• UNIX command line

Executive assistant resume skills

• Corporate communications
• Editing and proofreading
• Preparing agendas
• Report generation
• Reviewing contracts

Financial analyst resume skills

• Microsoft Dynamics
• Montgomery Investment Technology FinTools
• Montgomery Investment Technology Utility XL
• Oracle Business Intelligence
• S&P Capital IQ
• SAP software
• SAS Financial Management

Front-end developer resume skills

• Back-end data display
• Dynamic web page design
• Framework templates
• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• Software workflow
• Styling and color design
• Web page creation
• Website content display
• Website navigation optimization

Full-stack engineer resume skills

Graphic designer resume skills.

• Adobe Creative Cloud
• After Effects
• Autodesk AutoCAD
• Data visualization
• Design principles
• Dreamweaver
• Illustrator
• Product Design

Human resource manager resume skills

• Applicant tracking systems (ATS)
• Benefits administration and management
• Benchmarking
• Candidate screening
• Climate surveys
• Conducting background and reference checks
• Conflict resolution and management
• Contract negotiations
• Human resource information systems (HRIS)
• Interviewing
• Legal and regulatory compliance
• Organizational development
• Orientation
• Payroll administration and management
• Performance improvement and management
• Recruitment
• Vendor negotiation
• Writing and posting job descriptions

Marketer resume skills

• Audience building
• Blog writing
• Brand management
• Content creation
• Content marketing
• Conversion rate optimization
• Customer acquisition
• Copywriting
• Demand generation
• Digital marketing
• Email marketing
• Facebook management
• Google Analytics
• Instagram management
• Lead generation
• LinkedIn management
• Marketing automation and technology
• Market research
• Marketo marketing automation
• Power editor
• Project management
• Search engine marketing (SEM)
• Social media
• TikTok management
• Twitter management

Office manager resume skills

• Billing software
• Document management
• Executive support
• Expense reporting
• Facilities management
• Inventory management
• Office supply management
• Payroll processing
• Reports generation
• Vendor management

Product designer resume skills

• Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• ADA compliance
• Crashlytics
• Google Design Sprint Method
• Omnigraffle
• Story mapping
• Style guides/Pattern libraries for React
• Ubertesting

Product manager resume skills

• A/B Testing
• Beta testing
• Customer analysis
• Data analytics
• Financial analysis
• Forecasting
• Quality assurance
• Release management
• Risk management
• Roadmapping
• Scrum management
• SWOT analysis
• Troubleshooting
• User research
• UX/UI design

Project manager resume skills

• Change management
• Client communication
• Deployment management
• Development and testing
• Impact assessment
• Microsoft Project
• Process development
• Process improvement
• Project life cycle
• Project management software
• Quality control
• Resource allocation
• Scheduling and planning
• Scope management
• Stakeholder management

Sales resume skills

• Business analysis
• Business development
• Cold calling
• Consultative selling
• Customer relations
• Executive relationships
• Prospecting
• Relationship management

Teacher resume skills

• Blended learning
• Character education
• Classroom management
• Collaborative environments
• Data-driven instruction
• Inclusive classroom
• Interactive classroom
• MAP Testing
• Mystery Math
• Personalized learning
• Remote instruction
• Social-emotional learning
• Student-guided learning

Web developer resume skills

• Application coding
• Command line tools
• Google Angular
• LAMP development
• Object-oriented design
• Responsive design
• Server-Side scripting
• Writing modules

Lily Zhang  also contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

101 Essential Skills to Put on a Resume in 2024 [For Most Jobs]

Skills make a huge chunk of a potential employer’s decision to hire you. 

You might think this section of your resume is easy - you just list your skills and you’re good to go.

But listing your skills the right way is a bit trickier.

How do you know if you’re mentioning the necessary skills for the job or if you’re just giving the hiring manager irrelevant information? 

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

In this guide, we’re going to walk you through the process of putting skills on your resume from start to finish.

You’re going to learn:

What Are the Different Types of Skills?

• Why Should You List Your Skills on Your Resume?
• How to List Skills on a Resume
• 12 Best Skills to Put on Any Resume 
• 400+ Skills to Put on a Resume for Different Professions

Let’s dive in!

Skills are the various abilities and attributes that you bring to the table when you’re applying for a job.

Your skills can be your ability to do a specific task or solve a problem with some level of proficiency, and they’re typically divided into hard skills and soft skills.

If you want to create an effective resume that catches the hiring manager’s attention, you need to mention both hard and soft skills.

Let’s break down what each means:

Hard Skills

Hard skills involve the technical knowledge or know-how one can gain through experience, training, or education. 

While hard skills are essential for completing tasks in just about any job, they’re also teachable and easily measurable. 

For example: 

• Machinery skills. Some fields require operating specialized machinery or equipment. (E.g., operating a road roller, pallet-stalker, forklift, or others.)
• Software skills. Depending on the field, you need to know how to use different software, such as the Adobe Creative Suite for designers or the Ableton Live Suite if you’re a DJ.
• Tools. If you’re a digital marketer , you’ll need to know how to use tools like Stethoscope, Google Search Console, Google Analytics, Ahrefs, and SEMrush.
• Languages. Being able to communicate in more than one language is an extremely useful skill. The more customers or teams you can communicate with, the more valuable you are as an employee. Some of the most sought-after languages today include German, Chinese, Spanish, and Arabic.
• Computer skills. Most jobs will require that you have at least some basic computer knowledge in MS Office and G-Suite, emailing, and presentations. If you’re a web developer , your hard skills will likely include more specialized software knowledge or proficiency in coding languages such as Python, C++, or PHP.
• Techniques. Different specialized techniques you’ve learned can be listed as individual skills. (E.g.: frequency analysis, crystallization, gamification, or even CPR and first aid.)
• Mathematics. A lot of professions, such as accounting and finance, require mathematical skills. If you’re applying for a position in a field that uses advanced mathematics, such as a research assistant , you should be more specific with the types of mathematical skills you have. (E.g.: statistics, trigonometry, calculus, algebra, etc.)
• Data analysis. Businesses are always looking for professionals who can gather and analyze data for various stakeholders and help make strategic decisions, making different types of data analysis a very in-demand hard skill.

…so, just about any field-specific skill is a hard skill you can list on your resume.

Soft Skills

The attributes and habits that describe how you work individually or with others are known as soft skills .

Generally speaking, soft skills aren’t job-specific, so they’re transferable skills that indirectly help you adapt to the work environment and company culture. 

Some examples of the most in-demand soft skills include: 

• Time management
• Communication
• Adaptability
• Problem-solving
• Interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail
• Emotional intelligence
• Conflict resolution
• Stress management
• Critical thinking
• Organization

Soft skills are essential for just about any job out there.

While some soft skills can be critical to doing your job well, such as communication with a customer support representative , others ensure that you get along with your coworkers and foster a positive work environment.

Like hard skills, you can also learn how to develop soft skills, but it’s significantly harder. 

While you can acquire computer skills through a technical course, you’ll need to put in a lot more effort to develop your communication skills. 

For example, you would need to practice active listening in the workplace, learn how to notice nonverbal cues and practice your oral communication skills as much as possible to improve.

What’s the Difference Between Hard Skills and Soft Skills?

There are three main differences between hard skills and soft skills.

• How you obtain them. You can obtain hard skills through work experience , education, training, and certifications. Soft skills, on the other hand, can be gained through life experience, both in and out of work.
• How you use them. While you apply hard skills directly to the job, soft skills usually come into play indirectly and may often complement your hard skills. For example, you may be a communicative marketer or an office manager with great leadership qualities.
• How you list them. Hard skills and soft skills should be listed separately on your resume, but unlike soft skills, hard skills can include your level of proficiency. You can say you’re an advanced user of Adobe Photoshop, but you can’t measure how creative you are in the same way.

When it comes to your employability, both sets of skills are crucial for your resume.

If a hiring manager is on the fence about two candidates with the same hard skills, it’s the soft skills that are going to tip the scales in someone’s favor.

Why Should You List Skills on Your Resume?

The skills section is one of the two most important resume sections , with the other being your work experience.

In fact, 41% of hiring managers notice skills on your resume first.

Let’s look at an example of a well-written skill section:

At first glance, listing some skills on your resume looks easy.

In reality, though, putting skills on your resume the right way is a bit more nuanced than that, and here’s why:

Most companies nowadays use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to help them go through the hundreds and thousands of resumes they receive every day.

This software scans your resume for keywords relevant to the job you’re applying for, and if it doesn’t find them, the ATS automatically rejects your resume.

For example, let’s say you’re applying for a job as a software engineer , and the job requires an expert level of proficiency in Javascript.

If you focus on other programming languages and don’t mention Java as a skill on your resume, the ATS will probably discard it immediately.

Resume statistics show that nearly 75% of resumes are rejected at this first screening stage, and they never make it to a hiring manager .

But let’s assume the company doesn’t use an ATS, and your resume ends up on a hiring manager’s desk.

There’s a good chance the hiring manager is only going to skim through your resume in less than six seconds , looking for the right set of skills.

So, regardless of whether you’ll need to breeze past the ATS or the hiring manager, you have to mention the right skills.

How to List Skills on a Resume (And Stand Out)

Now that you have a clear understanding of how important skills are, let’s talk about how you should list them on your resume.

We’ve divided the process into a step-by-step guide you can follow, starting with:

#1. Tailor Your Skills to the Job

The key to an effective skills section is making sure the skills you list are relevant to the job.

For example, if you’re applying for a job as a backend developer, the customer service skills you gained working as a server during college don’t belong on your resume.

So, only list skills that are useful for the job you are applying for.

Start by thoroughly reading the job advertisement to find out what skills to include on your resume.

Job ads usually list a set of requirements or skills they expect from candidates. Take note of which skills and experiences you have, and remember to write them down on your resume.

Let’s look at an example of a job ad for a line cook position in a restaurant:

At Restaurant X, we are dedicated to delivering an exceptional dining experience that reflects the heart of French cuisine. We are currently seeking a skilled Line Cook to join our team for the summer season. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced, prestigious environment under the mentorship of our acclaimed chef.

Key Responsibilities:

• Efficiently prep ingredients for service, ensuring high standards of quality and freshness.
• Execute recipes to exact standards, contributing to the creation of signature dishes that delight our guests.
• Maintain meticulous attention to detail in the plating and presentation of each dish.
• Uphold the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitation in the kitchen before, during, and after service.

Requirements:

• Proven experience as a line cook in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• A passion for French cuisine and a strong desire to learn and grow within the culinary field.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Knowledge of best practices for food handling, safety, and sanitation.

From this job description, we can see that the restaurant is looking for someone who:

• Is committed to excellence and is highly professional
• Works well under supervision and as part of a team
• Has experience working in a fast-paced kitchen environment
• Pays great attention to detail when it comes to cooking and presentation

Based on this, some of the skills you should definitely mention in your resume include:

• Culinary Expertise
• Food Preparation
• Knife Skills
• Plating Techniques
• Time Management
• Attention to Detail
• Safety and Sanitation
• Stress Management

Don’t mention skills that aren’t directly related to the job. For example, a line cook doesn’t need to list computer skills on their resume, even if those skills are relevant for most other jobs.

#2. Create a Skills Section

Once you’ve identified all the right skills to add to your resume, create a dedicated “Skills” section to list them under.

A dedicated section will help you pass the ATS, and it makes it easier for hiring managers to find the skills they’re looking for.

Here’s an example of what a skills section can look like on a resume:

We recommend keeping your resume skills section somewhere near the top of the page so that the hiring manager can see it quickly. Usually, they should go either next to or after the work experience section, depending on your resume layout .

Next, here are a few tips you should keep in mind when listing your skills:

• Be specific. “Verbal and written communication” sounds significantly better than just “communication.” 
• Sort your skills by relevance. Order your skills based on how crucial they are for the role. The more important skills should go at the top, and the nice-to-have ones should go after them.
• Format skills accordingly. Not everyone has dozens of skills they can show off on their resume, and that’s okay. If you don’t have a lot of skills, you can list both your hard and soft skills in a single section, just like the example we used above.
• Don’t lie or exaggerate. If you don’t have one of the required skills for the role or you’re not very experienced, just be honest. It goes without saying that you should never lie about what you can do. The employer will find out you lied eventually, your professional reputation will bear the consequences, and you could even lose your job.

#3. Match Each Skill With Your Proficiency Level

While some skills are hard to measure, others can be put on a proficiency scale .

We recommend only using a proficiency scale for some hard skills, such as specific tools or software programs. Soft skills are difficult to measure objectively, so there’s no point in putting them on a scale.

Here’s how to show your proficiency level:

• Beginner. You are just starting to learn this skill, or you haven’t practiced the skill through experience. This usually applies to students with no experience who only understand concepts through theories or classroom experience.
• Intermediate. You have applied this skill in practice, and you rarely need help with it, but you still have room to grow.
• Advanced. At this level, you know your stuff. You don’t need help with this skill anymore, and you can teach beginners how to use it.
• Expert. You’re a recognized authority when it comes to this skill, and you’re the go-to person if anyone has any questions.

#4. Back-Up Your Skills in Other Resume Sections

Only listing your skills in their dedicated section will get you so far. After all, everyone else is doing the exact same thing. 

If you want to take your resume from good to great, you need your most critical skills to make an impression from the get-go.

This is where the resume headline and work experience sections come in.

Resume Headline

Your resume headline can be either a resume summary or a resume objective.

The resume summary is a short, two to four-sentence-long paragraph that summarizes your resume. When done right, it shows the hiring manager your strongest selling points as a candidate right from the start.

Here’s an example in action:

But if you don’t have a lot of experience, you can use a resume objective instead.

The resume objective is a two to three-sentence statement of your career intent that goes at the top of your resume. It can include a snapshot of your professional experience, skills, achievements, and professional goals.

Here’s what it looks like:

Both the resume summary and resume objective go at the top of your resume, either before or after your contact information section .

Regardless of which resume headline you go for, the goal of this section is to pique the hiring manager’s curiosity and make them want to read your whole resume. You should always add one or two of the most necessary skills from the job description here.

Work Experience

Once you’ve mentioned some of your top skills in your resume headline, you have to prove you actually have them.

The best way to do that is by listing some impressive achievements in your work experience section and explaining how your skills helped you.

Let’s look at what the work experience section could look like for the data entry specialist from our resume summary example:

• Achieve a 99% accuracy rate, surpassing departmental accuracy goals by 15%.
• Leveraged advanced organizational abilities to streamline data entry processes, reducing task completion times by 20%.
• Employed superior communication and interpersonal skills to resolve 95% of customer inquiries on the first contact, earning an Employee of the Month award.
• Managed and maintained a complex database of over 10,000 records, ensuring data integrity and accuracy through effective office management practices.

Hobbies and Interests

Another section where you can back up your skills is your hobbies and interests section .

If you have leftover space on your resume, you can use this optional section to list a couple of hobbies or areas of interest that relate to your skills.

For example, let’s say you’re applying for a job as a writer, and the ad says you need to be creative, collaborative, and familiar with pop culture.

In that case, if one of your hobbies is playing a popular tabletop role-playing game with your friends, like Dungeons and Dragons, make sure to list it.

A hobby like that shows that you are genuinely creative, like writing for fun, and are capable of organizing with multiple people for a mutual goal.

#5. Put Transferable Skills to Use 

If you’re looking for your first job or if you’re making a career change , transferable skills are something you should make use of.

Transferable skills are skills that aren’t directly related to the job you are applying for, but they’re still useful and likely relevant for most jobs.

For example, if you're writing a career change resume and you’re going from a role as a sales associate to a copywriter, there are several transferable skills you can list on your resume.

Some of them include:

• Written communication. Both roles involve communicating through text. A salesperson needs to send cold outreach emails, while a copywriter has to write newsletter emails.
• Persuasion. A copywriter needs to create copy that drives sales, while a salesperson needs to be persuasive in person.
• Computer skills. Both jobs require some degree of computer literacy. For a salesperson, that might mean using Customer Management Software, while for a copywriter, that’s publishing content online.

12 Best Skills to Put on Any Resume

Now that you know how to put skills on your resume, it’s time to talk about which skills you should add.

Every profession requires some role-specific hard skills. For example, a photographer needs to know how to use photo editing software like Photoshop. 

But when it comes to soft skills, a lot of them are universal across different industries.

Soft skills are the skills that define your approach to work, how well you cooperate with others, and if you can fit into a company’s culture.

And while the right soft skills for a job may be harder to point out, they’re just as essential in today’s job market. In fact, 93% of employers say that soft skills play a critical role in the hiring decision.

There are very few, if any, jobs out there that don’t require at least some level of communication skills .

So, let’s look at some of the most highly valued skills for any resume:

#1. Communication skills

Whether you’re a writer who needs to communicate a message to your readers, a marketing specialist who needs to communicate an advertising campaign to your client, or an employee who needs to communicate with a coworker to complete a task, communication skills are vital. 

Communication is a multi-faceted skill that includes several skills, such as: 

• Oral and written communication
• Non-verbal communication
• Active Listening
• Presentation
• Public-speaking
• Negotiation

#2. Problem-Solving

Problem-solving means you’re able to identify problems, find the root cause behind them, and come up with creative solutions.

Considering there isn’t a single job where you won’t face problems in one way or another, problem-solving skills are a great asset to have.

Throughout your career, you might have to troubleshoot technical glitches, resolve customer complaints, streamline processes, or drive strategic initiatives. In any of these cases, strong problem-solving skills will be crucial to your success. 

But problem-solving is a broad set of skills that can include:

• Analytical thinking
• Root cause analysis
• Data gathering and evaluation
• Creative thinking
• Decision making
• Strategic planning
• Risk assessment and management

Whether you’re an IT professional debugging code or a manager implementing operational improvements, problem-solving skills let you tackle challenges head-on.

#3. Conflict Resolution

When working with diverse groups, disagreements are bound to happen. So, having the skills to resolve conflicts in a constructive manner is extremely valuable in any organization.

Conflict resolution skills are essential for managers addressing performance issues, HR professionals mediating workplace disputes, sales teams negotiating contracts, or coworkers with clashing personalities.

This multifaceted skill involves:

• Impartiality and objectivity
• Assertive communication
• Creative problem-solving
• Persuasion and influence
• Patience and composure

#4. Computer Literacy

Over 70% of jobs require medium-to-high-level digital skills.  

This means that computer and technical skills are priceless assets, even if your job isn’t centered around technology. So, computer skills are almost always a great addition to any resume.

Here are some valuable computer skills for every professional: 

• Office suites (MS Office, iWork)
• Social media
• Database management
• Web (Internet savviness, basic HTML, CMS)
• Troubleshooting
• Equipment installation and configuration
• Fast Typing

#5. Research

Effective research abilities are essential for making informed decisions and driving successful outcomes across any industry.

Whether you’re conducting market research to identify consumer needs, gathering data to explore a scientific hypothesis, or investigating to build a legal case, strong research skills are invaluable.

Some research skills include:

• Finding credible sources
• Evaluating information objectively
• Organizing data
• Identifying patterns
• Documenting and reporting findings

#6. Teamwork

Teamwork skills enable you to work effectively with others towards a common goal.

Since teams tend to drive most major projects and workplace initiatives, learning how to work well with others is essential to most jobs. You might be part of a project team, a committee, or just coordinate across departments someday.

What you need for strong teamwork skills is:

• Active listening
• Reliability
• Flexibility
• Motivating others

#7. Project Management

Project management skills are usually associated with dedicated project manager roles, but in reality, that's not usually the case. Any type of professional can benefit from strong project management skills.

In a nutshell, project management skills involve being able to effectively handle resources, timelines, deliverables, and processes for driving projects to successful completion.

Here are some of the most in-demand project management skills:

• Resource allocation and management
• Project planning and scheduling
• Risk identification and mitigation
• Logistics and coordination
• Action planning
• Task planning and prioritization
• Stakeholder management

#8. Leadership

Leadership includes both the ability to manage and inspire others. Managers are not always great leaders, but leaders almost always make good managers. 

People who are good at leading are emotionally intelligent, good communicators, and natural-born influencers. They can motivate others to reach their full potential and work together towards common goals. This makes leadership another great skill to have for many professions out there. 

Some important soft skills related to leadership include:

• Relationship-building
• Strategic thinking

#9. Organization

Organizational skills are a set of soft skills that help you keep track of information, materials, and even your time in such a way that you can tackle short and long-term tasks efficiently.

Organizational skills are among the top skills recruiters are looking for in 2022, primarily because they help employees be more productive, save companies time and money, and facilitate a more positive work environment. 

Here is what organizational skills consist of: 

• Physical organization
• Prioritization
• Goal setting

#10. Time Management

Time management is the ability to effectively prioritize and organize your tasks and responsibilities.

Needless to say, it’s a crucial skill in nearly every job, since being able to manage your time well allows you to increase productivity, meet deadlines, and maintain a healthy work-life balance .

Time management includes:

• Task prioritization and planning
• Task delegation
• Avoiding and Ignoring distractions
• Adapting to changing priorities

#11. Customer Service

A lot of the jobs out there involve dealing with customers. 

From customer support representatives to cashiers, customer service skills are a great asset to have in 2024. Particularly, that’s because it encompasses a number of other valuable skills, such as:

• Persuasion skills
• Product knowledge

#12. Networking

Networking skills refer to how well you can build professional relationships and connections.

It goes without saying that they're extremely useful for roles like sales, business development, or entrepreneurship, as a lot of the work involves meeting and engaging new people.

However, these skills are also useful for roles where you don't expect to rely on professional networking as much.

Take, for example, project managers. To be really effective, they need to:

• Understand the needs of stakeholders
• Collaborate with various teams across the organization
• Build rapport with people at all levels

Just like most other skills on our list, networking skills are multi-faceted. They include:

400 Must-Have Skills for Different Professions

Still not sure which skills to mention in your resume? We’ve got you covered.

We compiled a list of some of the most relevant skills on the market in 2024, for all sorts of different fields!

If you happen to possess some of these skills, make sure to mention them in your resume. If not, it’s never too late to learn something new!

#1. Retail and Sales Skills

Retail and sales are at the heart of successful business interactions.

Despite the rise of technology, the essence of sales hasn’t changed much . People still need contact with each other, and even with channels of communication becoming digital, communication skills and empathy still take top priority in this industry.

So, here’s a list of must-have skills for salespeople and retail workers :

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
• Cold-calling
• Merchandising
• Product demonstration
• Public speaking
• Inventory management
• Lead generation
• Buyer-Responsive selling
• Buyer engagement
• Point of Sale (POS) proficiency
• Effective communication and sociability
• Social media and digital communication
• Listening skills
• Personalized selling
• Service-based selling
• Follow-up techniques
• Up-selling and cross-selling
• Knowledge of return and exchange policies
• Organizational skills
• Multitasking capabilities

#2. Customer Service Skills

Customer service requires a specialized skill set centered around excellent communication and problem-solving. Success in this field relies on effectively managing various communication platforms and maintaining customer satisfaction through attentive service.

Some skills crucial for any customer service representative include:

• Telephone etiquette
• Data entry proficiency
• Customer needs assessment
• Crisis management
• Multitasking
• Ticket tracking systems
• Scripted responses
• Technical troubleshooting
• Complaint resolution
• Record-keeping
• Team collaboration
• Understanding of privacy and confidentiality
• Customer education techniques
• Feedback collection
• Call center operations
• Email Etiquette
• Live chat management
• Help desk support
• Client retention strategies
• Cultural sensitivity

#3. Hospitality Skills

Hospitality is all about making guests feel welcome and appreciated, no matter the setting - whether it’s a bustling hotel, a serene resort, or a cruise ship. Professionals in this field need to create memorable experiences for guests by providing impeccable service and making sure their every need is met with a smile.

Some of the most sought-after hospitality skills are:

• Customer service excellence
• Effective communication
• Foreign languages
• Reservation management
• Event planning
• Specialized software proficiency
• Front desk operations
• Tour and activity coordination
• Guest Relations
• Guest information management
• Concierge services
• Personalized guest experiences
• Safety and security protocols
• Marketing and upselling
• Health and hygiene standards
• Loyalty programs management
• Quality control
• Emergency response handling
• Environmental sustainability practices
• Check-in and check-out procedures

#4. Food and Beverage Skills

The food and beverage industry is one of the most dynamic and fast-paced environments you can work in. Here, professionals have to continually adapt to customers’ changing preferences, stay updated on culinary trends, and provide exceptional service.

Here are some skills that would look great on any food and beverage worker's resume:

• Menu planning and design
• Recipe development
• Food safety and hygiene
• Culinary arts
• Plate presentation
• Portion control
• Cost control and budgeting
• Wine pairing
• Beverage service
• Detailed menu knowledge
• Order taking and processing
• Table setting and arrangement
• Food preparation techniques
• Dietary restrictions and allergen awareness
• Staff training
• Quality assurance
• Health and safety regulations compliance
• Event catering management
• Customer feedback management
• Upselling techniques
• Point of sale (POS) system operation
• Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
• Communication skills

Looking for more skills? Check out our server resume example here.

#5. Marketing and Advertising Skills

With new technologies developing faster than ever, it’s essential to move beyond the basics of traditional marketing and advertising to succeed in the industry. New skills keep popping up, and even the biggest marketing executives out there need to stay up to date on the latest developments.

So, here are some  of the most important marketing and advertising skills for any level:

• Data analysis
• Web analytics 
• Email marketing
• Web scraping
• CRO and A/B testing
• Data visualization
• Pattern-finding through critical thinking
• Project/campaign management
• Social media and mobile marketing 
• Paid social media advertisements
• B2B Marketing
• The four P-s of Marketing
• Consumer Behavior Drivers
• Brand management
• Copywriting
• Storytelling
• Digital advertising
• Multichannel marketing
• Public relations
• Content strategy
• Market research
• Budget management
• Compliance and legal considerations
• Affiliate marketing

#6. Administrative Skills

If you work in an office setting, there are some skills you should know, regardless of your job. Whether you’re a secretary, office manager, or executive assistant , you can put these skills on your resume.

Some basic administrative skills include:

• Microsoft Office
• Google Suite
• Filing and paper management
• Bookkeeping
• Research and data analysis
• Office management
• Technical writing
• Cloud networking and file sharing
• Prioritization and task management
• Customer service skills
• Meeting planning and coordination
• Event management
• Travel management
• Document preparation
• Confidentiality and data protection
• Minute taking
• Report generation
• Problem-solving skills
• Calendar management
• Expense reports
• Reception duties
• Correspondence handling
• Presentation skills
• Project management skills

#7. Human Resources Skills

Human Resources is a field that needs a strategic blend of soft and hard skills.

HR specialists are essential for managing diverse workforce needs and enhancing employee and company productivity in the long run.

Here are some examples of HR skills that always come in handy:

• Emotional Intelligence
• Motivation techniques
• Technological savviness
• People management
• Business development
• Strategic management
• Negotiation skills
• Recruitment and selection
• Training and development
• Performance management
• Knowledge of compensation and benefits
• Employee relations
• Labor law compliance
• Succession planning
• HR analytics
• Diversity and inclusion initiatives
• Change management
• Employee engagement strategies
• Workplace safety
• Talent acquisition strategies
• Policy formulation and implementation
• Employee counseling and support
• HR information systems (HRIS)
• Cross-cultural communication

#8. Business Skills

Business professionals are increasingly vital to organizations since they offer operational support and strategic insights that can drive growth.

Experts in the business industry need a broad set of skills to analyze trends , optimize processes, and predict future outcomes so their companies remain competitive and responsive to changes in the market.

Here are some examples of skills any business professional could add to their resume:

• Financial forecasting
• Profit and loss management
• Market analysis
• Trend identification
• Competitive analysis
• Risk management
• Project management
• Operations management
• Leadership and team building
• Stakeholder engagement
• Supply chain management
• CRM software proficiency
• ERP systems
• Business reporting
• Compliance and ethics
• Sales and marketing strategies
• Customer service
• Business writing
• Analytical reasoning
• Cloud computing
• E-commerce management
• Social media strategy
• Digital marketing
• Innovation management

#9. Finance and Accounting Skills

The days of filing financial data and taxes by hand are long behind us, and now there are countless digital platforms and apps you can use instead.

So, it goes without saying that anyone working in finance or accounting should be familiar with the most popular skills and tools in the industry.

Some examples include:

• Microsoft Excel
• Enterprise Resource Planning 
• Big Data Analysis
• Know Your Customers (KYC)
• Cognos Analytics (IBM)
• Visual Basic
• Accounting Software
• Revenue recognition
• Anti-money laundering
• Clear communication
• General business knowledge
• Numerical competence
• Financial reporting
• Cost accounting
• Tax preparation and planning
• Financial modeling
• Investment analysis
• Credit analysis
• Cash flow management
• Portfolio management
• Compliance and regulatory management
• Audit coordination
• Project financing
• Mergers and acquisitions

#10. IT Skills

New technology is popping up every other day, and that’s a great reason for anyone working in IT to keep their skills updated.

That said, if you are proficient in a programming language or two, you pretty much have a leg up on the competition.

Here’s a list of some of the most useful skills for any IT professional out there:

• Programming languages (Python, Java, C#)
• Web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
• Frameworks (React, Angular, Vue.js)
• Mobile app development (iOS, Android)
• Database management (SQL, NoSQL)
• Cloud computing services (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
• DevOps practices (CI/CD, automation)
• Containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Network security protocols
• Cybersecurity best practices
• Data analysis and visualization
• Machine learning and AI algorithms
• Version control systems (Git, SVN)
• Agile and Scrum methodologies
• Software testing and debugging
• System architecture design
• API design and development
• Performance optimization
• IT project management
• IT support and troubleshooting
• Operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux)
• Scripting (Bash, PowerShell)
• IT infrastructure management
• Virtualization technologies
• IT compliance and governance
• UX/UI design principles
• SEO and web analytics
• Blockchain technology

#11. Nursing and Healthcare Skills

More than any other profession, healthcare professionals need to stay updated on the latest technologies, medicines, and techniques.

While the skills a registered nurse or other healthcare professional needs are countless and can be extremely specific to their specialization, the most basic skills boil down to:

• Mathematics
• Paperwork/record-keeping abilities
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Physical endurance 
• Infection control
• Surgery preparation
• Medication administration
• Emergency room care
• Psychiatric support
• Geriatric health
• Pediatric nursing
• Oncology knowledge
• Patient education
• Medical software proficiency
• Phlebotomy skills
• Vital signs monitoring
• Palliative care
• Obstetric and neonatal care
• Medical terminology
• Ethical decision-making
• Team coordination
• Cultural competency

#12. Art and Design Skills

Today, knowing the basics of art and design isn’t enough. To get hired as part of a creative team, be it as a designer or illustrator , you need to know how to create content with different tools and for different channels, like the web and social media.

Some of the most important art and design skills for your resume include:

• Graphic design
• Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop)
• Dreamweaver
• Infographics
• Web and app development (HTML, CSS, UX/UI)
• Photo Editing 
• Typography (spacing, line height, layout, choosing fonts)
• Storyboarding
• Targeting and marketing through visual communications
• Logo creation
• Digital printing
• Integration of visual communication in social media platforms
• Attention to detail and aesthetics
• Interactive media design
• Color sense and theory
• 3D modeling and animation (Blender, Autodesk Maya)
• Video editing (Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro)
• Motion graphics (Adobe After Effects)
• Print design
• Packaging design
• Branding and identity design
• Environmental graphic design
• Exhibition design
• Illustration
• Sketching and conceptual visualization
• User interface design
• User experience design
• Prototyping (digital and physical)
• Content management systems (WordPress)
• Accessibility standards for design
• Composition
• Crafting and use of traditional media
• Client relations and communication
• Augmented reality (AR) design
• Virtual reality (VR) design

#13. Education Skills

You might have three PhDs and still struggle to get the latest educational programs to work in front of your classroom. You’re likely missing some crucial skills for your field.

Teaching methods have evolved, and so have the skills you need to be a teacher or professor at the top of your game. So, here are some essential skills if you want to work in education:

• Updated curriculum knowledge
• Educational platforms (Elearn)
• Technological and digital literacy
• Lesson planning
• Classroom management
• Student assessments
• Differentiated instruction
• Educational theory and practice
• Parent and community engagement
• Child psychology
• Educational policy knowledge
• Student safety and welfare
• Career counseling
• Technology integration in the classroom
• Remote learning management
• Curriculum adaptation
• Educational software proficiency

Looking for a job in academia? Learn how to write an academic CV to get started.

Bonus Infographic: Skills to Put on a Resume

FAQs About Putting Skills on Your Resume

Do you still have some questions about what skills you should put on your resume and how? Check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions here:

#1. What kind of skills should I include in my resume?

Your resume should include a combination of two types of skills: hard skills and soft skills.

Hard skills involve job-specific skills that are acquired through education, training, or work experience, while soft skills involve personality traits that can be indirectly useful at the workplace and help you adapt to the company culture better.

Depending on your industry, some examples of hard skills you can list on your resume include copywriting, database management, graphic design, foreign languages, public speaking, and more.

Examples of soft skills include communication, creativity, leadership, teamwork, time management, and conflict resolution.

#2. What top skills do employers look for?

Currently, some of the top hard skills hiring managers are on the lookout for include blockchain development, SEO, virtual reality development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, business analysis, Java development, affiliate marketing, UX design, machine learning, project management, video production and editing, sales, and business development .

The top soft skills hiring managers are looking for include creativity, collaboration, persuasion, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.

#3. How can I identify my skills?

If you want to identify your skills, start by considering your greatest accomplishments . Have you been recognized for a specific achievement? What skills helped you do it? You’re probably still skilled in those areas.

Next, consider asking friends and coworkers. Sometimes, it’s easier for others to recognize your strengths . If you’re new to the job market, you can ask former professors and classmates to give you some insight, too.

#4. Where do skills go on a resume?

Your skills should go under a separate ‘Skills’ section on your resume, typically placed right below or next to your work experience section.

That said, you should further prove that you have the skills you list in this section. Weave the most relevant skills for the job in other resume sections, such as the resume summary and your work experience sections, to show the hiring manager how those skills are put to use.

#5. How many skills should I include in my resume?

The number of skills to add to your resume depends on the job you’re applying for, as well as your level of expertise and work history.

If you’re a seasoned professional with plenty of job-related skills, you should definitely include them in your resume.

As a rule of thumb, listing up to ten skills on your resume is typically a safe choice, as long as they don’t make your resume spill over to page two .

#6. What are the best skills for a candidate with no experience?

If you’re a student with no experience and few job-specific skills, you can benefit from adding transferable skills to your resume. These are skills that can be applied to many jobs across several industries.

Some examples of good skills for a no-experience resume include communication, organization, problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, and computer skills.

#7. What are the top 12 skills to put on your resume?

There are several skills that could go on just about any resume, regardless of your targeted job. These include both hard skills and soft skills that can be used in any industry.

We recommend including skills like communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, computer literacy, research, teamwork, project management, leadership, organization, time management, customer service, and networking.

#9. Does a CV need skills?

There are a few differences between a CV and a resume . But for the most part, if you’re writing a CV for a job application, the structure should be similar to a resume.

So, you should add a skills section to your CV and list skills relevant to the job you’re applying for. The only exception to this rule is when you’re writing an academic CV, in which case skills are optional or even discouraged.

#10. What’s the best way to list skills on a resume in 2024?

To really impress with your skills in 2024, don’t just list some random skills under a separate section and call it a day!

Instead, make them more credible by finding out more about the company culture, tailoring your skills to the job description, mentioning the most critical skills in your resume summary or resume objective, and using your achievements to explain exactly how you used your skills to your advantage.

Key Takeaways

And that’s all there is to putting skills on a resume!

By now, we’re sure you’re a pro and ready to impress the hiring manager with the skills on your resume.

But before you go, let’s sum up the most important things we mentioned in this article:

• One of the most important sections on your resume is the skill section, and over 41% of hiring managers check it first.
• The skill section is crucial for making it past the ATS because some of the most important resume keywords are skills you should list on your resume.
• Skills are divided into hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills are technical skills you can gain through experience, training, or education, while soft skills can be attributes or habits related to how you work.
• Your resume should only list skills that are relevant to the job. Find out which skills these are by scanning through the job ad picking out the required skills that you have, and adding them to your resume.
• Some skills are universally useful across different professions, like adaptability, communication, and teamwork.

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100 Good Skills to Put on a Resume [Complete Guide]

Jeff Gillis 0 Comments

By Jeff Gillis

Updated 6/4/2022.

When you’re adding skills to a resume, you don’t just want to focus on what you’re good at. Instead, relevancy has to be part of the equation. After all, every job you’re trying to land requires a very specific skill set, one that you need to show that you have.

Choosing the skills to put on a resume when you’re applying to a role isn’t something you should do haphazardly. Instead, you want to use the job description, company mission, and company values as a guide, creating a sense of alignment.

Additionally, it never hurts to have a handy list of skills by your side, making it easier to explore your options. So, if you’re on the hunt for good skills to put on a resume, here’s what you need to know.

Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills

There are two basic types of skillsets that a job seeker can have and include on their resume: hard skills or soft skills.

Hard skills are the skills or abilities for a resume that are easily quantifiable…that can be learned through classroom work, apprenticeships, or other forms of learning. These include things like operating tools, computer programming, speaking foreign languages, or different kinds of technical prowess.

Soft skills are more subjective and harder to quantify and are often grouped together by what we know as “people skills.” Some examples of soft skills include communication, relationship building, self-awareness, and patience.

Which Skills Are More Important?

The debate rages on about which of these two types of skills is more important.

According to executive consultant and Forbes contributor Naz Beheshti , “…There is an ongoing debate about the relative importance of soft and hard skills that imply a competition between the two. However, they are both necessary and complementary to one another.”

On the one hand, job seekers with proficiency in a specific hard skill may get hired more quickly. Many employers want to hire people that can deliver value with fewer resources (ex., the need for training, etc.), making hard skills their priority.

However, we are also seeing that many hiring managers are choosing to hire candidates with highly developed soft skills.

In the end, as Indeed puts it, “soft skills are necessary to create a positive and functional work environment.” Plus, hiring managers feel that they can always train the candidate in the hard skill that is required to complete the job, but soft skills are often skills that cannot necessarily be taught.

So, what does this mean for you? Mainly that you can’t simply just pick one or the other and cross your fingers. Instead, the best strategy is to take a balanced approach and make sure that your resume contains both hard and soft skills.

How Do You Choose the Skills to List on a Resume?

Here’s the deal; there’s a good chance you know what you’re good at in a professional sense. Often, you can use your experience, duties, training, and education as a guide, giving you a strong foundation. Then, it’s about diving a bit deeper, looking at traits that could help you stand out, and comparing it all to the job description.

By using a simple process, you can make progress faster. Here’s a quick way to get started.

1. Make a List of the Skills You Know You Have

As mentioned above, the easiest way to get a grip on your current skills is to reflect on your academic and professional experiences. Consider the tasks you’ve taken on, the training you’ve completed, and the courses you had in school. In most cases, that’ll give you some solid ideas about your hard skills.

After that, it’s time for soft skills. Here, you want to think of traits or capabilities that help you engage with others and navigate professional relationships. Often, these are reflections of your personality, so use that as a jumping-off point.

2. “Mine” the Job Descriptions for Must-Have Skills

The next step is to take a look at the job description for the position you are applying for and make a list of the required skills it includes. Then, compare it to your capabilities. Are any of the skills on both of the lists you just created? If so, these are must-haves for your resume.

Now, notice if there are any skills on the job description that you don’t have. If there aren’t any, great!

But if there are…don’t panic. There are things you can do, which we’ll dig into shortly.

If you’re dealing with a vague job description, you aren’t stuck either. Here is a link to a ton of job descriptions that can give you an idea of the skills needed.

3. Tailor Your Skills to the Company/Position

As you may have read in our other blog articles, it is always very important to “tailor” your resume to the company and position you want to land. For an in-depth look into how to make that happen, check out our Tailoring Method article. 

If you want a quick overview, the idea is to focus on capabilities the company wants to find. Every job requires a unique skill set, and you want to show you have it. As a result, it is absolutely essential that skills from the job description make an appearance on your resume.

However, you also want to dig deeper. Spend some more time researching the company, including going through all of their various web properties, such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages.

Why? Because they will leave clues about the types of people they hire. That gives you more ideas about the best skills to put on a resume to land a job there, particularly when it comes to soft skills you may not find in a job description.

100 Resume Skills Examples

If you’re struggling with coming up with a list of skills based on your past experience, it can be easier if you have existing resume skills lists to work with. You don’t have to think up every possible skill; you can simply review the list and find the matches.

Here is a list of resume skills examples, divided into hard skills and soft skills, that you can use when applying for a job.

Hard Skills for a Resume

• Advanced Bookkeeping
• Appointment Setting
• Automotive Repair
• Cold Calling
• Computer Programming
• Conversion Testing
• Copywriting
• Customer Engagement
• Customer Service
• Data Analysis
• Digital Marketing
• Electrical Engineering
• Environmental Cleanup
• Forklift Operating
• Graphic Design
• Heavy Machinery Operation
• Installation
• Landscaping
• Mathematics
• Medical Coding
• Paid Online Traffic
• Patient Care
• Photo Editing
• Picking and Packing
• Project Management
• Schedule Management
• Search Engine Optimization
• Server Maintenance
• Social Media
• Spanish Fluency
• Statistical Analysis
• Systems Analysis
• Technical Support
• Telecommunications Systems
• Travel Booking
• Video Editing
• Website Design
• Word Processing

Soft Skills for a Resume

• Accountability
• Active Listening
• Adaptability
• Brainstorming
• Business Etiquette
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Conflict Resolution
• Contextualizing
• Critical Thinking
• Decision Making
• Emotional Intelligence
• Flexibility
• Goal-Setting
• Handling Pressure
• Influencing
• Insightfulness
• Interpreting
• Negotiation
• Open-Mindedness
• Organization
• Prioritization
• Problem Solving
• Relationship Building
• Reliability
• Resource Management
• Responsibility
• Self-Confidence
• Strategical Thinking
• Strong Work Ethic
• Time Management

What If I Don’t Have the Required Skill?

Whether you need to possess a specific skill depends on the job and the skill in question. Usually, here’s where you have to be honest with yourself. If the skills required are part of the core competencies of doing the job, you may want to reconsider your application.

For example, if a golf course posts a job posting for a golf pro, you probably shouldn’t apply if you’ve never swung a golf club.

However, you will come across situations where what you bring to the table is close. In this case, moving forward might be okay.

You need to be able to demonstrate, using examples from your past, that you are capable of doing the required skill, even if you haven’t specially done it. So, go over your work history with a fine-tooth comb and try to come up with a few examples of you doing something in the right ballpark.

They are going to ask about it in your interview, so don’t think you can just wing it, and everything will be fine.

Also, many job descriptions have “nice-to-have” skills on the list. If you happen to possess them, great. But if not, don’t assume you shouldn’t apply if you have the must-have skills. In the end, those capabilities aren’t outright requirements, so don’t screen yourself out based on them.

How To List Skills on a Resume

There are a few different schools of thought when it comes to deciding where to put (or how to list) the skills on your resume.

According to our friends over at online resume-builder Zety.com , “…skills are so very, very important that they should show up all over your resume. Not just in the resume skills section.” In other words, it is imperative that there are elements of your skills throughout your resume, including your resume objective/summary and experience sections.

In addition, there isn’t one right answer for where to include your skill section because that depends on the industry, company, and position you’re trying to land. For example, for a job where technical competencies are of the utmost importance, it is often beneficial to list the skills closer to the top of the resume, right underneath the resume objective or resume summary statement.

However, if through your research you determine that the hiring manager will put more weight into your experience, you may want to lead with your experience. Then, put the skills section further down your resume.

At the end of the day, the selection of the skills themselves is the most important thing. After all, most hiring managers will easily find your skill section regardless of where it is on your resume.

What About Skills for My Job Application?

When you’re looking for skills to put on a job application, you do have to treat it a little differently than skills for a resume. Usually, you’re working with a finite amount of space on an application, not just in an overall sense but in each applicable section.

Since that’s the case, you need to lean heavily on the job description. Look for any capabilities that are listed as must-haves or that are repeated through the job ad. Then, make sure those skills are featured prominently in several areas, including in work history descriptions and skills areas.

If you have to answer essay questions, discuss those skills there, too, whenever possible. Use any other relevant capability as a supplement, treating it as supporting information instead of the primary point you’re sharing.

However, if an essay question asks about a skill that’s not in the job description, feel free to dig in a bit. It’s a capability that’s clearly on the hiring manager’s mind, so touch on it occasionally to show you shine in that area.

Putting It All Together

If you were wondering, “What are some good skills to put on a resume?” you should now have a solid answer. The most important thing to remember is to select skills that are relevant to the position you are interviewing for and, more important than that, skills that your company puts a tremendous amount of value in.

Once you get your skills straightened out, you should make sure that the rest of your resume is congruent with the skills you just selected, namely, that your experience shows that you both used those skills in a work environment and developed the skill with on-the-job tasks.

Co-founder and CTO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Jeff is a featured contributor delivering advice on job search, job interviews and career advancement, having published more than 50 pieces of unique content on the site , with his work being featured in top publications such as INC , ZDnet , MSN and more.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Jeff gillis.

Co-founder and CTO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Jeff is a featured contributor delivering advice on job search, job interviews and career advancement, having published more than 50 pieces of unique content on the site , with his work being featured in top publications such as INC , ZDnet , MSN and more. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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• 17 Best Skills to Put on Your...

17 Best Skills to Put on Your Resume (with Examples)

20 min read · Updated on July 30, 2024

Everything you need to know about adding the right skills to your resume

Whether your resume has been through 19 revisions lately or you're just revisiting it for the first time in years, spending some time taking stock of your skills section can generate more interest in your candidacy and be the key to winning interviews. 

However, there's a lot of conflicting information online and in books about maximizing the effectiveness of this section. 

Do you simply list all of your key skills on the resume? 

What are the right skills to put on a resume? 

What order is best? 

How will a jumble of technical qualifications help you stand out? 

And what about those  soft skills ?

Let's tackle those questions one at a time and learn the 17 best skills to put on your resume – starting at the beginning.

Why is the resume skills section there in the first place?

The number one reason to spend a fair amount of time crafting your skills list is employability. Being employable means that you have the right skills – academic skills, applied knowledge, technology skills, vertical and lateral thinking abilities, and interpersonal skills – that employers value and are willing to pay you for. 

When the hiring manager picks up your resume to determine whether you're a fit for the role they have open, one of the first things they'll look at is your skill level. Having the right skills on your resume is also important to ensure your CV pops up in recruiter searches. 

There are three key reasons to include the skills section in your resume and to organize it well:

To list your skills and abilities in one place for easy reference and scanning

To highlight the match between your background and the job requirements for the position you're interested in

To get your well-crafted resume through keyword screening by applicant tracking systems

The right mix of resume skills will get you past the first hurdle and towards a conversation. Here's a blueprint for making the most out of your skills section:

Relevancy is critical

Including a jumble of skills on your resume, beefed up with some basics that pretty much everyone knows (like Microsoft Office, as an example) won't help you to stand out. In fact, listing out skills that are considered to be a common baseline can actually hurt your candidacy by making you look like you're scrambling to establish credibility. 

PRO TIP: As a general rule, basic user-level proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and email applications is  assumed to be a given . However, if you have advanced Excel skills (expert-level proficiency with macros and advanced analysis capabilities, for example), you should list those.  

Rather than go back to basics, you'll want to focus only on skills that look good on a resume.

So how can you tell that a skill is relevant? That's easy! Read the  job description . 

Interpret the job description

As you dissect the job description to learn what will be required of you if you're hired for the position, pay special attention to the “requirements” and “qualifications” bullets, as that's where you'll find the majority of the keywords your resume will need. Again, the goal is to ensure that your resume speaks to that particular job so you can impress the hiring manager. 

Let's say you're applying for a job as an Account Manager. You may see these bullets under the “requirements” part of the job description:

Build lasting relationships with new and existing clients

Maintain client records, including contract renewals 

Develop sales plans to meet key performance indicators

Understand product offerings to meet customer needs and upsell when available

The keywords you need to focus on in each bullet are:

Client relationships

Client records and contract renewals

Sales plans and KPIs

Product offerings, customer needs, and upsell

The question you then need to ask yourself is, “Do I have the skills to back up these keywords?” If the answer is “Yes,” then these skills should appear on your resume. 

This is called  tailoring your resume  and should be done with every job that you apply to. For example, if you are applying to be a Floor Manager at a store that sells musical instruments, your proficiency with inventory management and your ability to play guitar would both be relevant for the job.

The four main types of skills for your resume

As a human being, you have technical and interpersonal skills in a broad range of areas. You might be an expert whitewater rafter, or maybe you have advanced a World of Warcraft character all the way to level 80. Both of those accomplishments require dedication, practice, and technical proficiency, but they're probably not going to help you land a job. 

The general recommendation on standout skills for a resume is to only list skills that will, directly or indirectly, help you to be more effective in your job. 

To do this, you have to understand the different types of skills that employers look for. 

1. Hard skills for a resume

These are learned abilities that you've picked up during your career, either through education, training, or experience. They can be honed over time. When you add hard skills to your resume, you'll want to include numbers –   measurable accomplishments  – as often as possible. 

2. Soft skills for a resume

Soft skills are characteristics you possess that improve your ability to get along with others, solve problems, and communicate effectively. You'll find that hiring managers love soft skills. 

No matter how technical your position is, it will require interacting with people, dealing with deadlines, and adapting to change. It's not as easy to quantify soft skills as it is hard skills, but employers still want you to prove that you possess these traits.

While most skills can be categorized as hard or soft skills, there are other types of skills, too!

3. Transferable skills for a resume

In addition to hard and soft skills, you might consider whether you have any transferable skills. This becomes especially important if you're changing careers, as they allow you to provide tangible proof of your ability to adapt to new circumstances and use lateral or vertical thinking to apply knowledge about one thing to something else. 

When you're leaning on  transferable skills to sell your qualifications  to the hiring manager, you must take the time to relay how those skills will benefit them and their new team. So, rather than saying that you have good time management skills, prove it by demonstrating what you do to manage time and how this has benefitted previous employers. 

4. Adaptive skills for a resume

You can also show resiliency through skills in your resume if you're not changing careers. Let's face it, if there's one thing that's certain in life and work, it's that things change. If you're the type of person to leverage change as a learning opportunity, then you should definitely be highlighting your adaptability on your resume. 

The 17 best skills to put on your resume

Now that we've defined what types of skills you can use on your resume, let's explore some specific examples of different skills you can include.

1. Computer skills and programming languages

When the job description wants you to prove that you possess programming skills, you can add “ Proficiency in Python, Java, or HTML, ” for example. This signals to employers that you can do everything from coding to automation and makes you a valuable candidate in the tech space.

Some roles that require an understanding of computer languages include:

Software Engineer

Computer Scientist

2. Data analysis

Saying that you possess data analysis skills allows you to demonstrate that you can interpret raw data and draw actionable insights to fuel change. It's adaptable across industries and can be easily backed by quantifiable data. 

Some roles that require an understanding of data analysis include:

Data Scientist

Marketing Consultant

Senior Accountant

3. Project management

You don't have to be a Certified Project Management Professional to include an ability to manage projects on your resume. If you're good at leading, organizing, and delivering successful outcomes, then you should add that you know how to manage projects. 

Some roles that require an understanding of project management include:

Construction Contractor

Industrial Engineer

IT Project Manager

4. Creativity

Creativity is one of the most highly sought-after skill sets. Not only can you leverage it to create tangible marketing pieces that connect with target audiences, but it can also be used to solve problems and bring fresh perspectives to projects. Creativity also signals that you're adaptable to dynamic environments. 

Some roles that require you to be creative include:

Graphic Designer

Digital Marketing Manager

Brand Manager

5. Languages

The world gets smaller every day, so being able to speak more than one language is a skill that you should definitely include on your resume. Adding multiple languages to your application makes you highly valuable in a globalized, connected working world.

Some roles that require you to be speak other languages include:

International  HR Director

Foreign Exchange  Investment Banker

Some  Teacher  roles

6. Communication

Every job everywhere requires employees to have good communication skills. But instead of simply saying that you are a good communicator, be prepared to demonstrate that you understand the value of everything from active listening to properly articulating complex concepts. 

Some roles that require great communication include:

Sales Representative

Public Relations

Nurse Practitioner

7. Teamwork

A lot of people will throw the word “teamwork” into the skills list on their resume without giving it much thought. However, given the vast amount of hybrid and remote working environments, teamwork is more important than ever. A happy team that works together reduces burnout and increases morale. 

Some roles that require good teamwork include:

Sports Fitness Coach

Product Manager

Scrum Master

8. Leadership

If you're applying for a role that will involve guiding others, then including leadership skills is a must. When you add leadership to your resume, you highlight that you're not afraid to take the initiative to make decisions that drive outcomes. 

Some roles that require you to be a leader include:

Director of IT

Sales Manager

9. Critical thinking

When you're known for making well-informed decisions by analyzing information and evaluating situations objectively, you possess critical thinking skills. You may see this pop up in job descriptions where the employer is seeking someone with high emotional intelligence. Basically, if you can navigate your way logically through problems, then critical thinking is probably something you should add to your resume.

Some roles that require critical thinking include:

Data Engineer

Telecommunications Professional

10. Cultural competence

Diversity, equity, and inclusion have become buzzwords in today's workforce. People want a voice and value having a psychologically safe place in which to get things done. This is even more true when you have people coming together from different cultures. 

Some roles that require you to have cultural competence include:

Military-to-Civilian

11. Quality assurance

Quality assurance has implications across a number of fields, including software development and cybersecurity. There is an emphasis on quality assurance in roles that require you to maintain compliance with regulations or particular guidelines and best practices. 

Some roles that require an understanding of quality assurance include:

Aviation Mechanic

Cyber Security Specialist

12. Time management

Ranking right up there with creativity as far as top-rated skills go, being able to properly manage time is critical in today's workforce. It's not only something that's found in professional settings, but across industries and jobs worldwide. A simple search of job descriptions will reveal that the majority of them want people who can meet deadlines, at the minimum. 

Some roles that require good time management include:

Administrative Office Assistant

Finance Director

Project Manager

13. Conflict resolution

Being able to de-escalate situations with irate clients by demonstrating empathy and clearly defining options for a resolution means you're probably good at conflict management. However, conflict management isn't only demonstrated in client interactions. You may also be able to showcase conflict resolution skills if you've solved problems within team environments, too. 

Some roles that require conflict resolution skills include:

Retail Merchandising

Insurance Agent

Information Technology

14. Sales and upselling

Sales is all about employing active listening to ascertain customers' needs, to sell the right product or service at the right time. Whether you're connecting with target audiences to get them to buy something through a digital marketing campaign or you're trying to sell someone a product, meeting client needs is critical to demonstrating that you're good at sales and upselling. 

Some roles that require you to be able to sell and upsell include:

Marketing Manager

Consulting Manager

Real Estate Manager

15. Data entry

As you progress in your career, showcasing that you're good at data entry will become less and less important, however, there are still some roles that value candidates who can quickly and accurately input data into a system. 

Some roles that require data entry include:

Recent Graduate

Mid-Career Professionals

16. Tech-savviness 

Being tech–savvy means that you're always on the cutting edge and consistently keep up with emerging technologies. It helps you to deliver innovative solutions that help your company remain competitive in the ever-changing IT landscape.

Some roles that require candidates to be tech-savvy include:

DevOps Engineer

Technical Project Manager

Senior Software Engineer

17. Continuous learning

Today's employers value job seekers and employees who are fastidiously committed to ongoing education and skill development. Most even provide some sort of knowledge bank or in-house professional development courses to allow you to engage in continuous learning. 

Some roles that value a commitment to continuous learning include:

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Electrical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

How to add skills to your resume

Keep your skills specific and clear.

A common pitfall when it comes to resume skills is to list broad categories of abilities without going into sufficient detail. The problem with that approach is that it won't get your resume found in keyword searches, because they are looking for specific proficiency statements.

So, instead of writing “familiarity with accounting software,” list “Quickbooks, Quicken, Sage, and Xero.” 

Use numbers and descriptive words where appropriate – 

How many projects have you managed using Teamwork Projects? 

How many people have you trained to use Salesforce? 

A few well-placed quantifiers can position you as a serious candidate with supported qualifications.

Organize your skills list

When creating a long list of skills for a resume, consider how you organize everything. Ordering your skills strategically will make your resume easier to read and call the right attention to the right skills in the right place. 

This is especially true considering that our brains look for patterns. A well-organized skill section on your resume will improve the aesthetics and help the hiring manager to skim through it to find just what they're looking for. 

PRO TIP: There isn't a hiring manager alive who is reading your resume. They're  scanning through it in just a few seconds . This makes keeping things organized all the more important.

Another organizing tip is to list the most important skills for the job first. Specifics will vary by industry, but think through the critical technical skills that will drive your effectiveness and success in the role and put them at the top.

When you're starting to group your skills list together, deciding which is most important depends on the job description. While most employers want employees who are good communicators and can solve problems, you have to take the industry and employer preferences into consideration. 

Job relevance: This goes back to tearing the job description apart to find the relevant keywords

Industry trends: Stay on top of things that may be changing in your industry and highlight any new skills that come into demand

Employer preferences: Take some time to research the company and learn what they do, why they do it, and for whom – this will help you to get a feel for their company culture, so you'll know which soft skills will impress them the most

The best place to put skills on your resume

The placement of the resume skills section itself on the page is up to you. Many people prefer to have it positioned near the top of their resume, but it works at the bottom too.

PRO TIP: If you have a lot of skills to list, consider breaking them up (for example, technical skills at the top and additional skills at the bottom).

No matter where you place the skills section, the layout is critical in catching the eye of hiring managers and showcasing your qualifications in a way that helps you to stand out from the crowd. 

At the top of your resume

Technically speaking, your skills list shouldn't be at the top. The first things on your resume should be your  contact information ,  headline , and  summary paragraph . So, when we say “at the top of your resume,” we mean beneath the summary paragraph. 

When you put your skills list at the top of your resume, you call immediate attention to some key selling points. It's an effective technique if you have a strong set of skills that directly align with the job requirements. 

Here's what a skills list at the top of your resume would look like:

FIRST NAME, LAST NAME

City, ST 12345 • LinkedIn URL • [email protected] • 111-222-3333

REGIONAL MANAGER

Operations Management | Project Management | Sales Management | Business Analysis

Innovative and ambitious executive-level management professional offering extensive experience and an accomplishments-driven career in sales, marketing and operations, and key account management. Leverages an entrepreneurial spirit to orchestrate tactical business plans that challenge the status quo, allowing for reformation of process. Intuitive business acumen and skilled strategist who uses the most up-to-date business practices to create, implement, and oversee business continuity. Naturally assumes leadership roles to oversee and achieve organizational success.

Business Development • Executive Leadership • Strategic Business Planning • Data Analysis • Team Training & Development • Policy & Procedure Development • Marketing & Territory Expansion • Procurement, Sourcing, & Negotiation • Relationship-Selling • Customer Relations

This resume example actually has two skills lists. One just beneath the title and then the regular one beneath the summary paragraph. It's an effective way to separate out the skills that are most important – the specialized abilities that you want to call immediate attention to. However, if you do it like this on your resume, the skills listed beneath the title should only be one to two lines max!

At the bottom of the resume

If you've reached a point in your career where your work history and career achievements outshine your skills, then it's a good idea to place the skills list at the bottom of your resume. 

Here's what your skills could look like at the bottom of your resume:

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

[List your career history in reverse-chronological order, starting with the most recent and working backward about 10 years]

[List the degrees you've earned and the schools where you obtained your degrees. You can also mention any professional development classes you've taken and certifications or licenses you possess]

Core proficiencies:

Project Management | Lean Management | Change Management | Operations Management | 3PL | Inventory Management | Inventory Control | Inventory Planning | Logistics Management | Distribution & Processing | Budgeting | Procurement | Purchase Orders

Soft skills:

Team Leadership | Coaching | Persuasion | Creative Problem Solving | Negotiation

Technical skills:

Epicor | PeopleSoft | XAL(Concorde) | HighStage | Deltek (Costpoint) | KBM | Syteline | Kinaxis | Glovia (Oracle-based) | Oracle | Adept | Workflow | Data Vault (Oracle-based) | Intralink

English |  Spanish |  French

Throughout your resume

Since your resume is more than a list of skills, you should know that your master list of abilities and the keywords you've culled from the job description aren't limited to being placed only in a skills list. You can – and should – include hard, soft, adaptive, and transferable skills throughout your entire resume. 

After your contact information, the first thing that should appear on your resume is a headline. A lot of people will simply put a title, but if you take a moment to spruce it up and turn it into a headline, you'll be able to inject a few keywords on the top line of your resume. 

For example, if you're applying for a role as a Real Estate Broker, here's the difference between a title and a headline:

Title: Real Estate Broker

Headline: Real Estate Broker with Expertise in Property Valuation and Team Management

Put yourself into the shoes of a hiring manager and ask yourself, which of those would give you more information about the job seeker? The headline not only indicates which role you want, but also includes two keywords – property valuation and team management. 

Summary paragraph

As you move on to write your career summary, that appears just beneath the headline, you'll want to continue adding relevant skills from your career that are mirrored in the job description. Doing this will ensure that your resume presents a cohesive and powerful message that your experience and achievements will serve the new company well. 

In sticking with the example of Real Estate Broker, perhaps you find that the new company wants you to coordinate marketing events and client activities, write weekly reports, and have a solid understanding of the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) platform for listing properties. 

The keywords to include in your profile paragraph would be:

Marketing events

Client activities

Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

Thus, your profile paragraph could look like this:

Veteran real estate professional with a strong background in orchestrating impactful marketing events for single and multi-family residences. Specializes in managing client activities that turn passive consumers into active clientele. Proficient in maximizing MLS to enhance property visibility and streamlining documentation and reporting processes. Known for creating a culture of excellence and client satisfaction by maintaining an open-door policy that encourages communication among team members.

As you can see, the profile paragraph isn't a long and drawn-out diatribe of things you've done in your career. Rather, it's a short paragraph that matches your skills to the job you're applying for. 

Work experience

Let's move on to the meat of your resume - the part the hiring manager is going to spend the most time on – your  career history . You may be wondering how you can put future-facing keywords into the historical part of your resume, but all it takes is a bit of finesse. 

For example, if you have a history of closing multi-million-dollar deals in high-end neighborhoods, you could work a few keywords into an achievement bullet like this:

• Closed 5 multi-million-dollar property sales per month by leveraging MLS for property exposure

While you could stop after you say how many multi-million-dollar deals you closed, because that's a great achievement statement, expanding the bullet to include a keyword makes your overall resume all the more compelling. 

TopResume wants to do more than write your resume. We want to give you the tools you need to succeed in your job search and career. Click on the following link for more  resume and career advice .

Stand out from the crowd

When you master including the best skills in your resume, you reach a level of job search preparedness that propels your resume to the top of the pile. The whole idea is to make it easy for potential employers to see how you'll fit within the folds of their organization and team. That's where tailoring the skills on your resume comes in – wherever you include them. 

Want to see how your resume stacks up? Try out our  free resume review  today!

Recommended reading:

How to Write a Powerful LinkedIn Summary

How to Format a Resume for Multiple Jobs at One Company

The Best Resume Format to Get Hired  

Related Articles:

7 Signs Your Resume is Making You Look Old

Don't “Snowplow” Your Kids' Job Search — Set Them Up for Success Instead

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How to write a qualifications summary on a resume

The achievements that make you stand out

As an introduction to your resume, the  qualifications summary is a an excellent option to make sure your application stands out  and grabs the attention of a potential employer.

Hiring managers or human resource staff spend hours looking through resumes when they have a vacancy, this can become very tedious when all of the applications they receive have similar work experience or skill sets. That is why learning  how to write a winning qualifications summary for your resume  could be the key to earning you a chance at an interview for your dream job.

Having an attractive,  optimized resume introduction  like a  qualification summary , also known as a  professional profile  or  summary of qualifications , which showcases your strengths in a short, clear section right at the beginning of your resume is a surefire way to capture the reader’s interest.

Read on for a  simple guide on what to include in a qualifications summary on your resume , tips on how to write it and practical qualification summary examples to help you create one of your own.

The qualifications summary tends to be used more often in  functional or combined resume structures  as opposed to the classic  chronological format  but this is not always the case and can be a great addition to any resume.

What is the Qualifications Summary?

Knowing  how to write a qualifications summary for a resume  can mean the difference between an average application and one that stands out from other candidates.

A  qualifications summary is one of three options for a resume introduction  that begins by  showcasing the most relevant and influential aspects of the candidate’s experience,  such as their major achievements, skills and qualifications.

Contrary to the  resume objective  or  summary statement , a qualifications summary is written in  bullet point format , highlighting the most impressive elements of your professional profile ensuring to  focus on the position  being applied to.

There are  different ways to start a resume  and the qualifications summary is an optional section which can be added or replaced depending on each candidate’s needs. The  resume format  you choose to employ and your level of experience, whether you are writing a student, entry-level or  professional resume , will influence your decision to use the qualifications summary or another of the possible resume introductions.

The  qualifications summary on a resume  is a useful tool for candidates whose resumes will likely be reviewed by Applicant Tracking Systems. The reason for this is that ATS software is designed to read through resumes in order to discard any that do not include the keywords that have been programmed for that particular position. This is a subtle reminder for jobseekers to ensure they  use keywords taken from the job description  etc. to detail their abilities and knowledge.

To  write a qualifications summary  which presents the most inviting information about your professional profile, you must ensure that this section  concentrates on the benefits that you can bring to the company or position  in question. That means that it will include your most outstanding achievements and skills which are  relevant to the sector  and role to which you are applying.

A qualification summary on a resume often attracts attention from potential employers  because it makes their life easier. Hiring managers save time and energy usually spent reading through the entire resume by reading the  highlighted qualifications in the summary  and are able to get a basic understanding of what that candidate can offer the business.

Key qualifications to include on your resume

Whether you use a resume template or not, it is worthwhile to have an idea of some of the  key qualifications to include in your resume  to use as a guide.

The following is a  step-by-step guide to help you get a better understanding of how to write a qualification summary for your resume  using these 6 different points:

1. Start with your expertise : Begin by introducing your  years of experience  in the field or in similar positions for  professional resumes . You can indicate a general overview of your responsibilities in these jobs. Mention here any  special courses or training  you have undertaken. For  students or entry-level candidates , you will  include your highest degree  and can emphasize majoring or minoring in a subject, any projects, or your final thesis, as long as it is relevant to the vacancy.

2. Show off your creative side : Explain an instance in which you have  introduced, implemented or created a program or practice  or found a new solution which has been beneficial to the company or association in some way.

3. Prove your efficiency : Include an  example of when you have increased productivity or revenue for the company  by any means such as using resources well, personal effort, saving time or energy, updating, renewing or improving practices.

4. Acknowledgements : Mention any  awards or honors  you have received for your work or collaboration. If you have been commended in any  publications  or been praised for your actions in any way  related to the position or industry  you are applying to, state the source and the reasons for the recognition.

5. Management : Describe any  positions of leadership  you have held, including the number of people under your supervision, any specific management styles you pertain to, or ways in which you have  managed a project or assignment  and seen it through to the end.

6. Interpersonal skills in practice : Finally, also  include an explanation of your interpersonal skills  and communication. This can allude to relationships with coworkers, junior or senior staff, customers, clients or suppliers. Or you could demonstrate your skills in terms of public speaking or giving presentations.

As well as these 6 points which should be addressed as fully and clearly as possible, you can also introduce any other aspects that are  relevant to the position  and you feel would  benefit your application  or would be advantageous to offer the company.

Although it is highly recommended to  focus your attention on quantifiable examples  and the basic information from these points, you can also  include other soft or hard skills or certificates which may be unique to your application , whilst still tailoring your information the position in order to stand out in the process. Learn more about how to include  professional certificates on your resume .

Following these rules and remembering to  tailor your qualification summary to the position  on offer will help you to create a resume that will get noticed for the right reasons.

Remember, if you need a little extra guidance, you can also use an  online resume builder  to help you  construct an effective resume for your ideal job  with an outstanding qualification summary to boot.

Tips for writing a good qualifications summary

Whether you’re just learning  how to write a qualifications summary for your resume  or you just need to give it a new spin, these top tips will help you make the most of this all-important resume tool.

The  qualifications summary on a resume is a very effective tool  for candidates who have an extensive work history either as a professional in that sector or as a  career changer who has transferable skills .

Examples of Qualifications Summaries

To be able to  create an effective qualification summary introduction , check out some of these examples to grasp the structure and style of qualification summaries.

Key Account Manager Qualifications Summary Example

• Sociable – Organized – Goal-oriented
• 5 years experience in customer and client relationship building.
• Exceeded sales targets by more than 60% two years running.
• Landed and managed several individual client accounts worth $100,000+.
• Effectively trained and led team of 8 Sales Executives.
• Received Top Sales Award from company 3 consecutive years.
• Spearheaded new marketing plans with research and media strategies which have improved profits by $2.6 million gross per annum.

Executive Chef Qualifications Summary Example

• Creative – Team player – Excellent time management
• 12 years experience in Michelin star restaurants in NYC and Paris.
• Expertise in French haute cuisine.
• Prepared between 700-1000 covers daily.
• Reinvented menu to improve attendance by 110% and profits.
• Specialist knowledge of FDA requirements.
• Catered for a wide range of 3 and 5-course fine dining galas, fundraising events and festivals.

Entry-Level IT Associate Qualifications Summary Example

• Analytical – Resourceful – Flexible
• Two years experience in Library Helpdesk Technical Assistance.
• Graduate of BSc in Computer and Information Technology with 3.50 GPA.
• Proficient in several programming languages, software applications, operating systems and database management.
• Exceptional troubleshooting skills resulting in an improvement of 30% in issue-resolution.
• Accustomed to fast turn-around times for maintenance and technical tasks.

The qualifications summary on a resume differs from the summary statement simply by the manner of formatting the information included. As seen in these  qualification summary examples , the general layout is what makes the  difference between the summary statement and the qualification summary  as opposed to the content or focus.

If you prefer to offer a paragraph format for your summary or to get extra  resume help with your summary statement,  you can take a look at our guide to writing one to ensure you create the best possible introduction to your resume for your job search.

If you need help putting together your qualifications summary,  ResumeCoach  also offers an  online resume maker  which gives you professional advice and clear, practical examples to follow, to ensure you get the most out of your resume.

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30 Best Core Competencies For Your Resume (+ Examples)

3 key takeaways 

• Core competencies are broad strengths and capabilities unique to you. 
• Identifying your core competencies makes it easier for hiring managers to find you. 
• Teal’s Resume Builder helps you add the right core competencies as you build your resume . 

When hiring managers look at your resume, they’re not just looking at your GPA, degree, or previous experience. Many employers are moving toward skills-based hiring, evaluating your core competencies. In fact, according to Salesforce’s 2023 digital skills survey , 82 percent of leaders surveyed stated that skills are the most important attribute when evaluating candidates. 

Your core competencies refer to your hard and soft skills , abilities, and personal qualities. If the competencies on your resume match the key qualifications listed in the job description, you have a better shot of grabbing a hiring manager’s attention.

Systematically listing your core competencies on your resume communicates that you have the skills and attributes required for the role.

This guide on adding core competencies to a resume covers how to identify your core competencies and how to list core competencies on your resume.

Struggling to land interviews with your resume? Get started with Teal’s AI Resume Builder for free.

What are core competencies?

Core competencies are attributes that show your proficiency in a particular skill or ability. Your core competencies are made up of your unique personality traits, professional experience, and key skills. These are broad one- or two-word terms that highlight what you bring to the table. 

For example, a manager might list “Leadership” as a core competency. An event coordinator could list “Problem-solving.” A sales professional could list “Persuasion.” When done right, resume core competencies quickly illustrate your professional assets and knowledge.

What do core competencies mean on a resume?

Core competencies on a resume are typically a short list of the main attributes and strengths a candidate brings to the role. You might have a range of core competencies, but because your resume offers limited real estate, only list the ones that directly pertain to the position. 

Another word for core competencies on a resume is core capabilities. Other near synonyms for core competencies include core qualifications, strengths, specialty, expertise and talent.

Core competencies vs skills on resume

When you’re job hunting, there’s an emphasis on putting your best skills on your resume. While eerily similar, core competencies are different from skills. So what does core competencies mean on a resume compared to skills?

Alexandria Agresta , a leadership development expert and employee retention and wellbeing consultant explains that:

“Core competencies encompass a broader range of attributes, including attitudes and behaviors, that are essential for organizational success often known as the ‘soft skills.’”

In comparison, she describes skills as:

“Specific abilities or expertise that are often technical or task-oriented, such as proficiency in software, languages, or processes.”

Core competencies and skills are different, though the two overlap in some ways.

Here are a few examples that illustrate the differences between competencies vs. skills.

To understand the difference between core competencies and skills, check out this post on the resume skills section .

Importance of core competencies in a resume

Resume core competencies distill your professional attributes and strengths in a couple of words or less. Including core competencies in a resume is important because they succinctly showcase your strengths.

When a hiring manager is scanning resumes in seconds , your core competencies can pop out and make you stand out from other candidates.

Having a list of core competencies can also get your foot in the door. Many companies use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) as part of the hiring process. ATS software can pick up on specific keywords. So if your resume has competencies that match what’s in the job ad, you may have a higher chance of moving forward to the next step. 

Understanding which core competencies to add comes down to understanding the job description. Teal’s Matching Mode helps you add relevant keywords from the job description to your resume. Having keywords that match the role can show your core competencies to a hiring manager. 

As a job seeker, you know there are many stages between submitting an application to getting hired. The goal of an application is to score an interview. Having the right core competencies listed could make your application rise to the top. 

Knowing which competencies to highlight when can make the difference between recruiters seeing you as a strong candidate or an average one.

How to identify your core competencies

It might be easier to identify your skills or achievements, which seem more specific and tangible. Core competencies can be more difficult to pinpoint, as they’re overarching and broader. Here’s a step-by-step guide on identifying your core competencies for your resume.

Step 1: Take an inventory

Start by taking an inventory of your personal traits that help you succeed in the workplace. Consider your unique capabilities and skills and how they’re used at work. 

To identify your core competencies, Agresta shares her expertise, providing these three tips to get started:

1. Self-Assessment: Reflect on your strengths, achievements, and feedback received from peers and supervisors. Consider the aspects of your work where you consistently excel and feel most engaged. 2. Feedback: Seek input from colleagues, mentors, and supervisors who can provide insights into your strengths and areas of excellence. 3. Professional Development: Engage in training, workshops, and educational opportunities to enhance and recognize your core competencies.

Using these tips, you can look both internally and externally to help guide you to make your own list. 

Step 2: Create a list

After taking an inventory, create a list of all of your core competencies. They are typically only one or two words, not full sentences or explanations. Some core competencies examples include:

• Collaboration
• Communication
• Team-building 
• Cultural competency
• Technical skills
• Conceptual thinking

Jotting down your core competencies gives you a list to choose from and return to for other job applications.

Step 3: Narrow down options

Here’s the tough part. Once your list is complete, narrow down your options. Since your resume has limited space, it’s generally recommended to include a maximum of five core competencies on your resume.

Dirk Matthews , senior director of Alumni Relations at Columbia College Chicago and President Elect-Elect (president in 2025) at the National Career Development Association (NCDA), recommends adding core competencies that are in demand by prospective employers. 

“When I work with students or adults in developing their careers, I have them focus on their skills and how they fit into competencies desired by employers. For example, one of the key competencies employers look for [in job seekers] is communication. Various skills make up [communication], including writing or public speaking.”

There’s data to back that up, too. According to The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Job Outlook 2024 report , out of eight career readiness competencies communication was rated the most important. Teamwork and critical thinking came in second and third place, respectively. 

So while you narrow down your options, look at which core competencies are in demand. 

Step 4: Compare competencies to job descriptions

Once you have your short list of five core competencies, compare them to what the job requires and what the company is looking at in a candidate. Core competencies might be listed in the job description or on the company website. 

If your competencies don’t match, you may want to swap some out, replacing with options from your comprehensive list that are a better fit. 

And what if your core competencies don’t match at all? It might mean the position or the cultural fit isn’t ideal for you at the moment. 

In addition to surfacing the right skills with Teal’s Matching Mode, Teal’s Resume Skills Management feature can help identify and manage your best core competencies and group them according to job families, so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel for every application.

Examples of core competencies

What are core competencies on a resume and why are they important? Core competencies include your personal strengths, certifications, and expertise. They can differentiate you from other candidates 

There are many different types of core competencies and each company may be looking for something different. But there are some competencies that recruiters and hiring managers look for when vetting candidates. 

Here is a list of core competency examples for your resume that are in demand:

• Communication: Shows your ability to share ideas and information clearly in a variety of ways (writing, speaking) to many different people (managers, customers, stakeholders). 
• Adaptability: Highlights your ability to shift and make changes quickly in an evolving environment. 
• Problem-solving: When presented with challenges, the ability to find solutions to problems when they arise. 
• Strategic planning: The ability to identify a company’s long-term goals and how to reach them.
• Leadership: The skills required to inspire, motivate, and manage a team successfully. 
• Teamwork: The ability to work well with others to accomplish larger goals and objectives.
• Decision-making: Navigating the complexities of making an informed decision on important matters. 
• Initiative: The innate drive to pursue or complete tasks and projects without direction. 
• Empathy: Being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and behave in a way that takes others into consideration. 
• Conflict resolution: The ability to work towards a resolution among conflicting parties in a diplomatic and empathetic way.
• Customer-centered: Working in a way that prioritizes customer satisfaction to build long-term relationships and achieve company goals. 
• Relationship building: The ability to connect with others and build organic relationships with customers, staff, stakeholders, community, etc.
• Analytical: Using critical thinking to process data and evaluate challenges and potential solutions.
• Results-driven: The ability to stay focused and motivated to achieve results with excellence.
• Integrity: Working and behaving in a manner that upholds morals and ethics. Being honest and forthcoming, with a high level of discretion. 
• Diversity: Valuing and promoting diverse communities and experiences in the workplace. 
• Flexibility: The ability to go with the flow and not hold too tightly to ways of working or outcomes. 
• Creativity: Generating ideas and possibilities that are outside of the box. Additionally, may refer to a person with an artistic skill set such as design, writing, photography, etc. 
• Time-management: Demonstrates the ability to establish project timeframes and meet deadlines. 
• Detail-oriented: The ability to look at things on a micro-level—always dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s.

If you’re looking for core competencies for your resume, this list is a start. You can add your own or take some from the list. Just make sure your professional experience and abilities back up your stated competencies.

30 examples of core competencies by position

The list of core competencies above can provide inspiration and a starting point. But here you can see some examples of core competencies by position. 

1. Web designer

• Detail-oriented
• Customer-centered
• Results-driven

2. Marketing professional

• Time-management
• Flexibility
• Problem-solving
• Decision-making 

3. Nonprofit program director

• Strategic planning

4. Sales executive 

• Relationship building
• Adaptability

5. Human Resources manager 

6. Project manager

7. Medical assistant 

8. Construction worker 

• Decision-making

9. Music teacher 

10. Customer service representative

• Initiative 

11. Engineer 

12. Accountant 

• Problem-solving 

13. Hair Stylist 

• Relationship building 

14. Journalist 

15. Manager 

• Conflict resolution

18. Editor 

19. Banker 

20. Administrative assistant 

• Customer-centered 

22. Pharmacist

• Flexibility 

23. Psychologist 

• Conflict-resolution
• Adaptability 

24. IT manager 

25. Real estate agent 

26. Librarian 

27. Food service worker 

28. Career counselor 

• Leadership 

29. Financial advisor 

30. Massage therapist 

These positions make up a wide range of industries and each has a different set of core competencies. If you don’t see your role listed, you can use a position that’s skill-adjacent to help you identify your core competencies.

How to list core competencies on your resume

After you identify core competencies, narrow them down based on the position. Once you have the list ready, here’s how to list core competencies on a resume:

Create a resume core competencies section 

Many people wonder where to put core competencies on a resume and the place that makes the most sense is under your name and contact information. You want them front and center so potential employers can see them right away. 

Choose a format

Remember, your core competencies should be short and sweet. When you add them, choose a format and be consistent. You can use either bullet points or vertical lines to separate them. 

Core competencies on a resume example #1

• Strategic Planning

Core competencies on a resume example #2

Communication | Leadership | Strategic Planning 

Add them to your resume 

The final step is to put your competencies on your resume. Double-check the spelling and formatting. Review the job description again so you can feel confident you’re adding the best ones. 

Pro tip: some organizations actually publish the core competencies they’re looking for, removing the guesswork. That way everyone is on the same page with what’s needed to excel and serve in the role. Of course, you should only list the core competencies that match your strengths, so you’re not starting the relationship with a lie or getting caught in an awkward moment. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) outlines the top eight core competencies required for special agents to excel, including: 

• Flexibility and Adaptability
• Interpersonal Ability
• Problem Solving and Judgment
• Organizing and Planning

If you want to apply for a role with the FBI, identify what items on the list match your core competencies. Then you can create an FBI core competencies resume section. 

Some examples might look like:

Or, you could use vertical bars to keep core competencies to one line: 

Collaboration | Initiative | Problem Solving | Flexibility

To see if you can find any intel, search the name of the company you’re applying to and “core competencies.”

It’s not just companies that use core competencies either. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) published the 15 core competencies for medical students entering school:

• Service orientation
• Social skills
• Cultural competence
• Oral communication
• Ethical responsibility to self and others
• Reliability and dependability
• Resilience and adaptability
• Capacity for improvement
• Critical thinking
• Quantitative reasoning
• Scientific inquiry
• Written communication
• Living systems
• Human behavior

After graduation, doctors are in a public-facing role where quick thinking and adaptability are key. They work with a range of people and handle sensitive information. AAMC clearly communicates the core competencies required to excel in this position. 

You don’t need to work for the FBI or become a doctor for core competencies to be relevant. Every organization has them whether they publish them or not.

Using the Resume Skills Management feature inside Teal’s Resume Builder can streamline this process for you. 

Why you need to add core competencies to your resume 

Having a core competency section on your resume makes it easier for hiring managers to assess your strengths and identify whether you’re a good fit. Tailor your resume and core competencies for every job so it's specific to each role and company. 

Companies want a candidate whose core competencies can help them fill the gaps and drive results. Your goal is to communicate how and why you’re the person who can do that best. 

Revising your resume is easy to do with Teal’s AI-powered Resume Builder and its Resume Skills Management feature. Try it out for free and create new resumes in a few simple steps. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s another word for core competencies on a resume.

Core competencies are included in a resume, but you may not call them that. Another word for core competencies on your resume could be “strengths,” “capabilities,” or “proficiencies.”

What are the seven core competencies?

Core competencies can be used in business. The seven core competencies for business are business acumen, agile frameworks, organizational ability, efficient processes, continuous learning, product and technology development, and customer focus.

What are the four common competencies?

Four common competencies desired by employers include communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and professionalism, according to The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Job Outlook 2024 report. 

What are the three core competencies describe them?

There are a variety of core competencies, but some of the top three are communication, creativity, and collaboration. Communication can include writing and speaking, creativity is the potential for ideas, and collaboration is the ability to work together with others on a project or toward shared goals. 

What are the three levels of competence?

There are different levels of competence and ways they are described. In one example, the three levels of competence can illustrate skill and expertise levels. These include working, journey, and expert.

Melanie Lockert

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5 Compelling Statement of Qualifications Examples

A great Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) can set you apart in the job market. A strong SOQ gives a powerful snapshot of your abilities and experience. You might wonder, what exactly is an SOQ? It’s a concise document that highlights your skills, achievements, and the value you bring to a potential employer.

Examples of Statements of Qualifications

Example 1: statement of qualifications.

Name : [Your Name]

Job Title: Bank Teller

Experience: Over three years of experience providing exceptional customer service and handling financial transactions in a fast-paced banking environment.

Skills: 1. Cash Handling Expertise: Accurately process deposits, withdrawals, and payments, ensuring all transactions are error-free and compliant with bank policies. 2. Customer Service Excellence: Provide friendly and efficient service to customers, resolving inquiries and issues promptly to enhance customer satisfaction. 3. Attention to Detail: Maintain meticulous records of transactions and balances, ensuring accuracy in all financial dealings. 4. Sales and Cross-Selling: Identify customer needs and recommend appropriate banking products and services, contributing to branch sales goals. 5. Security Awareness: Vigilant in monitoring for fraudulent activities and adhering to security protocols to protect customer information and assets.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, [… University]

Certifications: Certified Bank Teller (CBT)

Example 2: Statement of Qualifications for an Administrative Assistant

Statement of Qualifications

1. Strong Organizational Skills: Over five years of experience managing office operations, including scheduling, filing, and coordinating meetings, ensuring smooth day-to-day activities. 2. Excellent Communication: Proven ability to communicate effectively with team members, clients, and vendors, both in writing and verbally. 3. Proficient in Office Software: Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and various office management software, ensuring efficient handling of administrative tasks. 4. Attention to Detail: Meticulous in reviewing documents and managing data, consistently maintaining accuracy and quality in all work. 5. Customer Service Oriented: Demonstrated ability to provide exceptional support to internal and external customers, resolving issues promptly and professionally.

Example 3: Statement of Qualifications for a Marketing Specialist

1. Creative Campaign Development: Successfully developed and executed marketing campaigns that increased brand awareness and engagement by 30%. 2. Digital Marketing Expertise: Proficient in using digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, SEO, and social media platforms to drive online presence and growth. 3. Content Creation: Skilled in creating compelling content for blogs, social media, and email marketing, resulting in a 25% increase in audience engagement. 4. Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze market trends and campaign performance, using data to optimize strategies and achieve marketing goals. 5. Team Collaboration: Excellent team player, working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure cohesive and effective marketing efforts.

Example 4: Statement of Qualifications for a Human Resources Manager

1. HR Expertise: Over seven years of experience in HR management, including recruitment, employee relations, performance management, and compliance. 2. Effective Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, fostering positive relationships with employees at all levels. 3. Policy Development: Proven ability to develop and implement HR policies and procedures that align with organizational goals and legal requirements. 4. Conflict Resolution: Skilled in mediating and resolving workplace conflicts, ensuring a harmonious and productive work environment. 5. Training and Development: Experienced in designing and delivering training programs that enhance employee skills and support career growth.

Example 5: Statement of Qualifications for a Project Manager

1. Project Management Skills: Over eight years of experience managing projects from initiation to completion, delivering on time and within budget. 2. Leadership Abilities: Strong leadership skills, effectively guiding and motivating teams to achieve project goals and objectives. 3. Risk Management: Proficient in identifying and mitigating project risks, ensuring successful project outcomes. 4. Stakeholder Communication: Excellent communication skills, maintaining clear and consistent communication with stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. 5. Budget Management: Experienced in developing and managing project budgets, ensuring financial accountability and resource optimization.

Crafting and Tailoring Your SOQ

Gathering relevant information.

Start by collecting details about your career. List your skills like project management and problem-solving. Related: 12 Types of Personal Skills with 120 Examples for a Resume 25 Organizational Skills with 125 Example Phrases for a Resume

Include any certifications you have. I found it helpful to jot down key achievements from each job. You should also note your educational background, such as degrees and relevant courses. If applicable, look for past performance reviews that can remind you of work accomplishments.

Including Transferable Skills and Metrics

Transferable skills are abilities you can use in many different jobs. These might include problem-solving , teamwork , or time management .

Related: 150 Example Phrases: Top Transferable Skills Every Company Wants

Mention specific examples where you used these skills. For example, talk about how you solved a major issue at work or how you successfully led a team project.

If applicable, include metrics to show your impact. For example:

• Increased sales by 20%
• Improved customer satisfaction scores by 15%
• Managed a team of 10 people

(Numbers make your achievements clear and impressive.)

Analyzing Job Descriptions and Requirements

Start by carefully reading the job description. Look for specific skills, qualifications, and experiences the employer wants. Highlight the main points. For example, if a job requires project management , make sure you mention yours. If the job asks for customer service experience , include your best examples.

Use keywords from the job description in your SOQ. These words can be specific skills like “data analysis” or “budget management.” They can also be industry-specific terms. For example, in tech, keywords might include “JavaScript” or “cloud computing.”

Including these keywords helps your application get noticed by both hiring managers and automated systems that filter out the applications.

Additional Tips for a Strong SOQ

Ensuring compatibility with applicant tracking systems.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can be tricky. Many companies use these systems to screen applicant materials before recruiters see them. This means your SOQ needs to be ATS-friendly.

Use simple formatting. Fancy fonts, graphics, or tables can confuse the system. Stick with common fonts like Arial or Times New Roman. Also, avoid headers and footers that may cause issues.

Include keywords from the job posting. Think about skills, experiences, and qualifications mentioned. The simpler and more straightforward your language, the better chance your SOQ will get through the ATS.

Demonstrating Leadership and Management Skills

Showcasing your leadership and management skills can make your SOQ shine. Make it clear how you led teams, managed projects, and achieved goals.

Use action verbs. Words like “led,” “managed,” and “coordinated” make an impact. Mention any times you improved team performance or productivity. For instance, you might say, “I led a team of 10 to increase sales by 15% in six months.”

Related: Summary of Qualifications: 50 Powerful Action Verbs & 2 Examples

Talk about challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Recruiters want to know you can handle difficult situations and guide teams to success.

Providing Specific Examples and Results

Specific facts and examples are key when writing your SOQ. Generic statements won’t cut it. Describe concrete accomplishments with numbers, dates, and clear outcomes.

Instead of saying, “I helped improve efficiency,” try saying, “I implemented a new system that reduced processing time by 25% in three months.” This gives recruiters a clearer picture of your capabilities.

Highlight results. Think about awards, recognitions, or significant project outcomes. For example, “My team received the ‘Best Project Award’ for our innovative approach in 2023.” Specific examples and results show your accomplishments effectively.

How do you format a Statement of Qualifications for a State job application?

You should use a simple, clean format. Start with your contact information at the top. Use bullet points to list your qualifications, making sure each point is brief and to the point.

Can you provide some guidance on writing a strong Statement of Qualifications for employment?

Tailor your statement to the job you are applying for. Highlight your most relevant skills and experiences. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements. For example, “Increased sales by 20% in six months.”

What key information should be included in a Statement of Qualifications template?

Key information includes your contact details, a summary of your professional experience, your key skills and qualifications, and any relevant certifications or awards. Be specific and include examples.

Could you suggest what to include in a summary of qualifications to make it effective?

Include 3-5 bullet points highlighting your most important and relevant skills or achievements. For instance, “10+ years of project management experience,” or “Proven track record in increasing operational efficiency.”

What can be considered as examples of qualifications in a professional context?

Examples can include specific skills, certifications, years of experience, and notable achievements. For instance, “Certified Public Accountant with 5 years of experience,” or “Expert in data analysis and statistical software.”

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100+ Professional Resume Profile Examples for all Careers

Writing a resume profile is about making a strong first impression. Start with your professional title and years of experience, then mention any key skills relevant to the job. Highlight notable achievements, focusing on measurable or quantifiable results. Outline your career aspirations and how they align with the employer’s needs and goals. Keep it concise and no more than four to five sentences to grab the recruiter’s attention from the start.

You’ve likely come across terms like resume summary, objective, or opening statement — so, what sets a resume profile apart? While they all involve summarizing your experiences and skills, a resume profile focuses more on your achievements and career aspirations.

These career highlights are a godsend for recruiters who sift through hundreds of resumes — they quickly outline your successes and if you fit the role. The trick is picking the right highlights to grab their attention without sounding generic or blending into the crowd.

This article will show you: 

• How to write a professional resume profile. 
• 100+ resume profile examples across various careers. 
• What to write in the profile section of a resume to stand out. 

How to Write a Resume Profile

A resume profile is a short, paragraph at the top of your resume. Its goal is to highlight your work experience, skills, achievements, and career goals. It’s the first thing recruiters see, so it’s your chance to grab their attention from the start. 

Sounds a lot like a resume summary — so why the separate “resume profile” term? They’re pretty similar, but there’s a key difference. While both provide an overview of your professional highlights, a resume profile focuses more on your achievements and career aspirations. It’s ideal for showing how your past successes can drive future accomplishments. 

Here’s an example resume profile for an admin assistant: 

Dedicated Administrative Assistant with over 5 years of experience supporting teams in fast-paced environments. Proficient in managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and handling communications with professionalism. Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite, data entry, and customer service. Successfully streamlined office processes, leading to a 20% increase in efficiency. Seeking to leverage my skills and experience to contribute to the smooth operations of [Company Name]. 

And this is how to write a resume profile step by step.

Keep it clear and concise 

We’ve all been through those first-day intros at work. But have you ever been introduced to someone who delivers a speech about who they are, where they come from, their hobbies, and even their pets’ names (past and present)? I have — and I forgot most of what they said.

Recruiters go through hundreds of resumes, so you don’t want yours to be a chore to read. Aim for roughly four to five sentences and keep it under 500 characters to make your point without any fluff. 

Here’s a quick rundown of what to include in your resume profile:

• Job title and years of experience
• Specialty or area of expertise
• Key skills and achievements
• Professional career goals

Focus on what makes you the perfect fit for the job, and skip the rest. Make every word count to give a clear and compelling snapshot of why you’re the best candidate. 

Tailor your resume profile to the job ad 

You wouldn’t brag about being your hometown’s BBQ champion to a vegetarian. Sure, it’s impressive, but they won’t really care. Think of your resume profile as your introduction to a potential employer — tailoring it to the job shows you understand the role and are serious about the position. 

Read the job description carefully and see how it aligns with your own skills and experiences. How do they match up with the qualifications the employer wants? Pick out the skills, experiences, and achievements that are most relevant and make sure they shine in your profile.

Don’t forget to use keywords from the job posting, like specific skills or experience levels. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) to screen resumes, so including the right keywords can help you get through to an actual person.

The golden rule? Keep it genuine. Don’t claim to be an Excel expert if you’ve just mastered basic formulas. Honesty ensures you land a role that’s truly right for you, avoiding any awkward situations down the line.

Learn more about boosting your chances: How to Use Resume Keywords to Beat the ATS

Outline your experience and skills 

Listing your experience and skills is the backbone of a resume profile. But how do you pack all those years of expertise into a couple of sentences?

Here’s the trick: start with your job title and the years you’ve spent in similar roles. Then, highlight the skills and experience that are relevant for the position. If you’ve got specific technical abilities, mention those to get the green light from ATS scanners. And don’t forget the soft skills , like communication and teamwork. 

And no worries if you’re a student or recent grad without much formal work experience. Focus on your studies and any relevant activities, major projects , or volunteer work . You can still make a strong case by showing what you’ve learned and how it ties into the job.

Are you switching careers? Emphasize transferable skills that are related to the new field. And include any impressive certifications or licenses related to the job to give you an edge. 

Learn more: How to Describe Your Work Experience on a Resume .

Focus on your accomplishments

Focusing on your accomplishments sets a resume profile apart from a resume objective or a summary. While listing your skills and experiences covers the basics, tying them to your achievements takes your profile to the next level.

Show employers your potential by highlighting your biggest career wins. Did you lead a team to success or boost sales for your company? Those are the kinds of achievements that grab a recruiter’s attention and show what you can bring to the table.

But you don’t need to be a leader to show your accomplishments. Maybe you’ve mentored a new team member or resolved conflicts in the office — these smaller wins still highlight your skills and can make a big impact.

Include measurable outcomes

Including measurable or quantifiable achievements is powerful because they give employers a clear picture of how you can contribute to their company. For example, saying that you “increased sales by 30% in six months” indicates how your past successes can translate into future contributions. 

Think about any measurable impact you’ve made in your previous roles. Did you lead a project? Mention how many people were on your team and what results you achieved. If you hit or surpassed sales targets, specify by how much and what strategies you used. These details highlight the concrete impact of your skills and efforts. 

By focusing on positive outcomes, you’re not just listing what you did — you’re showing the results of your actions and giving recruiters a sneak peek of your potential. 

Write your resume profile last 

You wouldn’t write a book blurb before finishing the novel, right? Whether it’s a book or a resume, the “preview” is all about showcasing the key elements, and it’s way easier to do once you’ve got everything else on paper.

So, after fine-tuning your resume and adding all the details, how do you sum it all up in a few sentences? Start by reviewing all sections of your resume and picking out three to five standout details — those impressive achievements or experiences that are most relevant to the job.

Looking over these accomplishments can help you spot a common theme or strength. Once you’ve identified that, craft two to four sentences that highlight it in your profile. Having a focused and impactful profile is much more effective at capturing the recruiter’s attention from the get-go. 

Once you’ve completed your resume, use our Rezi AI Score to get a score out of 100 from the five major categories: Content, Format, Optimization, Best Practices, and Application Ready.

4 Easy Formulas for Writing an Effective Resume Profile

Selling yourself doesn’t come naturally for many of us. Where do you start, and what should you include? Even with loads of experience, squeezing it all into one clear paragraph can be tough.

These tried-and-true formulas can help you structure your resume and decide what to include, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned professional trying to nail the right message.

Beginner formula 

The Beginner formula is perfect for graduates or anyone with little to no work experience. It’s designed to highlight your potential and make you stand out even without a long work history.

• Start with your education or job title. Begin by mentioning your degree or current job title. This sets the stage and immediately tells the recruiter about your academic background or current role.
• Outline your relevant skill set. List the key skills you’ve acquired from education or work. If you’re struggling, you can also think about extracurricular activities or volunteer experience. Think about both hard skills, like technical abilities, and soft skills, like problem-solving or teamwork.
• Add any professional or educational wins. Include any notable achievements from your academic or professional journey. This could be awards, high grades, successful projects, or any recognition you’ve received.
• Mention your career goals and aspirations. Wrap it up by stating your career goals. Show you’re eager to grow in your field and how the job you’re applying for fits into your long-term plans — and also, how your goals align with their priorities. Don’t make the resume profile only about what you want.

Just graduated from college? Take a look: How to List Your Education Section On a Resume

Achievement-focused formula 

The Achievement-focused formula is ideal for professionals with relevant work experience who want to highlight their accomplishments and positive impact in past roles.

• Add your job title and years of experience. State your current or most recent job title and how many years of experience you have in that role or industry. This immediately shows your level of expertise.
• Include skills related to the job listing. Mention key skills that match the job you’re applying for to tell recruiters you have the relevant capabilities needed for the position.
• Outline your key achievements. Highlight any major accomplishments in previous roles. Focus on what you’ve done that sets you apart from others.
• Include measurable and impactful results. Whenever possible, quantify your achievements with numbers, percentages, or other metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work.

Goal-oriented formula 

The Goal-oriented formula is a great fit for those who want to emphasize their strengths and future aspirations, particularly in a way that aligns with the potential employer’s goals. 

• State your current job role. Start by mentioning your current position to give context to your experience.
• Mention your strengths and years of experience. Highlight your key strengths and how long you’ve been honing them in your field.
• Focus on what you aim to achieve in the future. Emphasize your career goals and what you’re aiming to accomplish in your next role. 
• Outline how your aspirations align with the employer’s goals. Touch upon how your aspirations will benefit the company and align with its mission and objectives.

Professional transition formula

The Professional transition formula is ideal for those looking to pivot into a new career path. This formula focuses on your new career goals and the transferable skills that make you a great fit for your new direction.

• Mention your current job title. Open with your current or most recent position to establish your background.
• Highlight your new career aspiration. Clearly state the new career path you’re aiming for and why you’re keen to make the leap. 
• Include transferable skills. Mention skills from your current role that apply to your new career by checking the job listing and seeing what aligns with your professional background. 
• Focus on relevant achievements. Highlight accomplishments relevant to your new career goals.

Resume Profile Examples for All Industries

Time to start crafting your resume profile. Need some inspiration? We’ve got you covered. But remember, it’s about inspiration, not imitation. Copying word for word won’t show off your authentic self — something employers are looking for to see if you’re the right fit.

Check out these 100+ resume profile examples from different industries and job titles to get ideas for showcasing your skills and experiences in your unique way.

Resume profiles for sales and customer service

For a resume profile in sales and customer service, highlight soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building. Mention how your abilities led to accomplishments, such as meeting or exceeding sales targets, improving customer satisfaction scores, or leading a team to success. Include career goals that show your ambition, like aiming to become a top sales performer or enhancing customer retention strategies. 

Customer Service Representative

Detail-oriented Customer Service Representative with 5 years of experience handling customer inquiries and resolving issues. Proficient in CRM and Live Chat software. Used my conflict resolution expertise to achieve a 95% customer satisfaction rate. Seeking to leverage my skills to enhance customer loyalty and support operational goals.

Sales Representative

Results-driven Sales Representative with 7 years of experience in B2B and B2C sales. Expertise in lead generation, client relationship management, and closing deals. Consistently exceeded sales targets by 20%. Aiming to drive revenue growth and expand market presence for a dynamic organization.

Retail Clerk

Dedicated Retail Clerk with 4 years of experience in managing inventory, assisting customers, and processing transactions. Skilled in POS systems and product merchandising. Boosted store sales by 15% through effective upselling techniques. Looking to contribute to a retail team focused on excellent customer service and sales performance.

Reliable Cashier with 3 years of experience in high-volume retail environments. Proficient in cash handling, transaction processing, and customer service. Maintained high levels of accuracy rate in cash reconciliation. Seeking to utilize my skills in a fast-paced retail setting to ensure efficient and friendly service.

Front Desk Associate

Professional Front Desk Associate with 6 years of experience in hospitality and office settings. Expertise in multi-line phone systems, scheduling, and guest relations. Recognized for improving guest satisfaction scores by 25%. Aspiring to support a front desk team by enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency.

Help Desk Technician

Skilled Help Desk Technician with 5 years of experience in IT support and troubleshooting. Proficient in hardware and software diagnostics, network management, and user training. Reduced ticket resolution time by 30%. Aiming to leverage technical skills to enhance IT support services and improve user satisfaction.

Account Coordinator

Detail-oriented Account Coordinator with 4 years of experience in project management and client relations. Proficient in CRM tools, budget management, and campaign execution. Successfully managed accounts resulting in a 15% increase in client retention. Seeking to drive client success and contribute to a high-performing team.

Resume profiles for tech

Your tech industry resume profile should highlight skills like coding, troubleshooting, and project management. Outline successes like developing successful software applications, leading tech projects, or improving system efficiency. Describe how your aims, such as progressing in software development or leading a tech team to new heights. 

Software Engineer

Innovative Software Engineer with 6 years of experience in full-stack development and cloud integration. Expert in Java, Python, and AWS. Developed scalable solutions reducing operational costs by 20%. Seeking to drive technological advancement and improve system efficiency at your forward-thinking tech company.

Data Scientist

Goal-driven Data Scientist with 5 years in machine learning and statistical analysis. Increased prediction accuracy by 30% using advanced modeling techniques. Developed data-driven insights that informed strategic business decisions and optimized operations. Aiming to utilize my skills to drive impactful, data-focused strategies and enhance business performance.

Front-end Developer

Innovative Front-end Developer with 4 years specializing in React and responsive design. Enhanced user engagement by 25% through intuitive interface improvements. Successfully managed cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality web applications. Seeking to create dynamic and user-friendly web applications to boost user satisfaction and retention.

Back-end Developer

Proactive Back-end Developer with 5 years in server-side development and database management. Optimized backend processes, reducing load times by 40%. Implemented robust security measures to protect sensitive data. Looking to build scalable systems that support seamless application performance and improve overall system reliability.

Systems Analyst

Ambitious Systems Analyst with 7 years of experience in IT optimization and project management. Improved system efficiency by 30% through strategic analysis and implementation. Conducted thorough needs assessments to align IT solutions with business objectives. Aiming to enhance system performance and support business goals through comprehensive analysis.

IT Director

Dependable IT Director with 10 years in IT leadership and infrastructure management. Led a team that reduced system downtime by 50% and improved cybersecurity measures. Streamlined IT operations to support business growth. Seeking to align IT strategies with business goals and drive technological innovation in a leadership role.

UX/UI Designer

Accomplished UX/UI Designer with 5 years of experience in user research and interface design. Increased user satisfaction by 35% through effective platform redesigns. Conducted usability testing to inform design decisions. Aspiring to develop user-centered designs that enhance usability and engagement for a progressive company.

Cloud Architect

Dedicated Cloud Architect with 8 years in cloud computing and infrastructure design. Reduced operational costs by 20% through efficient cloud solutions. Ensured high availability and scalability of cloud environments. Aiming to design secure, scalable cloud infrastructures that support organizational growth and innovation.

DevOps Engineer

Reliable DevOps Engineer with 6 years in CI/CD pipelines and automation. Improved deployment frequency by 40% with streamlined processes. Enhanced system reliability and performance through effective monitoring and automation. Seeking to advance development operations and accelerate delivery cycles in a collaborative, high-paced environment.

Resume profiles for marketing, communications, and advertising

With a marketing, communications, and advertising resume profile, you can mention your content creation, social media management, and campaign analytics skills. Include positive outcomes surrounding brand awareness, marketing campaigns, or engagement metrics. Add career goals like aiming to develop innovative marketing strategies or driving growth through creative advertising solutions. 

Marketing Manager

Driven Marketing Manager with 8 years of experience in digital and traditional marketing. Spearheaded campaigns that increased sales by 30%. Adept at market analysis and strategy development. Seeking to leverage skills to drive brand growth and enhance market penetration for a forward-thinking company.

Brand Manager

Ambitious Brand Manager with 7 years of experience in brand development and management. Successfully revitalized a major brand, boosting recognition by 40%. Skilled in strategic planning and creative direction. Aiming to elevate brand presence and drive engagement for your dynamic organization.

Content Writer

Creative Content Writer with 5 years of experience crafting compelling content for diverse industries. Used proficiency in SEO and content strategy to increase web traffic by 25%. Seeking to create engaging and impactful content that resonates with target audiences and drives business objectives.

SEO Specialist

Analytical SEO Specialist with 6 years of experience in optimizing websites for search engines. Improved organic search rankings, leading to a 50% increase in site traffic. Expert in keyword research and on-page optimization. Aiming to enhance search visibility and drive organic growth for your cutting-edge company.

Social Media Manager

Innovative Social Media Manager with 5 years of experience in managing social media campaigns. Increased followers by 60% and engagement by 45% through creative content and strategic planning. Skilled in analytics and trend analysis. Seeking to build brand awareness and build online communities.

PR Specialist

Strategic PR Specialist with 6 years of experience in media relations and public affairs. Secured media coverage that boosted the company’s reputation by 30% amongst customers. Proficient in crisis communication and press release writing. Aiming to enhance public perception and build strong media relationships for a reputable organization.

Content Strategist

Passionate Content Strategist with 7 years of experience in content planning and execution. Developed strategies that increased content engagement by 35%. Skilled in audience analysis and content optimization. Seeking to create cohesive content strategies that drive brand messaging and customer engagement.

Product Marketing Manager

Dynamic Product Marketing Manager with 8 years of experience in product launch and positioning. Successfully launched products that generated $5M in revenue. Proficient in market research and competitive analysis. Aiming to drive product adoption and market share growth for an innovative company.

Proactive PR Manager with 9 years of experience in public relations and corporate communications. Orchestrated campaigns that enhanced brand image by 40%. Expert in media strategy and stakeholder engagement. Seeking to lead PR efforts that build brand trust and drive positive public perception.

Email Automation Specialist

Detail-oriented Email Automation Specialist with 5 years of experience in email marketing and automation. Implemented campaigns that increased open rates by 25% and conversion rates by 20%. Skilled in CRM systems and A/B testing. Aiming to optimize email strategies and drive customer engagement for a growth-focused company.

Resume profiles for engineering

For a resume profile in engineering, touch upon your technical expertise in areas such as CAD, programming, or system design. Mention how you contributed to successful project completions, cost savings, or innovation in design. Give examples of what you can bring to your new company, such as leading engineering projects, integrating technology, or improving systems. 

Electrical Engineer

Innovative Electrical Engineer with 7 years of experience in circuit design and power systems. Enhanced efficiency by 25% through optimized circuitry and renewable energy integration. Seeking to leverage expertise to develop cutting-edge electrical solutions and contribute to sustainable energy initiatives for a forward-thinking company.

Civil Engineer

Detail-oriented Civil Engineer with 8 years of experience in infrastructure and urban development. Led projects that improved traffic flow and reduced congestion by 30%. Aiming to apply civil engineering skills to design sustainable and efficient urban infrastructures for a rapidly growing city.

Automotive Engineer

Ambitious Automotive Engineer with 6 years of experience in vehicle dynamics and hybrid systems. Improved fuel efficiency by 20% through advanced drivetrain design. Aspiring to innovate and develop high-performance, eco-friendly vehicles for a leading automotive company, enhancing overall customer satisfaction.

Mechanical Engineer

Versatile Mechanical Engineer with 7 years of experience in CAD design and thermal systems. Enhanced product performance by 15% through innovative design solutions and effective problem-solving. Seeking to drive mechanical innovation and contribute to the development of efficient, high-quality products in a dynamic engineering environment.

Aerospace Engineer

Driven Aerospace Engineer with 8 years of experience in aerodynamics and propulsion systems. Increased aircraft fuel efficiency by 18% through advanced aerodynamic designs. Aiming to advance aerospace technology and contribute to the development of next-generation aircraft, focusing on sustainability and performance.

Environmental Engineer

Passionate Environmental Engineer with 6 years of experience in waste management and sustainability projects. Reduced industrial waste by 30% through innovative recycling programs and efficient processes. Seeking to develop and implement sustainable solutions that address environmental challenges and promote ecological health for a greener future.

Resume profiles for hospitality and food service

In a hospitality and food service resume profile, talk about positive experiences related to your customer service, team leadership, and technical abilities. Highlight accomplishments, such as improving guest satisfaction scores, managing high-volume events, or increasing sales through upselling. Emphasize your professional ambitions related to enhancing guest experiences or leading a team to achieve exceptional service standards. 

Executive Chef

Creative Executive Chef with 10 years of experience in fine dining and menu development. Innovated a seasonal menu that increased monthly net restaurant sales by 35%. Seeking to leverage culinary expertise and leadership skills to drive excellence and elevate the dining experience at your prestigious restaurant.

Ambitious Sous Chef with 7 years of experience in high-volume kitchens and team leadership. Improved kitchen efficiency by 20% through optimized workflows and training programs. Aspiring to support your head chef in delivering exceptional culinary experiences and maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation.

Food Server

Dedicated Food Server with 5 years of experience in upscale dining environments. Enhanced guest satisfaction through attentive service and personalized dining experiences. Seeking to utilize excellent customer service skills to contribute to your team and ensure a memorable dining experience for all patrons.

Restaurant Manager

Driven Restaurant Manager with 8 years of experience in operations and team leadership. Increased revenue by 25% by introducing new income streams, such as takeout and gift card sales. Aiming to leverage management expertise to optimize operations, drive customer satisfaction, and achieve financial goals in a thriving restaurant.

Skilled Line Cook with 4 years of experience in fast-paced kitchen environments. Improved dish consistency and reduced prep time by 15% through efficient techniques and attention to detail. Seeking to contribute culinary skills and passion for food to a dedicated kitchen team in your renowned restaurant.

Enthusiastic Barista with 3 years of experience in specialty coffee shops. Increased customer loyalty by 20% through exceptional service and expertly crafted beverages. Aiming to utilize barista skills and knowledge to create a welcoming environment and deliver high-quality coffee experiences in your vibrant café.

Resume profiles for healthcare

In a healthcare resume profile, emphasize soft and hard skills related to patient care and medical expertise. Focus on positive outcomes in patient satisfaction or implementing effective treatment plans. Give evidence of your commitment to compassionate care and your drive to support the health and well-being of patients and communities.

Registered Nurse

Compassionate Registered Nurse with 7 years of experience in acute care and patient management. Enhanced patient recovery rates by 15% through personalized care plans and proactive intervention. Seeking to leverage clinical expertise and an empathetic approach to improve patient outcomes and contribute to your established healthcare team.

Physician Assistant

Dedicated Physician Assistant with 6 years of experience in primary care and surgical assistance. Helped improve patient treatment plans, leading to a 30% increase in patient satisfaction. Aiming to apply diagnostic skills and a collaborative approach to deliver high-quality care and support healthcare excellence in your progressive medical practice.

Medical Doctor

Experienced Medical Doctor with 10 years in internal medicine and patient care. Achieved a 20% reduction in hospital readmission rates through comprehensive treatment strategies. Seeking to leverage extensive clinical experience and dedication to patient health to contribute to a leading healthcare institution and drive improved health outcomes.

Physical Therapist

Skilled Physical Therapist with 8 years of experience in rehabilitation and patient recovery. Developed individualized therapy programs that increased patient mobility by 40%. Aiming to utilize expertise in therapeutic techniques and patient-centered care to enhance recovery outcomes and support your forward-thinking rehabilitation center.

Detail-oriented Pharmacist with 6 years of experience in clinical and retail pharmacy. Improved medication adherence rates by 15% through patient counseling and education. Seeking to leverage pharmaceutical expertise and dedication to patient care to ensure safe and effective medication management in a dynamic healthcare setting.

Medical Lab Technician

Proficient Medical Lab Technician with 5 years of experience in diagnostic testing and analysis. Enhanced lab efficiency by 20% through process improvements and quality control. Aiming to apply technical skills and attention to detail to support accurate diagnoses and contribute to a high-performance medical laboratory.

Healthcare Administrator

Strategic Healthcare Administrator with 9 years of experience in facility management and operations. Implemented cost-saving measures that reduced overhead by 25% while improving patient satisfaction. Seeking to leverage computer skills and operational expertise to optimize healthcare delivery and enhance organizational efficiency.

Resume profiles for education

Your education resume profile should mention experiences with curriculum development, classroom management, and student engagement. Emphasize personal achievements, like improving student test scores, designing innovative lesson plans, or receiving teaching awards. Show your dedication to creating a positive learning environment and advancing educational excellence.

Classroom Teacher

Dedicated Classroom Teacher with 6 years of experience in elementary education. Implemented innovative teaching strategies that improved student engagement and test scores by 20%. Seeking to use educational expertise and passion for student development to create a positive and effective learning environment in a dynamic school setting.

School Principal

Forward-thinking School Principal with 10 years of experience in educational leadership and administration. Led school-wide initiatives that increased academic performance by 25% and reduced disciplinary issues by 15%. Aiming to drive school improvement and encourage an environment of academic excellence and community engagement.

Academic Advisor

Supportive Academic Advisor with 5 years of experience in student counseling and academic planning. Enhanced student retention by 18% through personalized academic advising and career planning. Seeking to apply strong communication skills and counseling expertise to guide students toward academic success and career readiness.

Special Education Teacher

Compassionate Special Education Teacher with 7 years of experience working with diverse learning needs. Developed individualized education plans that improved student achievement by 30%. Aiming to provide tailored support and encourage an inclusive classroom environment to help all students reach their full potential.

ESL Teacher

Enthusiastic ESL Teacher with 4 years of experience in language instruction and cultural integration. Improved student language proficiency by 25% through interactive and immersive teaching methods. Seeking to leverage language teaching skills and cultural awareness to enhance English language learning for non-native speakers.

Skilled Tutor with 3 years of experience providing individualized academic support in math and science. Boosted student grades by an average of 20% through customized tutoring sessions. Aiming to help students achieve their academic goals and develop a deeper understanding of the subject through personalized instruction.

Resume profiles for business and finance

In a business and finance resume profile, focus on skills like financial analysis, strategic planning, and data interpretation. Highlight achievements such as increasing revenue, managing budgets, or streamlining financial processes. Emphasize career goals related to driving business growth and optimizing financial strategies. 

Financial Analyst

Ambitious Financial Analyst with 5 years of experience in financial modeling and data analysis. Enhanced investment strategies that increased portfolio returns by 18%. Seeking to leverage strong analytical skills and financial acumen to drive data-driven decision-making and optimize financial performance for your dynamic organization.

Detail-oriented Accountant with 7 years of experience in financial reporting and compliance. Streamlined accounting processes, reducing the month-end close time by 25% and ensuring 100% accuracy in financial statements. Aiming to apply expertise in financial management to support organizational goals and improve financial operations.

Business Development Manager

Driven Business Development Manager with 8 years of experience in market expansion and client acquisition. Successfully generated a 35% increase in revenue by identifying and securing new business opportunities. Seeking to utilize strategic planning skills and market insight to drive growth and establish valuable partnerships. 

Investment Banker

Strategic Investment Banker with 10 years of experience in mergers, acquisitions, and financial advisory. Led high-profile transactions that generated over $500M in revenue for clients. Aiming to leverage deep financial expertise and market knowledge to provide top-tier investment solutions and support client success in your leading financial institution.

Bank Teller

Customer-focused Bank Teller with 4 years of experience in cash handling and customer service. Improved transaction accuracy by 15% and increased customer satisfaction scores through attentive service. Seeking to utilize strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail to contribute to a positive banking experience and support branch operations.

Resume profiles for administrative and office jobs

For administrative and office jobs, your resume profile should outline key duties surrounding office management, scheduling, and document handling. Detail past successes and focus on career goals related to streamlining operations, enhancing team productivity, and providing exceptional support. Demonstrate your ability to support organizational success with strong organizational and communication skills.

Administrative Assistant

Organized Administrative Assistant with 5 years of experience in office support and project coordination. Streamlined administrative processes, improving efficiency and reducing operational costs by 20%. Seeking to leverage strong organizational skills and attention to detail to enhance office operations and support your team.

Office Manager

Proactive Office Manager with 8 years of experience in managing office operations and staff. Implemented process improvements that increased productivity and reduced turnover rates. Aiming to apply leadership skills and operational expertise to optimize office functions and contribute to a thriving workplace environment.

Executive Assistant

Resourceful Executive Assistant with 6 years of experience supporting senior executives and managing high-priority projects. Enhanced executive productivity through effective calendar management and project coordination. Seeking to use exceptional organizational skills and discretion to support executive leadership and drive organizational success.

Receptionist

Friendly Receptionist with 4 years of experience in customer service and front-desk operations. Improved customer satisfaction scores by 15% through excellent service and efficient handling of inquiries. Aiming to provide a welcoming atmosphere and professional support to ensure a positive experience for your clients and visitors.

Data Entry Clerk

Detail-oriented Data Entry Clerk with 3 years of experience in managing and inputting data. Increased data processing speed by 20% through the implementation of streamlined procedures. Seeking to apply strong attention to detail and organizational skills to support data management and ensure accuracy in a fast-paced environment.

Human Resources Assistant

Supportive Human Resources Assistant with 5 years of experience in employee relations and recruitment. Improved hiring processes, reducing time-to-fill by 25% and enhancing employee satisfaction. Aiming to leverage HR skills and dedication to employee welfare to contribute to a positive workplace culture and efficient HR operations.

Office Clerk

Efficient Office Clerk with 4 years of experience in administrative support and document management. Streamlined filing systems, increasing document retrieval speed and reducing errors. Seeking to utilize strong organizational skills and attention to detail to support office operations and enhance overall efficiency.

Resume profiles for warehousing and manufacturing

For warehousing and manufacturing, your resume profile should showcase your ability to manage processes, ensure compliance, and support operational success in a fast-paced environment. Include professional wins relating to production efficiency, reducing downtime, or implementing safety protocols. Show your drive to help optimize operations, maintain high standards, and contribute to team productivity. 

Machine Operator

Skilled Machine Operator with 5 years of experience operating and maintaining industrial machinery. Helped enhance production efficiency by 15% through precise machine adjustments and timely maintenance. Seeking to apply technical expertise and commitment to quality to optimize machine performance and support production goals. 

Production Supervisor

Experienced Production Supervisor with 8 years in managing production lines and team performance. Improved production output by 20% and reduced downtime by 15% through effective team management and process optimization. Aiming to utilize leadership skills and operational expertise to drive efficiency and ensure high-quality standards. 

Forklift Operator

Certified Forklift Operator with 4 years of experience in material handling and warehouse logistics. Increased loading and unloading efficiency by 25% through careful maneuvering and adherence to safety protocols. Seeking to leverage strong operational skills and attention to detail to contribute to a safe and efficient warehouse environment.

Quality Control Inspector

Detail-oriented Quality Control Inspector with 6 years of experience in inspecting and ensuring product quality. Implemented quality checks that reduced defect rates by 30% and enhanced product reliability. Aiming to apply inspection skills and commitment to quality to maintain high standards and support manufacturing excellence.

Warehouse Manager

Proactive Warehouse Manager with 7 years of experience in warehouse operations and team leadership. Improved inventory accuracy by 20% and reduced order fulfillment times by 15% through effective warehouse management and process improvements. Seeking to leverage strong organizational skills and leadership abilities to optimize warehouse operations and drive efficiency.

Assembly Line Worker

Efficient Assembly Line Worker with 3 years of experience in fast-paced production environments. Increased assembly speed by 18% through adherence to quality standards and efficient work practices. Aiming to contribute a strong work ethic and attention to detail to your production team, ensuring high-quality output and operational efficiency.

Maintenance Technician

Experienced Maintenance Technician with 6 years of experience in mechanical and electrical repairs. Reduced equipment downtime by 25% through proactive maintenance and timely repairs. Seeking to apply technical skills and problem-solving abilities to maintain equipment functionality and support smooth operations in a manufacturing or industrial setting.

Resume profiles for human resources and recruitment

Your HR and recruitment resume profile should highlight your successes in talent acquisition, employee relations, and HR policy development. Focus on what you can bring to the company, such as enhancing organizational culture, driving strategic HR initiatives, and optimizing talent management. Showcase your expertise in encouraging positive work environments and supporting company growth through effective HR practices.

Human Resources Manager

Ambitious Human Resources Manager with 8 years of experience in HR leadership and team development. Improved employee retention by 25% through effective talent management and innovative training programs. Seeking to leverage extensive HR expertise and leadership skills to drive organizational success and foster a positive work environment.

Recruitment Specialist

Results-driven Recruitment Specialist with 5 years of experience in talent acquisition and hiring strategies. Successfully filled 100+ positions annually, reducing time-to-hire through targeted recruitment efforts and streamlined processes. Aiming to utilize strong sourcing skills and industry knowledge to attract top talent and enhance workforce quality.

HR Coordinator

Organized HR Coordinator with 4 years of experience in administrative HR functions and employee support. Enhanced HR processes and improved employee onboarding through effective program management. Seeking to apply strong organizational skills and attention to detail to support HR operations and contribute to a productive workplace.

Talent Acquisition Manager

Dynamic Talent Acquisition Manager with 7 years of experience in strategic recruitment and workforce planning. Increased recruitment efficiency by 30% through innovative sourcing techniques and optimized hiring practices. Aiming to leverage expertise in talent strategy to attract high-caliber candidates and support your organizational growth.

Employee Relations Specialist

Empathetic Employee Relations Specialist with 6 years of experience in conflict resolution and employee engagement. Resolved 95% of disputes internally and improved employee satisfaction through effective communication and mediation. Seeking to utilize strong interpersonal skills to enhance workplace culture and promote positive employee relations.

Human Resources Generalist

Versatile Human Resources Generalist with 5 years of experience in HR functions, including recruitment, benefits, and compliance. Streamlined HR processes, increasing efficiency and ensuring 100% regulatory compliance. Aiming to leverage broad HR knowledge and organizational skills to support a thriving and compliant HR department.

Compensation and Benefits Manager

Strategic Compensation and Benefits Manager with 7 years of experience in designing and managing employee compensation plans. Enhanced compensation structures, resulting in a 15% increase in employee retention. Seeking to apply expertise in compensation strategy and benefits management to drive competitive and equitable employee reward programs.

Tips for Optimizing Your Resume Profile

When you want to make a great first impression, you dress sharp, make eye contact, and use confident body language. But when you’re applying for jobs, you’ve got to make that impression on paper — and stand out among all the other candidates.

The trick is to think like the employer. They’ve got problems to solve and a business to grow, so show how you can help.  

Highlighting how your skills led to successes, measurable results, and recognition gives them a glimpse of the value you can bring to their company.

Focus on positive results 

Positive results grab attention. Most of us could describe a new product to a potential customer, but can you close the sale? We use our skills every day — but you need to highlight impact to provide proof of your abilities. 

Demonstrating that you’ve consistently delivered great results builds trust with potential employers and helps you stand out from the crowd. Recruiters want to see how you’ll add value to their company, so highlighting your successes shows them what you can achieve in the future.

Quantify your achievements

Think about the last time you came across a surprising or interesting statistic. Would it have hit the same without the exact numbers? Probably not. Quantifying your successes paints a more concrete picture of your accomplishments.

But it’s not all about percentage increases and big wins, especially if you’re fresh out of college. You can still show tangible outcomes by describing how you improved a process or contributed to a productive environment. The key is to provide a clear sense of scale and impact. 

Mention your future aspirations

Highlighting your past wins shows your potential, but sharing your career goals gives a sneak peek into how you plan to contribute and grow with the company. 

Check out the job listing for clues about what the company is looking for. Use those insights to explain in your profile how your future aspirations align with the company’s needs and goals. Be genuine and clear that you’re looking to grow in ways that benefit both you and the company.

Include any special awards or recognitions

If you want to give your resume profile some extra sparkle, you can include awards and recognitions as proof of your skills. It’s one thing to say you’re great at what you do, but it’s even better when you have the recognition to back it up.

Awards, certifications, and feedback are usually reserved for the main body of your resume, so only include them in your profile if they are especially noteworthy or relevant to the role. For example, mention you consistently won top sales performer for a sales representative position. This emphasizes your strengths and shows recruiters that you’re not just meeting expectations but exceeding them. 

Use keywords from the job description

You’ve put in the time and effort to craft an eye-catching resume with a perfect profile — only for it never to reach an actual human reader. While this is the worst-case scenario, it’s true that many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan your resume before getting into the hands of the recruiter. 

Including relevant keywords can help your resume pass the initial software scan and land on a recruiter’s desk. But how do you figure out which words to use?

Check out the job offer for key skills or experiences, especially the ones mentioned multiple times. If they align with your background, sprinkle these keywords throughout your resume and profile. This shows recruiters you’re in tune with their needs and boosts your chances of landing an interview.

Try our Rezi AI Keyword Targeting to instantly find keywords from the job description. 

Here’s a roundup of the most important steps to creating a resume profile:

• Clearly state your current or most recent job title — use a strong adjective like “ambitious” or “proactive” to open your profile and describe yourself. 
• Include how many years you’ve been in your field to give context to your expertise and experience level. 
• Focus on your most impressive skills relevant to the job you’re targeting.
• Outline any major accomplishments and measurable outcomes to give recruiters a glimpse of how you can benefit the company. 
• Mention your career aspirations and how you plan to contribute in your new role. 
• Customize your profile for each job application to highlight the most relevant experiences and skills. This shows recruiters that you understand their expectations and have the background to meet them. 
• Incorporate keywords from the job listing to help get past ATS and catch the recruiter’s eye.
• Keep it to 4 – 5 sentences or around 500 characters to ensure it’s easily readable and gets straight to the point. 
• Don’t be afraid to add a touch of your personality to make it engaging and let some of your character shine through.

What is a professional resume profile format? 

A professional resume profile should be formatted as a single paragraph at the top of your resume. Typically, it includes your current job title, years of experience, key skills, notable achievements, and future aspirations. Some variation to the standard formatting is allowed, for instance, adding a few bullet points, especially if your profile is on the longer side of the spectrum and you want to make it easier to read quickly.

How long should a resume profile be?

A resume profile should be concise, ideally around 3–5 sentences, and no more than 500 characters. The goal is to quickly convey your most relevant qualifications without overwhelming the reader. Recruiters often spend less than ten seconds scanning a resume, so keeping it short and impactful is key.

What’s the difference between a resume profile, a resume summary, and a resume objective? 

A resume summary and resume profile are often used interchangeably due to their similarities — but there are a few small differences. 

Both are designed to give a preview of the key points in your resume, such as your skills, experiences, accomplishments, and future aspirations. However, the key difference is that a resume profile puts more emphasis on your achievements and career goals.

A resume objective , on the other hand, outlines your career goals and what you aim to achieve in the role you’re applying for. Objectives work well for those without a strong professional background , as they can focus more on the future rather than the past. 

Can you use bullet points in your resume profile?

Yes, using bullet points in your resume profile can make it more readable and help emphasize key points. Bullet points can be particularly effective for highlighting skills and achievements, making it easy for recruiters to quickly scan and pick out the most important information.

How do you create a resume profile for a combination resume format?

For a combination resume format, your profile should blend both skills and experience to highlight your years of expertise. 

Start with your job title and years of experience. Follow with a summary of your key skills that align with the job you’re applying for. Then, include a couple of significant achievements that demonstrate your capabilities. This format allows you to showcase your versatility and depth of experience.

What are the most common resume profile mistakes to avoid?

Avoid vague statements and jargon that don’t add value. Steer clear of generic profiles that aren’t tailored to the specific job. Don’t exaggerate or lie about your qualifications. Failing to include keywords from the job description can also hurt your chances of passing through ATS. Finally, ensure your profile isn’t too long; keep it concise and to the point.

Lauren Bedford

Lauren Bedford is a seasoned writer with a track record of helping thousands of readers find practical solutions over the past five years. She's tackled a range of topics, always striving to simplify complex jargon. At Rezi, Lauren aims to craft genuine and actionable content that guides readers in creating standout resumes to land their dream jobs.

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The Complete List of 270+ In-Demand Technical Skills for Your Resume [2024 Guide]

Without showcasing the relevant skills for a resume, you risk being overlooked by potential employers who prioritize candidates with the necessary expertise. We’re walking through the specific technical skills you can learn and showcase to employers, making sure you don’t miss out on career opportunities.

A Comprehensive List of Computer and Technical Skill Examples for Your Resume

Some of the in-demand skills to consider are proficiency in programming and content management systems, experience in web development, and basic marketing skills. Showing examples of technical skills or hard skills can also improve the chances of a hiring manager considering you for the position.

Creating a resume and searching for a new job can be challenging. That’s why we’re offering these practical tips and examples of effectively showcasing your technical skills on your resume. By highlighting your abilities in the most relevant and impactful way, you increase your chances of landing the job of your dreams.

In today’s digital age, the best technical skills have become beneficial in almost every industry. To stand out in a competitive job market, it’s important to highlight your technical expertise on your resume.

Whether you’re just starting in your career or a seasoned professional, having a comprehensive list of technical skills on your resume can help demonstrate your value to potential employers.

Any skills you’ve mastered from the comprehensive list of computer and technical skills below can be included on your resume. They’re broken down by popular industries such as engineering, sales, construction, etc.

With a well-rounded understanding of the common technical skills in demand, your resume skills section can effectively showcase your expertise and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

1. Network and Systems Administration

• Network protocols (DHCP, TCP/IP, DNS)
• Network configuration and administration (Juniper devices, Cisco)
• Network security principles and technologies (VPNs, Firewalls)
• Network monitoring and troubleshooting tools (Nagios, Wireshark)
• Operating systems (Linux, Windows Server)
• Virtualization technologies (Hyper-V, VMware)
• Scripting languages for automatic tasks (Bash, PowerShell)
• Server hardware and network infrastructure components

2. Engineering

• AutoCAD (AutoCAD software)
• 3D printing (Stratasys, Ultimaker, MakerBot)
• Project management (Microsoft Project, Trello, Asana)
• Product design (SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Pro/Engineer)
• CAD/CAM (Mastercam, CATIA, NX)
• Finite Element Analysis (ANSYS, ABAQUS, LS-DYNA)
• Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) (GibbsCAM, PowerMill, HSMWorks)
• Rapid Prototyping (ZBrush, Rhino, Pixologic)
• Electrical Design (Altium Designer, Proteus, CircuitMaker)
• Mechanical Engineering (MATLAB, Mathcad , Octave)
• Robotics (ROS, Gazebo, V-REP)
• Simulation (Simulation CFD, SimulationX, SimScale)
• Energy Analysis (eQuest, EnergyPlus, DesignBuilder)
• Visualization and 3D Modeling (Blender, 3DS Max, SketchUp)

3. Cybersecurity Analysis

• Cybersecurity frameworks and standards (ISO 27001, NIST)
• Network security protocols and technologies (SIEM, IDS/IPS)
• Vulnerability assessment and penetration testing tools (Metasploit, Nessus)
• Incident response procedures
• Forensic analysis techniques

4. Information Technology

• Project management tools and methodologies (Waterfall, Agile, Microsoft Project, Jira)
• Programming languages (Java, C++, Python)
• Data analysis and visualization (Tableau, SQL)
• Cloud computing (Azure, AWS)
• Risk and change control processes
• Cybersecurity and network security
• Budgeting and resource allocation in IT projects

5. Software Development and Cloud Engineering

• Programming languages (Java, JavaScript, Python, C++)
• Software development frameworks (Django, Angular, React)
• Database management systems (MongoDB, MySQL)
• Containerization technologies (Kubernetes, Docker)
• Infrastructure-as-code tools (CloudFormation, Terraform)
• Version control systems (SVN, Git)
• Cloud platforms (Azure, Google Cloud, AWS)
• Cloud security best practices and monitoring tools

6. Data Science and Database Analytics

• Machine learning (Python, R, TensorFlow)
• Data visualization (Tableau, Power BI, QlikView)
• Big data (Hadoop, Spark, Storm)
• Data analysis (R, Python, SQL)
• Data warehousing (Redshift, Snowflake, Teradata)
• Data engineering (Airflow, Apache Nifi, Apache Beam)
• Data governance (Collibra, Informatica MDM, Talend MDM)
• Data modeling (ERwin, Power Designer, Toad Data Modeler)
• Data security (Apache Ranger, Apache Knox, Apache Sentry)
• Data management (Data Governance, Fundamentals of Data Management, Master Data Management)
• Database design, normalization, and optimization techniques
• Database security measures
• Backup and recovery procedures

7. Sales and Retail

• CRM software (Salesforce, Hubspot, Zoho)
• Sales forecasting (Microsoft Excel, Tableau, SAP)
• Market analysis (IBISWorld, Nielsen, Euromonitor)
• Negotiation skills ( Getting to Yes , Never Split the Difference, The Negotiation Book)
• Email marketing skills (Mailchimp, Constant Contact, AWeber)
• Lead generation (LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Leadfeeder, LeadSquared)
• Sales analytics (GoodData, Mixpanel, Klipfolio)
• Point of Sales (POS) systems
• E-commerce platforms and website development
• Inventory management software
• Presentation tools (PowerPoint, Keynote, Prezi)
• Social media management (Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social)
• Sales forecasting (Forecast.it, Vora, PlanSo)
• Customer management (Insightly, Zendesk, Pipedrive)
• Telecommunication (Avaya, RingCentral, Cisco)
• Sales pipeline management (Pipedrive, HubSpot, Close.io)
• Virtual selling (Zoom, GoToMeeting, BlueJeans)

8. Marketing

• Email marketing (Mailchimp, Constant Contact, Campaign Monitor)
• Search engine optimization (SEO, Moz, SEMrush)
• Digital advertising (Google AdWords, Facebook Ads, LinkedIn Ads)
• Analytics (Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Piwik)
• Content management (WordPress, ChatGPT , Squarespace, Wix)
• Social media management (Hootsuite, Sprout Social, Buffer)
• Marketing automation (Hubspot, Pardot, Marketo)
• Influencer marketing (AspireIQ, Julius, Traackr)
• Video production (Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve)
• Market research (Google Trends, SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics)
• Graphic design (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)

9. Construction and Homebuilding

• Blueprint reading (Autodesk AutoCAD, Procore, PlanGrid)
• Project scheduling (Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana)
• Safety regulations (OSHA 30-Hour Construction Outreach Training Program, SafetySkills, 360training)
• Heavy equipment operation (Caterpillar, Komatsu, John Deere)
• Building information modeling ( Autodesk Revit, ArchiCAD, Tekla )
• Cost estimating (MC2, On Center Software, Timberline)
• Survey equipment (Trimble, Topcon, Leica)
• Concrete and masonry design (RISA, RAM Concept, SAP2000)
• Electrical design (AutoCAD Electrical, Eplan, Solid Edge)
• Building energy analysis (AutoDesk Green Building Studio, EnergyPlus, eQuest)
• Construction management (Procore, PlanGrid, BuilderTREND)
• Site planning and design (AutoCAD Civil 3D, SketchUp, ArcGIS)
• Scaffold design (Scaffold Designer, SafeSmart Access, Modulift)
• Equipment rental (Rental 360, Rental Easy, Equipment Management Solutions)

10. Purchasing and Supply Chain

• Supplier management (SAP Ariba, Oracle, Procurify)
• Contract negotiation (Getting to Yes, Never Split the Difference, Negotiating the Nonnegotiable)
• Cost analysis (Microsoft Excel, Tableau, SAP)
• Inventory control (Fishbowl Inventory, SAP Business One, QuickBooks Enterprise)
• Demand forecasting (IBM Cognos, SAP APO, Oracle Demantra)
• Freight and transportation management (JDA Transportation Management, SAP TM, Oracle Transportation Management)
• Risk management
• Procurement (SAP Ariba, Oracle Procurement Cloud, Procurify)
• Quality control (Quality Control, Fundamentals of Quality Control, Supply Chain Quality Control)
• Supply chain analytics (IBM Watson Supply Chain, SAP SCM, Oracle SCM Cloud)
• Global trade management (GT Nexus, Amber Road, Integration Point)

11. Manufacturing

• Lean Six Sigma (Six Sigma Green Belt, Six Sigma Black Belt, Six Sigma Yellow Belt)
• Production planning (Microsoft Excel, Tableau, SAP)
• Process improvement (Lean Manufacturing, Total Quality Management, Theory of Constraints)
• Quality control (ISO 9001, Total Quality Management, Six Sigma)
• CAD/CAM (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Pro/Engineer)
• Machine operation (Fanuc, Siemens, Mitsubishi)
• Maintenance management (SAP PM, Maximo, Oracle EAM)
• Material handling (Dematic, KION Group, Toyota Material Handling)

12. Logistics

• Transportation planning (Microsoft Excel, Tableau, SAP)
• Route optimization (Route4Me, Roadnet Technologies, OptimoRoute)
• Supply chain management (SAP, Oracle, Infor)
• Warehouse management ( Fishbowl Inventory , SAP Business One, QuickBooks Enterprise)
• Fleet management (Verizon Connect, Fleetmatics, Teletrac Navman)
• Logistics software (WMS, TMS, LTL) Load board (DAT, Loadsmart, uShip)
• Freight tracking (FedEx Tracking, UPS Tracking, DHL Tracking)
• International trade (ImportGenius, TradeIQ, Panjiva)
• Customs compliance (Aquatic, Amber Road, Integration Point)

13. Finance and Accounting

• Financial modeling (Microsoft Excel, Tableau, SAP)
• Risk management (FRM, PRM, ARM)
• Financial analysis (Microsoft Excel, Tableau, SAP)
• Accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero, MYOB)
• Auditing (SAP, Oracle, Infor)
• Budgeting (Microsoft Excel, Tableau, SAP)
• Tax preparation (TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxSlayer)
• Investment analysis (Morning and Social Media, Thomson Reuters Eikon, Capital IQ)
• Financial reporting (Microsoft Excel, Tableau, SAP)
• Payroll management (ADP, QuickBooks, Xero)
• Billing and invoicing (FreshBooks, QuickBooks, Xero)

14. College Student

• College course management (Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle)
• Internship search (InternMatch, Indeed, Glassdoor)
• Resume building ( Resume Building , Fundamentals of Resume Building, Career Planning )
• Networking (Networking, Fundamentals of Networking, Career Planning)
• Job search engines (Indeed, Monster, LinkedIn)
• Budgeting (Mint, Personal Capital, YNAB)
• Communication (Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet)
• Time management (Trello, Todoist, Asana)
• Presentation (PowerPoint, Google Slides, Prezi)
• Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive)
• Graphic design (Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, GIMP)
• Video editing ( Invideo , Adobe Premiere, iMovie, DaVinci Resolve)
• Data analysis (Microsoft Excel, Tableau, Power BI)
• Coding (Java, Python, C++)
• Point of sale (POS, Square, Shopify)
• Customer service (Customer Service, Fundamentals of Customer Service , Retail Sales)
• Inventory management (Inventory Management, Fundamentals of Inventory Management, Warehouse Management)
• Retail operations (Retail Operations, Fundamentals of Retail Operations, Retail Management)
• Sales reporting (QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, Xero)
• Marketing (Mailchimp, Constant Contact, Hootsuite)
• E-commerce (Amazon, Shopify, WooCommerce)
• Employee scheduling (When I Work, Deputy, Tanda)
• Loss prevention (Loss Prevention, Fundamentals of Loss Prevention, Retail Safety)
• Mobile payment processing (Square, PayPal, Stripe)
• Retail analytics (Retail Analytics, Fundamentals of Retail Analytics, Market Research)
• Retail merchandising (Retail Merchandising, Fundamentals of Retail Merchandising, Visual Merchandising)
• Retail buying (Retail Buying, Fundamentals of Retail Buying, Supply Chain Management)

15. Healthcare

• Medical terminology (Mosby’s Medical Terminology, Medical Terminology: An Illustrated Guide, A Short Course in Medical Terminology)
• Electronic medical records (EPIC, Cerner, Allscripts)
• Healthcare regulations (HIPAA, OSHA, CMS)
• Patient privacy laws (HIPAA, HITECH Act, GDPR)
• Pharmacy management (McKesson Pharmacy Systems, ScriptPro, Omnicell)
• Revenue cycle management (Cerner RevWorks, MedAssets, Optum 360)
• Clinical decision support (Cerner PowerChart, EPIC Clarity, Meditech)
• Diagnostic imaging (Picture Archiving and Communication System, Radiology Information System, Electronic Medical Record)
• Telemedicine (Doxy.me, Teladoc, Amwell)
• Patient scheduling (Athenahealth, Practice Fusion, Cerner)

16. Human Resources

• Employee relations (HR Management, Human Resource Management, Fundamentals of Human Resource Management)
• Performance management (Performance Management, Managing Employee Performance and Reward, Improving Performance)
• Recruitment and selection (Recruitment and Selection, Selecting the Right People, Hiring and Talent Acquisition)
• Compensation and benefits administration (Compensation Management, Fundamentals of Compensation Management, Benefits Administration)
• Compensation planning (Compensation Planning, Fundamentals of Compensation Planning, Base Pay, and Incentives)
• Employee self-service (ADP Self Service, Workday, Ceridian)
• Talent management ( Talent Management , Fundamentals of Talent Management, Recruitment, and Selection)
• Succession planning (Succession Planning, Fundamentals of Succession Planning, Executive Coaching)
• Student assessment (Formative Assessment, Summative Assessment, Diagnostic Assessment)
• Time and attendance tracking (Toggl, TimeClock Plus, Deputy)
• Employee engagement (SurveyMonkey, 15Five, Officevibe)
• Employee training (Totara Learn, Talentsoft, Docebo)
• HR analytics (Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle HCM Cloud)

• Contract law (Business Law, Contract Law, Fundamentals of Contract Law)
• Intellectual property law (Intellectual Property Law, Fundamentals of Intellectual Property Law , Copyright Law)
• Litigation support (Relativity, Concordance, Summation)
• Legal research (Westlaw, LexisNexis, Fastcase)
• Legal document management (DocuSign, Adobe Sign, HelloSign)
• E-discovery (Relativity, Concordance, Summation)
• Corporate law (Business Law, Corporate Law, Fundamentals of Corporate Law)
• Alternative dispute resolution (Mediation, Arbitration, Negotiation)
• Legal billing and time tracking (Time Matters, Clio, MyCase)

18. Education and Teachers

• Classroom management ( Classroom Management , Fundamentals of Classroom Management, Positive Behavior Support)
• Learning management systems (Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle)
• Instructional design (Instructional Design, Fundamentals of Instructional Design, Learning Theories)
• Education technology (Kahoot!, Edmodo, Nearpod)
• Educational resources (PBS Learning Media, National Geographic Education, CommonLit)
• Collaborative learning (Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, Schoology)
• Differentiated instruction (Differentiated Instruction, Fundamentals of Differentiated Instruction, Universal Design for Learning)
• Online teaching (Zoom, Skype, Google Meet)
• Curriculum planning (Curriculum Mapping, Fundamentals of Curriculum Planning, Backward Design)
• Literacy development (Reading A-Z, RAZ-Kids, Epic!)
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education (Scratch, Code.org, Tynker)

19. Customer Service

• Customer relationship management (CRM, Hubspot, Zoho)
• Call center technology (Avaya, Five9, Genesys)
• Conflict resolution (Conflict Resolution, Managing Conflict , Negotiating Conflict)
• Customer feedback analysis (Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms)
• Live chat software (Intercom, Zendesk Chat, Tawk.to)
• Ticketing systems (Zendesk, Freshdesk, Helpdesk)
• Knowledge management (Freshdesk, Zendesk, Help Scout)
• Automated phone systems (IVR, Interactive Voice Response, Auto Attendant)
• Customer self-service portals (Freshdesk, Zendesk, Salesforce Service Cloud)
• Text messaging platforms (Textline, Zipwhip, SimpleTexting)

20. Real Estate and Land Acquisition

• Property management software (Buildium, AppFolio, Yardi)
• Real estate appraisal (Appraisal Institute, National Association of Realtors, International Association of Assessing Officers)
• Commercial real estate (Commercial Real Estate, Fundamentals of Commercial Real Estate, Real Estate Investment)
• Residential real estate (Residential Real Estate, Fundamentals of Residential Real Estate, Real Estate Investment)
• Land acquisition software (LandVision, Landserf, ArcGIS)
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS, ArcGIS, QGIS)
• Environmental impact analysis (Environmental Impact Assessment, NEPA, Clean Air Act)
• Surveying software (Survey123, AutoCAD, Trimble)
• Land title and zoning information (Land Records, Zoning Maps, Tax Maps)
• Land use planning (Land Use Planning, Fundamentals of Land Use Planning, Urban Planning)
• Real estate market analysis (Real Estate Market Analysis, Real Estate Investment , Real Estate Economics)

21. Operations

• Supply chain management (SCM, SAP, Oracle)
• Lean manufacturing (Lean Manufacturing, Total Quality Management , Theory of Constraints)
• Process improvement (Process Improvement, Total Quality Management, Six Sigma)
• Production scheduling (Production Scheduling, Fundamentals of Production Scheduling, Capacity Planning)
• Project management (Fundamentals of Project Management, Agile Project Management)
• Workforce management (Workforce Management, Fundamentals of Workforce Management, Labor Management)
• Machine monitoring and maintenance (Machine Monitoring, Predictive Maintenance, Condition-Based Maintenance)
• Quality control (Quality Control, Fundamentals of Quality Control, Total Quality Management)
• Automated data collection (Automated Data Collection, Real-time Data Collection, Barcode Scanning)
• Graphic design (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Inkscape)
• Visual Design (Typography, Color Theory)
• Responsive Design
• User experience design (UX Design, Fundamentals of UX Design, Design Thinking)
• Web design (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
• Product design (Product Design, Fundamentals of Product Design , Design Thinking)
• 3D design (Autodesk 3DS Max, Blender, SketchUp)
• Illustration (Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Procreate)
• Digital painting (Adobe Photoshop, Krita, Corel Painter)
• Typography (Adobe Typekit, Google Fonts, Font Squirrel)
• Brand identity (Brand Identity, Fundamentals of Brand Identity, Corporate Identity)
• Layout design (Adobe InDesign, QuarkXPress, Affinity Publisher)
• Wireframing

23. Environmental Science, Energy, and Sustainability

• Environmental regulations (NEPA, CERCLA, RCRA)
• Sustainability (Sustainability, Fundamentals of Sustainability, Green Energy)
• Renewable energy systems and technologies (Renewable Energy, Fundamentals of Renewable Energy , Green Energy)
• Climate change (Climate Change, Fundamentals of Climate Change, Global Warming)
• Air quality (Air Quality, Fundamentals of Air Quality, Atmospheric Science)
• Water quality (Water Quality, Fundamentals of Water Quality, Limnology)
• Energy management and monitoring software
• Environmental impact assessment (Environmental Impact Assessment, Fundamentals of Environmental Impact
• Assessment, Sustainability Assessment)
• GIS (Geographic Information Systems, ArcGIS, QGIS)
• Remote sensing (Remote Sensing, Fundamentals of Remote Sensing, Earth Observation)
• Smart grid and energy storage solutions

24. Communications, Writing, Media, and Entertainment

• Search engine optimization
• Topical and keyword research
• Content management systems (WordPress, Drupal, Joomla)
• Campaign management (Pardot, Marketo, Hubspot)
• Public relations (PR, Fundamentals of PR, Crisis Communications)
• Public speaking (Public Speaking, Fundamentals of Public Speaking, Effective Communication)
• Interpersonal communication (Interpersonal Communication, Fundamentals of Interpersonal Communication , Effective Communication)
• Writing skills (Technical Writing, Headline Writing, Landing Page Copy, Fundamentals of Writing, Creative Writing)
• Presentation design (PowerPoint, Keynote, Prezi)
• Media production (Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, Avid)
• Video conferencing (Zoom, Skype, Google Meet)
• Video editing and production software
• Animation and visual effects (VFX) tools
• Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) development

Overview of the Key Technical Skills

Aside from soft skills, certain technical skills have become valuable for professionals across various industries in an increasingly digital world. Relevant technical skills refer to specialized abilities and knowledge acquired through formal education, training programs, or hands-on experience.

These practical and job-specific skills allow individuals to perform tasks and functions within their respective fields effectively. The importance of new technical skills cannot be overstated, as they demonstrate an individual’s ability to:

• Solve complex problems
• Execute specialized tasks
• Adapt to technological advancements
• Enhance productivity and efficiency
• Contribute to innovation and growth

For hiring managers, examples of technical skills (also known as hard skills) are highly valued as they indicate an individual’s capacity to perform job-related duties successfully and contribute to the organization’s success. In addition to technical skills, soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are vital for professional growth.

Possessing resume technical skills is vital for staying competitive and securing employment opportunities in today’s rapidly evolving job market. By showcasing these skills for a resume, individuals can demonstrate their value to potential employers and increase their chances of landing their desired roles.

Importance of Basic Technical Skills

Why are technical skills important? With the sheer number of technologies available and the hard skills necessary to use them, it can be daunting for job seekers, even data analysts, to determine which technical skills to showcase on their resumes.

• The right technical skills can significantly impact the job interview process . Don’t overlook the importance of including specific skills that match the job description in your resume summary, work experience section, and cover letter.
• The impact of a well-crafted list of technical skills on a resume cannot be overstated in today’s job market. As technology continues to revolutionize the way we work, the demand for individuals with specialized technical skills is rapidly increasing.
• Aside from soft skills or interpersonal skills, failing to highlight the specific technical skills on your resume could mean missing out on potential job opportunities, while including irrelevant or outdated skills can detract from your credibility.

This is where the expertise of seasoned executive search professionals, like MatchBuilt, can come in handy. With years of experience helping applicants and working with hiring employers, MatchBuilt has a deep understanding of the in-demand technical skills that will impact your resume.

Take the time to understand and highlight your unique, specialized technical skill set. This will help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of landing the job you want.

So, whether you’re just starting your job search or looking to take your career to the next level , highlight the right technical skills on your resume and give yourself the competitive advantage you need to succeed.

The Case for and Against Showcasing Specific Technical Skills on a Resume

When highlighting specific technical skills for a resume, arguments can be made for including and excluding them. Here are some of the main pros and cons of resume technical skills to consider:

Advantages of Showcasing Key Technical Skills on Your Resume

• Relevance: The skills section is often a vital component of many jobs. Beyond interpersonal skills, showcasing your best technical skills on your resume demonstrates your proficiency with the tools and technologies required for job-related tasks.
• Marketability: Including technical skills on your resume can increase your marketability as a candidate. These hard skills show you are up-to-date with current technologies and willing to learn new ones.
• Adaptability: Demonstrating more technical skills on your resume shows you are flexible and adaptable in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
• ATS Compliance: Many companies screen resumes using applicant tracking systems (ATS). Including relevant technical skills can help your resume get past these filters and land on a hiring manager’s desk.

Disadvantages of Showcasing Certain Technical Skills on Your Resume

• Overloading: When you list too many technical skills on your resume, it can appear cluttered and may detract from other important aspects of your experience and qualifications.
• Relevance: Not all technical skills are relevant to every job, and including irrelevant skills can hurt your chances of landing an interview.
• Bias: Some employers may view too many technical skills on a resume as a sign that you are overly specialized, which can work against you in specific industries or positions.
• Assumed Skills: Most companies believe credible candidates already have practical hard skills like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. By adding examples of technical skills, you take up valuable space on your resume.

Ultimately, deciding whether to include technical skills on your resume will depend on several factors, including the job you are applying for, your level of experience, and your qualifications.

Balance showcasing your technical skills with highlighting your other achievements and experiences to present yourself as a well-rounded and knowledgeable candidate .

Ways to Add the Most Relevant Technical Skills to Your Resume

By following these steps, you can create a comprehensive and practical list to make your technical skills stand out. These resume technical skills will help you beat the competition and attract the attention of a potential employer or project manager.

• Assess Your Skills: List all your technical skills, including programming languages, tools, platforms, and methodologies you have used in your career. Identify your areas of expertise and places where you would like to develop your skills further.
• Tailor Your List to the Job: Review the job description and requirements of the position you are applying for. Highlight the most important technical skills and emphasize how you have used these skills in previous roles. Consider briefly summarizing your relevant experience and accomplishments for each skill.
• Organize Your List: Arrange your technical skills in a logical and easy-to-read format, such as a table or with an appropriate number of bullet points . Group similar skills together and label each group with a clear and descriptive heading. Use keywords and terms commonly used in the industry and recognized by recruiters and hiring managers.
• Proofread and Update Your List: Check your list for typos, grammatical errors, and inconsistencies. Update your list regularly to reflect your evolving skills and experiences. Ask for feedback from trusted colleagues or friends to make sure your list accurately represents your technical skills and abilities.
• Use Your List in Your Resume and Cover Letter: Incorporate your list of technical skills in your resume and cover letter. Emphasize your skills and how they can benefit the company. Use specific examples and statistics to demonstrate the impact of your skills on previous projects and job responsibilities.
• Incorporate Your List on LinkedIn: Add your technical skills to your LinkedIn profile using the same format and terminology as in your resume. Keep your LinkedIn profile up-to-date and aligned with your resume, especially regarding your technical skills. Use the Skills and Endorsements section to showcase your technical skills and have them endorsed by your connections.

At MatchBuilt Executive Search, we understand job seekers’ difficulties in the job search process. We have helped thousands of job applicants and hundreds of hiring employers over the years and have seen first-hand the impact that technical skills and soft skills can have on a resume.

Our team is well-positioned to offer valuable advice and insights on this topic of technical skills. We encourage you to visit our blog for career development tips about resumes, job interviews, and optimizing LinkedIn.

Our goal is to empower professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in their job search and advance their careers. Whether you are just starting out or are looking to make a career change, we are here to help you every step of the way.

Related Questions

As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest technical skills that employers are looking for in candidates. Here are some common questions about the most sought-after technical skills and how to showcase them on your resume.

What Are Five Examples of Technical Skills?

Five examples of the most relevant technical skills that can increase your chances of success in a job interview are: proficiency in programming languages, expertise in data analysis, and knowledge of project management methodologies. Familiarity with cloud computing platforms like AWS and Azure and experience with cybersecurity practices are also vital technical abilities.

What Are the Four Technical Skills?

The best technical skills to highlight will depend on your technical skill level. However, the four key areas include: computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite), software and programming skills (e.g., JavaScript, Oracle), data analysis and visualization (e.g., Pandas, Matplotlib), and job-specific tools or technologies (e.g., CAD for engineering roles, CRM for sales positions).

How Do You List Technical Skills on a Resume?

To list specific technical skills for a resume, you must first choose the appropriate technical skills by assessing your experience with relevant software programs and technology. Next, tailor your list to the job description. Finally, format them in a way that is easy for a potential employer to scan.

What Are Computer-Related Technical Skills That Can Be Added to a Resume?

Computer-related technical skills for a resume include programming language, database management, software applications, and digital design tools.

How Do I Highlight My Technical Skills on My Resume?

To highlight your key technical skills, add specific technical skills in a dedicated section, such as “Skills” or “Technical Expertise,” and include relevant examples of projects or accomplishments.

What Technical Skills Are Most in Demand?

Currently, the most in-demand technical skills include data analysis, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Consider learning skills in emerging technologies like virtual reality, blockchain, or the internet of things to make your resume stand out.

How Do I Demonstrate My Technical Skills If I Don’t Have Professional Experience or Technical Background?

Even without professional experience, you can demonstrate your technical skills through online courses, training programs, coding boot camps, personal projects, or volunteer work. You can still showcase your computer-related technical skills by highlighting transferable skills, such as problem-solving, attention to detail, and adaptability.

How Do I Quantify My Technical Skills on My Resume?

Quantify your technical and computer skills by mentioning specific accomplishments, such as the number of projects you have completed, the impact of your work, or the size of the teams you have worked with.

Familiarize yourself with the basic technical skills and hard skills required for your desired role to effectively present your qualifications on a resume. Highlighting the key technical skills for a resume demonstrates your value while increasing your chances of securing interviews and landing your dream job in an increasingly digital world.

About Mark Matyanowski

As the founder of MatchBuilt, with over 18 years of recruiting and coaching experience and 8+ years in executive roles at a leading Fortune 100 company, I am deeply committed to guiding professionals in their career paths.

Our team at MatchBuilt offers expert support in enhancing resumes, optimizing LinkedIn profiles, and preparing for interviews. Our blog, drawing on our rich experience and industry insights, is a valuable resource for job seekers.

We take pride in successfully guiding job candidates to top-tier company roles while empowering individuals to achieve their career ambitions, irrespective of their background or educational level.

7 Hotel Operations Manager Resume Examples for 2024

Hotel operations managers need clear, focused resumes. This article provides strong resume examples and strategic advice. Learn how to highlight key skills, experience, and qualifications to stand out. Discover which industry terms to use to catch an employer’s eye. Make your resume work for you in the competitive hospitality field.

• 26 Aug 2024 - 5 new resume templates, including Hotel Operations Manager with F&B Specialization, added
• 26 Aug 2024 - 5 new sections, including 'Where to place your education', added
• 24 Aug 2024 - Article published

  Next update scheduled for 03 Sep 2024

Here's what we see in the best resumes for hotel operations managers:

Focus On Measurable Impact : Show impact using numbers like 10% increase in guest satisfaction , 15% reduction in operating costs , 20% boost in bookings , or 25% improvement in staff productivity . Metrics make your achievements clear.

Include Relevant Skills : Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are budget management , housekeeping software , front desk operations , inventory control , and event coordination . But don't include all of them, choose the ones you have and are mentioned in the JD.

Industry Trend: Technology Use : More hotels now use software for operations. Show you know tools like PMS software and online booking systems .

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Hotel Operations Manager Resume Sample

Find out how good your resume is.

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Get a score for your resume

Want to know if your resume stands out for hotel operations roles? Our resume scoring tool gives you instant feedback on how well your resume aligns with industry standards. It evaluates key criteria that recruiters look for when hiring top talent in hospitality management.

Upload your resume now to get an unbiased assessment. You'll receive a clear score and actionable tips to improve your chances of landing interviews for hotel operations positions.

Where to place your education

If you are applying for a job as a hotel operations manager and have been working for some time, put your work experience first. This shows you have practical knowledge relevant to managing hotel operations. However, if you have recently completed education that is important for your job, like a course in hospitality management, place your education before your experience. This will help employers understand why there might be a gap in your employment.

For those new to the workforce or recent graduates, your education should be at the top of your resume. Hiring managers look for relevant hotel or business management studies. This helps to show that you have the necessary background knowledge for managing a hotel’s day-to-day operations, even if you do not have much work experience yet.

Include management of hotel operations

Include experiences where you've managed hotel operations, from front desk to housekeeping. This will show your ability to handle various departments and coordinate efforts to ensure smooth operations.

Provide examples of how you've implemented improvements or innovations that resulted in better efficiency, higher guest satisfaction, or increased revenue.

Junior Hotel Operations Manager Resume Sample

Ideal resume length.

For a hotel operations manager, your resume should be concise yet complete. If you have less than 10 years of industry experience, aim for one page. This shows you can prioritize key information. Use short, clear job descriptions and focus on the achievements that matter. List roles that show your leadership skills and ability to manage operations smoothly.

For those with more experience, up to two pages is acceptable. This allows space to detail your progression and impact in the hospitality field. Your first page should still highlight your strongest qualifications and achievements because hiring managers may only glance at the initial page. Make sure all information is relevant to hotel management. Essential details include your experience with staff coordination, budget management, and customer service excellence.

Senior Hotel Operations Manager Resume Sample

Highlight guest service experience.

Emphasize your guest service skills. Good hotel operations managers need to ensure guest satisfaction, so make sure to include any roles where you handled guest interactions directly.

Detail specific situations where you improved customer experiences or resolved conflicts successfully. This will show your capability in maintaining high service standards.

Hotel Operations Manager with F&B Specialization Resume Sample

Aspiring hotel operations manager resume sample.

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