How to Write the 10 Best Skills to Include on a Resume

By Resumes & Cover Letters

Your resume is your first opportunity to impress potential employers, and showcasing the right skills can make all the difference. The trick is to highlight a mix of hard and soft skills that match the job description and demonstrate your unique qualifications. Here’s a detailed guide to help you craft a skills section that stands out, along with examples to inspire you.

1. Why Skills Matter on a Resume

Your skills section is a snapshot of what you bring to the table. Employers scan this part to see if you’re a good fit for their needs. Including relevant and targeted skills increases your chances of landing an interview by showing hiring managers that you have what it takes to succeed in the role.

2. Types of Skills to Include

Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills

  • Hard skills are technical and job-specific abilities (e.g., proficiency in Excel, coding languages, or project management tools).
  • Soft skills are interpersonal and adaptable traits (e.g., communication, leadership, or teamwork).

Pro Tip: Balance hard and soft skills to show you’re both capable and adaptable.

3. How to Choose the Right Skills for Your Resume

  • Tailor Your Skills: Review the job description and identify keywords that match your abilities.
  • Prioritize Relevance: Focus on skills that align with the position’s requirements.
  • Use Industry-Specific Terms: Incorporate buzzwords and phrases that reflect the job’s field.

4. Top 10 Skills to Include on Your Resume

1. Communication Skills

  • Employers value candidates who can articulate ideas effectively.
  • Example: “Delivered engaging presentations to cross-functional teams, enhancing collaboration.”

2. Teamwork and Collaboration

  • Showcase your ability to work well with others.
  • Example: “Collaborated with a 10-member team to successfully launch a product within six months.”

3. Problem-Solving Skills

  • Highlight examples where you resolved complex challenges.
  • Example: “Redesigned workflow processes, reducing errors by 20%.”

4. Adaptability

  • Demonstrate how you thrive in changing environments.
  • Example: “Adapted to a fully remote work model within one week, ensuring zero disruption to team productivity.”

5. Technical Proficiency

  • Mention tools and software relevant to the job.
  • Example: “Proficient in AutoCAD, Microsoft Excel, and Salesforce CRM.”

6. Leadership and Management

  • Showcase your ability to inspire and lead others.
  • Example: “Supervised a team of 15, increasing sales by 30% over one quarter.”

7. Time Management and Organisation

  • Employers value efficiency and the ability to meet deadlines.
  • Example: “Managed schedules for multiple projects, consistently meeting tight deadlines.”

8. Creativity and Innovation

  • Highlight your ability to think outside the box.
  • Example: “Developed a social media campaign that boosted engagement by 40%.”

9. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

  • Show your capacity for empathy and interpersonal relationships.
  • Example: “Mediated team conflicts, fostering a 25% improvement in collaboration scores.”

10. Analytical and Research Skills

  • Demonstrate your data-driven decision-making abilities.
  • Example: “Conducted market analysis that informed a $2M investment strategy.”

5. Examples of How to List Skills on a Resume

Skills Section Example 1:

Skills

  • Communication and Presentation
  • Team Collaboration
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Data Analysis (SQL, Tableau)

Skills Section Example 2:

Technical Skills: Python, JavaScript, AWS, Git
Soft Skills: Leadership, Adaptability, Problem-Solving

6. Tips for Highlighting Skills Effectively

  • Use Action Verbs: Start with words like “managed,” “developed,” or “designed.”
  • Quantify Achievements: Add numbers or metrics to back up your claims.
  • Avoid Jargon: Keep it professional yet easy to understand.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Listing irrelevant or outdated skills.
  • Overloading your resume with too many skills.
  • Failing to back up skills with examples or achievements.

8. Proving Your Skills

Back up your skills with:

  • Accomplishments: Showcase measurable outcomes (e.g., “Increased team efficiency by 15%”).
  • Certifications: Include relevant training or courses.
  • Projects: Highlight key projects that reflect your skills.

9. Conclusion: Tailor Your Skills for Every Job

Your skills section should evolve with each application. Tailoring it to specific job descriptions not only makes you stand out but also demonstrates your understanding of the employer’s needs. Keep refining and updating your resume to reflect your growth and ensure every skill you list is backed by a strong example.

10. Sample Resume with Skills Section

John Doe
Professional Summary: Results-driven software engineer with 5+ years of experience in full-stack development, specializing in creating scalable web applications and leading teams.

Skills:

  • Programming Languages: Python, Java, JavaScript
  • Frameworks: React, Angular, Django
  • Tools: Git, Jenkins, AWS
  • Soft Skills: Communication, Problem-Solving, Leadership

Experience:

  • Software Engineer | XYZ Corp (2018–Present):
    • Designed and implemented web applications, increasing user engagement by 35%.
    • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to launch 10+ successful projects.

Craft your skills section with care and watch it become the gateway to landing your dream job! Let your resume speak volumes about your abilities and leave a lasting impression on hiring managers.