Why Resume Skills Matter
Job seekers often ask: what are good skills to put on a resume? The answer: a mix of relevant soft skills (interpersonal abilities) and hard skills (technical proficiencies). With more companies embracing skills-based hiring, listing the right skills can make or break your chances.
- 90%+ of executives value soft skills more than ever
- 2 out of 3 employers use skills-based hiring practices
Both skill types are essential to pass ATS filters and impress recruiters.
Understanding Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills
Soft Skills (People Skills)
Non-technical, transferable abilities that influence how you work with others and handle tasks. Examples include:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Leadership
- Adaptability
Hard Skills (Technical Skills)
Job-specific abilities gained through education, training, or experience. Examples include:
- Programming languages
- Project management software
- Data analysis
- Design tools
- Language fluency
Employers want both. Soft skills show how you work; hard skills prove what you can do.
Top Soft Skills to Put on a Resume
1. Communication Skills
Clearly convey information across different mediums (email, presentations, meetings).
- Active listening
- Written communication
- Public speaking
- Negotiation
2. Teamwork & Collaboration
Contribute positively to group projects and build relationships.
- Conflict resolution
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Mentoring
3. Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking
Diagnose issues and implement creative, data-informed solutions.
- Process improvement
- Root cause analysis
- Strategic thinking
4. Adaptability
Adjust quickly to change and remain productive.
- Learning new tools
- Shifting priorities
- Handling ambiguity
5. Leadership
Take initiative and guide others toward goals.
- Delegation
- Motivating teams
- Leading projects
6. Work Ethic & Initiative
Show drive, reliability, and proactive behavior.
- Meeting deadlines
- Taking on extra tasks
- Volunteering for challenges
Pro Tip: Back soft skills with context in your job experience bullets.
Top Hard Skills to Put on a Resume
1. Digital Literacy & Office Software
Most jobs require digital competency.
- Microsoft Office / Google Workspace
- Slack, Zoom, Trello
- CRM tools (Salesforce)
2. Data Analysis
Use data to support decisions and strategy.
- Excel, SQL, Tableau
- KPIs tracking
- Research & reporting
3. Project Management
Plan and execute tasks within scope and timeline.
- Agile, Scrum, Kanban
- Asana, Jira, MS Project
4. Design & Creative Tools
Visual communication matters across roles.
- Canva, Adobe Suite
- UX/UI basics
- Presentation creation
5. Financial & Analytical Skills
Quantify value and manage budgets.
- Budget forecasting
- Cost analysis
- Financial modeling
6. Customer Service
Direct interaction with clients or users.
- Handling complaints
- CRM software
- Service metrics
Pro Tip: Use exact keywords from job listings to pass ATS.
Tips to Showcase Skills Effectively
Create a Dedicated Skills Section
Label it “Skills” or “Core Competencies” with 6–10 items.
Tailor to Each Job
Match skills from the job description.
Combine Hard & Soft Skills
Show you’re well-rounded.
Use Job Posting Language
Mirror terms like “project management” or “Google Analytics.”
Provide Evidence in Experience Section
Quantify achievements related to listed skills.
Prioritize Important Skills First
Place the most job-relevant skills at the top.
Be Honest
Only list what you can confidently demonstrate.
Build a Skills-First Resume
The best resumes combine both in-demand soft skills and job-specific hard skills. Prioritize skills relevant to each role, back them up with examples, and keep your skills section clean and keyword-rich.
With thoughtful presentation, your skills won’t just get noticed—they’ll get you interviews.
