26 Best Skills to Put on Your Resume: Examples for 2025

Skills for resumes. This topic brings many questions. What are good skills to put on a resume? How many skills to list on a resume? What are the best resume skills examples? 

These are just a few doubts that many people have. No matter what you'd like to learn about skills, I've got you covered. Read on and find out everything you need to know to create a perfect resume skills section!

This guide will show you:

• The best skills for resumes for all jobs.
• What skills to put on a resume to grab the employer's attention.
• The difference between hard and soft resume skills.
• How to list skills on your resume to prove your qualifications and get interviewed for your dream job.

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• Free Resume Examples for All Jobs

Best Soft Skills for Your Resume

Wondering which skills to list on your resume? Let’s start with a selection of the most popular soft skill examples:

1. Communication

Communication skills are used for receiving, understanding, and giving all kinds of information. But these skills also include respecting others' points of view, explaining thoughts and ideas, and listening to others. Communicating with your superiors, colleagues, and customers, whether verbally, nonverbally, in writing, or via visuals, is essential in any workplace, as research shows that 50% of job postings require communication skills. 

What resumes require great communication skills?

• Sales Assistant Resume
• Customer Service Resume

2. Organizational Skills

Having great organizational skills means you can remain focused while executing different tasks. You're also able to juggle multiple tasks at once and organize work not only for yourself but also for other people. Being organized sends a simple message to the recruiter: you’re efficient and effective. And that's something valuable for every job.

What resumes require great organizational skills?

• Project Manager Resume
• Personal Assistant Resume

3. People Skills

Sometimes called interpersonal skills, these skills are about interacting with others in an effective and friendly way. People skills include mediating disputes, tolerating differences, trusting, and persuading others to your ideas. According to a survey, 62% of recruiters identify interpersonal skills as necessary, so showing them on your resume is always good.

What resumes require great people skills?

• Teacher Resume
• Social Worker Resume

4. Problem-Solving

Problem-solving helps you identify and address the problem, think about possible solutions, select the one that will work best, and successfully implement it. Solving unexpected issues on time is vital for recruiters, as it shows you're someone the company can rely on in case of any unforeseen difficulties.

What resumes require great problem-solving skills?

• Police Officer Resume
• Medical Doctor Resume

5. Creativity

According to the World Economic Forum’s report, creativity is among the most desirable skills an employee can possess. Creative thinking allows you to see things from a new perspective. This can lead to surprising conclusions and completely new approaches to successfully completing old tasks.

What resumes require great creativity skills?

• Writer Resume
• Interior Designer Resume

6. Teamwork

Being able to work as a group helps you build strong relationships, both between you and your work colleagues and between you and your customers. No wonder teamwork skills are so valuable. Having strong collaboration skills is something that can impress every recruiter.

What resumes require great teamwork skills?

• Filmmaker Resume
• Restaurant Resume

7. Active Listening

Listening and responding to what other people say in a manner that helps you move forward with your tasks, find solutions to problems, and improve your work is what you call active listening. Giving your full attention to what other people say and reacting to it is helpful in many situations, and proving that during a job interview is a great way to show that you care. And that’s what makes a great hire.

What resumes require great active listening skills?

• Hairstylist Resume
• Consultant Resume

8. Decision–Making

Being able to choose between two or more alternatives to reach the best outcome in the shortest time is a valuable quality. If you have good decision-making skills, you'll be able to assess the facts, see the current situation, and select the best action for the company based on facts, numbers, consultations, and rational thinking.

What resumes require great decision-making skills?

• Controller Resume
• Pilot Resume

9. Time Management

Did you know that according to a study by the Economist Intelligence Unit of the Economist Group, approximately 28% of work time is lost due to digital distractions? That’s one of the reasons why having good time management skills is something that every employer values in their employees. Being able to focus on work and not getting distracted is a perfect way of showing you’re the right person for the job.

What resumes require great time management skills?

• Production Manager Resume
• Entrepreneur Resume

10. Adaptability

Adjusting to unexpected changes without too much stress involved can be tricky. But having adaptability skills will allow you to be flexible, no matter how many changes you need to take. Adapting to a new situation is very useful in the workplace and everyday life, whether it's a project schedule, objectives, or sudden obstacles.

What resumes require great adaptability skills?

• Marketing Resume
• SEO Specialist Resume

11. Management Skills

Management skills are among the most valued qualifications that employers are looking for. Every leader needs these leadership skills to relate with co-workers, take care of their well-being, and understand how to deal with subordinates while also ensuring the company progresses and operates efficiently.

What resumes require great management skills? 

• Sales Manager Resume
• Stage Manager Resume

12. Critical Thinking

Critical thinking skills allow you to analyze various types of information. These skills are crucial in the decision-making process and in developing innovative solutions. Employers within various industries seek individuals who can take on challenges with logical reasoning and creative problem-solving skills. 

What resumes require great critical thinking skills?

• Budget Analyst Resume
• Auditor Resume

13. Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is much more than just a skill. It's a mindset that sets exceptional professionals apart from the rest. Professionals with above-average attention to detail easily notice even the smallest errors and inconsistencies, which allows them to deliver high-quality work.

Recruiters highly value candidates with strong attention to detail, as this trait leads to enhanced efficiency and productivity in the work environment.

What resumes require great attention to detail skills?

• Finance Resume
• Technical Writer Resume

Best Hard Skills for Your Resume

Although key soft skills are more and more often viewed as power skills, every resume still needs some strategically chosen hard skills. Let’s go through a list of the most essential technical skills to add to your resume:

1. Analytical Skills

Collecting, organizing, visualizing, and assimilating data are all connected to analytical skills. Having them in your skill set allows you to see patterns, draw conclusions, and solve different problems. It’s a valuable skill set for many positions, as you can work with data, and in the modern world, it’s something irreplaceable.

What resumes require great analytical skills?

• Analyst Resume
• Software Engineer Resume

2. Technical Skills

Technical skills are required to perform specific, job-related tasks and are learned through on-the-job experience and structured learning. Those skills are many different types because they all depend on the job. Technical skills often require the use of certain tools and the technologies required to use those tools.

What resumes require great technical skills?

• Java Developer Resume
• Automotive Technician Resume

3. Computer Skills

Different computer skills are extremely important in the modern world, primarily since everything you do is somehow related to computers. These skills combine knowledge and ability that allow you to use computers efficiently and effectively. Different things can go under the umbrella term of computer skills, such as MS Office, Google Drive, Spreadsheets, Web, Software, Hardware, etc.

What resumes require great computer skills? 

• Help Desk Resume
• Programmer Resume

4. Language Skills

Being able to communicate properly is good to have. But being able to communicate in different languages is something impressive. Language skills are useful in many different scenarios, so if you have a knack for them, you should definitely include them in your resume. Having someone who speaks more than one language on board can be helpful when the company grows.

What resumes require great language skills? 

• Translator Resume
• Event Coordinator Resume

5. Presentation Skills

Effective presentation skills are crucial in the current job market, as they allow to convey ideas and proposals in a convincing way. Whether you’re addressing a small team or a large audience, strong presentation skills will let you make an impact by sharing your knowledge or persuading others to your point of view.

What resumes require great presentation skills?

• Sales Representative Resume
• Marketing Manager Resume

6. Research Skills

Research skills are the foundation of informed decision-making and problem-solving across various industries and professions. Proficient researchers possess the ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize information from diverse sources. Thanks to strong research skills, you can contribute to evidence-based insights, innovation, and strategic planning within organizations.

What resumes require great research skills?

• Market Research Analyst Resume
• Research Assistant Resume

7. Marketing

Marketing skills can often come in handy even if you don’t actually work in marketing. Knowing how to highlight the key benefits of the company’s products or services is a valuable hard skill that many employers view as a huge plus. Investing in improving marketing skills can be a wise career move for many professionals.

What resumes require great marketing skills?

• Digital Marketing Resume
• Business Development Manager

8. Customer Service

Customer service skills are absolutely crucial for all professionals who hold client-facing jobs. Providing a great customer experience increases client satisfaction and retention, which are crucial for stable business growth. Strong customer service skills are one of the top skills employers are looking for, and they involve an intricate mix of emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills, and other competencies.

What resumes require great customer service skills?

• Waitress Resume
• Sales Associate Resume

9. Project Management

Efficient project management skills are a prized asset in any industry as they ensure that goals are reached efficiently and on time. Professionals with strong project management capabilities are good at coordinating teams, assessing and mitigating risks, and ensuring successful project outcomes.

However, you can also embody project management skills even if you work by yourself and don’t manage other people’s work. Organizing your various work tasks efficiently is an important part of project management.

What resumes require great project management skills?

• Project Coordinator Resume
• Technical Project Manager Resume

10. Writing Skills

Writing skills allow the creation of compelling and grammatically correct content. They encompass various forms of writing, including technical, creative, and business writing. Strong writing skills are closely related to communication skills, as they enable you to communicate effectively, influence others, and convey information through written words.

What resumes require great writing skills?

• Freelance Writer Resume
• Content Writer Resume

11. Sales Skills

Sales skills include the ability to understand customer needs, forge relationships, and promote products and services to fuel business growth. Sales skills require not only the knowledge of specific sales techniques and the intricacies of the company’s offer. To sell well, you also need to have a certain level of emotional intelligence and great listening skills.

What resumes require great sales kills?

• Retail Sales Associate Resume
• Account Manager Resume

12. Administrative Skills

Administrative skills are closely related to organizational skills, but they are more technical in nature. These skills include managing schedules, organizing documents, handling correspondence, and more.

What resumes require great administrative skills?

• Administrative Assistant Resume
• Office Manager Resume

13. Design

Design skills are invaluable for many companies, as creating a coherent visual aesthetic is crucial in effective marketing. These skills require creativity, an understanding of design best practices, and technical proficiency. Experienced designers can effectively convey a specific vision and enhance the user experience through their work.

What resumes require great design skills?

• Graphic Designer Resume
• UX/UI Designer Resume

Read more: Skill Levels on a Resume: How to Showcase Your Skill Set

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Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills for a Resume

Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities acquired through education or experience. They’re teachable, measurable, and related to a specific job. For instance, if you work in customer service, your hard skills include Zendesk, data entry, and product knowledge.

Soft skills, on the other hand, encompass interpersonal traits like communication, teamwork, and more. Soft skills are often transferable skills. Such abilities are universal and not associated with a particular job or industry—they’ll make fantastic employment skills no matter the job title.

While hard skills are essential for performing tasks, soft skills are crucial for effective collaboration and navigating interpersonal dynamics in the workplace. On resumes, hard skills show what you can do. Soft skills indicate how you’ll perform your duties.

Find out more about the differences between soft and hard skills for resumes: Hard Skills vs Soft Skills: The Best Examples for Your Resume

How to List Skills on a Resume

Having a great list of skills for resumes is one thing. But presenting them in your resume is also important! Choosing the right skills to include on your resume not only demonstrates your capabilities but also helps your application pass applicant tracking systems (ATS) that scan for relevant skills.

Let’s find out how to put skills on a resume in the best possible way:

1. Tailor Your Resume Skills to the Job Offer You’re Targeting

Customize the skills list on every resume you send to match the job offer requirements.

Show recruiters that you’ve crafted a tailored resume specifically for this particular job offer and beat resume-screening ATS software that searches for relevant resume keywords.

Tailoring your skill set to match the employer's needs not only showcases your qualifications but also increases your resume's chances of passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Also, make sure to regularly update your skills section to reflect new competencies and trends in your industry. This ensures your resume stays relevant and shows employers you are committed to continuous professional development.

How to make a resume skills list tailored to the job ad?

• Start with a master list of all your professional skills, both hard and soft ones.
• Read the job description carefully, especially the “Requirements” or “Key Skills” sections.
• Look for skills-related words and phrases and jot them down.
• Compare your master list of skills with those you see in the job ad. All those matches have to go on your resume. 

2. Put Relevant Resume Skills in a Separate Section

This way, you’ll help recruiters spot strengths on your resume in a flash. Use a standalone skills section where you put your most important qualifications. Make sure to be precise—e.g., “Written and verbal communication,” instead of “good communicator.” You can indicate how advanced your abilities are using descriptive words, such as “Advanced,” “Intermediate,” or “Basic.” 

3. Add Your Work-Related Skills to the Experience Section

That’s right, your work history section with descriptions of past jobs is evidence of the skills you’ve just listed. That is where you must prove you can apply your skillset in real-life professional situations. Check out how to put skills in your resume’s work experience section in the example below:

Skills on a Resume: Work Experience Sample

To learn more about how to include skills and abilities in a resume work experience section, see: Work Experience on a Resume: Duties, Skills, Achievements

4. Weave the Most Relevant Skills Into Your Resume Profile

Yes, you guessed it—for the best resume, you need to mention a few of your most relevant skills in the profile, too. After all, you don’t just tell recruiters about your skills. You show them.

See how this candidate shows their skills in the resume summary sample below:

How to Put Skills on a Resume: Example of a Resume Summary

See tips for making the most of your skills for a job in a resume summary or objective. Read: Resume Summary Samples and Professional Resume Objectives

Example Skills to Put on a Resume by Job Title

When crafting your resume, it’s crucial to highlight the most relevant skills and abilities for a resume that match the job you’re applying for. Below, I’ve listed five popular job roles along with their key skills for a resume, both hard and soft, to help you create a perfect resume skills section.

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

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See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Key Takeaway

Here’s how to list skills on a resume:

1. Pick skills for your resume to match the job offer requirements.
2. Create a separate resume skills section and add up to ten skills.
3. Refer to your top skills in your work experience.
4. Add 2–3 of the most relevant skills to your resume profile.

Thanks for reading my article! Now, I’d love to hear from you! What are the biggest challenges when putting skills on resumes? What skills do you think are the most crucial? Do you need further assistance with your resume skills list? Let’s chat!

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This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines. We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

Sources

• HR Dive, "New research shows top soft skills are requested four times more than top hard skills"
• Graduate Management Admission Council, "2023 corporate recruiters report"
• World Economic Forum, "The future of jobs report 2023"
• Pamplin College of Business and Virginia Tech Libraries, "Teamwork in Business"
• M. H. Jarrahi, D. L. Blyth, C. Goray, "Mindful work and mindful technology: Redressing digital distraction in knowledge work"