20 Essential Skills to Boost Your Resume for Job Success

Did you know that approximately applicant tracking systems (ATS) filter about 75% of resumes before they ever reach a human eye? In today’s competitive job market, effectively highlighting the right skills on your resume is more crucial than ever. Resume skills not only demonstrate your job readiness but also serve as critical keywords that help you navigate through ATS filters and catch hiring managers’ attention in mere seconds.

Skills that employers value can make all the difference between getting a call for an interview and being passed over.

In this article, we promise to provide you with the 20 best skills to put on your resume, ranging from the most in-demand skills to essential professional skills for resumes. We’ll guide you on how to tailor these skills to specific job descriptions, highlight common mistakes to avoid, and even provide ready-to-copy sample skills sections. So grab an open document, keep it handy, and start updating your skills as you read on.

Templates and a handy checklist are just around the corner, ensuring your resume captures attention and opens doors.

 

Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills: What’s the Difference?

 

When crafting a standout resume, understanding the distinction between hard skills and soft skills is crucial. Both types of skills are essential for showcasing your qualifications to potential employers.

Hard skills are teachable, measurable abilities directly tied to specific tools or techniques. These can include technical proficiencies such as SQL, Excel, or AutoCAD. For example, if you have a certification in CPR or experience with cloud computing, these are hard skills you can highlight on your resume.

Conversely, soft skills are the interpersonal and cognitive traits that shape how you work with others. Skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability are vital in any work environment. For instance, demonstrating strong problem-solving abilities or leadership experience can significantly enhance your appeal to employers.

Category	Definition	Examples	How to Prove on a Resume
Hard skills	Technical knowledge	Python, Excel, EHR (Epic), AutoCAD	Certifications, tools list, quantified achievements
Soft skills	Interpersonal/cognitive traits	Communication, problem-solving, empathy	Outcomes (reduced churn, led a 5-person team), behavioral examples

It’s important to balance both types of skills on your resume. For technical roles, lean towards highlighting your hard skills (about 60-70%). In contrast, for roles that require strong interpersonal abilities, emphasize your soft skills while anchoring them with specific examples.

Additionally, using keywords from the job description for both hard and soft skills will enhance your chances of passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

 

The 20 Best Skills to Put on Your Resume (Core Section)

 

When crafting a resume, showcasing the best skills can significantly enhance your chances of getting noticed by employers. Here’s a detailed list of the 20 best skills for resumes that can bolster your application across various industries.

1. Communication

• Definition: Convey ideas clearly in writing and speech.
• Why it matters: Reduces misalignment; essential across roles.
• How to show: “Led weekly presentations to cross-functional teams; authored SOPs.”

2. Teamwork & Collaboration

• Definition: Work effectively with peers and stakeholders.
• Why it matters: Most work is cross-functional.
• How to show: “Partnered with Sales and Ops to launch X; contributed to Agile standups.”

3. Problem-Solving

• Definition: Diagnose issues and implement solutions.
• Why it matters: Employers want initiative.
• How to show: “Resolved inventory variance by redesigning process, cutting errors 25%.”

4. Critical Thinking

• Definition: Analyze information and make sound judgments.
• Why it matters: Better decisions, fewer mistakes.
• How to show: “Evaluated vendor bids using cost–benefit analysis; selected option saving $50K.”

5. Leadership

• Definition: Guide people and projects toward goals.
• Why it matters: Indicates growth potential.
• How to show: “Managed 6 interns; mentored new hires; chaired safety committee.”

6. Project Management

• Definition: Plan, execute, and deliver initiatives on time and budget.
• Why it matters: Predictable outcomes.
• How to show: “PMP-certified; delivered CRM rollout 2 weeks early under budget.”

7. Time Management & Prioritization

• Definition: Organize workload to meet deadlines.
• Why it matters: Improves productivity.
• How to show: “Handled 30+ tickets/day while maintaining 95% SLA.”

8. Adaptability

• Definition: Adjust to new tools, teams, and change.
• Why it matters: Fast-moving workplaces.
• How to show: “Pivoted campaign strategy after algorithm update; maintained ROI.”

9. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

• Definition: Recognize and manage emotions in self/others.
• Why it matters: Improves teamwork and leadership.
• How to show: “De-escalated customer issues; improved CSAT to 4.7/5.”

10. Customer Service

• Definition: Support and retain customers/patients/clients.
• Why it matters: Drives loyalty and revenue.
• How to show: “Averaged 95% satisfaction; resolved 40+ inquiries/day.”

11. Data Analysis

• Definition: Interpret data to inform decisions.
• Why it matters: Evidence-based work.
• How to show: “Built dashboards (Excel/SQL/Tableau) to track KPIs; cut churn 8%.”

12. Technical Proficiency (Computer/Software)

• Definition: Comfort with core software stacks.
• Why it matters: Nearly all roles require digital fluency.
• How to show: “Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom; typed 65 WPM.”

13. Microsoft Excel/Spreadsheets

• Definition: Advanced spreadsheet modeling and analysis.
• Why it matters: Universal business tool.
• How to show: “VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, pivot tables, Power Query; automated reports.”

14. Programming (Python/Java/SQL)

• Definition: Write code to build tools and automate tasks.
• Why it matters: Efficiency and innovation.
• How to show: “Python scripts reduced report time 70%; SQL joins for ad hoc queries.”

15. CRM Tools (Salesforce/HubSpot)

• Definition: Manage customer pipelines and campaigns.
• Why it matters: Sales/marketing throughput.
• How to show: “Maintained 200+ accounts; increased pipeline coverage 1.8x.”

16. Digital Marketing & SEO

• Definition: Acquire and engage users via search, ads, and content.
• Why it matters: Revenue growth.
• How to show: “SEO audit lifted organic traffic 35%; managed $50K/month ad spend.”

17. Writing & Editing

• Definition: Create clear, error-free content.
• Why it matters: Brand credibility and compliance.
• How to show: “Authored guides; reduced documentation errors 40%.”

18. Presentation & Public Speaking

• Definition: Persuade and inform groups.
• Why it matters: Influences decisions.
• How to show: “Presented to execs quarterly; led client workshops.”

19. Research & Information Literacy

• Definition: Find, evaluate, and synthesize credible information.
• Why it matters: Better strategy and compliance.
• How to show: “Conducted user research; literature reviews for policy updates.”

20. Attention to Detail

• Definition: Spot errors and ensure accuracy.
• Why it matters: Quality and safety (finance, healthcare, legal).
• How to show: “Zero-defect audits over 6 months; reconciled 10K+ records.”

Whether you’re in IT, healthcare, or marketing, these skills can significantly enhance your resume. Using precise phrasing from job descriptions can further increase your visibility in applicant tracking systems (ATS), especially for terms like problem-solving skills, teamwork skills, and computer and software skills.

 

How to Choose the Right Skills for Your Resume

 

When applying for jobs, tailoring your skills section is crucial for standing out in a crowded applicant pool. This practical guide will help you match your resume skills to the job description, optimize for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems), and enhance your chances of landing that interview.

1. Analyze the Job Posting: Start by thoroughly reviewing the job description. Draw attention to skills, tools, and certifications that are repeatedly mentioned. These are critical indicators of what the employer values.
2. Extract Keywords: Create a list of exact terms (including acronyms) and related phrases. For example, if the job requires SEO and Google Analytics, these must be noted.
3. Map to Your Strengths: Align each keyword from the job posting with your proven skills. Mark any gaps where you lack experience or certifications.
4. Prove It: For each chosen skill, provide a metric, project, or credential that demonstrates your proficiency. For instance, “Increased organic traffic by 40% through targeted SEO strategies.”
5. Mirror Phrasing: Use the employer’s exact wording (e.g., CRM vs. Salesforce) to improve ATS matching. This subtle technique can dramatically increase your visibility in applicant databases.
6. Prioritize Order: List the most relevant 6–10 skills first. Ensure your skills section is concise, making it easier for hiring managers to quickly understand your qualifications.
7. Refresh Per Application: Tailor skills and examples each time you apply for a new role. This demonstrates a keen interest in the specific position and showcases your relevant expertise.

Role-Based Examples:

• Marketing: Prioritize SEO, Google Analytics 4, content strategy, A/B testing, CRM.
• IT: Highlight Python, SQL, cloud (AWS/Azure), Linux, Jira, CI/CD.
• Healthcare: Focus on EHR (Epic), patient education, HIPAA compliance, triage, CPR/BLS.

Checklist:

• Job keywords captured
• Exact phrasing mirrored
• Proof/metrics added
• Irrelevant skills removed
• Section under 12 bullets
• Recency ensured
• No outdated tech
• Soft skills backed by evidence

ATS Reminder: Always use standard section headings (Skills, Core Competencies) and avoid images or icons in your skills section. This ensures your resume is ATS-optimized, allowing your tailored resume skills to shine.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Listing Skills

 

When crafting a resume, the skills section is crucial. However, many job seekers fall into common pitfalls that can hinder their chances of landing an interview. Avoiding these mistakes not only prevents user frustration but also builds trust with your readers, positioning your resume as a comprehensive resource.

Here are some common skills section errors:

• Being too generic: Terms like “hard worker” or “people person” lack depth.
• Listing irrelevant skills: Outdated skills such as fax machines or MS-DOS can age your resume.
• Overstuffing keywords: Duplicating similar skills only dilutes impact.
• Including unverifiable skills: Skills you can’t justify in an interview should be omitted.
• Omitting proof: Metrics, projects, and certifications provide credibility.
• Relying on one skill type: Balance hard skills and soft skills for a better mix.
• Using subjective ratings: Proficiency bars or star ratings are not ATS-friendly.
• Making it too lengthy: Keep the skills section focused for scannability.
• Inconsistent terminology: Use consistent names for tools to avoid confusion.

Do	Don’t	Example
Quantify impact	List without context	“Excel: automated weekly report saving 3 hrs/wk.”
Mirror job description terms	Invent buzzwords	Match “Google Analytics 4,” not “web metrics tool.”
Keep it current	Include obsolete tools	Replace “Flash” with “Figma.”

By adhering to these resume best practices, you’ll not only avoid the common resume mistakes but also create an ATS-friendly resume that resonates with hiring managers. Focus on what to do rather than what not to do and see the difference in your job application results.

 

Example Resume Skills Section (Visual Guide)

 

When crafting the Skills section of your resume, it’s vital to showcase both hard and soft skills effectively. This not only enhances readability but also aligns with ATS-friendly formatting to improve your chances of being noticed. Here are two copy-ready examples that you can adapt to your needs:

Sample A: Student/Entry-Level

• Hard Skills: Microsoft Excel (pivot tables), Google Workspace, SQL (basic), Canva, Research Methods, Presentation Design
• Soft Skills: Communication, Teamwork, Time Management, Problem-Solving, Adaptability, Attention to Detail

Sample B: Experienced Professional

• Hard Skills: Project Management (PMP), Salesforce CRM, Excel (Power Query, VLOOKUP), Python (pandas), Data Visualization (Tableau), SEO/Content Strategy, AWS (EC2, S3)
• Soft Skills: Leadership, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Thinking, Coaching & Mentoring, Presentation & Public Speaking

In both examples, the most relevant resume skills examples are listed at the top. Remember, when constructing your resume, consider the difference between hard vs soft skills, as both are critical. Whether you are creating student resume skills or aiming for professional resume skills, clarity and organization are key to making a strong impression.

 

Conclusion: Boost Your Resume with the Right Skills

 

In today’s competitive job market, choosing the best skills to put on your resume is not just important, it’s essential. A well-curated mix of hard and soft skills will not only help you pass through ATS filters but also impress hiring managers, enabling you to stand out quickly. Remember, the right skills can reflect your potential and adaptability in any role.

Start taking actionable steps today to elevate your candidacy:

• Identify 8–12 core skills that align with your next role.
• Mirror the job description keywords to enhance relevance.
• Add proof to each skill with quantifiable accomplishments.

Don’t wait for opportunities—create them! Download our skills checklist, or explore our free resume template today. If you’re ready to take your application up a notch, try our resume builder.

Empower yourself with the resume skills employers value, and learn how to tailor resume skills effectively, ensuring your resume is not just seen, but remembered.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

• What are the top 10 skills employers look for?
  While it varies by role, a strong cross-industry top 10 includes: Communication, Teamwork, Problem-Solving, Critical Thinking, Leadership, Project Management, Time Management, Adaptability, Data Analysis, and Technical Proficiency (relevant software/tools). Prioritize those the job description emphasizes, and back each with evidence.
• Which skills should I avoid putting on my resume?
  Avoid outdated or irrelevant tools (e.g., obsolete software), vague clichés without proof (hard worker, people person), basic skills that are assumed unless requested (typing, basic email), unverifiable claims (guru, ninja), and anything you can’t defend in an interview. Remove hobbies unless they’re directly job-relevant.
• How do I match my resume skills with a job description?
  Highlight exact keywords and repeated requirements in the posting, map them to your proven skills, mirror the employer’s phrasing, and add proof (metrics, projects, certifications). Prioritize the top 6–10 relevant skills and refresh per application. Keep the section concise and ATS-friendly.
• Should soft skills or hard skills be prioritized on a resume?
  Balance both. Lead with hard skills for technical roles and emphasize soft skills for people-facing roles, but always support soft skills with outcomes (e.g., improved CSAT, reduced churn). In most cases, aim for a 60/40 mix favoring what the job values most.
• Can I include skills even if I don’t have professional experience using them?
  Yes—if you can credibly demonstrate them via coursework, certifications, volunteer work, personal or capstone projects, or measurable practice. Label proficiency honestly (e.g., Intermediate, Familiar) and avoid overstating. Don’t list skills you can’t discuss in detail.