Skills for resume

Introduction

Did you know that recruiters spend an average of just 6 seconds scanning a resume before deciding whether to keep reading? In that blink of an eye, the skills you list can either make you stand out or get lost in the shuffle.

If a recruiter is taking only 6 seconds to judge your resume, how are they doing it?

To tell you the truth, they are scanning for precise keywords that your resume contains. These keywords often come directly from the job descriptions they provide.

Recruiters might also use various tools to scan your resume for those keywords. Once they find them, it significantly increases the chances of your resume getting selected.

This is why tailoring your resume to match the job description is crucial every time you apply for a job.

To learn more about ATS (Applicant Tracking System) resume optimization, check out our blog on the topic.

Why the Skills Section is Important

The skills section in your resume is critical. Every tool recruiters use scans this section to find the key skills required for the job.

In the next sections, we will discuss:

1. How to choose the right skills for your resume.
2. The different types of skills to include.

Why it matters

When recruiters or hiring managers review resumes, they're looking for a combination of hard and soft skills that match the job description. Skills on a resume not only tell the employer that you can handle the role but also show your potential for growth and adaptability. Here's why they matter:

1. First Impressions: Skills are a major part of what recruiters scan first on your resume. They can quickly determine if you're a good fit for the job based on the skills you highlight.
2. ATS Optimization: Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes based on specific keywords. Including relevant skills boosts the chances of passing through this initial screening.
3. Demonstrating Relevance: Employers want to see skills that align with the job description. When your skills match the employer's needs, you're more likely to get an interview.

What this blog covers:

This blog will guide you through:

• The difference between hard skills and soft skills and why both matter.
• Tips for identifying and highlighting the right skills for your target job.
• Real-life examples of skills tailored for specific roles.
• Pro tips on effectively showcasing your skills to beat Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Skills to put on resume

In today's competitive job market, having the right set of skills on your resume can set you apart from other candidates. Whether you're entering a new field or aiming for a promotion, highlighting a mix of hard and soft skills shows employers you're both capable and adaptable.

10 best skills to put on a resume

1. Communication skills

Strong communicators express ideas clearly and confidently, both in writing and speaking. This skill helps build understanding across teams and with clients.

2. Active listening skills

Being fully present in conversations leads to better responses and fewer misunderstandings. It shows respect and builds trust in professional relationships.

3. Computer skills

From Microsoft Office to CRM platforms and basic troubleshooting, tech proficiency is essential in nearly every industry today.

4. Customer service skills

Listening to customers, solving their problems, and creating a positive experience is crucial in roles that involve client interaction.

5. Interpersonal skills

Good relationships at work increase team performance. This skill includes empathy, collaboration, and conflict resolution.

6. Leadership skills

Leadership is about more than authority—it's about inspiring others, making decisions, and taking responsibility for outcomes.

7. Management skills

Managing time, resources, or people effectively is key for delivering results. These skills show you can organize and execute plans.

8. Problem-solving skills

Employers value individuals who can think critically, analyze situations, and implement smart solutions quickly.

9. Time management skills

Prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and staying organized show you're dependable and efficient under pressure.

10. Transferable skills

These are versatile skills like adaptability, teamwork, and creativity that apply across different roles and industries.

Hard skills vs. soft skills to put on a resume

Hard skills

These are technical abilities learned through education or training—like programming, writing, or data analysis. They're easy to measure and job-specific.

Soft skills

These are personal traits like leadership, emotional intelligence, or adaptability. While harder to quantify, they are equally important for team dynamics and workplace culture.

Conclusion

Crafting a powerful resume means showcasing both your hard expertise and soft strengths. Tailor your skills to each job you apply for, and back them up with results or experiences to make a lasting impression.

How to Present Skills on Your Resume

The way you present your skills can significantly impact your resume’s effectiveness. Here are some methods to optimize your resume:

1. Skills Section

Many resumes include a dedicated skills section. This is an easy way for employers to quickly scan your abilities. Here’s how to structure it:

• List 5-10 skills that are most relevant to the job.
• Use bullet points for clarity.
• Focus on the skills mentioned in the job posting, but don't forget to add transferable skills you possess.

2. Use Keywords

Tailoring your resume to each job you apply for is crucial, especially in the age of ATS. Keyword optimization ensures your resume gets noticed. Carefully read through the job description and integrate relevant skills into your resume. For example, if a job listing mentions “project management” and “data analysis,” these are keywords you should consider adding to your skills section if you have experience with them.

3. Quantify Your Skills

Where possible, provide proof of your skills with quantifiable results. For example, rather than just saying “Experienced in customer service,” you could say, “Resolved 30+ customer queries daily with a 95% satisfaction rate.” Numbers help provide concrete evidence of your abilities.

How to Identify the Right Skills for Your Resume

To make your resume stand out, it’s crucial to include skills that are not only relevant but also highly valued by recruiters. Here’s how to identify the right skills for your specific target job:

Analyze the Job Description

The job description is your roadmap to understanding the skills recruiters are seeking. Here's how to extract the key skills:

• Scan for Keywords: Look for recurring words or phrases under sections like "Qualifications," "Responsibilities," and "Requirements." For example, if the job mentions "data analysis" or "communication skills" multiple times, these are critical.
• Prioritize Technical Skills: Pay attention to specific software, tools, or techniques mentioned (e.g., "Proficient in Python" or "Expert in Excel").
• Highlight Soft Skills: Don’t ignore behavioral qualities like teamwork, adaptability, or leadership, as these are often equally important.
• Compare Multiple Listings: If applying to similar roles, compare job descriptions to find common skills employers prioritize.

Research the Industry

Different industries prioritize different skills. Understanding what’s in demand in your field can help you build a more targeted resume:

• Explore Industry Reports: Look for insights into trending skills in your field via platforms like LinkedIn or Glassdoor.
• Connect with Professionals: Reach out to mentors or peers in your industry to understand which skills are most valued.
• Look at Job Trends: Use job boards to identify patterns in the skills listed for roles you’re interested in.
  • For IT Professionals: Coding languages (Python, JavaScript), cloud computing, cybersecurity.
  • For Marketing Professionals: SEO, content strategy, data analytics.
  • For Healthcare Workers: Patient care, medical software proficiency, multitasking.

Evaluate Your Own Strengths

Before adding skills to your resume, it’s important to assess your expertise and how it aligns with the job requirements:

• Take Inventory: Make a list of your hard, soft, and technical skills. Be honest about your proficiency levels.
• Match Skills to the Job: Cross-check your list with the job description. Highlight skills that match directly.
• Identify Unique Value: Include additional skills that set you apart, such as a rare certification, multilingual ability, or expertise in a niche software.
• Focus on Transferable Skills: If switching industries, emphasize versatile skills like project management, problem-solving, or client relations that can apply to various roles.

Tailor Your Resume with Instaresume

At InstaResume.io, we understand that every job application requires a personalized touch. That’s why we’ve created the Tailor Your Resume feature, designed to help you refine your skills section based on specific job roles and industry demands.

Using AI-driven insights and a user-friendly UI, InstaResume.io’s tool helps you:

• Optimize skills: Automatically suggests the most relevant skills for your resume based on the job you're applying to.
• Match keywords: Ensures your resume passes ATS screening by suggesting industry-specific keywords.
• Refine formatting: Helps you present your skills in the most attractive and organized way, with professional resume designs and templates.

You can easily try our AI Resume Builder to get a customized resume that aligns perfectly with your career aspirations and job market trends. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or a seasoned professional, our platform can help you take your resume to the next level.

Tailor your skills by job description

For each job application, adjust your skills to align with the specific requirements of the role. Use the job description as a guide and include both hard and soft skills to present yourself as the complete package.

Where to List Skills on a Resume

Strategically placing your skills on your resume ensures they are easily noticed by recruiters and ATS systems. Here’s how to effectively showcase them:

Dedicated Skills Section

A dedicated skills section is a concise way to highlight your core competencies.

How to Organize:

• Group related skills under headings if you have many (e.g., Technical Skills, Soft Skills).
• List your skills in a bullet or comma-separated format to keep it clean and easy to scan.

Example:

Skills:

• Technical: Python, SQL, AWS, Cloud Computing
• Soft Skills: Communication, Problem-Solving, Adaptability

Pro Tips:

• Tailor this section to the job description by including keywords the employer is looking for.
• Avoid overcrowding—limit the section to the most relevant 6–10 skills.

In the Work Experience Section

Showcasing skills within your work experience provides evidence of how you’ve used them effectively.

How to Demonstrate Skills Through Achievements:

• Tie specific skills to measurable results or responsibilities.
• Use action verbs to describe your role in achieving those results.

Example:
Job Title | Company | Dates

• Designed and implemented SEO strategies, increasing website traffic by 35%.
• Resolved over 95% of customer issues on the first call by employing active listening and problem-solving skills.
• Automated data processing tasks using Python, reducing manual work by 25%.

Other Sections

You can also incorporate skills into other resume sections for additional emphasis.

Education Section:

Highlight relevant skills you developed during your studies.

Example:
Master’s in Data Science | XYZ University

• Coursework: Machine Learning, Data Visualization, Big Data Analytics
• Certifications Section:
  Include certifications that validate your skills.

Example:

AWS Certified Solutions Architect

Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

• Additional Sections:
  Create a section for Technical Skills, Languages, or Tools if they are critical to the job.

Example:
Technical Skills: MATLAB, Tableau, Adobe Photoshop

Examples of Skills by Job Role

To help you tailor your resume for specific job roles, here are examples of essential skills for some of the most popular professions.

Marketing skills

Marketing roles demand a mix of creativity, technical know-how, and analytical abilities. Here are some key skills to include:

Hard Skills:

• SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
• Social Media Management (e.g., Facebook Ads, Instagram strategies)
• Google Analytics and Data Interpretation
• Email Marketing Tools (e.g., Mailchimp, HubSpot)
• Content Creation and Copywriting

Soft Skills:

• Creativity
• Communication and Storytelling
• Time Management

IT (Information Technology) skills

IT roles focus on technical problem-solving, programming, and system maintenance. Key skills for an IT resume include:

Hard Skills:

• Programming Languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript, C++)
• Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure)
• Cybersecurity and Network Security Protocols
• Database Management (SQL, MongoDB)
• Troubleshooting and Debugging

Soft Skills:

• Critical Thinking
• Collaboration in Team Projects
• Adaptability to New Technologies

Customer Service skills

Customer service positions emphasize interpersonal skills and the ability to resolve issues efficiently. Key skills for these roles include:

Hard Skills:

• CRM Software (e.g., Salesforce, Zendesk)
• Data Entry and Accuracy
• Multilingual Abilities

Soft Skills:

• Conflict Resolution
• Empathy and Active Listening
• Problem-Solving

Healthcare skills

Healthcare professionals require technical proficiency, attention to detail, and compassion. Key skills for healthcare roles include:

Hard Skills:

• Patient Care and Medical Terminology
• Electronic Health Records (EHR) Systems
• CPR and First Aid Certifications
• Infection Control Procedures

Soft Skills:

• Attention to Detail
• Multitasking in High-Stress Environments
• Communication with Patients and Families

Why organize skills on a resume?

Placing skills in multiple areas of your resume ensures they catch the attention of both ATS systems and recruiters. By presenting them in context (work experience) and highlighting them explicitly (skills section), you create a strong case for your qualifications.

Tips for Effectively Showcasing Skills on resume

Showcasing your skills isn’t just about listing them—it’s about presenting them in a way that highlights your value and relevance. Here are some actionable tips to do just that:

Quantify When Possible

Adding numbers or measurable results makes your skills more impactful and credible. It shows employers not just what you can do, but what you’ve achieved with those skills.

• Why It Works: Quantifying your skills gives hiring managers a clear idea of your contribution to previous roles.

Examples:

• Increased sales by 30% through effective SEO strategies.
• Reduced customer complaints by 20% by implementing a new feedback system.
• Automated 50+ recurring tasks using Python, saving 10 hours/week for the team.

Use Action Verbs

Action verbs create a strong impression and convey your proactivity in applying your skills. Avoid passive language and generic terms like "responsible for" or "helped with."

Why It Works: Action verbs demonstrate initiative and directly connect your skills to specific actions and outcomes.

Examples of Strong Action Verbs:

• Designed: "Designed and implemented a new marketing campaign that boosted engagement by 25%."
• Led: "Led a cross-functional team to complete a product launch ahead of schedule."
• Implemented: "Implemented new customer service protocols, improving satisfaction scores by 15%."

Tailor for Each Job Application

Generic resumes are easy to spot and often fail to make an impact. Tailoring your skills to match the job description shows that you’ve put effort into the application and understand the role’s requirements.

Why It Works:
Employers look for candidates who align with their specific needs. Customizing your skills increases your chances of passing ATS filters and catching a recruiter’s attention.

Resume Examples Using Instaresume Templates

To give you a clearer vision of how to effectively display your skills, here are a few sample resumes using InstaResume.io templates that organize skills in a way that grabs the recruiter’s attention:

Example 1:

IT project manager resume

Edit and download this example of a IT Project manager resume created using the Instaresume's Night· Black and white resume template

Edit this Resume

Example 2:

Registered nurse resume example

Edit and download this registered nurse resume example created using the Instaresume's creative resume template.

Edit this Resume

Example 3:

Data Analyst Intern Resume

Edit and download this example of a data analyst intern resume resume created using the Instaresume's FOREST · TWO COLUMN RESUME TEMPLATE WITH SIDE BAR LEFT

Edit this Resume

Example 4:

Teacher resume example

Edit and download this example of teacher resume created using the Instaresume's two column cv template.

Edit this Resume

Example 5:

Bartender resume example

Edit and download this example of a bartender resume created using the Instaresume's Everest · Combined resume template.

Edit this Resume

Example 6:

Graphic design resume with no experience

Edit and download this example of a aspiring designer resume created using the Instaresume's creative two column resume template.

Edit this Resume

Example 7:

High school resume for a first job

Edit and download this example of a High school resume for a first job created using the Instaresume's Day · Creative CV template.

Edit this Resume

Example 8:

Hotel front desk resume example

Edit and download this example of a Hotel front desk resume example created using the Instaresume's Ocean · two column CV template with side bar right (Free) · InstaResume.io

Edit this Resume

Example 9:

Sales associate resume

Edit and download this example of a Sales associate resume created using the Instaresume's Sky · Creative resume template.

Edit this Resume

Example 10:

Data analyst resume

Edit and download this example of data analyst resume created using the Instaresume's OCEAN · TWO COLUMN CV TEMPLATE WITH SIDE BAR RIGHT

Edit this Resume

Bonus Tip:

Be Honest About Your Proficiency
Avoid exaggerating or listing skills you’re not comfortable with—this can backfire during interviews or on the job. Instead, focus on the skills where you can demonstrate proficiency.

By quantifying results, using action verbs, and tailoring your skills for each application, you’ll craft a compelling skills section that resonates with recruiters and sets you apart from other candidates.

Resume Skills Do’s and Don’ts

Crafting the skills section on your resume is an art—there are clear guidelines you should follow and pitfalls you need to avoid. Here’s a breakdown of the key do’s and don’ts to keep your resume professional, impactful, and relevant.

Do’s

Match Skills to the Job Description:

• Carefully review the job description and identify the skills the employer is seeking.
• Use exact keywords from the listing to ensure your resume aligns with what they’re looking for.
• Example: If the job mentions “Proficient in Google Analytics,” list this explicitly instead of just “Analytics.”

Highlight Both Hard and Soft Skills:

• Include a balance of hard skills (e.g., coding, data analysis) and soft skills (e.g., teamwork, leadership).
• Show how these skills complement each other in your work experience.
• Example: Mention how your technical expertise in a CRM system was paired with excellent customer relations to improve retention rates.

Be Specific and Concise:

• Avoid long, verbose explanations. Instead, focus on clarity and impact.
• Use bullet points to make your skills easy to read and digest.

Don’ts

Avoid Generic Terms:

• Vague phrases like “good communicator” or “detail-oriented” don’t carry much weight without context.
• Instead, provide evidence of how you’ve demonstrated these skills.
• Better Alternative: “Facilitated weekly team meetings to streamline communication, reducing project turnaround time by 15%.”

Don’t Lie or Exaggerate Skills:

• Never claim proficiency in a skill you don’t actually possess. Recruiters and hiring managers often test or question your skills during interviews or tasks.
• Why It Matters: Exaggeration can damage your credibility and jeopardize your chances of being hired.

Don’t Overload with Irrelevant Skills:

• Focus on the skills that are directly relevant to the job you’re applying for.
• Including outdated or unrelated skills can dilute the impact of your resume.
• Example: If applying for a data analyst role, avoid listing irrelevant skills like “Event Planning.”

Conclusion

Your resume is your personal marketing tool, and showcasing the right skills is key to getting noticed by potential employers. By highlighting both hard skills and soft skills, using keywords from the job description, and providing evidence of your abilities, you increase your chances of landing the job. Make sure your resume is optimized for ATS and tailored to the role you're applying for.

InstaResume.io offers easy-to-use templates that will help you organize and present your skills clearly, making sure your resume stands out. Whether you’re starting from scratch or updating your current resume, our templates will help you create a document that showcases your strengths in the best light. You can explore our Resume Templates for a range of customizable designs.

FAQs on Skills for Resumes

How many skills should I include in my resume?
You should include 6–12 relevant skills in your resume. The exact number depends on your experience level and the specific job you are applying for. Focus on quality and relevance rather than quantity.

What Are Conceptual Skills?

Conceptual skills are the ability to understand complex ideas, analyze problems, and develop strategic solutions. These skills allow individuals to view an organization or situation holistically, recognize interrelationships, and devise long-term plans. Conceptual skills are especially important for leaders, managers, and professionals involved in strategy or planning roles.

What are high-income skills?
High-income skills are specialized abilities that allow individuals to earn significantly above-average income. These skills are typically in high demand and offer the potential for career growth, job stability, and financial independence.

Can I add skills not mentioned in the job description?
It's best to prioritize skills mentioned in the job description or those directly relevant to the role. However, if you have unique, transferable skills that add value to your candidacy, you can include them.

What are the essential skills for an entry-level software engineer?
Key skills include:

Programming Languages: Proficiency in languages like Python, Java, or C++.

Data Structures and Algorithms: Understanding of efficient coding techniques and problem-solving methods.

Version Control Systems: Knowledge of tools like Git.

Debugging and Testing: Skills to identify and fix code errors efficiently.

Collaboration Tools: Familiarity with platforms like Jira or Slack for team projects.

Call to Action:
Take a moment today to review your resume. Analyze the job descriptions of roles you’re targeting, identify the key skills employers are seeking, and optimize your skills section accordingly. Don’t miss the chance to turn your resume into a powerful reflection of your abilities—start updating it now and take the first step toward landing your dream job!