The right mix of hard and soft skills on your resume can make you stand out from other candidates. Hard skills are specific abilities related to your job, like coding or data analysis. Soft skills are personal traits that help you work well with others, such as communication or teamwork.
Important Key Skills for Every Resume
A strong resume highlights key skills that make you stand out. These include hard skills, soft skills, technical abilities, and communication talents. Let’s explore the essential skills to showcase on your resume.
Examples of Hard Skills
Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities you can measure. They’re often job-specific and learned through education or training.
Examples
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- Data analysis
- Project management
- Budgeting
- Foreign language proficiency
- Graphic design
- Software development
- Marketing strategy
- Quality assurance
- Social media management
- Search engine optimization
When listing hard skills, be specific. Instead of just saying “computer skills,” mention the exact programs or tools you’re proficient in.
Examples of Soft Skills
Soft skills are personal traits that help you work well with others. They’re harder to measure but equally important.
Examples
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- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Adaptability
- Creativity
- Emotional intelligence
- Critical thinking
- Conflict resolution
- Attention to detail
Employers value soft skills because they show how you’ll fit into their team and handle workplace challenges.
Examples of Technical and Computer Skills
In today’s digital world, technical skills are crucial. These can range from basic computer literacy to advanced programming.
Examples
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- Microsoft Office Suite
- Google Workspace
- Content management systems
- Customer relationship management (CRM) software
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Programming languages (e.g., Python, Java)
- Database management
- Cloud computing platforms
- Data visualization tools
- Cybersecurity knowledge
Be sure to list the specific tools and technologies you’re familiar with, as well as your level of proficiency. Related: 50 Example Phrases: Technical Skills Examples for Resume and 100 Examples of Computer Skills for a Resume
Examples of Language and Communication Skills
Strong communication includes both verbal and written skills, as well as the ability to communicate across cultures.
Examples
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- Public speaking
- Business writing
- Active listening
- Negotiation
- Presentation skills
- Interpersonal communication
- Cross-cultural communication
- Technical writing
- Nonverbal communication
- Conflict resolution
If you’re multilingual, be sure to highlight your language skills. This can be a major asset in today’s global workplace. Related: 10 Examples โ How to Include Language Skills on Your Resume
Examples of Professional and Interpersonal Skills
Good people skills can make you stand out in any job. These skills help you work well with others and get things done. Let’s look at some key areas.
Leadership and Management Skills
Being a leader means guiding others and making smart choices. Good leaders inspire their teams and get great results.
Examples
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- Mentored 3 new hires in company procedures
- Developed training program for new software
- Improved team productivity by 20%
- Managed $100,000 budget for department
- Resolved conflicts between team members
- Created new workflow that saved 10 hours per week
- Motivated staff to meet sales goals 3 months in a row
- Delegated tasks effectively to meet tight deadlines
- Implemented new safety protocols reducing accidents by 50%
- Led team of 5 to complete project ahead of schedule
Leaders need to make tough calls and keep their cool under pressure. They also need to listen to their team and give clear directions.
Organization and Planning
Being organized helps you stay on top of your work and meet deadlines. Good planning skills let you map out projects and use time wisely.
Examples
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- Managed multiple projects simultaneously with competing deadlines
- Developed filing system that improved efficiency by 30%
- Planned and executed successful product launch event for 200 guests
- Streamlined inventory process reducing waste by 15%
- Coordinated schedules for team of 10 across 3 time zones
- Implemented new task management software for 50-person department
- Prioritized daily tasks to meet all client deadlines
- Organized company-wide charity drive raising $50,000
- Created and maintained detailed customer database
- Created detailed project timelines using Gantt charts
Staying organized means keeping track of many moving parts. It also means thinking ahead to avoid problems.
Adaptability and Flexibility
The work world changes fast. Being able to adapt and stay flexible is key to success in any job.
You can show your adaptability with these resume phrases:
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- Shifted priorities to handle urgent client requests
- Took on additional duties during coworker’s leave
- Adjusted sales strategy in response to market changes
- Embraced new company policies and procedures
- Thrived in fast-paced, ever-changing work environment
- Stepped into leadership role during team restructure
- Pivoted marketing approach based on customer feedback
- Learned new language to better serve international clients
- Cross-trained in multiple departments to fill staffing gaps
- Quickly learned new software to meet project needs
Being adaptable means rolling with the punches and finding new ways to tackle challenges. It’s about staying positive when things change.
Teamwork and Collaboration
Most jobs need you to work well with others. Good teamwork skills help projects run smoothly and boost office morale.
You can highlight your teamwork skills with these phrases:
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- Partnered with IT department to streamline data entry process
- Worked closely with clients to develop custom solutions
- Contributed ideas in brainstorming sessions leading to new product
- Shared workload to ensure project completed on time
- Offered support to struggling team members
- Facilitated team meetings to improve communication
- Fostered positive team spirit through team-building activities
- Mediated conflicts between team members to find solutions
- Coordinated efforts across departments for company-wide initiative
- Collaborated with marketing team to boost sales by 25%
Good team players know how to listen, share ideas, and pitch in where needed. They also know how to give and take feedback.
Customer Service
Keeping customers happy is crucial for any business. Good customer service skills can set you apart in many jobs.
Try these customer service phrases on your resume:
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- Maintained friendly, professional demeanor in high-stress situations
- Exceeded sales targets by building strong customer relationships
- Received 5-star reviews from 95% of customers served
- Handled up to 100 customer interactions daily via phone and email
- De-escalated tense situations to retain valuable clients
- Anticipated customer needs to provide proactive solutions
- Trained new hires in company’s customer service best practices
- Implemented new system to track and follow up on customer feedback
- Consistently met or exceeded customer satisfaction benchmarks
- Resolved customer complaints with 98% satisfaction rate
Good customer service means being patient, listening well, and finding solutions. It’s about making customers feel valued and heard.
Analytical and Research Skills
Analytical and research skills are crucial for many jobs today. These abilities help you solve problems, understand data, and improve marketing efforts.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Strong critical thinking helps you tackle complex issues at work. You can break down big problems into smaller parts. This skill lets you find creative solutions and make smart choices.
Examples
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- Developed innovative product solutions
- Streamlined office procedures
- Improved team efficiency by 20%
- Identified cost-saving opportunities
- Implemented process improvements
- Resolved conflicts between departments
- Created new troubleshooting methods
- Optimized inventory management
- Redesigned project workflow
- Solved complex customer issues
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Data skills are key in many fields. You can use numbers to spot trends and make smart choices. This helps businesses grow and save money.
Examples
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- Created reports using Excel and Tableau
- Interpreted customer feedback surveys
- Tracked key performance indicators
- Forecasted market trends
- Performed A/B testing on website designs
- Conducted competitive analysis
- Used SQL to query large databases
- Applied statistical methods to research
- Built predictive models using Python
- Analyzed sales data to boost revenue
Marketing and SEO Skills
Marketing know-how helps you reach more customers. SEO skills make websites easier to find online. These abilities can grow a business and bring in more sales.
Examples
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- Optimized content for search engines
- Managed social media campaigns
- Conducted keyword research
- Created engaging email newsletters
- Analyzed Google Analytics data
- Developed targeted ad campaigns
- Increased conversion rates by 15%
- Wrote SEO-friendly blog posts
- Improved website traffic by 30%
- Improved local search rankings
Tools and Technologies
Knowing how to use different tools and tech can make you stand out when applying for jobs. Here are some key areas to highlight on your resume:
Software Proficiency
You should showcase your skills with common software programs. This can include office suites, design tools, or industry-specific applications.
Examples
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- Proficient with Adobe Creative Cloud
- Experienced user of Salesforce CRM
- Adept at QuickBooks accounting software
- Familiar with AutoCAD for 3D modeling
- Comfortable using Slack for team communication
- Knowledgeable in Asana project management
- Competent with Google Workspace tools
- Proficient in Final Cut Pro video editing
- Experienced with Tableau data visualization
- Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite
Digital Literacy
Being able to navigate the digital world is crucial in most jobs today. This includes understanding online tools, social media, and basic tech concepts.
Examples
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- Proficient in online research techniques
- Experienced with virtual collaboration tools
- Adept at troubleshooting basic tech issues
- Familiar with cloud storage systems
- Comfortable using video conferencing platforms
- Knowledgeable in cybersecurity best practices
- Competent in digital file organization
- Proficient in online content creation
- Experienced with digital marketing tools
- Skilled in social media management
Web Development
Even if you’re not a full-time developer, basic web skills can be useful in many roles. This can range from simple HTML to more complex programming.
Examples
- Skilled in HTML and CSS coding
- Proficient with WordPress site management
- Experienced in JavaScript programming
- Adept at SEO optimization techniques
- Familiar with responsive web design
- Comfortable using Git version control
- Knowledgeable in PHP scripting
- Competent with React framework
- Proficient in database management with SQL
- Experienced in API integration
Transferrable Skills
Transferrable skills are valuable abilities you can use in many different jobs and industries. These skills help you adapt to new roles and boost your career.
Time Management and Efficiency
Being good at managing your time and working efficiently is key in any job. It helps you get more done and meet deadlines.
Some time management skills you can add to your resume are:
Examples
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- Meet tight deadlines consistently
- Create and stick to schedules
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Optimize workflow processes
- Use time-tracking tools proficiently
- Set and achieve short-term goals
- Break large projects into manageable tasks
- Eliminate time-wasting activities
- Maintain work-life balance
- Prioritize tasks effectively
These skills show you can handle busy workloads and stay on top of your responsibilities.
Communicating and Reporting
Clear communication is vital in almost every job. It helps you work well with others and share important info.
Try adding these communication skills to your resume:
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- Give engaging presentations
- Listen actively and empathetically
- Explain complex ideas simply
- Provide constructive feedback
- Tailor messages to different audiences
- Use various communication channels effectively
- Resolve conflicts through dialogue
- Create visually appealing slides
- Collaborate effectively in team settings
- Write clear and concise reports
Good communication skills make you a valuable team member and can help you move up in your career.
Training and Education
Being able to learn new things and teach others is useful in many jobs. It shows you can grow and help your team improve too.
Consider adding these training and education skills to your resume:
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- Adapt teaching methods to different learning styles
- Assess learning needs accurately
- Create user-friendly instruction manuals
- Mentor new team members effectively
- Stay updated on industry trends
- Share knowledge with colleagues
- Implement feedback to improve training
- Use e-learning platforms proficiently
- Measure training effectiveness
- Develop engaging training materials
These skills show you’re ready to learn and help others grow, which is great for any job.
Industry-Specific Skills
Different jobs need different skills. Here are some key skills for various industries that can make your resume stand out.
Programming and Engineering
Computer skills are super important in tech jobs. Knowing how to code and solve problems can really help you.
Examples
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- Proficient in Java and Python
- Experienced with database management
- Skilled in mobile app development
- Familiar with cloud computing platforms
- Knowledgeable in machine learning algorithms
- Experienced in agile development methods
- Proficient in C++ and object-oriented programming
- Skilled in software testing and debugging
- Familiar with version control systems
- Experienced in network security protocols
Engineers need to be good at math and science. They also need to know how to use special tools and software.
Examples
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- Proficient in AutoCAD and SolidWorks
- Experienced in structural analysis
- Skilled in circuit design
- Familiar with renewable energy systems
- Knowledgeable in robotics and automation
- Experienced in 3D printing technologies
- Proficient in MATLAB and LabVIEW
- Skilled in project management
- Familiar with safety regulations
- Experienced in quality control procedures
Business and Financial Skills
Money skills are key in business jobs. You need to be good with numbers and understand how companies work.
Examples
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- Proficient in financial analysis
- Experienced in budgeting and forecasting
- Skilled in risk assessment
- Familiar with tax regulations
- Knowledgeable in investment strategies
- Experienced in cost management
- Proficient in accounting software
- Skilled in financial reporting
- Familiar with auditing procedures
- Experienced in market research
People skills are also important. You need to know how to talk to customers and work with teams.
Examples
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- Proficient in customer relationship management
- Experienced in sales techniques
- Skilled in negotiation
- Familiar with marketing strategies
- Knowledgeable in supply chain management
- Experienced in project coordination
- Proficient in public speaking
- Skilled in conflict resolution
- Familiar with team leadership
- Experienced in business development
Creative and Design Skills
Art and design jobs need a good eye and creative thinking. You should know how to use design software and make things look nice.
Examples
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- Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite
- Experienced in UI/UX design
- Skilled in digital illustration
- Familiar with animation techniques
- Knowledgeable in color theory
- Experienced in brand identity development
- Proficient in 3D modeling
- Skilled in web design
- Familiar with typography principles
- Experienced in photo editing
Writing and video skills can also be useful. You might need to make content for websites or social media.
Examples
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- Proficient in content creation
- Experienced in copywriting
- Skilled in storytelling
- Familiar with social media marketing
- Knowledgeable in SEO techniques
- Experienced in video production
- Proficient in video editing software
- Skilled in scriptwriting
- Familiar with audio production
- Experienced in motion graphics
Healthcare and Medicine
Medical jobs need special knowledge and skills. You need to know about the human body and how to care for patients.
Examples
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- Proficient in patient assessment
- Experienced in wound care
- Skilled in administering medications
- Familiar with medical terminology
- Knowledgeable in infection control
- Experienced in vital signs monitoring
- Proficient in electronic health records
- Skilled in CPR and first aid
- Familiar with medical imaging techniques
- Experienced in patient education
You also need to be good with people and stay calm under pressure. Organizing and keeping records is important too.
Examples
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- Proficient in medical coding
- Experienced in healthcare administration
- Skilled in patient scheduling
- Familiar with HIPAA regulations
- Knowledgeable in medical ethics
- Experienced in laboratory procedures
- Proficient in medical equipment operation
- Skilled in phlebotomy
- Familiar with pharmacy operations
- Experienced in emergency response procedures