20 Skills To Put On Your Resume

Introduction

Writing a strong resume is a balancing act—you want it to be concise yet filled with the most relevant and impactful information. A crucial aspect of any resume is the skills section, as hiring managers closely assess the skills you bring to the table. To stand out, it’s essential to list skills that align with the job requirements and, of course, skills you genuinely possess.

So, how do you determine which skills to highlight on your resume, especially if you’re exploring remote job opportunities? Let’s explore some of the top skills employers look for, starting with soft skills and moving to in-demand hard skills.

10 Key Soft Skills to Put on Your Resume

1. Problem-Solving
Regardless of the role, employers value the ability to solve problems effectively. Many roles revolve around resolving issues for the company, clients, or both, making problem-solving a universally sought-after skill.

2. Critical Thinking
Critical thinking involves analyzing situations rationally and finding thoughtful solutions. Employers appreciate workers who can evaluate challenges and make sound decisions, as this skill often leads to innovation and efficiency.

3. Flexibility
The ability to adapt to changing situations is invaluable in many industries. Flexible employees bring a dynamic approach to their work, adjusting methods as needed to achieve the best outcomes.

4. Communication
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are crucial. Whether interacting with colleagues, clients, or managers, clear communication enhances collaboration and productivity.

5. Teamwork
Most jobs require some level of collaboration. Highlighting your ability to work well in team settings signals to employers that you can succeed in collaborative environments.

6. Organization
Being organized goes beyond having a tidy workspace. It includes managing tasks and projects efficiently. A well-structured resume also demonstrates this skill.

7. Creativity
Thinking outside the box is a valuable asset. If you bring unique perspectives or creative solutions to problems, make this known on your resume.

8. Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence—the ability to manage your emotions and understand those of others—can be a game-changer in leadership roles. It demonstrates your capacity to remain calm and handle workplace challenges effectively.

9. Attention to Detail
Meticulous attention to detail is crucial in many fields, ensuring work is accurate and complete. Emphasize situations where you caught or fixed mistakes due to your attention to detail.

10. Responsibility
Employers value responsible employees who can manage their tasks independently. This includes being accountable and meeting deadlines without constant oversight.

10 Essential Hard Skills for Your Resume

11. Digital Skills
Most professions now require basic digital proficiency, from using video conferencing tools to project management software. Tailor these skills to the tools relevant in your field.

12. Design
Beyond traditional design roles, many marketing, branding, and even construction jobs benefit from design skills, such as creating presentations or visual content.

13. Data Analysis
Data-driven insights are increasingly valuable. If you can analyze metrics to make informed decisions, include this skill on your resume.

14. Negotiation
Negotiation skills are valuable for roles in sales, purchasing, and client management. Highlight this skill if you’ve successfully brokered deals or navigated complex agreements.

15. Math
Proficiency in math is a necessity for fields like finance, engineering, and operations. If your role is math-intensive, break this skill into more specific areas (e.g., statistical analysis, financial modeling).

16. Project Management
Organizing tasks, setting timelines, and meeting goals are project management essentials. If you’ve managed projects or used project management software, make this known.

17. Marketing
Marketing skills, even basic ones, are valuable in many roles. If you understand product highlights and can effectively communicate them, this skill may set you apart.

18. Administrative Skills
Administrative tasks like scheduling, planning, and email management are common in many jobs. Strong administrative skills show that you’re organized and detail-oriented.

19. Writing
Many jobs require writing skills. Errors in emails or documents can create misunderstandings. Showcase your writing experience with examples like reports or written presentations.

20. Foreign Languages
Fluency in multiple languages is a powerful asset, particularly in customer service or international roles. Highlight language skills if relevant to your field.

How to Choose the Right Skills To Put On Your Resume

Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills

Hard skills are technical and specific to a job, such as proficiency in software or a particular language. Soft skills, like adaptability or time management, are interpersonal and widely valued across roles.

Find Keywords in Job Descriptions

Read job descriptions carefully, noting skills mentioned multiple times. For instance, a sales role may emphasize skills like lead generation or territory management. Including these relevant skills can boost your resume’s effectiveness.

Tips for Listing Skills on Your Resume

• Sort Skills by Relevance: Ensure the skills listed directly relate to the job. Transferable skills can also be highlighted if relevant.
• Add a Career Highlights Section: Showcase top achievements in a dedicated section to draw attention to your most impactful skills.
• Categorize Skills by Type: Group your skills to demonstrate breadth. For example, group process improvements, customer service, and project management if relevant to your role.

Incorporating these top skills effectively into your resume can help you stand out to hiring managers, increasing your chances of landing an interview.

Additional Reading

Consider reading more of blog post and/or listing to the Mastering The Game podcast.