The 20 Best Skills for Your Resume (With Examples)

When it comes to landing a job, the right skills for resume success can make all the difference. Whether crafting a new resume or updating an existing one, knowing which skills to put on a resume helps you stand out.

Below, we’ve outlined the top professional skills for resume writing, complete with practical skills for resume examples.

What Are the Best Skills for a Resume?

There are two primary types of resume skills: soft skills and hard skills. Those abilities are essential to demonstrate what you bring to the table, but they serve different purposes. Let’s see what they are.

Soft Skills

Soft skills are non-technical abilities — like individual attributes and interpersonal traits — that determine how effectively you work with others and navigate your environment. Those skills to put on a resume show you're a well-rounded candidate capable of handling workplace dynamics, leadership, and communication.

Unlike hard skills, soft skills aren’t easily taught in a classroom and are hard to quantify. Instead, they’re often developed through experience, both in and out of work. Including strong soft skills for resume success can help set you apart in highly collaborative, leadership-heavy, or client-facing roles.

Hard Skills

Hard skills (also known as technical skills) are measurable, teachable abilities you've acquired through education, training, or hands-on experience. These include software proficiency, certifications, languages, and industry-specific tools.

These technical skills to put on a resume are often the first thing hiring managers look for, especially when scanning resumes through applicant tracking systems (ATS). Including the right hard skills for resume alignment ensures your resume passes that first digital screening.

Resume Skills Examples: Soft Skills

Soft skills are essential for teamwork, communication, leadership, and problem-solving in any role. In fact, many employers rank soft skills just as highly, if not more so, than technical knowledge, especially in roles that involve managing people or collaborating cross-functionally.

Below, you'll find soft skill descriptions and five examples for each to help you understand what to include in your resume.

Adaptability

When you’re adaptable, you can quickly adjust to changing priorities, new environments, and unexpected challenges. Employers value adaptable employees because they can remain productive and flexible even when plans shift.

Examples:

• Transitioned seamlessly from in-office to remote work.

• Adapted quickly to new project management tools like Asana.

• Took on a new role during company restructuring.

• Learned a new software program in under a week.

• Navigated frequent changes in team leadership without disruption.

Collaboration

Collaboration is the ability to work well with others toward a common goal. It involves open communication, teamwork, and mutual respect — key aspects in any group-based project.

Examples:

• Participated in a cross-departmental task force.

• Co-developed a client proposal with a marketing team.

• Partnered with IT to launch a new internal tool.

• Contributed to a brainstorming session that resulted in a product update.

• Shared credit and responsibilities on a team sales pitch.

Communication

Communication skills involve conveying ideas clearly, verbally and in writing, while listening effectively. Strong communicators reduce misunderstandings and improve productivity across teams.

Examples:

• Delivered weekly progress updates to stakeholders.

• Drafted client-facing documents and proposals.

• Facilitated meetings with cross-functional teams.

• Presented quarterly results to leadership.

• Managed a company-wide internal newsletter.

Creativity

Creativity allows you to generate original ideas and innovate on existing processes or products. It’s highly prized in fields like marketing, product development, and design—but also valuable in problem-solving across all industries.

Examples:

• Designed an email campaign that increased open rates by 25%.

• Created a new workflow that reduced task duplication.

• Developed social media concepts that boosted engagement.

• Suggested a new onboarding format that saved training time.

• Rebranded a product to better suit customer preferences.

Critical-Thinking

When you do critical thinking, you assess information objectively and are capable of making informed decisions. It helps teams identify root causes, assess risks, and craft effective solutions.

Examples:

• Conducted root-cause analysis for a recurring IT issue.

• Identified inefficiencies in vendor selection, saving 10% in costs.

• Evaluated new suppliers and presented risk assessments.

• Improved a process based on performance data.

• Assessed pros and cons to select the best CRM software.

Leadership

Leadership involves guiding, motivating, and influencing others toward success. Showing leadership can demonstrate initiative and accountability, even if you're not a manager.

Examples:

• Mentored new hires through a 90-day onboarding program.

• Led a product launch project executed by a team of five.

• Spearheaded a department-wide policy change.

• Chaired weekly project status meetings.

• Advocated for team resources during budget planning.

People Management

People management focuses on effectively leading individuals and teams. It includes delegation, conflict resolution, performance reviews, and coaching.

Examples:

• Supervised a team of 10 customer support agents.

• Conducted annual performance evaluations.

• Handled scheduling and shift coverage.

• Resolved team conflicts and improved morale.

• Delegated tasks based on individual strengths.

Problem-Solving

Problem-solving skills demonstrate your ability to analyze challenges and find practical, effective solutions. It’s a top priority for employers across industries.

Examples:

• Diagnosed and fixed a recurring software bug.

• Reduced order processing errors by 30% with a new system.

• Resolved client complaints by improving communication protocols.

• Implemented a new supply chain solution to cut delivery delays.

• Streamlined the billing process to reduce payment delays.

Time Management

When you’re good at time management, you’re able to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and handle competing demands efficiently. It ensures productivity without burnout.

Examples:

• Used Trello to organize daily and weekly tasks.

• Met tight deadlines for a product release.

• Balanced multiple client projects without delays.

• Implemented a time-blocking system to reduce distractions.

• Prioritized urgent tasks during peak seasons.

Work Ethic

Work ethic encompasses dedication, reliability, and integrity. A strong work ethic shows employers you’re committed to consistently delivering high-quality work.

Examples:

• Maintained perfect attendance for two years.

• Consistently met or exceeded KPIs.

• Volunteered for extra projects during staffing shortages.

• Stayed late to finish a critical client proposal.

• Took initiative to learn skills outside job requirements.

Resume Skills Examples: Hard Skills

As we’ve seen before, hard skills are specific, acquired abilities that can make you unique and stand out from the rest of the job applicants. That’s why they’re critical for creating ATS-friendly resumes and getting you closer to talking to a hiring manager.

Below, you'll find hard skill descriptions and real-world examples to help you identify what to feature on your resume.

AI/Machine Learning

AI and machine learning skills involve designing algorithms, training models, and analyzing large datasets. These are critical in tech, healthcare, and finance.

Examples:

• Built a predictive model for customer churn using Python.

• Trained machine learning models on TensorFlow.

• Used NLP tools for sentiment analysis.

• Deployed AI chatbots for customer service.

• Conducted data labelling for supervised learning projects.

Coding/Programming

Coding skills include knowledge of programming languages like Python, JavaScript, and C++. These are essential in web development, software engineering, and data science.

Examples:

• Developed an e-commerce website using JavaScript and React.

• Automated reporting tasks with Python scripts.

• Created a mobile app with Swift for iOS.

• Wrote SQL queries for database management.

• Debugged and tested applications for launch.

Data Analysis

Data analysis skills allow you to interpret and visualize data to support business decisions. Common tools include Excel, R, and Power BI.

Examples:

• Created dashboards in Tableau to monitor KPIs.

• Analyzed customer behaviour using Google Analytics.

• Built Excel models to forecast sales.

• Performed A/B testing on marketing campaigns.

• Identified trends using regression analysis in R.

Financial Analysis

This skill involves assessing financial data to inform budgeting, investing, or business strategies. It’s vital for roles in accounting, banking, and management.

Examples:

• Created budget forecasts for the fiscal year.

• Evaluated investment opportunities using ROI models.

• Conducted variance analysis on department spending.

• Built financial models in Excel.

• Generated P&L statements for review.

Foreign Languages

Knowing a second or third language opens global communication channels and improves customer service and international business operations.

Examples:

• Provided bilingual support in English and Spanish.

• Translated marketing materials into French.

• Conducted international sales calls in German.

• Wrote internal communications in Mandarin.

• Acted as interpreter during global conferences.

Marketing

Marketing skills include branding, SEO, social media, and content creation. Those abilities are fundamental for attracting potential customers and retaining existing ones.

Examples:

• Managed PPC campaigns on Google Ads.

• Created a monthly email newsletter with a 40% open rate.

• Conducted keyword research for blog content.

• Oversaw social media strategy across platforms.

• Analyzed campaign results using HubSpot.

Project Management

Project management involves planning, executing, and closing projects. Tools like Jira, Trello, and MS Project are often used.

Examples:

• Managed timelines and deliverables for a $100K project.

• Used Agile methodology in software development.

• Coordinated vendors and contractors for rollout.

• Created Gantt charts to track progress.

• Led weekly stand-ups to assess project status.

Sales

Sales skills focus on prospecting, negotiation, closing deals, and managing client relationships—vital for growth in nearly every industry.

Examples:

• Exceeded quarterly sales targets by 20%.

• Closed a high-value deal with a Fortune 500 client.

• Maintained a 90% client retention rate.

• Created pitch decks for new services.

• Led product demos for prospective clients.

Software Proficiency

This includes experience with platforms and tools relevant to your industry, such as graphic design software, CRMs, and productivity tools.

Examples:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Used Salesforce for lead tracking and reporting.

• Edited videos using Adobe Premiere Pro.

• Managed tasks in Asana and Trello.

• Designed graphics in Canva and Photoshop.

Writing/Editing

Writing and editing skills ensure clear, engaging, and error-free communication across channels. They're essential in marketing, publishing, and internal communications.

Examples:

• Wrote blog posts that increased web traffic.

• Edited white papers and reports for executives.

• Created SEO-optimized website content.

• Proofread newsletters for clarity and tone.

• Drafted internal memos and press releases.

5 Tips for Listing Skills on Your Resume

Knowing which skills to include on your resume is just the start. If you want to get noticed by recruiters and ATS systems, you must know how to present those skills effectively. That means choosing your format, striking the right balance between soft and hard skills, and providing context for your use of those skills. Below are five tips to help you list your skills with clarity and impact.

Incorporate Relevant Keywords

Using the right keywords is essential for writing a winning resume that will be screened by ATS systems and read by a human recruiter. To identify the right ones, scan 5–10 job descriptions that match your target role. Look for repeated skills and phrases, since these are your keywords. Include them naturally in your skills section and throughout your resume.

Focus on job-specific language, such as tools, certifications, or processes. This strategy helps your resume get noticed by the ATS and clearly shows your fit for the role.

Organize Your Bullet Points

A clean, organized skills section makes your resume easier for both ATS and recruiters to scan. Group similar items, such as software tools or leadership experience, together in columns or lists. Keep formatting consistent: use the same number of bullets per column and aim for one line per item.

Presenting your skills in a structured, logical way helps hiring managers quickly assess your strengths and relevance. It also makes your resume more visually appealing and professional, especially when listing many technical or transferable skills.

Be as Specific as Possible

Avoid vague terms like “punctual” or “motivated:” they don’t tell employers much. Instead, list concrete, relevant abilities and tools. If the job requires Excel skills, say “Advanced Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP),” not just “computer proficient.” Be more specific with languages: “Fluent in Spanish and French” is more informative than “bilingual.”

Specificity improves clarity and helps your job search by matching you with what hiring managers and ATS are looking for. Detailed skills also give context to your achievements and show you understand what the role truly demands.

Stay Flexible: Add Extra Skills

Focus on relevant skills, but don’t be afraid to include additional strengths that show your versatility. When you change careers or get back to the workforce, highlight transferable skills — like project management or customer service — even if they weren’t in the job ad. Use examples from personal or volunteer experiences when appropriate.

For example, coordinating family logistics or fundraising events demonstrates planning and leadership. Including these “bonus” skills shows you're resourceful and well-rounded, helping employers see potential even if your background doesn’t match the job description perfectly.

Separate Your Technical Skills

In industries like IT, engineering, and healthcare, technical skills deserve special attention. Create a separate “Technical Skills” section at the top of your resume to spotlight tools, platforms, and programming languages relevant to the job. Then, use a general skills section to highlight transferable and soft skills like leadership or time management.

This two-part layout ensures your technical expertise stands out immediately, especially for roles that prioritize it. It also keeps your resume clean, focused, and tailored to roles that rely heavily on industry-specific know-how.

Key Skills for Resume: Final Thoughts

Your list of skills for resume writing should reflect both your personality and professional expertise. With a thoughtful mix of soft and hard skills and strategic keyword placement, you’ll boost your chances of landing interviews. Use the examples above to help you build a compelling, customized resume that gets noticed.

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