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In the competitive landscape of the labor market, there are some must-have skills to put on your resume to stand out to potential employers. Your resume serves as a picture of your professional identity, and the inclusion of essential skills is necessary for making a strong first impression.
In this blog post, we will explore the “Top 25 Must-Have Skills to Put on Your Resume for Most Professions,” how to identify the right skills and how to list them in a captivating way that catches the hiring manager’s attention.
25 Best Skills to Put on a Resume
Each profession demands specific hard skills that are essential for high performance. For instance, an accountant must possess mathematical proficiency for accurate financial management, while a photographer should know how to use photo editing software like Photoshop.
Identifying these skills is usually easy, enabling individuals to determine their qualifications for a particular job. While comprehensive lists of field-related soft and hard skills are available later in this article, let’s look into the relevant soft and hard skills highly valued by hiring managers across diverse professions.
1. Communication Skills
Mastering the art of communication, whether written or verbal, is highly valuable when communicating with your boss, colleagues, and clients/customers across various scenarios. Communication skills involve active listening, public speaking, observing, negotiation, presentation, and non-verbal communication.
2. Computer Skills
Proficiency in computer skills involve the ability to learn and navigate various technologies. Hardware skills enables the physical handling of a computer, ranging from basic tasks such as switching devices on and off. Software skills on the other hand empowers individuals to effectively use computer programs and applications. Some certain software skills are deemed essential by employers and are considered prerequisites for employment, such as spreadsheet proficiency, or knowledge of specific coding languages. Computer and technical skills are valuable assets, even if your job is not centered around technology.
3. Customer Service Skills
These skills are characteristics and practices that enable you to meet customer needs, creating a positive experience for them. Excellent customer service is primarily grounded in problem-solving and effective communication and is commonly classified as a “soft skill” in the professional realm.
4. Interpersonal Skills
These skills refer to your ability to understand and get along with other people. These skills are undoubtedly useful in team-oriented or customer-facing positions, given that a significant portion of such roles involves communication with other people. Interpersonal skills are the inherent traits you depend on during interactions and communication with others. Developing interpersonal skills is important to work efficiently with others, solve problems, and lead projects or teams.
5. Leadership Skills
Leadership encompasses the ability to both manage and inspire others. Managers are not always great leaders, but individuals with strong leadership qualities often make good and effective managers. People who are proficient in leadership possess emotional intelligence, effective communication skills, and a natural ability to influence others. They have the capability to motivate individuals to achieve their utmost potential and collaborate towards shared objectives. This renders leadership a highly valuable skill applicable to a myriad of professions.
6. Management Skills
These skills are usually linked to managerial roles; however, this assertion is not always true. Professionals across various fields can benefit from strong management skills. Essentially, management skills involve the ability to effectively oversee individuals, resources, and processes, extending to the management of time, plans, projects, and more. The following are some of the highly sought-after management skills: People management, project management, time management, risk management, logistics, action planning and conflict resolution.
7. Problem-Solving Skills
Regardless of the nature of the job, challenges are inevitable, and employers want to know that you are capable of devising prompt and effective solutions. In some roles, the primary focus revolves around solving problems for the company, clients, or both. Problem-solving skills are crucial in managerial, professional, and technical roles.
8. Time-management Skills
Effective time management skills enables you to accomplish tasks and projects before deadlines while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Being organized aids in prioritizing tasks based on their importance, facilitating an effectively structured workday. A deep understanding of individual, team, and company objectives serves as a foundation for making informed decisions on how to strategically manage your time.
9. Teamwork Skills
In most roles, you will be required to work together with colleagues at some point, and employers want to be assured you can thrive in a team environment. The significance placed on this skill may vary depending on the nature of the job. In today’s workplace, employers highly value individuals who can contribute towards group objectives. They recognize that successful collaboration enhances productivity, innovation, and overall work quality.
10. Organizational Skills
These skills are a collection of soft skills that help you with the effective management of information, materials, and time, enhancing the ability to handle both short and long-term tasks. This goes beyond maintaining a tidy desk, but involves organizing tasks and projects for your colleagues, management, and, at the very least, for yourself. Organizational skills contribute to heightened productivity, time and cost savings for companies, and facilitates a more positive work environment. If you want to showcase your organizational skills, having a meticulously structured resume is highly of an advantage.
11. Critical Thinking Skills
The foundation of critical thinking lies in the ability to think rationally and thoughtfully. Employers seek workers who are capable of methodically analyzing problems or projects and identify best steps for resolution. Critical thinkers excel in devising innovative and improved ways to work, making it a highly valuable skill to highlight on a resume.
12. Flexibility Skills
Several organizations and industries highly value employees who are dynamic and adaptable in various situations. Individuals with a natural ability to employ diverse methods and approaches under different circumstances, ultimately achieving optimal results, are particularly sought after.
13. Creativity Skills
14. Emotional Intelligence
According to Mental Health America, Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to manage both your own emotions and understand the emotions of people around you. In a professional setting, this implies maintaining rationality and composure, navigating fluctuations without succumbing to loss of control. While this is important for everyone across all roles, showcasing emotional intelligence on a resume is a must-have skill to include on a resume for those in management positions.
15. Digital Skills
The number of professions that do not require the use of computers and specific software is very few. It’s most likely that you categorize “digital skills” into two or three specific technical proficiencies relevant to your field. Nearly every job mandates familiarity with video conferencing tools, project management software, and other industry-specific applications.
16. Negotiation Skills
There are several jobs that involve selling products or services, purchasing stock or merchandise, negotiating deals for production or transportation, and forming partnerships for advertising or investments, among other responsibilities. Negotiation skills showcase your capacity to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. The ability to skillfully navigate through and conclude agreements is crucial across various roles and industries.
17. Project Management Skills
Several jobs require project management skills. The ability to effectively manage your task flow and meet deadlines are integral aspects of project management. Whether you have experience with project management software or have successfully completed a project early, these instances portray proficiency in project management.
18. Administrative Skills
Regardless of whether your job is non-administrative in nature, it’s likely a part of your role. Administrative skills involve various tasks related to managing your role, including organizing, planning, scheduling, email correspondence, and file management. Employers value individuals who demonstrate the ability to handle details effectively and want assurance that you can manage the intricacies of your responsibilities.
19. Marketing Skills
Marketing involves the promotion and selling of products and services. Even if you don’t hold a dedicated marketing role, possessing this hard skill is often sought after by many companies. Knowing the key features and benefits of your company’s products and services, along with the ability to articulate them verbally or in writing, can be valuable across various job roles. If you have specific experience in marketing or social media, it adds an extra layer of value to your skill set.
20. Writing Skills
Many jobs involve writing, whether for communication with clients or colleagues. Having basic writing proficiency is necessary and a definite skill to highlight on your resume. Emails filled with typos and grammatical errors can negatively impact your professional image, and an inappropriate tone may send the wrong messages. Demonstrate your writing competence through well-drafted cover letters and emails to recruiters. Additionally, list any specific projects with a substantial writing component that you have successfully completed.
21. Research Skills
Proficient research skills are valuable across several industries, encompassing the gathering, analysis, and interpretation of data to facilitate informed decision-making and problem-solving. Highlight your research capabilities by detailing your experience in crafting and executing research studies, as well as your proficiency in collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing data. Highlight your skillfulness with diverse research methods, tools, and technologies, emphasizing your capability to articulate findings clearly and compellingly.
22. Presentation Skills
If you have previous experience giving presentations, highlight your proficiency in delivering impactful and engaging presentations. Emphasize your ability in planning and preparing presentations, utilizing visual aids and multimedia to enhance effectiveness, and conveying messages with clarity and resonance. Illustrate instances where you have tailored your presentation style to diverse audiences, managed time efficiently, and garnered positive feedback.
23. Attention to Detail
In the workplace, it’s crucial to meticulously follow all instructions to successfully carry out your responsibilities. This practice is particularly important when working with others. Paying attention to detail is required at any role you function at. Consider instances where your meticulous attention to detail played a pivotal role, such as identifying and rectifying potential errors.
24. Data Analysis Skills
The importance of data analysis is growing across various industries. Highlight your proficiency in collecting and analyzing data by presenting your experience with data analysis tools and techniques. Provide specific examples of instances where you utilized data analysis to guide decision-making, discern trends, and resolve intricate problems.
How to List Skills in Your Resume or CV
1. Tailor Your Skills to the Job
Prioritizing and sorting skills to put on resume or CV is a strategic approach for presenting oneself as the ideal candidate for a specific role. When applying for a sales position, highlighting your previous experience as a car mechanic may not be the most relevant. Emphasize relevant experience and key strengths applicable to a sales role. However, If you lack direct sales experience, sift through your past positions to identify transferable skills. For instance, if your role as a mechanic involved providing customer service, this is a skill that can be applied effectively in a sales role. By strategically placing the most pertinent skills at the forefront, you immediately capture the attention of recruiters and hiring managers.
2. Add a Highlights Section
Modern resumes prioritize value, emphasizing accomplishments over tasks. When summarizing your professional experience, select the top four that you take the most pride in and integrate them into a dedicated “Career Highlights” section. It’s advisable to limit this section to four achievements to maintain a concise and engaging presentation. Extensive lists of bullet points can be boring, so focus on the most impactful accomplishments.
3. Categorize by Skill
If you hold a more advanced position in your career, you probably have a range of responsibilities that cut across various platforms or departments. For instance, if you are a manager or director of operations, your duties may include overseeing staff, ensuring seamless daily operations, liaising with key stakeholders or vendors, developing and managing projects, and handling staff recruitment and training. Whether presenting task-based details or achievements, organizing the content into distinct sections allows you to effectively showcase the breadth and diversity of your responsibilities.
4. Match Each Skill With Your Proficiency Level
Your soft skills and hard skills are the very things that will either qualify you or disqualify you for a job. Be sure to include some of these top skills on your resume for maximum results.
Difference Between Hard Skills and Soft Skills
When drafting your resume or getting ready for an interview, it’s important to distinguish between hard skills and soft skills. While both types of skills hold significance, they serve different purposes in the workplace. This breakdown provides insights into the differences between hard and soft skills and how to highlight them effectively.
Hard Skills
Hard skills refer to specific, measurable technical competencies that can be taught and quantified. Examples of hard skills encompass programming, data analysis, or graphic design, typically acquired through formal education, training programs, or on-the-job experience. These skills serve to showcase proficiency in a particular area or to meet the qualifications for a specific job.
Effectively presenting your hard skills involves being specific and providing tangible examples of how you have applied these skills in previous roles or projects. Incorporate relevant keywords and showcase certifications or completed training programs to underscore your expertise in these areas. Additionally, highlight proficiency in any technical tools or software programs that enhance your skill set.
Example of a Digital Marketer’s Hard Skills:
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO):
- Social Media Marketing
- Content Marketing
- Email Marketing
- Paid Advertising
- Analytics and Data Interpretation:
Soft Skills
On the other hand, soft skills are personal attributes that are often difficult to measure or quantify. Examples of soft skills include communication, teamwork, and leadership, and they hold significant value because of their impact on collaborative work and adaptability to new situations.
Demonstrating your soft skills involves offering examples of how you’ve applied them to attain specific goals or overcome challenges. Use specific instances to showcase your ability in collaboration, effective communication, or leadership. Your cover letter or personal statement is an opportunity to emphasize these soft skills, allowing you to delve into your personal values and work ethic.
Example of a Digital Marketer’s Soft Skills:
- Communication
- Creative problem-solving
- Keeping up with industry trends
- Analytical Thinking
- Cross-functional teamwork
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a job seeker entering the workforce, mastering these must-have skills to put on a resume can significantly elevate your resume and increase your chances of securing the job you desire. From technical proficiencies to interpersonal aptitudes, the top 25 skills outlined in this blog post reflect the multifaceted nature of success in today’s professional landscape. By strategically showcasing these skills, individuals can not only meet the expectations of prospective employers but also position themselves as valuable contributors capable of thriving in dynamic and competitive work environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the best skill for a resume?
Communication skills; Teamwork skills; Digital Skills; Attention to detail; Time management skills; Customer Service skills; and good work ethics.
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How do I describe my skills?
Articulate your competencies, abilities, and proficiencies in a clear and concise manner. Tailor your skills to the job; add a highlights section and match each skill with your proficiency level.
- How many types of skills are there in resume?
Technical Skills (Hard Skills) and Soft Skills.
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Which skills is best for future?
Digital Literacy; Data Analysis; AI and Machine Learning; Coding and Programming; Cybersecurity; Project Management; Adaptability and Flexibility; Emotional Intelligence.
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Which skill is most in demand?
– Management. Management skills refer to the ability to effectively oversee individuals, resources, and processes, extending to the management of time, plans, projects, and more.
– Creative thinking. According to the World Economic Forum, the “demand for creative thinking will grow faster in the next five years, by 73%, than demand for analytical thinking.”
– Communication skills.
– Emotional intelligence.
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