Crafting a resume that captures attention requires more than a list of past job titles—it’s about highlighting the right mix of abilities that align with the role. Knowing the skills to include in your resume can make all the difference in today’s competitive job market. From essential technical abilities to valuable soft skills, what you include—and how you showcase it—can help set you apart. Here are 16 essential skills and expert tips to create a resume that leaves a lasting impression and puts you on the path to success.
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Why Skills Matter on Your Resume
Your resume is often the first impression you make on a potential employer, and listing skills that align with the role is crucial. According to a report by LinkedIn, 57% of employers place more emphasis on soft skills than on technical abilities, while the remaining 43% still regard hard skills as vital, especially for specialized roles.
Balancing these skill types and demonstrating how they translate into real-world impact can set you apart. In fact, studies show that candidates who tailor their resumes with both soft and hard skills—especially ones relevant to the job—are 31% more likely to land an interview than those who use a one-size-fits-all approach.
We asked 16 experts and here's what they have to say about skills in your resume. Let’s dive into how to incorporate this balance effectively.
Tailor Skills to Job Description
Customizing your resume for each role is key. Start by tailoring your skills to the job description, focusing on the tools, technologies, and competencies listed by the employer. Highlight specific examples that show your proficiency in these areas, like using a certain software to complete a project. Sticking to around 8–10 core skills and revising them to match each job description will help your resume stand out.
Expert Insight 💡
"I have reviewed tons of résumés, and I would say that skills should be tailored to what the employer requests in their job description. I would say that you need to mention first the ones that are specific to the role—for example, any software or tools you've used specific to the role. Try to avoid generalities at all costs. Instead, talk about which tools you're comfortable using and how you've used them to meet goals (with metrics if possible).
My best tip is to stick to around 8-10 skills and rewrite them as necessary to match the job description."
David Rubie-Todd, Co-Founder & Marketing Head, Sticker It
Include Soft Skills Like Communication
Soft skills, especially those related to emotional intelligence, are increasingly valuable. Two critical ones are communication and empathy. Demonstrate these by explaining how you’ve used communication skills to lead teams or resolve conflicts and how empathy helped you understand others' needs, whether that’s with colleagues, clients, or customers.
Expert Insight 💡
"When updating your resume, it's important to also include soft skills, especially those that relate to emotional intelligence (EQ). From my experience, two of the most valuable to showcase are communication and empathy, which will help you stand out in roles that require strong interpersonal abilities.
Communication is key in almost every role, and it goes beyond just being able to talk effectively. You should demonstrate how you've used this skill to lead teams or present ideas. For example, if you've led meetings or trained colleagues, mention how you explained complex topics clearly, ensured everyone was aligned, and helped solve problems through communication. This will show that you're not just good at speaking but also at listening, adapting, and getting your message across to different audiences.
Empathy is just as important. Employers are looking for people who can understand others' needs, whether it's with colleagues, clients, or customers. Highlight experiences where you've used empathy to resolve conflicts, support team members, or improve customer relationships. For instance, if you've worked in a leadership position, mention how you created a supportive environment by understanding and addressing the emotional needs of your team, which resulted in stronger performance and collaboration."
Bayu Prihandito, Psychology Consultant, Life Coach, Founder, Life Architekture
Highlight Technical and Soft Skills
Balancing technical and soft skills is crucial for any role. Highlight specific technical skills like project management software or industry-specific tools alongside soft skills such as adaptability and problem-solving. Describe real-world situations where you’ve applied these skills, like managing a tight-deadline project or working collaboratively to tackle a complex problem.
Expert Insight 💡
"I've learned that highlighting a mix of technical and soft skills on your resume is essential to stand out.
In my experience, skills like project management, legal research, and proficiency with document management software are critical in our field. Additionally, soft skills such as effective communication, adaptability, and problem-solving are just as important.
I remember reviewing resumes for a hiring round and being impressed by candidates who demonstrated not only their technical expertise but also their ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
It's vital to showcase how these skills have been applied in real-world situations, such as successfully managing a project under tight deadlines or navigating complex legal challenges.
Tailoring your resume to reflect a balance of these skills can make a significant difference in attracting potential employers in the competitive legal landscape."
Aseem Jha, Founder, Legal Consulting Pro
Provide Proof of Skills
Simply listing skills isn’t enough—offer proof by including specific examples. If you’re skilled in “analytical thinking” or “teamwork,” explain how these abilities contributed to your previous successes. Leverage your hobbies section to showcase skills that are less formal but still relevant, such as how a hobby demonstrates your discipline or teamwork skills.
Expert Insight 💡
"In short, you should put the skills that you have and provide proof that you have them.
I've sifted through hundreds of résumés, all from candidates stating they have great "analytical skills," "technical acumen," "teamwork," and more.
When I see any skill listed on a résumé, I'm always looking for proof that the candidate does indeed possess it. This can come from clearly describing how they're put to use in current or previous roles, and/or showing what kind of education led to the acquisition of these skills.
Pro tip: Most people underutilize their "hobbies" section, if they even include it in the first place. They list their hobbies and leave it at that.
A better way to leverage this section is by clearly stating what professional skills were acquired or honed thanks to these hobbies.
For example, being a regular swimmer or gym-goer can be linked to discipline. Playing a team sport can be linked to strategic thinking, discipline, teamwork, and relationship-building, etc."
Karim Bel Hadj, Founder, Njord Star
Balance Technical and Soft Skills
For tech roles especially, balance is everything. While technical skills like programming languages or tools are essential, successful projects also require communication, collaboration, and adaptability. Emphasize your proficiency in relevant software and frameworks while also highlighting problem-solving and teamwork abilities, as these will set you apart in a dynamic work environment.
Expert Insight 💡
"When crafting a resume, especially in the tech industry, it's important to highlight a balance between technical and soft skills. From my perspective as someone who's been running a software house for the past 10 years, technical skills are crucial, but they're only part of the equation. For roles in software development, you should prioritize proficiency in specific programming languages, frameworks, and tools relevant to the job you're applying for.
For example, experience in mobile app development might mean showcasing skills in Swift, Kotlin, or React Native, while web development could highlight JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and frameworks like Angular or Vue. Additionally, familiarity with version control systems like Git, agile development methodologies, and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) can set you apart.
Equally important, though, are soft skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. In my experience, successful projects aren't just about technical expertise—they require collaboration, clear communication, and the ability to adapt quickly. Clients and stakeholders appreciate developers who can explain complex concepts in simple terms and actively engage in discussions about business goals.
Highlighting your ability to work in teams, manage time effectively, and approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset will make your resume stand out to employers who are looking for someone who can thrive in a dynamic work environment."
Shehar Yar, CEO, Software House
Showcase Expertise and Adaptability
In evolving sectors such as software engineering, showcase skills that reflect both expertise and adaptability. Emphasize hard skills, such as proficiency with certain software or systems, and balance them with soft skills like adaptability and communication. Tailor your skills to align with the company’s goals, showing you’re prepared to handle the role’s demands and grow with the industry.
Expert Insight 💡
"When crafting a résumé, the key is to showcase skills that reflect both your expertise and adaptability. We've seen the value of blending hard and soft skills, especially in fast-evolving sectors like L&D and corporate training. Hard skills, such as data analysis, learning management systems (LMS), and content-creation tools, are essential for demonstrating technical competency. However, equally important are soft skills, like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, which signal your ability to navigate dynamic work environments.
One piece of advice I'd offer is to tailor your skills to the role you're applying for, showing how they align with the company’s goals. For example, if you're entering the eLearning space, emphasize skills like instructional design and digital content strategy. In my experience, employers look for a combination of expertise and the ability to learn and grow—skills that show you can not only meet the current demands but also evolve with the industry."
Christopher Pappas, Founder, eLearning Industry Inc
Express Ideas Clearly with Examples
Strong communication is vital in nearly every field. Show how you’ve expressed ideas clearly in various contexts, whether leading meetings or simplifying complex information for a team. Use specific examples, like organizing meetings that improved efficiency by 20%, to demonstrate your communication impact.
Expert Insight 💡
"Communication skills are huge. You’ve got to be able to express your ideas clearly, whether you’re writing emails or chatting with your team. If you can show that you’ve handled tough conversations or worked well in a group, that’s definitely something to highlight.
Use specific examples from previous projects instead of just saying you’re a “good communicator,” because that’s vague. If you’ve led meetings, mention how you facilitated them and what the outcomes were. Something like, “I organized team meetings that improved project clarity and boosted team efficiency by 20%,” really makes your point."
Gary Gray, CEO, CouponChief.com
Showcase Relevant Hard and Soft Skills
A resume should feature hard skills that demonstrate technical proficiency—like SEO, software, or data analysis—alongside soft skills that highlight interpersonal abilities, such as teamwork and leadership. Tailor these skills to match the job requirements and provide examples of how you’ve used them in real situations, which reinforces your ability to excel in the role.
Expert Insight 💡
"When crafting a résumé, it's essential to showcase both hard and soft skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Hard skills are technical abilities you've acquired through experience or education—such as SEO expertise, proficiency in specific software, or data-analysis skills. These skills are easily measurable and often a requirement in certain industries. For example, if you're applying for a digital-marketing role, listing your proficiency in Google Analytics, content-management systems, and keyword-research tools is crucial.
In addition to hard skills, soft skills are equally important. These are interpersonal and problem-solving abilities—like communication, teamwork, and leadership. Employers value candidates who can work well with others, manage time efficiently, and demonstrate adaptability in fast-changing environments. For instance, if you've led projects before, emphasizing leadership and team-collaboration skills can make you stand out from other applicants.
Tailoring the skills section to match the job description you're applying for is key. Highlight the most relevant skills that align with the employer's needs, and show how you can bring value to their team. Always be honest about your skill level and be prepared to provide examples of how you've used those skills in past experiences."
Azam Mohamed Nisamdeen, Founder, Convert Chat
Match Skills to Job Keywords
Keywords matter, especially when it comes to passing applicant tracking systems (ATS). Align your resume with the job’s language, using terms that match those in the job posting. For instance, if the role mentions “client success,” mirror that language instead of using “customer success.” This improves your chances of making it through automated screenings.
Expert Insight 💡
"You want to put "hard skills" in your skills section.
Your skills section on your résumé is a place to do two things.
The first is to continue to brand yourself in the eyes of the reader.
The second is to further drive keywording on the résumé for a search inside an ATS.
You want to match up the keywords in the job description with your skills section. Reflect the language being used in the job description.
Does your skills section say "Customer Success" when the job description says "Client Success?” If so, you need to make that adjustment.
And never put things like "Problem-Solving" in your skills section. There isn't a recruiter on the planet that is going to search for that!"
Franklin Buchanan, Career Coach, Post Up Careers
Highlight Industry-Specific Skills
Each industry has its own set of essential skills. Highlight specific technical skills and certifications relevant to your field, like disease diagnosis for arborists or SEO for digital marketers. Emphasizing these abilities not only shows your industry knowledge but also assures employers that you have the specialized skills they need.
Expert Insight 💡
"When crafting a resume, it's important to highlight a mix of both hard and soft skills that align with your industry and the specific role you're applying for. In my case, I would emphasize technical skills such as tree assessment, pruning, and removal, alongside knowledge of disease diagnosis, soil health, and safety procedures like TRAQ certification. These technical abilities are critical to ensuring that trees are properly cared for and that the work is performed safely.
Equally important are the soft skills, including customer service, communication, and problem-solving, which play a major role in ensuring client satisfaction. After all, a good arborist doesn't just know trees; they need to clearly explain the process and benefits to clients and adapt to their specific needs.
For example, one of my most rewarding experiences involved a homeowner who was concerned about a large tree that was leaning dangerously close to their home. Through my training and years of hands-on experience, I was able to quickly assess the tree's health and potential risk. I explained the different options to the homeowner in a way that was clear and reassuring.
My technical skills helped me develop a precise plan for safely removing the tree without damage to the property, while my communication skills ensured the client felt informed and comfortable with the process. This combination of skills, honed through years of dedication and training, resulted in a successful project and a very satisfied customer who has since referred others to our services."
Amaury Ponce, Business Owner, Ponce Tree Services
Include Relevant Hard and Soft Skills
Balance hard and soft skills, making sure each aligns with the job requirements. Hard skills might include technical proficiencies like programming, while soft skills should demonstrate traits like leadership or communication. Tailor the skills to fit the role, using specific examples that show how you’ve applied them in previous experiences.
Expert Insight 💡
"When building your resume, include both hard and soft skills relevant to your target role. Hard skills might be technical abilities like programming languages, software proficiency, or certifications. Soft skills should showcase qualities like leadership, communication, and problem-solving. Research the job description carefully and match your skills to its requirements. Remember to provide specific examples that demonstrate these skills in action."
Khurram Suhrwardy, Founder, Caption Easy
Emphasize Data Analysis Skills
Data analysis skills are crucial in today’s data-driven environment. Being able to interpret and use data to inform decisions is an invaluable asset. Describe instances where you used data analysis to track customer behavior or refine strategies, proving that you can back your decisions with real insights.
Expert Insight 💡
"The skill I always push for on a résumé is data analysis, especially the ability to interpret and analyze data to make informed decisions. Data is everywhere now, no matter what industry you're in. Whether you're looking at customer behavior, tracking performance on a campaign, or even monitoring market trends, the ability to sift through all that info and pull out what matters is essential. Without that, you're just guessing your way through, and that's not going to cut it in today's world.
Data analysis isn't just about crunching numbers. It's more about knowing how to spot trends, connect dots, and make sense of it all. You've got to understand what the numbers are saying and how they apply to the goals you're trying to hit. In the work we do with video content, it's so easy to track views or engagement. But if you can't analyze that data, you won't know what's resonating with the audience or what needs to be adjusted. Being able to dig into those insights is what helps refine strategies and boost results."
Spencer Romenco, Chief Growth Strategist, Growth Spurt
Focus on Relevant Skills
Prioritize relevance in the skills section. Tailor your skills specifically for the role, and avoid unrelated abilities. Back up your skills with evidence, such as certifications or portfolios, which demonstrate your expertise and make your resume more credible.
Expert Insight 💡
"When listing skills on your resume, focus on relevance. Tailor your skills to match the job you're applying for. For instance, if you're aiming for a video-editor role, prioritize skills like Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, or Photoshop over unrelated abilities like knitting. Including both technical skills and valuable soft skills, like negotiation or communication, can set you apart.
Ensure that you can back up each skill with evidence, whether it's through certifications, a portfolio, or a showreel. This way, you're not just stating your skills but proving them, which can significantly boost your credibility."
Alexander Weber, Founder, Golfforscher
Demonstrate Problem-Solving with Examples
Problem-solving is a must-have skill, but it’s best demonstrated through examples. Describe situations where you tackled unexpected challenges, like finding an alternative solution when a project plan fell through. This shows employers that you’re not only resilient but also skilled at thinking on your feet.
Expert Insight 💡
"One of the skills you should put in your resume is problem-solving, but don't just leave it as a buzzword. You've got to bring it to life with a real example. Think about a time when you experienced a curveball at work and had to figure things out.
Like, maybe you were working on a project and the original plan fell apart, so you had to come up with a new solution on the spot. Or you had a situation where a client changed their mind halfway through, and you found a way to keep everything on track without missing the deadline.
Sharing stuff like that shows you're not just coasting along; you're actually good at thinking through problems and staying calm when things get tricky. It gives whoever's reading your resume a sense of how you'd handle a tough situation in real life."
Daniel Vasilevski, Director & Owner, Bright Force Electrical
Highlight Active Listening and Self-Awareness
Active listening and self-awareness are underrated skills that enhance workplace harmony. Being an active listener shows you can engage with others’ ideas, while self-awareness means you understand your own strengths and weaknesses. Together, they signal emotional intelligence and an ability to work effectively with others.
Expert Insight 💡
"A skill that almost nobody talks about but is important is active listening. I know it sounds basic, but most people don’t do it well. They’re too busy thinking about what they’re going to say next. But when you listen to someone, you catch things other people miss. Whether it’s a client, a co-worker, or your boss, they feel like you understand them. And trust me, that goes a long way in avoiding problems and building solid relationships. It’s one of those things that makes everything smoother without anyone realizing why.
Equally important is self-awareness. It sounds kind of abstract, but it’s one of the most practical skills out there. It’s knowing your strengths, your weak spots, and how you come across to other people. If you’ve ever worked with someone who’s completely oblivious to how they’re affecting the team, you know how important this is. Self-aware people just deal with things better. They know when to step up, when to step back, and they handle feedback without getting defensive."
Mushfiq Sarker, Chief Executive Officer, LaGrande Marketing
Showcase Valuable Traits and Achievements
Lastly, highlight traits and achievements that make you memorable. For example, if you increased customer satisfaction by 30% or saved the team hours of work through a streamlined process, mention it. This shows employers that you bring not only skills but also results, proving you’ll be a valuable addition to their team.
Expert Insight 💡
"A resume, much like a well-composed painting, should highlight your most valuable traits upfront. For me, leadership, project management, and customer-relationship skills were vital in scaling my business. Including specific achievements, such as increasing customer satisfaction by 30%, can make your skills stand out. Creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and adaptability are also essential, especially in industries requiring customization. Tailoring your resume to the role's needs, similar to how we tailor art to clients' preferences, leaves a lasting impression."
George Silagadze, Co-founder & CEO, Photo2painting
Creating a resume that catches attention involves more than listing skills; it’s about showing how those skills translate to real-world impact. Tailor your skills to each job, balance technical and soft abilities, and provide concrete examples. By focusing on relevance, offering proof, and aligning your skills with the job requirements, you’ll create a resume that stands out to employers and highlights your readiness to succeed.
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