In this guide, I’ll walk you through 20 skills you can add to your resume along with specific examples, overall resume tips, and even a look at my own college resume which got job offers from Google, Intuit, and more.
And join over 800,000 readers getting our Insiders newsletter, where we share exclusive content that’s not on the blog:
20 skills you can add to your resume:
1. Communication Skills
Employers want candidates who can convey ideas effectively, whether through writing, speaking, or active listening. Highlight instances where you excelled in presentations, negotiations, discussions, or collaborative projects.
2. Leadership Skills
Showcase your ability to lead teams and inspire others towards shared goals. Highlight your experience in mentoring, delegating tasks, and fostering a positive work environment.
3. Conflict Resolution
Demonstrate your knack for resolving disputes and maintaining harmony in the workplace. Provide examples of times when you successfully mediated conflicts, restored productivity, and boosted morale.
4. Interpersonal Skills
Illustrate your ability to build rapport and work collaboratively with colleagues and clients. Highlight instances where you demonstrated empathy, diplomacy, and adaptability.
5. Problem-solving and Critical Thinking
Showcase your analytical abilities by highlighting instances where you tackled complex challenges and devised innovative solutions.
6. Active Listening
Demonstrate your ability to understand and respond effectively to others’ concerns and perspectives. Mention instances where your attentive listening skills led to project success.
7. Transferable Skills
Feature skills that are applicable across various roles and industries, such as adaptability, time management, and resilience.
8. Creativity
Showcase your ability to think outside the box and approach tasks with fresh perspectives. Underscore instances where your creativity led to unique solutions or innovative ideas.
9. Detail-oriented
Illustrate your meticulousness and attention to detail by highlighting instances where you maintained accuracy and precision in your work.
10. Organizational Proficiency
Demonstrate your ability to manage tasks, priorities, and deadlines effectively. Underline instances where your organizational skills contributed to project success.
11. Teamwork
Emphasize your ability to collaborate effectively with others towards shared goals. Showcase instances where you contributed positively to team dynamics and achieved collective success.
…but you don’t have to take the same path as everyone else. How would it look if you designed a Rich Life on your own terms? Take our quiz and find out:
12. Decision-making
Illustrate your ability to make sound decisions under pressure and with limited information. Share instances where your decision-making skills led to successful outcomes.
13. Customer Service
Talk about your ability to provide exceptional service and support to customers. Highlight instances where you went above and beyond to meet customer needs and resolve issues.
14. Self-motivation
Illustrate your drive and initiative by highlighting instances where you took the lead on projects or pursued professional development opportunities.
15. Project Management
Showcase your ability to plan, execute, and oversee projects from start to finish. Highlight instances where you successfully managed timelines, budgets, and resources.
16. Data Analysis
Feature your ability to analyze data and draw actionable insights. Discuss instances where your analytical skills contributed to data-driven decision-making.
17. Marketing
Illustrate your understanding of marketing principles and strategies. Talk about instances where you developed and executed successful marketing campaigns or initiatives.
18. Design
Showcase your design skills, whether in graphic design, web design, or user experience design. Feature instances where your designs enhanced usability and aesthetics.
19. Digital Technology Proficiency
Demonstrate your proficiency with digital tools and technologies relevant to your field. Highlight instances where your tech skills improved efficiency and productivity.
20. Adaptability
Emphasize your ability to thrive in fast-paced and evolving environments. Discuss instances where you successfully adapted to change and embraced new challenges.
Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills in Your Resume
While hard skills like marketing, design, and data analysis demonstrate your technical talents, soft skills underscore your ability to thrive in dynamic work environments, collaborate effectively, and adapt to new challenges.
A balance of both will make you exceptional in any role.
For instance, a skilled programmer with strong communication abilities can effectively convey complex ideas to non-technical stakeholders, facilitating smoother project execution.
Example Skills Based on Specific Jobs
Marketing Manager:
| Hard skills | Soft skills |
|---|---|
|
SEO, SEM, PPC |
Motivating Teams, Decision-Making |
|
Google Analytics, Data analysis |
Creativity, Innovative Campaigns |
|
Market research, surveys, focus groups |
Adaptability, Responding to Market Trends, Flexibility |
|
Campaign management, budgeting |
Time Management, Efficient Project Execution |
Software Engineer:
| Hard skills | Soft skills |
|---|---|
|
Java, Python, or C++, React, Angular, Vue.js, Git |
Problem-solving abilities, Analytical Thinking, Attention to Detail |
|
Agile or Scrum |
Collaboration, Teamwork, Communication |
|
Database Management Systems (e.g., SQL), Algorithms, Data Structures |
Adaptability to Learn New Technologies and Tools |
|
Software Testing and Debugging |
Time Management, Efficient Project Execution |
Financial Analyst:
| Hard skills | Soft skills |
|---|---|
|
Financial Modeling and Analysis using Excel or specialized software like MATLAB or R |
Critical Thinking, Analytical Reasoning, Time Management, Organizational Skills |
|
Financial Statements and Accounting Principles |
Attention to Detail and Accuracy |
|
Statistical Analysis, Forecasting Techniques, Financial Databases and Research Tools |
Ability to Work Under Pressure and Meet Deadlines |
|
Interpret and Communicate Financial Data Effectively |
Strong Communication, Presentation Skills, Business Acumen, Strategic Thinking |
Graphic Designer:
| Hard skills | Soft skills |
|---|---|
|
Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Adobe XD, Sketch |
Creativity, Artistic Flair, Attention to Detail, Precision, Adaptability to Evolving Design Trends and Technologies |
|
Typography, Color Theory, Layout Design Principles |
Collaboration and Teamwork |
|
Create and Edit images, Illustrations, and Multimedia Content |
Time Management and Ability to Meet Project Deadlines |
|
Print Production Processes and File Formats |
Communication Skills for Understanding Client Requirements and Presenting Design concepts |
Registered Nurse:
| Hard skills | Soft skills |
|---|---|
|
Medication Administration, Wound Care, Patient Assessment, EHR |
Compassion and Empathy for patients, Collaboration and Teamwork with Other Healthcare Professionals |
|
Knowledge of Medical Terminology and Healthcare Protocols |
Effective Communication with Patients, Families, and Healthcare Team Members |
|
Operate Medical Equipment and Technology |
Critical Thinking and Problem-solving in Fast-Paced Environments |
|
Understanding of Nursing Ethics and Legal Regulations |
Adaptability to Changing Patient Needs and Clinical Situations, Attention to Detail and Accuracy in Patient Care Documentation |
How to List Skills on a Resume and Beat the Competition
Craft a Narrative
Before diving into listing your skills, consider what impression you want to leave on the hiring manager. Your resume is your story, not just a laundry list of abilities.
Each skill should contribute to the narrative you’re weaving about your professional journey and capabilities.
In this video, I walk you through how I crafted my own resume, which got me job offers at Google and Intuit:
Make Every Word Count
With just 15 seconds to capture attention, every word on your resume must pack a punch. Cut the fluff and focus on concise, impactful language that highlights your strengths and achievements.
Be Strategic
Grab the hiring manager’s interest early by strategically placing key information. Tailor your resume to the job by aligning your skills with the position’s requirements, and prioritize standout achievements.
Be Result-Oriented
Shift the focus from mere responsibilities to tangible outcomes and achievements. Highlight how your skills have directly contributed to positive results in your previous roles.
Tailor Your Resume to the Job
Customize your resume for each application by including only relevant skills. Study the job description closely and mirror the language and requirements listed to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Back up Your CV With a Cover Letter
A well-crafted cover letter complements your resume by providing context and showcasing your personality. Use it as an opportunity to express enthusiasm for the role and explain why you’re the ideal candidate.
Final Thoughts
Crafting a standout resume is about creating a compelling story that showcases your unique strengths and experiences. By strategically integrating skills throughout your resume and ensuring every word counts, you can grab the attention of hiring managers and stand out from the competition. Remember, your resume is your first impression, so make it count.
It’s one of the best things I’ve published (and 100% free), just tell me where to send it:
