Your resume isn’t just a document — it’s your personal marketing tool. It’s the first thing a potential employer sees, and it can be the difference between landing your dream job or being passed over. That’s why including the right skills on your resume is crucial.
In today’s job market, employers are looking for more than just qualifications. They want a complete package: someone who brings both technical expertise and soft skills. And whether you’re applying for your first job or switching careers, the right skills can make your resume rise to the top.
In this blog, we’ll explore the 10 best skills to include on a resume, along with practical examples and tips for optimization. You’ll also find insight on how to match your skills with job descriptions and how to present them in a way that catches a recruiter’s eye.
Why Are Skills Important on a Resume?
When a hiring manager scans your resume — often in just 6–10 seconds — they’re looking for a match between your qualifications and the job posting. Including the right skills ensures that:
- You pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
- You demonstrate relevance to the specific job.
- You show value to the company and team.
- You differentiate yourself from other candidates.
In short, the right combination of skills gives your resume stopping power.
Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills
Before diving into the top 10, let’s briefly define the two key types of skills:
- Hard Skills: Specific, teachable abilities or technical know-how. These are often measurable, such as coding, writing, or data analysis.
- Soft Skills: Interpersonal or behavioral traits, such as communication, leadership, or time management.
The best resumes include a balance of both — tailored to the job.
1. Communication Skills
Why it matters:
Good communication is at the heart of every successful team. Being able to convey ideas clearly and understand others is essential across industries.
Resume examples:
- Presented technical updates to non-technical stakeholders, improving cross-department collaboration.
- Drafted client emails and reports with 100% error-free accuracy.
Bonus tip: Communication also includes types of listening skills — such as active, empathetic, and reflective listening — which are critical in customer-facing and team-based roles.
2. Problem-Solving
Why it matters:
Companies want people who can think critically, resolve conflicts, and overcome challenges without being spoon-fed solutions.
Resume examples:
- Identified inefficiencies in the workflow, resulting in a 20% improvement in turnaround time.
- Resolved 95% of customer complaints without supervisor escalation.
3. Teamwork & Collaboration
Why it matters:
Being a team player is vital in almost every workplace. Employers want people who can work well with others, share credit, and contribute to collective goals.
Resume examples:
- Collaborated with marketing, sales, and design to launch a product that exceeded revenue targets.
- Contributed to weekly brainstorming sessions that generated innovative campaign ideas.
Pro Tip: Mention cross-functional collaboration — it’s a buzzword that recruiters love.
4. Adaptability
Why it matters:
Work environments are evolving fast. Employers look for candidates who can handle change and learn new systems, tools, or responsibilities quickly.
Resume examples:
- Adapted to a hybrid work model, maintaining productivity across remote and in-office settings.
- Quickly learned and deployed new project management software (ClickUp), improving task tracking.
5. Leadership
Why it matters:
Even if you’re not applying for a managerial position, leadership skills signal initiative, responsibility, and the ability to influence others positively.
Resume examples:
- Led a team of five in a product rebranding initiative, resulting in a 35% sales increase.
- Trained and mentored two interns who later secured full-time roles.
6. Technical Proficiency
Why it matters:
Hard skills are job-specific and often non-negotiable. Listing relevant technical skills shows you’re equipped to do the job effectively.
Resume examples:
- Skilled in SQL, Excel, and Power BI for business reporting and analysis.
- Proficient in Adobe Premiere and After Effects for high-quality video production.
Tip: Always match your skills with those mentioned in the job description to beat ATS filters.
7. Time Management
Why it matters:
Meeting deadlines, managing competing priorities, and working independently are traits every employer appreciates.
Resume examples:
- Handled 15+ weekly client deliverables while maintaining a 100% on-time record.
- Used calendar blocking to improve weekly task completion by 30%.
8. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Why it matters:
EQ is your ability to manage emotions and relationships. High EQ improves leadership, teamwork, and client relations.
Resume examples:
- Diffused internal conflict during project delays, preserving team cohesion and morale.
- Practiced empathetic communication, earning recognition from clients in post-service surveys.
9. Creativity
Why it matters:
Creative thinking leads to innovation, whether it’s developing new strategies, content, or problem-solving methods.
Resume examples:
- Developed a unique loyalty rewards program, boosting retention by 22%.
- Produced viral social media content with over 1M combined views.
Note: Creativity is valuable beyond design roles — even in finance, HR, and logistics.
10. Analytical Thinking
Why it matters:
Employers value employees who can evaluate information, see trends, and make evidence-based decisions.
Resume examples:
- Analyzed website performance using Google Analytics, leading to a 40% improvement in user engagement.
- Monitored KPIs and adjusted strategy monthly, improving ROI by 18%.
Bonus Tip: How to Choose the Right Skills
With hundreds of possible skills to include, how do you know which ones are right for your resume?
Here’s a step-by-step process:
- Review the job description
Look for recurring skills or tools mentioned multiple times. - Match your real experience
Don’t include skills you can’t back up in an interview. - Use keywords naturally
This helps your resume get through ATS filters. - Back them with results
Every skill listed should ideally have a measurable outcome in your work history.
Where to Include Skills on Your Resume
There are several strategic places to mention your skills:
- Professional Summary:
Briefly highlight 2–3 core skills at the top of your resume. - Skills Section:
Use bullet points or a grid layout to list hard and soft skills. - Experience Section:
Demonstrate your skills through real examples and results. - Certifications & Education:
If applicable, support your skills with training and credentials.
Tailoring Skills for Different Industries
Here’s a quick glance at which types of skills matter most in various sectors:
| Industry | Most In-Demand Skills |
|---|---|
| Tech | Programming, debugging, problem-solving, adaptability |
| Marketing | Communication, creativity, data analysis |
| Finance | Analytical skills, attention to detail, Excel |
| Healthcare | Empathy, teamwork, communication |
| Education | Leadership, patience, public speaking |
| Sales | Negotiation, active listening, CRM tools |
Make sure your resume reflects not only what you can do — but what’s relevant to your target job.
Final Thoughts
A strong resume is more than a list of jobs and duties — it’s a dynamic snapshot of your strengths, values, and potential. By strategically selecting and presenting the right skills, you position yourself as a valuable asset to any employer.
From hard skills like data analysis to soft skills like emotional intelligence, every item on your resume should serve a purpose. Always back up your skills with examples, tailor them to the role, and remember — clarity and relevance win interviews.
So, as you update your resume, ask yourself: “Do my skills tell a story that matches the job I want?”
If the answer is yes — you’re already a step ahead.
