VonJessica Howington, Senior Content Manager
Writing a good resume is a difficult balancing act. Sometimes keeping yours can be a challengeCV lengthshort and sweet, but with enough quality information to make a lasting impression.
Hiring managers will also be particularly interested in your skills. This means that knowing what is relevant to the job is very important when considering skills to include on your resume. And while it goes without saying, we'll say it just in case: any professional skills listed on your resume should be skills you actually possess.
So how do you recognizeBest skills for your resume?And if you are lookingfind a remote job?
Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills on Your Resume
There are countless skills you can include on any resume and you need to decide which are the most effective. There are industry-specific technical skills as well as soft skills that every job requires.
Hard skills are technical skills that are specific to a particular job and are often measurable. For software developers, your hard skills would include specific programming languages. Soft skills are personal skills or creative abilities that come naturally or can strengthen over time. Some examples of soft skills are adaptability, self-motivation, people skills, time management, and the ability to work under pressure.
„Some great skills employers love to see in youCV if you are looking for remote workare: written and oral communication, the ability to work independently, time and task management, organization, comfort in using technology and specific knowledge ofremote communication toolscomo Zoom, Skype, Dropbox, Google Suite etc.,”Shared by Toni Frana,Leading FlexJobs careers expert.
Let's take a closer look at the skills section of your resume.
Use:FlexJobs has long been a leader in helping job seekers find the highest qualityremote jobs, home work, hybrid und flexibel. Can Sign up for premium accessin our database of handpicked vacancies as well as webinars on job hunting and careers and many other great resources! learn how today FlexJobs can boost your job search!
Top Skills to Include on Your Resume
OverSoft SkillsFor your CV (examples)
There are tons of soft skills (personal skills) you can include on your resume, but how do you know which ones to include? Here is a short list of sample soft skills to include on your resume.(Look carefully at the job description and determine what soft skills you possess that are best suited for the job.)
–Problem Solving Skills
No matter what the job, things will eventually go wrong, and employers want to know if you can find a quick and effective solution. In fact, there are jobs that are essentially nothing more than solving problems for the company, customers, or both.
–the ability to think critically
The ability to think rationally and reflectively is the foundation of critical thinking. Employers want employees who can think through a problem or project and determine the best next steps. Critical thinkers create new and better ways of working, making it an invaluable skill to include on a resume.
–flexibility
Many organizations and industries are looking for people who are dynamic and adaptable to any situation, or who have a natural ability to apply a variety of methods and approaches in different circumstances to achieve the best end result.
–communication skills
whether in writing or orally,to be able to communicatewith your boss, colleagues and customers in all situations is invaluable. The better you do it, the better results you will get.
–Cooperation
Most jobs sometimes require you to work with other people at some point, and employers want to know that you can thrive in a team environment. Some jobs will value this skill more than others.
–organizational skills
It's not just about having a tidy desk, it's about organizing tasks and projects for your colleagues, management and at least yourself! If you want to show off your organizational skills, a well-structured resume will certainly come in handy.
–creativity
Thinking outside the box and finding creative solutions can be a real asset in any role. Maybe you're good at thinking about something in a way that's never been done before. Creativity can show up on your resume through a problem you solved or a creative skill like writing or design.
–emotional intelligence
Afterpsychology today, "Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize and manage one's own emotions as well as the emotions of others." In the workplace, this means being rational, balanced, and able to handle ups and downs without losing control. While this is important to everyone, including this skill on a management resume is a must.
–attention to detail
At work, you must ensure that you follow all instructions to complete your work. This can be especially important when collaborating with others. Attention to detail is required in every role you hold. Consider the times you spotted or fixed a potential bug because of your attention to detail.
–Responsibility
Being a good employee includes taking responsibility for your duties and even acknowledging mistakes. Most managers don't want to have to check on their employees to make sure every part of their job is getting done. Responsibility means doing what you have to do to fulfill your duties.
OverDifficult SkillsFor your CV (examples)
Hard skills tend to be more technical in nature, and each industry or type of job usually has its own set of requirements. Figuring out what range of hard skills to expect in your field may require some research. Here are examples of hard skills that are in demand in many industries.(Look carefully at the job description and determine what hard skills would best suit you for the job.)
–digital skills
The list of professions that do not require you to use a computer and certain types of software is very short. You can most likely split "digital skills" into two or three subject competencies specific to your field. Most jobs require experience with video conferencing software, project management programs, and other business-related software.
–Design
Aside from the obvious professions like graphic or web design, there are jobs in marketing, advertising, branding, engineering, and construction that require design skills of some form, even if it's just creating presentations.
–data analysis
Understand that data is very much in vogue right now, and there are many jobs that require you to analyze metrics and extrapolate practical value from them, making it extremely valuable to include analytical skills on your resume.
–negotiation
There are many jobs that involve selling a product or service, buying stock or goods, negotiating production or transportation contracts, starting businesses for advertising or investment, etc.
–mathematics
Finance, economics, engineering, construction, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare and operations require a certain level of math skills. If you have a job that involves more math, consider breaking it down into some more specific skill areas.
–project management
Many jobs require project management skills. The ability to manage your task flow and complete tasks on time is part of project management. Maybe you've used project management software in the past or ended a project early; All of this is evidence of good project management.
–Marketing
Marketing involves the sale and promotion of products and services. Even if you're not a marketer per se, many companies want this skill. Knowing the highlights and benefits of your company's products and services and being able to speak or write about them can be valuable for many different jobs. If you have specific marketing or social media experience, all the better.
–Administration
Even if your work is non-administrative, it is likely part of your role. Management skills include the things you do to manage your role: organize, plan, schedule, email, manage files, etc. Employers want to know you can control the details.
–writing skills
Many jobs involve writing. Whether for clients or colleagues, you must have basic writing skills and absolute ability to create your resume. Emails full of typos and grammatical errors will not work well for you, and bad tone can send the wrong message. Demonstrate this ability through your cover letter and emails with the recruiter, listing any specific writing projects you have completed.
–foreign languages
Being bilingual can be a great skill and set you apart from your competition. Even if a function or company does not initially require a bilingual employee, your skills may be viewed positively. It's common to need someone fluent in another language to help clients or clients, so highlight this skill on your resume.
Search for target keywords
If you're still unsure whether any of these skills are right for your situation, you can quickly check what skills the employer is looking for by reviewing the job description.
Read through it several times and you will likely find three or four key qualifications mentioned several times in the document. If that's the case, you should also focus on those skills on your resume.
How to list skills on your resume
Sort skills by RElevation
If you are applying for a sales position, your previous experience as an auto mechanic is not the most relevant. You should emphasize experience that may be applicable to a sales role. However, if you don't have the experience, look for relevant skills in your existing positions.
For example, if you were a mechanic responsible for providing customer service, this can be transferred to a sales role.
Add a highlights section
Modern resumes are value-based, which requires the provision of information that is performance-based rather than task-based. If you've held multiple positions with varying accomplishments, select the top four that you're most proud of and add them to a Featured Careers section.
Try to avoid adding more than four as this section is meant to be the highlight of your achievements and you don't want to create sections with long bulleted lists, making for a very boring way of reading the content.
Categorize by skills
If you are higher in your professional level, you likely have multiple responsibilities that span multiple platforms or departments. If you are a manager or operations manager in a company, your responsibilities may include: managing people, maintaining a smooth daily routine, communicating with key stakeholders and/or suppliers, developing and managing projects, and hiring and training employees.
With information based on tasks or accomplishments, you can categorize content into sections to illustrate the diversity of your responsibilities.
For example:
- Process improvements:Information on responsibilities and/or achievements related to the creation and implementation of processes to improve operational efficiency.
- Competence in customer service:Content that demonstrates how you maintain or improve the customer experience at your company.
- Change management:Information that may relate to staff restructuring, the development of employee training programs and the training of individuals or groups on company best practices.
Your soft skills and your hard skills are the samequalify or disqualify you for a job. Be sure to include some of these top skills on your resume for best results.
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FAQs
What are some great skills for a job? ›
- Positive attitude. Being calm and cheerful when things go wrong.
- Communication. You can listen and say information clearly when you speak or write.
- Teamwork. ...
- Self-management. ...
- Willingness to learn. ...
- Thinking skills (problem solving and decision making) ...
- Resilience.
Top tip: include skills throughout your resume, not just in a dedicated skills section. Incorporate personal abilities and technical capabilities. You should also aim not only to mention the specific skill, but also your level of proficiency.
What is a unique skill for a job? ›There is no definitive answer to this question, as different skills may be more valuable in different industries or job roles. However, some commonly recommended skills include self-motivation, flexibility and adaptability, creativity, public speaking skills, data analysis skills, and project management skills.
How do I make my resume stand out skills? ›- Respond Directly to the Job Description. ...
- Describe Accomplishments, Not Responsibilities. ...
- Quantify Your Accomplishments. ...
- Use the Summary Section for Distinguishing Details. ...
- Ignore Irrelevant Information.
Key Takeaways
Six of the most important skills, according to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) are problem-solving skills, the ability to work in a team, a strong work ethic, analytical and quantitative skills, communication skills, and leadership qualities.
The eight essential skills are listening, speaking, problem-solving, creativity, staying positive, aiming high, leadership, and teamwork. The skills cover communication, creative problem solving, self-management, and interpersonal skills.
What are the 6 essential skills? ›- Critical thinking and problem solving.
- Communication and collaboration.
- Creativity and imagination.
- Student leadership.
- Citizenship.
- Digital literacy.
- Communication. Communication includes listening, writing and speaking. ...
- Problem solving. Challenges will arise in every job you have. ...
- Teamwork. ...
- Initiative. ...
- Analytical, quantitative. ...
- Professionalism, work ethic. ...
- Leadership. ...
- Detail oriented.
Strong abilities like being hardworking, determined, a good communicator, a good leader and a team player as well as enjoying challenges can be mentioned during an interview, depending on your personality type and strengths.
How many skills should you list on a resume? ›You'll want to have anywhere between 5 and 10 skills in the skills section of your resume. Your resume's skills section is a key part of impressing a hiring manager and recruiter. It's important to tailor your resume to the specific job, and put any skills that the job description is asking for.
What skills should not be on a resume? ›
- Skills To Leave Off Resume.
- Skills You Don't Have.
- Obsolete Skills.
- Skills That Aren't Relevant to the Job.
- Overused Skill Words.
- Skills That Are Too General.
- Skills That Everyone Should Already Have.
- Highlight Your Most Relevant Skills.
According to career expert Vicki Salemi, you can place the skills section below the education section or at the top of your resume. But make sure to add not more than six skills, shares career strategist Julie Bauke, adding that you can pick the ones that help you stand out based on the job description.
What are special skills? ›Specialized skills are specific talents or abilities you have that make you a qualified candidate for a job. They may relate directly to the position, such as technical or practical skills, or they may have a more generalized purpose that makes them useful in many settings.
What skills are attractive to employers? ›Teamwork, problem solving, and conflict-resolution skills are particularly valuable to employers, no matter what industry you're in, Salemi says. To show you possess these talents and other soft skills during job interviews, be prepared to share anecdotes that illustrate how you've applied them in the past.
What are the top ten skills? ›- Critical Thinking. ...
- Emotional Intelligence. ...
- Creativity. ...
- Collaboration. ...
- Flexibility. ...
- Leadership Skills. ...
- Time Management. ...
- Curiosity and Continuous Learning.
The soft skills that may be most important in a changing job market for 2023 and beyond, according to McKinsey & Co., include: Critical thinking skills. Communication skills. Mental flexibility.
What makes a good resume stand out from a great resume? ›Highlight relevant skills and experiences.
Using the same resume for every job you apply for is not a good approach. Instead, your resume should target the specific job you are applying for. Be sure to prioritize the skills, qualifications and experiences that are directly applicable to the job you are trying to land.
...
The seven core skills are:
- Alternative text.
- Contrast.
- Headings.
- Links.
- Lists.
- Tables.
- Video and audio.
NICEF, UNESCO and WHO list the ten core life skill strategies and techniques as: problem solving, critical thinking, effective communication skills, decision-making, creative thinking, interpersonal relationship skills, self- awareness building skills, empathy, and coping with stress and emotions.
What are the 7 fundamental skills? ›...
What are the seven fundamental movement skills?
- Running.
- Jumping.
- Coordination.
- Throwing.
- Catching.
- Kicking.
- Striking.
What are the 4 basic skills? ›
Benefits of testing the four skills (reading, listening, writing and speaking) When we say that someone 'speaks' a language fluently, we usually mean that they have a high level in all four skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing.
What are the 3 major skills? ›There are three types of skills: functional, self-management and special knowledge. Functional skills are abilities or talents that are inherited at birth and developed through experience and learning. Examples are: making decisions, repairing machines or calculating taxes.
Why are the 9 essential skills important? ›Nine essential skills are needed for the workplace. These skills are used in every job to varying degrees and at different levels of complexity. They provide the foundation for learning all other skills and enable people to evolve with their jobs and adapt to workplace change.
What are three skills that every job requires? ›- Communication skills. ...
- Leadership. ...
- Teamwork and collaboration. ...
- Initiative. ...
- Management and organisation. ...
- Basic digital skills. ...
- Continuous learning. ...
- Creativity and innovation.
Employers will be looking for specific accomplishments on your resume, complete with numbers and results." If you are currently employed, start tracking your work progress and identify measurable achievements such as sales, efficiency in tasks, or improved processes.
What are employability skills? ›Employability Skills can be defined as the transferable skills needed by an individual to make them 'employable'. Along with good technical understanding and subject knowledge, employers often outline a set of skills that they want from an employee.
What is the most desired skill wanted by employees? ›Soft skills are paramount and when it comes to hard skills the most desirable abilities are analytical skills and Computer/IT skills. If you want success in your current job, and when applying for a new one it's essential that you maximize your knowledge in these areas.
What are my personal skills? ›Personal skills , called interpersonal or people skills, are a type of soft skills related to how a person interacts with other people and the surrounding environment. Personal skills can be more challenging to learn. Some of them are communication, problem-solving, flexibility, and dependability.
What are hard skills examples? ›- A degree (or other academic qualification)
- An industry specific certification.
- Coding ability.
- Foreign language skills.
- Typing speed.
- SEO marketing.
- Bookkeeping.
- Computer skills.
The skills section of your resume includes your abilities that are related to the jobs you are applying for. In this section, you should list skills that are relevant to the position or career field that you are interested in, such as computer skills, software skills, and/or language skills.
How do you write a killer resume? ›
- Know your audience. The first step to writing an effective resume is to know your audience. ...
- Use keywords. ...
- Consider formatting. ...
- Explain relevance. ...
- Keep it brief. ...
- Tell a story. ...
- Quantify successes. ...
- Demonstrate diverse skills.
- Having spelling errors and bad grammar. ...
- Exaggerating the truth. ...
- Poor formatting. ...
- An unoriginal personal profile. ...
- Not focusing on your achievements. ...
- Making your CV too long. ...
- Putting the wrong contact information.
In a competitive labor market, your resume must get you on the interview pile in 30 seconds or less. Otherwise, you will end up in the reject pile and never get a chance to sell yourself in person. The best format and structure for resumes is a never-ending debate.
Should you repeat skills on a resume? ›Avoid repeating information: Did you perform the same or similar job tasks for more than one employer? Instead of repeating job duties, focus on your accomplishments in each position. 2. Eliminate old experience: Employers are most interested in what you did recently.
Should I put hobbies on resume? ›Done right, hobbies on a resume can help you stand out from other candidates, show a bit of your personality to the hiring manager, and potentially even get you the job! That said, not every resume needs hobbies and interests, and at the same time, not every hobby belongs on a resume.
What are the 21st skills? ›Everett Public Schools in Everett, Washington defines 21st century skills as citizenship, collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, and growth mindset.
What are the 6 things that should be included on a resume? ›- Personal Information. Name Current and Permanent address (may be omitted from a resume posted on the web) ...
- Objective. In one short sentence summarize your goal for your job search. ...
- Education. ...
- Work and Related Experience. ...
- Awards and Honors. ...
- Activities/Hobbies. ...
- Skills. ...
- References (3-5 people)
Basic skills are very important. Everyone needs them. These are skills like reading, writing, number skills and computer skills that we use every day. You may hear them called Skills for Life.
What are examples of skills? ›Definition & Examples of a Skill Set
A skill set is the knowledge, abilities, and experience needed to perform a job. Specific skill set areas can include human relations, research and planning, accounting, leadership, management, and computer skills.
One of the most common resume red flags is an unexplained lengthy employment gap between previous roles. These gaps can sometimes lead hiring managers to assume that you have struggled to land jobs in the past, potentially indicating poor performance or some other shortcoming.
Why do resumes get rejected? ›
Most resumes submitted to job applications don't get read, simply due to the high number of applicants. For the ones that get looked at, typos, formatting issues, or unwanted additions disqualify many of them at a glance.
What are the 7 main parts of a resume? ›- Header. Include your name, full address, phone number and email. ...
- Professional Objective (optional) This is a phrase or sentence that highlights your intentions and accomplishments. ...
- Qualifications Summary (optional) ...
- Education. ...
- Experience. ...
- References.
You already know that the "must-have" resume sections are: Contact Information, Resume Profile, Work History, Education, and Skills. There are a few optional sections that you can add as well, including achievemets, certifications, or a hobbies section.
What are 5 things that should not be included on a resume? ›- Resume objective statement. ...
- Unprofessional email. ...
- Full mailing address. ...
- Multiple phone numbers. ...
- Outdated or irrelevant social media profiles. ...
- Personal details. ...
- Headshot. ...
- Buzzwords.