What Skills to Put on Resume? 10 Key Examples for 2025

Your resume is your ticket to a new job. The skills section makes it stand out. This part tells a hiring manager you have what it takes. It is not just a list of things you can do. It is a showcase of your unique value. Many job seekers ask what skills to put on resume. They find it hard to balance technical knowledge and people skills.

Both types of skills are essential for success. A well-written skills section does two critical things. First, it helps your resume pass automated screening systems (ATS). These systems filter applications. Second, it captures the attention of the human recruiter who reads it next. You must show you can do the job's technical tasks. You also need to show you can fit into the team and company culture.

This guide will show you the 10 most important skills employers want now. We will give practical examples. We will show you how to describe your abilities with impact. This will turn a simple list into a strong argument for why you are the best candidate. This approach will help you build a resume that opens doors. To keep your resume strong, stay updated on needs in your field. For example, you can explore resources that detail the top 10 marketing skills to learn for career growth. This can give you an edge. Are you ready to make your skills section your strongest asset?

1. Technical Skills: The Foundation of Your Expertise

Technical skills are specific, measurable abilities. They are the knowledge needed to perform a job. Think of them as the tools in your professional toolkit. They prove you have the core expertise for a role. They are often the first thing recruiters scan for. These skills are critical. They directly answer the question: "Can this person do the technical parts of this job?"

For a software engineer, this means programming languages like Python or JavaScript. For a graphic designer, it's skill in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. These skills are concrete. They can be tested or certified. Including the right technical skills is very important when deciding what skills to put on resume. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) often use these skills as keywords to filter candidates. Getting this section right is your first step to getting an interview.

How to Showcase Your Technical Skills

Listing your technical skills needs more than just a simple list. You need to give context. You must show how they relate to the job you want.

• Create a Dedicated Section: Use a clear heading like "Technical Skills," "Tools & Technologies," or "Programming Languages." This makes the information easy to find.
• Categorize for Clarity: Group your technical skills into logical categories if you have many. A web developer might use categories like "Languages," "Frameworks/Libraries," and "Databases." This makes your expertise easier to understand.
• Match the Job Description: Look closely at the job posting for required technical skills. Use the exact words they use. If they ask for "Salesforce CRM," use that phrase instead of just "CRM."
• Indicate Your Proficiency Level: Add a level of expertise next to each skill. Examples include Proficient, Advanced, or Expert. This gives employers a clearer picture of your abilities. For instance:
  • Python (Advanced)
  • Tableau (Proficient)
  • SEO (Expert)

2. Professional Communication Skills

Professional communication is the ability to share information clearly. You must do this well in different ways. This includes writing clear emails and speaking well in presentations. It also includes the skill of active listening. These skills are vital in any team environment. They prove you can work with teams, manage stakeholders, and represent a company well. They are a universal requirement in every industry.

Strong communication skills answer the question: "Can this person work well with others and share their ideas?" For a project manager, this means leading meetings. For a marketer, it means writing persuasive text. Highlighting these abilities is crucial when deciding what skills to put on resume. They show you can help a team succeed beyond just your technical knowledge. It tells employers you can not only do the work but also collaborate, lead, and persuade.

How to Showcase Your Professional Communication Skills

Showing soft skills like communication requires concrete evidence. You can show this in your resume's experience section and your cover letter.

• Integrate Skills into Your Experience: Do not just list "Communication" in a skills section. Put it into your job descriptions. Show, do not just tell. For those looking to improve how they share ideas and work with others, exploring effective communication skills training can be a great help.
• Use Action Verbs: Start your bullet points with powerful verbs that suggest communication. Words like "Presented," "Negotiated," "Authored," "Advised," and "Corresponded" grab attention.
• Quantify Your Achievements: Numbers provide strong proof of your communication impact. Show the scale and success of your efforts. For example:
  • Authored technical documents for 15+ software products, which cut support tickets by 20%.
  • Presented quarterly business reviews to over 50 team members to ensure project alignment.
  • Negotiated contracts with 10+ new vendors, getting 15% cost savings on average.
• Tailor to the Job Description: Look for communication-related keywords in the job posting. If they mention "client-facing communication" or "stakeholder management," use that exact language. This helps your resume pass through applicant tracking systems.

3. Leadership and Management Skills: Guiding Teams to Success

Leadership and management skills show your ability to direct teams. They also show you can make strategic decisions and drive company goals. These skills are not just for top executives. They are crucial for anyone who wants to show they can take initiative. They prove you can contribute beyond your individual tasks. They answer the question: "Can this person inspire, guide, and help a team achieve results?" This makes them a key part of what skills to put on resume.

For a project manager, this means finishing a project on time and within budget. For a marketing director, it means creating a vision and motivating the team. These skills prove you can handle responsibility, solve conflicts, and mentor others. This makes you a valuable asset to any company looking for future leaders. Highlighting these abilities shows you are ready for growth.

How to Showcase Your Leadership and Management Skills

Showing leadership requires more than just listing "Team Leadership." You must provide clear evidence of your impact through your accomplishments.

• Create a "Core Competencies" or "Skills" Section: List key leadership abilities. Use terms like "Strategic Planning," "Team Management," "Conflict Resolution," or "Mentorship." Put them in a dedicated skills area for quick visibility.
• Integrate into Your Experience Section: This is where you bring your leadership skills to life. Use bullet points under each job to describe achievements that show your management abilities.
• Quantify Your Impact: Numbers speak louder than words. State the size of the team you managed. Mention the budget you oversaw, or the results you delivered. This provides real proof of your abilities.
• Use Powerful Action Verbs: Begin your bullet points with strong verbs that show leadership. For example:
  • Directed a cross-functional team of 15, delivering a $5M cost-saving project.
  • Spearheaded a department change that resulted in a 40% efficiency improvement.
  • Mentored 8 junior developers, leading to 2 promotions to senior roles within two years.

4. Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills

Problem-solving and analytical skills show you can find issues and analyze information. They also show you can create effective solutions. These abilities drive innovation and efficiency. They prove you can think critically and handle challenges in a structured way. For employers, they are very valuable. They answer the question: "Can this person overcome problems and help our business grow?"

These skills are valued everywhere, whether you are an engineer finding a system error or a consultant finding business problems. They include everything from logical reasoning to data interpretation. Including these when deciding what skills to put on resume shows you can add value beyond just doing tasks. It signals that you are a strategic thinker who can help an organization grow.

How to Showcase Your Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills

Just listing "problem-solving" is not enough. You must prove it with real examples and measurable results that show your abilities.

• Integrate into Work Experience: Instead of a separate list, put these skills into your accomplishment bullet points. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to describe your achievements. This highlights the problem you solved.
• Use Powerful Action Verbs: Start your bullet points with verbs that show analysis and resolution. Words like "Analyzed," "Diagnosed," "Engineered," "Resolved," and "Streamlined" are very effective.
• Quantify the Impact: Numbers speak louder than words. Show the direct benefit of your problem-solving skills. Measure your achievements to show the value you brought to your previous role.
• Mention Specific Methodologies: If you used a certain framework or tool, name it. This adds credibility to your skills. For example:
  • Analyzed client data to find key issues, creating a retention strategy that reduced customer loss by 18%.
  • Resolved a project deadlock affecting a $2M launch by creating a new communication plan and leading meetings.
  • Applied Six Sigma methods to improve the manufacturing process, reducing defects by 40% and saving $150K annually.

5. Interpersonal and Collaboration Skills

Interpersonal skills, or people skills, are the abilities you use to interact with others. They are the foundation of teamwork, client relationships, and a positive company culture. These skills help your technical expertise shine. They prove you can build relationships, show empathy, and help a team succeed. They are vital because they answer the question: "Will this person work well with our team and clients?"

For a project manager, this means coordinating different teams. For a sales representative, it is building trust with customers. These skills are about how you apply your knowledge in a group. Showing your collaborative abilities is a key part of deciding what skills to put on resume. Employers want candidates who can improve team dynamics. Highlighting these skills shows you are a true team player.

How to Showcase Your Interpersonal and Collaboration Skills

Showing interpersonal skills requires more than listing "teamwork." You need to provide clear evidence of your collaborative successes.

• Weave Them Into Your Experience Section: This is the best place to show these skills in action. Use bullet points that start with action verbs and describe a team achievement.
• Use Quantifiable Examples: Whenever possible, connect your team efforts to measurable results. This provides strong proof of your impact. For example, instead of "Worked with the marketing team," say "Partnered with marketing to launch a campaign that increased engagement by 45%."
• Highlight Cross-Functional Work: Mentioning projects where you worked with different departments (e.g., sales, product, engineering) shows you can work across teams.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use descriptive language that suggests strong interpersonal skills. Phrases like "mentored junior team members," "negotiated with key stakeholders," or "resolved client conflicts" are very effective.
  • Project Coordinator: Successfully coordinated with five departments to deliver project milestones on time and under budget.
  • Sales Representative: Built strong client relationships, achieving a 95% customer retention rate over two years.
  • Product Manager: Collaborated closely with design and engineering teams to deliver three major feature releases.

6. Industry-Specific and Domain Expertise

Industry-specific skills, or domain expertise, are your deep, specialized knowledge in a certain field. They go beyond general abilities. They prove you understand the unique challenges, rules, and terms of an industry. This expertise shows recruiters that you can "speak the language." It means you can contribute right away.

For a financial analyst, this means understanding GAAP and SEC rules. For a healthcare administrator, it is knowing HIPAA compliance and medical billing codes. Including this type of knowledge is key when deciding what skills to put on resume. It builds immediate credibility. It separates you from general candidates. It answers the question: "Does this person understand our specific business world?"

How to Showcase Your Industry and Domain Expertise

To show your specialized knowledge, you must include it throughout your resume. Provide real proof of your background and qualifications.

• Integrate Keywords into Your Summary: Start with a strong professional summary. It should immediately state your area of expertise. For example: "Healthcare Project Manager with over 10 years of experience in HIPAA-compliant EMR system implementations."
• Highlight Certifications and Compliance: Create a special subsection for certifications. Or, you can weave them into your experience. Mentioning compliance knowledge (e.g., SOX, GDPR, OSHA) is a powerful way to show relevance.
• Use Industry-Specific Terminology: Use the same language as the job description and the industry. Referencing specific standards, methods, or regulatory bodies shows you are an insider.
• Quantify Your Achievements with Industry Context: Frame your accomplishments using metrics that matter in your field. For instance, a construction manager might state:
  • Managed a $15M commercial construction project, ensuring 100% compliance with local building codes and OSHA safety standards.
  • Expertise in LEED certification processes, contributing to two Gold-certified building projects.

7. Digital and Technology Literacy Skills: Your Modern Work Toolkit

Digital and technology literacy skills show your skill with digital tools and software. This is more than basic computer use. It is about using the specific technologies that make work efficient. These skills prove you can fit into a company’s existing workflows. You can contribute from day one. Remote work and digital processes are now standard. This literacy is a basic expectation.

For a marketing professional, this could mean expertise in Google Analytics, SEMrush, and Canva. A sales representative might highlight skills in Salesforce, HubSpot, and advanced Excel. These skills are clear proof of your ability to work in a tech-driven environment. Showing your digital literacy is a critical factor when deciding what skills to put on resume. It tells employers that you are adaptable and ready for modern work.

How to Showcase Your Digital and Technology Literacy Skills

Listing your digital skills well means showing, not just telling. You need to connect your tool skills to the job's needs. You must show your value.

• Create a Targeted Section: Use a clear heading like "Digital Tools," "Software & Platforms," or "Technology Proficiencies." This makes your skills easy for recruiters to see.
• Align with the Job Description: Use the same language as the job posting. If they require "Google Workspace," list that specifically instead of "G Suite." This precision helps you pass an ATS.
• Specify Your Expertise Level: Do not just list a tool; describe your ability. This helps hiring managers understand your knowledge depth. For instance:
  • Salesforce (Advanced)
  • Asana (Proficient)
  • Adobe Creative Suite (Expert)
• Showcase Learning Agility: Include a brief statement like, "Quick learner of new software and platforms." This shows adaptability, a highly valued trait. Mentioning relevant certifications, like "Google Analytics Certified," also provides real proof of your skills.

8. Project and Time Management Skills

Project and time management skills show your ability to organize work. They also show you can meet deadlines and deliver results well. These skills prove you can handle responsibility. You can coordinate resources and see projects through from start to finish. In any role, employers need people who can manage their work. They need people who can contribute to team goals without constant watching.

This skill is a mix of hard and soft skills. It combines planning and scheduling with leadership and communication. Showing strong project and time management is a key factor when deciding what skills to put on resume. It tells employers you are a reliable, organized, and results-driven candidate. It shows a hiring manager you can add value immediately by bringing order and efficiency to their team.

How to Showcase Your Project and Time Management Skills

To make these skills stand out, you must give clear evidence. Show your ability to plan, execute, and deliver. Go beyond just listing "time management" on your resume.

• Integrate into Your Experience Section: Instead of just a skills list, put project management achievements right into your job descriptions. This provides powerful context.
• Quantify Your Achievements: Use numbers to show the impact of your management skills. Measured results are much more persuasive than general statements. For example:
  • Managed 20+ projects at once with a 95% on-time delivery rate, averaging a $2M annual budget.
  • Implemented a new project tracking system that cut reporting time by 40%.
• Mention Methodologies and Tools: Specify any formal methods or software you know well. This shows formal knowledge and practical experience.
• Highlight Efficiency Gains: Show how your organizational skills improved processes. For instance, you could state:
  • Reduced project cycle time by 30% through process optimization.
  • Proficient in Jira, Monday.com, and Asana.
  • Certified Scrum Master (CSM) with experience in Agile and Waterfall methodologies.

9. Sales and Relationship Building Skills: Driving Growth and Loyalty

Sales and relationship building skills are the abilities used to persuade and negotiate. They also help you build long-term professional connections. They are the engine of business growth. They are directly tied to revenue, client satisfaction, and market growth. These skills prove you can find customer needs, present good solutions, and earn loyalty. They are crucial because they answer the core business question: "Can this person build relationships that create value for the company?"

For a sales executive, this means closing deals and beating quotas. For an account manager, it means taking care of client accounts to prevent loss and increase sales. These skills are tangible. Their impact can be measured in dollars, percentages, and client retention. When deciding what skills to put on resume, showing your ability to build relationships and drive sales is critical. This is especially true for client-facing roles. It shows you are a true business partner.

How to Showcase Your Sales and Relationship Building Skills

Just listing "sales" is not enough. You must measure your impact. You need to show your strategic approach to building and keeping valuable professional relationships.

• Create a Dedicated Section: Use a clear heading like "Sales Accomplishments." Or, put these skills into your "Professional Experience" section with strong, data-driven bullet points.
• Use Quantifiable Metrics: Numbers speak louder than words. Measure your achievements to show concrete results. This turns a simple statement into powerful proof of your abilities.
• Match the Job Description: Pay close attention to the language in the job posting. If they mention "client retention," "quota attainment," or "new business development," use those exact phrases.
• Highlight Key Achievements: Showcase specific wins that show your skills. Mentioning specific deals, successful negotiations, or high retention rates provides clear evidence of your abilities. For instance:
  • Generated $10M+ in annual revenue, achieving 180% of quota over three years.
  • Managed a portfolio of 50+ enterprise accounts, maintaining a 98% retention rate.
  • Negotiated a 15% cost reduction with key suppliers, saving the company $200K annually.

10. Training and Continuous Learning Skills

Highlighting your commitment to training and continuous learning shows employers you are proactive. It shows you are adaptable and invested in your professional growth. These skills demonstrate that you can keep up with industry changes. You are motivated to gain new knowledge on your own. Technology and best practices change quickly. The ability to learn is as valuable as the skills you already have.

This skill set meets an employer's need for a future-proof workforce. A marketer who gets a new Google Analytics certification shows dedication. A project manager who earns their PMP shows commitment. When deciding what skills to put on resume, showing your learning agility can set you apart. It tells a hiring manager that you will not only fill the current role but also grow with the company.

How to Showcase Your Continuous Learning Skills

Showing your learning achievements well requires more than listing a few courses. You must connect them to real skills and professional results.

• Create a Dedicated Section: Use a heading like "Professional Development" or "Certifications & Training." This organizes your accomplishments and makes them easy for a recruiter to see.
• Prioritize Recognized Credentials: Place well-known, industry-standard certifications at the top. For example, "AWS Certified Solutions Architect" or "Project Management Professional (PMP)" are very valuable.
• Show the Application: Do not just list a skill; show how you used it. Instead of saying you learned Python, state: "Completed Python bootcamp, leading to the development of 3 production-level applications." This shows practical use.
• Mention Reputable Platforms and Dates: Including the source of your training and when you completed it adds credibility. It shows your skills are current.
  • Google Analytics IQ Certification (Completed 2023)
  • Advanced SQL for Data Scientists, DataCamp (Completed 2024)
  • Agile Fundamentals, Coursera (Completed 2023)

Top 10 Resume Skills Comparison

Skill Category	🔄 Implementation Complexity	⚡ Resource Requirements	📊 Expected Outcomes	Ideal Use Cases	⭐ Key Advantages & 💡 Tips
Technical Skills	Moderate–High: formal training or certification often needed	Tools, labs, courses, certifications	Direct job readiness; easily testable and ATS-friendly	Engineering, development, data, cloud roles	⭐ High hireability — 💡 Match job keywords, list proficiency and certs
Professional Communication Skills	Low–Moderate: practice and feedback-based	Coaching, presentation opportunities, examples	Clearer stakeholder alignment; supports leadership moves	Management, consulting, sales, client-facing roles	⭐ Widely valued — 💡 Provide specific examples and quantified outcomes
Leadership & Management Skills	High: requires proven experience and results	Mentorship, leadership programs, team budgets	Improved team performance and strategic impact	Supervisors, managers, directors, executives	⭐ Drives promotion/salary — 💡 Quantify team size and measurable outcomes
Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills	Moderate–High: develops with practice and case work	Data/tools, case studies, analytical training	Better decisions, process improvements, innovation	Consulting, engineering, analytics, product roles	⭐ Signals critical thinking — 💡 Use STAR and quantify impact/tools used
Interpersonal & Collaboration Skills	Low–Moderate: honed via team experience	Team projects, coaching, feedback loops	Stronger team cohesion, retention, smoother cross‑team work	Team-based roles, remote/hybrid, customer-facing positions	⭐ Enhances teamwork — 💡 Cite cross-functional achievements and outcomes
Industry-Specific & Domain Expertise	High: years of experience and regulatory knowledge	Long-term experience, certifications, industry networks	Immediate credibility; reduces onboarding/training time	Regulated sectors, specialist roles, senior hires	⭐ Justifies higher pay — 💡 Highlight certifications and compliance knowledge
Digital & Technology Literacy Skills	Low–Moderate: varies by tool complexity	Online courses, hands-on practice, vendor certs	Increased productivity; enables remote and digital workflows	Most professional roles, marketing, remote work, ops	⭐ Essential baseline — 💡 List exact platforms and proficiency levels
Project & Time Management Skills	Moderate: method + tool adoption	PM tools, certifications (PMP/CSM), practical experience	On-time delivery, budget control, measurable efficiency gains	Project managers, product, operations, any role with deadlines	⭐ Tied to tangible results — 💡 Quantify projects, budgets, methodologies used
Sales & Relationship Building Skills	Moderate–High: refined by experience and metrics	CRM tools, sales training, networking time	Revenue generation, client retention, business growth	Sales, business development, account management	⭐ Direct revenue impact — 💡 Use concrete revenue/retention figures
Training & Continuous Learning Skills	Low–Moderate: self-directed but ongoing	Courses, platforms, time investment, application opportunities	Future-proofing, adaptability, faster skill uptake	Rapidly changing industries, technical roles, career changers	⭐ Shows growth mindset — 💡 List recent, relevant certifications and applied projects

Building Your Resume and Accelerating Your Job Search

You now have a complete guide for choosing and presenting your professional skills. Deciding what skills to put on a resume is a strategic act of communication. It involves understanding the job you want and the company you are targeting. You must also understand the unique value you provide. The skills you highlight connect your past achievements to your future potential.

The best resumes are not static documents. They are dynamic, tailored marketing tools. They speak directly to a hiring manager's needs. By mixing hard, technical skills with essential soft skills, you show a well-rounded professional profile. A recruiter is not just hiring a skill set. They are hiring a person who will solve problems, work with a team, and add to the company culture.

Key Takeaways for a Skill-Focused Resume

As you build your resume, keep these main ideas in mind:

• Relevance is King: Always customize your skills section for the specific job. Look at the job description for keywords and needed skills. An ATS is your first obstacle, and relevance is the key to passing it.
• Quantify Everything Possible: Numbers tell a powerful story. Instead of saying you have "Project Management Skills," state that you "Managed a $50,000 project, delivering it 2 weeks ahead of schedule." This turns a vague claim into a real achievement.
• Balance is Essential: A resume with too many technical skills but no soft skills can seem one-sided. Likewise, a resume full of soft skills without hard evidence can seem weak. Aim for a healthy mix that shows both your technical ability and your people skills.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Include your skills throughout your resume, not just in one section. Weave them into your professional summary, your work experience bullet points, and even your education section. This creates a clear story of your abilities.

Knowing what skills to put on your resume is a huge step. The next step is to present them perfectly. You can build a professional, easy-to-read resume with our tools at https://www.gainrep.com/resumes. Your resume should highlight your strengths and match the job you want. Creating the perfect document can take time, and starting from scratch can be hard.

Your Actionable Next Steps

With this knowledge, your path is clear. First, make a list of your personal skills. Create a master list of all your abilities from every role and project. Next, for each job application, study the job description. Create a tailored version of your resume that directly matches the employer's needs.

A great resume gets you noticed. But applying to jobs is still a lot of work. To speed up your search, consider how technology can help. The modern job market moves quickly. Efficiency is a big advantage. You can apply to jobs automatically with our AI tool at https://www.gainrep.com/ai-auto-apply. By combining a powerful resume with an efficient application strategy, you can take control of your career path.

Final Thought: Your resume is your professional story. The skills you list are the chapter titles. They guide the reader through your journey and prove you are the hero they need for their team's next chapter. Choose them wisely.

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