When seeking jobs, I've noticed how crucial it is to highlight your strengths in the skills section of your resume. Many people overlook this or aren't sure which skills are appropriate for the job they're applying for. This can make or break your chances of landing an interview. So, what are the best skills for a resume?
In this guide, I'll walk you through an often overlooked aspect of drafting a resume: showcasing your skill set effectively and aligning it with the role you're aiming for. Drawing on years of experience from both sides of the hiring table, I'll share insights on the best skills to include and practical tips to help you craft a standout resume that secures that coveted interview.
Best Hard Skills for a Resume
Hard skills are those specific, teachable abilities that you can easily define and measure. Think of them as the technical know-how you’ve gained through school, training programs, and hands-on work. These are the skills that can be tested, like knowing how to use certain software, perform complex calculations, or operate machinery. When you list these skills on your resume, you’re showing potential employers that you have the concrete capabilities required to do the job.
1.Data Analysis
Details: The ability to collect, process, and analyze data to derive meaningful insights.
Advantages: Helps in making informed business decisions, identifying trends, and improving processes.
Suitable Positions: Data Analyst, Business Analyst, Market Researcher.
2.Programming
Details: Proficiency in coding languages such as Python, Java, or C++ to develop software and applications.
Advantages: Essential for software development, troubleshooting, and optimizing code performance.
Suitable Positions: Software Developer, Web Developer, Systems Engineer.
3.Design Skills
Details: Expertise in graphic design, UI/UX design, and using design software like Adobe Creative Suite.
Advantages: Enhances the visual appeal of products, websites, and marketing materials.
Suitable Positions: Graphic Designer, UX/UI Designer, Art Director.
4.Financial Modeling
Details: Creating numerical representations of business operations for analysis and forecasting.
Advantages: Aids in financial planning, valuation, and investment decisions.
Suitable positions: Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Accountant, Business Consultant
5.Project Management
Details: Ability to plan, execute, and oversee projects to ensure they are completed on time and within budget.
Advantages: Improves efficiency, ensures project success, and enhances team collaboration.
Suitable Positions: Project Manager, Operations Manager, Product Manager.
6.Cloud Computing
Details: Knowledge of cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
Advantages: Facilitates scalable and flexible IT infrastructure management.
Suitable positions: Cloud Architect, DevOps Engineer, Systems Administrator, IT Manager
7.Database Management
Details: Proficiency in SQL and database systems like Oracle, MySQL, or MongoDB.
Advantages: Enables efficient data storage, retrieval, and management.
Suitable positions: Database Administrator, Data Engineer, Backend Developer, IT Consultant
8.Foreign Languages
Details: Fluency in one or more foreign languages.
Advantages: Enhances communication in a globalized market, supports international business operations.
Suitable Positions: Translator, International Sales Representative, Diplomat.
9.Machine Learning
Details: Knowledge of algorithms, data structures, and model training for AI development.
Advantages: Drives innovation in technology, automates processes, and enhances decision-making.
Suitable Positions: Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist, AI Specialist.
10.Cybersecurity
Details: Skills in protecting systems, networks, and data from cyber threats.
Advantages: Ensures data integrity, prevents breaches, and maintains organizational security.
Suitable Positions: Cybersecurity Analyst, IT Security Manager, Network Administrator.
Best Soft Skills for a Resume
Soft skills, on the other hand, are more about how you interact with others and manage your own behavior. These are traits like being a good communicator, working well in a team, or having the ability to think creatively. Unlike hard skills, they’re not as easy to measure, but they’re just as important. Soft skills are what help you work effectively with colleagues, handle stress, and navigate the day-to-day challenges of a workplace. Including these on your resume highlights that you’re not just technically proficient but also a well-rounded individual who can thrive in any work environment.
1.Communication
Details: Ability to convey information clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Advantages: Enhances team collaboration, client relationships, and overall workplace efficiency.
Suitable positions: Public Relations Specialist, Sales Representative, Customer Service Representative, Manager
2.Teamwork
Details: Capacity to work effectively with others towards a common goal.
Advantages: Improves productivity, fosters a positive work environment, and enhances problem-solving.
Suitable positions: Team Leader, Project Coordinator, Human Resources Specialist, Collaborative Researcher
3.Adaptability
Details: Ability to adjust to new conditions, challenges, or environments quickly and effectively.
Advantages: Enables resilience in fast-paced or changing industries, improves problem-solving.
Suitable positions: Startup Employee, Consultant, Freelancer, Change Management Specialist
4.Critical Thinking
Details: Ability to analyze information objectively and make reasoned judgments.
Advantages: Enhances decision-making, problem-solving, and strategic planning.
Suitable positions: Business Analyst, Lawyer, Researcher, Executive
5.Creativity
Details: Ability to think originally and develop innovative ideas or solutions.
Advantages: Drives innovation, problem-solving, and competitive advantage.
Suitable positions: Marketing Strategist, Product Designer, Entrepreneur, Artist
6.Leadership
Details: Ability to guide, motivate, and influence others towards achieving goals.
Advantages: Improves team performance, drives organizational success, and fosters employee development.
Suitable positions: Manager, Team Lead, Executive, Entrepreneur
7.Time Management
Details: Ability to organize tasks and work efficiently to meet deadlines.
Advantages: Increases productivity, reduces stress, and improves work-life balance.
Suitable positions: Project Manager, Administrative Assistant, Freelancer, Event Planner
8.Adaptability
Details: Ability to adjust to new conditions and handle change effectively.
Advantages: Enhances resilience, supports continuous learning and growth.
Suitable Positions: Startup Employee, Project Manager, Consultant.
9.Problem-Solving
Details: Ability to identify issues, develop solutions, and implement effective resolutions.
Advantages: Enhances efficiency, drives innovation, and improves customer satisfaction.
Suitable positions: Engineer, IT Specialist, Business Consultant, Customer Service Manager
10.Attention to Detail
Details: Ability to achieve thoroughness and accuracy when accomplishing tasks.
Advantages: Improves quality of work, reduces errors, and enhances overall performance.
Suitable positions: Quality Assurance Specialist, Editor, Accountant, Research Analyst
How to List Skills for a Resume? 5 Steps!
Listing down skills in your resume is mandatory, but what job seekers often forget is listing the right skills for the job, the overall presentation of the resume, and its clarity. So in this section, we will be covering how to research top skills for a particular role and how to list these skills on your resume.
Step 1: Research the Company - AIPal
When creating your resume, the first question that should come to mind is, "What skills should I include on my resume?". It's crucial to research the company you're applying to. Learn about their values, culture, and mission statement. This helps you tailor your resume to their specific needs and interests. For example, if you're applying for a job as an accountant, computer engineer, or credit manager, pay attention to the keywords in the job description and qualifications.
Extract these keywords using tools like AIPal, a user-friendly Chrome extension. This tool not only helps with various tasks but also excels in keyword extraction for your resume. By aligning your resume with the keywords employers are searching for, you significantly increase your chances of getting noticed.
To identify the right skills, job seekers can simply use AIPal,
Let's assume the position you are wishing to apply for has a job post on LinkedIn.
Step 1: Simply copy the entire job post and open the AIPal Chrome extension.
Step 2: Make sure you are in AIPal chat mode by clicking on the "Chat" tab.
Step 3: With a simple prompt, you can ask AIPal to extract all the top soft and hard skills the employer is looking for. Here is a prompt example that could help you extract keywords:
Prompt: Here is a job post for a [Job Title]. Extract and create separate lists of hard skills and soft skills keywords mentioned in this job post.
Step 4: Copy this list of keywords and keep them safe. We will be using these keywords in the next steps to create the skill list for your resume.
Step 2: Choose a Template
Now that you have a clear understanding of what the employer is looking for, it’s time to choose the right resume template. I highly recommend WPS Office for this purpose. Their extensive selection of professionally designed templates offers a variety of styles to suit different needs. Additionally, with WPS Writer's built-in word processing capabilities, you can easily edit and format your resume, ensuring it looks polished and professional.
Let's take a look at how we can access WPS Office resume templates:
Step 1: Launch WPS Office on your system, and click on the "New" tab on the left side pane.
Step 2: Next, click on the "All" tab and use the search bar to search for resume templates.
Step 3: With plenty of options to choose from, click on the resume template that appeals to you the most and fulfills your purpose.
Step 4: Preview the resume template, look at the different sections it accommodates, and then click on "Download" to start editing and creating your own resume.
WPS Office offers a wide range of customizable templates. A well-chosen template can give your resume a professional look and help you stand out from the crowd. Users can also utilize the Resume Master within WPS Templates to create a new resume from scratch, customizing the sections they wish to add or remove according to their requirements.
Step 3: Self-assessment
This step is crucial for identifying your most relevant skills. Here's how to conduct a thorough self-assessment:
1.Make a comprehensive list of all your skills:
First of all, make a list of all the skills you possess. These can be:
Hard skills
Soft skills
Technical abilities
Certifications
You are the best judge of your own abilities, so ensure that your skills genuinely reflect your strengths. Avoid listing skills you are unsure about, as this could lead to embarrassment during interviews or on the job. Only include skills you are highly confident in.
2.Compare your list with the job description:
Next, compare your list of skills with the keywords extracted using AIPal. If you’ve saved this list in a spreadsheet tool like WPS Spreadsheet, this process will be much smoother. You can easily highlight the job-required skills that directly align with your own expertise.
3.Identify the most relevant skills:
Focus on the skills that have a direct impact on the job you're applying for. Narrow down your list to the top five skills that will make you stand out as the best candidate for the role. Prioritize quality over quantity; a well-curated list of highly relevant skills is more valuable than a lengthy list of unrelated abilities.
Step 4: Organize Skills on Your Resume
Once you have identified the relevant skills, organize them in a proper format on your resume. Here are some tips:
Edit the skills section to highlight the most relevant skills.
Use keywords from the job description to make your resume stand out.
Add brief and specific descriptions of your experiences that demonstrate these skills.
Consider using images or icons to make your resume visually appealing.
Step 5: Review and Revise
Finally, review and revise your resume to ensure it is clear and error-free. Carefully proofread to avoid any mistakes, and make use of WPS AI’s spell check feature to ensure your resume is flawless. If you’re applying for different positions, customize your resume for each application by emphasizing the skills most relevant to each specific job.
Your resume is a dynamic document that should be updated as your career progresses. Regularly revising and improving it is important. Highlighting relevant skills is key to landing an interview for the job you're applying for, and customizing your resume shows your enthusiasm for the position. By following this step-by-step guide on what skills to put on your CV, you'll be better equipped to create a targeted and effective resume. If you need a refresher on any of the steps, just revisit this tutorial.
Examples for Popular Positions
Let's take a look at some example skill sets for popular positions, along with explanations of why these skills are relevant for each role:
1.Example #1: Marketing Manager
Hard Skills | Soft Skills |
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As a Marketing Manager, you're the driving force behind a company's brand presence. Your hard skills in digital marketing and analytics help you craft data-driven strategies, while your soft skills in communication and leadership ensure your team executes them flawlessly. The most successful Marketing Managers blend creativity with analytical thinking, adapting quickly to market trends while maintaining a clear vision for the brand. | |
2.Example #2: Software Developer
Hard Skills | Soft Skills |
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Great Software Developers are more than just coding wizards. While hard skills in programming languages and development tools are crucial, soft skills often determine how well you can turn those technical abilities into real-world solutions. Problem-solving skills help tackle complex challenges, while teamwork and communication abilities ensure smooth collaboration in agile environments. | |
3.Example #3: Project Manager
Hard Skills | Soft Skills |
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As a Project Manager, you're the glue that holds teams and projects together. Hard skills in project management tools and methodologies provide the framework, but soft skills truly make projects succeed. Strong communication skills can prevent misunderstandings, and adaptability can save a project when unexpected challenges arise. The ability to lead and organize is what turns a group of individuals into a high-performing team. | |
4.Example #4: Customer Service Representative
Hard Skills | Soft Skills |
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In Customer Service, soft skills often take center stage. While proficiency in CRM software and quick typing are important, the ability to communicate clearly and empathize with customers truly sets you apart. Patience when dealing with frustrated clients and problem-solving skills when tackling unique issues are what turn a good customer experience into a great one. | |
5.Example #5: Data Analyst
Hard Skills | Soft Skills |
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As a Data Analyst, you're the translator between raw data and actionable insights. Hard skills in statistical analysis and programming are your foundation, allowing you to crunch numbers and create compelling visualizations. Soft skills transform those insights into value for the business. Critical thinking helps you ask the right questions, while communication skills ensure that your findings are understood and implemented by non-technical team members. | |
6.Example #6: Financial Analyst
Hard Skills | Soft Skills |
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Financial Analysts evaluate financial data to help businesses make informed decisions. They need strong analytical skills to interpret data and excellent communication skills to present their findings clearly. | |
7.Example #7: Graphic Designer
Hard Skills | Soft Skills |
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Graphic Designers create visual content for various media, requiring proficiency in design software and a strong sense of aesthetics. They also need to manage their time effectively and communicate their ideas clearly to clients and team members. | |
Using WPS AI to Perfect your Resume
When it comes to crafting your resume, WPS AI is unmatched with its advanced features. It offers an extensive selection of templates, a Resume Master tool, and an AI assistant that provides valuable insights into various job roles. For me, WPS AI is a true game-changer in resume creation. Its powerful language capabilities and innovative tools make it an exceptional choice for anyone looking to make a standout impression in the job market.
1.Give Some Templates:
WPS AI is a fantastic overall AI assistant; you can even ask it to provide a template specific to your job role. With a simple prompt, WPS AI can generate a resume template tailored to your job specifications, which you can easily edit or format for your needs.
2.Check the Grammar and Syntax:
WPS AI can also help you polish your resume by checking for grammar, punctuation, and syntax errors. Ensuring your resume is clear and error-free enhances its readability and makes a great impression on potential employers.
3.Learn About Job Descriptions
Use WPS AI to get detailed information about job descriptions. Simply prompt it with "Write a job description about a data analyst", and WPS AI will provide insights on qualifications, job roles, benefits, and more. You can also adjust the prompt to get specific skills required to plan your career effectively.
FAQs:
1. How many skills should I include on my resume?
When deciding how many skills to include on your resume, consider hard and soft skills relevant to your industry and the job you're applying for. Generally, it's advisable to list up to 10 skills in your skills section. Additionally, you can incorporate other relevant skills throughout your resume, such as in the summary and experience sections, to provide a comprehensive view of your qualifications. This approach ensures your resume remains focused and effectively demonstrates your suitability for the role.
2. What are some good skills for a resume if I have no experience?
If you lack work experience, you can still build a compelling resume by emphasizing your skills. Include key skills such as:
Innovative Thinking: Demonstrates creativity and the ability to generate new ideas.
Team Leadership: Exhibits capability to motivate and manage others effectively.
Detail-oriented: Shows meticulousness and a focus on high-quality work.
Effective Communication: Clearly conveys information and interacts well with others.
Ability to Learn Quickly: Quickly acquires new knowledge and adapts to new challenges.
Public Speaking: Confidently presents ideas and communicates in front of groups.
Time Management: Effectively schedules and prioritizes tasks to ensure deadlines are met.
These skills, along with your educational background and involvement in extracurricular or volunteer activities, can effectively showcase your capabilities and potential to employers.
3. Should I prioritize hard skills or soft skills on my resume?
Both hard and soft skills are essential for a strong resume. Tailor your resume to the specific job by highlighting the most relevant skills for effectiveness. Focus on your hard skills in the technical skills section and provide examples of their application in your work experience. In the qualifications or summary section, underscore your soft skills and demonstrate their impact on your previous successes. A balanced presentation of both skill types will showcase your qualifications effectively and align your resume with the job requirements and employer expectations.
Showcase Your Skills for Success
In today’s job market, having the right skills is crucial—often even more so than a degree. Unfortunately, many job seekers overlook this key aspect—What are the best skills for a resume. Resumes need to be updated regularly and customized for each job role. And at the same time, the presentation of your resume is just as important as the content. This is where WPS Office shines, offering professional templates and a Resume Master feature that creates perfectly formatted resumes with just your input and template choice. No more formatting headaches—just polished, impressive resumes. Ready to craft a standout resume? Download WPS Office today and let your skills shine!
