85 Key Skills to Put on a Resume in 2026: Tips & Examples

While the resume summary and work experience section are essential parts of a resume, so are the skills you include on the document. Resume writing has to take into consideration the top skills a hiring manager will be impressed to see. It’s another way to share why you’re a great candidate for a position with people at the company.

Even knowing that it is essential to include your skills, it can be challenging to decide which to add, which to exclude, how many to incorporate, and more. This guide will delve into each of those topics to help you build the best resume possible. In addition, we’ll share position-specific skills, general skills, and more.

Why Add Skills to Your Resume?

Are you wondering, “Why do I need job skills for a resume?” There are several reasons that it’s a common practice on modern resumes. First, if nothing else, it’s considered best practice, so most hiring managers expect to see it. However, it isn’t always required to follow all the rules, so you may want to know what other reasons skills are helpful.

One reason is that many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to collect, organize, and search resumes. Some systems help recruiters identify applicants using job-related keywords, including relevant skills. Including accurate skills from the job description can make your qualifications easier to find, although not every ATS automatically screens or rejects candidates. Here’s how to make your resume ATS-friendly.

Even after the resume hits a hiring manager’s desk, skills are helpful. If you include skills related to a job description, it shows that you have the abilities for the job. In addition, items that might not fit in other sections of the resume can be added to skills to make you come off as well-rounded and show precisely what you are capable of.

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Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills: Examples of Skills to Put on a Resume

Recruiters and hiring managers often look for a combination of hard and soft skills. Hard skills are specific abilities developed through education, training, and practical experience. They are usually measurable or demonstrable and may be required to perform particular job responsibilities.

Examples of hard skills for a resume include:

• Programming and coding
• Microsoft Excel and data analysis
• Graphic design
• Foreign language proficiency
• Bookkeeping and accounting
• Plumbing and equipment maintenance
• Technical writing

Soft skills describe how you communicate, collaborate, approach challenges, and manage your work. They are often transferable across industries and can be developed through professional and personal experience.

Examples of soft skills for a resume include:

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Empathy
• Adaptability
• Leadership
• Active listening
• Problem-solving

To identify your strongest skills, make two lists: one for the technical abilities you've learned and another for the interpersonal and professional qualities you've demonstrated. Consider your education, certifications, work experience, and achievements when deciding what belongs in each category.

Deciding What Skills to List on Your Resume: How to Choose the Right Ones?

Even knowing you need to list skills, you may wonder exactly what skills to put on your resume. This section will help you better understand the best skills to put on the professional document. You can go through all your skills to determine which are good resume skills and which are not. Below are a few tips to help you decide which skills to include on a resume.

Consideration #1: Ensure Your Skills are Relevant to the Position

Of the skills to list on a resume, you want only the most relevant. After you make a list of skills and put them on paper – you need to go through them. Think about each one and how it pertains to the job. If the skill has nothing to do with the position, you should not add it. Instead, add something in its place that has a bit more relevance.

For example, someone working in finance might prioritize number skills and time management skills. However, someone applying to be a teacher might focus on teaching-related soft skills, certifications, and related things. After you make sure the skills on your list relate to the job, you can move forward.

Consideration #2: Group Skills into Categories

When you’re questioning what skills to put on a resume, make groupings for them so you can think about them by category. This can help you ensure you only add skills that matter and don’t state something several times in the process. For example, you can group the skills in terms of soft skills vs. hard skills or categorize them by type of skill, such as communication skills, technical skills, etc.

Start by writing down the relevant skills you have, whether on paper or in Word or Google Docs. Then, organize them into categories so you have an idea of where all the skills fit. When you choose the final skills for the resume, select some from each category to show how versatile and capable you are.

Consideration #3: Match Your Resume Skills to the Job Description

Another tip when it comes to creating an excellent skills section is to read through the job listing. Read it a few times and choose skills that are mentioned in the job description and/or relevant to what you would be doing if you were hired. Many skills will be stated explicitly in the ad, but sometimes you may need to look for hints about skills, too.

So look for comments about the duties and determine what skills are related to them. Then, search your list of professional skills to see what matches up. Both explicit and hidden skills are essential to show that you can handle the rigors of the position. It also shows that you can read between the lines and understand the position well.

As you review the job description, separate the required skills from those described as preferred or desirable. Prioritize the requirements you genuinely meet, then include additional relevant abilities that could strengthen your application.

Be specific when naming your skills. For example, if the employer requests advanced Microsoft Excel abilities, listing "pivot tables, formulas, and data visualization" is more informative than simply writing "computer skills," provided you have experience using those features.

If you're missing a required skill, don't claim to have it. Instead, highlight closely related abilities and explain your willingness to learn in your cover letter or interview.

Consideration #4: Speak with Industry Professionals

If you still aren’t sure which skills to put on a resume for a particular job, it may be worth speaking to a professional in the same field. Talk to someone who has or is working in a position similar to the one you are interested in. This person can likely tell you which skills are the most essential. See which you have and make sure to use them.

At the same time, even if you know a skill is valuable, you shouldn’t place it on a resume unless you are experienced with it. If you’re starting to learn the skill, you don’t have to add it simply because it’s on the job description or a professional mentions it. If you move on to an interview and the skill is brought up, you can explain where you are in the learning process and how you are improving your abilities.

How to List Skills on a Resume: Formatting the Resume Skills Section

The number of skills you choose to add to your resume will vary. If you have a considerable number, make sure you spread them out in places like the experience section and resume summary. (Check out these excellent resume summary examples to help with that!) The other specific skills should be listed in the resume skills section. But remember that you will have limited space to do so.

Your resume skills section should be concise, relevant, and easy to scan. Use a clear heading such as "Skills," "Key Skills," or "Technical Skills," followed by a short bullet list or grouped categories. If you have several technical abilities, you can organize them by type rather than placing everything in one long list.

For example, a marketing applicant might format their skills section as follows:

Key Skills:

• Digital marketing: SEO, Google Analytics, email marketing
• Software: Microsoft Excel, Canva, Google Workspace
• Professional skills: Content planning, project coordination, communication

For most applications, selecting approximately six to ten relevant skills is a useful starting point, although the number depends on the role and your experience. Put the strongest, most relevant qualifications first.

Keep formatting simple and consistent. Avoid decorative skill-rating bars or graphics that can be difficult to interpret or may not display correctly in some applicant tracking systems.

Below is a resume skills example that you can use to get an idea of how this section is typically designed and placed on the page.

How to Demonstrate Your Skills on a Resume

Listing a skill is helpful, but showing how you've used it makes your resume more convincing. Employers may ask for evidence of the abilities you mention, so connect important skills to accomplishments, previous responsibilities, certifications, or projects.

For example, instead of simply listing "German language skills," you could mention that you communicated with German-speaking customers or supported international clients. If you have a relevant language qualification, include it when appropriate.

You can also demonstrate other skills through your experience:

• Communication: "Presented monthly project updates to a team of 15 colleagues."
• Organization: "Coordinated schedules for five employees while managing multiple deadlines."
• Customer service: "Resolved customer inquiries and maintained positive relationships with returning clients."

Recent graduates can use academic projects, volunteer work, and part-time jobs to provide similar evidence. For instance, working regularly as a babysitter can demonstrate reliability and responsibility, while contributing to a student newspaper can support claims about writing and editing abilities.

Use measurable results when available, and be ready to discuss your examples during an interview. For more guidance, read our article on how to describe work experience on a resume.

15 Must-Have Resume Skills for Most Common Jobs

When it comes to examples of skills for a resume, a lot of it comes down to the type of job and industry the role is based in. For instance, you wouldn’t list the same skills on an engineer resume as you might for a marketing resume. However, in some cases, there are good skills to have on a resume for any job, which we’ll delve into later.

Below, you’ll find skills for resume examples based on common positions. You’ll learn more about good skills to have on a resume so you can make a list that you’re sure fits the position. Each of the examples below will highlight examples of skills for a resume and why those skills are vital.

Advertising & Marketing

If the resume is for a job posting in advertising and marketing, you must show that you can take a product and make it seem like the best thing in the world. Many skills are helpful in marketing, but a few are extra relevant. Of course, the actual position will dictate the right skills to include, whether graphic design, research, or something else.

• Calendar Management Skills: Whether you do marketing on social media like LinkedIn or your skills lie somewhere else, advertising and marketing are time-sensitive positions. Knowing when things have to be done and making sure they are completed is crucial. You should be organized and capable of flipping between tasks as needed based on priority.
• Data Analysis Skills: Data analysis is vital in several jobs, but none is more essential than marketing. A considerable part of a marketing job involves analyzing metrics and determining how to make changes based on that data. Having knowledge of data analysis is something employers want to see for this specific job. It’s a valuable skill to include.
• SEO & SEM Skills: Depending on the type of job, you may be expected to have SEO skills, SEM skills, or both. SEO focuses on improving a website's visibility in organic search results, while SEM commonly refers to paid search advertising. If you have experience with keyword research, on-page optimization, Google Ads, or search performance analysis, include the relevant skills on your resume.

Technical & Engineering

If your job search involves the technical or engineering fields, you want to show that you can handle that work without a problem. In addition, you’ll want to show that you understand the technology used in the position, are capable of making good decisions, can troubleshoot, and have some writing skills to stand out.

• Programming Languages Skills: If you know programming languages such as JavaScript, Python, or Java, highlight the ones relevant to the position. You can also list related web development skills such as HTML and CSS when appropriate. Showing a hiring manager which languages, technologies, and tools you've used helps demonstrate your technical qualifications.
• Troubleshooting & Decision Making Skills: Another of the required skills for a tech or engineering work environment is troubleshooting. This also leads to the ability to make decisions on your own using logic. In addition, the work experience in these jobs often involves making changes based on new information, so these types of skills make it clear you can excel in the position.
• Adaptability Skills: One of the most crucial skills for tech and engineering is adaptability. In tech and engineering, you have to be capable of flexibility. Problem-solving and a dynamic nature play into this type of skill. Showing you can use different approaches to reach a goal is something that can make you stand out from other applicants.

Nursing & Healthcare

Having a work history that speaks to a great work ethic is essential for nurses or other healthcare providers. However, the right skills are also going to be essential, and you want to be sure you show those on your resume. Of course, medical skills are the most important, but other things can be more vital than you might expect.

• Medical Skills: Everything from general nursing or medical skills to the ability to carry out wound dressing and work on patients with urgent needs is vital in healthcare. Whatever medical skills you’ve earned from education or work experience are something to focus on when you create a resume in this kind of position.
• Technical Skills: Many healthcare providers will also expect nurses and other professionals to have technical skills. You may need to do record-keeping on a computer, look up information for patient education, and take down the medical history of a patient. Being capable with computers and healthcare software is a huge benefit.
• Patient Care Skills: While this falls under general nursing skills, you do need to provide evidence that you can care for patients well. This could simply be through knowing how to take vital signs and perform phlebotomy, or it could mean you have experience with medication administration, use of scans, glucose checks, and more.

Retail, Customer Service, and Sales

Sales, retail, and customer service are all different jobs – but many of them make use of the same kinds of skills. All of these jobs involve working with customers, so anything related to that will be a boon for your resume. There are also other skills that might be less obvious that you should include on your resume.

• Teamwork Skills: When you fill out a job application, a hiring manager wants to know you can work well with others. Many retail, sales, and customer service jobs involve working with others on a team, even if it’s only part of the time. Showing that you can collaborate and work with others is a soft skill that is worth noting on a resume.
• People Skills: As you might guess, an immense skill set not to ignore is people skills. You should highlight any customer service skills you have for this sort of position. Focusing on interpersonal skills is an excellent way to ensure you show you’re qualified for one of these positions. Try to weave these abilities throughout the entire resume.
• Sales Skills: In a sales job, clearly, skills related to getting people to buy things are essential. However, these skills can also be helpful for retail or customer support positions. There will be chances to get sales in these positions in many cases, and a manager who knows you have experience in that may be more likely to contact you.

Administrative & Office Jobs

The final common positions that we want to go over are office and administrative jobs. You need to have the skills employers want to get the best positions with top pay and excellent benefits. Offices may all be slightly different, but most jobs in them will be working with the same things. Make sure you note those on your resume.

• Microsoft Office Skills: Microsoft Office skills, such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, are often needed in administrative positions. However, placing these abilities on your resume can also show that you have general computer skills and won’t need that kind of training. An alternative is listing similar skills, like knowledge of Google Docs, Sheets, and other items.
• Project Management Skills: Depending on the office job you choose, some relevant skills will be used more or less than others. For example, a large number of those in administrative positions will be in the place of needing to handle project management, whether that’s heading up a company’s party planning or doing something in a specific department.
• Time Management Skills: One of the skills that fit office jobs and many others is time management skills. When you have a variety of projects to get done with different timelines and deadlines, you need to have a method of organizing things so they are completed. Therefore, listing time management skills shows you could be an asset to the job.

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Additional Skills for a Resume by Job Type

Not every position falls into the industries above. The skills you highlight should reflect the responsibilities of the job, whether you're applying to work in childcare, writing, or a skilled trade.

• Childcare and Education: Relevant skills may include child supervision, activity planning, communication with parents, patience, and time management. For example, previous babysitting experience can demonstrate reliability, responsibility, and the ability to manage daily routines.
• Writing and Editorial Jobs: Writing-related roles may require proofreading, research, editing, content management, and written communication. If you've contributed to a student newspaper, maintained a blog, or written articles for a publication, include those experiences to demonstrate your abilities.
• Skilled Trades and Maintenance: For jobs in plumbing, mechanical maintenance, or similar trades, employers may look for equipment operation, technical troubleshooting, safety procedures, and hands-on trade skills. Include relevant certifications, apprenticeships, and practical experience when applicable.

Looking for More Good Skills to Put on a Resume? Consult the Full List of Skills for Resumes

Now that you’ve seen our resume skills list for specific jobs, we want to look at transferable skills. These are the top skills that managers want to see on a resume of any kind. This section of our guide will focus on the major categories of skills and which skills are the most desirable by employers. We’ll delve into special skills for a resume that you might not think of yourself.

Basic Skills for a Resume: Examples for Entry-Level Jobs

If you're preparing your first resume or applying for an entry-level position, basic skills can help demonstrate your readiness for the workplace. These are practical abilities that may be useful across different industries.

Examples of basic skills for a resume include:

• Computer literacy: Using email, word processors, spreadsheets, and common workplace software.
• Basic math: Handling simple calculations, measurements, or transactions accurately.
• Written communication: Writing clear emails, instructions, and short reports.
• Reading comprehension: Understanding written instructions, policies, and procedures.
• Time management: Organizing daily responsibilities and meeting deadlines.

Select the skills that matter for the position and describe your proficiency accurately. For example, "Microsoft Excel: basic formulas and data entry" is more informative than a vague claim of having strong computer skills.

Communication Skills

• Foreign languages (Spanish, French, German, etc.)
• Public speaking
• Interpersonal communication
• Verbal communication
• Written communication
• Active listening
• Constructive criticism
• Nonverbal communication
• Presentations
• Corporate communication

Active Listening Skills

• Asking questions
• Clarifying questions
• Paraphrasing and summarizing
• Reflective listening
• Recognizing verbal and nonverbal cues
• Note-taking

Interpersonal Skills

• Patience
• Communication
• Leadership
• Empathy
• Flexibility

Time Management & Organizational Skills

• Task delegation
• Prioritization
• Focus
• Organization
• Goal setting
• Dependability
• Scheduling

Computer Skills

• Email management
• Word processing
• Spreadsheets
• Typing
• Programming languages
• Systems administration

Leadership Skills

• Team leadership
• Time management
• Ability to mentor and teach
• Team building
• Flexibility
• Risk assessment
• Decision-making
• Stress management
• Organization
• Conflict resolution
• Delegation
• Problem-solving

Customer Service Skills

• Reliability
• Active listening
• Problem-solving
• Empathy
• Interpersonal skills

Problem-Solving Skills

• Critical thinking
• Research
• Attention to detail
• Patience
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Creativity
• Analytical skills

Management Skills

• Team leadership
• Decision-making
• Team communication
• Project planning
• Task delegation

Transferable Skills

• Digital literacy
• Teamwork
• Creativity
• Leadership
• Empathy
• Basic numeracy

Final Points About the Best Skills to Add to Resume

Creating the best resume possible takes work, whether you work with a resume template, a resume builder, or build it on your own in word processing software. Learning how to make a resume is a good start before looking at templates, choosing a resume format, adding skills, and writing up a cover letter.

When it comes to the skills you should add, this article provides you with some great information to ensure your resume looks fantastic. After that, you can finish the resume and send it to an employer, knowing you did the best you could. Good luck out there!

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FAQs Related to the Skills Section of a Resume

What skills should you not put on a resume?

The skills you should avoid adding to a resume are those that don’t pertain to the job description. If the skill isn’t valuable, avoid adding it. Try to list only skills that you are the most experienced with. It’s also intelligent to have soft and hard skills on your resume.

What are individual skills?

Individual skills, sometimes called personal or soft skills, describe how you approach tasks, interact with others, and respond to challenges. Examples include dependability, adaptability, communication, empathy, and problem-solving. Unlike the original assumption that these skills cannot be taught, many can improve through training, practice, and experience.

What are employability skills for students?

For students entering the workforce, valuable employability skills include communication, teamwork, time management, problem-solving, basic computer literacy, and adaptability. Experience from school projects, volunteering, part-time jobs, and extracurricular activities can help demonstrate these skills on a resume.

How many skills should I list on my resume?

There is no fixed number, but around six to ten relevant skills is often a practical starting point. Prioritize the qualifications mentioned in the job description and avoid overcrowding your resume skills section with generic or repeated abilities. You can demonstrate additional skills through your work experience and professional summary.

What additional skills should I put on a resume?

Additional skills for a resume can include foreign languages, technical software knowledge, certifications, specialized equipment operation, or industry-specific abilities. Include them only when they are relevant to the position and add information beyond what you've already listed.

For example, a customer service applicant might add Spanish language proficiency, while an office administrator could highlight experience with Microsoft Excel or scheduling software.

Should I include both hard and soft skills in my resume skills section?

Yes, when both types are relevant to the role. Hard skills demonstrate your ability to perform specific tasks, such as data analysis or programming. Soft skills show how you communicate, collaborate, and solve problems. Prioritize the combination that best reflects the job requirements, and support your strongest skills with examples from your experience.