Important Skills to Put on Resume for a Strong Job Application

A strong resume is crucial for landing your dream job, and it all starts with the right skills. According to research, 70% of employers say that a candidate's skills are the most important factor in their hiring decision.

To make your resume stand out, you'll want to highlight a mix of hard and soft skills. For example, proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, is a highly sought-after skill in many industries.

In addition to technical skills, employers also value soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. A study found that 92% of employers believe that soft skills are just as important as technical skills.

By incorporating these essential skills into your resume, you'll be well on your way to making a strong impression on potential employers.

Resume skills are essential to showcase your abilities and fit for a job. Employers typically look for both hard and soft skills on a candidate's resume.

Hard skills include specific skills needed to perform the job, such as technological skills, field-specific education, or credentials related to the job. Soft skills, on the other hand, include personality attributes and interpersonal skills, such as communication skills, leadership qualities, stress management, and problem-solving abilities.

To organize your skills list, consider the job relevance, industry trends, and employer preferences. This will help you to prioritize the skills that are most important for the job and industry you're targeting.

Here are some commonly recommended skills to list on a resume:

You can also consider the top 20 skills to list on your resume, which include skills such as digital skills, data science skills, and business analysis skills.

Remember, the skills you choose to include on your resume should be tailored to the specific job and industry you're targeting.

Organization is not just about having a neat desk, but about having a tightly structured resume that showcases your organizational skills.

Having a well-organized resume is crucial because hiring managers look for employees who can keep their work organized and adjust quickly to the organizational structure of a company.

You want to market your organizational skills by showing how you approach a long to-do list and ensure your work is completed in a timely and adequate manner.

The ability to keep work organized allows employees to focus on different projects without getting disoriented or overwhelmed, increasing productivity and efficiency in the workplace.

To organize your skills list, consider ordering your skills strategically to make your resume easier to read and call attention to the right skills in the right place.

Our brains look for patterns, so a well-organized skill section will improve the aesthetics and help the hiring manager skim through it to find what they're looking for.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when organizing your skills list:

Your skills list shouldn't be at the top of your resume, but rather beneath the summary paragraph. This is because the first things on your resume should be your contact information, headline, and summary paragraph.

However, you can put your skills list at the top of your resume if you have a strong set of skills that directly align with the job requirements. This is an effective technique to call immediate attention to some key selling points.

Here's what a skills list at the top of your resume would look like:

Innovative and ambitious executive-level management professional offering extensive experience and an accomplishments-driven career in sales, marketing and operations, and key account management. Leverages an entrepreneurial spirit to orchestrate tactical business plans that challenge the status quo, allowing for reformation of process. Intuitive business acumen and skilled strategist who uses the most up-to-date business practices to create, implement, and oversee business continuity. Naturally assumes leadership roles to oversee and achieve organizational success.

Business Development • Executive Leadership • Strategic Business Planning • Data Analysis • Team Training & Development • Policy & Procedure Development • Marketing & Territory Expansion • Procurement, Sourcing, & Negotiation • Relationship-Selling • Customer Relations

This resume example actually has two skills lists. One just beneath the title and then the regular one beneath the summary paragraph. It's an effective way to separate out the skills that are most important – the specialized abilities that you want to call immediate attention to.

If you do put your skills list at the top of your resume, the skills listed beneath the title should only be one to two lines max.

In today's digital age, having the right digital skills on your resume can make all the difference. Most jobs require computer skills, including experience with video meeting software, project management programs, and other company-related software.

To get noticed by potential employers, be specific about your digital skills. Instead of listing broad categories like "familiarity with accounting software", list specific proficiency statements like "QuickBooks, Quicken, Sage, and Xero."

Some key digital skills to highlight include SEO, PPC, CRM, Google Analytics, project management systems, and proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java, or HTML.

In today's fast-paced work environment, flexibility is a highly valued trait. Many organizations and industries covet employees who are dynamic and adaptable to every situation.

Employers need workers who can think on their feet and quickly change course if an unexpected situation arises. This means being able to use a variety of methods and approaches in different circumstances to get the best end result.

Flexibility and adaptability skills are essential to being successful in the digital age. These skills have become some of the most important skills for a resume in recent years.

Being able to adapt to new situations and roles is crucial in the ever-changing workplace. Employers expect workers to master something unfamiliar, and they need to be able to handle it with ease.

As a digital marketing specialist, you'll want to highlight a range of skills to impress potential employers. Hard skills like SEO, PPC, CRM, Google Analytics, and project management systems are essential for the job.

Creativity is also a must-have for digital marketing specialists. It's about thinking outside the box and coming up with innovative solutions to problems. Employers want employees who can think creatively and bring fresh perspectives to projects.

Attention to detail is crucial in digital marketing, as small mistakes can have big consequences. You should be able to juggle multiple tasks and prioritize your work effectively.

Here are some key skills to include on your resume:

Remember, creativity is a highly sought-after skill set in digital marketing. It can be used to create tangible marketing pieces, solve problems, and bring fresh perspectives to projects.

Digital skills are no longer a luxury, but a necessity in today's digital workforce. Most jobs require computer skills, including experience with video meeting software, project management programs, and other company-related software.

Having a proven track record of digital skills on a resume can give you a significant boost in the hiring process. Employers would rather hire someone who knows how to efficiently navigate their emails, spreadsheets, and internal software than someone who spends twice as long doing it.

Digital skills can be broken down into specific technical proficiencies, such as SEO, PPC, CRM, and Google Analytics. These skills are essential for digital marketing specialists, who need to stay up-to-date with the latest tools and technologies.

Some roles that require digital skills include DevOps Engineer, Technical Project Manager, and Senior Software Engineer. These professionals need to be tech-savvy and consistently keep up with emerging technologies.

Here are some specific digital skills that are valuable to list on a resume:

These skills are essential for digital marketing specialists, and can also be beneficial for other roles that involve working with technology.

Being bilingual can be a great hard skill and set you apart from your competition. It's common to need someone with fluency in another language to help customers or clients, so play up this skill on your resume.

In a globalized, connected working world, being able to speak more than one language is a skill that you should definitely include on your resume. This makes you highly valuable in the job market.

Some roles that require you to speak other languages include International HR Director, Foreign Exchange Investment Banker, and some Teacher roles.

Analytical skills are essential for any profession, and employers want to see them on a resume. Data analysis is a key aspect of analytical skills, and it involves interpreting raw data to draw actionable insights. This skill is adaptable across industries and can be easily backed by quantifiable data.

Some roles that require an understanding of data analysis include Data Scientist, Marketing Consultant, and Senior Accountant. Employers value candidates who can think quickly to solve problems, and including times when you've identified issues, developed solutions, and implemented effective strategies can be a great way to showcase this skill.

Critical thinking is another important analytical skill that involves using knowledge, facts, and data to effectively solve workplace problems. Employers want workers who can think through a problem or a project and determine the best steps needed. Critical thinking comes up with new and better ways to work, making it an invaluable skill to put on a resume.

To demonstrate critical thinking skills, you can highlight instances where you've analyzed information, evaluated situations objectively, and made well-informed decisions. Employers value critical thinking in a broad range of job postings, and it's a sought-after quality in job candidates.

Here are some roles that require critical thinking:

Data analysis and critical thinking are just two aspects of analytical skills. Employers also look for attention to detail, problem-solving, time management, and adaptability in their candidates.

Employers value job seekers and employees who are committed to ongoing education and skill development, with some even providing in-house professional development courses to support continuous learning.

Some roles that prioritize continuous learning include Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Electrical Engineer, and Mechanical Engineer.

To showcase your commitment to continuous learning, be sure to include relevant keywords in your profile paragraph and throughout your resume.

Interpreting a job description is crucial to creating a winning resume. This involves carefully dissecting the description to learn what skills and qualifications the hiring manager is looking for.

Pay attention to the "requirements" and "qualifications" bullets, as they contain the majority of the keywords your resume needs to include. The goal is to ensure your resume speaks to the specific job, impressing the hiring manager.

To do this, identify the keywords in each bullet point, such as "client relationships", "client records and contract renewals", "sales plans and KPIs", and "product offerings, customer needs, and upsell." These keywords are often hidden in plain sight, but they're essential for getting noticed.

Ask yourself if you have the skills to back up these keywords, and if the answer is yes, then they're some of the skills to put on your resume. Tailoring your resume to each job is key, and it's not just about highlighting your skills, but also being relevant to the specific job.

For instance, if you're applying to be a Floor Manager at a store that sells musical instruments, your proficiency with inventory management and your ability to play guitar would both be relevant for the job.

Self-motivation is a crucial aspect of career development. Employers love to see engaged and motivated employees that go above and beyond.

Do you ask your manager if there is anything else you can be helping with once you’re done with your usual responsibilities? This shows that you're proactive and willing to take on more.

Self-motivation shows you are willing to give that little bit extra above the status quo and other candidates. It's a quality that many employers look for in their employees.

Some roles that value a commitment to continuous learning also value self-motivation. These include Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Electrical Engineer, and Mechanical Engineer.

If you're looking for the next step in your career, consider exploring positions that value self-motivation and continuous learning.

As you tailor your resume to a specific job, remember that your skills aren't limited to a skills list. You can include hard, soft, adaptive, and transferable skills throughout your entire resume.

Your master list of abilities should be scattered throughout your resume, not just confined to a single section. This helps your resume stand out and makes it easier for hiring managers to see your qualifications.

Including keywords from the job description in your profile paragraph is a great idea. This is where you can highlight your relevant skills and experience.

Your resume should be more than just a list of skills, it's a showcase of your abilities and experience.

In your career development journey, one of the most important sections of your resume is your work experience. This is where you showcase your achievements and skills to potential employers.

The key is to make your work experience section stand out, and that can be done by incorporating future-facing keywords into your historical work experience. For example, if you've closed multi-million-dollar deals in high-end neighborhoods, you can highlight this by using keywords like "leveraging MLS for property exposure."

A well-crafted work experience bullet can make a big difference in grabbing the attention of hiring managers. Take this example: "Closed 5 multi-million-dollar property sales per month by leveraging MLS for property exposure." This bullet not only mentions your achievement but also includes a keyword that shows your skills and expertise.

By following this example, you can make your work experience section more compelling and increase your chances of getting noticed by potential employers.

Incorporating the right skills on your resume can make all the difference in landing an interview. To start, it's essential to understand the difference between hard and soft skills. Hard skills are technical skills that can be quantified, such as programming, accounting, or basic computer skills.

Employers often give preference to those with solid soft skills, which are more about your personality and how you interact with others. Examples of soft skills include teamwork, communication, and adaptability.

Tailoring your skills section to the specific role and industry you're targeting is crucial. Some skills that are gaining attention in the current job market include digital skills and data science skills. These skills can be valuable additions to your resume, but make sure to only include relevant ones.

Here are some hard skills that are often valuable to include on a resume, organized by industry:

Remember, it's essential to only include skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for, and to be honest about your abilities.

Soft skills are the unsung heroes of professional skills. They're the qualities that make you a joy to work with, and employers love to see them on a resume.

Effective communication is a fundamental skill required for almost every type of job. Communication skills include being able to articulate your ideas clearly and listening to others while understanding their perspective.

Listening is also an important communication skill. Employers report that the average entry-level candidate struggles with knowing how to listen carefully. They may not immediately process essential instructions or be able to understand how their tasks relate to the overall goals of the organization.

Interpersonal skills, more casually known as people skills, essentially describe the ways in which you communicate and interact with people. To recruiters, interpersonal skills prove one of the top criteria used to evaluate candidates.

Some roles that require good teamwork include:

Being able to de-escalate situations with irate clients by demonstrating empathy and clearly defining options for a resolution means you're probably good at conflict management.

Here are some examples of soft skills that are valuable in the workplace:

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Conflict resolution

• Emotional intelligence

• Adaptability

• Flexibility

• Leadership

• Customer service

These soft skills are essential for success in any profession, and employers want to see them on a resume. By highlighting your soft skills, you can show potential employers that you're a valuable asset to their team.

Having strong professional skills is crucial for career advancement and success. Good communication skills are essential for every job, and it's not just about saying you're a good communicator, but also demonstrating it through active listening and articulating complex concepts.

Some roles that require great communication skills include Sales Representative, Public Relations, and Nurse Practitioner. These professionals need to be able to convey their ideas clearly and effectively.

Sales success is not just about having a great product or service, but also mastering specific skills. In the fast-paced world of sales, active listening is key to understanding customers' needs and selling the right product or service.

Some roles that require sales and upselling skills include Marketing Manager, Consulting Manager, and Real Estate Manager. These professionals need to be able to meet client needs and demonstrate their sales abilities.

Here are some examples of professional skills that are in demand:

To write a strong resume, you should focus on incorporating the skills you've determined are relevant to your target role.

Incorporate hard and soft skills into your resume based on skill type and relevance. This will help you stand out to hiring managers and recruiters.

The best skills to put on a resume include a mix of hard and soft skills. You should focus on skills that are most relevant to the position you want.

Incorporate skills that are most relevant to the position you want into your resume.