Best Resume Skills: Examples & Faqs For Job Seekers

When it comes to crafting a winning resume, showcasing your skills is key. In fact, hiring managers often look for specific skills that match the requirements of the job they’re hiring for. But with so many skills to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know which ones to highlight.

In this article, we’ll provide examples of the best resume skills to include, as well as answer some frequently asked questions about resume skills.

Why Are Resume Skills Important?

Your resume is often the first impression you make on a potential employer. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that it accurately showcases your skills and qualifications for the job. Including the right skills on your resume can help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of getting hired.

What Are the Best Skills to Include on a Resume?

The best skills to include on a resume will vary depending on the job you’re applying for. However, some examples of skills that are in high demand across many industries include:

Communication skills
Problem-solving skills
Leadership skills
Time management skills
Teamwork skills
Technical skills
Creative skills
Adaptability skills
Critical thinking skills
Interpersonal skills

1. Communication Skills

Being able to communicate effectively is a highly desirable skill in any industry. This includes both verbal and written communication. Some examples of communication skills that you could include on your resume are:

Public speaking
Writing
Active listening
Persuasion
Negotiation

2. Problem-Solving Skills

Employers want to hire candidates who can think critically and solve problems on their own. Some examples of problem-solving skills that you could include on your resume are:

Creativity
Resourcefulness
Decision-making
Analysis
Critical thinking

3. Leadership Skills

Leadership skills are highly valued in any industry, regardless of whether or not the job you’re applying for is a management position. Some examples of leadership skills that you could include on your resume are:

Delegation
Motivation
Project management
Team building
Coaching

4. Time Management Skills

Being able to manage your time effectively is essential in any job. Some examples of time management skills that you could include on your resume are:

Prioritization
Planning
Organization
Goal-setting
Meeting deadlines

5. Teamwork Skills

Being able to work effectively in a team is necessary for many jobs. Some examples of teamwork skills that you could include on your resume are:

Collaboration
Conflict resolution
Communication
Team building
Active listening

6. Technical Skills

Having technical skills is important in many industries, particularly those that rely heavily on technology. Some examples of technical skills that you could include on your resume are:

Programming languages
Database management
Graphic design
Web development
Software proficiency

7. Creative Skills

Employers value candidates who can think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions. Some examples of creative skills that you could include on your resume are:

Artistic ability
Design skills
Writing ability
Visual communication
Creative problem-solving

8. Adaptability Skills

Being able to adapt to change is an important skill in any job. Some examples of adaptability skills that you could include on your resume are:

Flexibility
Open-mindedness
Resilience
Problem-solving
Emotional intelligence

9. Critical Thinking Skills

Employers want to hire candidates who can think critically and analyze information. Some examples of critical thinking skills that you could include on your resume are:

Logical reasoning
Problem-solving
Analytical thinking
Research
Data analysis

10. Interpersonal Skills

Being able to interact with others in a positive and effective way is important in any job. Some examples of interpersonal skills that you could include on your resume are:

Empathy
Active listening
Conflict resolution
Teamwork
Networking

How Should You Include Skills on Your Resume?

There are a few different ways that you can include skills on your resume:

Functional resume format: This format focuses on your skills and experience, rather than your chronological work history. You can group your skills into categories and highlight them at the top of your resume.
Reverse chronological resume format: This format lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, with your skills listed beneath each job description.
Hybrid resume format: This format combines elements of both the functional and reverse chronological formats.

No matter which format you choose, make sure that your skills are easy to read and understand. Use bullet points and short phrases to describe each skill.

FAQs

Q: How many skills should you include on your resume?

A: It’s generally a good idea to include between 5-10 skills on your resume. Make sure that the skills you include are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Q: Should you include soft skills on your resume?

A: Yes, including soft skills (such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving) on your resume is important, as these skills are highly valued by employers.

Q: How do you determine which skills to include on your resume?

A: Look at the job description for the position you’re applying for, as well as similar job postings. Make a list of the skills that are mentioned frequently, and include the ones that you possess on your resume.

Q: Should you include skills that you’re not very good at on your resume?

A: No, you should only include skills on your resume that you’re confident in your ability to perform. If you include a skill that you’re not very good at, and the employer asks you about it during the interview, you could end up looking unprepared or dishonest.

Conclusion

By including the right skills on your resume, you can increase your chances of getting hired. Make sure that the skills you include are relevant to the job you’re applying for, and are easy to read and understand. Good luck!