Skills for Resumes: Proven Lists + How to Pick Yours
Including the right skills for resume is essential in 2025 to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and grab recruiter attention. This guide features proven skills lists, practical examples, and expert advice on selecting and customizing your skills section to match your desired job.
| What to Do (Short Checklist) |
|---|
| Identify hard and soft skills relevant to your target role |
| Match skills to keywords in the job description |
| Use clear, concise phrasing for ATS compatibility |
| Avoid overloading with irrelevant or generic skills |
| Organize skills in logical categories for readability |
Who This Guide Is For
This guide supports all applicants—from beginners to seasoned professionals—building or refining the skills section of their resumes. Whether you are switching careers, applying to specialized roles, or just starting your job search, these examples and tips help you showcase your strengths effectively.
Skills for Resumes — Definition & Purpose
Your resume skills section highlights your key competencies, both technical and interpersonal, to demonstrate fit for the role. It serves multiple purposes:
- Signals your qualifications to ATS and recruiters
- Provides quick reference points for hiring managers
- Differentiates you from other candidates
- Helps tailor your resume to specific job requirements
Best-Practice Rules (Do / Don’t)
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Include both hard (technical) and soft skills | List generic skills like “communication” without context |
| Prioritize skills mentioned in the job ad | Overload your resume with an excessive number of skills |
| Use clear, professional language | Use jargon or abbreviations not widely recognized |
| Organize skills into categories (e.g., Technical, Leadership) | Mix unrelated skills without structure |
| Keep formatting simple for ATS readability | Use graphics or images to display skills |
Examples by Level & Industry
Entry-Level / Beginners
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Customer Service
- Time Management
- Social Media Platforms
- Data Entry
Mid-Level Professionals
- Project Management (Agile, Scrum)
- SQL and Database Management
- Budgeting and Forecasting
- Team Leadership and Coaching
- Content Management Systems (CMS)
Tech Industry
- Java, Python, C++
- Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure)
- Machine Learning Algorithms
- Cybersecurity Principles
- API Development and Integration
Marketing
- SEO and SEM
- Google Analytics
- Email Marketing Campaigns
- Brand Strategy
- Adobe Creative Suite
Healthcare
- Patient Care
- Electronic Health Records (EHR)
- HIPAA Compliance
- Clinical Research
- Medical Coding
How to Customize Skills to a Job Description
- Careful read the job description and identify key skills.
- Match your skills using exact phrases or recognized variants.
- Focus on skills backed by experience and achievements.
- Avoid adding unrelated or outdated skills.
- Update your skills section for every application when needed.
Formatting Tips (ATS + Readability)
- List skills in short columns or comma-separated lines for clarity.
- Use standard headings like “Skills” or “Core Competencies.”
- Keep fonts and formatting simple—avoid tables or graphics.
- Use bullet points if space allows for easier scanning.
- Ensure skill spellings match standard industry terms.
Checklist & Templates
| Skills Section Checklist |
|---|
| Are skills tailored to the job description? |
| Are both hard and soft skills included? |
| Is the list clear, readable, and well-organized? |
| Are irrelevant or outdated skills removed? |
| Is the formatting simple for ATS parsing? |
FAQ
Q: What are the best skills to put on a resume?
A: Skills relevant to the job description, a balanced mix of hard and soft skills, and those supported by your experience.
Q: How many skills should I list?
A: Typically 8-15 skills, focusing on relevance and impact.
Q: Should I include soft skills?
A: Yes, but combine them with hard skills and demonstrate them in your work history.
Q: How do I get ATS-friendly skills?
A: Use exact phrases from the job ad and avoid unusual abbreviations or symbols.
