If you're preparing your resume, choosing the right skills is one of the most important steps. The skills you list can instantly signal your value, help you pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), and show employers you're the right fit. This guide covers the great skills to have on a resume in 2025, along with examples and expert tips—building on the same principles outlined in our complete resume skills guide.
Why Skills Matter on a Resume
Skills are one of the first elements hiring managers look for when reviewing a resume. With recruiters spending only 6–8 seconds on the initial scan, the skills section becomes a powerful tool to communicate your value instantly. A well-structured and relevant skills list helps your resume rise above the competition and signals that you’re qualified from the very first glance.
A strong skills section allows you to:
- Stand out during the first screening: Recruiters quickly assess whether you meet core requirements. This is especially critical when competing with candidates using similar experience, as explained in how to tailor your resume for every job.
- Pass ATS keyword filters: Most companies rely on ATS software to scan for skills and keywords. Including the right terms dramatically improves your chances, as detailed in how to optimize your resume for ATS.
- Communicate your strengths quickly: Skills tell employers what you can do before they even read your experience.
- Show alignment with the role and company culture: Choosing the right mix of hard and soft skills proves you understand the job and expectations.
In a competitive job market, skills aren’t just an add-on—they’re one of the most important sections of your resume. A thoughtful, targeted skills list can significantly enhance your chances of landing an interview and ultimately securing the job.
Great Skills to Have on a Resume (40+ Examples)
Choosing the right skills is essential. Recruiters want clarity, relevance, and proof. Below is a curated breakdown of the best hard and soft skills to include on a resume in 2025, aligned with real hiring needs and supported by examples from our resume examples for different jobs.
A. Best Hard Skills for Your Resume (2025)
Hard skills are specific, measurable, and teachable abilities that relate directly to a job’s technical requirements. They are often taught through training, education, or hands-on experience and are essential for proving your professional capabilities.
1. Technical & IT Skills
The tech industry continues to grow rapidly, making technical skills some of the most in-demand qualifications across multiple fields—even outside traditional IT roles. Employers look for candidates who can leverage technology efficiently and solve problems using digital tools.
Top examples include:
- Data Analysis: Ability to interpret data, generate insights, and support decision-making.
- SQL & Database Management: Managing data structures and optimizing database performance.
- Python / R: Popular programming languages used for automation, analytics, and software development.
- Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure, GCP): Cloud skills are essential for modern infrastructure and scalable systems.
- Cybersecurity: Protecting systems, networks, and data from digital threats.
- DevOps: Improving workflows between development and operations teams.
- Machine Learning & AI Tools: Using automation, predictive modeling, and AI-driven solutions.
- IT Support / Troubleshooting: Diagnosing and resolving technical issues efficiently.
These skills are especially valuable for roles like data analyst or software engineer, as shown in data analyst resume examples and software engineer resume examples.
2. Marketing & Digital Skills
Marketing roles increasingly rely on analytics, content strategy, and digital platforms. These skills help businesses grow visibility, acquire customers, and measure performance.
Key skills include:
- SEO / SEM: Improving online visibility and ranking on search engines.
- Google Analytics: Tracking website performance and user behavior.
- Content Strategy: Planning and creating content that supports brand goals.
- Social Media Management: Building engagement across social platforms.
- Paid Ads (Meta, Google Ads): Managing PPC campaigns that drive targeted traffic.
- Email Marketing: Creating automated email flows and newsletters.
- Copywriting: Writing persuasive, engaging content to drive action.
These skills frequently appear in digital marketing resume samples and social media marketing resume examples.
3. Creative & Design Skills
As brands focus more on visual identity and user experience, creative skills are increasingly sought after.
Valuable skills include:
- UI/UX Design: Designing products that are intuitive, functional, and user-friendly.
- Figma / Adobe XD: Tools used for prototyping and interface design.
- Adobe Photoshop / Illustrator: Essential for creating and editing visual assets.
- Video Editing: Producing compelling video content for marketing or social media.
- Branding & Visual Identity: Crafting cohesive design systems that represent a brand.
4. Business & Management Skills
These skills demonstrate your ability to plan, manage, and optimize business operations. They are crucial for leadership roles, project-based work, and organizational growth.
Examples include:
- Project Management: Organizing teams, timelines, and resources to meet objectives.
- Strategic Planning: Setting long-term goals and aligning actions to achieve them.
- CRM Tools (HubSpot, Salesforce): Managing customer relationships and sales pipelines.
- Business Analysis: Identifying business needs and recommending data-driven solutions.
- Budget Management: Allocating and controlling financial resources effectively.
If you’re targeting leadership roles, these skills align well with project manager resume examples.
5. Finance & Data Skills
Finance and data skills are essential for roles that involve budgeting, reporting, forecasting, or strategic analysis.
Top skills include:
- Financial Modeling: Building models used for business planning and valuation.
- Forecasting: Predicting future performance based on data trends.
- Accounting: Understanding financial statements and compliance standards.
- Advanced Excel: Creating formulas, macros, pivot tables, and dashboards.
- Dashboard Reporting: Visualizing data to help stakeholders make decisions.
6. Additional Hard Skills
These skills add credibility and help differentiate you from other applicants.
Helpful skills include:
- Technical Writing: Producing clear, structured documentation or manuals.
- Research & Analysis: Gathering information, identifying patterns, and drawing conclusions.
- Quality Assurance: Testing products or processes to ensure quality standards.
- Foreign Languages: Communicating effectively in multilingual environments.
B. Best Soft Skills for Your Resume
Soft skills show how you work—not just what you know. Employers increasingly weigh these just as heavily as technical abilities, as discussed in our guide to great skills to have on a resume.
1. Communication Skills
Strong communication helps you express ideas clearly and collaborate effectively.
Examples:
- Written & Verbal Communication
- Presentation Skills
- Negotiation
- Active Listening
2. Leadership Skills
Leadership skills show your ability to guide teams, influence outcomes, and make important decisions.
Examples:
- Coaching & Mentoring
- Delegation
- Decision-Making
- Team Leadership
3. Analytical & Thinking Skills
Employers value candidates who can solve complex problems and think creatively.
Examples:
- Problem-Solving
- Creativity
- Critical Thinking
- Innovation
4. Personal & Interpersonal Skills
These skills demonstrate your behavior in the workplace and how you interact with colleagues.
Examples:
- Adaptability
- Time Management
- Emotional Intelligence
- Collaboration
5. Professional Skills
Professional skills help you maintain quality, productivity, and accountability.
Examples:
- Attention to Detail
- Strong Work Ethic
- Accountability
- Stress Management
When listing soft skills, reinforce them using measurable results and strong language from this list of action verbs for resumes.
How to Choose the Right Skills for Your Resume
Not every skill belongs on every resume. The best resumes include skills that match the role and highlight your strongest capabilities.
1. Match your skills to the job description
Identify the specific skills the employer is looking for and prioritize those that align with your background.
2. Combine hard and soft skills
A balanced combination shows you have both the technical ability and the personal qualities to succeed.
3. Be specific and descriptive
Instead of writing generic skills, give context.
Example:
“Professional communication: client presentations, cross-functional collaboration.”
4. Support your skills with real accomplishments
Use your experience section to demonstrate how you applied your skills.
Example:
“Increased organic traffic by 150% through SEO optimization and content strategy.”
Skills Section Examples for Different Jobs
1. Marketing Resume Example
Skills:
- SEO
- Email Marketing
- Google Analytics
- Content Strategy
- Copywriting
- Creativity
2. Software Engineer Resume Example
Skills:
- Python
- AWS
- SQL
- API Development
- Git
- Problem-Solving
3. Sales Resume Example
Skills:
- CRM (Salesforce)
- Negotiation
- Lead Generation
- Communication
- Relationship-Building.
You can see how these skill sets are applied in real resumes in sales associate resume examples.
Where to Put Skills on a Resume
Include your skills in multiple places to help both recruiters and ATS recognize them:
- A dedicated Skills section
- Your Resume Summary
- Your Experience section as proof
- A sidebar (ideal for modern resume layouts)
Formatting and placement best practices are covered in our resume format guide.
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