25 Best Skills to Put on a Resume - Jump Resume Builder Blog

Table of Contents

Your resume helps you make a good first impression. The skills section is very important! It shows what you can do for a company. Good skills help you get noticed and get hired.

Bosses look at resumes very quickly. Your skills need to catch their eye right away. The right skills show why you’re perfect for the job.

When you match your skills to the job description, your resume stands out. This customization helps you get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and catch the recruiter’s attention.

In this blog, we’ll explain how to select the best skills to include and share tips on presenting them effectively. Let’s dive in!

25 Best Skills for Your Resume

Skills are the foundation of your professional profile. They show your abilities and how ready you are to handle specific tasks.

Here are 25 of the best skills to put on a resume that are needed in certain industries, such as:

1. Communication Skills

Being able to share ideas clearly helps in almost every job. Good communication helps you work with others and help customers.

Who needs it: Team members, managers, salespeople, customer helpers

2. Leadership Skills

Leaders help guide and motivate people. They take charge of projects and help everyone do their best work. Good leaders make smart choices when things get tough.

Who needs it: Managers, team leaders, bosses, healthcare professionals

3. Problem-Solving Skills

Problem-solvers find solutions when things go wrong. They stay calm under pressure and turn challenges into chances to improve.

Who needs it: Engineers, programmers, analysts

4. Time Management Skills

Good time managers finish work efficiently. They know what to do first and meet deadlines. Companies value workers who use time wisely.

Who needs it: Project helpers, assistants, freelancers

5. Adaptability Skills

Adaptable people learn new things quickly. They do well when things change. This flexibility helps you grow with a company.

Who needs it: Consultants, tech workers, healthcare workers

6. Technical Skills

Technical skills involve using specific tools or machines. These vary by job and often need special training.

Who needs it: Software makers, engineers, designers

7. Analytical Skills

Analytical people find patterns in information. They draw helpful conclusions from data to make better decisions.

Who needs it: Data experts, financial advisors, researchers

8. Teamwork Skills

Team players work well with others. They help achieve group goals and support their coworkers.

Who needs it: Nurses, teachers, restaurant workers

9. Creativity Skills

Creative people come up with fresh ideas. They find new ways to solve problems and help companies stand out.

Who needs it: Designers, content creators, advertisers

10. Attention to Detail Skills

Detail-oriented people notice small but important things. They produce work without mistakes, which prevents costly errors.

Who needs it: Accountants, editors, pharmacists

11. Customer Service Skills

Customer service skills help you understand what people need. You can handle tough situations with patience and build customer loyalty.

Who needs it: Store workers, hotel staff, call center workers

12. Project Management Skills

Project managers plan and complete work efficiently. They organize tasks and resources to finish on time and within budget.

Who needs it: Construction managers, IT leaders, event planners

13. Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinkers look at information carefully before deciding. They consider different viewpoints to find the best solutions.

Who needs it: Lawyers, doctors, teachers

14. Organization Skills

Organized people keep their work in order. They track information efficiently, which saves time and reduces stress.

Who needs it: Assistants, coordinators, librarians

15. Interpersonal Skills

People skills help you connect with others. You can build relationships and solve conflicts to create a positive workplace.

Who needs it: HR workers, salespeople, teachers

16. Computer Skills

Basic computer skills are needed in most jobs today. These include email, typing documents, and using spreadsheets.

Who needs it: Office workers, marketers, accountants

17. Research Skills

Research skills help you find and check information. You can gather facts from different places to make good decisions.

Who needs it: Scientists, reporters, researchers, journalists

18. Negotiation Skills

Good negotiators find solutions that work for everyone. They communicate well and listen carefully to close deals and solve problems.

Who needs it: Salespeople, lawyers, real estate agents

19. Multitasking Skills

Multitaskers can work on several things at once while keeping quality high. This helps meet different deadlines efficiently.

Who needs it: Assistants, nurses, event planners

20. Conflict Resolution Skills

Conflict resolution creates harmony at work. You can address disagreements in helpful ways to maintain good relationships.

Who needs it: HR specialists, managers, teachers

21. Foreign Language Skills

Language skills open doors to global opportunities. They help you talk with people from different cultures and give you an edge in business.

Who needs it: Translators, tour guides, international salespeople

22. Social Media Skills

Social media skills help businesses connect with audiences. You can create engaging content and track how well it’s working.

Who needs it: Social media managers, digital marketers, PR specialists

23. Presentation Skills

Presentation skills help you share ideas clearly. Moreover, it enables you to grab attention and impact informed decisions.

Who may need it: Educators, Marketers, Sales executives

24. Data Analysis Skills

These skills allow you to break down complex data to uncover useful insights. Using these skills, you can recognize new trends and help businesses flourish.

Who needs it: Data scientists, Financial analysts, researchers

25. Writing Skills

Good writers communicate clearly and convincingly. They can adjust their style for different readers to improve professional communication.

Who needs it: Writers, journalists, editors

Examples of Job-Specific Skills to Add to Your Resume

Let’s explore some examples of resume skills for different types of jobs.

Data Analyst

Data analysts turn raw data into useful insights that help businesses make decisions. They use technical skills and analytical thinking to find patterns and trends.

Hard Skills: SQL, Python, Data Visualization, Statistical Analysis, Excel
Soft Skills: Problem-Solving, Attention to Detail, Communication, Critical Thinking

Teacher

Teachers educate and inspire disciples of all ages. They create fun and engaging learning environments. As this will adjust their methods to meet the needs of different students.

Hard Skills: Curriculum Development, Assessment Methods, Educational Technology, Lesson Planning
Soft Skills: Patience, Communication, Leadership, Adaptability, Creativity

Software Engineer

Software engineers design, build, and maintain computer programs and systems. They work with teams to create efficient and scalable solutions to complex problems.

Hard Skills: Java, Python, Cloud Computing, DevOps, Version Control
Soft Skills: Problem-Solving, Teamwork, Time Management, Analytical Thinking

Healthcare Professional

Healthcare professionals provide medical treatment and support to patients. They work in different settings to promote health, prevent diseases, and treat illnesses.

Hard Skills: Patient Assessment, Medical Terminology, Electronic Health Records, First Aid
Soft Skills: Empathy, Communication, Attention to Detail, Stress Management

Nurse

Nurses take care of patients and act as the main connection between patients and other healthcare providers. They combine clinical skills with a caring approach.

Hard Skills: Patient Care, Medication Administration, Vital Signs Monitoring, Medical Equipment
Soft Skills: Compassion, Critical Thinking, Communication, Teamwork, Adaptability

Mechanic

Mechanics inspect, repair, and maintain vehicles and machinery. They use technical knowledge and problem-solving skills to keep equipment running smoothly.

Hard Skills: Diagnostics, Welding, Electrical Systems, Engine Repair, Tool Proficiency
Soft Skills: Problem-Solving, Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Reliability

Copy Editor

Copy editors improve written content to make it clear, accurate, and consistent. They ensure the text follows style guidelines and is ready for publishing.

Hard Skills: Grammar Expertise, Style Guide Knowledge, Fact-Checking, Proofreading
Soft Skills: Attention to Detail, Time Management, Communication, Critical Thinking

Check out the free resume templates of Jump Resume Builder to showcase your skills.

Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills for a Resume

It’s important to understand the difference between hard and soft skills. Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities. These include technical knowledge or specialized training, like coding, accounting, or operating equipment.

On the other hand, soft skills reflect your personality and how you interact with others. They’re about how you collaborate, communicate, and adapt in different situations—qualities that matter in nearly every role and workplace.

A strong resume should include both types of skills. Hard skills prove you can do specific tasks, while soft skills show you’ll fit well into a team. The best candidates have a good balance of both.

Most recruiters look for this balance too. Technical skills alone aren’t enough these days. Employers want well-rounded candidates who also have strong people skills. Your resume should highlight this versatility.

How to Choose the Right Skills for Your Resume?

Your top resume skills section can make or break your job application. So, wisely choose the right skills. Show them clearly and make a strong impression.

Match Skills to the Job Description

Prioritize what employers want: Look at skills listed in the job posting.
Analyze the listing structure: Skills mentioned first matter most.
Use keyword alignment: Use the exact terms from the job post.
Consider all needs: Look for hidden skill requirements too.

Be Honest About Your Skillset

Only list skills you have.
Prepare real examples of using each skill.
Know your skill level before claiming advanced skills.
Choose quality over quantity, and avoid padding your list.

Highlight Industry-Specific Expertise

Show specialized knowledge in your field.
List technical skills that add immediate value.
Include your certifications and special training.
Mention tools and tech used in your industry.

Incorporate Transferable Skills

Add skills that work in many jobs.
Show problem-solving skills useful anywhere.
Highlight communication skills that help teams work well.
Prove your adaptability with examples.

Quantify Your Skills With Achievements

Use clear numbers: “Boosted sales by 45% using new methods.”
Add time frames: “Cut costs by 30% in just two months.”
Show your reach: “Trained 15 staff members on new software.”
Link skills to results: “Used data skills to bring in $50K new revenue.”

Indeed, your skills section proves your value. Each skill helps show why you’re perfect for the job.

How to List Skills on a Resume?

Presenting your skills effectively can make your resume stand out to hiring managers. The right format and placement help your skills catch their attention.

Create a Dedicated Skills Section

Place it near the top of your resume for easy visibility.
Use clear headings like “Core Competencies” or “Professional Skills.”
Keep it short and include 8–12 of your most relevant skills.
Make it easy to read by using consistent formatting.

Format for Maximum Readability

Use bullet points to organize skills neatly.
Group similar skills into categories for better flow.
Keep spacing consistent between each skill.
Use a two- or three-column layout to save space and improve readability.

Highlight Your Most Valuable Skills

Bold your strongest skills that match the job requirements.
Place your top skills at the beginning of each category.
Use descriptive phrases instead of single words when needed.
Add skill level indicators (e.g., “Advanced,” “Intermediate”) if it strengthens your case.

Weave Skills Throughout Your Resume

Include key skills in your professional summary.
Show how you’ve used skills in your job descriptions.
Highlight skills in your achievements and work history.
Connect skills to measurable results to show their impact.

Customize for Each Application

Research what each employer is looking for.
Check the job posting for required and preferred skills.
Rearrange your skills list to match the employer’s priorities.
Add or remove skills based on the job’s specific needs.

Indicate Your Proficiency Levels

Use clear terms like “Advanced,” “Intermediate,” or “Proficient.”
Show how your skills have improved over time, if relevant.
Include years of experience for technical skills.
Mention certifications that prove your skill level.

Your skills section should act as a quick guide for recruiters, showing them you have exactly what they need. When done well, it becomes one of the most powerful parts of your resume.

Why Are Skills the Key to a Strong Resume in 2025?

Automation is changing how companies hire people. Many companies scan resumes for specific skills using ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). It might get overlooked if your resume doesn’t include the right keywords. Skills act as these important keywords.

Remote work has also made skills more important than degrees or credentials. Employers now focus on what you can do, not just where you learned it. However, skills directly show your abilities and prove you can do the job.

With technology changing so fast, continuous learning is essential. Skills to add in resume show that you’re keeping up with trends. This adaptability is highly valued because it shows you have potential for the future.

Companies want employees who can grow and adapt. Being able to learn new skills quickly is a big advantage. This flexibility helps businesses stay competitive and handle changes in the market.

In fact, skills also give clear proof of what you can do. They are more specific than general work experience. Employers can better imagine how you’ll contribute to their team when they see your skills. As a result, this reduces the risk of hiring the wrong person.

How to Learn New Skills for Your Resume?

Learning new skills can make your resume stand out. Here are some practical ways to develop skills that employers value:

Online Courses

Online courses are a flexible way to learn new skills. Platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning offer structured lessons. Many courses like language courses, Machine Learning, AI automation, Digital marketing etc., even provide certificates when you finish, which you can add to your resume.

Industry Certifications

Certifications are a great way to prove your expertise. They show employers that you have official knowledge in a specific area. Certifications also demonstrate your personal commitment to learning and growing in your field.

Volunteering

Volunteering means you get the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in practical or real-life settings. It increases your confidence, adds valuable experience to your resume, and shows employers you can turn your skills into action.

Professional Associations

Joining professional associations can help you learn even industry-specific skills. Such groups oftentimes offer workshops, resources, and growing networking opportunities. Further, this can lead you to job offers through these connections.

Mentorship

Having a mentor can fast-track your growth. Their guidance, real-world advice, and honest feedback help you sharpen your skills and avoid common mistakes.

Other Side Projects

Side projects are a hands-on way to grow your skills. They let you explore ideas, try new things, and build real work you can showcase. Adding them to your portfolio shows employers what you’re capable of beyond the classroom or office.

Shadowing Experts

Spend time shadowing experts in your field. Watch how they use their skills every day and ask questions about their methods. This gives you valuable insights and allows you to understand how to apply your skills in real situations.

Bottom Line

The skills section is one of the first things employers notice on your resume. Highlighting the right abilities shows your value upfront and helps you stand out from other applicants.

To make the most impact, include a mixture of hard skills and soft skills (technical abilities & people skills). Tailor your skills list for each job application. Show how you’ve used these skills in the past, and provide specific examples whenever possible.

Keep learning and adding new skills regularly. The job market is always changing, and your skills should grow. So, staying committed to learning makes you a stronger candidate.

It is your skills that tell employers what you can bring to the table right away. They also show your potential to grow in the future. When you highlight the right skills effectively, your resume becomes a powerful tool to move your career forward.

Your skills define your professional potential—make sure they stand out.

Jump Resume Builder helps you present them clearly, making a strong impression on employers. Whether you’re applying for your first job or advancing your career, create a resume that speaks for itself.

Start now, create your resume with Jump Resume Builder, and put your best skills forward!