The best resume immediately answers a hiring manager’s most pressing question: “Does this person have the necessary skills?”
You don’t have much time to answer this question, either. Recruiters scan a resume in just seven seconds to form a first impression and decide whether they’ll offer an interview.
You must understand the key skills for each job application and express your proficiency quickly to get ahead
Top 3 skills to put on a resume
We recommend choosing transferable, knowledge-based, and personal skills relevant to the job description and the company’s values. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong using these three top skills on your resume:
1. Managerial skills
If you have any managerial experience, add it to the relevant job description. Good managers can see the bigger picture, organize their teams around a common goal, and demonstrate effective communication techniques.
This experience also shows you’re willing to take on more responsibility and can handle different personalities.
Expressing your management skills might look like this:
- 15 years of experience developing multiple teams to [name accomplishment]
- Ideated and managed [project] and increased revenue by [percentage]
- Certified in Conflict Resolution from [institution’s name]
2. Communication skills
Strong communication skills are essential at every professional level. These skills include actively listening, speaking effectively, observing people and situations, and empathizing and supporting our co-workers, colleagues, and managers.
Expressing your communication skills might look like this:
- Thrives on constructive criticism
- Four years of public speaking experience
- Certified in Non-Verbal Communication at [institute name]
3. Computer skills
Expertise in various technologies or the ability to learn new ones are great hard skills to advertise. These include knowledge of hardware, software, work platforms, or coding languages.
Computer skills might include:
- Type 145 words per minute
- Fluency in CRM and CSM
- Knowledge of Python, Javascript, and HTML
- Experience with project management softwares like Monday, ClickUp, and Notion
- Adobe Photoshop
17 of the best skills to add to your resume
In addition to the three above, here are some of the most important skills to add to your resume skills section. When updating your resume, be sure to include the most relevant skills for the job you’re applying to. Social media marketing, for instance, is more of a must-have skill across various marketing roles but fewer project management roles.
1. Conflict resolution
Conflict resolution involves mediating disputes and finding mutually acceptable solutions. This skill is crucial for maintaining a harmonious work environment and productive relationships among team members.
2. Adaptability
Adaptability is the ability to adjust to new circumstances and challenges. In today’s rapidly changing world, individuals who can quickly learn and adapt to new technologies, work processes, or environments are highly valuable.
3. Negotiation
Negotiation skills are essential for reaching agreements that benefit all parties involved. Whether in salary negotiations or business deals, effective negotiation can lead to favorable outcomes.
4. Creativity
Creativity involves thinking outside the box to generate innovative ideas and solutions. It’s particularly valuable in roles that require problem-solving and innovation, such as marketing or product design.
5. Strategic planning
Strategic planning is the process of setting long-term goals and developing a roadmap to achieve them. This skill is crucial for leaders and managers responsible for guiding an organization’s direction.
6. Public speaking
Public speaking is essential for presentations, pitches, and effective communication with large audiences. Confidence and clarity in public speaking can enhance your professional image.
7. Mentoring and coaching
The ability to mentor and coach others in their professional development is valuable for leadership roles and fostering a positive workplace culture.
8. Crisis management
Crisis management involves responding effectively to unexpected and high-pressure situations, minimizing damage, and maintaining business continuity.
9. Risk management
Identifying and mitigating risks is vital in fields such as finance, insurance, and project management to protect against potential losses.
10. Data privacy and security
With increasing concerns about data breaches and privacy, knowledge of data security measures and compliance with regulations is essential, especially in IT and healthcare industries.
11. Foreign language proficiency
Proficiency in a foreign language can open up opportunities in international business, diplomacy, and global organizations, enhancing your marketability.
12. Sales and marketing
Sales and marketing skills involve promoting products or services and persuading customers to make purchases. These skills are vital in sales and business development roles.
13. Conflict management
Conflict management focuses on identifying, addressing, and resolving conflicts within teams or organizations to maintain a productive and harmonious work environment.
14. Research and data analysis
Strong research and data analysis skills are valuable in fields like market research, academia, and policy analysis, enabling evidence-based decision-making.
15. Digital Marketing
Digital marketing skills, including SEO, social media management, and online advertising, are crucial for businesses looking to expand their online presence and reach.
16. Problem-solving skills
Problem-solving skills are vital for identifying, analyzing, and creatively resolving challenges. They enable individuals to make informed decisions, find innovative solutions, and adapt to changing circumstances.
17. Project management skills
Project management skills involve planning, organizing, and coordinating resources and teams to achieve specific goals within set constraints. Effective project managers excel at goal-setting, task breakdown, and timeline management. They ensure projects stay on track, meet deadlines, and stay within budget, making them highly sought after across industries.
Feel confident about the skills on your resume
Building a good resume takes a lot of work. You have to read through the job description and tailor resumes to each post to make sure your profile best aligns with what the recruiter is looking for.
But the effort is worth it. You’ve spent your entire career learning and nurturing new skills — show them off in your resume and you’ll be one step closer to getting the job. You’ve worked hard to get where you are, and listing the right skills will help hiring managers see that.