FresumeResume skills
Skills to Put on a Resume: 200+ Examples for Every Job
The skills employers actually look for in 2026 — hard skills, soft skills, and a curated list for 60+ jobs — plus how to format your skills section so it passes ATS. Updated for 2026.
What skills should you put on a resume?
Put a mix of hard skills and soft skills that match the job you want. Hard skills are teachable abilities like Python, financial modeling, or phlebotomy; soft skills are traits like communication and problem-solving. List 8–12 in a dedicated skills section, prioritize the exact keywords from the job description, and prove the most important ones with results in your work experience.
The right skills do two jobs at once: they get your resume past the applicant tracking system (ATS) that scans for keywords, and they tell a human recruiter you can do the work. The mistake most people make is listing generic traits everyone claims — “hard worker,” “team player” — instead of the specific, job-relevant abilities a hiring manager is actually searching for. This guide gives you the universal skills worth listing, a curated set for 60+ specific jobs, and the exact way to format the section so both the software and the person read it correctly.
Hard skills vs. soft skills: what’s the difference?
Hard skills are specific, teachable, and measurable — you learn them through training and can prove them with a certification or a result. Soft skills are how you work with people and handle situations; they are harder to measure but often decide who gets hired between two equally qualified candidates. A strong resume lists both, weighted toward the hard skills the job names.
| Hard skills | Soft skills | |
|---|---|---|
| What they are | Technical, job-specific abilities | Interpersonal and self-management traits |
| How you learn them | Courses, degrees, on-the-job training | Experience and practice over time |
| How you prove them | Certifications, tests, portfolios, metrics | Examples and results in your work bullets |
| Examples | SQL, bookkeeping, CDL, phlebotomy, Adobe Photoshop | Communication, leadership, adaptability, problem-solving |
| Where to list them | Dedicated skills section, verbatim from the posting | Woven into experience bullets with proof |
Rule of thumb: put hard skills in a scannable list because ATS and recruiters search for them by name, and demonstrate soft skills through achievements rather than just claiming them. “Led a team of six to cut onboarding time 40%” proves leadership far better than the word “leadership” on its own.
Top skills employers look for in 2026
Some skills are valued in almost every field. If they are genuinely true of you and relevant to the role, these are safe, high-signal additions to a skills section. Lead with the ones the job description mentions.
Most in-demand hard skills
- Data analysis — reading numbers and turning them into decisions (Excel, SQL, dashboards).
- Project management — planning, budgeting, and delivering on a deadline.
- Digital tools — Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and the core software your field uses.
- AI and automation literacy — using AI tools responsibly to work faster.
- Writing and documentation — clear, accurate written communication.
- CRM and database software — Salesforce, HubSpot, or an industry equivalent.
- Financial literacy — budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
Most valued soft skills
- Communication — clear speaking, writing, and listening.
- Problem-solving — diagnosing an issue and acting on it.
- Adaptability — staying effective when priorities change.
- Collaboration — working across teams toward a shared goal.
- Leadership — guiding people and owning outcomes.
- Time management — prioritizing and hitting deadlines.
- Attention to detail — accurate, careful work.
Tip. Never list a skill you can’t back up in an interview. Recruiters probe the skills section, and a claim you can’t demonstrate does more harm than leaving it off. Swap tired phrases for specifics — see stronger wording in our resume action verbs and resume synonyms guides.
Skills to put on a resume by job title
The best skills for your resume are the ones your target job actually requires. Below are the most relevant hard and soft skills for 60+ common roles. Click any job to see a full, ATS-ready resume example with these skills in context.
Technology & engineering
| Role | Top skills to list |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer | Python, JavaScript, React, REST APIs, Git, CI/CD, system design, problem-solving |
| Data Scientist | Python, SQL, machine learning, pandas, statistics, data visualization, A/B testing |
| Data Analyst | SQL, Excel, Tableau, Power BI, data cleaning, dashboards, storytelling |
| System Administrator | Linux, Windows Server, networking, PowerShell, backups, VMware, troubleshooting |
| IT Support Specialist | Troubleshooting, Active Directory, ticketing systems, hardware repair, customer support |
| Civil Engineer | AutoCAD, Civil 3D, structural analysis, cost estimation, code compliance, project management |
| Electrical Engineer | Circuit design, PCB layout, MATLAB, PLC programming, testing, troubleshooting |
| Mechanical Engineer | SolidWorks, CAD, FEA, GD&T, prototyping, thermodynamics, project management |
Healthcare & medical
| Role | Top skills to list |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | Patient assessment, EHR/Epic, medication administration, BLS/ACLS, care planning, compassion |
| Nurse Practitioner | Diagnosis, prescribing, chronic disease management, patient education, EHR |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | Vital signs, wound care, medication administration, charting, patient care |
| Certified Nursing Assistant | Activities of daily living, vital signs, patient hygiene, mobility assistance, compassion |
| Medical Assistant | Phlebotomy, EHR, vitals, patient scheduling, injections, HIPAA |
| Medical Receptionist | Scheduling, insurance verification, HIPAA compliance, medical billing, front-desk service |
| Physician Assistant | Patient exams, diagnosis, suturing, treatment plans, EHR, patient education |
| Physical Therapist | Rehabilitation, manual therapy, treatment planning, patient assessment, documentation |
| Occupational Therapist | ADL training, treatment planning, patient evaluation, documentation, empathy |
| Dental Assistant | Chairside assisting, dental radiography, sterilization, patient prep, charting |
| Dental Hygienist | Teeth cleaning, periodontal charting, radiography, patient education, infection control |
| Pharmacy Technician | Prescription filling, inventory management, insurance claims, dosage calculation, accuracy |
| Phlebotomist | Venipuncture, specimen handling, labeling, patient care, safety compliance |
Business, management & operations
| Role | Top skills to list |
|---|---|
| Project Manager | Agile, Scrum, budgeting, stakeholder management, Jira, risk management, leadership |
| Product Manager | Roadmapping, user research, prioritization, A/B testing, analytics, stakeholder management |
| Product Owner | Backlog management, user stories, Scrum, stakeholder alignment, prioritization |
| Program Manager | Cross-team coordination, roadmaps, budgeting, risk management, reporting |
| Operations Manager | Process improvement, budgeting, team leadership, KPIs, supply chain, Lean |
| Business Analyst | Requirements gathering, SQL, process mapping, stakeholder management, documentation |
| Management Consultant | Financial modeling, market analysis, PowerPoint, stakeholder management, problem-solving |
Sales, marketing & creative
| Role | Top skills to list |
|---|---|
| Sales Executive | B2B sales, Salesforce, negotiation, pipeline management, closing, relationship building |
| Account Executive | Prospecting, Salesforce, quota attainment, negotiation, product demos |
| Marketing Director | Brand strategy, budget management, demand generation, analytics, team leadership |
| Digital Marketing Specialist | SEO, Google Ads, Google Analytics, email marketing, social media |
| Content Writer | SEO writing, copywriting, editing, WordPress, research, storytelling |
| Graphic Designer | Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Figma, typography, branding |
Finance & accounting
| Role | Top skills to list |
|---|---|
| Accountant | GAAP, QuickBooks, reconciliation, financial reporting, Excel, attention to detail |
| Bookkeeper | QuickBooks, accounts payable/receivable, reconciliation, payroll, data entry |
| Financial Analyst | Financial modeling, Excel, forecasting, valuation, variance analysis |
| Investment Banker | Financial modeling, DCF valuation, M&A, Excel, pitch decks, due diligence |
Administrative, HR & customer service
| Role | Top skills to list |
|---|---|
| Administrative Assistant | Scheduling, Microsoft Office, data entry, calendar management, correspondence |
| Executive Assistant | Calendar management, travel coordination, meeting prep, discretion, organization |
| Receptionist | Multi-line phones, scheduling, front-desk service, customer service, Microsoft Office |
| Customer Service Representative | CRM software, conflict resolution, active listening, ticketing, product knowledge |
| Recruiter | Sourcing, applicant tracking systems, interviewing, LinkedIn Recruiter, candidate screening |
| Human Resources | HRIS, onboarding, employee relations, benefits administration, compliance |
Legal & education
| Role | Top skills to list |
|---|---|
| Lawyer | Legal research, litigation, contract drafting, negotiation, Westlaw, legal writing |
| Attorney | Litigation, legal writing, case management, negotiation, client counseling |
| Paralegal | Legal research, document drafting, e-filing, case management, Westlaw |
| Teacher / K-12 Educator | Lesson planning, classroom management, differentiated instruction, assessment |
| Academic Department Chair | Curriculum development, faculty leadership, budgeting, accreditation |
Service, retail, trades & social
| Role | Top skills to list |
|---|---|
| Retail Associate | POS systems, customer service, merchandising, inventory, upselling |
| Cashier | POS systems, cash handling, customer service, accuracy, product knowledge |
| Server | POS systems, customer service, upselling, multitasking, food safety |
| Bartender | Mixology, POS systems, customer service, cash handling, TIPS certification |
| Truck Driver | CDL, route planning, DOT compliance, logbook management, vehicle inspection |
| Warehouse Worker | Forklift operation, inventory, order picking, shipping and receiving, safety |
| Social Worker | Case management, crisis intervention, counseling, documentation, advocacy |
Students & career-stage resumes
| Situation | Top skills to list |
|---|---|
| Student | Communication, teamwork, time management, Microsoft Office, research |
| College Student | Research, writing, teamwork, time management, leadership |
| Recent Graduate | Communication, adaptability, project work, software skills, initiative |
| First Job | Reliability, communication, teamwork, willingness to learn, punctuality |
| Entry-Level | Communication, organization, Microsoft Office, teamwork, adaptability |
| Internship | Coursework skills, teamwork, initiative, software tools, communication |
| No Experience | Transferable skills, communication, reliability, willingness to learn |
| Career Change | Transferable skills, adaptability, relevant certifications, communication |
Browse the full library of resume examples to see any of these skills used in a complete, formatted resume you can copy.
How to format your skills section for ATS
An applicant tracking system scans your resume for the skills a job needs before a human sees it. Format the section simply so nothing gets lost, and mirror the posting’s language. Follow these steps:
- Use a plain, labeled section. Title it “Skills” and place it near the top for career-changers or below experience for seasoned candidates. Avoid tables, columns, text boxes, and graphics — many parsers drop them.
- List skills as plain text. Separate them with commas or simple bullets. Skip skill-rating bars and star graphics; an ATS can’t read them and recruiters distrust them.
- Match the job’s exact wording. If the posting says “Google Analytics,” write “Google Analytics,” not “web analytics.” ATS keyword matching is literal.
- Group related skills. For technical roles, cluster by category — Languages, Frameworks, Tools — so a scanner and a recruiter both find what they need fast.
- Spell out acronyms once. Write “Search Engine Optimization (SEO)” so you match whichever version the posting uses.
- Keep it to 8–12 skills. Prioritize the most relevant; a wall of 30 skills reads as padding and dilutes your strongest keywords.
Not sure which keywords you’re missing? Paste the job description into the free ATS resume checker — it compares your resume against the posting and flags the skills to add. For the theory behind it, see how to beat ATS filters with keywords.
How do you match your skills to the job description?
Tailoring beats a generic list every time. Read the posting, pull out the skills and tools it names most often, and make sure the ones that are genuinely true of you appear in your skills section and your experience bullets — in the employer’s own words.
- Highlight the requirements. Copy the job description and mark every skill, tool, and qualification. The ones repeated or listed as “required” are your priorities.
- Match them to your experience. For each required skill you have, make sure it shows up on your resume — ideally proven with a result, not just named.
- Use the exact phrasing. Mirror the posting’s terms so ATS keyword matching connects them. Don’t stuff — include only skills you can back up.
- Fill honest gaps. If a related skill covers a requirement, add it. If you lack one outright, decide whether a quick certification closes the gap.
Want it done for you? Our step-by-step guide on tailoring your resume to a job description walks through it, and the resume builder lets you save a base resume and adapt the skills section per application in minutes.
Build a skills section that gets interviews
Fresume turns the right skills into a finished, ATS-ready resume. Start from one of 50+ templates in the resume builder, import your existing resume from PDF, Word, or LinkedIn, and pick the skills that match your target role. Run the result through the free ATS resume checker to score it against a real job description and see exactly which skills to add. When you’re ready to apply, the Chrome extension autofills applications on LinkedIn, Indeed, Workday, and Greenhouse, and the cover letter generator drafts a matching letter. The core tools are free; Premium is $17.49/month with a $2.95 7-day trial.
Questions
Resume skills: FAQ
01What skills should you put on a resume?
Put a mix of hard skills (teachable abilities like SQL, bookkeeping, or phlebotomy) and soft skills (traits like communication and problem-solving) that match the job you’re targeting. List 8–12 in a dedicated skills section, use the exact keywords from the job posting, and prove your most important skills with results in your work experience.
02What are the best skills to put on a resume in 2026?
The most in-demand skills in 2026 include data analysis, project management, digital and AI tool literacy, CRM software, and clear written communication, alongside soft skills like adaptability, collaboration, and problem-solving. The best skills for you, though, are the specific ones your target job description names — those are the keywords ATS and recruiters search for.
03What is the difference between hard skills and soft skills?
Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities you can measure and certify — programming languages, accounting, operating machinery. Soft skills are interpersonal and self-management traits like communication, leadership, and adaptability. List hard skills by name in your skills section, and demonstrate soft skills through achievements in your experience rather than just claiming them.
04Where should the skills section go on a resume?
Place the skills section near the top, just under your summary, if you’re changing careers or early in your career and want skills to lead. For experienced candidates, put it below your work experience so your track record comes first. Either way, keep it a simple, labeled list so an ATS can parse it.
05How many skills should you list on a resume?
List about 8–12 skills — enough to cover the job’s key requirements without padding. A shorter, targeted list of relevant skills outperforms a long one, because a wall of 30 skills dilutes your strongest keywords and reads as filler. Prioritize the skills the job description names most often.
06How do I match my resume skills to a job description?
Read the posting and mark every skill, tool, and qualification it names. Make sure the ones that are genuinely true of you appear in your skills section and experience bullets, using the employer’s exact wording so ATS keyword matching connects them. Paste both into the free ATS resume checker to see which skills you’re missing.
Put the right skills on your resume.
Build an ATS-ready resume, check it against any job description, and see which skills to add — free to start.