Tag: Resume Skills

Listing too many skills on your resume looks unfocused. Listing too few makes you seem underqualified. So what’s the magic number? You can include anywhere between 5-15 skills on your resume overall, depending on your career stage and industry.

List 6-12 skills in your dedicated skills section, with a mix of hard and soft skills relevant to the job. The ideal number of skills can vary depending on your career stage and industry, so research your target role and industry to ensure you include the most important and relevant skills. Including too many skills (over 20) can make you look like a generalist and dilute your most important qualifications. But here’s what matters more: demonstrate your top 3-5 skills with specific examples in your work experience bullets. Quality always beats quantity.

🎯 Quick Check: Not sure if you have the right skills for a job? Our free resume scanner compares your resume to any job posting and shows what’s missing.

Introduction to Resume Skills

When it comes to crafting a compelling resume, one of the most critical components is the skills section. This is your opportunity to showcase the strengths and abilities that set you apart in today’s competitive job market. A well-crafted skills section not only highlights your expertise but also signals to potential employers and hiring managers that you’re a strong fit for the role. In an era where applicant tracking systems (ATS) often screen resumes before a human ever sees them, including the right mix of soft skills and hard and soft skills is essential for making your resume stand out. Whether you’re just starting your career or are a seasoned professional, presenting your skills clearly and strategically can make all the difference in getting noticed and landing interviews.

The Ideal Number of Skills by Resume Section

Resume Section	Number of Skills	What to Include
Skills section	6-12 skills	Mix of hard and soft skills
Work experience	3-5 demonstrated	Your strongest, most relevant
Summary	2-3 mentioned	Your headline skills

Total unique skills on resume: Aim for 10-15 skills mentioned throughout your resume, with your top skills appearing multiple times (listed AND demonstrated).

Why 6-12 Skills Works Best

Too Few Skills (Under 6)

❌ Looks like you lack qualifications
❌ May not pass ATS keyword filters
❌ Doesn’t differentiate you from competition

Too Many Skills (Over 15)

❌ Looks like you’re padding your resume
❌ Harder for recruiters to identify your strengths
❌ Dilutes your most impressive skills
❌ Seems unfocused or desperate

The Sweet Spot (6-12)

✅ Shows you’re well-rounded but focused
✅ Enough keywords for ATS systems
✅ Easy for recruiters to scan quickly
✅ Room for relevant hard AND soft skills

How to Choose Which Skills to List

Step 1: Analyze the Job Posting

Highlight every skill mentioned in the job description. These are your priority keywords.

Example job posting excerpt:

“Looking for a marketing manager with experience in SEO, content strategy, Google Analytics, team leadership, and budget management. Must have strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.”

Skills to prioritize: SEO, content strategy, Google Analytics, team leadership, budget management, communication, cross-functional collaboration

Step 2: Match Your Skills to the Job

Create two columns:

Job Requires	I Have
SEO	✅ SEO (3 years)
Content strategy	✅ Content strategy
Google Analytics	✅ GA4 certified
Team leadership	✅ Led team of 4
Budget management	⚠️ Some experience
Communication	✅ Strong
Cross-functional	✅ Worked with sales, product

Step 3: Prioritize by Relevance

Rank your matching skills:

1. Must-have skills (mentioned 2+ times in posting)
2. Important skills (mentioned once)
3. Nice-to-have skills (related but not mentioned)

List your top 6-12 based on this ranking.

For more on finding the right keywords, see our resume keywords guide.

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🎯 Mid-Article Check

Wondering if you have enough skills — or too many?

Paste your resume and a job posting into our scanner to get an instant skill-match analysis.

Check My Skills →

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Skills Section Format Examples

Format 1: Simple List (6-8 skills)

Best for: Most resumes, easy to scan

SKILLSSEO & SEM | Content Strategy | Google Analytics | HubSpotTeam Leadership | Budget Management | Cross-functional Collaboration

Format 2: Categorized (10-12 skills)

Best for: Technical roles, career changers

SKILLSMarketing: SEO, content strategy, email marketing, social mediaAnalytics: Google Analytics, Tableau, A/B testingLeadership: Team management, budget oversight, cross-functional collaborationTools: HubSpot, Salesforce, WordPress, Adobe Creative Suite

Format 3: Proficiency Levels (8-10 skills)

Best for: Technical/language skills where level matters

SKILLSExpert: Python, SQL, Data VisualizationProficient: Machine Learning, Tableau, AWSFamiliar: TensorFlow, SparkLanguages: English (native), Spanish (fluent), French (conversational)

Format 4: Keyword-Optimized (10-12 skills)

Best for: ATS optimization, competitive applications

CORE COMPETENCIES• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)    • Content Marketing Strategy• Google Analytics 4 (GA4)            • Marketing Automation (HubSpot)• Team Leadership & Development       • Budget Planning & Management• Cross-functional Collaboration      • Data-Driven Decision Making

How Many Skills by Career Level

Entry-Level (0-2 years): 6-8 skills

Focus on: Technical skills learned in school + transferable soft skills

SKILLSTechnical: Python, Excel, SQL, TableauSoft Skills: Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management

For entry-level candidates, transferable skills such as teamwork and organization are especially valuable, as they demonstrate your ability to adapt and contribute even with less direct experience.

You have less experience, so fewer skills is expected — but make sure each one is solid.

If you’re just starting out, check our guide on writing a resume with no experience.

Mid-Level (3-7 years): 8-12 skills

SKILLSData Analysis: Python, R, SQL, Tableau, Power BIProject Management: Agile, Scrum, Jira, stakeholder communicationAt the mid-level, organizational skills are important for managing multiple projects and priorities.Leadership: Team mentoring, cross-functional collaboration, presentation skills

Senior/Executive (8+ years): 10-15 skills

Focus on: Strategic skills + breadth of technical knowledge + leadership

For senior-level professionals, strategic planning and leadership skills are especially important, as they demonstrate the ability to motivate and manage others effectively.

CORE COMPETENCIESStrategy: Market analysis, strategic planning, competitive positioning, P&L managementLeadership: Executive team building, change management, board presentationsTechnical: Enterprise architecture, digital transformation, vendor managementDomains: SaaS, FinTech, e-commerce, international markets

How Many Skills by Industry

Industry	Recommended #	Focus On
Tech/Software	10-15	Programming languages, frameworks, tools
Healthcare	8-12	Clinical skills, certifications, EMR systems
Finance	8-10	Technical analysis, software, compliance
Marketing	8-12	Channels, tools, analytics, soft skills
Sales	6-10	CRM, soft skills, industry knowledge
Education	6-10	Subject expertise, technology, soft skills
Creative	8-12	Software proficiency, portfolio pieces

The best skills to list on your resume will depend on your industry, but employers across all fields consistently value teamwork skills—such as collaboration, effective communication, and supporting colleagues—as well as adaptability, which shows your ability to adjust to new situations and challenges. Teamwork and adaptability are among the best skills to include for most industries.

Quality Over Quantity: Show, Don’t Just Tell

The NUMBER of skills matters less than HOW you present them. Instead of simply listing as many skills as possible, focus on providing concrete examples of your skills in action. This approach is more effective and credible, as it shows employers how you have applied your abilities in real situations.

For example, in a ‘Strong Resume’ section, you might demonstrate analytical thinking by describing how you solved problems, caught errors, or developed creative solutions that improved processes or outcomes. Providing evidence of these skills—such as identifying a critical error that saved your team time and resources, or collaborating to solve a complex challenge—shows your value more clearly than just listing the skills.

Soft skills are often referred to as interpersonal skills and include people skills, active listening skills, and the ability to communicate effectively. These are closely tied to personal traits like behavior and emotional intelligence. Work ethic and time management skills are also important; strong time management not only helps you meet deadlines but also supports a healthy work-life balance.

Remember, soft skills are just as important as hard skills and can enhance your technical abilities in the workplace. Demonstrating your interpersonal skills, work ethic, and ability to communicate effectively with concrete examples will make your resume stand out.

Weak Resume (15 skills, no proof):

Skills: Communication, leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, time management, Excel, PowerPoint, detail-oriented, organized,creative, analytical, strategic thinking, project management,adaptable, motivated

Recruiters think: “Everyone lists these. Where’s the proof?”

Strong Resume (8 skills, with evidence):

SKILLSAnalytics: Excel (advanced), Google Analytics, Tableau; analyze data and interpret data to support informed decisionsMarketing: SEO, content strategy, email marketingTechnical Tools: Proficient in data analysis tools and softwareLeadership: Team management, cross-functional collaborationEXPERIENCE• Led SEO strategy that increased organic traffic by 150% in 12 months• Managed team of 4 content writers, improving output by 40%• Created Tableau dashboards used by C-suite for weekly reporting, enabling informed decisions through data interpretationRecruiters think: “This person can actually DO these things.” Hard skills like data analysis and proficiency with technical tools can be proven and measured through concrete achievements.

Developing New Skills for Your Resume

In today’s fast-changing job market, staying competitive means continuously developing new skills. Whether you’re looking to advance in your current field or pivot to a new industry, investing in your professional growth is key. Online platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy make it easier than ever to acquire both hard and soft skills, from advanced Excel and data analysis to communication and project management skills. When choosing which new skills to develop, pay close attention to the key skills listed in job postings for roles you’re interested in. By proactively building new skills that align with industry trends and employer needs, you not only strengthen your resume but also position yourself as a forward-thinking, adaptable candidate ready to tackle new challenges.

Resume Review: Perfecting Your Skills Section

After identifying and developing your skills, it’s time to refine your skills section for maximum impact. Focus on selecting the most relevant skills for each job application, using bullet points to make your skills easy to scan. Group similar skills together—such as technical skills, language skills, and soft skills—to create a clear and organized layout. Always tailor your skills section to the specific job description, emphasizing the skills that match the employer’s requirements. This targeted approach shows potential employers that you’ve read the job posting carefully and understand what’s needed to succeed in the role. By perfecting your skills section, you’ll present yourself as a well-qualified candidate and increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

In today’s job search, employers are increasingly favoring a skills-first recruiting process over traditional credentials-based hiring. This means it’s more important than ever to showcase the right skills on your resume and avoid common mistakes:

❌ Listing every skill you’ve ever used — Only list skills relevant to the target job.

❌ Including obvious skills — Don’t waste space on “Microsoft Word” or “email” in 2024.

❌ Listing skills you can’t back up — If you list “Python” and get asked about it in an interview, you need to speak confidently.

❌ Using vague descriptors — “Proficient in various software” tells recruiters nothing. Be specific.

❌ Ignoring the job posting — If the posting mentions “Salesforce” 3 times and you have Salesforce experience, list it!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many skills should I list on my resume?

List 6-12 skills in your skills section. This is enough to pass ATS filters and show you’re qualified without overwhelming recruiters. Focus on skills mentioned in the job posting.

Should I list skills I’m still learning?

Only if you have functional ability. You can note proficiency levels: “Python (intermediate)” or “Learning: TensorFlow.” Don’t list skills you couldn’t discuss in an interview.

Is it bad to have too many skills on a resume?

Yes. More than 15 skills looks like padding or desperation. Recruiters prefer focused candidates who excel in relevant areas over generalists who claim everything.

Should every skill match the job posting?

Not every skill, but your top 6-8 should align closely with the posting. You can include 2-4 additional skills that add value or show broader capabilities.

How do I list skills with no work experience?

Include skills from coursework, projects, internships, and certifications. “Completed 40-hour Python bootcamp” or “Built 5 websites using WordPress” proves skills without professional experience.

How should I include soft skills on my resume?

Soft skills should not just be listed; instead, demonstrate them in your work experience section using measurable examples. For instance, show communication or teamwork by describing specific achievements or results.

Should I mention soft skills in my cover letter?

Yes, the cover letter is a great place to highlight soft skills with specific examples. Use it to showcase personal attributes like communication, teamwork, leadership, and work ethic to potential employers.

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✍️ About the Author

Alex Rivers is a resume coach and career advisor who has reviewed over 5,000 resumes and helped job seekers land roles at companies like Google, Amazon, and McKinsey. After years of seeing the same mistakes cost qualified candidates interviews, Alex built ratemy.cv to give everyone access to instant, actionable resume feedback — for free.

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Get Your Skills Section Right

Not sure if your skills section is optimized? Our free resume scanner compares your skills against any job posting and shows you:

✅ Missing keywords the ATS is looking for
✅ Skills to add based on the job description
✅ Which skills to emphasize or remove

Takes 30 seconds. No signup required.

Scan My Resume — Free →

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Need more skills to choose from? Check out our complete guide to skills to put on your resume with 100+ examples, or explore soft skills and communication skills in depth.

The skills on your resume determine whether you get an interview or get ignored. Hiring managers spend just 7 seconds scanning each resume — and your skills section is where they look first. Including all the skills you possess is not always the best approach; instead, focusing on the top skills that are most relevant to the job will make your resume more effective.

The best skills to put on your resume are a mix of hard skills (technical abilities like Excel, Python, or project management) and soft skills (interpersonal abilities like communication and leadership). Employers value a broad range of important skills, but organizing them strategically is key. Choose 6-12 skills that match the job posting, then prove them with examples in your work experience.

Including a jumble of skills to put on your resume won’t help you to stand out. Organizing your skills strategically will make your resume easier to read and call the right attention to the right skills in the right place.

🎯 Quick Check: Not sure which skills you’re missing? Our free resume scanner compares your resume to any job posting in 30 seconds.

Introduction to Resume Skills

When you’re building your resume, the skills section is more than just a list—it’s your chance to show potential employers exactly what you bring to the table. In today’s fast-paced job market, hiring managers are searching for candidates who offer a strong blend of hard and soft skills that match the job description. Hard skills are your technical expertise—think proficiency in a particular software program, data analysis, or coding languages. These are the measurable abilities that prove you can handle the technical demands of the role.

Equally important are your soft skills: interpersonal skills, communication skills, and personality traits that help you collaborate, solve problems, and adapt to new challenges. Employers value candidates who can communicate effectively, work well in teams, and demonstrate leadership skills. By carefully selecting and highlighting the right mix of hard and soft skills in your skills section, you’ll stand out to hiring managers and increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process. For job seekers, tailoring your skills to each job description is key—showing not just what you know, but how you’ll add value to the company.

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What Skills Should You Put on a Resume?

Your resume needs two types of skills:

Hard Skills — Teachable, measurable abilities like Excel, SQL, Photoshop, accounting, or welding.

Soft Skills — Interpersonal and character traits like communication, leadership, and problem-solving. Soft skills are more difficult to quantify and are often related to personality traits and how you interact with others. Employers often prefer candidates with strong soft skills because they are harder to find and develop compared to hard skills.

Most skills can be categorized as either hard or soft skills.

The perfect balance: Most resumes should be 60-70% hard skills and 30-40% soft skills. Technical roles lean heavier on hard skills; management and customer-facing roles can emphasize soft skills more.

100+ Best Skills to Put on a Resume

Top 10 Skills Employers Want Most (Any Industry)

Employers typically look for the following top 10 skills to put on your resume:

1. Communication — Written and verbal
2. Problem-solving — Finding solutions independently
3. Teamwork — Collaborating effectively; teamwork skills are increasingly important in hybrid and remote working environments
4. Leadership — Guiding and motivating others
5. Time management — Meeting deadlines consistently
6. Adaptability — Adjusting to change
7. Technical proficiency — Industry-relevant tools
8. Critical thinking — Analyzing and deciding; critical thinking skills are highly sought after by employers across various job postings
9. Attention to detail — Accuracy and quality
10. Work ethic — Reliability and dedication

Computer & Technical Skills

Essential for most jobs:

• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
• Email management
• Video conferencing (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet)
• Cloud storage (Dropbox, Google Drive)

Data & Analytics:

• Excel (advanced: pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros)
• SQL
• Tableau
• Power BI
• Google Analytics
• Python/R for data analysis

Data analysis skills are valuable because they allow employees to interpret raw data and draw actionable insights.

Programming & Development:

• Python
• JavaScript
• Java
• HTML/CSS
• React/Angular/Vue
• Git/GitHub
• AWS/Azure/Google Cloud

Proficiency in computer languages such as Python, Java, and HTML is essential for technical roles like software engineer and IT manager.

Marketing & Sales:

• SEO/SEM
• Google Analytics
• HubSpot
• Salesforce
• Social media management
• Email marketing (Mailchimp, Klaviyo)
• Google Ads / Facebook Ads

Soft Skills for Any Resume

Communication:

• Written communication: Written communication skills are highly valued, especially as workplace correspondence shifts to digital formats.
• Verbal communication
• Active listening: Active listening skills involve fully concentrating on a speaker, understanding their message, and responding thoughtfully, helping you to comprehend information and engage effectively.
• Public speaking: Public speaking skills are important, especially in roles that require clear communication in front of groups.
• Presentation skills
• Negotiation
• People skills: People skills are interpersonal and communication abilities essential for effective interaction with others.
• Customer service skills: Customer service skills rely heavily on problem-solving and communication to address customer needs and create a positive experience.

Leadership:

• Team leadership
• Delegation
• Mentoring
• Decision-making
• Strategic thinking
• Conflict resolution: Conflict resolution skills are valuable in many job roles, as they help mediate and diffuse workplace conflicts.

Problem-Solving:

• Critical thinking: Critical thinking skills are highly sought after by employers.
• Analytical skills
• Creativity
• Research
• Troubleshooting
• Innovation

Work Habits:

• Time management
• Organization
• Attention to detail
• Multitasking
• Prioritization
• Meeting deadlines

For a deeper dive on interpersonal abilities, see our complete guide to soft skills for resumes.

How to Choose the Right Skills for Your Resume

Step 1: Analyze the Job Posting

Read the job description and highlight every skill mentioned. These are your priority keywords.

Example job posting:

“Seeking a marketing coordinator with experience in social media management, content creation, and email marketing. Must have strong organizational skills and proficiency in HubSpot and Google Analytics.”

Skills to include: Social media management, content creation, email marketing, organizational skills, HubSpot, Google Analytics

Step 2: Match Your Skills to the Job

Create two columns and check off what you have:

• Social media management ✅
• Content creation ✅
• Email marketing ✅
• HubSpot ✅
• Google Analytics ✅
• Organizational skills ✅

When matching your skills to the job, also consider your job experience—highlight relevant previous employment, certifications, and applicable skills that align with the job description. You can include skills you’re only slightly familiar with, but be honest about your proficiency level.

Step 3: Prove Your Skills with Examples

Don’t just list skills — demonstrate them:

Skills section:

Marketing: Social media management, content creation, email marketing, SEOAnalytics: Google Analytics (certified), HubSpot, Tableau

Experience section (proving the skills):

• “Managed social media accounts with 50K+ followers, increasing engagement by 40%”
• “Created email campaigns achieving 35% open rates (industry avg: 21%)”

Learn more about finding the right keywords in our resume keywords guide.

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🎯 Mid-Article Check

Wondering if your skills match the job you want?

Paste your resume and a job description into our free scanner. You’ll see exactly which skills are missing and where to add them.

Check My Skills Match →

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Skills to Put on Resume by Job Type

Administrative & Office Jobs

Hard Skills:

• Microsoft Office Suite (advanced Excel)
• Calendar management
• Data entry
• CRM software

Soft Skills:

• Organization
• Attention to detail
• Professional communication
• Time management

Customer Service Jobs

Hard Skills:

• CRM systems (Zendesk, Salesforce)
• Point-of-sale systems
• Live chat platforms

Soft Skills:

• Active listening
• Patience
• Empathy
• Conflict resolution

Sales Jobs

Hard Skills:

• CRM (Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Sales forecasting
• Lead generation
• Contract negotiation

Soft Skills:

• Persuasion
• Relationship building
• Resilience
• Goal orientation

Entry-Level / No Experience

Hard Skills:

• Microsoft Office
• Google Workspace
• Social media
• Any certifications

Soft Skills:

• Eagerness to learn
• Reliability
• Teamwork
• Adaptability

If you’re just starting out, check our guide on writing a resume with no experience.

Skills Section Format Examples

Format 1: Simple List

SKILLSExcel • SQL • Tableau • Project Management • Client Communication • Problem-Solving

Format 2: Categorized

SKILLSTechnical: Python, SQL, Tableau, Excel (advanced), Power BIManagement: Agile methodology, stakeholder communication, budget oversightSoft Skills: Team leadership, cross-functional collaboration

Format 3: With Proficiency

TECHNICAL SKILLSExpert: Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, WordAdvanced: SQL, Tableau, Google AnalyticsIntermediate: Python, R, Power BI

Best Practices

To make your resume skills section truly stand out, follow these best practices:

1. Tailor Your Skills to the Job Posting:Always customize your skills list for each application. Carefully read the job description and identify the key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Use the same language and keywords from the posting to ensure your resume passes applicant tracking systems and catches the eye of hiring managers.

2. Balance Hard and Soft Skills:Showcase a mix of technical skills (like data analysis, project management, or specific software skills) and soft skills (such as communication skills, organizational skills, and critical thinking abilities). This demonstrates that you’re not only capable of handling the technical aspects of the job but also able to work well with others and solve problems creatively.

3. Be Specific and Relevant:List only the most relevant skills for the position. Focus on key skills that directly relate to the job requirements and company culture. Avoid generic or outdated skills, and instead highlight those that reflect your current technical knowledge and professional experience.

4. Use Categories for Clarity:Organize your skills section by grouping similar skills together—such as technical skills, management skills, or interpersonal skills. This makes it easier for employers to quickly scan and identify your strengths.

5. Demonstrate Skills with Examples:Whenever possible, back up your skills with concrete examples in your work experience section. For instance, instead of just listing “project management,” mention a project you led and the results you achieved. This provides actionable insights into how you apply your skills effectively.

6. Keep It Concise:Aim for 6-12 skills in your skills section, focusing on those that are most important for the role. Too many skills can dilute your impact, while too few may leave employers questioning your qualifications.

7. Update Regularly:As you gain new skills or certifications, update your resume to reflect your latest abilities. Staying current with technology skills, software programs, and industry trends shows employers that you’re proactive about your professional development.

By following these best practices, you’ll ensure your resume skills section is clear, relevant, and compelling—helping you stand out from other candidates and move forward in your job search.

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How Many Skills Should You List?

Resume Section	Number
Skills section	6-12 skills
Work experience	Demonstrate 3-5 per job
Summary	Mention 2-3 key skills

When deciding which skills to put on a resume, it’s just as important to consider how many you include. You should include around six to eight key skills on your resume that are directly related to the jobs you apply for.

Total unique skills: 10-15 across your entire resume is the sweet spot.

For the complete breakdown, see how many skills to list on your resume.

Skills to AVOID Putting on Your Resume

Don’t Include	Why
“Microsoft Word”	Too basic — everyone has this
“Internet research”	Assumed in 2024
“Hard worker”	Vague and unverifiable
“People person”	Unprofessional phrasing
Irrelevant skills	Forklift cert for office job
Skills you can’t discuss	Don’t list it if you’ll stumble in interview

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top 5 skills to put on a resume?

1. Communication (written and verbal)
2. Problem-solving
3. Technical skills relevant to the job
4. Leadership/teamwork
5. Time management

These appear in most job postings and are valued across industries. Leadership and social influence involve taking initiative and motivating others, which are important even if you are not in a formal management position.

What are good skills to put on a resume with no experience?

Focus on transferable skills: communication, teamwork, time management, customer service, computer skills (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace), and any technical skills from school or self-learning. Transferable skills are qualities that are useful to any employer as you change jobs or careers.

Should I put soft skills on my resume?

Yes, but strategically. Include 3-5 soft skills and prove them with examples. “Led team of 6” demonstrates leadership better than just listing “leadership.”

How do I know which skills to include?

Read the job posting carefully. Skills mentioned multiple times are priorities. Match your skills to their requirements and use similar language.

Check If Your Skills Match the Job

Not sure if your skills section is optimized? Our free resume scanner compares your skills against any job description and tells you:

✅ Which skills are missing ✅ Keywords to add for ATS systems ✅ How to phrase your skills more effectively

Takes 30 seconds. No signup required.

Rate My Resume Skills — Free →

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Looking to strengthen specific areas? Check out our guides on communication skills and soft skills for more detailed examples.

Conclusion

Your resume skills section is one of the most important tools you have to impress potential employers and land interviews. By thoughtfully selecting the best skills to put on your resume—balancing hard skills, soft skills, and technical expertise—you’ll show hiring managers that you’re the right fit for the job. Remember to tailor your skills for each job posting, focus on relevant and current abilities, and provide examples that demonstrate your strengths in action.

Whether you’re highlighting time management skills, software skills, or your ability to communicate effectively, a well-crafted skills section can set you apart from other job seekers. Keep your skills list concise, up-to-date, and aligned with the job requirements to maximize your chances of success in the hiring process.

Ready to see how your skills stack up? Use our free resume scanner to check if your resume includes all the right skills for your next role—and take the next step toward your dream job.

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✍️ About the Author

Alex Rivers is a resume coach and career advisor who has reviewed over 5,000 resumes and helped job seekers land roles at companies like Google, Amazon, and McKinsey. After years of seeing the same mistakes cost qualified candidates interviews, Alex built ratemy.cv to give everyone access to instant, actionable resume feedback — for free.

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Check If Your Skills Match the Job

Not sure if your skills section is optimized? Our free resume scanner compares your skills against any job description and tells you:

✅ Which skills are missing
✅ Keywords to add for ATS systems
✅ How to phrase your skills more effectively

Takes 30 seconds. No signup required.

Rate My Resume Skills — Free →

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Looking to strengthen specific areas? Check out our guides on communication skills and soft skills for more detailed examples.