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The skills section of your resume is one of the first places recruiters and ATS software look to determine if you're qualified for a role. But simply listing every skill you've ever acquired doesn't work — the key is selecting the right skills that match the job, organizing them effectively, and backing them up with evidence in your experience section. This guide shows you exactly how to do that.
Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills: What's the Difference?
Hard skills are teachable, measurable abilities acquired through education, training, or experience. Examples include programming languages, data analysis, graphic design, accounting, and machine operation. Soft skills are interpersonal and behavioral qualities like communication, leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability. You need both on your resume, but they serve different purposes. Hard skills prove you can do the job technically; soft skills prove you can do it within a team and organization.
Top Hard Skills Employers Want in 2026
- Data Analysis & Visualization (SQL, Python, Tableau, Power BI)
- AI & Machine Learning (prompt engineering, LLMs, predictive modeling)
- Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform)
- Cybersecurity (network security, compliance, incident response)
- Digital Marketing (SEO, Google Ads, social media analytics, CRM platforms)
- Project Management (Agile, Scrum, Jira, Asana, MS Project)
- Financial Modeling & Analysis (Excel, Bloomberg, QuickBooks)
- UX/UI Design (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, user research)
- Software Development (JavaScript, React, Python, Java, Go)
- Healthcare Technology (EHR systems, HIPAA compliance, telehealth platforms)
Top Soft Skills for Any Resume
- Communication — written, verbal, and presentation skills
- Leadership — team management, mentoring, decision-making
- Problem-Solving — critical thinking, analytical reasoning, creativity
- Adaptability — flexibility, learning agility, resilience
- Collaboration — cross-functional teamwork, conflict resolution
- Time Management — prioritization, deadline management, multitasking
- Emotional Intelligence — empathy, self-awareness, relationship building
How to Choose the Right Skills for Your Resume
The golden rule: your skills section should be tailored to every job you apply for. Start by reading the job description carefully and highlighting every skill mentioned. Then match those skills against your own experience. Prioritize skills that appear in the job's requirements section over those in the 'nice-to-have' section. If a skill appears multiple times in the posting, it's critical — make sure it's on your resume.
Use ExpertResume's ATS Score Checker to instantly compare your resume's skills against any job description. It highlights missing keywords so you know exactly which skills to add.
How to Format Your Skills Section
There are several effective ways to format your skills section. The most common approach is a simple bulleted list of 8–15 skills, ideally organized into categories like 'Technical Skills' and 'Soft Skills' or by domain like 'Programming Languages,' 'Tools & Platforms,' and 'Methodologies.' Another approach is to use a skills matrix that rates your proficiency level, though this is less common and not recommended for ATS compatibility.
Industry-Specific Skills Examples
Different industries value different skill sets. Technology roles emphasize programming languages, frameworks, and cloud platforms. Healthcare roles prioritize clinical skills, patient care, and regulatory compliance. Finance roles value financial modeling, regulatory knowledge, and risk analysis. Marketing roles focus on analytics, content strategy, and campaign management. Research the specific skills valued in your target industry and ensure your resume reflects them.
Common Skills Section Mistakes
- Listing skills you can't back up in an interview — you'll be tested
- Including outdated skills (e.g., Adobe Flash, COBOL — unless the job specifically requires it)
- Being too generic — 'Microsoft Office' tells recruiters nothing; 'Advanced Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros)' shows depth
- Ignoring soft skills entirely — hiring managers want well-rounded candidates
- Copying the job description word-for-word — incorporate keywords naturally
- Rating yourself on a 1–5 scale — it's subjective and wastes space
Frequently Asked Questions
How many skills should I put on my resume?
Include 8–15 relevant skills that match the job description. Too few and you may not pass ATS screening; too many and you dilute the impact. Focus on the most relevant and impressive skills for each application.
Should I include soft skills on my resume?
Yes, but don't just list them — demonstrate them in your work experience bullets. For example, instead of listing 'leadership,' show a bullet like 'Led a team of 8 analysts through a company-wide data migration project.' Include 2–3 key soft skills in your skills section to cover ATS keywords.
What if I don't have the exact skills listed in the job posting?
Focus on transferable skills and closely related competencies. If the posting asks for Salesforce and you have HubSpot experience, include HubSpot and mention CRM proficiency. Many skills transfer across platforms — highlight your ability to learn quickly and adapt.
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ExpertResume Team
The ExpertResume editorial team consists of certified resume writers, career coaches, and HR professionals with decades of combined experience helping job seekers land their dream roles. Every guide is researched, fact-checked, and updated regularly to reflect current hiring trends.