The job market today is more competitive than ever. With advancements in technology and automation threatening several roles, having the right skills is crucial to stand out. This makes resume skills more important than ever before.
In this blog post, we will look at 31 must-have skills that can help make your resume shine in 2023. These run the gamut from hard skills to soft skills, covering both technical and interpersonal abilities.
Why Resume Skills Matter
According to a 2021 survey by Talent Board, 79% of recruiters screen candidates based on skills. Your resume skills act as indicators of your capabilities and help assess your fit for a role.
Highlighting the right skills conveys to employers that:
- You possess the technical abilities needed for the job.
- You have the soft skills required to thrive in the role and add value.
- You are continually upgrading your skill-set through learning and development.
This encourages recruiters to pick your resume for further screening.
The Rising Demand for Skills
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2020 predicts that by 2025:
- 50% of employees will need reskilling as adoption of technology increases.
- Critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving will be among the top skills sought by employers.
- Soft skills like leadership, collaboration, creativity, and emotional intelligence will grow in importance.
This indicates the growing demand for both hard and soft skills in varying domains.
To stay competitive, job seekers need to showcase the right blend of technical prowess and human capabilities.
31 Skills to Include on Your Resume
Here are 31 must-have resume skills that can make you an attractive candidate in 2023:
1. Software Development & Programming
As technology transforms industries, programming skills are highly valued. Mention proficiency in languages like:
- Python
- Java
- JavaScript
- C++
- Ruby
- PHP
- Swift
Demonstrate your grasp through real-world examples of projects, products, or solutions you have created.
2. Data Analysis & Statistics
Data analytics plays a key role in decision-making today. Skills related to collecting, processing, analyzing, and interpreting data are much sought after.
Include expertise in:
- Statistical Analysis
- Data Mining
- Data Visualization (using tools like Tableau, Power BI)
- SQL
- NoSQL databases like MongoDB
- Python for data analysis
- R Programming
Back your skills with examples of extracting actionable insights from data.
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML)
AI is transforming how businesses operate. Machine learning fuels innovation in products/services across industries.
Relevant skills include:
- Machine Learning Algorithms like Regression, Classification, Clustering
- Neural Networks
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
- Development of AI applications using Python, R, Java, etc.
- Libraries like PyTorch, TensorFlow, SciKit-Learn
- Cloud-based services like AWS SageMaker, Google Cloud AI, Azure Machine Learning
Showcase your expertise by highlighting AI-based solutions created by you.
4. Cloud Computing
Cloud adoption continues to grow exponentially. Experience using leading cloud platforms is a huge plus.
Mention your grasp over:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Microsoft Azure
- Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
- Containers and Kubernetes
- Cloud architecture and deployment
Support your skills by listing cloud migration projects or optimizations you have delivered.
5. Cybersecurity
With rising data breaches, cybersecurity experts are imperative across sectors.
Key skills include:
- Network security
- Encryption techniques
- Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
- Vulnerability assessment and penetration testing
- Risk management
- Digital forensics and incident response
- Governance and compliance
Provide examples of measures implemented by you to boost security.
6. Project Management
Project managers are relied upon to deliver results on budget and schedule.
Relevant skills cover:
- Project planning and resource allocation
- Budgeting and cost control
- Risk management
- Scheduling tools like MS Project and Trello
- Leadership and team management
- Stakeholder engagement and communication
Demonstrate your track record of successfully spearheading projects.
7. Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is vital for brand-building and customer acquisition today.
Key skills include:
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
- Content strategy and creation
- Social media marketing
- Email marketing
- Marketing automation
- Digital campaign analysis
- Tools like Google Analytics, Hootsuite, Buffer
Showcase the success of digital marketing initiatives handled by you.
8. Graphic Design
Visuals are a powerful communication tool. Creative professionals with design skills have an edge.
Include expertise in:
- Tools like Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva
- Typography, color theory, and layouts
- UI/UX design
- Video editing
- Animation
- Print and digital media design
Provide examples of designs developed by you and their impact.
9. User Experience (UX) Design
UX design enhances customer satisfaction and retention by improving usability.
Relevant skills comprise:
- User research through interviews and surveys
- Journey mapping
- Wireframing and prototyping
- UI design principles
- Accessibility and responsive design
- Tools like Figma, Sketch, InVision
Showcase UX projects executed successfully due to your contributions.
10. Financial Analysis
Financial analysts identify trends, patterns, and projections to drive profitable strategies.
Key skills include:
- Financial statement analysis
- Data modeling and analysis
- Financial accounting and reporting
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Knowledge of tools like Excel, Power BI, Oracle, QuickBooks
Provide examples of how your analysis influenced financial outcomes.
11. Foreign Languages
In our global economy, multilingual skills give candidates an advantage. Include language proficiency backed by certifications.
Demonstrate levels like basic, conversational, fluent or native/bilingual. Support languages with examples of use in work or academia.
12. Digital Literacy
Basic technology skills are prerequisites for many roles today.
Highlight skills like:
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail)
- Zoom, MS Teams
- Data entry
- Basic troubleshooting
Provide examples of optimizing productivity through digital tools.
13. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
EQ enhances self-awareness and relationships with others. It enables effective teamwork.
Relevant skills cover:
- Self-control
- Empathy
- Conflict management
- Communication
- Developing others
- Diversity and inclusion
Showcase EQ via examples of building relationships or resolving disputes.
14. Adaptability
The pace of change today demands adaptability and flexibility.
Demonstrate skills like:
- Learning agility – speed and skill at learning new technologies
- Creativity and problem-solving
- Resilience and positive attitude
- Change management
- Maintaining productivity during uncertainty
Provide examples of how you adapted to evolving circumstances.
15. Sales & Negotiation
Sales and business development roles rely on strong negotiation skills.
Relevant skills include:
- Consultative selling approach
- CRM tools like Salesforce
- Account management
- Lead generation
- Client relationship building
- Contract negotiation
- Communication and listening
Highlight sales or deals closed thanks to your ability.
16. Critical Thinking
The ability to assess issues objectively is valued across domains.
Demonstrate analytical skills like:
- Problem-solving
- Decision-making under uncertainty
- Evaluating ideas and arguments objectively
- Research and data interpretation
- Creativity and design thinking
Provide examples of how your critical thinking enhanced outcomes.
17. Time Management
Efficiency and productivity are imperative in the modern workplace.
Key skills cover:
- Planning and prioritizing
- Meeting deadlines
- Multitasking
- Focus and avoiding distractions
- Productivity systems like Kanban boards, Pomodoro technique
- Tools like Trello, Asana
Share examples of finishing projects ahead of schedule due to your time management abilities.
18. Customer Service
Customer-focused service builds brand loyalty. For customer-facing roles, highlight skills in:
- Active listening and empathy
- Oral and written communication
- Issue resolution
- Customer relationship management (CRM) systems
- Providing personalized service at scale
Quantify your impact through metrics like customer satisfaction scores.
19. Networking
Building relationships creates opportunities.
Relevant skills include:
- Reaching out and developing professional contacts
- Participation in events, conferences, and trade associations
- Maintaining an online presence via LinkedIn and social networks
- Facilitating connections between people
Demonstrate this by highlighting experience organizing events or collaborating with influencers in your industry.
20. Research & Information Gathering
Sourcing reliable information is the basis for informed decisions.
Key skills cover:
- Conducting online research using sources like Google Scholar
- Performing market research through surveys and interviews
- Analyzing academic papers and industry reports
- Validating data from reputable outlets
- Synthesizing insights from multiple sources
Showcase research undertaken to guide business or academic projects.
21. Creativity & Innovation
Employers desire candidates who can enhance processes and products.
Relevant skills include:
- Design thinking – empathy, ideation, iteration
- Thinking outside the box
- Fostering an innovative culture
- Intellectual curiosity
- Strategic vision
Provide examples of improvements or innovations you conceived.
22. Conflict Management
Disputes are inevitable in teams. Demonstrate abilities like:
- Having difficult conversations
- Mediation and negotiation
- Maintaining objectivity
- Encouraging open communication
- Focusing on mutual understanding
Share anecdotes of resolving conflicts while preserving relationships.
23. Cultural Awareness & Inclusion
In diverse environments, cultural fluency and sensitivity are assets.
Relevant skills cover:
- Embracing diverse perspectives
- Mitigating unconscious bias
- Cross-cultural communication
- Global mindset
- Languages and regional expertise
Provide examples of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion at work.
24. Ethical Judgment & Integrity
Displaying integrity builds trust and credibility.
Key skills include:
- Making principled choices
- Exhibiting reliability and transparency
- Adherence to code of conduct and ethics
- Standing up for what is right
Share examples of ethical decision-making that reflect your values.
25. Public Speaking & Presentations
Communicating clearly to groups is valuable in roles like sales, HR, and leadership.
Important skills comprise:
- Preparing and structuring presentations
- Using tools like PowerPoint, Keynote
- Engaging delivery and storytelling
- Handling Q&As confidently
- Non-verbal communication and body language
Highlight experience delivering presentations along with their impact.
26. Technical Writing
Technical writing skills help disseminate complex information clearly.
Relevant skills include:
- Conveying technical detail in plain language
- Writing user manuals, guides, and documentation
- Proofreading and editing
- Adapting tone and style for different audiences
- Using graphics and visuals effectively
Provide samples or quantify the success of technical documents you have written.
27. Remote Work Proficiency
Remote work is becoming prevalent across sectors. Showcase skills like:
- Collaborating across distributed teams
- Using tools like Zoom, Slack, Trello, Asana
- Staying aligned without in-person interactions
- Self-motivation and discipline
- Delivering results independently
Share examples of results achieved by you through remote work.
28. Entrepreneurial Mindset
An entrepreneurial drive enhances innovation and growth.
Relevant skills include:
- Calculated risk-taking
- Leadership and initiative
- Creative problem-solving
- Identifying and capitalizing on opportunities
- Taking ownership and responsibility
Provide instances of you developing business opportunities or streamlining processes.
29. Environmental Awareness
Sustainability is vital today. Showcase skills like:
- Knowledge of environmental issues
- Experience with sustainability initiatives
- Promoting greener practices at work
- Conservation, recycling, and waste reduction
- Compliance with regulations like ISO 14000
Share examples of your efforts to reduce environmental impact.
30. Training & Development
Enabling learning and progress in teams adds value.
Important skills cover:
- Coaching and mentoring staff
- Conducting training needs analysis
- Developing training programs
- Knowledge sharing and onboarding
- Planning e-learning modules
- Measuring behavioral change
Highlight training programs you have designed and their measurable impact.
31. Data Visualization
Data visualization makes data easier to grasp.
Relevant skills include:
- Expertise in tools like Tableau, Power BI
- Statistical graphs and charts
- Dashboards and infographics
- UI/UX principles for effective visuals
- Storytelling with data
Showcase dashboards, charts, and graphs you have created to communicate data.
Key Takeaways
- Resume skills showcase your expertise to potential employers. They reflect your capabilities beyond academic qualifications.
- Hard skills demonstrate your technical prowess. Soft skills highlight your interpersonal abilities and emotional intelligence.
- Strike a balance between depth and breadth of skills. Back each skill with tangible examples and results.
- Optimize your resume by including a blend of in-demand technical and soft skills. Continually expand your skill-set to stay competitive.
The job market evolves rapidly. So must your skills. Continually gain exposure by taking online courses, attending seminars, and seeking real-world experience.
What skills do you think will be critical to include on resumes? Which of these 31 skills resonate most with you? Share your thoughts below!