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12 Synonyms for “Skills” on Your Resume

different word for skills on resume

Do you want to talk about your technical skills on your resume? Well, that’s always good, as it’s what employers tend to look out for to see what you can do.

However, “skills” itself may not be an effective term. So, this article will look into another word for “skills” that might help to spice up your writing.

Skills Synonyms

  • Confident in my ability to
  • Learned from
  • Studied and understood
  • Knowledge base

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • “Skills” are always useful on a resume, but you might want to use a less common term.
  • “Expertise” is a better synonym if you want something that won’t appear in everyone’s resume.
  • “Confident in my ability to” is a reassuring phrase showing an employer what you’re made of.

There’s more to say, and you should read on to learn more about the best alternatives. We’ve explained more about the most useful ones and how to get them correct.

The final section also explains more about “skills.” So, if you want to learn whether it’s okay to include “skills” on your resume, you know where to go.

“Expertise” is another word for “skills” that works well in resumes. It suggests you are an expert in a field, meaning you have a lot of experience in it.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “expertise” as “the skill of an expert.”

Using “expertise” is great if you want to show an employer what you can do. As long as you relate your expertise to the job role, you’ll make yourself a very desirable candidate .

Of course, you must always be careful about claiming “expertise” when applying for a job. If you can’t back it up with evidence , you might get caught out later if an employer chooses to hire you.

For instance, if you claim to have expertise in coding, you will need to prove that at some point. If your boss asks you to code a program for him and you aren’t an expert like you claimed, it won’t take long for them to figure out that you lied on your resume.

So, as long as you don’t lie, “expertise” is great to include. It’s just as effective as “skills,” meaning that both terms work well.

These are some great examples to help you understand it:

My expertise in this field has allowed me to climb the ranks easily. I hope you will see that from my track record.

I have plenty of expertise that I’m looking to bring to the office. There is so much that I can do to improve the efficiency of this company.

Confident in My Ability to

“Confident in my ability to” is a great phrase to replace “skills.” You can use it to show that you have abilities that correlate well to the job you’re applying for.

Also, starting the phrase with “confident” shows you are certain . It shows you don’t doubt your abilities, making it easier to convince an employer to hire you.

The only issue you may have with “confident in my ability to” is that it only works as part of a sentence. You must say “I am confident in my ability to;” otherwise, it wouldn’t make much sense.

For instance, you won’t be able to start listing abilities after the phrase. “Skills” allows you to list your skills in bullet points (which is easier to read). “Confident in my ability to” does not allow you to list them.

So, both phrases are effective. “Skills” works better if you want to list things, though. “Confident in my ability to” works best if you want to include it in a sentence.

Take a look through the following examples to help you:

Naturally, I am confident in my ability to direct a team. I have repeatedly proven that I can complete group projects to a superior quality.

I am confident in my ability to deliver high-quality goods. That’s why I’m a good fit for this production role.

Should You Say “Skills” on Your Resume?

You should include “skills” on your resume to some degree . There’s nothing wrong with including the term “skills.” In fact, it’s quite formal and is certainly appropriate in many written contexts.

While you might not include a list of “skills” in something like a cover letter, a list would be very useful when writing a resume. After all, a list gives an employer a comprehensive rundown of all your skills and abilities.

The more you can relate your list of skills to the job role, the better you’ll look to an employer. You can show them straight away that you are a good fit for the job by getting your skills correct.

Here’s a quick example to show you how to list your skills:

Skills : – Excellent communication skills – Well-versed in C# – Fluent in three languages (French, English, Arabic)

You can include as many skills as you want. We suggest keeping them relevant, but the more skills you have, the better you’ll look.

Keep this page bookmarked for future reference! That way, you’ll always have a list of alternatives ready for when you don’t want to use “skills.”

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English Recap

10 Synonyms for “Skills” on a Resume

different word for skills on resume

So, you’re trying to find a way to talk about your “skills” on a resume, right?

Well, you might worry that “skills” isn’t a good phrase or is a bit repetitive.

Fear not! We’re here to help.

This article will explain what to say instead of “skills” to help you keep your writing fresh and engaging.

Is “Skills” a Good Word for Your Resume?

“Skills” is a good word for your resume . It works well because it allows you to talk about all the things you’ve picked up throughout the years of your employment.

Generally, “skills” is a subheading in a resume. It allows you to list your skills in an easy way for the recruiters or employers to see what you’re capable of.

For example:

  • Well-versed with Microsoft Office
  • Excellent communicator
  • Team leader

However, you can also use it in a sentence , such as:

I have picked up many skills that apply to a job such as this. I’m very excited to showcase what I can do.

  • It’s one of the best ways to describe your past experience.
  • It shows you value your ability and what you can achieve.
  • It comes up all the time, so it’s a bit repetitive.
  • Recruiters are looking for more interesting ways for applicants to discuss their “skills.”

While “skills” is a great phrase to include on a resume, that doesn’t mean you should limit yourself to it. So, you should have a few alternatives ready to help you out.

Keep reading to learn how to say “skills” on a resume. We’ve touched on some of the best synonyms to help you explore your options.

What to Say Instead of “Skills”

  • Proficiencies
  • Capabilities
  • Qualifications
  • Accomplishments
  • Technical skills

1. Abilities

One of the best alternatives to using “skills” on your resume is “abilities.”

This is a great word that keeps things formal and direct . It lets recruiters know what you are capable of and what you’re willing to bring with you to the workplace.

Generally, this is a great way to list your qualifications or skills . It’ll help to keep things easier for recruiters and employers to read.

You can also review these resume samples:

I have a lot of abilities that will help me in this workplace. I’m excited to show you more about what I can do.

My abilities will help me to stand out more amongst the other applicants. So, I hope you can see that and ask me for more information.

2. Proficiencies

You can use “proficiencies” as another word for “skills” on a resume.

It shows you how to describe skills on a resume by keeping things more professional and sincere .

Generally, this is a great way to encourage an employer to hire you. It lets them know that you mean business and want to prove yourself quickly.

Also, feel free to review the following CV samples:

I’m proud of my proficiencies here. I’m so excited to join your company, as I know I’ll be a great fit.

These are my main proficiencies . I’m happy to explore them further with you if you’d like to take it to an interview.

3. Expertise

You can use “expertise” as another synonym for “skills” as well.

This time, it’s a more subtle yet professional word to include. We like using “expertise” because it lets people know what you can do.

Also, if you think you’re an expert in something, it means you’re confident in your own knowledge .

So, it’s a great way to ty and sell yourself.

Feel free to review these examples if you’re still unsure:

It’s clear that my expertise has set me up for success in this field. I know that I’ll be a great fit if you choose to hire me.

This is my expertise . Please review it and let me know what you think. I’m hopeful that this role will be good for both of us.

Feel free to write “talents” instead of “skills” as well. This is a great way to mix things up, as it’s a formal synonym that shows you have a lot of knowledge or experience.

Generally, “talents” refers to things you’ve always been good at. So, it’s a great phrase to include that lets someone know you’re keen to impress them.

Here are some great examples to help you understand it:

I have many talents that I’d like to share regarding this position. Then, you’ll know that I’m serious about the role.

My talents stand on their own. I have shown you what I can do, and I look forward to hearing from you.

5. Capabilities

Another great term to use on a resume is “capabilities.” This works well when replacing “skills” because it shows what you’re capable of bringing to a team. Generally, this is a great way to impress an employer . They’ll be more likely to consider you for a role if they can see how your capabilities might directly correlate to the position you are applying for.

You can also check out these examples to learn more:

My capabilities are unlike anyone else’s. I’m very excited to join the team, and I hope you consider me moving forward.

These are my main capabilities . I’m certain that they’ll make me a good fit for this role as you look to hire a candidate.

6. Qualifications

We also recommend including “qualifications” on your resume. This is a great way to let people know the types of things you’ve picked up over the years.

Generally, “qualifications” directly relate to the knowledge you’ve gained. It refers to things like training courses and certifications you might have received that will help you in the jobs you go for.

It’s formal and to the point . So, it makes it very clear to the reader what they should expect from you.

If you’re still unsure, check out these examples:

These are my qualifications . Please review them and let me know whether you think I’m a good fit for this role.

I have a great deal of qualifications that help me in this field. I’m happy to demonstrate what I can do at an interview.

7. Strengths

It’s good to use “strengths” to try and sell yourself in a resume as well. This is a great term that replaces “skills” by showing how you hold specific experience in high regard.

Generally, if something is your “strength,” it means you’re very confident with it. This is a great way to impress a recruiter who’s looking through your resume to learn more about you.

Here are some cover letter samples to help you figure out how to use it:

These are my main strengths . I also know that they’re a great fit for this role, and I’m excited to bring them with me.

My strengths stand out compared to other candidates. I’m very excited to show you what I can do before we move forward.

8. Accomplishments

You can also write “accomplishments” in your resume instead of “skills.” We certainly recommend using this to show what you’re able to bring to a team.

Generally, “accomplishments” refers to things you’ve already achieved in the workplace.

So, it’s a great way to brag about yourself (in a positive way, of course).

These resume samples will also help you to understand it:

I have many accomplishments that work well in a job like this. So, I’m convinced that this role is right for me.

My accomplishments speak for themselves. I’m so excited to see what comes next when we start working together.

9. Know-How

Try using “know-how” to let a recruiter know what you can do.

We recommend it because it’s a useful formal phrase. It shows that you’re able to bring your knowledge to a job because it directly correlates with the things someone is asking you to do.

Of course, this usually works best when you’re able to back it up with evidence. So, it might be worth including things in your portfolio or resume to express how you have “know-how.”

If you’re still unsure, you can review these examples:

I have a lot of know-how to help me in this field. I’m confident that I’ll be able to bring it with me if you consider me.

My know-how has developed over the years. I’m proud of everything I’ve achieved and what I can bring to the table.

10. Technical Skills

You can also use “technical skills” instead of “skills.” Yes, technically, it means the same thing.

However, adding “technical” before “skills” helps you to spice things up.

It shows that you’ve got hands-on experience with certain things. This is a great way to show that you’re already well-versed in a situation and know how to handle yourself.

Generally, this allows you to sell yourself to an employer. They’ll be much more likely to want to hire you after using a phrase like this.

Feel free to check out these examples if you still need help with it:

I have a lot of technical skills relating to this area. I’m certain that you’ll be impressed with what I can do.

My technical skills will help me to stand out in this field. I’m glad that you’re considering me for the position.

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100 Good Skills to Put on a Resume [Complete Guide]

Jeff Gillis 0 Comments

different word for skills on resume

By Jeff Gillis

Updated 6/4/2022.

different word for skills on resume

When you’re adding skills to a resume, you don’t just want to focus on what you’re good at. Instead, relevancy has to be part of the equation. After all, every job you’re trying to land requires a very specific skill set, one that you need to show that you have.

Choosing the skills to put on a resume when you’re applying to a role isn’t something you should do haphazardly. Instead, you want to use the job description, company mission, and company values as a guide, creating a sense of alignment.

Additionally, it never hurts to have a handy list of skills by your side, making it easier to explore your options. So, if you’re on the hunt for good skills to put on a resume, here’s what you need to know.

Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills

There are two basic types of skillsets that a job seeker can have and include on their resume: hard skills or soft skills.

Hard skills are the skills or abilities for a resume that are easily quantifiable…that can be learned through classroom work, apprenticeships, or other forms of learning. These include things like operating tools, computer programming, speaking foreign languages, or different kinds of technical prowess.

Soft skills are more subjective and harder to quantify and are often grouped together by what we know as “people skills.” Some examples of soft skills include communication, relationship building, self-awareness, and patience.

Which Skills Are More Important?

The debate rages on about which of these two types of skills is more important.

According to executive consultant and Forbes contributor Naz Beheshti , “…There is an ongoing debate about the relative importance of soft and hard skills that imply a competition between the two. However, they are both necessary and complementary to one another.”

On the one hand, job seekers with proficiency in a specific hard skill may get hired more quickly. Many employers want to hire people that can deliver value with fewer resources (ex., the need for training, etc.), making hard skills their priority.

However, we are also seeing that many hiring managers are choosing to hire candidates with highly developed soft skills.

In the end, as Indeed puts it, “soft skills are necessary to create a positive and functional work environment.” Plus, hiring managers feel that they can always train the candidate in the hard skill that is required to complete the job, but soft skills are often skills that cannot necessarily be taught.

So, what does this mean for you? Mainly that you can’t simply just pick one or the other and cross your fingers. Instead, the best strategy is to take a balanced approach and make sure that your resume contains both hard and soft skills.

How Do You Choose the Skills to List on a Resume?

Here’s the deal; there’s a good chance you know what you’re good at in a professional sense. Often, you can use your experience, duties, training, and education as a guide, giving you a strong foundation. Then, it’s about diving a bit deeper, looking at traits that could help you stand out, and comparing it all to the job description.

By using a simple process, you can make progress faster. Here’s a quick way to get started.

1. Make a List of the Skills You Know You Have

As mentioned above, the easiest way to get a grip on your current skills is to reflect on your academic and professional experiences. Consider the tasks you’ve taken on, the training you’ve completed, and the courses you had in school. In most cases, that’ll give you some solid ideas about your hard skills.

After that, it’s time for soft skills. Here, you want to think of traits or capabilities that help you engage with others and navigate professional relationships. Often, these are reflections of your personality, so use that as a jumping-off point.

2. “Mine” the Job Descriptions for Must-Have Skills

The next step is to take a look at the job description for the position you are applying for and make a list of the required skills it includes. Then, compare it to your capabilities. Are any of the skills on both of the lists you just created? If so, these are must-haves for your resume.

Now, notice if there are any skills on the job description that you don’t have. If there aren’t any, great!

But if there are…don’t panic. There are things you can do, which we’ll dig into shortly.

If you’re dealing with a vague job description, you aren’t stuck either. Here is a link to a ton of job descriptions that can give you an idea of the skills needed.

3. Tailor Your Skills to the Company/Position

As you may have read in our other blog articles, it is always very important to “tailor” your resume to the company and position you want to land. For an in-depth look into how to make that happen, check out our Tailoring Method article. 

If you want a quick overview, the idea is to focus on capabilities the company wants to find. Every job requires a unique skill set, and you want to show you have it. As a result, it is absolutely essential that skills from the job description make an appearance on your resume.

However, you also want to dig deeper. Spend some more time researching the company, including going through all of their various web properties, such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages.

Why? Because they will leave clues about the types of people they hire. That gives you more ideas about the best skills to put on a resume to land a job there, particularly when it comes to soft skills you may not find in a job description.

100 Resume Skills Examples

If you’re struggling with coming up with a list of skills based on your past experience, it can be easier if you have existing resume skills lists to work with. You don’t have to think up every possible skill; you can simply review the list and find the matches.

Here is a list of resume skills examples, divided into hard skills and soft skills, that you can use when applying for a job.

Hard Skills for a Resume

  • Advanced Bookkeeping
  • Appointment Setting
  • Automotive Repair
  • Cold Calling
  • Computer Programming
  • Conversion Testing
  • Copywriting
  • Customer Engagement
  • Customer Service
  • Data Analysis
  • Digital Marketing
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Environmental Cleanup
  • Forklift Operating
  • Graphic Design
  • Heavy Machinery Operation
  • Installation
  • Landscaping
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Coding
  • Paid Online Traffic
  • Patient Care
  • Photo Editing
  • Picking and Packing
  • Project Management
  • Schedule Management
  • Search Engine Optimization
  • Server Maintenance
  • Social Media
  • Spanish Fluency
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Systems Analysis
  • Technical Support
  • Telecommunications Systems
  • Travel Booking
  • Video Editing
  • Website Design
  • Word Processing

Soft Skills for a Resume

  • Accountability
  • Active Listening
  • Adaptability
  • Brainstorming
  • Business Etiquette
  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Contextualizing
  • Critical Thinking
  • Decision Making
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Flexibility
  • Goal-Setting
  • Handling Pressure
  • Influencing
  • Insightfulness
  • Interpreting
  • Negotiation
  • Open-Mindedness
  • Organization
  • Prioritization
  • Problem Solving
  • Relationship Building
  • Reliability
  • Resource Management
  • Responsibility
  • Self-Confidence
  • Strategical Thinking
  • Strong Work Ethic
  • Time Management

What If I Don’t Have the Required Skill?

Whether you need to possess a specific skill depends on the job and the skill in question. Usually, here’s where you have to be honest with yourself. If the skills required are part of the core competencies of doing the job, you may want to reconsider your application.

For example, if a golf course posts a job posting for a golf pro, you probably shouldn’t apply if you’ve never swung a golf club.

However, you will come across situations where what you bring to the table is close. In this case, moving forward might be okay.

You need to be able to demonstrate, using examples from your past, that you are capable of doing the required skill, even if you haven’t specially done it. So, go over your work history with a fine-tooth comb and try to come up with a few examples of you doing something in the right ballpark.

They are going to ask about it in your interview, so don’t think you can just wing it, and everything will be fine.

Also, many job descriptions have “nice-to-have” skills on the list. If you happen to possess them, great. But if not, don’t assume you shouldn’t apply if you have the must-have skills. In the end, those capabilities aren’t outright requirements, so don’t screen yourself out based on them.

How To List Skills on a Resume

There are a few different schools of thought when it comes to deciding where to put (or how to list) the skills on your resume.

According to our friends over at online resume-builder Zety.com , “…skills are so very, very important that they should show up all over your resume. Not just in the resume skills section.” In other words, it is imperative that there are elements of your skills throughout your resume, including your resume objective/summary and experience sections.

In addition, there isn’t one right answer for where to include your skill section because that depends on the industry, company, and position you’re trying to land. For example, for a job where technical competencies are of the utmost importance, it is often beneficial to list the skills closer to the top of the resume, right underneath the resume objective or resume summary statement.

However, if through your research you determine that the hiring manager will put more weight into your experience, you may want to lead with your experience. Then, put the skills section further down your resume.

At the end of the day, the selection of the skills themselves is the most important thing. After all, most hiring managers will easily find your skill section regardless of where it is on your resume.

What About Skills for My Job Application?

When you’re looking for skills to put on a job application, you do have to treat it a little differently than skills for a resume. Usually, you’re working with a finite amount of space on an application, not just in an overall sense but in each applicable section.

Since that’s the case, you need to lean heavily on the job description. Look for any capabilities that are listed as must-haves or that are repeated through the job ad. Then, make sure those skills are featured prominently in several areas, including in work history descriptions and skills areas.

If you have to answer essay questions, discuss those skills there, too, whenever possible. Use any other relevant capability as a supplement, treating it as supporting information instead of the primary point you’re sharing.

However, if an essay question asks about a skill that’s not in the job description, feel free to dig in a bit. It’s a capability that’s clearly on the hiring manager’s mind, so touch on it occasionally to show you shine in that area.

Putting It All Together

If you were wondering, “What are some good skills to put on a resume?” you should now have a solid answer. The most important thing to remember is to select skills that are relevant to the position you are interviewing for and, more important than that, skills that your company puts a tremendous amount of value in.

Once you get your skills straightened out, you should make sure that the rest of your resume is congruent with the skills you just selected, namely, that your experience shows that you both used those skills in a work environment and developed the skill with on-the-job tasks.

different word for skills on resume

Co-founder and CTO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Jeff is a featured contributor delivering advice on job search, job interviews and career advancement, having published more than 50 pieces of unique content on the site , with his work being featured in top publications such as INC , ZDnet , MSN and more.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Jeff gillis.

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Co-founder and CTO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Jeff is a featured contributor delivering advice on job search, job interviews and career advancement, having published more than 50 pieces of unique content on the site , with his work being featured in top publications such as INC , ZDnet , MSN and more. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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different word for skills on resume

101 Essential Skills to Put on a Resume in 2024 [For Most Jobs]

Background Image

Listing skills on your resume is fairly easy. 

Listing the right skills in the right way is a little bit trickier.  

Are you mentioning the right skills for the job, or are you boring the HR manager with irrelevant information? 

The hiring manager for the software development team couldn’t care less about your expertise in marketing. What they’re dying to know, though, is your skill level in Python and how you get along with the team.

In this guide, we’re going to walk you through the process of putting skills on your resume from start to finish. We’ll explain how to identify the right skills and how to list them in a way that catches the hiring manager’s attention!

Here’s what you’re going to learn:

Hard Skills Vs Soft Skills - What’s the Difference?

  • Why Should You List Your Skills on a Resume? 
  • 8 Best Skills to Put on a Resume 
  • How to List Skills on a Resume 
  • 120+ Skills to Put on Your Resume (For 10+ Fields)

New to resume-making? Give our resumes 101 video a watch before diving into the article!

Skills are divided into hard skills and soft skills .

To create an effective job application, catch the hiring manager’s attention, and land your next job, you should mention both hard and soft skills in your resume.

But what exactly is the difference?

Hard skills involve the technical knowledge or know-how one can gain through experience, training, or education. For example: 

  • Machinery skills. E.g., operating a road roller, pallet-stalker, forklift, etc.
  • Software skills. Depending on the field, you need to know how to use different software, such as the Adobe Creative Suite for graphic designers or the Ableton Live Suite if you’re a DJ.
  • Tools. Say you’re a digital marketer . You’ll need to know how to use tools like Stethoscope, Google Search Console, Google Analytics, Ahrefs, and the sorts.
  • Multilingualism. The more customers you can communicate with, the more valuable you are as an employee. Some sought-after languages today include German, Chinese, Spanish, and Arabic.
  • Computer skills . If you’re a web developer, your hard skills will likely include coding languages such as Python, C++, etc. Even if you’re not though, most jobs will require that you have at least some basic computer knowledge in MS Office and G-Suite, emailing and presentations, etc.
  • Techniques. E.g. frequency analysis, Crystallization.
  • Mathematics. Many professions, such as accounting and finance, require mathematical skills.
  • Data analysis. Businesses are always looking for professionals who can gather and analyze data for various stakeholders, which makes data analysis a very in-demand hard skill.

…and just about any field-specific skill. While hard skills are essential to complete tasks in about any job, they’re also teachable and easily measurable.

hard skills

Soft skills , on the other hand, are attributes and habits that describe how you work individually or with others. They are typically not job-specific but rather transferable skills that indirectly help you adapt to the work environment and company culture. 

Some examples of the most in-demand soft skills include: 

  • Communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Organization
  • Adaptability

Like hard skills, you can also learn how to develop soft skills, although it’s significantly harder. 

While you can acquire computer skills through a technical course, you’ll need to work much harder to develop, say, your communication skills. 

In the workplace, for example, you’d need to practice active listening , learn how to notice nonverbal cues, and practice your oral communication skills as much as possible.

best soft skills

What’s the Difference Between Hard Skills and Soft Skills

Here are the two main differences between hard skills and soft skills: 

  • How you obtain them. You can obtain hard skills through work experience , education, training, and certification. Soft skills, on the other hand, can be gained through life experience, both on and off work.
  • How you use them. You apply hard skills directly to the job, whereas soft skills come into play indirectly and may often complement your hard skills. For example, you may be a communicative marketer or an office manager with great leadership qualities.

Why Should You List Skills on Your Resume?

The skills section is one of the 3 most important resume sections , with the other two being work experience and education sections. 

If written correctly, the skills section looks something like this:

skills section in a resume

By now, you’re probably thinking “ how hard can this be, right? All I have to do is list all my skills and call it a day! ”

Well, not exactly. The process of putting skills on your resume is a bit more nuanced than that, and we’re going to tell you why.

Most companies nowadays use Applicant Tracking Systems to help them go through the hundreds and thousands of resumes they receive every day.

ats skills in a resume

This software scans your resume for keywords relevant to the job you’re applying for, and if it doesn’t find them, the software automatically rejects the resume.

Say, for example, the job you’re applying to requires an Expert level in Java. If you haven’t mentioned Java as a skill on your resume, your resume can automatically get discarded.

In fact, 70%+ of resumes are rejected at this stage, never having even been seen by an HR professional. 

And, even if the company doesn’t use an ATS, there’s a good chance that the HR manager is going to skim through your resume looking for the right skill set.

So, whether you’re doing this for the ATS or the HR, it’s important to mention the right skills .

Below, we’re going to explain just how to do this in the best way possible. 

But first, let’s cover some of the best skills to mention in any resume, regardless of your profession. 

8 Best Skills to Put on a Resume

Every profession requires some role-specific hard skills if you want to do it properly. An accountant, for example, needs to know math to do their job right, just like a photographer needs to know how to use photo editing software like Photoshop. 

In most cases, it’s easy to identify such skills and understand whether you’re qualified enough for the job. 

The right soft skills for a job may be harder to point out, but they’re just as essential in today’s job market - 93% of employers say “ soft skills play a critical role in their decision about whom they want to hire. ” 

To give you an example, if you’re a project manager, you will need to have excellent organizational skills in addition to your project management skills. Or, if you’re a developer, you need to also be an apt problem solver. 

You can find lists of field-related, relevant soft and hard skills later in the article, but for now, here are the top soft and hard skills valued by hiring managers in most professions : 

#1. Communication skills

There are very few, if any, jobs out there that don’t require at least some level of communication skills.

Whether you’re a writer who needs to communicate a message to your readers, a marketing specialist who needs to communicate an advertising campaign to your client, or an office worker who must communicate with a colleague to complete a task, communication skills are vital. 

Communication is a multi-faceted skill that includes several skills, such as: 

  • Oral and written communication
  • Non-verbal communication
  • Active Listening
  • Presentation
  • Public-speaking
  • Negotiation

#2. Computer skills

By 2016, over 70% of US jobs required medium-to-high-level digital skills.  

This means that computer and technical skills are priceless assets even if your job isn’t centered around technology. As such, computer skills are almost always a great addition to any resume.

Here are some valuable computer skills for every professional: 

  • Office suites (MS Office, iWork)
  • Social media
  • Database management
  • Web (Internet savviness, basic HTML, CMS)
  • Troubleshooting
  • Equipment installation and configuration
  • Fast Typing

career masterclass

#3. Management skills

Management skills are usually associated with management positions, but in reality, that’s not usually the case. Any type of professional can benefit from strong management skills. 

In a nutshell, management skills involve being able to effectively handle people, resources, and processes, including your time, plans, projects, and so on.

Here are some of the most in-demand management skills: 

  • People management
  • Project management
  • Time management
  • Risk management
  • Action planning
  • Conflict Resolution

#4. Problem-solving skills

Problem-solving means you’re able to identify problems successfully, find the root cause behind them, and come up with creative solutions.

Considering there isn’t a single job where you won’t face problems in one way or another, problem-solving skills are a great asset to have. When it comes to managerial, professional, and technical positions , problem-solving skills are essential. 

Problem-solving is a set of skills that includes: 

  • Research skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Decision-making skills
  • Attention to detail

#5. Organizational skills

Organizational skills are a set of soft skills that help you keep track of information, materials, and even your time in such a way that you can tackle short and long-term tasks efficiently.

Organizational skills are among the top skills recruiters are looking for in 2022, primarily because they help employees be more productive, save companies time and money, and facilitate a more positive work environment. 

Here is what organizational skills consist of: 

  • Physical organization
  • Prioritization
  • Goal setting

#6. Leadership skills 

Leadership includes both the ability to manage and inspire others. Managers are not always great leaders, but leaders almost always make good managers. 

People who’re good at leading are emotionally intelligent, good communicators, and natural-born influencers. They can motivate others to reach their full potential and work together towards common goals. This makes leadership another great skill to have for many professions out there. 

Some important soft skills related to leadership include: 

  • Relationship-building
  • Strategic thinking

#7. Customer service skills

A big part of jobs out there involve dealing with customers. 

From customer support representatives to cashiers, customer service skills are a great asset to have in 2024. Particularly, that’s because it encompasses a number of other valuable skills, such as:

  • Persuasion skills
  • Product knowledge

#8. Interpersonal skills 

Interpersonal skills refer to how well you can understand and get along with other people. 

It goes without saying that they’re extremely useful for team-oriented or customer-facing roles, as a big chunk of the work involves communicating with other people.

Such skills, however, are also useful for roles where you don’t get to interact as much with people.

Take, for example, writers. To be a really good writer, you need to be able to:

  • Understand and communicate with your audience
  • Collaborate with your publishing team
  • Understand what people are like

Just like most other transferable skills on our list, interpersonal skills are multi-faceted. Here is what they consist of: 

How to List Skills on a Resume (And Stand Out)

Now that you have a clear understanding of how important skills are - and how some are more relevant than others - let’s talk about how you should list them on your resume. 

There are several things you need to do to stand out: 

#1. Tailor Your Skills to the Job

Relevance is key; the customer service skills you acquired working as a server during college won’t come in too handy when you start work as, say, a data analyst . 

So, the first thing you should remember is to only list skills that are useful for the job you are applying for . To find out what these skills are, you should scan the job listing.

Job ads usually list a set of requirements or skills they expect a good candidate to have. Make sure you don’t leave any of those out on your resume.

For example, imagine you are applying for a line cook position in a restaurant:

  • “Here at ‘ABCD’ we are committed to creating a one-of-a-kind experience for our guests . Our French restaurant is looking for a professional line cook for the summer season to work directly under the supervision of our chef. Responsibilities include prepping and cleaning food, creating and cooking meals, and cleaning up the working area . Impeccable attention to detail in food cooking and presentation is needed.”

The underlined bits in this job description are the role’s responsibilities. By paying a closer look, you can understand that ABCD is looking for someone who:

  • Is committed to excellence and is highly professional
  • Works well under supervision, and with others
  • Can prep, clean, and cook food
  • Pays great attention to detail in cooking and presentation

Based on this, some of the skills you should definitely mention in your resume can include teamwork, attention to detail, communication, food prepping, and culinary skills. 

As a given, you wouldn’t mention anything that isn’t directly related to the job. As a line cook, you’re not going to be using a lot of tech, so you wouldn’t include your computer skills in your resume (even though such skills are relevant for a ton of other jobs).

#2. Create a Skills Section

Once you’ve identified all the right skills to add to your resume, create a “Skills” section to list them under. This way, the hiring manager will be able to check whether you have the right skills more easily and the ATS software won’t disqualify your resume. 

skills section in a resume template

Here’s what you should remember while making this section:

  • Be specific. “Verbal and written communication” sounds significantly better than “communication.” 
  • Sort your skills by relevance. Order your skills based on how critical they are for the role. More important skills go on top, and the nice-to-have ones go on the bottom.
  • Don’t lie or exaggerate. It goes without saying that you should never, ever, lie about your skills. The employer will know you lied the moment you have to work on a task that requires that very skill.

#3. Match Each Skill With Your Proficiency Level

For each skill that you list on your resume, use the competencies proficiency scale to show your proficiency level:

  • Beginner. You are just starting to learn or have not practiced the skill through experience (usually fresh graduates that only understand concepts through theories or classroom experience).
  • Intermediate. You have applied the skill in practice, and require assistance with it on rare or special occasions. You still have room to grow.
  • Advanced. You know your stuff! You don’t need help with the skill anymore. You can also teach beginners how to use it.
  • Expert. You are a recognized authority on this skill, the go-to person if anyone has any questions. You have consistently proved to be excellent in this skill. You could even write a whole book about it!

#4. Back-Up Your Skills in Other Resume Sections

Listing your skills in a separate section will only get you so far. After all, everyone else is also doing exactly the same thing. 

To take your resume from good to great, you want your most critical skills to “pop” from the get-go and to prove to the hiring manager that you actually possess them.

Here is where the resume summary and work experience sections come in. 

The resume summary is a short, 2-3 sentence-long summary of your resume that, done right, shows hiring managers your strongest points as a candidate the moment they lay eyes on your resume. 

skills in the resume summary

Positioned right under your contact information section , this is the first place where you can mention that you possess one or two of the most role-critical skills listed in the job description. 

Here’s how the resume summary of the line cook example we mentioned above would look in practice: 

  • Detail-oriented line cook with over 5 years of experience prepping and cooking over 200 Mediterranean cuisine recipes. Collaborative professional who puts the needs of the team first. In my last position, was able to help the chef handle rush hour work of over 100 tables with 100% accuracy and approval rate from our customers. 

Once you’ve grabbed the hiring manager’s attention by including your top skills on your resume summary, it’s time to prove that you have them . 

The best way to do that? List some accomplishments in your work experience section and explain how utilizing a particular skill helped you achieve them. 

Here’s how that would look like in practice: 

  • Prepped and helped cook food for over 500 customers in the past two years, receiving high praise and positive recommendations for the restaurant continuously. 
  • Helped restaurant to receive positive reviews for 3 years in a row from Gastronomica magazine for attention to detail and food aesthetics and presentation.

#5. Put Transferable Skills to Use 

If you’re an entry-level candidate or if you’re switching careers , you should definitely put transferable skills to use. Transferable skills are not directly related to the job you are applying to but are still useful, as well as relevant to most jobs. 

Let’s say, for example, that you’re going for a career change from sales to copywriting. You can benefit from listing at least some of the skills acquired in sales in your copywriter resume , such as: 

  • Written communication. Both roles involve communication via text. A salesperson needs to send cold emails, while a copywriter has to write newsletter emails.
  • Persuasion. A copywriter needs to create copy that drives sales, while a salesperson needs to be persuasive in person.
  • Computer skills. Both jobs require some degree of computer knowledge. For a salesperson, that’s using Customer Management Software, while for a copywriter, that’s publishing content online.

150+ Must-Have Skills (for Every Field)

Are you still not sure which skills to mention in your resume? We’ve got you covered.

We compiled a list of some of the most relevant skills on the market in 2024, for all sorts of different fields!

If you happen to possess some of these skills, make sure to mention them in your resume. If not, it’s never too late to learn something new!

#1. Soft Skills 

Soft skills are essential for just about any job out there. While they’re not necessarily critical to doing your job well, they ensure that you get along with your coworkers and foster a positive work environment.

When evaluating two candidates with equal hard skills, the hiring manager is always going to pick the one that has better soft skills.

So, it’s very important to mention your soft skills in your resume.

Here are some of the most in-demand soft skills today:

  • Effective communication
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Conflict management
  • Teamwork skills
  • Stress management
  • Productivity & Organization

#2. Marketing Skills

With new technologies developing faster than ever, it becomes essential to move beyond the basics of traditional marketing. Here are some of the most relevant marketing skills these days, including both cutting-edge online tools, as well as classic marketing skills:

  • Data analysis
  • Web analytics 
  • Email marketing
  • Web scraping
  • CRO and A/B Testing
  • Data visualization & pattern-finding through critical thinking
  • Search Engine and Keyword Optimization
  • Project/campaign management
  • Social media and mobile marketing 
  • Paid social media advertisements
  • B2B Marketing
  • The 4 P-s of Marketing
  • Consumer Behavior Drivers
  • Brand management
  • Copywriting
  • Storytelling

#3. Management Skills

As a manager , you need to have the right mix of soft and hard skills.

Below are the management skills needed to not only get the job but to also enhance employee and company productivity in the long run.

  • Six Sigma techniques
  • The McKinsey 7s Framework
  • Porter’s Five Forces
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Dealing with work-related stress
  • Task delegation
  • Technological savviness
  • Business Development
  • Strategic Management
  • Negotiation 
  • Proposal writing

#4. Sales Skills

The art of selling has stayed the same despite technological advancements. Humans still strive for contact with other humans. Despite channels of communication becoming digital, communication and empathetic skills take priority in the sales industry. 

A comprehensive must-have skill list for salespeople includes:

  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
  • Cold-calling
  • Public speaking
  • Lead generation
  • Buyer-Responsive selling
  • Buyer engagement
  • Effective communication and sociability
  • Social media/digital communication

#5. Design Skills

Today, knowing the basics of design does not suffice anymore. To get hired as a designer, you must know how to create killer branded content for the web and for social media channels. 

Some of the most important design skills for your resume are:

  • Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop
  • Dreamweaver
  • Infographics
  • Photo Editing 
  • Typography: spacing, line height, layout, choosing fonts
  • Storyboarding
  • Targeting and marketing through visual communications
  • Logo creation
  • Digital printing
  • Integration of visual communication in social media platforms
  • Attention to detail & aesthetics
  • Interactive media design
  • Color sense & theory
  • Active listening

#6. Basic Technical Skills

These are skills that almost everyone working in an office should know. You can put these skills on your resume if you are applying as a secretary, office clerk, or any other type of office employee.

The basic technical office skills include:

  • Microsoft Office Pack: Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, Outlook, Powerpoint
  • Filing and paper management
  • Bookkeeping through Excel or TurboTax
  • Research and data analysis
  • Basic knowledge of user interface communication
  • Technical writing
  • Cloud networking and file sharing

#7. Accounting & Finance Skills

Goodbye, filing by hand. Hello, countless platforms and apps. Accountants and financial specialists should familiarize themselves with these skills in order to have a successful career:

  • Microsoft Excel (Advanced)
  • Enterprise Resource Planning 
  • Big Data Analysis & SQL
  • Know Your Customers (KYC)
  • Cognos Analytics (IBM)
  • Visual Basic
  • Accounting Software
  • Revenue recognition
  • Anti Money Laundering
  • Clear communication
  • General business knowledge
  • Numerical competence

#8. Education Skills

How many times have you witnessed a 50-year-old honorary doctor with three PhDs struggle to play a YouTube video during undergrad or grad school? Teaching methods have evolved, and so have the required skills to be part of the education industry.

Some of the most essential educational skills are:

  • Updated curriculum knowledge
  • Research & Data analysis
  • Educational platforms (software like Elearn)
  • Technological & digital literacy

#9. Web Development Skills

It seems like there’s new technology popping up every other second now, a good enough reason for web developers to keep updating their skills. 

That said, if you are proficient in HTML, CSS, and Java, you pretty much have a leg up on the competition. All other skills on this list derive from or build upon the three basic programming languages. You can learn or improve your web development skills here.

  • CSS preprocessors
  • Graphic User Interfaces (GUI)
  • Git/Version control (Github, GitLab)
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
  • Application Programming Interface (API)
  • Adobe Photoshop, InDesign
  • Content Management Systems (CMS)
  • Testing/Debugging
  • Responsive design principles

#10. Business Analytics

BAs are very in demand right now by businesses, and for a good reason! They perform an almost magical task of analyzing past and present data to give future predictions. To perform their magic, they need some analytical spells:

  • SQL (a must) and Hive (optional)
  • Programming language (R, Python, Scala, Matlab)
  • STATA, SPSS, SAS 
  • Data Mapping
  • Entity Relationship Diagrams
  • Big Data tools 
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Agile Business Analysis
  • Machine learning 
  • System Context Diagrams
  • Business Process Modeling
  • Technical and non-technical communication

#11. Nursing & Healthcare Skills

More than any other profession, healthcare professionals need to stay constantly updated with new technologies, medicine, and techniques. The skills nursing requires are countless and specific, but the most basic ones boil down to:

  • Mathematics
  • Patient care and assistance
  • Paperwork/record-keeping abilities
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
  • Physical endurance 
  • Infection control
  • Surgery preparation

Bonus Infographic: Skills to Put on a Resume

Skills to Put on a Resume Infographic

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have some questions about what skills you should put on your resume (and how)? Check out the answers below:

1. What kind of skills should I include in my resume?

Your resume should include a combination of two types of skills: hard skills and soft skills .

Hard skills involve job-specific skills that are acquired through education, training, or work experience, while soft skills involve personality traits that can be indirectly useful at the workplace and help you adapt to the company culture better.

Depending on your industry, some examples of hard skills you can list on your resume include copywriting, database management, graphic design, multilingualism, public speaking, SEO, etc.

Meanwhile, examples of soft skills are communication, creativity, leadership, teamwork, time management, conflict resolution, etc.  

2. What top skills do employers look for?

The top hard skills recruiters are on the lookout for include blockchain development, SEO, virtual reality development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, business analysis, Java development, affiliate marketing, UX design, machine learning, project management, video production and editing, sales, and business development. 

The top soft skills hiring managers are looking for , on the other hand, are creativity, collaboration, persuasion, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.

3. How can I identify my skills?

Some effective ways to identify your skills before adding them to your resume include:

  • Consider your achievements. Did you ever get recognized for a specific achievement? What skills helped you do it? You are probably still skilled in those areas.   
  • Ask friends and coworkers. Sometimes, it’s easier for others to recognize the strengths that you don't see. Colleagues can definitely be of help but if you’re fresh into the professional world, former professors and classmates can also give you some insight.

4. Where do skills go on a resume?

Skills go under a separate ‘Skills’ section on a resume, typically placed right below, or on the side, of the work experience section.

That said, you can further prove that you possess the skills you list in this section, by weaving the most relevant skills for the job in other resume sections, such as the resume summary and the work experience sections. 

5. How many skills to include in my resume?

The number of skills to add to your resume depends on the job you’re applying for, as well as your level of expertise and work history.

If you’re a seasoned professional with plenty of work-related skills, you should definitely include them in your resume. Also, if the job you’re applying for requires a number of skills you possess, it’s safe to include them all in your resume. 

As a rule of thumb, listing up to ten skills on your resume is typically a safe choice, as long as they don’t make your resume spill over to page 2 .

6. What are the best skills for a candidate with no experience?

Candidates with no experience and few job-specific skills can benefit from adding transferable skills to their resumes. These are skills that can be applied to many jobs across several industries.

Some examples of good skills for a no-experience resume include communication, organization, problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, work ethic, and computer skills. 

7. What’s the best way to list skills on a resume in 2024?

To really impress with your skills in 2024, don’t just list some random skills under a separate section and call it a day! Instead, make them more credible by:

  • Finding out more about the company culture.
  • Tailoring your skills to the job description.
  • Mentioning the most critical skills on your resume summary or resume objective .
  • Using your achievements to explain exactly how you used your skills to your advantage.

Key Takeaways

Let’s sum up everything we’ve learned about putting skills in your resume:

  • You must have a section in your resume devoted entirely to your skills. This helps you pass through applicant tracking systems and get noticed by the HR manager.
  • The differences between hard skills and soft skills are in the way they are applied (directly vs. indirectly) and the way they are obtained (through education and practice vs. personality traits and experience)
  • On your resume, list only skills that are relevant to the job, scan the job listing for must-have skills and list those (if you have them), pair each skill with a responding proficiency level, back up your skills with other resume sections, and mention transferable and universal skills.

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10 Other Ways to Say “Good Communication Skills” on Your Resume (with Examples)

Are you looking for impactful ways to demonstrate your stellar communication abilities on your resume or CV, without simply listing “good communication skills” under your skills section?

As someone who has reviewed hundreds of resumes throughout my career as a hiring manager, I can tell you that explicitly stating “good communication skills” doesn’t do much to show me that you have them. But featuring concrete examples of how you’ve applied communication abilities in past roles? Now that catches my eye.

In this blog post, I’ll highlight 10 techniques you can use on your resume/CV to exhibit your verbal, written, interpersonal, and public speaking skills, without ever directly saying “good communication skills.” From highlighting presentations you’ve developed to showcasing rapport-building with colleagues, these examples will help hiring managers immediately recognize your knack for successful communication.

So if you’re ready to refresh your resume and demonstrate, not tell, about your standout communication talents, read on!

Is “Good Communication Skills” a Good CV/Resume Word?

At first glance, “good communication skills” may seem like a strong resume keyword to include. However, simply listing this generic term does little to showcase your abilities . Instead, it’s more impactful to demonstrate communication skills through concrete examples .

For team-oriented or customer-facing roles especially, use your resume to highlight instances of successful communication . For example, quantifying presentations delivered, meetings led, or rapport built with colleagues powerfully proves you can connect with audiences.

Remember, communication is less about buzzwords and more about displaying versatility. Showcase instances of adjusting your style for diverse settings or mediums. Use active verbs to compel rather than merely tell.

The bottom line? Don’t just say you have communication skills. Prove it through stand-out resume examples that emphasize you are a nuanced, adept communicator ready to engage audiences in any role.

As we go further in this article, we’ll explore more compelling “good communication skills” alternatives or synonyms to highlight your verbal, written, interpersonal, and public speaking talents. You’ll learn powerful verbs and specific instances that exhibit sophistication as a communicator.

We’ve provided actionable tips and tailored examples to help you showcase communication excellence. Avoid resume buzzwords and learn how to exhibit nuance, versatility, and resonance as a communicator.

What to Say Instead of “Good Communication Skills” on a Resume or CV

  • Articulate and persuasive communicator
  • Masterful storyteller and presenter
  • Adaptable communicator, tailoring messages for diverse audiences
  • Collaborative communicator, building strong relationships and fostering teamwork
  • Active listener and constructive feedback provider
  • Engaging public speaker and captivating storyteller
  • Dynamic writer, crafting compelling content for various mediums
  • Culturally aware communicator, navigating diverse audiences and contexts
  • Confident presenter, delivering impactful messages with clarity and poise
  • Strategic communicator, aligning messages with audience needs and goals

Key Takeaways:

  • Show, don’t tell:  Instead of simply stating you have “good communication skills,” use action verbs and specific examples to demonstrate your abilities in different situations. Start your sentences with “I am a…” to personalize and actively showcase your communication prowess.
  • Tailor your language:  Consider the specific role and industry you’re applying to when choosing synonyms and phrasing your examples. Highlight skills relevant to the position and avoid overly generic statements.
  • Go beyond “communication skills”:  Emphasize specific aspects of communication you excel in, such as active listening, storytelling, cultural awareness, or content writing. This showcases your unique strengths and versatility.
  • Focus on impact:  Don’t just describe your actions, quantify the results of your communication efforts. Mention increased engagement, achieved buy-in, or improved performance to demonstrate the value you bring.
  • Be concise and confident:  While providing specific examples, keep your resume entries brief and impactful. Use strong verbs and positive language to project confidence in your communication abilities.

Enhance your resume with impactful synonyms for “good communication skills.” We’ll explore the best options and help you use them effectively to showcase your communication strengths and shine in interviews.

1. Articulate and persuasive communicator

Pros: Concise, highlights both verbal and written skills , emphasizes ability to convince others.

Cons: Might sound less impactful than “excellent,” which could be interpreted as mainly focused on persuasion.

Example: I am an “ Articulate and persuasive communicator with a proven ability to present complex ideas to diverse audiences and win buy-in for new initiatives.”

2. Masterful storyteller and presenter

Pros: Emphasizes ability to engage audiences, and showcases creative communication skills.

Cons: Might not be suitable for all roles, and could be perceived as overly dramatic for some contexts.

Example: I am a “ Masterful storyteller and presenter , skilled at weaving data, anecdotes, and visuals into compelling narratives that captivate audiences and drive action.”

3. Adaptable communicator, tailoring messages for diverse audiences

Pros: Highlights versatility and cultural sensitivity , valuable in today’s globalized workplaces.

Cons: Less concise than other options, might not be relevant for all roles.

Example: I am an “ Adaptable communicator, tailoring messages for diverse audiences , with experience crafting presentations for technical experts, executive boards, and the general public.”

4. Collaborative communicator, building strong relationships and fostering teamwork

Pros: Emphasizes interpersonal skills, valuable for team-based roles and leadership positions.

Cons: Might not be as relevant for roles focused on individual communication.

Example: “ Collaborative communicator, building strong relationships and fostering teamwork , adept at facilitating discussions, resolving conflicts, and achieving consensus among diverse groups.”

5. Active listener and constructive feedback provider

Pros: Highlights ability to listen effectively and provide helpful feedback, crucial for personal and professional growth.

Cons: Focuses on one specific aspect of communication, might not be the most impactful choice.

Example: I am an “ Active listener and constructive feedback provider , skilled at drawing out ideas from others, offering actionable feedback that leads to improved performance.”

6. Engaging public speaker and captivating storyteller

Pros: Similar to “Masterful storyteller,” but emphasizes public speaking skills specifically.

Cons: Might not be relevant for roles with limited public speaking requirements.

Example: I am an “ Engaging public speaker and captivating storyteller , with experience delivering presentations to audiences of all sizes, from small team meetings to industry conferences.”

7. Dynamic writer, crafting compelling content for various mediums

Pros: Highlights versatility in writing skills, important for content creation and marketing roles.

Cons: Might not be as relevant for roles with limited writing requirements.

Example: I am a “ Dynamic writer, crafting compelling content for various mediums , including blog posts, website copy, social media content, and email campaigns, with a proven track record of driving engagement and conversions .”

8. Culturally aware communicator, navigating diverse audiences and contexts

Pros: Similar to “ Adaptable communicator, ” but emphasizes cultural awareness specifically.

Cons: Might not be relevant for roles with limited interaction with diverse audiences.

Example: I am a “ Culturally aware communicator, navigating diverse audiences and contexts , with experience working effectively in multicultural teams and communicating across language and cultural barriers.”

9. Confident presenter, delivering impactful messages with clarity and poise

Pros: Highlights public speaking skills and ability to command attention.

Cons: Might sound less specific than other options, similar to “ Confident public presence .”

Example: I am a “ Confident presenter, delivering impactful messages with clarity and poise , comfortable speaking in front of large audiences and tailoring presentations to diverse needs.”

10. Strategic communicator, aligning messages with audience needs and goals

Pros: Emphasizes ability to tailor communication for specific objectives.

Cons: Might sound less approachable than other options, focusing more on strategy than personality.

Example: I am a “ Strategic communicator, aligning messages with audience needs and goals , with experience developing targeted communication plans that resonate with specific audiences and drive desired outcomes.”

Any Parting words?

Achieving communication excellence is about much more than just saying you have “good communication skills.” By now, you have a toolbox of compelling techniques to showcase your sophistication.

To recap, avoid resume buzzwords and generic claims. Opt for active verbs and tailored examples that bring your abilities to life. Highlight nuance by showcasing adjustments across diverse contexts. Emphasize achievements by strategically formatting key items.

Follow these tips, and your resume will reveal the depth of your communication talents . Hiring managers will immediately recognize your ability to connect with any audience, adjust your style, articulate complex information, and represent your organization powerfully.

So next time your resume needs updating, skip the nebulous claims. Showcase your communication skills strategically through the many avenues we’ve covered today. You’ll convey true excellence as a communicator while making your resume stand out.

The examples and alternatives provided equip you with everything needed to express your communication capabilities persuasively. Now it’s time to put these strategies into action as you present your most compelling resume yet.

Related Posts:

How to List Phone Skills on a Resume: Best Skills and Examples

Phone Skills | Best Skills & Examples

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Why do employers want to see phone skills on your resume?

What to include in a phone skills resume, how to demonstrate phone skills on your resume, examples of phone skills to include on your resume, how to improve your phone skills, phone skills resume example.

Many jobs today require excellent phone skills, from sales roles to receptionists. The key to showing employers that you are the best candidate for the job may be to highlight your phone skills in your resume. Learn about what skills to include and how to include them with examples to guide you.

Employers want to see phone skills on a resume because they want to make sure you can communicate effectively over the phone and use complicated operating systems skillfully. Most jobs require some phone usage, whether answering calls in the front office, making cold calls for sales or simply joining in on company meetings.

When creating your phone skills resume, you should include the following details:

  • Specific technical skills related to using the phone and phone systems
  • Soft skills you use to communicate with customers and callers
  • Any phone or call center software you have experience using
  • Your job responsibilities associated with phone usage
  • Quantifiable details regarding your phone skills

You can incorporate these types of phone skills in the experience listed on your resume. To be considered for a specific role, you should also read through the job posting and then include those relevant skills if you have them.

Use these steps to properly include phone skills on your resume:

1. Firstly, mention the most notable phone skills in your resume introduction

Your introduction is the first paragraph a hiring manager will likely read when reviewing your resume. Whether you choose to use a summary, objective statement, professional profile, or qualifications summary, you should mention at least one noteworthy phone skill so the reader can understand your expertise.

2. Secondly, include detailed examples of your phone expertise in your work experience

Your work experience section allows you to elaborate more on your phone experience. Under each past job, describe responsibilities you held related to using the phone and communicating with callers. This is also the space to include quantifiable data about your phone skills, such as customer satisfaction ratings as a customer representative, impressive sales closing numbers, or the number of handled and resolved customer complaints. Information presented in numbers communicates success to hiring managers.

3. Thirdly, note your technical and soft phone-related talents in your skills section

Phone skills include technical capabilities to use complex software and multi-line phones and soft communication and interpersonal skills, such as active listening and compassion. List these in the skills section of your resume to emphasize them to the hiring manager.

Common phone-related skills to list in your resume include:

Communication skills

The ability to communicate clearly is one of the most important and required skills for a role that uses the phone often. For customer support and sales jobs, where primary communication is done over the phone, successful communication is needed to yield beneficial results for the business. Other jobs may require employees to field emergency calls, manage customer conflicts or take hundreds of phone calls a day, making exceptional communication necessary. Communication skills include active listening, asking questions for clarification and interpersonal skills like empathy and patience.

Technical skills

Knowing how to properly use phone equipment is another commonly-required skill. Some jobs may require employees to operate complex phone systems like PABX systems and operator boards. Other roles may entail advanced knowledge of specialty call center software.

Customer service skills

Many jobs that require heavy phone usage are customer-service related. Customer service skills include maintaining a friendly and helpful demeanor, dictating clearly, answering calls promptly, and resolving conflicts. For individuals who do most of their work over the phone, they need to be skilled at making outbound telemarketing calls, getting high customer service ratings, and closing sales.

Foreign languages

Many employers want to hire bilingual individuals because of the increasing population of non-English speakers. If you fluently speak another language, make sure to add this to your resume under skills or education.

Here are a few ways you can improve your current phone skills:

1. Firstly, build up your active listening abilities

The first step toward improving your phone skills is to be a better active listener.

Examples of active listening abilities:

  • Staying as focused as possible. Try to remain undistracted from your surrounding environment and concentrate on the call.
  • Wait for a significant pause before responding.  You will listen more effectively when you allow the caller to finish their sentence before taking your turn.
  • Ask questions to gain clarity. If you are unsure of a caller’s needs, ask questions to make sure you find the best solution for them.
  • Recap key points to ensure you understood them correctly. Summarizing the most essential details also   shows the caller you are listening to them.

2. Then, enhance your responding skills

You can also improve how you respond to callers.

Examples of being responsive:

  • Project a positive and natural-sounding tone.  This helps a caller feel comfortable and respected. Try smiling to help you maintain a happier, attentive tone.
  • Pay attention to your rate of speech.  Make sure to speak at a moderate pace so the caller can clearly understand you.
  • Enunciate clearly. Use simple words and phrases when possible, and keep your tone professional. Practice speaking using a pause instead of filler words such as ‘um’ or ‘like.’

3. Finally, learn the technology

Know how to properly operate the phone equipment and software you will use. Spend downtime practicing common functions and familiarizing yourself with the basics. Spending more time learning the technology will reduce missed calls, wrong transfers, and other avoidable technical issues.

Use this resume example to better understand how you can emphasize phone skills on your own resume.

Brett Mitchell 602 Wirth Blvd. Albuquerque, NM 12345 555-555-5555 [email protected]

Self-motivated and service-oriented call center representative with substantial experience in over-the-phone troubleshooting and customer conflict resolution. Attentive to details in all professional matters and highly skilled in telemarketing. Advanced in call center software and complex PABX systems.

  • Typing 70 WPM
  • Microsoft Office
  • Multiline phone operation
  • Zendesk software
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Professional dictation and demeanor
  • Conflict resolution
  • Organization
  • Active listening
  • Critical thinking
  • Multitasking

Work Experience

Customer Service Phone Representative Energize Nutrition, Inc. Albuquerque, NM 2015 – 2017

  • Assess customer needs quickly and provide solutions proactively
  • Accurately and thoroughly document customer interaction details into the system during calls
  • Manage inbound calls for order placement and product inquiry with exceptional customer service

Phone Representative Advantage Marketing Agency Austin, TX 2013 – 2015

  • Maintained a high-volume workload with short deadlines
  • Assisted an average of 150 clients each week, consistently meeting performance goals
  • Analyzed reports to discover weaknesses and implement department improvements
  • Directed customers by telephone and email to correct departments
  • Maintained a professional and polite telephone manner
  • Continuously achieved high ratings on my team for low call time and customer satisfaction

Front Desk Representative Lakeland Hospital Austin, TX 2012 – 2013

  • Directed calls to the most appropriate department based on the caller’s needs
  • Booked appointments for patients and called for confirmations
  • Created order forms for the lab
  • Routed nurses’ and doctors’ messages for patients
  • Translated Spanish for patients, nurses, and other medical staff
  • Handled and translated Spanish phone calls

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration Minor in Spanish The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX

If you need help writing a resume, use our data-backed resume builder .

157 Computer Skills For Your Resume (+ How to List Them)

Camille Trent

3 key takeaways

  • Highlighting the right computer skills on your resume boosts job prospects by aligning with industry demands.
  • Essential computer skills range from email management to advanced programming.
  • Optimize your resume with relevant computer skills using the Match Score inside Teal's AI Resume Builder .

If you work in tech or a corporate office, computer skills are synonymous with skills. That's because almost every required office job skill is done on a digital device.

Whether you're applying for a job in tech, finance, healthcare, or education, showcasing your computer skills effectively on your resume can set you apart from other candidates.

This guide will help you understand essential computer skills, how to identify relevant computer skills, and how to list computer skills on your resume.

Struggling to land interviews with your resume? Get started with Teal’s AI Resume Builder for free.

What are computer skills?

Basic computer skills are the foundational skills required to perform everyday tasks using a computer. These skills are essential for almost any modern job as they enable you to handle routine digital tasks efficiently.

Software skills vs computer skills

Software skills refer to the ability to use specific software applications effectively. These skills are often focused on particular programs and their functionalities, such as Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, or programming environments like Python and Java.

In contrast, computer skills encompass a broader range of abilities that include not only software skills but also hardware skills, basic troubleshooting, operating systems, and more general knowledge of how computers and related technologies work.

While software skills are a subset of computer skills, the latter also includes understanding the overall functionality of computer systems, basic coding, network management, and cybersecurity principles.

software skills vs computer skills

Basic computer skills for a resume

If you want an office job, basic computer skills are a non-negotiable. Start with free communication tools like email and web calendars as these apply to every office job. By combining scheduling skills with fast typing you set a solid foundation to build on when searching for executive assistant and office manager roles.

Office and administrative skills

  • Microsoft Office Suite : Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  • Google Workspace : Knowledge of Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Gmail.
  • Scheduling tools : Using tools like Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook for managing schedules and appointments.

Communication tools

  • Email platforms : Familiarity with platforms like Microsoft Outlook, Gmail, and Apple Mail.
  • Video conferencing : Proficiency in Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Skype.
  • Collaboration tools : Using Slack, Trello, Asana, and other team collaboration tools.

Internet skills

  • Search engines : Conducting effective searches using Google, Bing, and other search engines.
  • Online security : Understanding basic online security principles to protect personal information.
  • Social media : Managing personal or professional social media profiles on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

File management

  • Operating systems : Navigating Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • File organization : Creating and managing folders and files effectively.
  • Backup procedures : Performing basic data backups using external drives or cloud storage.

Basic software skills

  • Productivity software : Using tools like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Web browsers : Navigating and using browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
  • PDF tools : Creating and editing PDFs with software like Adobe Acrobat

Intermediate computer skills for resume

Once you master Word and Google Docs, adding spreadsheets, graphic design software, and project management applications can significantly enhance your efficiency and productivity in office roles.

Data management and analysis

  • Spreadsheets : Advanced skills in Excel and Google Sheets, including formulas, pivot tables, and data visualization.
  • Database management : Experience with SQL, Microsoft Access, and other database management systems.
  • Data analysis tools : Proficiency in using software like Tableau, R, and Python for data analysis.

Creative and design skills

  • Graphic design software : Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
  • Video editing : Using tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and iMovie.
  • Web design : Knowledge of HTML, CSS, and web design platforms like WordPress and Wix.

Project management tools

  • Software proficiency : Using project management tools like Trello, Asana, and Microsoft Project.
  • Resource management : Managing resources and timelines using project management software.
  • Collaboration : Coordinating team projects and tasks using shared tools and platforms.

Advanced communication tools

  • Customer relationship management (CRM) : Using tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zoho CRM.
  • Email marketing : Proficiency in MailChimp, Constant Contact, and SendinBlue.
  • Social media management : Advanced skills in managing social media campaigns with Hootsuite, Buffer, and Sprout Social.

Presentation software

  • PowerPoint : Creating advanced presentations with animations and multimedia.
  • Prezi : Designing interactive and dynamic presentations.
  • Keynote : Using Apple’s Keynote for creating professional presentations.

Advanced computer skills for a resume

Once you master spreadsheets and project management tools, adding high-income skills like programming languages, cybersecurity, web development technologies, and advanced data analysis can open doors to in-demand positions in tech, finance, and other lucrative industries.

Programming skills

  • Programming languages : Proficiency in languages such as Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript.
  • Web development : Skills in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React and Angular.
  • Software development tools : Familiarity with Git, GitHub, and other version control systems.

IT and technical skills

  • Networking : Understanding of network configurations, protocols, and security.
  • Cybersecurity : Knowledge of security principles, threat analysis, and protection mechanisms.
  • Technical support : Skills in troubleshooting and providing technical support for software and hardware issues.

Advanced data analysis

  • Big data tools : Experience with tools like Hadoop, Apache Spark, and NoSQL databases.
  • Machine learning : Implementing machine learning algorithms and models using libraries such as TensorFlow and Scikit-learn.
  • Data visualization : Creating complex visualizations and dashboards using tools like Power BI and Tableau.

Advanced project management

  • Agile methodologies : Implementing Agile project management techniques and tools like Jira.
  • Risk management : Assessing and managing project risks using specialized software.
  • Resource allocation : Advanced skills in allocating and optimizing resources in project management.

Systems administration

  • Server management : Managing and maintaining servers using Linux, Windows Server, and cloud platforms.
  • Virtualization : Using tools like VMware and Hyper-V for creating and managing virtual environments.
  • Cloud computing : Proficiency in cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

How to choose the best computer skills to add to your resume

Highlighting the most relevant computer skills can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed by employers and passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS).

computer skills for resume along with other hard skills

Tailoring your computer skills to match the job description not only showcases your qualifications, but also demonstrates your attention to detail and your commitment to meeting the specific needs of the role.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Study the industry

Research the specific skills required in your industry, especially if you're looking to pivot. Different industries prioritize different computer skills, so understanding what is essential in your field will help you highlight the most relevant abilities on your resume. Familiarize yourself with industry standards and commonly used tools to ensure you present yourself as a well-equipped candidate.

Pro tip: Explore career paths and career roadmaps for 600+ roles.

2. Study the company

Learn about the company's preferred tools and technologies. Each organization may have its own set of preferred software and systems, and knowing these can give you an edge in the application process. The most critical company systems and software are often outlined in the job description.

Pro tip: Use LinkedIn to network with current and former employees at the company to learn about their tech stack.

3. Study the job description

Analyze job descriptions to identify the most frequently mentioned skills, or use Teal's Matching Mode to automate this process.

Teal's Matching Mode helps you find relevant keywords, including computer skills, to mention on your resume. This feature tailors your resume to match job descriptions, ensuring your skills align with what employers want. By leveraging Teal’s AI-driven insights, you can optimize your resume for the hard and soft skills required for each application, saving time and improving your chances of landing interviews and job offers.

Teal scores your resume by how closely it matches the job description

Pro tip: Aim for a score of 60% or higher.

How to list computer skills on a resume

Effectively listing your computer skills on a resume can showcase your technical expertise and make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

computer skills for resume section along with other skills

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to list computer skills effectively on your resume:

How to add computer skills to a Professional Summary

Incorporate computer skills in your professional summary, or short professional bio , to complement your most notable accomplishments and technical expertise. This provides a high-level view of your abilities right at the top of your resume.

For example, if you're an IT specialist, one sentence of your professional summary could look like this:

"As a proficient IT specialist with over 8 years of experience, I excel in network management,

Pro tip: To add computer skills to your professional summary using Teal's AI Resume Builder, scroll to Professional Summaries, click the drop-down button, then "Add Professional Summary." You can create one from scratch or click the "Generate With AI" button.

How to add computer skills to the Skills section

Create a dedicated resume Skills section to highlight your computer skills related to the job description. This section should list your most proficient and in-demand computer skills to catch the employer’s attention quickly.

A well-organized list draws attention to your diverse range of abilities and highlights the unique qualities you bring to the table. For example, you could group your computer skills into categories like this:

  • Programming Languages : Python, Java, JavaScript
  • Database Management : SQL, MongoDB, Oracle
  • Project Management : Trello, Asana, Microsoft Project

Pro tip: To add computer skills to your "Skills" section in Teal, scroll to Skills, click the drop-down button, then "Add Skills." Here you can list your skills individually in addition to incorporating them into a summary or achievements.

How to add computer skills to the Work Experience section

Including computer skills in your work experience achievements can illustrate how you effectively applied these skills to achieve impact. This shows employers your practical expertise and how you’ve used your skills to benefit past employers.

For example, a computer skill in the Work Experience section of your resume might look like this:

Implemented a new cybersecurity protocol using Cisco, reducing security breaches by 30% and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Pro tip: To add computer skills to your work experience, from the Resume Builder, scroll to Work Experience. Click the drop-down button, then "Add Work Experience" to create a new section or "Add an Achievement" to incorporate computer skills into an existing work history.

Teal’s Resume Skills Management feature can simplify the process of ordering, grouping, and managing computer skills for your resume, so you can add or remove individual or grouped skills on certain resume versions.

Computer skills for a resume examples

It's critical to tailor computer skills to each job as the same role could require different computer skills depending on the company's tech stack. Do some research to find out if the tech skills you have are transferrable.

Here 's how to group and list specific computer skills for five common roles:

Example 1: Accountant

  • Financial software : QuickBooks, SAP
  • Spreadsheets : Advanced Excel functions and macros
  • Data analysis : Using SQL for financial data analysis
  • Tax software : Proficiency in TurboTax, H&R Block
  • ERP systems : Experience with Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics

Example 2: Digital marketer

  • SEO tools : Google Analytics, SEMrush
  • Content management systems : WordPress, HubSpot
  • Social media platforms : Facebook Ads Manager, Hootsuite
  • Email marketing : MailChimp, Constant Contact
  • Graphic design tools : Canva, Adobe Spark

Example 3: Administrative assistant

  • Office software : Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Scheduling tools : Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook
  • Communication tools : Slack, Zoom
  • Database management : Microsoft Access, FileMaker Pro
  • Document management : Google Drive, Dropbox

Example 4: Software developer

  • Programming languages : Python, Java, C++
  • Web development : HTML, CSS, JavaScript
  • Version control systems : Git, GitHub
  • Frameworks : React, Angular, Django
  • Database management : MySQL, MongoDB

Example 5: Project manager

  • Project management software : Trello, Asana, Microsoft Project
  • Communication tools : Slack, Microsoft Teams
  • Documentation tools : Confluence, Notion
  • Budgeting tools : Excel, QuickBooks

Using Teal’s Resume Skills Management feature, you can easily add skills to your resume, ensuring they're presented in a clear and compelling manner.

Computer skills for resume in Teal

For more tips, visit this guide on hard skills for a resume .

Jobs that require computer skills

Computer skills are integral to many jobs. Here are ten popular roles where key computer skills are crucial, with varying use cases:

Data analyst : Analyzing data sets using tools like Excel, SQL, and Python.

Graphic designer : Creating visuals using software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

Digital marketer : Managing digital marketing campaigns through tools like Google Analytics and social media platforms.

Software developer : Writing and testing code in various programming languages.

Administrative assistant : Handling office software for scheduling, communication, and document management.

Customer service representative : Using CRM software to manage customer interactions.

Financial analyst : Building financial models using Excel and specialized financial and accounting software used.

Human resources specialist : Managing HR information systems and recruitment tools.

Project manager : Using project management software like Trello or Asana to track project progress.

Medical records technician : Managing patient records with EHR software.

Importance of computer skills in various industries

Computer skills are critical in many industries. Here’s how they translate into five popular sectors:

  • Managing electronic health records (EHR)
  • Using medical billing software
  • Telemedicine platforms
  • Financial modeling using spreadsheets
  • Online banking systems
  • Investment tracking accounting software software
  • Online learning platforms
  • Classroom management software
  • Creating digital lesson plans
  • Social media management tools
  • SEO software
  • Email marketing platforms
  • Coding and software development
  • Network management
  • Cybersecurity tools

Research future job trends to understand how to adjust to the changes in your industry.

How to learn computer skills

Learning computer skills is essential for staying competitive in today's job market. Whether you're looking to enhance your existing skills or acquire new ones, there are numerous resources and strategies available to help you expand your computer knowledge for the workplace.

Here are some effective ways to learn and improve your computer skills:

Online courses and tutorials

Online courses and tutorials are a convenient way to learn computer skills at your own pace. Many platforms offer comprehensive courses on a wide range of topics, from basic computer literacy to advanced programming and data analysis.

Here are some popular platforms:

  • Coursera : Offers courses from top universities and companies. Topics range from basic Microsoft Office skills to advanced data science and machine learning.
  • edX : Provides access to courses from institutions like MIT and Harvard, covering a broad spectrum of computer science and IT skills.
  • LinkedIn Learning : Features a vast library of courses on software skills, project management tools, and other workplace-relevant topics.
  • Udemy : Offers affordable courses on specific software applications, programming languages, and other technical skills.

Certifications

Earning certifications can validate your skills and make you more attractive to potential employers. Many organizations offer certification programs for various computer skills:

  • Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) : Demonstrates proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
  • CompTIA A+ : Validates foundational IT skills, including hardware, operating systems, and troubleshooting.
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) : Recognizes advanced cybersecurity skills.
  • Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) : Certifies expertise in Adobe Creative Suite applications.

Hands-on practice

Practical experience is crucial for mastering computer skills. Here are some tips for gaining hands-on experience:

  • Work on personal projects : Create your own projects to apply what you've learned. For example, build a website, develop a small application, or analyze a dataset.
  • Volunteer : Offer your skills to non-profits or local organizations. This can provide real-world experience and build your portfolio.
  • Internships : Look for internships that offer opportunities to work with the software and technologies you're learning.

Free resources

There are many free resources available to help you learn and practice computer skills:

  • Khan Academy : Offers free tutorials on various computer science topics.
  • Codecademy : Provides interactive coding lessons in several programming languages.
  • YouTube : Features countless tutorials on almost any computer skill you can think of, from basic tasks to advanced techniques.
  • MIT OpenCourseWare : Offers free course materials from MIT's computer science and engineering courses.

Online communities

Participating in online communities can provide support, resources, and networking opportunities:

  • Reddit : Subreddits like r/learnprogramming, r/dataisbeautiful, and r/sysadmin offer advice, resources, and discussions on various computer skills.
  • Stack Overflow : A question-and-answer site for programmers, where you can ask for help and contribute to discussions.
  • GitHub : A platform for hosting and collaborating on coding projects. It's a great place to learn from others' code and contribute to open-source projects.

Books and eBooks

Books can offer in-depth knowledge on specific topics. Consider these options:

  • "Automate the Boring Stuff with Python" by Al Sweigart : Teaches practical programming skills using Python.
  • "The Pragmatic Programmer" by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas : Offers valuable insights for software development and problem-solving.
  • "Excel 2019 Bible" by Michael Alexander and Richard Kusleika : A comprehensive guide to mastering Excel.

By leveraging these resources and tips, you can effectively learn and improve computer skills that are valuable in the workplace. Investing in your computer skills not only enhances your current job performance but also opens up new career opportunities.

Tips for expanding your computer knowledge

  • Set specific goals : Identify which skills you want to learn and set clear, achievable goals.
  • Create a learning schedule : Allocate regular time for learning and practice to stay consistent and make progress.
  • Stay updated : Technology evolves rapidly, so keep up with the latest trends and updates in your field.
  • Apply your skills : Look for opportunities to use your new skills in your current job or seek out projects that require them.
  • Seek feedback : Ask for feedback from peers, mentors, or online communities to improve your skills and understanding.

Why are computer skills important for your career?

Computer skills encompass a broad range of abilities and knowledge that enable you to use computers and related technology efficiently.

These skills can include anything from basic tasks like email management to advanced programming.

Here’s a deeper look at why they matter:

Versatility : Computer skills are applicable across various industries and roles, making them universally valuable.

Efficiency : Proficiency in computer skills can significantly increase your productivity and efficiency at work.

Marketability : Highlighting strong computer skills can make you more attractive to potential employers.

Gaining and improving computer skills can also dramatically impact your earning potential. As the demand for tech-savvy professionals continues to grow, those with advanced computer skills often command higher salaries and have access to a wider range of job opportunities.

Computer skills are essential in today's job market. By investing time in learning and mastering key computer skills, you position yourself for career advancement, ultimately enhancing your overall career trajectory. But honing skills is only half the equation, marketing your skills is just as important.

By using Teal’s Resume Skills Management feature, you can effectively manage and showcase your most relevant computer skills for every application, without the headache.

Optimize each resume to the job description using resume computer skills from Teal's Match Score in its AI Resume Builder

Optimize each resume to the job description using recommended keywords from Teal's Match Score

Using Teal you can quickly identify with jobs you're most qualified for and proceed accordingly. Analyze your resume against job descriptions to highlight the best matches so you don't waste any time on roles that aren't a good fit. Get your Match Score now and take the next step in your career journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic computer skills for a resume.

Basic computer skills include email management, word processing, and internet research.

How do I describe my computer skills?

Describe your computer skills by listing them in a dedicated skills section on your resume and indicating your proficiency levels.

What are the top 10 computer skills?

Top computer skills include word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, database management, programming, data analysis, cybersecurity, AI and machine learning, automation, and virtual collaboration tools.

Do people still put computer skills down on a resume?

Yes, computer skills are still essential and should be included on your resume, especially for roles that require technical proficiency.

How can I list my software skills on my resume?

List your software skills in a dedicated Skills, Work Experience, Professional Summary sections, and be sure to tailor them to match the job description. Indicate your proficiency levels and provide context or examples where possible.

different word for skills on resume

Camille Trent

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COMMENTS

  1. Synonyms for "Skills" To Use on Your Resume

    As you write your application documents, there are several synonyms you can use for the word skills, including: Abilities. Competencies. Strengths. Capabilities. Expertise. Deciding which synonym to use typically depends on the sentence or phrase you're writing and the message you want to convey to an employer.

  2. 12 Synonyms for "Skills" on Your Resume

    Expertise. "Expertise" is another word for "skills" that works well in resumes. It suggests you are an expert in a field, meaning you have a lot of experience in it. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines "expertise" as "the skill of an expert.". Using "expertise" is great if you want to show an employer what you can do.

  3. The 6 Best Resume Synonyms for Skills [Examples + Data]

    Best Resume Synonyms for Skills. Ability. Possession of the skills and knowledge required to effectively execute a particular task or job. Aptitude. Natural ability or skill in a particular area or field. Competent. Having the necessary skills or knowledge. Expertise. Deep knowledge or skill in a specific field.

  4. 10 Synonyms for "Skills" on a Resume

    Strengths. Accomplishments. Know-how. Technical skills. 1. Abilities. One of the best alternatives to using "skills" on your resume is "abilities.". This is a great word that keeps things formal and direct. It lets recruiters know what you are capable of and what you're willing to bring with you to the workplace.

  5. 100 Good Skills to Put on a Resume [Complete Guide]

    Here's a quick way to get started. 1. Make a List of the Skills You Know You Have. As mentioned above, the easiest way to get a grip on your current skills is to reflect on your academic and professional experiences. Consider the tasks you've taken on, the training you've completed, and the courses you had in school.

  6. 120 Essential Skills To List on a Resume

    Calculating. Modeling. Extrapolating. Predicting. Forecasting. Investigating. Surveying. Statistical analysis. Learn how the skills you put on your resume affect how employers view your candidacy and review a list of 120 skills that might describe your qualifications.

  7. 10 Best Skills To Put On Your Resume (With Examples and FAQ)

    Example resume skills per job type Here are five examples illustrating the different combinations of best skills people may put on their resume, depending on their profession: 1. Data analyst: A data analyst works with large sets of data to pull out meaningful insights.Their work requires a high level of attention to detail and the ability to problem-solve.

  8. 200+ Best Skills To List on Your Resume in 2024

    Here are 12 of the most popular industry-specific hard skills to list on your resume: 1. Design. Companies in nearly every industry need creatives with a strong sense of design to help them develop attractive products and content. Specific examples of design-related hard skills include: UI/UX design. Photography.

  9. 250+ Skills for Your Resume (and How to Add Them)

    10. Decision-making skills. Many jobs require you to make choices all the time. For example, picking a new vendor for office supplies, making cuts to a budget, deciding to bring other people in to solve an issue, or prioritizing work tasks on your to-do list all require decision-making skills.

  10. Using "Skills" Synonyms on a Resume to Improve Your Job Search

    Using "skills" synonyms on a resume allows you to improve the readability of your document and add variety, demonstrating your vocabulary and communication skills more effectively. Synonyms enable you to express a broader range of abilities. For example, there are minute differences between skills, strengths, and personal characteristics.

  11. How to List Skills on a Resume (Real Skill Examples)

    1. Resume Header. At the top of your resume, directly below your name, write your job title along with the three most relevant skills you have as a candidate. This is the first section hiring managers will be reading, so it is important to draw their attention using bold and large lettering.

  12. 12 Skilled Synonyms to Use in Your Resume (With Examples)

    12 skilled synonyms you can use for a resume. Here are synonyms you can use instead of skilled when writing your resume and examples of how to use them: 1. Abilities. Abilities is a suitable alternative for skilled that can help demonstrate your role-relevant competencies to an employer.

  13. Writing a Skills-Based Resume: Template & Examples

    A skills-based resume is a resume format that emphasizes skills and competencies rather than focusing on work history. Skills-based resumes are an excellent choice for job seekers with limited experience or job seekers who are changing fields or have non-traditional career paths.

  14. People Skills for Your Resume [Synonyms and 20+ Examples]

    Another subset of people skills is problem-solving skills. These skills help you resolve conflicts and help people get along better, creating a more harmonious and effective workplace. Here are a few of the words you can use for this: Mediating disputes. Negotiating compromises. Developing solutions collaboratively.

  15. 15 Best Skills for a Resume in 2024 + How-To Guide

    2. Include Relevant Skills in a Separate Skills Section. Help recruiters spot strengths on your resume in a flash by creating a standalone skills section where you put your most important qualifications. Make sure to: Be precise ("Written and verbal communication," instead of "good communicator").

  16. 101 Essential Skills to Put on a Resume in 2024 [For Most Jobs]

    You can put these skills on your resume if you are applying as a secretary, office clerk, or any other type of office employee. The basic technical office skills include: Basic Technical Skills Examples. Microsoft Office Pack: Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, Outlook, Powerpoint. Filing and paper management.

  17. Skills for Resume: Essential Examples Across Professions

    In your resume, include achievements that involve interacting well with others and stress "verbal and written communication" in your resume skills section. 2. Teamwork. Even if you're working remotely, collaborating with and supporting other team members remains an essential soft skill for your resume.

  18. 137 Action Verbs and Power Words To Use on Your Resume

    With action words: "Responsible for" becomes "Improved…". "Worked with" becomes "Collaborated on a team that..". "In charge of" becomes "Directed 20 employees to…". Rather than describe your job, resume action verbs paint a vivid picture of your expertise and professional wins. Pro tip: Try to switch up your power ...

  19. 40 Synonyms for "Strong" to Supercharge Your Resume

    Here's why you should be looking for synonyms for "strong" to use on your resume: A standout resume gives recruiters a clear picture of your skills, values, and relevant track record.To create a resume that recruiters can't ignore, you need to use powerful adjectives that tell a compelling story and paint a clear picture of what you bring to the table.

  20. The Best Synonyms for Common Resume Verbs & Adjectives

    Example: Evaluated market trends and competitor strategies to identify key insights, informing strategic decision-making and achieving a competitive edge.. Synonyms for your resume introduction. A resume introduction is a short paragraph at the top of your resume that summarizes your key qualifications as a candidate.. A strong resume introduction sells your candidacy by targeting the job ...

  21. 10 Other Ways to Say "Good Communication Skills" on Your Resume (with

    What to Say Instead of "Good Communication Skills" on a Resume or CV. Articulate and persuasive communicator. Masterful storyteller and presenter. Adaptable communicator, tailoring messages for diverse audiences. Collaborative communicator, building strong relationships and fostering teamwork. Active listener and constructive feedback provider.

  22. Best Resume Formats for 2024 [8+ Professional Examples]

    Another option when creating a resume for a casual or creative industry is to opt for a video resume format. Video resumes are an innovative way to differentiate yourself from other candidates while showcasing your personality and video editing skills. ... (skills-based resume) ... When you create a resume in Word, you can then export it as a ...

  23. How to List Phone Skills on a Resume: Best Skills and Examples

    Here are a few ways you can improve your current phone skills: 1. Firstly, build up your active listening abilities. The first step toward improving your phone skills is to be a better active listener. Examples of active listening abilities: Staying as focused as possible.

  24. 24 Synonyms for "Interpersonal Skills" To Use on Your Resume

    24 resume synonyms for "interpersonal skills" "Interpersonal skills" is a vague term that doesn't communicate your specific abilities to the employer. These are some words and phrases you can use instead of "interpersonal skills" on your resume: Active listening; Adaptability; Collaboration; Communicative; Conflict management; Dependability

  25. 157 Computer Skills For Your Resume (+ How to List Them)

    Tailor resume computer skills to the job description using Teal's Resume Skills Generator. Tailoring your computer skills to match the job description not only showcases your qualifications, but also demonstrates your attention to detail and your commitment to meeting the specific needs of the role. Here's how to do it: 1. Study the industry

  26. Welcome to the Purdue Online Writing Lab

    Learn how to write effectively for academic, professional, and personal purposes at the Purdue Online Writing Lab, a free resource for writers of all levels.

  27. How To Highlight Skill Levels on Your Resume (With Examples)

    3. Use graphics to display skill level. A unique way to demonstrate your level of expertise for a particular skill within your resume could be by using graphics and other design features at your disposal, to mark a skill as expert, proficient intermediate or novice. 4. Separate hard and soft skills into categories.

  28. Weekend Edition Sunday for June, 2 2024 : NPR

    Hear the Weekend Edition Sunday program for Jun 02, 2024