Skills to Put on a Resume (With Real Examples)
The best skills section is not a long list. It is a targeted snapshot of capabilities that match the role. Need the full framework first? Read how to write a resume.
Hard skills vs soft skills
- Hard skills: technical and measurable (SQL, Figma, financial modeling)
- Soft skills: behavioral and collaborative (communication, prioritization, leadership)
Skills examples by job family
Tech: Python, SQL, API integration, cloud infrastructure, unit testing
Marketing: SEO, paid search, email automation, conversion copywriting, A/B testing
Operations: process optimization, vendor management, KPI dashboarding, forecasting
Sales: pipeline management, discovery calls, CRM reporting, negotiation
How many skills to list
Aim for 8 to 16 skills depending on seniority and role complexity. Prioritize relevance over volume.
Match skills to outcomes
Do not list skills in isolation. Reinforce them in your experience bullets. For stronger top-of-page positioning, pair this with a tailored resume summary. For ATS checks, use ATS resume format.
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FAQ
How many skills should I put on a resume?
Most resumes work best with 8 to 16 relevant skills, depending on the role and level. Focus on relevance, not maximum length.
Should I include soft skills on my resume?
Yes, but only selected soft skills and ideally supported by measurable examples in your work experience.
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