Types of Skills for Your Resume
Understanding the difference helps you create a balanced skills section.
Hard Skills
Technical abilities learned through education or training
Soft Skills
Interpersonal and transferable abilities
Tools & Technologies
Software, platforms, and equipment you can use
Certifications
Professional certifications and credentials
Top Skills by Industry
Find the most in-demand skills for your field.
Software Engineering
Hard Skills
Soft Skills
Marketing
Hard Skills
Soft Skills
Finance
Hard Skills
Soft Skills
Healthcare
Hard Skills
Soft Skills
How to Format Your Skills Section
Choose the format that works best for your situation.
Simple List
Pros
- ATS-friendly
- Easy to scan
- Space-efficient
Cons
- Doesn't show proficiency level
- Can look plain
Categorized
Pros
- Organized
- Shows depth
- Still ATS-friendly
Cons
- Takes more space
- Requires 6+ skills
With Proficiency
Pros
- Shows skill depth
- Honest representation
Cons
- Some ATS may not parse well
- Can highlight weaknesses
ATS Tip
For maximum ATS compatibility, use the simple list format with skills separated by commas or bullet points. Avoid tables, columns, graphics, or skill bars that ATS systems may not parse correctly.
Common Skills Section Mistakes
Avoid these errors that can hurt your resume.
Listing irrelevant skills
Example: Including 'Microsoft Word' for a software engineering role
Fix: Only include skills mentioned in the job description or highly relevant to the role
Being too vague
Example: 'Computer skills' or 'Social media'
Fix: Be specific: 'Python, JavaScript, SQL' or 'Facebook Ads, Instagram Marketing, TikTok'
Lying about proficiency
Example: Listing 'Fluent in Spanish' when you only know basics
Fix: Be honest - you may be tested in interviews. Use accurate proficiency descriptors
Only listing soft skills
Example: Team player, hard worker, fast learner
Fix: Balance soft skills with specific hard skills. Demonstrate soft skills in your experience section instead
Using outdated skills
Example: Listing 'Flash' or 'Windows XP' in 2026
Fix: Keep skills current. Remove technologies that are no longer industry-standard
Frequently Asked Questions
How many skills should I list on my resume?
List 8-15 skills depending on your experience level and the job requirements. Quality matters more than quantity. Include only skills you can confidently discuss in an interview and that are relevant to the target position.
Should I include soft skills on my resume?
Yes, but strategically. Include 2-3 highly relevant soft skills in your skills section, and demonstrate others through your work experience bullet points. 'Led team of 8' shows leadership better than just listing 'Leadership'.
How do I know what skills to include?
Analyze the job description and identify required and preferred skills. Match your genuine skills to their requirements. Use the exact terminology from the job posting to help with ATS matching.
Where should the skills section go on my resume?
For technical roles or ATS-heavy applications, place skills near the top after your summary. For roles emphasizing experience, skills can go after work history. Entry-level candidates should highlight skills prominently.
Should I rate my skills with bars or percentages?
Avoid skill bars, charts, or ratings. They're not ATS-friendly, are subjective (what does '80% in Python' mean?), and waste space. Instead, use descriptors like 'Expert', 'Advanced', or 'Proficient' if needed.