If you’re wondering what skills to list on your resume to grab the attention of hiring managers and pass ATS scans, you’re not alone. The right skill set can transform a good resume into a great one—whether you’re applying for an entry-level job, mid-level management role, or executive leadership position.
At ClearPointHCO, we help job seekers nationwide create keyword-optimized, high-impact resumes that land interviews. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the top skills to put on your resume, how to tailor them for your target job, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Why Listing the Right Skills Matters
In today’s competitive job market, simply listing job duties isn’t enough. Recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan for specific resume keywords to determine if you’re a qualified match. Including relevant hard skills, soft skills, and transferable skills can make or break your chances of landing an interview.
Types of Resume Skills You Should Include
🛠️ Hard Skills (Technical Skills)
Hard skills are teachable, measurable abilities that are often specific to a job or industry. These skills are frequently scanned by ATS and should match the job description word-for-word when possible.
Examples of hard skills:
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Project Management (Agile, Scrum, PMP)
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Data Analysis (Excel, SQL, Power BI)
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Programming Languages (Python, JavaScript, C++)
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CRM Tools (Salesforce, HubSpot)
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Financial Forecasting & Budgeting
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Digital Marketing (SEO, Google Analytics, PPC)
🤝 Soft Skills
Soft skills are personal attributes that influence how well you work with others. While harder to measure, they’re critical to team dynamics and leadership roles.
Examples of soft skills:
📘 Want to dive deeper? Read our guide: Soft Skills for Your Resume
🔄 Transferable Skills
If you’re changing careers or re-entering the workforce, transferable skills are your secret weapon. These are skills you’ve used in one job or industry that apply well in another.
Examples include:
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Time Management
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Conflict Resolution
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Customer Service
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Multitasking
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Training & Mentoring
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Process Improvement
Top Skills to Put on a Resume by Industry
💼 Business & Executive Roles
📈 Sales & Marketing
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SEO/SEM
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CRM Proficiency
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Lead Generation
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Content Strategy
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Campaign Analytics
💻 Technology & IT
🏥 Healthcare
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Patient Care Coordination
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EMR/EHR Software (Epic, Cerner)
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HIPAA Compliance
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Diagnostic Testing
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Clinical Documentation
🧑🏫 Education & Training
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Curriculum Design
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Online Learning Tools (Canvas, Blackboard)
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Lesson Planning
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Student Engagement Strategies
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Classroom Technology Integration
🛠️ Construction & Trades
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OSHA Safety Standards
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Blueprint Reading
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Project Bidding
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Construction Scheduling
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Equipment Operation
Where to List Skills on Your Resume
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Dedicated Skills Section – Ideal for scannability and ATS keyword matching.
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Professional Summary – Strategically highlight 2–3 core skills aligned with your target job.
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Experience Section – Demonstrate skills in action using quantified results.
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Certifications & Tools – Include software and platforms you’re proficient in.
How to Choose the Best Skills for Your Resume
✔️ Match the job posting – Use the exact keywords employers include.
✔️ Prioritize relevance – Tailor skills for each application.
✔️ Show, don’t just tell – Use action verbs and measurable outcomes.
✔️ Balance hard and soft skills – Show technical capability and team compatibility.
✔️ Avoid generic buzzwords – Phrases like “go-getter” or “hard worker” aren’t compelling on their own.
Sample Skills Section (Mid-Level Marketing Role)
Skills
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Digital Marketing Strategy
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Google Ads / Meta Business Suite
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SEO & Keyword Optimization
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A/B Testing & CRO
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Team Collaboration & Agile Workflow
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Content Management (WordPress, HubSpot)
Ready to Level Up Your Resume?
Whether you’re applying to your first job or preparing for a C-suite position, listing the right skills can transform your resume into a powerful marketing tool. At ClearPointHCO, we blend expert resume writing services with AI-powered tools to help you stand out in a crowded market.
✅ Get your professionally written resume today
📞 Have questions? Contact us for a free resume review
Final Thoughts
The skills you list on your resume can directly impact whether you land an interview—or get filtered out. Don’t leave it to chance. Use this guide to highlight your strengths and stand out in today’s job market.
Bonus: Explore More Resume Tips from ClearPointHCO