When applying for jobs, knowing the best skills to put on a resume can make the difference between landing an interview and being overlooked. Employers are flooded with applications, and they need to quickly identify candidates who stand out. That’s why highlighting the right skills is critical. If you’re wondering, “What are the best skills to put on a resume?”, or searching for the best career development skills to put on a resume, this guide breaks down the top 20 skills employers want, along with examples to help you tailor your resume.

Why Skills Matter on a Resume

Your resume isn’t just a list of past jobs—it’s a marketing tool. Employers want to see not only where you’ve worked but also what you bring to the table. By listing the best skills to put on a resume, you:

• Show employers you can perform the job successfully.
• Differentiate yourself from candidates with similar experience.
• Demonstrate growth potential and adaptability.

The right mix of technical, soft, and career development skills increases your chances of landing interviews and securing your dream role.

Top 20 Best Skills to Put on a Resume

Below are the top skills to highlight, broken into categories, with examples of how to present them effectively.

1. Communication Skills

Clear, persuasive communication is essential in nearly every role.

Example: “Delivered presentations to executive leadership, improving team adoption of new software by 40%.”

2. Teamwork and Collaboration

Employers value candidates who thrive in group environments.

Example: “Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline processes, cutting project completion time by 15%.”

3. Problem-Solving

Critical thinking and creative solutions stand out.

Example: “Identified workflow inefficiencies, saving the company $50,000 annually.”

4. Leadership

Even if you’re not applying for a managerial role, leadership skills show initiative.

Example: “Mentored five junior staff, improving retention rates by 20%.”

5. Adaptability

The modern workplace changes fast; adaptability is a prized skill.

Example: “Transitioned seamlessly to remote work while maintaining project deadlines.”

6. Time Management

Employers want employees who can prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

Example: “Managed multiple high-priority client accounts simultaneously with 100% on-time delivery.”

7. Technical Proficiency

Depending on your industry, this could include software, systems, or tools.

Example: “Proficient in Microsoft Excel, SQL, and Tableau for advanced reporting.”

8. Data Analysis

Data-driven decision-making is vital across industries.

Example: “Analyzed customer data to uncover trends, leading to a 12% increase in sales.”

9. Project Management

Managing projects from start to finish shows organizational and leadership skills.

Example: “Led a six-month system migration project with zero downtime.”

10. Customer Service

Strong customer service skills are valuable beyond retail or support roles.

Example: “Resolved client concerns with a 95% satisfaction rating.”

11. Negotiation

Negotiation demonstrates confidence and business acumen.

Example: “Negotiated vendor contracts, reducing costs by 18%.”

12. Creativity and Innovation

Innovation helps organizations grow and stay competitive.

Example: “Designed a new digital campaign that boosted engagement by 30%.”

13. Attention to Detail

Accuracy and precision are crucial in many jobs.

Example: “Reviewed financial statements with zero reporting errors.”

14. Networking Skills

Building strong relationships opens doors for businesses.

Example: “Cultivated partnerships that generated $200K in new revenue.”

15. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

EQ helps you connect, manage conflict, and build trust.

Example: “Implemented team feedback systems, improving morale scores by 25%.”

16. Decision-Making

Employers look for candidates who can evaluate options and act decisively.

Example: “Streamlined purchasing decisions, cutting processing times by 40%.”

17. Multilingual Abilities

In global industries, knowing multiple languages is a big asset.

Example: “Fluent in English and Spanish, enabling communication with international clients.”

18. Digital Literacy

Digital transformation makes digital literacy one of the best career development skills to put on a resume.

Example: “Optimized digital workflows using cloud-based tools, improving productivity by 20%.”

19. Conflict Resolution

Handling disagreements constructively is highly valued.

Example: “Mediated conflicts within the team, maintaining a positive work environment.”

20. Work Ethic

A strong work ethic assures employers of reliability and consistency.

Example: “Recognized for perfect attendance and dedication during peak seasons.”

Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills on a Resume

While technical or “hard” skills like coding, accounting, or data analysis are important, soft skills like adaptability and teamwork are equally critical. The best resumes showcase a balance of both.

If you’re asking, “What are the best skills to put on a resume?” the answer depends on the role—but combining hard, soft, and career development skills ensures your resume resonates with hiring managers.

How to Decide Which Skills to Include

When listing the best skills to put on a resume, always tailor them to the specific job description. Here’s how:

1. Analyze the job posting – Identify keywords related to skills.
2. Prioritize relevance – Choose skills that align with the position.
3. Use evidence – Provide real-world examples to back up your claims.
4. Keep it concise – Avoid clutter; focus on the top 8–12 skills most relevant to the role.

The Importance of Career Development Skills

Employers aren’t just hiring for today’s needs—they’re hiring for growth potential. That’s why highlighting the best career development skills to put on a resume is so powerful. Skills like adaptability, digital literacy, leadership, and emotional intelligence show you can grow with the company, adapt to new challenges, and take on future responsibilities.

By showcasing these skills, you communicate that you’re not only qualified for the role but also invested in long-term career success.

Examples of Skill Sections on Resumes

Example 1: Marketing Professional

• Creativity & Innovation
• Data Analysis (Google Analytics, Tableau)
• Communication Skills
• Social Media Strategy
• Adaptability

Example 2: IT Specialist

• Technical Proficiency (Python, SQL, AWS)
• Problem-Solving
• Project Management
• Digital Literacy
• Attention to Detail

Example 3: Healthcare Professional

• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Leadership
• Emotional Intelligence
• Time Management
• Conflict Resolution

These examples show how to present skills strategically while aligning them with your target job.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When adding the best skills to put on a resume, avoid these pitfalls:

• Being too generic – “Hardworking” or “fast learner” are vague. Use specific skills.
• Overloading with buzzwords – Keep your list meaningful and relevant.
• Forgetting proof – Always provide examples to validate your skills.
• Not customizing – A one-size-fits-all resume rarely works.

Conclusion

Identifying the best skills to put on a resume is one of the smartest ways to stand out in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re focused on technical expertise, soft skills, or highlighting the best career development skills to put on a resume, the key is relevance and authenticity. Back every skill with examples and tailor them to the role you’re applying for.

Your resume is your first impression, make sure it reflects the skills employers truly value.

At Synectics Inc., we know how important it is to showcase the right skills when pursuing your next opportunity. Our expert recruiters help job seekers identify and highlight the best skills to put on a resume, ensuring your application stands out to top employers.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Contact Synectics Inc. today to discover how we can help you showcase your strengths and land your dream job.