Highlights: 

1. Skills are a strategic tool that you can use to showcase your abilities and what makes you the right person for a specific job. 
2. Skills are of two types: Hard and Soft skills. Each one of them has an importance and can add value to your resume. 
3. Skills section is the first thing employers look at to find out if you'd be the perfect fit for the role or not. 
4. You must tailor your skills every time you're applying for a job. 
5. You must mention at least 6-12 skills on your resume to leave a mark. 

Your resume is a strategic tool that you can use to showcase abilities, strengths, and value to potential employers. One of the most important sections on any resume is the skills section, which gives hiring managers an idea of what you can bring to the table. But with so many abilities to choose from, how will you know about the skills to list on resume. 

Lets dive deep and discover how to list skills on your resume, types of skills you should include on your CV, learn about the top skills that are approved by employers and answer the most common questions job seekers ask related to building the skill section on a resume. 

Types of Skills: Hard Vs Soft

When it comes to building your resume, not all skills carry the same weight. To help you understand it better, we have divided the skills into two major types, hard and soft skills. Let's explore what they are: 

Hard Skills

Hard skills include technical and job-specific abilities that can be acquired through education, training, or hands-on experience. Hard skills are measurable and often tied to tools, software, or processes. Some examples include:

1. Data analysis expert 
2. Web development
3. Accounting
4. Project management 
5. Foreign language Proficiency 
6. Marketing 
7. Graphic designing expert
8. UX design expert 

Soft Skills

Soft skills are personal and interpersonal abilities that determine how well you work with others and navigate the workplace. These are harder to quantify but just are as important as hard skills. Examples of soft skills include:

1. Communication skills
2. Teamwork skills 
3. Adaptability skills 
4. Leadership skills 
5. Problem-solving skills 
6. Networking skills
7. Creative thinking 
8. Time management 

Top 10 Skills to List on Resume

Here’s a mix of both hard and soft skills that are highly valued across industries. Depending on your role and industry, you can customize and expand this list. The top 10 skills are: 

1. Communication

Communication is a top skill and is required in almost every field. Whether written, verbal, or digital, communication is key to collaboration, managing clients, and handling workplace tasks effectively.

2. Problem-Solving

Hiring managers prefer candidates who can identify issues, think critically, and find effective solutions for the problem at hand. 

3. Time Management

Time management is another ultimate skill that an individual must have. The individual must be able to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage projects efficiently in a must in fast-paced environments.

4. Teamwork

Many roles in almost all industries require you to work and collaborate with a team. The ability to work well with others shows emotional intelligence and leadership potential.

5. Technical Proficiency

These skills are job specific and must be tailored according to the job you are applying for. List the ability to use any relevant tools or softwares such as Microsoft, Adobe Creative, Canva, Hubstaff, Python, etc.

6. Adaptability

Especially post-pandemic, companies value employees who can quickly adjust to changes in technology, strategy, or work environments.

7. Leadership

Even if you're not in a managerial role, showcasing leadership in projects or team settings demonstrates initiative and responsibility.

8. Project Management

Being able to plan, execute, and deliver projects is a valuable skill in nearly every industry.

9. Customer Service

Customer service is another rapidly emerging skill which is a must in the fields of retail, hospitality, or any client-facing roles. It shows empathy, patience, and professionalism an individual has towards customers. 

10. Data Analysis

The need for data analysts is increasing rapidly. This technical skill provides you with the ability to interpret and draw insights from data using tools like Excel, SQL, or Tableau, etc. 

Common Questions About Resume Skills

Here's a list of common questions that are asked and we have answered them for you with the best of our abilities: 

1. How to list skills on a resume? 

You can list your skills by using bullet points or tables. Provide an example of how you have used them in past roles or projects. Use action verbs and specific examples to demonstrate your achievements and show how your skills can benefit the company.

1. How Many Skills To List on Resume?

There is no set or ideal number of skills that you can or must mention on your resume. But generally quantifying you must at least show 6-12 relevant skills for the job you're applying to. Too few might make you seem underqualified, while too many can come across as unfocused or generic. Instead of listing every skill you have, focus on those that:

1. Are in accordance to the job you're applying for 
2. Showcase your core strengths
3. Are most in-demand for your industry
4. Should I Customize My Skills Section for Each Job Application?

Yes. Always. Tailoring your skills section for each job increases your chances of passing Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and catching a hiring manager’s attention. 

1. Should I Include My Certifications In The Skills Section? 

Yes, definitely. You can include any certifications and training you might have done in your skills section that show relevance to the job you're applying for. 

Conclusion

Your skills section on your resume is not just a part of your CV, but are the defining factors of your abilities in front of the employer. It's one of the first places hiring managers look when deciding whether you're a good fit. By understanding the difference between hard and soft skills, picking the most relevant abilities, and tailoring your resume to each job, you can present yourself as a professional and polished individual who is keen about their job. 

Remember: quality over quantity. Highlight skills that are relevant, current, and backed by experience. Whether you're a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, you must always choose the right skills to list on resume to stand out. So, what are you waiting for? Start picking out the right skills you want to add to your resume and leave a lasting impression on your employers. Once done, start by looking for jobs hiring immediately to score a great role.