In this guide, I will list out the essential skills to put on a resume when applying for a job position. The strength of a resume depends on the acquired skills included in it. Putting skills on a resume is not all about putting any kind of skill or listing the top skills that you know, but it’s about focusing and putting skills that are relevant and related to the position you are applying for.

Writing a good resume may be a bit difficult to act on. But meanwhile, when writing your resume, you should endeavour to keep its length as short as possible in such a way that it will still include quality information that will impress the employer.

This is what happens when the reviewer is reviewing your resume, he or she will hold a particular interest in the skills you have acquired and such skills can only be an advantage to you if they are relevant and related to the job you are applying for. The best advice is, all the skills you list on your resume should actually be the skills you have truly acquired.

Some of the most essential skills to put on a resume which will, in turn, draw the attention of the employer includes reading, written and verbal communication, time and task management, the ability to work independently, ability to use technology, organization, knowledge to use remote communication tools, ability to use tools like Google Suite, Zoom, Dropbox, Skype, etc.

 

Why do you need to add Skills to Your Resume?

Skills are the most vital part of your Curriculum Vitae (C.V). They create more chances for you to be chosen over other applicants. This is because the skills one has acquired will help a lot in telling the employer that such a person has had many working skills and experiences.

However, knowing the skills to add to your resume is not as simple as it sounds since skills are in different categories. So, you have to start by selecting the most essential skills and put them on your resume in such a way that it will be organic and recognizable.

 

Hard and Soft Essential Skills to Put on a Resume

In this section, I have broken the essential skills to put on a resume into two different categories as; hard and soft skills.

Hard skills: Hard skills are also called technical skills and they are part of the most essential skills that must be related to the job you are applying for. Such skills are called “job-specific” skills, and they include:

  • Database management skill
  • Foreign languages
  • Software proficiencies
  • Analytics skills
  • Data visualization skill
  • STEM skills
  • Microsoft Office usage skill
  • Design tools
  • Social media skills
  • Reporting skills
  • Market research skills
  • Bookkeeping skill

Soft skills: Soft skills are both personal qualities as well as working skills that an employee should have towards a given job responsibility. These skills are mostly related to how to work with others at the workplace, manage situations, and improve workplace performances and success. Examples of soft skills are:

  • Time management
  • Workplace adaptation
  • Critical thinking
  • Team leading skill
  • Active listening
  • Flexibility
  • Persuasion Skill
  • Communication Skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Teamwork

 

Which Skills should you include on your Resume?
Like I said before, this actually depends on the field of job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a job that is related to electronics, engineering, and technology (IT), then the most essential skills to put on a resume for such a job will include:

  • Computer networking skill
  • Cybersecurity skill
  • Front/back end development.
  • Database management
  • Repairs and maintenance
  • Proficiency in programming languages and coding
  • Collaboration version control systems

And if you are applying for a job related to sales, customer services, administrations, advertising, marketing, and finance, then the most essential skills will include:

  • Conflict management and resolution
    Persuasive speaking skill
  • Fluent Communication
  • Proficiency with Excel/Google Sheets
  • Computer operating skills (like speed typing, etc.)
  • Active listening
  • Record and bookkeeping
  • Product knowledge
  • Rapport building
  • Data entry
  • Email management
  • QuickBooks
  • Attention to detail
  • Written communication
  • Data analysis
  • Google Analytics
  • Creative thinking
  • Accountability
  • Financial analysis
  • Cash flow management
  • Client relations
  • Customer services skills
  • Financial modelling

What next? If you are still not sure of the essential skills you should put on your resume for a particular job, then I will give you a clue by recommending that you should always check a job description to know what the job is all about. With that, you will be able to sort out the skills that are related to the job and put them on your resume
Note: Your skills are the very things that may either qualify or disqualify you for a job. So be sure to include some of the essential skills that you have acquired in your resume…

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