Resume Skills That Get You Hired: What To Include (And What To Skip!)

Ever feel like your resume is getting ghosted despite your experience? You’re not alone. One sneaky little culprit might be hiding in plain sight: your Skills section.

Yep. That tiny little block of text? It can make or break your chances.

When done right, your skills section instantly tells recruiters, “Hey! I’m exactly who you’re looking for.” Done wrong, it’s just resume filler that gets ignored.

Let’s break down what actually works, what to skip, and how to build a Skills section that actually lands interviews.

 

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Why Your Resume Skills Section Matters More Than You Think

Let’s be real—most job seekers either overload this section or completely miss the mark.

Here’s why it matters:

• ATS software (Applicant Tracking Systems) use keywords to search for, filter, and sort applicants.
• Recruiters spend about 6 seconds skimming your resume.

A clear, well-targeted skills section helps you pass both screenings fast.

But here’s the catch: Quantity doesn’t equal quality.

Think of your skills section like a highlight reel. It’s not a brain dump of everything you’ve ever touched—it’s a carefully curated list that speaks directly to the job you want.

Start With Hard Skills

If your skills section doesn’t lead with hard skills, we’ve got a problem.

Hard skills are teachable, technical, and job-specific. Think tools, systems, and processes that you’ve mastered through training, certifications, or experience.

Some examples by role:

• Software Engineer – Software Development, Automation Scripting
• Project Manager – Sprint Planning, Resource Allocation
• Graphic Designer – Typography, Responsive Web Design

These are the skills recruiters and software tools are actually scanning for, so make them easy to find.

Use Industry-Specific Keywords That Say “I Get This Job”

Want to speak your industry’s language? Use the keywords your future employer uses.

Industry-specific keywords go beyond general skills. They show deep understanding of your field and the terminology that matters.

Here’s what that might look like:

• Instead of saying “Emailing Customers,” use Email Campaign Management
• Rather than “Managing Performance,” go with ROI Tracking
• If you handled company finances, think Budget Reconciliation or Financial Modeling instead of generic administrative terms

Pro tip: Pull these keywords straight from the job posting. If they mention it, mirror it—assuming you’ve got the experience.

Don’t Forget Software & Digital Tools

Yes, the tools you’ve used deserve their moment in the spotlight especially if the job is technical.

This includes:

• Certifications: CompTIA Security+, Google Analytics, HubSpot
• Platforms: Salesforce, QuickBooks, Canva
• Technical Suites: Microsoft Azure, Adobe Creative Cloud

If you're applying for a highly technical role, consider creating a separate "Technical Skills" or "Computer Skills" section near the bottom of your resume. That way, you can list everything without overwhelming your main Skills section.

Soft Skills? Use Strategically—Not Like a Buzzword Parade

Now let’s talk about soft skills: Communication, problem solving, adaptability, and the like.

Soft skills matter but they’re best shown, not told.

Instead of adding “strong communicator” to your skills list, describe this in action in your Experience section:

Presented monthly analytics to executive leadership to influence data-driven decisions.

See the difference?

Here are better ways to show soft skills:

• Problem solver? Describe how you streamlined a process that saved time or money.
• Adaptable? Share how you took on dual roles during a hiring freeze and still hit your goals.
• Team player? Talk about a collaborative project where your input drove results.

Bottom line: Soft skills belong in your Experience section, not as lonely words in a skill list.

Give employers what they want! This Skills Auditor and bonus Work History Examples Guide helps you organize your skills and translate them into action-oriented statements for your Experience section

 

What to Leave Off Your Resume 

Some things are better left unsaid, especially if they make your resume look outdated or irrelevant.

Here’s what to skip:

• Obvious skills – Like Microsoft Word or internet browsing (unless the job posting specifically calls them out).
• Vague buzzwords – “Hardworking,” “motivated self-starter,” “team player”… they don’t mean much without proof.
• Outdated technologies – If it’s not used anymore, leave it in the past.

Remember: If a recruiter wouldn’t search for it in an ATS, it probably doesn’t belong in your Skills section.

Conclusion 

Your resume is your first impression, and your skills section is prime real estate. Don’t waste it.

Lead with hard, job-relevant skills. Speak the language of your industry. Name-drop software and tools with confidence. Show, don’t tell, when it comes to soft skills. Skip the fluff and focus on what matters most to the employer.

You’ve got skills. Now let’s make sure they shine.