AI can perform tasks consistently at any time of day.
Tools like ChatGPT can assist in analyzing legal documents, coding, product design, optimizing operations, customer service through chatbots, creating marketing content and strategies, and even accelerating scientific research.
While AI enhances productivity and fosters innovation, it also provides opportunities for people to gain new skills and shift into AI-related roles, promoting a workforce that's better equipped for the future.
Developing hard skills is more crucial than ever in today’s job market, where AI is taking over certain tasks and changing traditional job roles across industries.
In this article, we’ll walk you through why it’s important to list the right hard skills on your resume for the job you want in this AI-driven world. You’ll learn how to pinpoint the essential skills for your career and how to keep them sharp and up-to-date. Stay ahead, master new technologies, and make sure your career thrives despite the rise of AI.
In this article we’ll cover:
- What are hard skills and why they are important
- Most in-demand hard skills + examples
- Best resume hard skills for popular industries
- How to demonstrate hard skills on your resume and cover letter
- Common misconceptions about hard skills
Now, let's dive deeper into the essence of hard skills.
What are hard skills?
Hard skills, also known as technical skills, are specific abilities or knowledge that you can learn and measure. You gain them through education, training, or hands-on experience. These skills are useful both at work and in everyday life. Employers value hard skills because they show you can handle job-specific tasks and meet their demands. They come from education, training, or hands-on experience. Employers love hard skills because they show you can handle job-specific duties or meet the demands of a specific role.
Adding measurable achievements to hard skills can be tricky, but it's achievable. For instance, you might highlight how you used Microsoft Office skills to increase team productivity, discuss the volume of code you write and debug weekly, or showcase how your UX design enhancements improved user engagement.
Look at the examples below:
- Enhanced team productivity by 25% through the development and implementation of custom Microsoft Office macros.
- Successfully wrote and debugged over 1,000 lines of code weekly, ensuring software stability and performance.
- Improved user experience by redesigning the company’s website, which led to a 30% increase in user engagement.
Sometimes, "hard skills" and "technical skills" are used synonymously. This can lead to confusion as people often think "technical skills" only involve computers. However, in job searching, "technical skills" can also mean "hard skills." To avoid confusion, you can refer to the tech tools you're familiar with as tech competencies and thus differentiate between hands-on and technical skills.
Why are hard skills important?
Hard skills are key to proving you can do the job. Whether you learn them in school, through training, or on the job, these skills show you have the practical know-how needed for a specific role. When you list hard skills on your resume, you're giving employers clear, concrete evidence of what you can do. Tailoring these skills to the job you're applying for makes you stand out as a perfect fit. Besides, having up-to-date hard skills shows you're committed to learning and growing in your career, which is a big plus for any employer.
How to develop your hard skills?
Once you understand the importance of hard skills, you'll likely be eager for some ideas on how to acquire new ones or upgrade the skills you already have. Here are a few effective ways to help you achieve that.
- Education: Enroll in degree programs, community college courses, or specialized classes that focus on the hard skills you need. Formal education provides a deep understanding of key concepts and techniques.
- Training: Attend industry-specific workshops, seminars, and conferences to learn from experts and network with peers. These events often offer hands-on learning opportunities and the latest industry insights.
- Previous work experience: Use your past job roles to refine and improve your existing skills. On-the-job experience is invaluable for gaining practical insights and boosting your proficiency.
- Online learning platforms: Check out resources like Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and Khan Academy for courses on various hard skills.
- Self-study: Spend time on self-study by reading books, watching tutorial videos, and following industry blogs to stay current with the latest trends and techniques.
- Volunteer work: Volunteer for projects or organizations where you can apply and develop your hard skills in real-world situations. It's a great way to build your skills and boost your resume at the same time.
- Freelance projects: Take on freelance work or side projects that require the hard skills you want to develop. This lets you gain practical experience while working on real tasks.
- Certifications: Pursue professional certifications in your field. These often require passing exams that test your knowledge and proficiency in specific hard skills.
17 most in-demand hard skills in 2024
In 2024, employers will prioritize candidates with industry-specific hard skills when filling open positions. Resumes are becoming increasingly skills-focused. Here’s a list of the 17 most in-demand hard skills, based on Enhancv’s data, along with some examples.
Blockchain
Blockchain has gained significant importance in recent years as it enables secure storage and trading of cryptocurrencies. With the growth of these financial platforms, many companies are now actively seeking experts in blockchain technology.
Related blockchain skills:
- Cipher
- Cryptography
- Data structure
- Decryption
- Encryption
- Programming languages
Blockchain skills example:
- Developed and deployed smart contracts on Ethereum using Solidity, automating over 200+ transactions daily and increasing operational efficiency by 30%.
- Designed and implemented blockchain architecture, utilizing Hyperledger Fabric to streamline supply chain processes, reducing transaction times by 40% and saving $150,000 annually.
Cloud computing
Cloud computing has become very important in recent years as it offers on-demand access to servers, data storage, networking, software, and AI tools over the Internet with pay-per-use pricing. With the rise of digital transformation and remote work, businesses are now searching for specialists in cloud computing technology.
Related cloud computing skills:
- Virtualization
- Containerization
- Cloud security
- Load balancing
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
- Serverless computing
Cloud computing skills example:
- Implemented containerization using Docker and Kubernetes, enhancing deployment speed by 40% and reducing downtime by 20%.
- Developed serverless applications using AWS Lambda, decreasing operational costs by 20% and increasing application responsiveness by 25%.
Content creation
Content creation is more important than ever, shaping how audiences connect with brands. It’s all about crafting high-quality content, tailoring messages to specific audiences, and keeping people engaged. With online platforms thriving, companies are on the hunt for talented content creators to captivate their audiences and boost brand loyalty.
Related content creation skills:
- Copywriting
- SEO optimization
- Graphic design
- Video production
- Social media management
- Content strategy
Content creation skills example:
- Created and published 20+ articles monthly, boosting website traffic by 40% and engagement by 25%.
- Produced and edited videos with Adobe Premiere Pro, cutting production time by 30% and saving $10,000 annually.
Content management systems
Content management systems play a pivotal role in modern marketing, helping brands deliver content smoothly. It's about organizing, storing, and distributing content effectively. As digital presence becomes more important, companies need skilled professionals to manage these systems and drive engagement.
Related content management skills:
- Content organization
- Workflow automation
- Metadata management
- User access control
- Version control
- CMS customization
Content management skills example:
- Organized and managed 500+ content assets, improving retrieval speed by 35% and user efficiency by 20%.
- Implemented CMS customization, streamlining content workflows, reducing publishing time by 25%, and saving $15,000 annually.
Office skills
You need solid office skills for most administrative positions to keep things productive. Employers usually expect administrators to have basic office skills before hiring them. This includes scheduling appointments, greeting customers, providing resources, etc.
Related office skills:
- Appointment scheduling
- Office management
- Resource allocation
- Document management
- Meeting coordination
- Email correspondence
Office skills example:
- Streamlined document management, speeding up file retrieval by 40% and saving 10 hours weekly.
- Scheduled and managed 100+ appointments monthly, increasing office efficiency by 30% and reducing scheduling conflicts by 20%.
Copywriting
Copywriting is all about creating powerful, persuasive messages that get people to convert. You need a range of essential skills, like writing concisely, turning complex ideas into clear messages, and connecting with your target audience. Employers expect to see these skills on your resume when applying for a job.
Related copywriting skills:
- Brand voice development
- Content editing and proofreading
- Audience analysis
- Persuasive messaging
- SEO
- Creating engaging headlines
Copywriting skills example:
- Crafted SEO-optimized content, boosting organic traffic by 50% and improving search rankings.
- Simplified complex topics, improving reader comprehension by 40% and reducing bounce rates by 25%.
Foreign languages
Speaking foreign languages helps you bridge gaps and connect with different cultures. Some languages are more in demand than others depending on where you are. Sure, being a native English speaker is a big advantage, but as English becomes more widespread, you might struggle to find work without knowing at least one other language. Recruiters in every industry love bilingual or multilingual candidates.
Related foreign language skills:
- Fluency in multiple languages
- Translation and interpretation
- Multilingual communication
- Advanced grammar and vocabulary
- Cross-cultural negotiation
Foreign language skills example:
- Translated technical documents, reducing errors by 35% and speeding up the product launch process by 15%.
- Translated and localized marketing materials, increasing international sales by 30% and enhancing brand presence in new markets.
Data analysis
Analyzing data allows you to discover valuable insights and make smart decisions. Different industries prioritize various data analysis skills. Basic data analysis tool proficiency is beneficial, but you might struggle to get noticed without advanced expertise. Emphasizing data analysis skills on your resume gives you an edge with recruiters in every industry.
Related data analysis skills:
- Statistical analysis
- Data visualization
- Predictive modeling
- SQL proficiency
- Data cleaning and preparation
- Machine learning techniques
Data analysis skills example:
- Created data visualizations using Tableau, which improved stakeholder understanding of key metrics by 50%.
- Conducted statistical analyses, identifying trends that led to a 25% increase in marketing campaign effectiveness.
Database management
Data management skills are a big plus for employers since they let you use data to meet company goals. Even if you're not applying for a database management job, showing these skills on your resume and cover letter can make you a strong candidate. Learning about different data management skills can help you see where you need to grow and improve.
Related database management skills:
- Database design and modeling
- Data backup and recovery
- Database security and encryption
- Data migration and integration
- ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes
- Database administration and maintenance
Database management skills example:
- Designed and maintained database structures, improving data retrieval speed by 35%.
- Automated data migration processes, saving 15 hours weekly.
Microsoft Office
MS Office skills are super important for keeping things running smoothly and getting stuff done. You should know how to create detailed Excel spreadsheets, write clear documents in Word, and make great PowerPoint presentations. Recruiters have favored these skills on resumes for years.
Related MS office skills:
- Advanced Excel functions and formulas
- Word document formatting and editing
- PowerPoint presentation design
- Outlook email management and scheduling
MS office skills example:
- Created dynamic PowerPoint presentations, improving client engagement by 20%.
- Implemented Outlook email management system, reducing inbox clutter by 50% and improving response times.
Machine learning
If you're in the programming field or trying to get into it, highlight machine learning on your resume. This skill involves using algorithms to learn from data, including tasks like data preprocessing, model selection, and performance evaluation. Key languages for this are Python, R, and Java. Demonstrating your machine learning skills can raise your job prospects in tech.
Related machine learning skills:
- Algorithm development and optimization
- Data preprocessing and cleaning
- Model selection and evaluation
- Feature engineering and selection
- Neural networks and deep learning
- Natural language processing (NLP)
Machine learning skills example:
- Developed and optimized machine learning algorithms, increasing model accuracy by 25%.
- Implemented data preprocessing techniques, reducing data cleaning time by 40% and enhancing data quality.
Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets are an essential skill for many professions and certainly will enhance your resume. They allow you to organize, analyze, and display data effectively. Mastering spreadsheet tools like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets involves understanding how to create formulas, sort data, and generate charts. This skill is particularly valuable in fields like accounting, project management, and data analysis, enabling you to manage information efficiently and support informed decision-making.
Related spreadsheet skills:
- Advanced formula creation and application
- Data sorting and organization
- Chart and graph construction
- Pivot tables and data analysis
- Conditional formatting
- Macro and script integration
Spreadsheet skills example:
- Created complex financial models using advanced Excel functions, improving forecasting accuracy by 30%.
- Streamlined data analysis processes with pivot tables, reducing report generation time by 50% and increasing data accessibility.
System administration
System administration is an essential hard skill for IT professionals and should be prominently featured on your resume if you work in the field. Sys admins troubleshoot issues, perform backups, and maintain overall system performance. Underscoring system administration on your resume shows your capability to keep an organization’s IT services running smoothly. This skill demonstrates your proficiency in operating systems, networking, and software applications, making you a valuable asset for roles that require robust IT infrastructure management.
Related system administration skills:
- Network configuration and management
- Server installation and maintenance
- Security protocols and firewall setup
- User account and access control management
- Software and hardware upgrades
System administration skills example:
- Upgraded server hardware and software, boosting overall system efficiency and reducing downtime by 30%.
- Managed user authentication and access controls, increasing system security and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.
Project management
Project management is a fundamental hard skill for professionals across various industries, focusing on planning, executing, and finalizing projects according to strict deadlines and within budget. This skill involves coordinating the efforts of team members, managing resources, and communicating with stakeholders to achieve project goals. Effective project managers are proficient in methodologies like Agile, Scrum, or Waterfall, and tools such as Microsoft Project or Asana. Featuring project management on your resume shows you can lead and complete complex projects, demonstrating leadership skills essential for success in any role.
Related project management skills:
- Project scheduling and timeline management
- Resource allocation and budget management
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Stakeholder communication and management
- Team leadership and task delegation
Project management skills example:
- Led a cross-functional team in completing a major software development project, finishing 20% ahead of schedule and under budget.
- Coordinated stakeholder communications, enhancing project transparency and boosting client satisfaction by 35%.
UX design
UX design skills are highly valuable, especially in digital professions, because they enhance user interactions with products. Even if you're not directly applying for a UX designer role, showcasing these skills on your resume can boost your chances as a candidate. This is important in fields like digital marketing, web development, and product management, where understanding the user's journey is crucial.
Related UX design skills:
- User research and persona development
- Wireframing and prototyping
- User interface design
- Usability testing and feedback analysis
- Interaction design
UX design skills example:
- Conducted comprehensive user research and developed detailed personas, leading to a user-centric design overhaul that increased user engagement by 40%.
- Designed and tested wireframes and prototypes, improving user experience and interface usability, which reduced customer support queries by 25%.
Video production
Video production is becoming increasingly important as more businesses use videos to connect with their audiences. This skill covers everything from planning and shooting to editing videos. Adding video production to your resume proves you can produce compelling visual content, a skill in high demand in fields like marketing, education, and media. It underlines your ability to create engaging videos that tell stories and share messages effectively.
Related video production skills:
- Scriptwriting and storyboarding
- Camera operation and filming techniques
- Video editing and post-production
- Sound design and audio editing
- Visual effects and graphics integration
Video production skills example:
- Developed and executed comprehensive storyboards and scripts, enhancing narrative flow, which led to a 30% increase in viewer engagement.
- Managed filming and post-production for YouTube content, applying advanced editing techniques and sound design to enhance video quality by 20% and significantly reduce editing time.
Web development
Web and software development skills are essential for landing a role as a web developer and excelling in it. These skills make you a standout candidate during the hiring process and enhance your performance in daily tasks. Proficiency in coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and backend server management using technologies such as PHP, Ruby, or Python, is essential. Including these web development skills on your resume as a PDF file highlights your technical prowess and your readiness to tackle complex web projects.
Related web development skills:
- HTML, CSS, and JavaScript coding
- Backend server management using PHP, Ruby, or Python
- Framework and library integration for enhanced functionality
- Responsive design techniques
- API integration and management
Web development skills example:
- Developed and maintained dynamic, responsive websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, resulting in a 40% increase in user retention.
- Implemented complex server-side applications with PHP and Ruby, boosting system efficiency and reducing load times by 25%.
More than 200 important hard skills sorted by categories + examples
Each career path requires a tailored set of skills, from precise technical know-how to strong analytical abilities. We’ll pinpoint the crucial hard skills for various industries, categorize them for clarity, and teach you how to emphasize them on your resume. This strategy will make you stand out to leading employers and boost your odds of securing your desired job.
Technical skills for a resume
Technical skills are essential tools across a broad range of fields, enabling professionals to design, analyze, and enhance everything from manufacturing processes to website functionality. These abilities help streamline operations, solve complex problems, and drive innovation in today's tech-driven workplace.
Top technical hard skills
- CAD
- Lean manufacturing
- Multivariate analysis
- Linear regression
- Prototyping
- Workflow development
- STEM skills
- Web: HTML, CSS, Javascript
- Payment processing
- Automated billing systems
- CRM platforms
- Research
- Troubleshooting
These hard skills are best for industries such as:
- IT
- Architecture
- Manufacturing
- Engineering
- Finance
Now, here are a few samples extracted from resumes:
- Developed and tested over 50 prototypes, significantly reducing product development time by 40% and improving final product quality.
- Implemented a new CRM platform, improving customer relationship management processes and increasing client retention rates by 20%.
- Utilized CAD software to design and model over 100 structural components, reducing design time by 25% and enhancing overall project accuracy.
Computer skills for a resume
In today's digital age, having strong computer skills is essential for nearly every job. These abilities are crucial for efficiency and productivity in the workplace. With them you can navigate various software and platforms effortlessly, making you a valuable asset to any team. Whether you're organizing information, communicating effectively, or analyzing data, computer proficiency is key to career success.
Top computer hard skills
- Google drive
- Spreadsheets
- Presentations/Slideshows
- Database management
- Web
- Typing
- Graphics
- Enterprise systems
- MS Office
These hard skills are applicable to industries such as:
- Marketing
- Advertising
- Finance
- Web
- Journalism
Below are a few cases from real resumes:
- Managed Google Drive and other cloud services, streamlining document sharing and collaboration, and improving team efficiency by 35%.
- Oversaw social media campaigns, increasing brand awareness and engagement by 40%.
- Designed and delivered engaging presentations, boosting audience engagement and improving information retention by 30%.
Analytical skills for a resume
Analytical skills are crucial in the job market nowadays because they enable professionals to interpret data, manage resources, and present findings effectively. Mastering analytical skills ensures better decision-making and enhances your ability to tackle complex challenges. including these competencies in your resume applying for a proper position can significantly boost your chances with recruiters.
Top analytical hard skills
- Research
- Forecasting
- Data mining
- Data presentation
- Resource management
- Data engineering
- Database management
- Data and metrics interpreting
- Reporting
- Diagnostics
These hard skills are best for industries such as:
- Marketing
- Information technology
- Healthcare
- Finance
- Business intelligence
Here are 3 examples:
- Conducted extensive research, leading to the discovery of new market trends and boosting project accuracy by 25%.
- Managed database systems, ensuring data integrity and reducing retrieval time by 40%.
- Generated detailed reports, enhancing stakeholder insights and improving decision-making efficiency by 30%.
Marketing hard skills for a resume
To catch a recruiter’s eye and secure that interview, showcasing your hard marketing skills on your resume is a must. Across various sectors, marketing skills empower professionals to develop, execute, and optimize campaigns, from SEO to paid ads. Besides, understanding customer behavior through data analysis lets you create personalized marketing strategies. Nowadays, mastering these marketing skills is crucial to staying ahead and landing the job you’ve always wanted.
Top marketing hard skills
- SEO/SEM
- PPC
- Social media marketing
- Writing
- CRO and A/B testing
- Email marketing and automation
- Funnel management
- UX Design
- Data visualization
- Google Analytics and Google Search Console
- Google Ads, Facebook Paid Ads
These hard skills for marketing are appropriate for industries such as:
- Sales
- E-commerce
- Publishing
- Public relations
- Web Development
- Data analysis
Take a look at these instances from actual resumes:
- Developed targeted email marketing strategies, resulting in a 30% boost in subscriber engagement.
- Managed PPC campaigns, increasing click-through rates by 35% and reducing bounce rates by 20%.
- Created 20+ SEO campaigns for websites with complex media and big structures.
Presentation skills for a resume
Effective presentation skills are essential for success in any professional setting and can impress recruiters when highlighted on your resume. Whether communicating complex data, persuading stakeholders, or designing slideshows, strong presentation abilities set you apart. These skills combine confidence, adaptability, and stress management with visual communication. Mastering them ensures your message is clear and engaging, making you a standout candidate.
Top presentation hard skills
- Visual communication
- Slideshows
- Research
- Data & audience analysis
- Storytelling
- Reporting
- Persuasion
- Graphic design
These presentation skills are useful in many industries, including:
- Marketing
- Design
- Finance
- Journalism
- Sales
See these samples from actual resumes:
- Designed and delivered 50+ client presentations, boosting sales by 25% and enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Created visually compelling slideshows for executive meetings, improving stakeholder engagement by 30%.
- Developed and presented detailed market analysis reports, aiding decision-making and increasing project approval rates by 20%.
Management hard skills for a resume
In the competitive job market, having solid management skills is essential for team leadership, project oversight, and strategic decision-making. Underlining them on your resume can improve your chances with recruiters. Advancing your career to a managerial role can provide many rewarding opportunities. You want to help the company reach its goals and execute its core strategies. Whether you’re heading a team, handling projects, or shaping strategies, having strong management skills is incredibly valuable.
Top management hard skills
- Business knowledge
- Budgeting
- Project management
- Hiring
- Finance
- Office management skills
- Logistics
- New business development
- Negotiating
- Planning
These skills are useful in industries, such as:
- Finance
- Retail
- Healthcare
- Marketing
- IT
See these samples from actual resumes:
- Developed and managed comprehensive budgets for multiple projects, optimizing resource allocation and reducing overall costs by 15%.
- Designed and executed detailed project plans, ensuring timely delivery and increasing project completion rates by 25%.
- Led negotiation sessions with vendors and partners, securing favorable terms and reducing expenses by 20%.
Writing skills for a resume
Businesses today know how crucial storytelling is in the 21st century. Strong writing skills can be your ticket to impressing hiring managers and landing that interview call. If you're crafting engaging narratives, creating compelling content, or clearly communicating complex ideas, showing these skills on your resume can make you more attractive to recruiters. Good writing opens doors, allowing you to convey information effectively and captivate audiences with compelling storytelling, making it essential for career success.
Top writing hard skills
- Basic knowledge: grammar, punctuation, spelling, vocabulary
- Note-taking
- Email writing
- Business writing reports, press releases, content management
- Data visualization
- Creative writing: plotting, world building, dialogue
- Academic writing
- Storytelling
- Copywriting
- SEO
- Editing
- Proposal writing
- Social media
- Presentation writing
These writing-related hard skills are useful across a variety of industries:
- Journalism
- E-commerce
- Marketing
- Entertainment
- Publishing
- Education
- Business Analysis
Here are 3 excerpts from genuine resumes:
- Edited and refined multiple manuscripts, ensuring high-quality content and reducing errors by 15%.
- Led interviews with key sources and stakeholders, securing exclusive information and enhancing content quality by 20%.
- Designed and executed detailed proposal plans, ensuring timely submission and increasing win rates by 25%.
Language skills for a resume
Call centers aren’t the only places looking for multilingual applicants anymore. Being able to speak multiple languages is a huge plus in many fields, often leading to bonuses when you’re hired. It makes interactions with clients, partners, and colleagues around the world smoother and shows you're ready to succeed in a global workplace.
Here are a few of the most widely spoken foreign languages in the US:
Top spoken languages in the USA
- Spanish
- Chinese
- Vietnamese
- Tagalog
- Arabic
- French (incl. Cajun)
- Korean
- Portuguese
- Russian
Many industries benefit from multilingual professionals, including:
- Customer service
- Sales
- Marketing
- International business
- Tourism and hospitality
- Healthcare
- Education
- Legal services
- Government and public service
Here’s an example:
- Translated and polished numerous documents, ensuring high-quality multilingual content and reducing errors by 15%.
Design skills for a resume
Whether it's UX, interior, or graphic design, these skills are in high demand because customers are drawn to beautiful experiences. Putting your design expertise on your resume shows you can deliver visually stunning and user-centric designs, making you an essential hire.
Top design hard skills
- Photoshop
- Illustrator
- InDesign
- UX/UI design
- UX research
- Data visualization
- Color theory
- Acrobat
- HTML/CSS
- Corel draw
- Sketching
- Typography
- Print design
Design skills can be utilized in various industries, like:
- Technology and software development
- Marketing
- Advertising
- Fashion and Apparel
- Architecture
- Film and television production
- Manufacturing
- Media
- Education
Here are some successful examples:
- Conducted thorough user research, uncovering new UX trends and increasing design accuracy by 25%.
- Managed design asset libraries, ensuring easy access and reducing retrieval time by 40%.
- Led the interior design project for a luxury hotel, resulting in a 15% increase in guest bookings and winning a prestigious industry award.
Project management hard skills for a resume
Featuring your project management hard skills on your resume is important. It demonstrates your capability to handle complex projects and achieve successful outcomes. Recruiters seek candidates who can manage resources, adhere to deadlines, and meet project goals. Highlighting these skills can give you a competitive edge in hiring.
Top project management hard skills
- Project scheduling
- Strategic planning
- Project lifecycle management
- Agile software
- Scrum management
- Financial modeling
- Kanban
- Forecasting
- Performance tracking
- Budgeting
Design skills are applicable in industries, as:
- Construction
- IT
- Healthcare
- Finance
- Manufacturing
- Engineering
- Marketing
- Advertising
Here’s an example:
- Developed and managed comprehensive project plans using Agile software, resulting in a 30% increase in project delivery speed.
- Implemented Scrum management techniques, reducing project costs by 15% and ensuring timely completion.
- Led cross-functional teams through Kanban sessions, identifying potential issues early and effectively mitigating risks.
Network structure & security hard skills
Network structure and security hard skills are crucial for keeping data safe and ensuring smooth communication. These skills cover designing secure networks, managing firewalls, and spotting vulnerabilities. Showcasing your know-how in network security protocols, intrusion detection, and encryption on your resume can really impress employers. In today's world where cyber threats are everywhere, your ability to protect information systems makes you a standout candidate, especially for roles in IT and cybersecurity.
Top network structure & security hard skills
- Encryption algorithms
- Authentication systems
- Risk assessment
- Cryptography
- Virtual and host-based firewalls
- Incident response
- Network monitoring software like Wireshark and Nagios
- Virus protection software like Ping Identity, Portswigger BurP Suite, and Symantec
These hard skills are essential in areas such as:
- IT
- Cybersecurity
- Finance
- Healthcare
- Government
- Telecommunications
- E-commerce
- Education
View these cases from real resumes:
- Managed network security protocols with firewalls, boosting system reliability by 30%.
- Implemented incident response strategies, reducing security breaches by 15%.
- Used network monitoring tools like Wireshark and Nagios to spot and fix threats.
Business hard skills for a resume
Your resume needs to showcase your business hard skills to catch the eye of potential employers. These abilities show employers you can manage resources, identify opportunities, and steer projects to success. Plus, being proficient in tools like Excel and QuickBooks is a huge bonus. Adding these skills, you're letting potential employers know you’re ready to contribute to their goals and drive their business forward.
Top business hard skills
- QuickBooks
- Budget forecasting
- Asset management
- Financial management
- Audit planning
- Risk management
- SOX
- Process flow
- Cash flow analysis
- ISO 9001 & ANSI standards
- Supply chain management
- Budget management
- Billing systems
- Human resources
- Taxation
These hard skills are valued in fields like:
- Finance
- Marketing
- Healthcare
- Retail
- Manufacturing
- Technology
- Hospitality
Check out these examples:
- Planned and executed detailed audit plans, improving overall compliance and reducing audit time by 25%.
- Managed risk assessment and mitigation strategies, ensuring seamless operations and reducing potential risks by 40%.
- Led the SOX compliance project for a major client, resulting in a 15% reduction in compliance costs and earning a prestigious industry award.
Hard skills in the medical field
Medical hard skills are a must-have for any healthcare resume. Employers look for patient care, medical terminology, diagnostic procedures, and proficiency with medical equipment. These skills ensure quality care and efficient operations. By showing them, you demonstrate your expertise and commitment to patient care, making you a strong candidate for healthcare roles in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.
Top medical hard skills
- Patient assessment
- Patient safety
- Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Medication management
- Wound care
- Telemetry
- IV-line placement
- Record assessment
- Treatment planning
- Infection control and aseptic procedure
- Equipment maintenance
- Patient referral
Medical hard skills are important in industries like:
- Healthcare
- Pharmaceuticals
- Medical research
- Biotechnology
Here are some examples:
- Planned and executed detailed wound care protocols, improving patient healing times and reducing infection rates by 10%.
- Managed telemetry monitoring, ensuring continuous patient data tracking and reducing emergency response times by 30%.
- Led the IV-line placement initiative in a major hospital, increasing staff proficiency and reducing placement errors by 15%, earning recognition for excellence in patient care.
Hard skills in nursing for a resume
Being a successful nurse means mastering a wide range of hard skills. These abilities are vital for ensuring quality patient care and effective healthcare management. Underlining your hard skills in nursing on your resume demonstrates your technical abilities and commitment to high standards. Employers in healthcare settings look for these competencies to ensure their staff can meet the job's challenges. Hard skills increase your appeal to employers, enhancing your chances of getting a job in nursing.
Top nursing hard skills
- Basic life support
- Patient records maintenance
- Critical care nursing
- EHR proficiency
- CPR and first aid
- Care plan development
- Catheterization
- Emergency response
Nursing hard skills are necessary in industries like:
- Healthcare
- Clinical research
- Education
- Military
- Pharmaceutical
Below are some examples:
- Provided critical care nursing to patients, improving patient outcomes and reducing recovery time by 25%.
- Utilized EHR proficiency to streamline patient documentation, enhancing workflow efficiency and reducing errors by 40%.
- Conducted CPR and first aid training for staff, increasing response readiness and improving patient survival rates by 15%.
Production skills for a resume
In the fast-paced world of manufacturing and production, having the right hard skills can make a huge difference and catch the eye of potential employers. These skills are crucial for ensuring that production processes run smoothly, efficiently, and meet high standards. Companies striving for excellence in production really value these abilities. Including them on your resume can demonstrate your ability to boost productivity, maintain quality, and be a vital part of a production team's success.
Top production hard skills
- Quality control
- Production scheduling
- Inventory management
- Equipment maintenance
- Workflow optimization
- Assembly line management
- Safety compliance
- Lean manufacturing techniques
- Process improvement
- Technical troubleshooting
Let’s check in which industries these hard skills are needed:
- Manufacturing
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Electronics
- Food and Beverage
- Pharmaceuticals
- Textiles
Look at these examples:
- Managed production scheduling, increasing efficiency and reducing downtime by 25%.
- Optimized inventory management, streamlining processes and reducing errors by 40%.
- Conducted equipment maintenance training for staff, improving operational readiness and reducing breakdowns by 15%.
Hard skills in education for a resume
Teaching kids or using new technologies for education? You need the right hard skills to succeed. Whether it's crafting interactive lessons or integrating classroom tech, abilities are everything. Adding your educational expertise to your resume shows you can plan lessons, assess students, and use cool tools to make learning fun and effective. It's a great way to make an impression.
Top educational hard skills
- Curriculum development
- Classroom management systems
- Presentation skills
- Record keeping
- Early childhood development
- Pedagogical content
- Structured and unstructured interactive teaching
- Lesson planning
- Grade-level specific knowledge
- Administrative skills
- Microsoft office
- Scheduling
Let's see which industries rely on these educational skills.
- Education
- EdTech
- Culture
- Arts
- Business
Consider these samples:
- Implemented new software, enhancing efficiency and reducing paperwork by 30%.
- Enhanced lesson planning, boosting student engagement and reducing classroom disruptions by 20%.
- Improved pedagogical content development, resulting in a 30% increase in student comprehension and retention rates.
Communication skills for a resume
While typically considered a soft skill, communication also requires technical proficiency in some professions to be effective. Many people list "communication" too broadly on their resumes. To impress recruiters and secure an interview, be specific about the aspects of communication you excel at and quantify your skills on your resume.
In today's tough job market, strong communication can make a big difference.
Top communication hard skills
- Content management
- Community outreach
- Foreign languages
- Translation
- Writing
- Editing
- Content creation
- Public speaking
- Academic writing
- Transcribing
- Grant writing
- Press release
Here are a few industries that require these hard skills.
- Healthcare
- Education
- Marketing
- Public relations
- Social and Legal services
- Customer service
Read these useful examples:
- Utilized public speaking techniques, increasing audience engagement and reducing presentation time by 30%.
- Enhanced academic writing strategies, improving clarity and reducing revision time by 20%.
- Implemented advanced transcribing methods, resulting in a 30% increase in accuracy and comprehension.
Accounting and finance hard skills for a resume
Accounting and finance operations are the backbone of a company's financial health and efficiency, large or small. Strong financial management opens doors, enabling you to drive business success and make informed decisions. These skills can be your ticket to impressing hiring managers. Presenting these abilities sets you up as a vital asset in the finance field.
Top accounting and finance hard skills
- CRM systems
- Knowledge of tax regulations
- Proficiency with specific software (e.g., Intuit QuickBooks Online, FreshBooks)
- Financial reporting and budgeting
- Data collection and management
- Auditing
- Accounts payable/receivable
- Payroll management
- Compliance and regulation adherence
Accounting and finance hard skills are valuable in various industries, including:
- Banking
- Insurance
- Real estate
- Manufacturing
- IT
- Construction
- Infrastructure
Take a look at these helpful samples:
- Conducted comprehensive audits, improving financial accuracy and reducing discrepancies by 25%.
- Streamlined payroll management processes, reducing errors and improving efficiency by 40%.
- Managed accounts payable and receivable, ensuring timely payments and collections.
Customer service hard skills for a resume
In the rapidly evolving sector of customer service, mastering the right hard skills can set you apart from other candidates and attract potential employers. These skills are crucial for maintaining high standards of customer support, resolving issues quickly, and fostering positive relationships. Organizations that value outstanding customer service prize these abilities.
Top customer service hard skills
- Product/service knowledge
- Point of sale
- Customer management
- Digital awareness
- CRM software proficiency
- Data entry
The top industries where customer service hard skills are most useful:
- Retail
- Hospitality
- Healthcare
- Telecommunications
- Finance
- E-commerce
- Tourism
- Insurance
- Technology
- Call centers
Look at these real cases:
- Utilized CRM software proficiency to track customer interactions and streamline follow-up processes.
- Increased digital awareness among team members, leading to a 20% improvement in online customer service ratings.
- Optimized point of sale systems, reducing transaction errors and improving checkout efficiency by 40%.
Data administration skills for resume
Data administration hard skills are important in our data-driven world. Like other tech pros, data admins need to master various skills to do their jobs well and stand out to employers. These skills help you handle, analyze, and secure data efficiently. Showing these abilities on your resume can highlight your role in keeping data operations smooth and solving data issues, making you a valuable asset to any company.
Top data administration hard skills
- Data collection and management
- Knowledge of database applications (e.g., DB2)
- Troubleshooting
- Database administration certification (e.g., Oracle MySQL)
- Backup and recovery
- Data security
- Data migration
- ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes
- Data modeling
These data administration hard skills are valuable in industries like:
- IT
- Healthcare
- Finance
- Telecommunications
- Retail
- Manufacturing
- Education
- Government
- E-commerce
- Energy and Utilities
These actual examples might interest you:
- Leveraged knowledge of database applications like DB2 to streamline data retrieval, boosting efficiency by 30%.
- Applied troubleshooting skills to quickly resolve database issues, reducing downtime by 25%.
- Established reliable backup and recovery protocols, ensuring data integrity and minimizing the risk of data loss.
Human resources hard skills for a resume
The reality for HR professionals is that their roles are constantly changing. To thrive and grow your career, developing new skills is a must. Hard skills are key to success in human resources, boosting your confidence and performance. Learning which skills are essential helps you focus on improving them before listing them on your resume.
Top HR hard skills
- Legal and compliance knowledge
- Project management
- Knowledge of HR-related software (e.g., BambooHR, OpenHR)
- Talent acquisition and recruitment
- HRIS (Human Resources Information System) management
- Compensation and benefits administration
- Performance management
Many industries, like these, need good HR skills:
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Finance
- Manufacturing
- Retail
- Hospitality
- Legal
These actual examples might interest you:
- Administered compensation and benefits programs, improving employee satisfaction and retention rates by 15%.
- Applied legal and compliance knowledge to ensure HR policies met all regulatory requirements, reducing compliance issues by 40%.
- Managed talent acquisition and recruitment, leading to a 20% increase in successful hires and improving overall team performance.
Hospitality hard skills for a resume
Mastering key hard skills in hospitality shows you're great at what you do. These skills are crucial for providing excellent guest experiences, managing operations smoothly, and keeping service standards high. Check job descriptions for the required hard skills and match them with yours. There are also general skills that the industry expects from everyone.
Top hospitality hard skills
- Reservation management
- Event planning
- Customer service
- Computer proficiency
- Human resource management
- Maintenance and cleaning
- Marketing skills
- Housekeeping management
- Multilingual communication
- Financial management
- Health and safety compliance
Here are some of the industries that rely on hospitality hard skills:
- Travel
- Tourism
- Entertainment
- Health and wellness
Have a look at these actual examples:
- Improved reservation management processes, reducing booking errors by 30% and increasing efficiency.
- Streamlined housekeeping management practices, maintaining high cleanliness standards and reducing guest complaints by 15%.
- Planned and executed over 20 events, resulting in a 25% increase in customer satisfaction and repeat booking.
Tips for including hard skills on your resume
After all this information, you might be wondering how to include your hard skills on your resume. Read the tips below to learn how to show your skills and what is important to keep in mind.
Hard skills are the focus for 88% of hiring managers when reading resumes.
Tailor your resume to the job description
Make sure your resume stands out by tailoring it to the job description. Start by reading the job posting thoroughly and noting the hard skills they mention. Underscore these skills on your resume, especially in the skills section and work experience descriptions. For example, if the job needs proficiency in a particular software, emphasize your experience with it. Tailoring your resume shows you understand the employer’s needs and that you’re a great fit for the role. It may take time to create a targeted resume for each job ad, but it's definitely worth the effort. This makes your resume more relevant and increases your chances of getting through ATS systems, which read resumes by picking up specific keywords.
83% of recruiters say they're more likely to hire a candidate who has tailored their resume to the specific job they're applying for.
Choose which hard skills to include
Choosing the right hard skills to underline on your resume is very important. As we already mentioned, reading the job description carefully is a great starting point. Look for specific skills the employer wants. These can be technical abilities, software skills, or industry knowledge.
For example, if a company uses Jira for project management and you have experience with Basecamp, you can include Basecamp on your resume.
Once you know what they want, compare it to your skills. Pick the ones that match. Make sure to put these skills in the skills section of your resume. Also, mention them in your work experience and achievements. If they need a specific software, note your experience with it in your job descriptions. This shows you have what they need.
Choose the right resume format
There are three key resume formats, each emphasizing different parts of your career. Let’s dive into each to see which one fits you best.
- Reverse chronological format: Great for candidates with lots of experience in their field. This format lists your work history first, followed by key skills. Emphasize your main soft and hard skills, and give examples of how you’ve used them in previous jobs.
- Functional format: Best if you lack work experience but have relevant skills and training. This format groups your skills to give a clear picture of your abilities. The functional resume skills section highlights your top skills.
- Hybrid format: Ideal for people with a mix of experience and skills, this format combines elements of both chronological and functional resumes. It lets you showcase your relevant skills alongside your job history, making it perfect for displaying a broad range of abilities and steady career advancement.
Add your hard skills to a skills section
Adding hard skills to your resume demonstrates your mastery of essential techniques and equipment for your role. Create a section on your resume labeled "Hard skills," ideally placed near the top or right after the work experience section.
For instance, if you're seeking a job as a bookkeeper, organize your hard skills under categories like "Accounting software," "Financial reporting," and "Payroll management" for better clarity. Ensure these skills are tailored to align perfectly with the bookkeeper position you're targeting. In addition to the skills section, integrate your hard skills throughout your work experience descriptions. For example, mention specific tools or techniques you used and the results you achieved. This provides context and demonstrates how you’ve applied your skills in real-world situations, reinforcing their value to potential employers.
Show how you’ve used your hard skills
Showing how you've used your hard skills can really boost your resume. Instead of just listing them, give concrete examples with measurable results. For instance, say "Implemented a new CRM system, increasing client retention by 20%," or "Developed a project management tool that improved on-time delivery rates by 30%." These real numbers prove you have the skills and know how to use them to get actual results. This makes your resume more compelling and helps hiring managers see your true capabilities and potential contributions.
Pay attention to the ATS
Applicant Tracking Systems play a critical role in the hiring process, and understanding how to optimize your resume for these systems is essential. ATS software scans resumes for keywords and phrases that match the job description. To ensure your resume will reach a human reviewer, include relevant keywords and hard skills from the job posting in your resume.
Use standard fonts and formats to ensure that the ATS can accurately parse your information. Avoid using images, graphics, or tables that might confuse the system. By optimizing your resume for ATS, you enhance its chances of reaching a human recruiter and getting you one step closer to securing an interview.
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How to demonstrate hard skills on a resume
Listing hard skills on your resume isn’t enough. You need to show them in a way that highlights your strengths. This section will guide you through the best ways to present your hard skills on a resume. No matter what job you're aiming for, these tips will help you create a resume that stands out and improves your chances of getting hired.
Summary
One way to show your hard skills on your resume is through the summary section. This brief, yet impactful, snapshot of your expertise should be limited to a maximum of 5 sentences. It's a concise method to display your most relevant abilities prominently at the top of your resume. A well-crafted summary that highlights your hard skills can quickly capture the attention of hiring managers and set a positive tone for the rest of your resume.
Work experience
Incorporating hard skills into your work experience section by highlighting specific tasks and accomplishments is a smart move. Detailing how you applied these skills in previous roles can provide tangible proof of your capabilities. Use action verbs to describe your contributions and include concrete examples and metrics where possible to quantify your impact. This approach makes it clear how your skills contributed to your past employers' success and showcases your practical application of these skills.
08/2019 - 07/2024 
- •Managed financial records for over 50 clients, ensuring 100% accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.
- •Utilized QuickBooks to streamline bookkeeping processes, reducing data entry errors by 20%.
- •Prepared monthly financial reports, providing critical insights that improved client decision-making by 15%.
- •Conducted payroll processing for 200+ employees, ensuring timely and accurate payments.
- •Implemented a new invoicing system, reducing overdue accounts by 30%.
- •Maintained meticulous records for all financial transactions, increasing audit readiness by 25%.
Education
Another option is to include hard skills in your education section. Put the focus on courses, projects, or academic achievements that underscore your proficiency in important areas. This approach is beneficial for recent graduates or those with limited work experience. By connecting your educational background to the skills required for the job, you demonstrate to employers that you have a strong foundation in essential technical abilities.
08/2018 - 05/2022 - •Relevant Coursework: Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Taxation, Auditing, Financial Reporting
- •Honors and Awards: Dean’s List (2018-2020), Accounting Honor Society
- •Capstone Project: Developed an advanced financial analysis and forecasting model, improving accuracy by 25%
By including specific coursework, the entry shows technical knowledge directly relevant to the role. Additionally, listing honors and awards demonstrates a commitment to academic excellence. Furthermore, detailing a senior project provides concrete examples of applying skills in real-world scenarios. This approach ensures that key hard skills are prominently displayed, giving recruiters a clear picture of the candidate's capabilities and their potential impact in the role.
Certifications
Certifications are a powerful way to validate your hard skills. They prove that you have received formal training and have met industry standards. Include any relevant certifications in your resume to provide evidence of your expertise. Certifications can often be the deciding factor for employers looking to hire candidates with verified skills.
Skills
A dedicated skills section on your resume is the best option because it allows you to list your hard skills clearly and concisely. As recommended earlier, categorizing your skills makes them easy to scan and ensures you include those most relevant to the job you're applying for. This section serves as a quick reference for hiring managers to assess your technical qualifications.
Certainly, demonstrating hard skills on your resume is crucial, but it's equally important to highlight these skills in your cover letter and during interviews. In the next part of our guide, we'll focus on how to effectively present your hard skills across all stages of the job application process.
How to outline your hard skills in a cover letter and interview
Some job offers ask for a cover letter. It's your chance to show why you’re the best fit for the job. It's an opportunity to underline your achievements and skills relevant to the role and the company. But you want to avoid sounding arrogant or self-centered when discussing your accomplishments. How do you keep the right tone? Here are some ideas.
- Align with the job description: Just like your resume, the most crucial aspect of a cover letter is customization. Tailor your cover letter for each job application by aligning your achievements and skills with the specific requirements of the role.
- Include specific examples: Demonstrate your achievements and skills with concrete examples from your work experience. Instead of vague statements, provide details showing how you applied your skills, solved problems, or contributed to the organization.
- Use storytelling: Engage the reader by weaving your achievements into a compelling narrative. Instead of listing accomplishments, turn them into stories that highlight your journey and growth. For instance, describe a challenging project you led, how you tackled obstacles, and the successful outcomes, all while subtly integrating your hard skills.
- Utilize positive and confident language: The language you use in your cover letter should reflect your enthusiasm, professionalism, and competence. Avoid words that undermine your accomplishments, like "just," "only," or "somewhat." Instead, use words that emphasize your strengths, like "effectively," "successfully," and "significantly."
- Express gratitude and interest: End your cover letter on a positive note by expressing gratitude and interest in the opportunity. Thank the employer for their consideration and time, and show enthusiasm for the role and organization. Indicate that you’re eager to discuss your qualifications further in an interview. This demonstrates that you’re proud of your achievements but also humble and curious.
Craft a compelling cover letter with our builder to guarantee your job application is spot on.
Now let's concentrate on the interview process and see how you can impress the interviewer.
- Demonstrate punctuality: Whether online or in person, always be on time or early to show your dependability and respect for the interviewer’s time. This sets a positive tone from the start.
- Be specific: Clearly describe the hard skills you possess and provide concrete examples of how you've applied them in previous roles.
- Quantify your achievements: You already know that whenever possible, it’s recommended to include real metrics.
- Practice your performance: Ensure you can confidently discuss your hard skills and their applications without sounding rehearsed. Practice with a friend or in front of a mirror.
- Show enthusiasm: Demonstrate genuine interest in the role and how excited you are to apply your skills to benefit the company.
- Anticipate questions: Be prepared for follow-up questions about your skills and experiences. Think about potential challenges and how you’ve overcome them.
- Stay engaged: Ask specific follow-up questions during the interview to show you’re paying attention and are interested in the role. This helps you gather more information.
Common misconceptions about hard skills
Many misconceptions about hard skills can hurt your job application. Let’s look at some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Include every hard skill you can think of: The biggest question is what skills to include on your resume. Most people throw in just everything they have. Remember, the HR officer has only seconds to decide if you are suitable for further screening. Focus on quality, not quantity. Include only skills that are relevant to the job posting.
- Include even hard skills you’re not proficient in: As mentioned, hard skills are easily tested and measured, so it is wise to avoid listing skills you don't fully master. If you're tested on a skill you're not proficient in, it could negatively impact your overall performance.
- Include even basic skills for bonus points: Don’t include generic skills like Internet, Computer, or MS Office unless the job specifically asks for them. These are expected from everyone today, just like reading and writing. If needed, be specific: list MySQL, CSS, WordPress, HTML, etc.
PRO TIP
When listing foreign languages on your resume, exclude those with Beginner (A1), Elementary (A2), or Pre-intermediate (A2/B1) proficiency. Instead, highlight languages where you have Intermediate (B1/B2), Advanced (C1), or Fluent (C2) proficiency to showcase your strong communication skills.
Frequently asked questions about hard skills
What is the difference between hard skills vs. soft skills?
Hard skills are technical skills that are learned through education or training and can be quantified. Soft skills, on the other hand, are interpersonal or people skills that are harder to measure, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Which careers rely heavily on hard skills?
Careers in software development, healthcare, engineering, accounting and finance, data science, IT, graphic design, manufacturing, marketing, and construction rely heavily on hard skills. Each field requires specific technical abilities and expertise.
How do I keep my hard skills up to date?
Stay current by taking continuing education courses, attending workshops, and obtaining relevant certifications. Regular practice and staying informed about industry trends also help.
Key takeaways
- Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities or knowledge sets that employees can demonstrate in a measured way.
- Developing hard skills is more crucial than ever in today’s job market, where AI is taking over certain tasks and changing traditional job roles across industries.
- Employers love hard skills because they show you can handle job-specific duties or meet the demands of a specific role.
- Adding measurable achievements to hard skills can enhance your resume.
- Having up-to-date hard skills shows you're committed to learning and growing in your career.
- Education, training, and hands-on experience are essential for developing hard skills.
- Hard skills are valuable in many industries so identify your strengths and continue to refine them for greater career opportunities.
Make one that's truly you.
