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Good Skills to Put on a Resume: Stand Out to Employers in 2026

By DeVry University

November 25, 2025

8 min read

The right skills can make your resume stand out — especially as employers rely more and more on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to quickly identify candidates who can meet the demands of a role. 

 

In this blog, we’ll explore good skills to put on a resume, which hard and soft skills to include, why they matter in today’s job market, and how to highlight your strengths with confidence.

Why resume skills matter more than ever

In today’s hiring landscape, your skills are one of the most important aspects of your resume. They not only show employers how you can meet the demands of the role, but as AI-driven screening tools become more common, your skills also serve as keywords that can help your resume get past the ATS and onto the desk of an actual hiring manager. 

While many skills are transferable across industries, others need to match the specific tasks, technologies, and responsibilities outlined in the job description. Choosing the right mix of hard and soft skills to list on your resume is essential for standing out — especially in a competitive job market. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some of the top-rated relevant skills employers seek:

  • Adaptability

  • Computer and information technology

  • Creativity and innovation

  • Critical and analytical thinking

  • Customer service

  • Detail-oriented approach

  • Fine motor skills

  • Interpersonal abilities

  • Leadership

  • Mathematics

  • Mechanical skills

  • Physical strength and stamina

  • Problem-solving and decision-making

  • Project management

  • Speaking and listening

  • Writing and reading

Knowing which of these skills you bring to the table — and how to showcase them on your resume — can help you communicate your strengths and the impact you can make in your next role.

What are hard skills?

Hard skills are technical, job-specific abilities that show employers you’re capable of performing the core tasks of a role, like knowing how to code. These abilities are often learned through training, degree programs, certifications, or hands-on experience.

Hard skills examples that employers look for

The specific skills employers look for vary depending on the role, but a few examples of hard skills include:

  • Computer and information technology: This can include anything from information technology essentials like basic troubleshooting to in-depth understanding of operating systems, software applications, and cloud-based platforms.

  • Mathematics and data analysis: The ability to interpret numerical data, identify patterns, and make informed recommendations is critical in some roles. These skills increasingly overlap with AI-driven tools as the workforce evolves.

  • Mechanical and technical skills: These are essential for engineering technology careers, along with skilled trade roles that require precision, practical problem-solving, and technical expertise.

  • Project management: From organizing timelines to coordinating teams, project management skills keep workflows on track. Certifications like the Project Management Professional (PMP)®1 and Agile can further demonstrate your abilities.

  • Science and research methods: This skillset can include gathering data, conducting experiments, or using evidence-based approaches to solve problems and fuel innovation.

What are soft skills?

Soft skills show employers how you communicate and collaborate in real-world work situations. Think of them as your people skills. These are a great addition to a resume because they matter in just about every industry — and they can set you apart when your experience is similar to other candidates. Many employers refer to soft skills as durable skills because they stay relevant across roles, industries, and changing job requirements.

Soft skills examples that employers look for

  • Adaptability and resilience: Being flexible to change, learning new tools and skills, and staying productive, especially as AI enhances the workplace and reshapes roles.

  • Creativity and innovation: Bringing fresh ideas, new approaches, and creative solutions to your work.

  • Critical and analytical thinking: Evaluating information, weighing options, and using reasoning to make informed decisions.

  • Interpersonal and leadership skills: Building strong working relationships, learning to lead, showing empathy, and guiding and supporting coworkers.

  • Speaking, listening, and communication: Clearly sharing information, asking thoughtful questions, and engaging with colleagues in meaningful ways.

  • Writing and reading: Understanding information accurately, paying close attention to detail, and communicating with clarity.

Skills to pursue based on your career stage

Employers prioritize different skills depending on the role and your experience level. Whether you’re just starting out, making a career switch, or looking to advance into leadership roles, focusing on the right skills at the right stage can help you move forward with confidence.

Preferred skills for entry-level careers

If you’re new to the workforce or applying for your first full-time role, employers want to see that you can learn quickly, communicate effectively, and work well with others. They often seek these resume skills for new grads applying for entry-level roles:

  • Adaptability and willingness to learn

  • Attention to detail

  • Communication, including speaking, writing, and listening

  • Customer service

  • Problem-solving

  • Teamwork and interpersonal skills

Key skills for career switchers

Switching career fields means showing how your existing skills are transferable to a new role. Demonstrating how your background brings a fresh perspective can help you stand out from other candidates who may already be closely aligned with the field. These skills can help career switchers stand out:

  • Adaptability

  • Collaboration

  • Communication

  • Critical thinking

  • Project management

  • Technical proficiency

  • Time management

Top skills for career advancement

If you’re ready to advance your career options, know that employers typically look for strong industry and technical knowledge along with the ability to guide teams and make strategic decisions. Preferred skills for experienced candidates include:

  • Confident and informed decision-making

  • Cross-functional collaboration

  • Data analysis and interpretation

  • Innovation

  • Leadership and team development

  • Problem-solving

  • Strategic thinking

As you progress into higher-level positions, demonstrating soft skills can be just as important as hard skills. But no matter where you are in your career journey, tailoring your skills to the job description can make a big difference in a competitive job market.

How to choose the right job skills for your resume

Many job seekers say that getting past ATS filters is one of the trickiest parts of their job search. That’s why it’s important to align your skills with each job posting you apply for. Here’s a checklist for aligning your job skills with job descriptions: 

  • Analyze the job description: Read through the job description closely and look for overlaps with your skills, experience, education, and certifications.

  • Prioritize relevance: You likely have a wide range of skills that could benefit many roles, but it’s important to focus on abilities that directly support the role you are applying for. Only include skills you can confidently demonstrate.

  • Balance hard and soft skills: Employers like to see a mix of technical expertise and people skills in just about every role, so aim for a mix that reflects how you work and what you bring to a team.

  • Integrate skills naturally: Include relevant keywords throughout the work experience portion of your resume as well as in a dedicated skills section. Pair them with action words when possible. For example, “developed automated workflows” or “led cross-functional teams.”

  • Choose quality over quantity: Aim for 5-10 skills that closely align with the position rather than a laundry list that dilutes your strengths.

  • Use ATS-friendly language: Stick with clear, industry-standard terms like project management, customer service, or data analysis. Avoid phrasing specific to a previously held role that might not be recognized by ATS software or employers outside of that organization.

  • Tailor your resume to the industry: Highlight skills that reflect what employers value in your field. For example, list skills like knowledge of medical terminology and electronic health records, and empathy for healthcare roles. Prioritize computer skills, AI, and cyber security for IT roles. If you’re applying for business roles, choose relevant skills like project management, leadership, and communication. 

Building a personalized career plan can help you identify the skills you already have and the ones you want to develop further.

Mistakes to avoid when listing skills

A good resume highlights your relevant strengths without overwhelming it with every skill you’ve ever gained. This helps your resume stay focused, professional, and aligned with what employers actually want to see.

Common mistakes to avoid when listing skills on your resume:

  • Keyword stuffing: Overloading your resume with repeated words can cause ATS and recruiters to flag your application as spam.

  • Listing too many skills: A long list can bury your most relevant strengths. Avoid listing skills that don’t support the role directly.

  • Focusing on duties instead of achievements: Highlight your capabilities through what you’ve accomplished, not just your daily responsibilities.

Another rule of thumb is to regularly update the skills section on your resume as you earn new ones on the job and in upskilling programs. In fact, employers expect that 39% of key skills required in the job market will change by 2030, according to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025. While there’s no magic number for how many skills to list on your resume, keeping it up to date is a great way to make sure you’re demonstrating you have current, in-demand skills. 

Strengthen your resume with a career-centered education

With industry-focused programs and personalized career coaching — including help polishing your resume — prepare for what’s next at DeVry.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top 10 skills to put on a resume?

Some of the top skills to put on a resume depending on your field are:

  • Adaptability
  • Communication
  • Computer skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Customer service
  • Data analysis
  • Leadership
  • Problem-solving
  • Project management
  • Writing skills

Should I list soft skills on my resume?

Yes, you should list soft skills on your resume, such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability. These abilities complement your hard skills and show employers you can thrive in collaborative, dynamic workplaces.

How many skills should I include on my resume?

Aim to include 5-10 highly relevant skills tailored to the job description on your resume. For example, if you’re applying for a cyber security role, you might include hard skills such as SIEM tools and vulnerability assessment. Focusing on quality over quantity helps you highlight your strengths without overwhelming your resume or distracting from your most important qualifications.

Do resumes still need hard skills in the age of AI?

Resumes absolutely still need hard skills in the age of AI. Depending on your field, learning hard skills like data analysis, coding, and project management can be essential even as AI becomes more common in the workplace. While AI enhances productivity, employers still prioritize technical expertise paired with human judgment and the decision-making skills that technology can’t replace. 

The information presented here is true and accurate as of the date of publication. DeVry’s programmatic offerings and their accreditations are subject to change. Please refer to the current academic catalog for details.

1Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® and Project Management Professional (PMP)® are registered marks of Project Management Institute, Inc.

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