In today’s digital job market, technical skills in a resume can be the deciding factor between getting noticed or overlooked. Employers across industries look for candidates who not only have soft skills like communication and teamwork, but also the technical expertise to get the job done efficiently.
Depending if you’re applying for a role in IT, marketing, finance, or even healthcare, demonstrating your technical proficiency is essential to prove you’re job-ready. In this article, you’ll learn what technical skills are, how to include them in your resume, and see real examples to help you tailor your own.
What Are Technical Skills?
Technical skills are specific, teachable abilities or knowledge areas that are required to perform certain job duties. They are often gained through formal education, training programs, certifications, or hands-on experience.
These skills differ depending on your field. For instance:
- A software engineer may list Python, Java, or Git.
- A marketer might include SEO, Google Analytics, or email automation tools.
- An accountant may showcase QuickBooks, Excel, or financial reporting.
Why Are Technical Skills Important on a Resume?
Including technical skills on your resume:
- Demonstrates your job-specific abilities.
- Helps your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan for relevant keywords.
- Makes it easier for hiring managers to match you to the job requirements.
- Gives you a competitive advantage over candidates who don’t showcase hard skills effectively.
- Reflects your preparedness for industry-specific tasks and tools.
- Shows you’re up-to-date with current technologies and software.
- Offers a quick snapshot of your qualifications at a glance.
- Provides tangible proof of your competencies through certifications and tools.
- Strengthens your professional brand as someone with practical, applicable knowledge.
Where to Put Technical Skills on Your Resume
Here are the best places to showcase your technical expertise:
1. Skills Section
Include a dedicated section labeled “Technical Skills” or “Relevant Skills” near the top or bottom of your resume. Use bullet points or a clean list format for easy reading.
2. Professional Summary
Mention key technical skills in your summary to grab attention right away. Example: “Data analyst with 5+ years of experience in SQL, Python, and Tableau.”
3. Work Experience Section
Showcase how you’ve applied your technical skills in past roles with achievements and outcomes. Example: “Improved system performance by 25% by optimizing SQL queries and database structures.”
4. Certifications & Education
If you’ve completed courses, degrees, or certifications (like CompTIA, AWS, or Adobe), list them in a separate section. Mention any practical tools or platforms you learned.
5. Projects or Portfolio Section (Optional)
If applicable, add a section for key projects that demonstrate your technical capabilities, especially for creative or development roles.
Examples of Technical Skills for Different Industries
Information Technology (IT)
- Programming languages (Python, Java, C++)
- Networking (TCP/IP, DNS)
- Database management (MySQL, MongoDB)
- Cybersecurity protocols and tools
- Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
- Version control (Git, GitHub)
- System administration
Marketing
- SEO and SEM
- Google Ads and Analytics
- CRM tools (HubSpot, Salesforce)
- Content Management Systems (WordPress, Shopify)
- Email marketing platforms (Mailchimp, Klaviyo)
- Social media advertising platforms
- A/B testing tools
Finance and Accounting
- Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, Macros)
- Financial analysis software (SAS, Tableau)
- QuickBooks, Xero
- Tax preparation software (TurboTax, Drake)
- Data modeling and budgeting tools
- ERP systems (SAP, Oracle Financials)
Graphic Design
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- UI/UX design tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD)
- Typography and color theory
- Motion graphics and animation (After Effects)
- Prototyping tools
Healthcare
- Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems (Epic, Cerner)
- Patient management software
- Medical coding (ICD-10, CPT)
- Diagnostic tools and lab equipment
- Telehealth platforms
Engineering
- AutoCAD, SolidWorks
- MATLAB, Simulink
- PLC Programming
- 3D modeling software
- Engineering project management tools (Primavera, MS Project)
Technical skills play a crucial role in helping you stand out to employers and ATS systems alike. Tailor the skills you list to match the job description and industry, and always back them up with real-world examples in your work experience, certifications, or projects. Whether you’re in IT, marketing, finance, or healthcare, showcasing the right hard skills can elevate your resume from good to great.
