Guide
Resume Skills Guide
The right skills on your resume can double your interview rate. This guide shows you exactly what to include, how to format your skills section, and how to match it to any job.
Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills: What's the Difference?
Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities — programming languages, software tools, certifications. Soft skills are interpersonal traits — leadership, communication, problem-solving.
ATS systems scan primarily for hard skills and technical keywords. Soft skills matter to interviewers, not algorithms. Prioritise hard skills in your resume's skills section.
- Hard skills (ATS-critical): Python, Salesforce, Project Management, Excel, AWS, AutoCAD
- Soft skills (limited ATS value): Leadership, Communication, Problem-Solving, Teamwork
- Rule of thumb: 70% hard skills, 30% soft skills in your skills section
Top Resume Skills by Industry in 2026
These are the highest-demand skills by sector, based on current job posting analysis:
- Technology: Python, AWS, TypeScript, React, Kubernetes, Machine Learning, SQL, REST APIs
- Marketing: Google Analytics 4, HubSpot, SEO, Paid Media, Content Strategy, Salesforce
- Finance: Financial Modelling, Excel, Bloomberg, Power BI, IFRS/GAAP, Risk Analysis
- Healthcare: EMR/EHR (Epic, Cerner), Clinical Assessment, ICD-10 Coding, BLS/ACLS
- Project Management: Agile/Scrum, JIRA, MS Project, Stakeholder Management, PMP
- AI & Data: Prompt Engineering, LLM Integration, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Data Visualisation
How to Choose Skills for Your Resume
The most effective skills section isn't a comprehensive list of everything you know — it's a targeted match against the specific job description. Here's how:
- Step 1: Copy the job description and highlight every skill mentioned
- Step 2: Cross-check your actual skills against their list
- Step 3: Include every skill you genuinely have that they asked for
- Step 4: Use their exact phrasing — 'Google Analytics 4' not 'web analytics'
- Step 5: Use Jumproo's keyword matcher to catch skills you missed
How to Format Your Skills Section
Format your skills section for both ATS parsing and readability:
- Use a simple bulleted or comma-separated list — no fancy icons or star ratings
- Group skills by category: Technical Skills | Tools & Platforms | Certifications
- List 8–15 skills — quality over quantity
- Don't include beginner-level skills — only skills you'd be comfortable discussing in an interview
- Place the skills section after your experience, or in a sidebar for template layouts
Frequently Asked Questions
How many skills should I list on my resume?
8–15 relevant skills is the sweet spot. More than 20 looks like keyword stuffing. Fewer than 6 may cause you to miss ATS keyword requirements.
Should I include soft skills on a resume?
Include them sparingly — 2–3 max. Soft skills like 'team player' are clichés that recruiters skip. Show soft skills through your achievements instead: 'Led a cross-functional team of 12' demonstrates leadership better than listing it.
What are the most in-demand skills in 2026?
AI/ML literacy, Python, cloud platforms (AWS/Azure), data analysis, and prompt engineering are the fastest-growing. In traditional sectors: Salesforce, project management tools, and industry-specific software.
Can I list skills I'm still learning?
Only if you're comfortable being tested on them in an interview. Listing 'Python' when you've only done a beginner course will backfire. Note your level: 'Python (intermediate)' or just omit it until you're confident.
How do I know which skills to prioritise?
Use Jumproo's free keyword analysis — paste the job description and it shows exactly which skills the employer is looking for and which ones are missing from your resume.
Find your missing resume keywords instantly
Paste any job description and Jumproo shows the exact skills you're missing. Free — no sign-up.