How to List Skills on Your Resume (2026 Guide)
Ideal number of skills to list on your resume
Source: Resume experts
What ATS systems scan for — not soft skills like 'teamwork'
Source: ATS research
Your keyword source — mirror the language they use
Source: Recruiter advice
Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills (And Why It Matters)
There are two types of skills, and only one belongs on your resume:
Hard Skills (Technical Skills):
Specific, teachable abilities that can be measured and verified.
Examples: Python, Excel, Google Analytics, Adobe Photoshop, SQL, Project Management, Copywriting, SEO
Soft Skills (Interpersonal Skills):
General traits related to how you work with others.
Examples: Communication, Teamwork, Leadership, Problem-Solving, Adaptability
The rule: List hard skills on your resume. Show soft skills through your work experience bullets and cover letter. ATS systems scan for hard skills, not "teamwork" or "leadership."
Where to List Skills on Your Resume
You have two options:
Option 1: Dedicated Skills Section (Recommended)
Add a "Skills" section near the bottom of your resume (after work experience, before or after education).
SKILLS
Technical Skills: Python, SQL, Tableau, Excel, R
Marketing Tools: HubSpot, Salesforce, Google Analytics, SEMrush
Languages: English (native), Spanish (conversational)
Option 2: Integrate Into Work Experience
Weave skills into your job descriptions. This is better for senior roles or executive resumes where a dedicated skills section feels junior.
Best approach: Do both. List key skills in a dedicated section for ATS, and demonstrate them in your work experience bullets.
How to Choose Which Skills to List
Don't list every skill you've ever touched. Focus on what's relevant and in-demand.
1. Start With the Job Description
Read the job posting and highlight every skill they mention. These are your keywords.
Example job description:
"We're looking for a data analyst with experience in SQL, Python, Tableau, and Excel. Strong understanding of data visualization and statistical analysis required."
Your skills section should include:
SQL, Python, Tableau, Excel, Data Visualization, Statistical Analysis
2. Include Industry-Standard Tools
List the tools everyone in your field uses, even if the job description doesn't mention them.
- Marketing: Google Analytics, HubSpot, Salesforce, Mailchimp
- Design: Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch
- Software Engineering: Git, Docker, AWS, CI/CD
- Project Management: Jira, Asana, Trello, MS Project
3. Prioritize In-Demand Skills
Check LinkedIn job postings in your field and see what skills appear most often. Those are the ones worth highlighting.
How to Format Your Skills Section
Keep it clean and scannable. ATS systems and recruiters both prefer simple lists.
Option 1: Categorized List (Best for Technical Roles)
SKILLS
Programming Languages: Python, JavaScript, Java, C++
Frameworks & Libraries: React, Django, Flask, Node.js
Tools & Platforms: Git, Docker, AWS, PostgreSQL
Other: Agile/Scrum, REST APIs, Unit Testing
Option 2: Simple Comma-Separated List (Best for General Roles)
SKILLS
Microsoft Excel, SQL, Tableau, Google Analytics, Project Management, Data Analysis, Salesforce, Public Speaking, Budget Management
Skills to Include (By Role Type)
Software Engineer
- Programming languages (Python, Java, JavaScript)
- Frameworks (React, Django, Spring Boot)
- Databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB)
- DevOps tools (Docker, Kubernetes, AWS)
- Version control (Git, GitHub)
Marketing Manager
- Marketing automation (HubSpot, Marketo, Mailchimp)
- Analytics (Google Analytics, SEMrush, Mixpanel)
- CRM (Salesforce, Pipedrive)
- Content management (WordPress, Webflow)
- Social media (Facebook Ads, LinkedIn Ads)
Data Analyst
- SQL, Python, R
- Data visualization (Tableau, Power BI, Looker)
- Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros)
- Statistical analysis
- A/B testing
Project Manager
- Project management tools (Jira, Asana, Monday.com)
- Agile/Scrum methodologies
- Microsoft Project, Excel
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Stakeholder management
Skills to NEVER List
Don't waste space on these:
- Microsoft Word / PowerPoint: Assumed for any office job
- "Proficient in email": Obviously
- "Fast learner" or "Hard worker": These are soft skills, not technical skills
- Outdated software: Don't list Windows XP or Flash unless it's somehow relevant
- Irrelevant hobbies: "Photography" doesn't belong unless you're applying for a photography job
- Vague buzzwords: "Synergy," "Strategic thinker," "Results-oriented" — meaningless
How to Show Proficiency Levels (If Needed)
For some roles (especially international or technical), you might want to indicate proficiency.
SKILLS
Programming Languages: Python (Expert), Java (Proficient), C++ (Familiar)
Languages: English (Native), Spanish (Fluent), French (Conversational)
Use sparingly. Most U.S. resumes don't need proficiency levels unless you're applying for roles where it's critical (e.g., multilingual customer support).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Listing 30+ skills: Overwhelming and unbelievable. Stick to 8-12 relevant ones.
- Lying about skills: If you list SQL, expect to be tested on it in interviews
- Using graphics or progress bars: "Python ████████░░ 80%" — ATS can't read this, and it looks gimmicky
- Ignoring the job description: Tailor your skills section to each job
- Listing skills you used once 5 years ago: Only include what you're actually comfortable using now
Should You Include Certifications?
Yes, but in a separate section (not under "Skills").
CERTIFICATIONS
- Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (2024)
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect (2023)
- PMP (Project Management Professional) (2022)
Final tip:
Your skills section is a keyword magnet for ATS. Make sure it matches the job description, is easy to scan, and highlights your technical expertise. Save the soft skills for your cover letter and interviews — that's where they shine.