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25+ Excellent Skills to Put on a Resume That Employers Actually Want in 2026

Written by Lina Vásquez · January 20, 2026 · 10 min read

skills
Best skills to put on resume

Introduction

Your resume has about 7 seconds to make an impression on a hiring manager. In those crucial moments, the skills section can be the difference between landing an interview and getting passed over. But here's the challenge: knowing which skills are truly excellent to include and which are just taking up valuable space. With thousands of resumes flooding applicant tracking systems (ATS) for every job posting, you need to showcase skills that not only pass automated filters but also grab the attention of human recruiters. Generic phrases like "hard worker" or "team player" won't cut it anymore. Employers want specific, demonstrable skills that prove you can add value from day one. In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover 25+ excellent skills that employers actively seek in 2026, how to choose the right ones for your resume, and proven strategies to present them effectively. Whether you're a recent graduate entering the job market or a professional looking to advance your career, these insights will help you build a resume that stands out. Let's transform your resume into a powerful career tool. If you want to know more about this year's job market, visit The Occupational Outlook Handbook

Understanding the Two Types of Resume Skills

Before diving into specific skills, it's crucial to understand that excellent resume skills fall into two distinct categories: hard skills and soft skills. The most effective resumes showcase a strategic balance of both.

Hard Skills: Technical and Teachable Abilities

Hard skills are specific, measurable abilities that can be learned through education, training, or experience. These are often industry-specific and can be verified through certifications, portfolios, or practical demonstrations. Examples include:

Soft Skills: Interpersonal and Transferable Qualities

Soft skills are personal attributes and interpersonal abilities that determine how you work and interact with others. While harder to measure, they're equally important—often even more critical for long-term success. Examples include:

15 Excellent Hard Skills to Put on Your Resume

1. Data Analysis and Interpretation

Why it's excellent: Every industry now relies on data-driven decision making. Employees who can analyze data, identify trends, and extract actionable insights are invaluable. How to showcase it: • "Proficient in Google Analytics, Excel pivot tables, and data visualization tools" • "Analyzed customer data to identify trends, resulting in 23% increase in retention" • Include certifications: Google Analytics, Microsoft Excel Expert Relevant for: Marketing, business administration, finance, operations, research positions

2. Digital Marketing and SEO

Why it's excellent: Businesses need online visibility. Understanding digital marketing channels, search engine optimization, and online advertising gives you a competitive edge. How to showcase it: • "Experienced in SEO optimization, Google Ads, and social media advertising" • "Managed social media campaigns reaching 50K+ users with 12% engagement rate" • List specific tools: SEMrush, Google Search Console, Hootsuite, Mailchimp Relevant for: Marketing, communications, business development, content creation roles

3. Project Management

Why it's excellent: Organizations value professionals who can plan, execute, and deliver projects on time and within budget. How to showcase it: • "Proficient in Asana, Trello, and Microsoft Project" • "Led cross-functional team of 8 to deliver product launch 2 weeks ahead of schedule" • Mention methodologies: Agile, Scrum, Waterfall • Include certifications: PMP, CAPM, Certified Scrum Master Relevant for: Nearly all professional roles, especially management positions

4. Foreign Language Proficiency

Why it's excellent: In today's global economy, multilingual employees can communicate with diverse clients and expand business reach. How to showcase it: • "Fluent in Spanish and English (native bilingual)" • "Business proficiency in Portuguese (CEFR B2 level)" • "Translated technical documentation for Latin American markets" Relevant for: International business, customer service, tourism, healthcare, education Miami advantage: Spanish fluency is particularly valuable in South Florida's business environment.

5. Advanced Microsoft Office Suite

Why it's excellent: Despite new tools emerging, Microsoft Office remains the business standard. Advanced skills go beyond basic use. How to showcase it: • "Advanced Excel: VLOOKUP, pivot tables, macros, data modeling" • "Expert PowerPoint: custom templates, animations, data visualization" • "Proficient Word: mail merge, styles, collaboration features" • List certification: Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Relevant for: Administrative, finance, operations, management roles

6. Social Media Management

Why it's excellent: Social media is a primary marketing and communication channel. Skilled managers understand strategy, analytics, and engagement. How to showcase it: • "Managed Instagram and LinkedIn accounts with combined 15K followers" • "Created content calendar and increased engagement by 45% in 6 months" • "Experienced with Sprout Social, Buffer, Later, and native analytics" Relevant for: Marketing, PR, communications, brand management, digital media

7. Graphic Design and Visual Content Creation

Why it's excellent: Visual content drives engagement. Basic design skills are valuable even in non-design roles. How to showcase it: • "Proficient in Canva, Adobe Photoshop, and Illustrator" • "Created 50+ social media graphics maintaining brand consistency" • "Designed marketing materials including brochures, presentations, and infographics" Relevant for: Marketing, communications, content creation, social media roles

8. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software

Why it's excellent: CRM systems are essential for managing customer interactions, sales pipelines, and business relationships. How to showcase it: • "Experienced with Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zoho CRM" • "Managed customer database of 500+ clients with 95% data accuracy" • "Generated weekly sales reports using CRM analytics dashboards" Relevant for: Sales, customer service, account management, business development

9. Content Writing and Copywriting

Why it's excellent: Quality content drives marketing, educates customers, and builds brand authority. Clear, persuasive writing is always in demand. How to showcase it: • "Published 100+ blog articles with average 2,000+ monthly views" • "Skilled in SEO writing, AP style, and persuasive copywriting" • "Created email campaigns with 28% open rate and 6% click-through rate" Relevant for: Marketing, communications, journalism, content strategy, PR

10. Video Production and Editing

Why it's excellent: Video content dominates social media and marketing. Production skills are increasingly valuable across industries. How to showcase it: • "Proficient in Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and CapCut" • "Produced 30+ promotional videos for social media and website" • "Edited corporate training videos and webinar recordings" Relevant for: Marketing, communications, media production, training and development

11. Financial Analysis and Budgeting

Why it's excellent: Financial literacy helps organizations make informed decisions and maximize resources. How to showcase it: • "Created and managed departmental budget of $250K annually" • "Proficient in QuickBooks, Excel financial modeling, and forecasting" • "Conducted cost-benefit analyses for capital investment decisions" Relevant for: Finance, accounting, management, operations, business administration

12. Programming and Web Development

Why it's excellent: Technical skills are in high demand. Even basic coding knowledge demonstrates logical thinking and problem-solving abilities. How to showcase it: • "Proficient in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python" • "Built 5 responsive websites using WordPress and custom code" • "Automated data processing tasks using Python scripts" Relevant for: Technology, data analysis, digital marketing, product management

13. Research and Information Gathering

Why it's excellent: Evidence-based decision making requires strong research skills and the ability to synthesize information. How to showcase it: • "Conducted market research using surveys, focus groups, and competitive analysis" • "Experienced with qualitative and quantitative research methodologies" • "Synthesized research findings into actionable recommendations" Relevant for: Marketing, consulting, academia, journalism, product development

14. Database Management and SQL

Why it's excellent: Organizations manage massive amounts of data. Database skills help organize, access, and analyze information efficiently. How to showcase it: • "Proficient in SQL queries, database design, and data maintenance" • "Managed customer database with 10,000+ records" • "Created automated reports using SQL and Excel integration" Relevant for: IT, data analysis, operations, business intelligence, research

15. Email Marketing and Automation

Why it's excellent: Email remains one of the highest ROI marketing channels. Automation skills save time and improve results. How to showcase it: • "Experienced with Mailchimp, Constant Contact, and HubSpot Email" • "Built automated email sequences with 32% average open rate" • "Segmented email lists based on customer behavior and preferences" Relevant for: Marketing, sales, communications, customer success

10+ Excellent Soft Skills to Put on Your Resume

16. Leadership and Team Management

Why it's excellent: Leaders drive results through others. Even entry-level candidates can demonstrate leadership potential. How to showcase it: • "Led team of 6 volunteers for campus fundraising event, raising $12,000" • "Mentored 3 junior team members, improving their performance by 25%" • "Coordinated cross-departmental initiatives involving 15+ stakeholders" Proof points matter: Always include specific examples and measurable outcomes.

17. Communication Skills (Written and Verbal)

Why it's excellent: Clear communication prevents misunderstandings, builds relationships, and drives collaboration. How to showcase it: • "Delivered 20+ presentations to audiences of 50+ people" • "Created clear documentation reducing customer support tickets by 30%" • "Facilitated weekly team meetings and stakeholder updates" Pro tip: Your resume itself demonstrates your written communication skills—make sure it's error-free.

18. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

** Why it's excellent:** Employers want employees who can identify issues, analyze options, and implement effective solutions. How to showcase it: • "Identified process inefficiency and implemented solution saving 10 hours weekly" • "Resolved complex customer complaints with 95% satisfaction rate" • "Analyzed sales data to identify underperforming products and recommend adjustments"

19. Adaptability and Flexibility

Why it's excellent: Change is constant in modern workplaces. Adaptable employees thrive in dynamic environments. How to showcase it: • "Successfully transitioned to remote work during pandemic without productivity loss" • "Quickly learned new CRM system and trained 5 colleagues" • "Managed multiple competing priorities during peak business periods"

20. Time Management and Organization

Why it's excellent: Productive employees maximize their time and meet deadlines consistently. How to showcase it: • "Managed 15+ concurrent projects while maintaining 98% on-time delivery rate" • "Implemented project management system improving team efficiency by 20%" • "Coordinated complex schedules for executive team of 5"

21. Attention to Detail

Why it's excellent: Quality work requires precision. Mistakes cost time and money. How to showcase it: • "Maintained 99.8% accuracy rate in data entry across 10,000+ records" • "Edited and proofread 200+ documents with zero errors published" • "Conducted quality control checks preventing costly production errors"

22. Customer Service and Client Relations

Why it's excellent: Satisfied customers drive business success. Service skills are valuable in almost every role. How to showcase it: • "Achieved 4.9/5 customer satisfaction rating over 2 years" • "Resolved 50+ customer inquiries daily with 92% first-contact resolution" • "Built long-term relationships resulting in 40% repeat business rate"

23. Collaboration and Teamwork

Why it's excellent: Most work happens in teams. Collaborative employees contribute to positive workplace culture. How to showcase it: • "Collaborated with design and development teams to launch 3 products" • "Contributed to team achieving 115% of quarterly sales target" • "Participated in cross-functional task force improving internal processes"

24. Creative Thinking and Innovation

Why it's excellent: Innovation drives competitive advantage. Creative employees bring fresh perspectives. How to showcase it: • "Developed creative social media campaign increasing brand awareness by 60%" • "Proposed and implemented new customer onboarding process" • "Generated 10+ ideas for new content series, 4 of which were implemented"

25. Emotional Intelligence

Why it's excellent: Understanding and managing emotions improves workplace relationships and leadership effectiveness. How to showcase it: • "Navigated sensitive team conflicts resulting in improved collaboration" • "Recognized and responded to client concerns before they escalated" • "Built trust-based relationships with diverse stakeholders"

26. Decision-Making and Judgment

Why it's excellent: Good judgment prevents costly mistakes and drives positive outcomes. How to showcase it: • "Made data-informed decisions resulting in 18% cost reduction" • "Prioritized urgent issues while maintaining focus on long-term goals" • "Evaluated vendor proposals and selected option saving $15K annually"

Conclusion: Your Resume, Your Career Launchpad

The excellent skills you include on your resume are more than keywords to pass an ATS system—they're proof of your value and potential. By strategically balancing hard skills like data analysis, digital marketing, and project management with essential soft skills such as leadership, communication, and adaptability, you create a compelling narrative that captures employer attention. Remember, the most effective resumes don't just list skills; they demonstrate them through concrete achievements and measurable results. As you refine your resume, focus on relevance over quantity, always tailoring your skills section to match the specific job you're pursuing. Your career success starts with presenting yourself as the solution employers are searching for. Ready to develop these in-demand skills and launch your career? At URBE University in Sweetwater, Florida, our degree programs are designed to equip you with the exact competencies that employers seek. From Business Administration to Mass Communications, Computer Science to Paralegal Studies, we provide hands-on learning experiences that translate directly into resume-worthy skills and real-world success. Contact us today to discover how we can help you build a future-ready skill set that opens doors to exciting career opportunities in South Florida and beyond. 📞 Start building your professional future | 🌐 Explore our programs at urbeuniversity.com

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