Success in many careers depends on strong technical skills, making them a critical part of your resume. This guide will show you how to highlight them on your resume, with examples for different industries.
What are technical skills?
Technical skills are hard skills needed to perform specific tasks or work with particular tools and systems. These skills are typically learned through formal education, training, or hands-on experience.
Including technical skills on your resume is important because they demonstrate your ability to handle the practical demands of a job. By showcasing them clearly, you provide employers with evidence of your qualifications and increase your chances of standing out in a competitive job market.
Technical skills examples for in-demand industries
Whether you’re aiming for a career in tech, healthcare, or marketing, knowing the best skills to list on your resume is key. Here are examples of the most sought-after skills in some of today’s fastest-growing fields.
1. Healthcare
Healthcare is a dynamic and specialized field where each job requires a unique set of technical skills to ensure high-quality patient care. Here are some of the most in-demand healthcare skills:
- Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and basic life support (BLS) certification
- Phlebotomy and venipuncture
- Patient assessment and vital signs monitoring
- Wound care and dressing changes
- IV therapy administration
- Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems expertise, particularly Epic 2.and Cerner
2. Retail
Retail professionals need a unique blend of skills to manage inventory, interact with customers, and drive sales effectively. Here are some of the most sought-after retail skills to add to your resume:
- POS systems and cash handling
- Inventory management software
- Visual merchandising
- Loss prevention techniques
- Order fulfillment systems
How to list technical skills on your resume
The skills that are most relevant to your target job should be featured throughout your resume so the hiring manager can quickly scan and assess them.
Put your most relevant skills in your resume summary
Here’s an example of a well-written resume summary that emphasizes the candidate’s technical skills:
Summary
Experienced SQL developer with a proven track record of building and optimizing relational database systems to support data-driven decision-making. Skilled in advanced SQL programming, ETL processes, and database design, with hands-on experience in tools like SSIS and SSRS. Strong problem solving abilities and a focus on ensuring data integrity and performance across large datasets.
Create a dedicated skills section
Read the job description carefully and take note of any key skills the employer is looking for. Then, put the ones that match your skill set in a dedicated skills section. Format this section as a bulleted list to make it easy to read, and put the most important skills at the top:
TIP
To make your skills stand out even more, you can use a visual element that communicates skill levels on your resume.
How to improve your technical skills
Strengthening your technical skills is essential for staying competitive in your industry. Here are five practical ways to keep sharpening your skill set:
Join a course or training program
Enrolling in a course or training program is one of the most structured ways to develop your technical skills.
Whether through online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or edX, or in-person classes at local institutions, you can find courses tailored to your specific needs. Certifications from these programs not only expand your knowledge but also add credibility to your resume.
Attend workshops or bootcamps
Workshops and bootcamps offer hands-on learning experiences that immerse you in technical concepts over a short period.
These intensive sessions are often led by industry experts and focus on practical, real-world applications of technical skills. Bootcamps, especially for coding, data science, and digital marketing, can help you gain expertise in high-demand areas quickly.
Learn new tools on your own
Self-learning is a flexible and effective way to improve your technical skills. Many resources, such as YouTube tutorials, free online courses, and community forums, can guide you in mastering new tools or technologies.
Setting up personal projects or experimenting with software on your own are also great ways to learn at your own pace while building practical experience.
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Contribute to open-source or volunteer projects
Participating in open-source projects or volunteering your technical expertise can help you refine your skills in a collaborative environment.
Platforms like GitHub allow you to contribute to real-world projects, improving your coding, debugging, or software design skills.
Volunteering for non-profits or small businesses can also give you valuable experience while making a positive impact.
