The skills section of a resume looks simple — just a list of things you're good at. But it's actually one of the most important sections for ATS scoring and one of the most commonly done wrong. Here's how to make yours work harder.
Hard Skills vs Soft Skills
Hard skills are specific, teachable, and measurable: Python, Google Analytics, QuickBooks, CPR certification, Mandarin fluency, welding. These are concrete competencies that can be verified.
Soft skills are interpersonal and behavioral: communication, leadership, problem-solving, adaptability. These are valuable but extremely common on resumes — essentially everyone lists them, which makes them less differentiating.
The most effective skills sections prioritize hard skills and technical competencies, with soft skills either absent or backed up by concrete examples elsewhere in the resume.
Listing "communication skills" on a resume tells a recruiter nothing. But a bullet point that says "Presented quarterly results to a 200-person all-hands and a board of directors simultaneously" demonstrates communication skills compellingly without ever using the phrase.
Which Skills Should You Include?
The answer is in the job description. For each application, identify the skills mentioned in the posting and ensure the ones you genuinely have appear in your resume. This is the most direct path to both ATS scoring and human relevance.
Generally include:
- Technical tools and software you use proficiently (not just "familiar with")
- Industry-specific methodologies and frameworks
- Languages (human and programming)
- Relevant certifications
- Domain expertise relevant to the role
Generally exclude:
- Skills everyone has (Microsoft Word, email, "basic computer skills")
- Skills you barely know — if it comes up in an interview, you'll be put on the spot
- Soft skills listed generically without evidence
- Skills completely irrelevant to the role
How to Format the Skills Section
There are two common formats, both of which work well:
Simple List Format
A clean list separated by commas, pipes, or line breaks. Best for ATS compatibility and readability:
Google Analytics · HubSpot · Salesforce · SEO/SEM · Content Strategy · A/B Testing · SQL · Project Management
Categorized Format
Group skills by type, especially useful for technical roles with many skill categories:
Languages: Python, JavaScript, SQL
Frameworks: React, Node.js, Django
Tools: Git, Docker, AWS
Avoid adding proficiency ratings like "Python ●●●○○" or "Beginner / Intermediate / Expert." These add visual complexity, aren't ATS-friendly, and often work against you — a recruiter seeing "Intermediate SQL" may screen you out where simply listing "SQL" would have passed. Let your experience speak to your proficiency level.
Where to Put the Skills Section
For most candidates, the skills section belongs after your work experience — your accomplishments should lead. However, for career changers or candidates whose technical skills are their primary qualification, placing the skills section near the top (after your summary) is often more effective.
Keep It Current
Review your skills section before every application. Remove outdated tools you no longer use. Add new technologies you've learned. Make sure the section accurately reflects your current capabilities and aligns with what your target employers are looking for.
Build a Resume With a Skills Section That Works
ResumeSparkAI automatically formats a clean, ATS-optimized skills section based on your experience and target job — tailored to each application.
Build My Resume Free →