Technical skills are the specific competencies you gain through formal training and experience in a specific technical field.
Technical skills will thus be based on STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) related competencies needed in the workplace. The skills are based on your ability to use intricate tools (hardware and software), specific disciplines (programming, accounting, etc.), and utilization of methodologies and systems that often require formal training. The skills enable one to carry out specialized tasks related to that field.
When creating a resume, you need to think of it as a marketing tool. Imagine you’re trying to persuade someone on the other end that you are the perfect job candidate for their company. Highlighting your technical skills in the resume is a good way of conveying your expertise in a specific field. They are also useful in demonstrating your experience in a particular field as some technical skills take years to learn and master. Due to the importance of these skills, you need to find a suitable way of including them in your resume.
In most cases, you can simply integrate them into the duties and responsibilities under the experience and achievements section. In other cases, you can enlist them. Some industries prioritize technical skills over soft skills. Such industries include; IT (information technology), engineering, healthcare, software development, UX, and web design, among others. However, it is advisable to also include soft skills in your resume to create a balance in your capabilities.
Also, remember some jobs, such as human resource officer, social worker, etc., will require more soft skills than technical skills, and you should prepare your resume accordingly. This article looks into the technical skills you can add to your resume when applying for different professions.
Top Technical Skills Employers Look For in a Resume
Each profession involves different tasks and duties. As a result, each profession requires industry-specific technical skills, even though some can be applicable in multiple professions. You should aim to find out which technical skills are required in your profession and review the job description before preparing your resume. You can add the skills in different sections of the resume –separate skills sections or within the work experience. However, it is advisable to prioritize soft skills in the experience section and highlight technical skills separately.
Below are some of the common technical skills you can use for your resume, depending on the profession you’re in:
Data management
A profession in data management will require you to have analytical abilities and attention to detail to translate data into information. Persons in this profession should have the following skills:
- AWS (Amazon Web Services)
- Google BigQuery
- DataStax
- Oracle Product Hub
- Cloudera
- Ataccama
- Commvault
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise
- Database design and planning
- Ensuring data integrity
Business analysis
Business analysts are essential in helping companies make informed decisions. Therefore, you need to display technical skills as a business analyst resume.
Examples of such skills include:
- Amazon Web Services AWS software
- Oracle JDBC
- Data modeling
- Microsoft Access
- Transact-SQL
- Data analytics
- Operating systems like Oracle UNIX, Solaris, and Microsoft Windows Server
- BI tools and applications
- Eclipse IDE
- Apache Groovy
- Python
- C# (sharp)
- Ruby
Data science and analysis
Data science and analysis is a field that has grown in popularity in recent years due to the rise in the number of organizations that collect large amounts of data. Also, it is a field that requires individuals with technical skills to sort through the gathered data and extract information.
Examples of these skills include:
- Machine Learning
- Structured Query Language (SQL)
- Algorithms
- Big Data
- Database Management
- Data Modelling
- Calculations/Computations – Mathematical Ability
- Data Analytics
- Needs Analysis
- Data Mining
- Quantitative Research
- Statistical Analysis
- Quantitative Reports
- Spreadsheets
- Database Design
- Documentation
Finance and accounting
Finance is a requirement for most companies, businesses, and organizations. In order to ensure that the finances are in order and the company is making a good profit, accounting records must be maintained. Accounting involves monitoring, recording, and reporting financial data. These tasks require information technology skills to use specialized tools related to the finance and accounting industry.
Some of the technical skills used in this profession include:
- Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
- FASB (Financial Accounting Standards Board) knowledge
- ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Oracle
- FINRA
- SAS (Statistical Analysis Software)
- SAP (Systems, Applications, Products in Data Processing)
- Cost and trend analysis
- Auditing
- Sage 50 Accounting
- Intrax ProcedureNet
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Tax software
- Microsoft Excel
- Financial statements
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Microsoft Excel
Project management
Project management involves creating, planning, and assisting in the management of projects. The project manager is an indispensable team member in a company, business, or organization.
Therefore, you need to use the technical skills listed below to prepare the resume:
- Scrum and Agile proficiency
- Work scheduling software /Task Management
- Data analytics
- Project Planning
- Task Delegation
- Information technology
- Technical reporting
- Kanban
- Performance Review
- Benchmarking
- Quality Assurance
- Budget Planning
- Quality Control
- Product roadmaps
- Product lifecycle
- Stakeholder management
- Quality Assurance
- Fabrication
Engineering
The engineering field has different branches, including industrial, civil, software, and electrical, which involve designing machines, products, and other structures that are essential to everyday life. Therefore, you need to include the technical skills in your resume if it is to stand out.
Examples include:
- CAD (Computer Aided Design)
- Computer science fundamentals
- Computer programming
- Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
- Statistics and probability
- Data modeling
- Python
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- System design
- Assembling
- SolidWorks
- 3D modeling, design, and printing,
- Trimble SketchUp Pro
- Technical reporting
- Google Sketchup
- Visual Basic
- Blueprinting
- QA Testing
- Casting
- Machining
- Structural Analysis
Marketing strategy
Marketing strategies involve generating demand for specific products and services. The marketing strategies must therefore be used to identify new markets, create relationships with existing customers and generate demands through advertising.
While marketing is mainly based on soft skills, here are examples of technical skills you can add to your resume while applying for such a position:
- Website design
- Content development and management systems
- Digital advertising
- Mobile marketing
- Social media marketing
- Social media platform tools (Facebook Ads tools, Google Ads, Content Studio tools, etc.)
- Creating marketing funnels
- Consumer analytics
- CRM tools
- SEO/SEM/SEA
- Google Analytics
- Email campaigns
- Affiliate marketing
- E-commerce
- Programmatic advertising
- Wireframe tools
- Media surveys and focus groups
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Blogging
- Automated Marketing Software
- Presentation software
- Cold calls
- Client management
- Presentation software
Social media
Social media has become part of our everyday lives and business, and each day we see new advancements in the use of social media. Therefore, having technical skills in social media can be an advantage when applying for different jobs.
Examples of technical skills to list in such a resume include:
- Expertise in Specific Platforms (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc.)
- Ad Campaigns
- Engagement Metrics
- Customer Research
- Promotion Tactics
Copywriting
The capabilities of the writer and his/her ability to communicate information in the right way are what make a good copywriter. Copywriters are thus essential in developing content for advertisements, websites, sales funnels, and press releases.
Different technical skills you can include:
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Topical and Keyword Research
- Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
- Content Creation
- Headline Writing
- Landing Page Copy
- Research
- Technical Documentation
- Requirements Gathering
- Grant Writing
- Standard Operating Procedures
- Technical Documentation
Medicine and healthcare
When pursuing medicine or healthcare, you require different technical skills that may often be dependent on the discipline you intend to pursue. This is because there are multiple fields in healthcare, from surgery, consulting, psychology, neonatal, obstetrics, etc.
Examples of technical skills that would be applicable to a resume in healthcare include:
- Electronic Medical Record Software
- Advanced lifesaving training (ACLS)
- Administering Injections
- Diabetic care and wound monitoring
- Phlebotomy
- CPR
- BLS
- Physical Therapy
- Administering Injections
- Dialysis
- Traction management
- Patient Preparation
- Medical billing
- Patient care
- Sonography
- Performing EKGs
Coding or programming
Coding has become an important skill that is highly sought after by recruiters, employers, and companies. A majority of skills needed in this profession are technical skills. Examples are as follows:
- Programming languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, C, C++, Ruby, etc.)
- SQL
- PHP
- Javascript
- Cloud computing
- Front-End Development
- Backend development
- Back-End Development
- Visual Basic
- Perl
- Configuring
- Cybersecurity
- Debugging
- Network architecture
- Mobile development
- Network structure and security
- UX
- Troubleshooting
- Technical support
- Testing
- REST
- Network Architecture
- System analysis
- Network Architecture
- Usability
Graphic design
Designing and preparing graphics, images, and infographics is an important part of graphic design. Graphic designers create memorable and effective advertising and promotional material for different companies.
Hence, you can include the following technical skills if applicable:
- Photoshop (Adobe CS, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Print design and typography
- Branding
- HTML
- UI/UX
Digital design
Digital design involves creating digital products, websites, apps, and graphics that are used for different purposes.
Examples of technical skills needed in this profession include:
- Branding
- User Experience (UX)
- Visual Design (Color Theory, Typography, etc.)
- Wireframing
- Photoshop
- InDesign
- Illustrator
- User modeling
- Responsive Design
- Customer journey mapping
- CSS
- Interactive media
Computer programs and software
Computer programs and software are basically a must in any industry nowadays. You, therefore, need to have knowledge of computer programs in most professions.
Examples of skills to illustrate this capability include:
- Microsoft Office (Word, Powerpoint, Excel, etc.)
- Adobe Software (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.)
- QuickBooks or Other Accounting Software
- Point of Sale Systems (Harbortouch, Clover, etc.)
- CAD or Other Engineering Programs
Productivity Softwares
A majority of industries nowadays use productivity software. Therefore, recruiters need to be aware of this capability to determine if the candidate is fit for a given job role.
Examples of productivity software skills are as follows:
- Microsoft Office
- Google Apps (Google Drive, Sheets, Docs, etc.)
- Trello
- Slack
- Evernote
- Project Management Software
- Prezi
- CRM
- Staff Scheduling
- Conference calling software (Google conferencing, Zoom, GoToMeeting Skype)
- Budgeting
- Project Planning
- Hiring and Onboarding
Computer science technical skills
Computer science is integrated into many industries. The computer science-related tasks are substantial and diverse, making it essential to have technical skills in computer science.
You can include the following technical skills in your resume when applying for a computer science-related position:
- Software and Hardware Tools (based on specific job requirements)
- Programming Languages
- R
- Eclipse
- Automation Systems
- Statistics
- Math
- Linear Algebra
- Calculus
- MATLAB
- SketchUp
- Data modeling
- Visual Studio
- AWS
- Emacs
- Dreamweaver
- Technical reporting
Software engineering
Software engineers are essential for developing software programs, apps, and websites. Examples of technical skills that can help you stand out in this field include:
- Coding Skills in various programming languages
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Source Control
- Product Testing
- Code Testing
- Operating Systems
- Encryption
- Integrated Development Environments
How to Include Technical Skills in a Resume
When you include technical skills on a resume, it is important to be accurate and specific. The technical skills you provided should be based on relevance and usefulness. This will often require research on the specific role and employer.
Below is a simple three-step guide on how to appropriately add technical skills to your resume:
Step 1: Create a dedicated technical skills section
You can create a separate section to cover your technical skills, more so if the potential employer has emphasized the skills in the job description. If this is the case, this section should be immediately after the introduction and before the experience section. You can use a bullet list to outline the skills. Also, if you have an extensive list of technical skills you want to outline, you can categorize them based on association.
For example; if, as a project manager, you have technical skills in productivity and finance, you can create the list as follows:
- Productivity: hiring and onboarding, CRM, Prezi, staff scheduling software
- Finance: Intuit Quickbooks, SAP, Sage 50 Accounting, GAAP
Step 2: Prove your technical skills in the experience section
Another effective approach to demonstrating your technical competencies is including them in the experience section of your resume. Here, you should quantify the outcomes or achievements of utilizing the technical skills in the workplace. If you can show how employers who hire you benefit from your skills, you stand a higher chance of getting selected. Highlight skills and examples that are relevant to the job position in question.
Step 3: Highlight your technical skills in your resume summary
Alternatively, you can include your technical skills in the resume summary. A resume summary is technically the first section of your resume and will be situated at the top of the page. Here, you should include your rarest and most exclusive technical skills. This approach is effective in getting the reviewer interested in your resume.
Tip: You should always add your technical skills in a graphically captivating and space-saving manner. This requires you to use a suitable resume format that will permit graphical representations to illustrate your skill level for each skill. You can incorporate adjectives to illustrate skill level – for example, an expert in ABC or proficient in ABC. Adding your technical skills in a separate section is arguably the most effective approach.
Free Templates
Given below are technical resume templates:
How to Improve Your Technical Skills
Technical skills are acquired through experience, education, and training. They are interconnected to the acquired knowledge. Therefore, there is a need to build on these skills by continuously reviewing your knowledge and building it. If your technical skills are lacking, you need to build on them.
Below are the different ways to improve your technical skill set:
Take courses, certifications, and training
Acquire the relevant training to improve your technical skills. You can enroll in different developer certifications and training centers. These can be in-person or online programs. You can take the subsequent or advanced level of training after completing each course and certification.
Mentorships/apprenticeships
Mentorships and apprenticeships are very effective in gaining hands-on experience. Select seniors and experts in your profession and seek their guidance.
Online or remote self-study programs
There are many online or remote self-study programs that you can do to improve your technical skills. There are various platforms and websites dedicated to this purpose. You should always review the program’s credibility before enrolling in the program. Online training is nowadays widely accepted by employers.
Personal projects
Another great way to build your technical skills is by working on personal projects. You can work on side projects to build up your skills. You can start with simple projects like creating a website or app. This will help you learn the relevant concepts and technologies as you progressively advance towards more complex projects.
Job-based learning
Most employers will offer training programs to their staff members as investments in their workforce. You should always take advantage of such opportunities to improve your technical skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can identify your technical skills by determining the tools you utilize when performing tasks. These tools include software, hardware, methodologies, systems, and processes. Also, courses and certifications whose knowledge you use to achieve results can be used to determine your different technical skills.
There are different technical skills in demand based on industry and job title. The in-demand technical skills depend on the job requirements in a particular field. So scan different job descriptions to identify skills that employers are prioritizing consistently. Research is vital in determining which technical skills to include in your resume.
Based on the growth and adoption of technology in the workplace, programming languages will be vital technical skills to have on your resume. Therefore, researching different skill sets that are useful in a digital world can help you determine which technical skills to seek.
About This Article
