Why Your Skills Section Matters
Your skills section gives recruiters a quick snapshot AND feeds ATS systems the keywords they scan for. A well-crafted skills section is the difference between reaching a human or disappearing.
Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills
Hard skills are measurable abilities: Python, SQL, Adobe Photoshop. Soft skills are interpersonal: Leadership, Communication. Prioritize hard skills in your skills section. Demonstrate soft skills through experience bullets.
How Many Skills?
8-15 is the sweet spot. Fewer looks thin, more becomes noise.
How to Choose
- Read the job description — highlight every skill mentioned
- Match your skills to their requirements using exact terminology
- Prioritize required skills first
- Include industry-standard tools
- Drop generic skills unless specifically requested
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Technology
Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, React, Node.js, SQL, PostgreSQL, AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, Git, CI/CD, REST APIs, GraphQL, Machine Learning, Agile/Scrum
Data & Analytics
SQL, Python, R, Tableau, Power BI, Excel (Advanced), Statistical Analysis, A/B Testing, Google Analytics, dbt, Data Modeling, ETL Pipelines
Marketing
SEO/SEM, Google Ads, Meta Ads, Content Marketing, Email Marketing, HubSpot, Copywriting, Social Media Management, Marketing Automation, CRM
Finance
Financial Modeling, DCF Valuation, Excel (Advanced), QuickBooks, SAP, Bloomberg, Financial Statement Analysis, Budgeting, GAAP, CPA
Healthcare
EHR/EMR, HIPAA Compliance, Patient Assessment, IV Therapy, BLS/ACLS, Epic Systems, Clinical Documentation, Triage, Wound Care
Project Management
Agile, Scrum, Kanban, Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project, Risk Management, Budget Management, PMP, Sprint Planning
Sales
Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipeline Management, Consultative Selling, Negotiation, Account Management, Lead Generation, Sales Forecasting
Design
Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, UI/UX Design, Wireframing, Prototyping, User Research, Design Systems, Accessibility (WCAG)
Formatting Options
Simple List (Most ATS-Friendly)
Skills: Python, SQL, Tableau, Statistical Analysis, A/B Testing, Google Analytics
Categorized
Programming: Python, R, SQL, JavaScript
Tools: Tableau, Power BI, Google Analytics
Methods: Statistical Analysis, A/B Testing, ML
Common Mistakes
- Listing every skill you have — only include relevant ones
- Vague terms — "Computer skills" means nothing. Be specific.
- Lying — you'll be tested in the interview
- Ignoring the JD — if they say "Salesforce," don't write "CRM software"