Technical Skills for a Resume: Definition [165+ Examples]
Listing the right technical skills on a resume can help win you a job! Here, you’ll learn what technical skills are, why they matter and how to feature them in your resume and cover letter. There are over 165 good technical skills for resumes examples, and tips on how to improve them!
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Table of Contents
What are technical skills?
“Technical skills” are learned abilities required to perform physical or digital tasks. They are a specialized type of hard skill that deals with computers, technology, math, machinery, mechanics or science.
Examples of technical skills include:
- Software proficiency (e.g., MS Word, Adobe Photoshop)
- Technical writing (e.g., Copywriting, Email funnels)
- Machine learning (e.g., AI, Facial recognition)
- Programming languages (e.g., C++, Python, SQL)
- Common operating systems (e.g., Android, iOS, Linux)
- Data analysis (e.g., Statistics, Business intelligence)
Why are technical skills important?
Technical skills matter because we live in a modern age, and many tasks require machine or computer skills! So, to win or keep a job, you must have the necessary technical skills!
For example, if you want to be a delivery person, you’ve got to have driving or GPS skills; otherwise, it will be hard to succeed.
Technical skills in resumes are crucial because they’re the strongest kind of transferable skills, meaning that they carry over across different jobs and careers with ease!
For example, if you used a computer program or system at one job and know the new job uses a similar platform, mention it! It will show employers you’re ready to do the job on day one.
So, you must include technical skills when writing your resume and cover letter to land any desired role! Next, we’ll show you the main types of technical skills in resumes that employers want and give examples for different jobs.
But, if you want next-level help targeting the right technical skills for your resume, use our best digital tool, the Resume Builder.
The Resume Builder turns the resume writing process into a series of easy-to-follow prompts. Once you’ve entered the job title you’re applying for, it will even suggest technical skills to include!
The automation and guidance will save you a lot of stress, and you can complete your resume in 15 minutes!
Top 10 technical skills + examples
Here’s a helpful list that outlines the top 10 types of technical skills employers seek.
1) Software expertise
Most jobs rely on productivity software to bring efficiency and organization to business. So, mention any industry or job-specific software you feel competent or above-average using. That way, employers can feel confident you have the program skills you need to get the job done!
Examples of technical software skills include:
- Google Docs
- Excel
- Slack
- Powerpoint
- Zoom
- Jira
- Microsoft Word
- Trello
- Asana
- Google Calendar
2) Programming
Many jobs require fluency in programming languages, for example, app coders, software engineers or web developers. Many jobs in writing and design may also need basic HTML skills. Be sure you are familiar with the required programming languages of the job to which you are applying!
Examples of programming skills include:
- C/C++
- C#
- Java
- JavaScript
- Perl
- PHP
- Python
- Swift
- Go
- SQL
- Ruby
- Swift
3) Data analysis
Since computers can keep track of so many different business measures and metrics, companies need people with data analysis skills to arrange it in a way that makes sense to humans. Data analysis is essential for monitoring finances, performance, sales and other vital business numbers.
Examples of technical data analysis skills include:
- Statistical Methods
- Programming
- Database Design
- Excel Power User
- SAS Enterprise Miner
- SQL
- Minitab
- Data Analytics
- MS Access
- Oracle
- Data Visualization
4) Design
Design refers to how things look and how products feel and function for their users. Clever design can make technology and products much easier to use. So, people with solid design skills are handy to employers for many roles in marketing, production, technology and web business.
Examples of technical design skills include:
- Photoshop
- Figma
- Adobe creative apps
- Interactive media
- UX research
- Prototyping
- Color theory
- Responsive design
- Process mapping
- User modeling
5) Marketing
Businesses need marketing to survive and grow. As digital communication tools like email, social media and web stores have opened up more ways to reach customers, the need for marketing skills only continues to increase!
Examples of technical marketing skills include:
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Digital marketing
- Brand strategy
- Affiliate marketing
- Email campaigns
- Customer funnels
- Social media ads
- Content Management Systems (CMS)
- Consumer analytics
- User data collection
- Opportunity identification
- Automated marketing software
6) Technical writing
Companies need writing for many purposes: Websites, advertisements, press releases, product packaging and social media posts. Technical writer specialize in writing for a specific medium, whether it’s writing an assembly instruction manual or an email notifying customers of a special sale.
Examples of technical writing skills include:
- Copywriting
- SEO content writing
- Keyword research
- Product guides
- Spec sheets
- Business proposals
- Research articles
- Social media posts
- Emails
- Storytelling
- Content strategy
- Headline writing
- B2C
- B2B
- Competitive analysis
7) Operating systems
The computer platforms a company uses can determine its overall workflow. That’s why it can benefit you to showcase to a company that you’re familiar with the operating or enterprise systems they currently use. It’s good evidence you’ll be able to succeed in the tasks required!
Examples of technical operating systems skills include:
- Android
- iOS
- Windows (e.g., Windows 10, Windows 11)
- macOS (e.g., macOS Big Sur, macOS Monterey)
- Linux (e.g., Ubuntu, CentOS)
- Customer Relationship Management (CRMs like Oracle Netsuite or Salesforce)
- Payment processing
- Automated billing systems,
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERPs like SAP)
- Oracle
- Salesforce
- OSCP
- CISSP
- Cisco CCNA
8) Project management
Project management is essential to keep businesses achieving their goals and running smoothly. Project managers work fluidly between different teams to keep them focused on singular goals. To do so, there are many modern techniques and tools project managers use to do so.
Examples of technical project management skills include:
- Project roadmaps
- Task management
- Spreadsheet creation
- Prioritization
- Agile methodology
- Task separation
- Scheduling
- Risk management
- User experience design
- Jira programming
- Scrum
- Product lifecycle management
- QA testing
- Requirements gathering
9) Social media
Social media has become an essential way for businesses to connect and market to their customers. Each social media platform has a different appeal and users. Employers want social media experts who can make the most of each forum.
Social media skills examples for resumes include:
- X
- Targeted campaigns
- Post engagement
- Customer interaction
- Promotions
- Brand voice
- Post analysis
10) Health care
Modern medicine requires technical skills because people’s lives depend on them! Much of the machinery to diagnose and treat patients requires advanced training and mastery. Healthcare is highly specialized, so each branch uses unique tools.
Healthcare skills examples for resumes include:
- First-aid
- HIPAA
- HITECH
- Medical billing and coding
- Telehealth
- Checking vitals
- Medical record software
- Patient preparation
- Recording diagnostics
- Physical therapy
- Administering injections
- Ultrasound
- X-rays
- MRI
Technical skills examples for different jobs
Every job is going to require different technical skills.
Certain industries require more technical skills than others; they include:
- Accounting/finance
- Information technology (IT)
- App or software development
- Web design
- Engineering
- Healthcare
- Marketing
If you work in one of these industries, you may want to include a devoted section titled “Technical skills.”
Here are examples of technical skills sections for a few of the more popular jobs in these industries, including: accountant, administrative assistant, business analyst, digital marketing manager, graphic designer, nurse, software engineer and web developer.
If there’s another job title you want, we have hundreds more samples in our complete resume examples library!
Accountant technical skills:
- QuickBooks
- Xero
- Financial analysis
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Tax preparation
- Financial reporting
- Income statements
- Data visualization
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
See also: Accountant resume examples.
Administrative assistant technical skills:
- Calendar management
- Microsoft Office
- Travel planning
- Writing emails
- Meeting transcription
- Inventory tracking
- Salesforce
- Research
See also: Administrative assistant resume examples.
Business analyst technical skills:
- Tableau
- Microsoft BI
- Benchmarking
- Business process
- Requirements gathering
- Role change
- Financial modeling
- SWOT Analysis
See also: Business analyst resume examples.
Digital marketing manager technical skills:
- SEO strategy
- SEM
- PPC advertising
- A/B testing
- Google Analytics
- HubSpot
- Marketo
- UX enhancement
See also: Marketing manager resume examples.
Graphic designer technical skills:
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Illustrator
- Figma
- InDesign
- FreeHand
- Corel Draw
- Typography
- Layout
See also: Graphic design resume examples.
Nurse technical skills examples:
- Emergency care
- Establishing
- Patient rehabilitation
- NIH Stroke Scale assessment
- ECG interpretation
- Wound care
- Glucose monitoring
- G-Tube feedings
See also: Nurse resume examples.
Software engineer technical skills:
- Python
- Ruby on Rails
- MongoDB
- Git
- Docker
- AWS
- Source control
- Algorithmic problem-solving
See also: Software engineer resume examples.
Web developer technical skills:
- Javascript
- Vue.js
- React
- Performance optimization
- AWS
- Heroku
- Caching
- Web security
- GitHub
See also: Web developer resume examples.
How to add technical skills on a resume
To find the right technical skills for your resume, study the job ad to see which skills the employer specifically requests.
Then, include as many of these employer needs as you possess in your resume! Be honest because if you exaggerate your abilities, it may come back to haunt you!
Here’s an example of technical skills highlighted in a job post for an app developer and a solid resume response:
Key Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and develop applications for iOS and Android platforms.
- Write clean and maintainable code to implement user interfaces and app functionality.
- Debug and troubleshoot issues to ensure optimal app performance and user experience.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest mobile app development trends and best practices.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- Basic understanding of mobile app development concepts and best practices.
- Knowledge of programming languages such as Swift, Java, or Kotlin is a plus.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a passion for learning and growing.
There are three main places to add technical skills on your resume:
- A devoted skills section.
- The descriptions in your work experience section.
- Your professional summary or objective statement.
PRO TIP
When writing your skills section, take note there are two main types of skills: hard skills and soft. Technical skills fall under the “hard skills” category.
Hard skills refer to abilities you can practice, learn and demonstrate, such as design, data analysis or cash handling. Hard/technical skills are easy to measure and provide numbers that show your capacity.
Soft skills are necessary for many jobs but are more challenging to prove, measure or quantify. They also tend to refer to personality traits rather than learned abilities. Communication, teamwork, leadership and a positive attitude are examples of soft skills.
This difference matters because you need to include a mixture of both on your resume! So, in addition to technical skills, list a few soft skills relevant to the job.
Also, if you like the design of this resume, check out our complete library of resume templates! There are options in all three standard resume formats.
Technical skills in a cover letter
Your resume and cover letter work together to show employers you’re the best candidate for the job! So, you also need to add good technical skills to your cover letter.
Your cover letter brings the plain details of your resume to life by turning them into a narrative. Use this space to tell a story about how you used your technical skills to solve a problem.
To write a cover letter from scratch, check out our complete guide on how to write a cover letter.
However, if you want an extra edge, use our Cover Letter Builder.
It walks you through writing a cover letter step by step, like having an expert help you! It takes care of the cover letter format so that you can focus on telling your story and elaborating on your technical skills.
If you’re stuck, it also provides prewritten text you can select and add to your letter. It will help you complete a cover letter in just a few quick minutes instead of taking hours!
How to improve technical skills
To land a job in a fresh industry or position, you may need to improve or acquire new technical skills.
Here are several steps to improve your technical skills:
1. DIY technical skills training.
You can acquire different skills through practice and self-study. Pick a skill you want to enhance and keep a regular habit of developing and improving! Use resources that best suit your learning style: “how-to” books, online videos or information from a trusted website.
2. Take a class or course.
Whether it’s online, from an industry group, or at a community college or trade school, there are countless options! Try to find programs that offer a certification, degree or proof that you have achieved mastery of a given skill. A certification or course completion also adds value when featured on your resume.
For jobs in tech or IT, you could look at online schools like App Academy, Udemy or LinkedIn Learning as they’re industry standards.
3. Learn on the job.
A surefire way to pick up the skills you want is developing them in a professional setting!
Some employers offer on-the-job training. If you’re switching industries or developing new technical skills from scratch, it may require that you take an entry-level position or work as an apprentice, volunteer or intern.
4. Ask a professional.
If you know someone adept at the skill you want to learn, discuss it with them! They can point them in the direction of how they learned, even if they lack the time or authority to teach you themselves. You could also see if your company or industry has any mentorship program(s) to pair you with a mentor who guides your development.
Key takeaways
Here’s a recap of how to list technical skills on resumes:
- Read the job ad and highlight the tech skills it mentions.
- The three main places on your resume where you can include technical skills are the professional summary, work experience and skills sections.
- Use numbers to paint a more vivid picture: Percentages, dollar amounts, and other business statistics show how effective your technical skills are.
- In your cover letter, you should tell how your technical skills helped you achieve a goal, specifically about the results. It will reinforce your resume!
- If you need more confidence in the technical skills you need for a job, you can improve by committing to regular practice and study.
Hopefully, you feel confident and ready to write a resume with good technical skills!
If you want help, you should use our Resume Builder! Since it’s completely automated, it’s like having an expert look over your shoulder to guide you.
It comes loaded with 25+ great resume designs so that you can focus on selling your technical skills and experience. It saves a lot of time, and you can have your document ready in under 15 minutes!
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