management skills and abilities resume examples

15+ Key Management Skills to List on Your Resume in 2024 (With Examples)

Pursuing a career in management gives you many opportunities for professional advancement. To land a management job, it is crucial to include the right skills on your resume. In this guide, we will discuss the best management skills and how to use them on your resume.

Why Should I Include Management Skills on My Resume?  

Any time you are applying for a job, it is essential to tailor your resume for that job.

Thus, it makes sense to include management skills on a resume being submitted for a management position.

Including management-specific skills helps you to relate them to the job you are applying for.

Plus, it is a good opportunity to emphasize key skills found within the job description.

The inclusion of the right management skills on your resume can drastically increase your chances of impressing employers.

If you want to know how to optimize your entire resume, read our career advice article on how to Tailor Your Resume to Any Job in 4 Easy Steps !

What Are the Best Management Skills I Should Add to My Resume?

Before choosing which skills to add to your resume, you should divide them into two main categories:

Interpersonal (Soft) Skills:

‍ Soft skills are those that deal with social interactions and emotional intelligence.

They include skills such as communication, collaboration, and teamwork.

Technical (Hard) Skills:

‍ Hard skills have to do with technical abilities.

Being trained in specific methodologies or knowing how to use specific software or equipment are examples of hard skills.

Let’s look at two skills involved in management: empathy and scheduling.

Empathy is an entirely emotionally-based skill.

It allows a manager to view a situation from either an employee's or a customer’s perspective.

This skill falls into the interpersonal category.

Comparatively, the ability to create a schedule is a more well-defined skill.

Scheduling involves interpersonal skills, such as communicating with your team.

Yet, it ultimately falls into the hard skills category because it is a technical ability that must be learned.

When adding management skills to your resume, you should aim to include both interpersonal and technical skills.

Adding both gives employers a more well-rounded view of you as a professional.

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job

15 Key Management Skills for Your Resume Soft Skills for Management

• ‍ Planning: Planning involves a manager’s ability to set goals, develop strategies, and delegate tasks. To have a strong planning ability, you must be able to look at the big picture while also paying attention to minor details.
• ‍ Communication: A manager’s ability to communicate effectively can greatly affect overall productivity. To be a good manager, you need to be able to communicate clearly with both your team and customers.
• ‍ Organizing: Organizational skills are a fundamental component of management. Without being able to organize people and resources effectively, creating a strong business plan is near impossible.
• ‍ Delegation: Delegation is the name of the game when it comes to management. This is a manager’s ability to divide up tasks and distributing them to the appropriate team members or departments.
• ‍ Empathetic: Being a manager requires you to work with many different personalities and perspectives. The ability to be empathetic and see things from others’ viewpoints is essential for getting things done and solving conflicts.
• ‍ Public Speaking: As a manager, you will likely need to engage in public speaking often. From training new employees to sharing information with stakeholders, there are many times when having a knack for public speaking comes in handy.
• ‍ Presenting: Along with public speaking is the ability to create and share presentations. Presentation skills help to keep all members of a team on the same page. Plus, they can be a great way to share changes about business changes.
• ‍ Leadership: Leadership is more than just being in charge. It deals with your ability to inspire and empower your team members. A good manager will have a well-defined leadership style that is adaptable to many situations.
• ‍ Mentoring: Many employees come under your wing as a manager. The ability to mentor your team and help them grow is crucial for strengthening the business. Emphasizing mentoring on a resume shows employers your skills in growing a team.
• ‍ Conflict Resolution: Conflicts are imminent in any business situation. As a manager, you must be able to swiftly and calmly resolve conflicts. This can occur with both employees and customers.
• ‍ Team Motivation: A good manager will understand the motivation and work ethic of their team rests on their shoulders. The ability to motivate and encourage a team is a crucial skill for anyone looking for a career in management.
• ‍ Negotiation: Managers will often be responsible for some business deals or contracts. Negotiation is a critical skill to have in this scenario. The ability to negotiate will help ensure the business benefits from the deal or contract.
• ‍ Scheduling: Creating a staff schedule is no small matter – especially with large teams! Scheduling is a skill that requires both technical and interpersonal abilities to ensure both staff and business needs are met.
• ‍ Hiring/Onboarding: Knowing how to find and onboard new talent to a business is crucial. Having previous experience in hiring and onboarding is a valuable skill. Highlighting it on your resume will greatly increase your chances of landing the job!
• ‍ Budgeting and Accounting: Like all higher-level jobs, management involves a fair amount of bookkeeping, budgeting, and accounting. Earning certifications in each of these is a great way to add some extra hard skills to your resume.

For even more skill ideas for your resume, read our guide on 100+ Key Skills for a Resume (with Examples for Any Job) .

How Do I List My Management Skills on a Resume?

There are two main formatting options for listing your management skills on a resume:

• Including management skills in your work experience section
• Creating a separate section for management skills

While you can certainly choose just one or the other, including skills in both these places can be highly beneficial.

The key to using both methods is to highlight different skills in each.

For instance, if you mainly talk about your interpersonal skills in your work experience section, you should use the skills section to highlight more technical skills.

Here is a breakdown of how to use these two formatting options:

1) Include Management Skills in Your Work Experience Section

Work Experience  ‍ Assistant Office Manager, Bay Area Rentals November 2018 – June 2021 • Interpersonal Skills: Leadership, Collaboration, and Conflict Resolution • Technical Skills: Schedule Creation, QuickBooks, and Business Logistics

Why It’s Wrong:

‍ In this example, the applicant has used the descriptive bullet points to list skills.

You don’t want to transform your work experience section into a pseudo-skills section.

Each bullet point should give a clear example of a responsibility or accomplishment from your previous position.

Adding the skills should simply provide extra detail. 

Work Experience Assistant Office Manager, Bay Area Rentals November 2018 – June 2021 • Lead an office staff of over 30 employees • Optimized the staff schedule to reduce operational costs by 10 percent • Managed company logistics including inventory, storage, and transportation

In this corrected example, the bullet points imply the applicant’s skill level by providing real-life examples of how the skill was used.

Plus, these bullet points are much more descriptive and offer quantifiable evidence.

2) Create a Separate Management Skills Section

Interpersonal Skills • Communication • Delegation • Leadership Technical Skills • Negotiation • Hiring • Budgeting

Why It’s Wrong: Separating your skills into interpersonal and technical categories is inherently bad.

Managers often have distinct soft and hard skills that employers look for.

However, the skills listed are too vague and lack context.

Without a small amount of extra detail, the skills can seem pointless and end up being overlooked.

Interpersonal Skills • Empathetic Communication with Staff • Delegation of Daily Tasks • Leading a Staff of 50+ Technical Skills • Employment Contract Negotiations • Interviewing and Hiring • Creating Operational Budgets

In this corrected example, the bullet points are still short and sweet but provide significantly more context.

Pro Tip: When writing your resume, it is highly beneficial to use active language.

Take a look at our list of 350+ Action Verbs to Make Your Resume More Effective for more help brainstorming!

What Are Some Things I Can Do to Improve My Management Skills

Being a good manager requires many skills.

Learning and improving these skills can have significant impacts on how you perform in the role and your chances of being hired.

If you are looking for ways to improve your management skills, try these 3 tips:

• ‍ Learn About Different Leadership Styles: Learning about the many styles of leadership is key. Each style involves different interpersonal skills. Over time, you can combine your favorite elements and skills to create a leadership style that is unique to you. ‍
• Earn Certifications: You can earn all sorts of certifications that can boost your management skills through additional training. This is especially important if you are lacking in hard skills and need to enhance your technical abilities. ‍
• Find a Mentor: Learning from others in your field is majorly important. Finding a manager you admire that is willing to mentor you can be a great chance for professional growth.

Final Takeaways

Becoming a manager is all about honing and highlighting your best skills.

Here are our top 5 takeaways for including management skills on a resume:

• Include both interpersonal and technical skills on your resume.
• In your work experience section, use management skills to add extra detail and context to your job descriptions.
• In your skills section, provide enough specificity to make your skills highly relevant to the job you are applying for.
• Earn certifications to learn more technical skills.
• Learn from a mentor in the field of management.

Writing your resume doesn’t have to be a headache.

At Easy Resume, we strive to provide you with all the resume resources and tools you need!

While you’re here, make sure to check out our large collection of free resume guides and career advice articles.

Browse more resume templates that fit your role

Ed is a co-founder of Easy Resume. His background in scaling teams at tech startups over the last decade has given him extensive experience and knowledge around how to hire top talent and build successful teams. He enjoys mentoring, coaching, and helping others reach their career goals. When he's not writing about career-related advice, he's playing with his dog, Lilo, or going on long hikes in upstate New York.

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Management Skills for Your Resume: List & Examples

Applying for a job vacancy is always competitive. This is especially true when you want to shift  the focus of your resume to your management skills . The only way to get ahead is by having the best skills, education, and professional experience.

That’s why it’s important to make sure your resume reflects everything you’ve accomplished in your career so far—that includes highlighting some of your management skills.

However, nowadays, many hiring managers are used to reading the same skills over and over again. While it is essential that you add these skills,  you’ll need to do something that excites a potential employer .

That means you’ll need to make your experience and education count when you are listing your management skills.

In this post, we’ll cover what makes a good management skills resume section and how to make sure yours stands out from the crowd.

You’ll learn about the typical types of  management skills to put on a resume , and how to use certain words and examples to make those skills impress a hiring employer.

With our advice and tips below, along with the use of a  resume builder , you should not have much trouble  impressing a hiring manager with your abilities and experience . Keep reading to know what to include and how to showcase your management skills on your resume.

What Are Management Skills?

Management skills are the abilities you use to manage projects and people. They can apply to  both leadership roles and non-leadership roles , although some management skills are only relevant in certain situations.

For example, if your job involves managing a team of engineers or artists,  your ability to manage them will be critical .

On the other hand, if you’re applying for a job as an accountant or marketing manager, knowing how to lead a team might not be important—although it might still come up in an interview!

Management skills include:

• Planning –  Using strategies for achieving objectives
• Organizing –  Arranging resources so that work can get done efficiently (e.g., planning meetings with multiple stakeholders)
• Delegating –  Assigning tasks based on individual strengths/weaknesses; ensuring that everyone has enough work/time
• Monitoring  – Controlling progress and taking corrective action when necessary
• Motivating  – Encouraging others to perform at their best; giving feedback on performance

Some other managerial abilities that you might consider adding, include:

• Problem-solving
• Conflict resolution

It is essential to remember that  management skills can be learned and developed . Some people have a natural talent for managing others or organizing events, while others need to work hard on developing their skill set.

Either way, there are plenty of  ways to hone your management skills  before applying for jobs.

Why Are Management Skills Important for a Resume?

Management skills are crucial to showing you can  lead, manage projects, and manage budgets . Management skills are important on your resume because they demonstrate that you can:

• Communicate effectively
• Handle conflict well
• Solve problems on your own or with others
• Build relationships

By having these skills, managers can make sure their teams are successful at work. That is why  companies really focus on this section of a resume  when they are searching for the perfect candidate for the position.

A well-made resume can highlight all of these skills. If you do not know how to outline the information correctly, it would be best to use a  resume template . Using  a template does the job of making your resume look attractive  for you.

5 Important Management Skills

It’s not about what you list, but  how you list them . There are some management skills you would benefit from having on your resume.

Many other applicants will have some, if not all, of these skills on their document, so you’ll need to  use the correct words and phrases  as a way to stand out from the rest.

That is why every applicant should ask themselves, “what are some management skills to put on a resume  that will really make me stand out? ”

To answer this all-important question, we have created a list of some of the most important management skills you could have on your resume.

By reviewing this list, you can understand exactly what words to include when you are describing how you use those abilities and make these  common management skills look unique to a hiring manager .

Time Management

Time management skills are essential for a lot of different job vacancies. Being  able to organize time is an extremely valuable ability  that any hiring manager looks for in a candidate. While you should put this skill, you must do so with the correct examples.

By adding an example of how you have used your time management abilities in the past, you’ll stand out from the other candidates.

For example,  what could you include  when talking about managing a project or orders in a previous job?

Once, when we received multiple, orders, I stayed after hours and finished my work.

Having to stay after is an example of NOT managing your time well.

We had to fulfill multiple requests at once. I delegated the request that was easiest to the lead assistant and handled the other two. By doing this, we finished all the requests on time and before the deadline.

This gives a clear example of time management.

It also helps to use words such as

If you aren’t able to prioritize properly and stay on top of all your projects, then it can cause stress for both yourself and your employees. That is why time management is essential.

Project Management

This skill allows you to effectively plan out projects from start to finish, ensuring that everything goes smoothly without any hiccups along the way.

It also  helps streamline communication between team members  who may be working on different aspects of said project, so everyone stays on track with their tasks, which will ultimately result in a better product being delivered at the end!

Having project management skills mean  you can take a goal and make smaller goals  and set deadlines. This ultimately improves efficiency when completing a large project.

Apart from using the term project management, you can include phrases such as

• Goal Setting
• Strategic Thinking

You can demonstrate project management with an example from outside a professional setting, such as managing a college project.

Organization

Organizational skills  are arguably the most important set of abilities  for someone who needs to manage themselves or others. One example would be to create a chain of command.

These types of skills also help managers see and understand  where and how improvements could be made to projects .

By being an organized manager/employee, you will be able to see problems and then fix them, this means  the administration of your project will go much smoother over time , and you will get much better results.

Some words you can use to show off your organizational skills include:

Knowing how to  write a resume  with these skills will help you impress hiring managers and increase your chances of being hired.

Collaboration

Managers need collaboration skills so that they  can work with other people effectively .

Managers must also be able to  handle conflict professionally  and know how best to resolve issues between team members.

However, collaboration is not only about getting along with your workmates or the people that work for you. It’s also about  getting everyone involved  and making sure that everyone is being productive.

Do not only call attention to your collaboration skills in a physical workplace setting. You should also mention how you have used your managerial talent online.

Nowadays, collaboration skills are not only indispensable when you are in an office together,  video calls and online meetings  are incredibly important to all companies.

Analytical Thinking

This skill usually pops up on resumes no matter what the job position is. It is a bit of an ambiguous trait to list.

However, there are  numerous ways you can back up the claim  that you are an effective analytical thinker.

Using  words like “developed” and “identified”  when mentioning your previous work experience will help you a lot.

This is especially true if you can  mention how you took data from reports or statistics  and used them to assist you to increase productivity or sales.

The ability to analyze information and use it effectively is a vital skill for any manager. Managers require these skills, so they can  make decisions quickly, efficiently, and with little to no mistakes  made along the way.

How to List Management Skills on Your Resume

There are many ways to list management skills on your resume. The most effective way is by prioritizing the most relevant ones and  listing them in order of importance .

To know the best way to list your skills for a vacancy, you should  always carefully review the job posting .

If the company is searching for someone that knows how to finish a project on time and knows how to communicate with other team leads,  you should list your skills in the following way :

• Project management (highest)
• Time management (second highest)
• Collaboration (lowest)

The ability to manage people is critical when  overseeing projects and trying to achieve goals . In some positions, it’s also important for managing budgets or other resources.

Potential employers will want to know that  you have the skills necessary to be successful in the position . That’s why it’s critical not to list too many skills on your resume or include ones that are irrelevant to the job at hand.

If you list too many skills or experiences that have little to no relevance to the job posting, hiring managers are more likely to go right to the next job application.

Hard and Soft Management Skills

Tangible, measurable, and transferable skills are also known as hard skills. These types of abilities can be used in many jobs.

These abilities are more valued by employers than soft skills in many cases because they  are applicable and measurable in the workplace .

Soft management skills are intangible and specific to the job you’re applying for. While these may be desirable, they aren’t necessarily transferable from one job to another.

Here’s a list of examples of hard and soft management skills:

Hard Management Skills:

• Customer service

If you don’t have these  hard management skills , there are more that you can use. In time, you can also  learn and improve on these skills  and eventually add them to your document.

Soft Management Skills:

While an employer may not appreciate your soft management skills as much as your hard management skills, that does not mean you shouldn’t put any effort into the soft skill section of your resume.

Below, you can find some soft skill words you can include in your resume:

• Communication
• interpersonal ​skills​
• ​Persuasion​
• Decision-making​

When mentioning either soft or hard skills as part of your work experience, make sure to show how there was  quantifiable change . For example, you can write:

• Lead a team of three python programmers to ensure the project went ahead and finished the project 15% faster than previously scheduled.
• Communicated and gave feedback to team members, helping us increase work efficiency by 20%, creating easier communication between the group.

Management Skills are an essential part of any job, but they can be tricky to list on your resume. There are fantastic  resume examples  for different job sectors that  show great ways to include your soft managerial talents .

By looking over professional examples and templates, you will have an even better idea of how to create your own document.

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Manager Resume Examples For 2024 (20+ Skills & Templates)

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Are you on the hunt for more Manager-level job offers?

You're going to need a strong resume. This comprehensive guide provides proven strategies, skills, templates, and examples for writing a job-winning manager resume based on data from coaching thousands of successful job seekers.

From top to bottom, this guide will give you the tools you need to create an excellent manager resume and increase the chances of you landing your dream job. I recommend reading the whole post but, if you're short on time, here is an overview of what we're going to cover:

• What To Know About Writing A Job-Winning Manager Resume
• The Best Skills To Include On A Manager Resume

How To Write A Job-Winning Manager Resume Summary

How to write offer-winning manager resume bullets.

• 3 Manager Resume Examples

The 8 Best Manager Resume Templates

Here's the step-by-step breakdown:

Manager Resume Overview: What To Know To Write A Resume That Wins More Job Offers

What do companies look for when hiring for a manager role?

When hiring for a manager role, companies look for candidates with a combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, and interpersonal abilities. Effective communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and organizational skills are also essential for success in a managerial position.

Managers should also possess technical knowledge that's relevant to the industry, and have strong interpersonal skills that are necessary for building strong relationships and working effectively with others.

Typically, organizations also look for candidates with prior management experience, as it demonstrates a track record of success in a leadership role. However, this isn't a requirement. Overall, companies seek candidates who can lead their team to achieve organizational goals, communicate effectively, and make timely and effective decisions.

Your resume should show your potential employer that both your personality and your experience encompass all of these things.

Additionally, there are a few best practices you want to follow to write a job-winning manager resume:

• Highlight your leadership and management skills. Include examples of how you have motivated and led teams to achieve organizational goals.
• Emphasize your communication and interpersonal skills.  Provide examples of how you have effectively communicated with team members, stakeholders, and clients.
• Include keywords from the job description: ensure your resume is optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• Highlight your problem-solving and decision-making skills.  Provide examples of how you have addressed complex issues and made effective decisions.
• Include any relevant certifications, awards or professional development courses. Demonstrate your expertise in your industry or field.
• Quantify your work: Use numbers to showcase the impact of your leadership on your team's performance. Some examples include improvements in employee productivity, increased team morale,  and boosts in overall team performance.
• Proofread: Carefully proofread your resume for errors and typos, as these can give a negative impression to potential employers (I recommend using the Hemingway App ).

Let's dive deeper into each of these so you have the exact blueprint you need to see success.

The Best Manager Skills To Include On Your Resume

Keywords are one of the most important factors in your resume. They show employers that your skills align with the role and they also help format your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

If you're not familiar with ATS systems, they are pieces of software used by employers to manage job applications. They scan resumes for keywords and qualifications and make it easier for the employers to filter and search for candidates whose qualifications match the role.

If you want to win more interviews and job offers, you need to have a keyword-optimized resume. There are two ways to find the right keywords:

1. Leverage The 20 Best Manager Keywords

The first is to leverage our list of the best keywords and skills for a manager resume.

These keywords were selected from an analysis of real manager job descriptions sourced from actual job boards. Here they are:

• Communication
• Team Member
• Performance
• Development
• Consistency
• Interpersonal Skills
• Accountable
• Organization

2. Use ResyMatch.io To Find The Best Keywords That Are Specific To Your Resume And Target Role

The second method is the one I recommend because it's personalized to your specific resume and target job.

This process lets you find the exact keywords that your resume is missing when compared to the individual role you're applying for

Here's how it works :

• Open a copy of your updated manager resume
• Open a copy of your target manager job description
• Head over to ResyMatch.io
• Copy and paste your manager resume on the left and then do the same for the job description on the right
• Hit scan and review the results

ResyMatch is going to scan your resume and compare it to the target job description. It's going to show you the exact keywords and skills you're missing as well as share other feedback you can use to improve your resume.

Here's a video walking through this whole process:

Capturing an employer's attention is critical and you only have an average of six seconds to do it.

To increase the chances of getting more interviews and job offers, it's essential to make every second count. One way to do this is by putting the most relevant information at the top of your resume.

A quick Google search will tell you that a Summary or an Objective should hold this top spot but, unfortunately, that traditional advice simply won't capture your reader's attention. Winning in today's job market means using a more modern approach, what I like to call a “Highlight Reel.”

Here's how it works:

Highlight Reels: A Proven Way To Start Your Resume And Win More Jobs

The Highlight Reel is exactly what it sounds like.

It's a section at the top of your resume that allows you to pick and choose the best and most relevant experience to feature right at the top of your resume.

It's essentially a highlight reel of your career as it relates to this specific role! I like to think about it as the SportsCenter Top 10 of your resume.

The Highlight Reel resume summary consists of 4 parts:

• A relevant section title that ties your experience to the role
• An introductory bullet that summarizes your experience and high level value
• A few supporting “Case Study” bullets that illustrate specific results, projects, and relevant experience
• A closing “Extracurricular” bullet to round out your candidacy

For example, if we were writing a Highlight Reel for a manager role, it might look like this:

You can see how the first includes the Manager job title, the years of experience this candidate has, and it wraps up with a value-driven pitch for how they've helped companies in the past.

The next two bullets are “Case Studies” of specific results they drove at their previous employers, again driving home the measurable outcomes of their efforts with metrics. Their last bullet focuses on the results of a program they implemented to increase employee recognition that had amazing results.

This candidate has provided all of the info any employer would want to see right at the very top of their resume! The best part is, they can customize this section for each and every role they apply for to maximize the relevance of their experience.

Here's one more example of a Manager Highlight Reel:

While this candidate doesn't mention any management experience, they focus on their skills as a leader and what their team was able to accomplish with their guidance. You can see all the elements of a great Highlight Reel (especially the emphasis on measurable outcomes and results!).

If you want more details on writing a killer Highlight Reel, check out my full guide on Highlight Reels here.

Bullets make up the majority of the content in your resume. If you want to win, you need to know how to write bullets that are compelling and value-driven.

Unfortunately, way too many job seekers aren't good at this. They use fluffy, buzzword-fill language and they only talk about the actions that they took rather than the results and outcomes those actions created.

If you apply this framework to each of the bullets on your resume, you're going to make them more compelling and your value is going to be crystal clear to the reader. For example, take a look at these resume bullets:

❌ Responsible for managing a team of 10 client success managers to drive revenue. 

✅ Managed a team of 10 client success managers who worked collaboratively to increase sales revenue by $20 million in 12 months. 

The second bullet makes the candidate's value  so much more clear. It gives information about what the candidate accomplished, how they accomplished it, and also gives a timeframe. That's what we're going for here.

That said, it's one thing to look at the graphic above and try to apply the abstract concept of “35% hard skills” to your bullet. We wanted to make things easy, so we created a tool called ResyBullet.io that will actually give your resume bullet a score and show you how to improve it.

Using ResyBullet To Write Crazy Effective, Job-Winning Manager Resume Bullets

ResyBullet takes our proprietary “resume bullet formula” and layers it into a tool that's super simple to use. Here's how it works:

• Head over to ResyBullet.io
• Copy a bullet from your manager resume and paste it into the tool, then hit “Analyze”
• ResyBullet will score your manager resume bullet and show you exactly what you need to improve
• You edit your bullet with the recommended changes and scan it again
• Rinse and repeat until you get a score of 60+
• Move on to the next bullet in your manager resume

Let's take a look at how this works for the two resume bullet examples I shared above:

First, we had, “Responsible for managing a team of 10 client success managers to drive revenue.”

ResyBullet gave that a score of 46/100.  While it includes a couple of action words and a metric to describe the size of the team this candidate managed, it has too many common words and no soft skills:

Now, let's take a look at our second bullet,  “Managed a team of 10 client success managers who worked collaboratively to increase sales revenue by $20 million in 12 months.”

ResyBullet gave that a 60 / 100. Much better! This bullet had more content focused on the specific criteria the hiring team is looking for. We can see by exactly how much they increased sales revenue and in what timeframe. We can also see the skills used to achieve those results, by getting the team to work collaboratively towards a common goal, which is exactly what employers are looking for in an effective manager!

Now all you have to do is run each of your bullets through ResyBullet, make the suggested updates, and your resume is going to be jam packed with eye-popping, value-driven content!

And if you want to learn more about the underlying strategies behind writing great resume bullets, check out this guide.

3 Manager Resume Examples For 2023

Now let's take a look at all of these best practices in action. Here are three resume examples for different situations from people with different backgrounds:

Manager Resume Example #1: A Traditional Background

Manager Resume Example #2: A Non-Traditional Background

For our second Manager Resume Example, we have a candidate who has a non-traditional background. In this case, they are coming from the teaching field and looking to transition into a manager role and highlights their transferrable skills.  Here's an example of what their resume might look like when applying for manager roles:

Manager Resume Example #3: Experienced Manager With a Career Gap

For our third Manager Resume Example, we have a candidate who has 12+ years of experience in management but has a 3-year career gap. There are a few ways to explain gaps in your employment history , but here is an example of what your resume might look like when applying for manager roles:

At this point, you know all of the basics you'll need to write a manager resume that wins you more interviews and offers. The only thing left is to take all of that information and apply it to a template that's going to help you get results.

We made that easy with our ResyBuild tool . It has 8 proven templates that were created with the help of recruiters and hiring managers at the world's best companies. These templates also bake in thousands of data points we have from the job seekers in our audience who have used them to land job offers.

Just click any of the templates below to start building your resume using proven, recruiter-approved templates:

Key Takeaways To Wrap Up Your Job-Winning Manager Resume

You made it! We packed a lot of information into this post so I wanted to distill the key points for you and lay out next steps so you know exactly where to from here.

Here are the 5 steps for writing a job-winning manager resume:

• Start with a proven resume template from ResyBuild.io
• Use ResyMatch.io to find the right keywords and optimize your resume for each manager role you apply to
• Start your resume with a Highlight Reel to immediately grab your target employer's attention
• Use ResyBullet.io to craft compelling, value-driven bullets that pop off the page
• Compare the draft of your manager resume to the examples on this page to make sure you're on the right path
• Use a tool like HemingwayApp to proofread your resume before you submit it

If you follow those steps, you're going to be well on your way to landing more manager interviews and job offers.

Laura Lorta

Laura is an Editor at Cultivated Culture. She transitioned from teaching into the world of content so she's no stranger to career pivots. She also has a bachelors in Entrepreneurship and a Masters in Curriculum & Instruction / Bilingual Education. She currently shares job search advice to help people like you land jobs they love without applying online.

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How to List Management Skills on Your Resume

Here are the top ways to show your Management skills on your resume. Find out relevant Management keywords and phrases and build your resume today.

Is your resume ATS-friendly?

Drop your resume here or upload a file to find out if the skills in your resume are readable by an ATS.

In This Guide:

Top management skills worth listing on your resume, how to list management skills on resume, where to list management skills on resume, how to match your skills to the job, key takeaways for listing management skills on your resume:.

You’re applying for a position that requires you to be a great manager.

You know you have all the qualities and necessary experience. Not only that, but you’ve even decided to read an article on the most in-demand management skills for your resume.

But how do you prove your expertise to the hiring manager?

In a world full of aspiring leaders with great personalities and years of experience, how do you make yourself stand out ?

Here’s the answer – by building a compelling summary of your management skills and achievements that people just can’t turn down.

We know what you’re thinking, highlighting management skills on your resume without sounding arrogant seems challenging.

But don’t worry. We’ve compiled a list of the top resume management skills that will make you the center of attention without sacrificing your modesty.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• What the most in-demand management skills are
• How to highlight management skills on your resume
• What are some hard management skills worth mentioning to recruiters
• How to match your management skills to the job

… and more. Let’s begin!

Although being a manager might sound like being proficient in numbers, operations, and administrative tasks, you probably know best that this position requires a great deal of soft skills.

That’s why recruiters pay attention to how you manage conflict, people, and your time.

But what are some specific management skills worth listing on your resume?

Soft skills list

All of us use a combination of soft skills every single day. Be it at the store, the restaurant, or even in the park.

But what soft skills are required for managers?

As a manager, people expect you to influence others and lead them in the right direction.

As an applicant, however, recruiters expect you to share more about the ways in which your leadership skills have helped achieve company goals and create something new.

You can highlight your leadership skills in the resume summary, achievement, and experience sections. Just make sure to go beyond the plain “leadership skills” listed among your other skills.

Here's an example:

Led a team of 17 people responsible for building the company’s ESG bi-annual strategy.

Planning skills are essential for every company’s success – they allow employees to identify, manage, and execute tasks successfully.

Some planning skills worth mentioning in your resume include multitasking, problem-solving, strategic thinking, and even research!

Here’s how you can highlight your planning skills in the experience section:

Was responsible for planning and hosting six 500-guest events in Q1 of 2020 (in-person and online).

Time management

Whether you’re working from home or commuting, time management is without a doubt the backbone of all your tasks.

But you know how time works – it’s never enough.

What’s more, if one person delivers their part of the project late, the whole team needs to put extra effort to meet the deadline.

That’s why a good way to show your time-management skills to recruiters is by mentioning situations when you had lots of responsibilities and just a tiny amount of time.

Here’s one example of adding time management to your resume’s accomplishments section:

Developed valuable time management skills by working while studying full-time.

Want to save some time? Use our intuitive resume builder and bring your resume to life.

Organizational skills

Organizational skills are time management’s older sibling.

In addition to managing your time well, organizational skills allow you to focus your energy, mental capacity, physical strength, and efficiency on achieving a certain goal.

Recruiters know and value this highly.

You can make your resume memorable by highlighting times when your exceptional organizational skills made a big difference.

For instance:

Developed an innovative task management system that increased my team’s productivity by over 70%

Team building

Making sure that qualified employees work in cohesive teams has proven to be vital for all industries.

However, team building is not as easy as it sounds. Recruiters are aware of this, and that’s why they love seeing real-life examples of managers with strong team-building skills .

The accomplishments section of your resume is a great way to share more about this part of your personality.

Awarded #1 team leader for organizing 12 employees from different departments after major company-wide restructuring

Project management

Rumor has it, project management skills are necessary only for jobs in consulting or IT.

It’s time to bust the myth – that’s not true.

In fact, being able to plan, manage, and execute projects is important for each and every industry out there.

And guess what – applicants with strong project management skills are considered more reliable than others.

So if there’s a project that you’ve helped manage or execute, make sure to include it in the summary section of your resume.

Here’s one way to do that: A creative yet disciplined Associate Manager with 7 years of experience in the renewable energy industry. Managed a $100 million project aimed at supplying off-grid electricity in rural Nepali areas.

Check out our selection of 4 job-winning project management resume examples and build yours in minutes.

Coordination skills

Achieving good coordination of people and processes is another management skill worth mentioning to hiring managers.

Sharing more about a project you’re proud of in your resume’s accomplishments section is a great way to do that.

Received a special award for coordinating large company events with up to 1,000 guests by myself.

Other management skills worth listing on your resume

Here are some other management skills for your resume that you can include as part of the skills section:

• Google Analytics
• Microsoft Office
• HTML5 & CSS3
• Data analysis
• Customer service
• Market research

Check out our complete guide to writing an outstanding Management resume

You’re already familiar with the most in-demand management skills. But how do you actually include them in your resume? Let’s see…

Make sure the skills you list are relevant to the position

Listing irrelevant skills that only take up space can make your resume look unprofessional.

That’s why we advise you to mention skills that will add value to your CV instead. Trust us on this one if you want to boost your chances of landing an interview!

Still not sure what your resume should look like? Here’s a list of the best resume examples out there.

Provide concrete examples with numbers

Recruiters just love seeing numbers on resumes! They are the easiest way to find out more about the actual results of your work.

That’s why linking your management skills to the goals they’ve helped you achieve is always a good idea.

You can do so by mentioning the number of teams you’ve led or the percentage increase in revenues that’s followed from your coordination efforts.

It all depends on your experience, achievements, and personal preference!

Check out this Management Consultant resume for some additional inspiration.

Be specific

Sounding vague could give off a weird feeling and make recruiters think you’re making skills up.

That’s why we advise you to be as specific as possible.

And if there are too many things you’d like to share but not enough space, go for one of our compact resume templates to ensure your resume fits on one page.

Skills section on resume

Listing skills in the skills section sounds intuitive and almost obvious. But choosing the right kind of skills might prove to be a bit more challenging.

For guaranteed success, we advise you to choose the top 10 most relevant skills that don’t necessarily have to be elaborated upon (like MS Office) and go for them.

In addition, it’s a good idea to follow the wording of the job advert’s requirement section, as most hiring managers use applicant tracking systems (ATS). They screen resumes for keywords and are often preferred for the first part of the selection process.

Communicating skills in the experience section

The experience section on the other hand is a great way to get into a bit more detail about your management skills.

Here, recruiters expect you to share more about your greatest achievements, but also about your day-to-day job tasks.

Include numbers and tangible results for bonus points!

Mentioning management skills in your cover letter

Your cover letter is the perfect place for telling a personal story and sharing why you’re the most suitable applicant for the job.

You can mention how your management skills have helped you achieve your goals and ultimately become a great team player. Or you can share more about a conflict situation you’ve handled perfectly well.

It’s up to you. Just make sure to use a professional tone of voice that matches the company’s culture.

Check this out: a professional Management cover letter example

You’ve got a list of skills for your management resume. Now what?

It’s time to match them to the job!

And although it might sound like too much effort, we advise you to tailor your resume to each job you apply for.

This extra step will show recruiters you’re serious about the job and will definitely pay off.

There are two ways to match your skills to the job:

Job position research tips

First, make sure to research the company and the position. Check out the company website and social media profiles, and look for hints in employee reviews.

In short – try to guess the skills and qualifications your employer of choice values most. And then build your resume accordingly.

Still not sure how to write your resume? This article will answer all your questions.

• Make sure to list at least some of your soft management skills, including leadership, time management, etc.
• Add your management skills to your resume’s header, experience, summary, and skills sections
• Don’t forget to tailor your resume to all jobs you apply for

• Resume Skills

How to Ask for Feedback after an Interview

Should i attach a cover letter or write it in the email, how to write a career change resume summary with examples, the novice guide to creating a plain text resume (including templates), professional associations on resume, when is the best time to resign from your job.

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Management Skills for a Resume: Lists & Examples

So, you’re back on the hunt for jobs. There’s no way around it, one of the hardest jobs in the world is simply finding one. You’re competing with hundreds of people to get your dream job, the job you deserve . 

Maybe you’ve graduated recently, and you’re looking to get a job in the field you studied, or maybe you just need a change of pace. 

Whichever situation you’re in, it’s important that you know how to market yourself on your resume . 

It’s the best chance you’ve got at getting a leg up on the competition. 

There are a ton of skills that you can list on your resume, but some of the most important skills to list have to do with management 

Even if you haven’t actually worked in a management position, you may have acquired management skills. 

That’s why we’ve put together  management skills lists that can be used with a free online resume builder to help you make an incredible resume!

This ResumeGiants article includes:

What Are Management Skills?

Working in management means you face unique challenges and for that you’ll need the right skills. 

Management skills are needed to correctly direct and lead your team. 

These skills could also apply to managing assets such as finances and other resources. It’s a broad range of skills, but essentially it entails taking on lead responsibility . 

• Anna lead a team of programmers to debug software before launch
• Harold trained a football team to prepare for an upcoming game 

While they’re very different types of management, you’ll notice that both people are leading/managing others (which in some cases is interchangeable with resources such as finances).

Importance of Management Skills

What makes these types of skills any different from other skills? 

Management skills and abilities show that you would handle responsibility better than the average person. 

Think about it. When you’re given an assignment to delegate tasks to a group of people, the responsibility of completing that task is solely on you. 

It requires much more creative thought, time management, and stress management. The truth is that not everyone is up for that kind of responsibility. 

Having these skills on your resume will give insight that shows you’re self-sufficient and responsible. 

Let’s say you’re a hiring manager, seeking to fill a junior software engineer position. These are your two candidates and their standout skills:

• Joey: Project management, Team Leadership, and Communication
• Edward: Self Motivated, Quick-Learner, and Computer Skills

If you’re doing your job right, then you’ll hire Joey. He has good management skills. Broken down more, Joey has more skills that make him easier to train for a leadership position. 

Edward’s skills aren’t as self-sufficient, and it would take him longer to be trained for a management position.

Types of Management Skills for a Resume

There are a ton of management skills that you can add to your resume. As we said earlier, it’s a broad range of skills, but we’ve broken them into categories. 

You’ll learn about project management skills, organizational skills, communication skills, directing skills, and feedback integration skills!

Project Management Skills

Project management skills, or planning skills, deal with building a foundation . 

What’s the first thing you need when building a house? A blueprint. That blueprint will ensure that you know how you’re going to achieve your goal.

The general idea of this skill is breaking down an objective into smaller goals , setting deadlines, and managing budgets.

Skill words:

• Goal Setting
• Project Management
• Strategic Thinking
• Researching

Note: Something we’ve noticed is that job seekers building resumes don’t believe they have management skills because it wasn’t ‘professional’ work.

If you worked on a project outside of work that required you to manage time, tasks delegation, or other resources that deal with management, then that means you have management skills .  

If it can fit into your resume, then it’s worth adding (so long as it’s relevant)!

Organization

Organizational skills are used to support the plan that you create through project management . An example of organizational skills could be creating a chain of command for employees to report to.

This would help with troubleshooting, overall time management, and project estimation (calculating how long the project or tasks would take).

These types of skills will also help you see where improvements could be made , thus saving the company time and money. 

It’s important to have these examples of management skills on your resume because it shows that you can hold a plan together and follow through.

Skill Words:

• Creating Hierarchy

Management Communication

Management communication skills stem from organization skills, and they may just be the most important skills to have. These skills entail communicating an objective or objectives to a team or a leader. 

This includes presenting goals to teams and breaking them down, checking in on teams to see progress, and keeping your boss informed on the status of the project. 

Good management communication is a sign of a person that is easy to communicate with, meaning they’re flexible and easy-going. 

Below are some skills that may demonstrate your excellent communication.

• Public Speaking

Directing Employees

Directing employees is a perfect example of management skills vs leadership skills. 

The biggest difference is that leadership is more about charisma and influence over a group, while management skills are about controlling a group or resources. 

Directing falls in between the two. It shows that you can give orders while influencing the employees to understand the importance of their role. 

There is a wrong way and a right way to direct, here are a couple of examples:

“Jim, I need you to have the paper done tomorrow.”

A better way to direct employees would go something like this:

“Jim, don’t forget the paper is due tomorrow. It’s important we have that for the business pitch. How’s it coming along?”

The latter statement and question create a much deeper connection with the employee, his work, and how you’re depending on him. It also gives a sense that you’re here to listen and help an employee through any problems that may arise.

Taking Feedback and Integrating It

Communication goes both ways, meaning that managing skills require listening too. Taking feedback is critical because it shows that you’re willing to improve and not take criticism to heart.

Everyone makes mistakes and has oversights, but what’s significant is recognizing and improving from them. That’s what makes integrating feedback one of the top management skills!

• Active-Listening
• Troubleshooting
• Evaluation of Performance

How to Improve Your Management Skills

Once you identify the skills you need for a vacancy, you should work on trying to enhance them. 

That way once you land a job you’ll be able to have a smooth transition into your management position. There are a few ways that you can prepare for a new role and become a better manager, such as:

• Attending online classes
• Attending conferences and seminars
• Taking part in on the job training

If you feel you have some skills that you need to sharpen before you start applying for jobs, the good news is that you’ll find plenty of online courses to give you a boost! 

If you already have a job lined up , talk with human resources to see if they can pay for some training.

How to Put Your Management Skills on Your Resume

Apart from the skill section, it would be a great ideato add them to your professional experience section . 

The best way to do this would be to write a bullet point that has a quantifiable impact on the company you worked or currently work for.

Soft management skill examples:

• Lead team to complete a project
• Communicated with multiple team leaders to ensure the project was completed on time
• Listened to feedback from team members

The problem with these bullet points are that they don’t show quantifiable change . 

They are better than having management verbs on listed, but they can be so much better, like:

Quantifiable management skill examples:

• This example gives an actual number of how many people were managed
• Again, this illustrates a number of managed team members and what happened as a result
• This shows how feedback was integrated and what happened as a result

Numbers matter. They’re what’ll make you stand out. 

While you may not have exact percentages, you can and should estimate the impact your work had on the company!

We just know, with the skills we’ve shown you and how to integrate them, along with our resume templates , you’ll stand out from the competition! Now take what you’ve learned and add it to your resume!

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• Resume and Cover Letter
• 7 best time management skills...

7 best time management skills on a resume (with examples)

10 min read · Updated on April 22, 2024

Show hiring managers you're the reliable professional they're seeking

Are you the sort of employee who feels in control, knowing that your deadlines will be met, your desk will be cleared at the end of the day, and your records are always up to date? Or are you the type to panic at the last minute, thriving under the pressure of getting things done but usually running late and leaving your colleagues wondering if your part of the project will ever be completed? 

Yes, we're talking about the importance of time management skills here. In this post, we'll look at why time management skills on your resume are important to employers and which are most in demand. We'll also share how to include time management skills on your own resume and provide some examples so that you can get it right. Let's dive in.

Why are time management skills important on a resume?

Employers want staff who can work efficiently and complete their tasks on time, every time. Whether you're applying for the sort of role that demands the ability to meet major project deadlines or the sort of role that requires you to stay on top of a busy workload, you need to show you're up to the job. That means showing off your time management skills on your resume, so that employers know from the start that you're a reliable employee who can keep up with the demands of the role. 

What are the best time management skills on a resume? 

If you think it's as easy as scribbling “time management” into a skills list on your resume, think again. Let's take a look at some of the most desirable examples of time management skills for your resume and examine how you can incorporate these professional skills  into your own job search document. 

1. Prioritization

Are you the kind of person who can't see the wood for the trees? If you have a to-do list as long as your arm, it's easy to get bogged down carrying out less-important tasks at the expense of the more critical ones. Rather than starting at the top of the list and working down, the employee with strong prioritization skills has the clarity to identify what needs to be done now and what can be saved for later.

2. Planning

Being able to plan ahead and schedule work is a valued and valuable skill. Rather than leaving everything to the last minute and rushing tasks in a panic, a planner breaks down tasks into manageable chunks and schedules in the time necessary to complete them to a high standard by the allocated deadline. Whether you're doing this for your personal workload or coordinating tasks across a whole team, this is a great skill to showcase on your resume. 

3. Delegation

Delegation may not seem like a time management skill, but it is! No-one can do everything. Being able to delegate to junior staff, or even to a peer with more expertise in a particular area, means that you can use your time more productively. When everyone can focus on their own contribution, things happen more efficiently and smoothly. 

4. Using technology

There is a vast amount of technology available these days to help us manage our time better. Whether you collaborate with colleagues on Slack, track the time you spend on tasks using Toggl, plan projects in Asana, or use one of the myriad other technologies available, it's worth calling out this tech on your resume. 

5. Meeting deadlines

This is one of the most critical time management skills for your resume. Employees that miss deadlines create work for their colleagues and let down customers. Whether your role depends on meeting regular deadlines, such as in project management , or you just need to submit your expense claims by a certain time each month, it's worth highlighting your ability to succeed here. 

Are you easily distracted? Or worse, does your distraction distract others from their work? If you can zoom in on your task and maintain concentration, that's a highly desirable skill. While everyone needs a break from time to time, employers are looking for someone who can maintain the focus needed to be productive. 

7. Organization

No list of time management skills would be complete without mentioning organization. Rather than trailing chaos in their wake, the organized employee brings together skills in planning, prioritization, and focus to stay in control of their workload and is recognized as a reliable member of the team. 

Where to put time management skills on your resume 

While you don't need to litter your resume with every time management skill we've listed, you'll want to prove that you're a reliable professional who stays in control by using some of the qualities we've mentioned. A scattering of these skills throughout your resume will help to build a positive image of you in the hiring manager's mind, so here's where you can use them:

In the Profile section

The profile is your elevator pitch, that should position you as a candidate of choice in the reader's eyes. That means it needs to show off your best, and most relevant, attributes for the role. If you're an experienced professional, well into your career, time management may not be one of your key selling points - you can mention it later in your resume instead. But for students and recent graduates, soft skills such as time management are likely to be the focus of their resume. In that case for you, feel free to mention one or more of the skills we've mentioned in your profile. 

In the Key Skills section 

The Key Skills (or Core Competencies) section is an obvious place to list some time management skills on your resume. It's wise to include the skills requested in the job posting in this section, so take a moment to scour the advert for keywords you can mirror. Make sure that any skills you list in this section are evidenced elsewhere on your resume. 

In your Professional Experience section 

Your work history is the ideal place to throw in your aptitude for time management, as you'll have the space and flexibility to add some detail. Remember the mantra: show, don't tell! That means proving that you have the skills you claim, by telling a story and quantifying the outcomes, rather than just saying, “Yep, I can do that.” We've got some examples of this below. 

Examples of time management skills on your resume 

Now you know which time management skills are great to include on your resume, and you know where to include them. But some examples would probably help, so that you can understand what's expected and how to include these skills naturally in your Professional Experience section. We aim to please! We've pulled together some time management skills examples for your resume, that you can adapt and use as inspiration. 

Examples of time management skills for students

Consistently handed in assignments ahead of deadlines, while balancing the competing demands of studies and a part-time job

Maintained a 100% record of punctuality and attendance

Examples of time management skills for a Project Manager resume

Took over a stalled project and achieved delivery by the original deadline, having re-planned timelines and re-energised the project team

Delivered a complex app development project 2 weeks ahead of schedule by delegating tasks fairly across the team and resolving problems collaboratively 

Examples of time management skills for an Administrator resume 

Developed a logical new filing system that enabled faster retrieval of client documents

Completed monthly reporting on time and with zero errors, due to a natural aptitude for focus and attention to detail 

Examples of time management tasks for an Event Manager resume

Prioritized tasks and set deadlines with suppliers to organize a successful team building event for 100+ delegates 

Built a delivery schedule for a major conference and monitored progress, with positive feedback received from senior executives and speakers

Examples of time management skills for a Content Writer resume

Collaborated with a remote team via Slack to ensure that all required content was produced in line with the monthly schedule

Consistently achieved handover deadlines by taking an organized approach and planning a demanding personal workload 

Examples of time management skills for a Warehouse Manager resume

Improved average despatch time by 35% by creating a more efficient floor layout 

Motivated staff to achieve KPI targets by providing one-to-one training on time management

Examples of time management skills for a Retail Assistant resume

Completed stock takes within the agreed timeframes by taking an organized and logical approach

Increased sales and revenue by prioritizing replenishment of high-margin, fast-selling products

How to explain time management skills in an interview

When it comes to an interview, the same mantra of “show, don't tell” applies. Use the STAR technique to tell the interviewer about a time when you used your time management skills to achieve a positive outcome for the team or the business. Remember the 7 examples of time management we've listed above to identify a particular scenario to discuss. You can find out more about the STAR technique in this post: How to use the STAR approach in a job interview .

How to improve your time management skills 

If you struggle with your time management, it's not the end of the world. There are things you can do to improve this vital soft skill so that you can showcase it proudly on your resume. 

Swallow the frog

This may be a revolting expression, but it boils down to tackling the most unpleasant task first. Once you've done that, you have the rest of the day to work productively on much easier tasks, without the prospect of a difficult or challenging issue hanging over your head to face later. 

Schedule 

One of the most helpful things you can do for your time management is to set a schedule – and stick to it. By prioritizing what needs to be done each day, allocating a reasonable amount of time to it, and checking back in regularly, you'll find yourself flying through your to-do list faster than ever.

Embrace technology 

There's a plethora of apps out there designed to help with time management, it's just a case of finding the one that works for you. A bit of time spent on research now could save you hours in the future. 

Take a break

It may seem counterintuitive, but stopping work can actually make you more productive. Scheduling regular short breaks means that you'll return to the task refreshed and with a clearer mind, meaning you'll finish the work sooner and to a higher standard than if you'd just plowed on through. 

Don't write a to-do list 

Rather than writing a to-do list, write a priority list instead. It will be shorter and more manageable, and crossing items off your priority list will leave you with a sense of accomplishment that will power you through some odd tasks on your nice-to-do-but-not-a-priority list. 

Save time when writing your resume

As we mentioned, delegation is a great time management skill for your resume. Did you know that you can delegate that task too? TopResume has a team of expert writers available to make sure you're putting your best foot forward when you start your job search. 

If you've been organized enough to complete the task yourself, why not send your resume for a free review to make sure you've ticked all the boxes? 

Recommended reading: 

• 10 Ways to Build Awesome Time Management Skills
• The 10 Secrets of Effective Team Management
• 11 Best Administrative Skills for Your Resume (With Examples)

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

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How to List Skills on a Resume (Real Skill Examples)

This essential resume writing article is about how to list skills on a resume. For more resume writing help, visit our job seeker resource center .

EdgeWater Pharmacy just posted an opening for a Sales Associate right down the street from your home. You think you are the perfect fit for the job, so you submit your resume, but so do 30 other candidates.

Do you know who is going to get called in for an interview? 

The job seeker who looks like they have the most relevant skills for the job.

Make sure you’re getting the callback for an interview from a hiring manager by reading how to list your skills on a resume.

This essential job seekers’ guide will walk you through how to add the skills a hiring manager wants to see on your resume, along with 50+ real resume examples of skills you can use.

This article on how to include key skills on a resume covers:

• What are professional skills?
• Why are skills important on resumes?
• Different types of skills for job seekers
• Where and how to incorporate skills on a job application
• Top 50+ skills hiring managers want to see on your resume
• Fastest ways to gain new skills to get hired

What Are Skills? Why Are Skills Important?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a skill is:

“the ability to use one’s knowledge effectively and readily in execution or performance”

“a learned power of doing something competently : a developed aptitude or ability”

When it comes to job hunting, your skills are what set you apart. Every human on earth has a set of skills that is unique to them. Likewise, every professional position has a unique set of skills that is required for performing the job.

Finding the perfect alignment between these two ideas is the key goal for every hiring manager.

If a hiring manager finds someone that already possesses the skills needed for their job, they won’t have to spend so much time and money on training. It also means that their new employee will be able to pull their own weight more quickly, providing a quicker return on their hiring investment.

But how do hiring managers know who has what it takes to perform well on the job?

The first and most important place hiring managers look is at your resume. On average, a hiring manager spends 6 seconds reviewing a resume and during that time they are scanning the pages to see if the skills required for the job jump out at them.

If they find what they are looking for, you get called in for an interview. If they don’t quickly see what they are looking for, your resume will most likely be discarded.

As a job seeker, it is your responsibility to make sure you know what skills hiring managers are looking for.

Once you identify those skills, it is also your responsibility to make sure those relevant skills are incorporated into your resume in a way that stands out.

If you do these two things accurately, you will be the one getting called in for an interview and will be that much closer to landing a new job.

Types of Professional Skills (Real Resume Examples)

Skills can be broken down into four main categories:

• Hard skills
• Soft skills
• Transferable skills
• Job-related skills.

Before you start writing your own list of skills, let’s go through each of these skill categories to see what the difference between them is.

Hard Skills vs Soft Skills

Hard skills are specific, teachable, and tangible. They can be measured and tested using assignments and assessments. Hard skills are learned, either through on-the-job training or through school, rather than coming naturally.

Examples of hard skills for a resume:

Soft skills are intangible and are harder to measure. They are personality traits and interpersonal skills that come naturally to humans, rather than being learned through school.

People are born with soft skills. These soft skills grow and develop over time from your upbringing, education, and experiences.   

Examples of soft skills:

Contrary to popular belief, hiring managers often care more about soft skills than hard skills, though both hard and soft skills contribute to your appeal as a candidate.

Hard skills, such as computer programming or accounting, can be taught using a combination of curriculum and hands-on practice. Whereas soft skills, such as a positive attitude or punctuality, are harder to teach.

Regardless of your background, hiring managers are usually flexible with teaching you the hard skills needed for their job, as long as you already have the right attitude along with the aptitude to learn.

Transferable Skills vs Job-Related Skills

Transferable skills can be carried with you from one job to the other. These skills can be a hard skill or soft skill, as long as they can be used in any type of role, regardless of the industry, company, or position.

Examples of transferable skills:

Job-related skills are usually always hard skills.  These job-related skills are specific to a certain type of role or position.

Examples of job-related skills:

How And Where To List Skills On Your Resume

Skills should be included throughout your resume, rather than confined to one area.

While scanning your resume, hiring managers will be looking over each resume section, starting with the top. Because of how people read resumes, you need to make sure they see your skills immediately.

Guarantee hiring managers will see your skills by listing them in four key areas of your resume:

• Resume header
• Professional summary
• Summary of skills
• Work Experience section

If you are writing a resume from scratch, try using this free and easy-to-use resume builder from Resume.com. The sections and formatting are already created for you, so all you need to worry about is filling in the blanks to finish a free printable resume.

1. Resume Header

At the top of your resume, directly below your name, write your job title along with the three most relevant skills you have as a candidate.

This is the first section hiring managers will be reading, so it is important to draw their attention using bold and large lettering.

If you’re using this resume builder , the ‘ Blue Skies ’, ‘ Three Blocks Digital ’, and ‘ van Deco ’ resume templates already have a header section included, which will make finishing your resume easier.

When writing your header, it is crucial that you customize the job title and skills to each job you’re applying for. Your job application needs to be consistent – you can read more about consistency in this article .

For example, if you write Java Developer in your resume header, but are applying for a .NET Developer position, a huge red flag will go up for the hiring manager.

When writing your top three skills in your header, make sure they align with the required skills listed in the job posting.

If you’re applying for a job at a large company or corporation, or you’re applying through a job board, it’s helpful to keep applicant tracking systems (ATS) in mind. Make sure your resume makes it past ATS software by listing your skills using the same wording as the job posting.  

Example of skills in the resume header: 

2. Professional Summary

Below your header and contact information, you will have a professional summary section. A professional summary used to be called an ‘objective’, but the modern resume writing approach is to replace your objective with a professional summary section.

Your professional summary should give an overview of your background, years of experience, and the top skills that set you apart. The skills in your professional summary should be written in sentence form, rather than listed out.

If using the resume builder , the ‘ My Employment ’, ‘ Apple Green ’, and ‘ Side Panel ’ resume templates have professional summary sections that are sure to draw attention to your most relevant skills.

Example of skills in the professional summary of a resume:

3. Summary of Skills

Below your professional summary, include a ‘summary of skills’ section. Alternative titles for this section could be ‘core competencies’, ‘key skills’, ‘professional skills’, or ‘relevant skills’.

If you have less than 10 skills, you can list them out in columns. 

Summary of skills resume example (less than 10 professional skills) :

Summary of skills resume example (more than 10 professional skills) :

For your skills section, your skills should be listed, rather than written out in sentence form. This formatting choice helps hiring managers to pick out the key words quickly, which they can read about in more detail in the experience section after.

4. Experience Section

The ‘experience’ section usually comes after your summary of skills on a resume. Depending on your background, this could also be called ‘professional experience’, ‘work experience’, or ‘relevant experience’.

Your experience section is the perfect place to back your skills up with real-life examples of when you have used your skills, in addition to the results you have achieved.

When writing your experience section, give specific details about where, when, and with whom you have used your skills. When possible, use numbers and metrics to quantify your achievements.

Example of how to list skills in the experience section of a resume:

How to List Skills On A Resume – Finding Relevant Skills For You

To figure out what skills you should include on your resume, follow these three simple steps.

Step #1: Create a master list of skills

Go through each category and create a master list of the skills in your toolbox. Don’t be afraid to list things that seem obvious, like computer skills or customer service.

Although they might seem like a given in your profession, many hiring managers still want to see these skills listed.

Never include skills that you are no longer familiar with. If you write a skill on your resume, hiring managers will be expecting that you can deliver on that activity.

If you are worried that a hiring manager will over or underestimate your level of proficiency, feel free to write ‘beginner’, ‘intermediate’, or ‘proficient’ next to each skill listed.

Step #2: Figure out the skills needed for the job

When applying for jobs, it is important to identify the set of skills that are needed. Picking out the needed skills will help you determine if you are a good fit for the role. It will also help you tailor your resume skills to the specific job you are applying for.

There are two main ways to determine the skills needed for a job.

The first is to dissect job descriptions and job postings that are posted on career websites and job boards. To do this, go through a job description and highlight each quality that describes the candidate the company is looking for.

For example, here is a job posting for a cashier position: 

Then create a list of all the qualities described, making sure to write each skill using the same wording that is used in the job posting.

The second way to figure out what skills are needed for a job is to search for people on LinkedIn who are already performing the role.

By searching for a certain job title in the search bar, you can find a list of professionals who are already in that job and then search through their profile to see what skills they have listed, both in their summary and experience sections.

Step #3: Match your master list with the skills needed for a job

The skills you write on your resume should be whatever overlaps between your master list and the list of skills you created from researching jobs.

By using this technique, you will be making sure that the skills you have listed on your resume are relevant to the jobs you are applying for.

A general rule of thumb is to never include skills that aren’t important for the job you are applying for.

For example, if you are applying for a project manager position, there is no need to list that you know yoga or CPR.

Top 50+ Skills Hiring Managers Look For On Resumes

A lot of research has been done as to what hiring managers look for on a resume. Many of the skills they seek are job-specific, while others are transferable.

To increase your chances of getting called in for an interview, include these top skills throughout your resume.

These professional skills are divided by category to help you find the skills that are relevant to you.

Soft Skills

Basic computer skills, customer service, project management, art & design, human resources, fastest ways to obtain new skills.

Are you looking for your first job? Are you missing some of the required skills on a job posting? If so, don’t worry. There are a range of ways for you to obtain the needed skills quickly.

If you are in need of a hard skill, this task is much easier. Hard skills are learned, so you can typically find an online resource, school, or curriculum to pick up the needed skills.

If you don’t have enough time to attend class in person, there are a number of online learning platforms with courses that you can take online, in your spare time. Some examples of popular eLearning platforms include Lynda, Udemy, and Skillshare.

Learning soft skills are a little trickier. These interpersonal and personality traits are hardwired into humans, so the only way to get better at them is to practice, practice, practice.

If you can’t practice soft skills while on a job, try to find some day-to-day activities that you can practice these skills during.

For example, if you need to work on punctuality, set a goal to arrive 5 minutes early wherever you need to be, no matter if it is for class or for coffee. Or if you need to work on your professionalism, pick up a volunteer job based in a professional, office setting.

More Skill-Related Articles For Resume Writing:

• How To List Hard Skills On A Resume (50+ Technical Skill Examples)
• How to List Computer Skills on a Resume (50+ Computer Skill Examples)

30 Best Core Competencies For Your Resume (+ Examples)

3 key takeaways 

• Core competencies are broad strengths and capabilities unique to you. 
• Identifying your core competencies makes it easier for hiring managers to find you. 
• Teal’s Resume Builder helps you add the right core competencies to your resume. 

When hiring managers look at your resume, they’re not just looking at your GPA, degree, or previous experience. Many employers are moving toward skills-based hiring, evaluating your core competencies. In fact, according to Salesforce’s 2023 digital skills survey , 82 percent of leaders surveyed stated that skills are the most important attribute when evaluating candidates. 

Your core competencies refer to your hard and soft skills , abilities, and personal qualities. If the competencies on your resume match the key qualifications listed in the job description, you have a better shot of grabbing a hiring manager’s attention.

Systematically listing your core competencies on your resume communicates that you have the skills and attributes required for the role.

This guide on adding core competencies to a resume covers:

What are core competencies?

Importance of core competencies in a resume, how to identify your core competencies, examples of core competencies, how to list core competencies on your resume.

Struggling to land interviews with your resume? Get started with Teal’s AI Resume Builder for free.

Core competencies are attributes that show your proficiency in a particular skill or ability. Your core competencies are made up of your unique personality traits, professional experience, and key skills. These are broad one- or two-word terms that highlight what you bring to the table. 

For example, a manager might list “Leadership” as a core competency. An event coordinator could list “Problem-solving.” A sales professional could list “Persuasion.” When done right, resume core competencies quickly illustrate your professional assets and knowledge.

What do core competencies mean on a resume?

Core competencies on a resume are typically a short list of the main attributes and strengths a candidate brings to the role. You might have a range of core competencies, but because your resume offers limited real estate, only list the ones that directly pertain to the position. 

Another word for core competencies on a resume is core capabilities. Other near synonyms for core competencies include core qualifications, strengths, specialty, expertise and talent.

Core competencies vs skills on resume

When you’re job hunting, there’s an emphasis on putting your best skills on your resume. While eerily similar, core competencies are different from skills. So what does core competencies mean on a resume compared to skills?

Alexandria Agresta , a leadership development expert and employee retention and wellbeing consultant explains that:

“Core competencies encompass a broader range of attributes, including attitudes and behaviors, that are essential for organizational success often known as the ‘soft skills.’”

In comparison, she describes skills as:

“Specific abilities or expertise that are often technical or task-oriented, such as proficiency in software, languages, or processes.”

Core competencies and skills are different, though the two overlap in some ways.

Here are a few examples that illustrate the differences between competencies vs. skills.

To understand the difference between core competencies and skills, check out this post on the resume skills section .

Resume core competencies distill your professional attributes and strengths in a couple of words or less. Including core competencies in a resume is important because they succinctly showcase your strengths.

When a hiring manager is scanning resumes in seconds , your core competencies can pop out and make you stand out from other candidates.

Having a list of core competencies can also get your foot in the door. Many companies use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) as part of the hiring process. ATS software can pick up on specific keywords. So if your resume has competencies that match what’s in the job ad, you may have a higher chance of moving forward to the next step. 

Understanding which core competencies to add comes down to understanding the job description. Teal’s Matching Mode helps you add relevant keywords from the job description to your resume. Having keywords that match the role can show your core competencies to a hiring manager. 

As a job seeker, you know there are many stages between submitting an application to getting hired. The goal of an application is to score an interview. Having the right core competencies listed could make your application rise to the top. 

Knowing which competencies to highlight when can make the difference between recruiters seeing you as a strong candidate or an average one.

It might be easier to identify your skills or achievements, which seem more specific and tangible. Core competencies can be more difficult to pinpoint, as they’re overarching and broader. Here’s a step-by-step guide on identifying your core competencies for your resume.

Step 1: Take an inventory

Start by taking an inventory of your personal traits that help you succeed in the workplace. Consider your unique capabilities and skills and how they’re used at work. 

To identify your core competencies, Agresta shares her expertise, providing these three tips to get started:

1. Self-Assessment: Reflect on your strengths, achievements, and feedback received from peers and supervisors. Consider the aspects of your work where you consistently excel and feel most engaged. 2. Feedback: Seek input from colleagues, mentors, and supervisors who can provide insights into your strengths and areas of excellence. 3. Professional Development: Engage in training, workshops, and educational opportunities to enhance and recognize your core competencies.

Using these tips, you can look both internally and externally to help guide you to make your own list. 

Step 2: Create a list

After taking an inventory, create a list of all of your core competencies. They are typically only one or two words, not full sentences or explanations. Some core competencies examples include:

• Collaboration
• Communication
• Team-building 
• Cultural competency
• Technical skills
• Conceptual thinking

Jotting down your core competencies gives you a list to choose from and return to for other job applications.

Step 3: Narrow down options

Here’s the tough part. Once your list is complete, narrow down your options. Since your resume has limited space, it’s generally recommended to include a maximum of five core competencies on your resume.

Dirk Matthews , senior director of Alumni Relations at Columbia College Chicago and President Elect-Elect (president in 2025) at the National Career Development Association (NCDA), recommends adding core competencies that are in demand by prospective employers. 

“When I work with students or adults in developing their careers, I have them focus on their skills and how they fit into competencies desired by employers. For example, one of the key competencies employers look for [in job seekers] is communication. Various skills make up [communication], including writing or public speaking.”

There’s data to back that up, too. According to The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Job Outlook 2024 report , out of eight career readiness competencies communication was rated the most important. Teamwork and critical thinking came in second and third place, respectively. 

So while you narrow down your options, look at which core competencies are in demand. 

Step 4: Compare competencies to job descriptions

Once you have your short list of five core competencies, compare them to what the job requires and what the company is looking at in a candidate. Core competencies might be listed in the job description or on the company website. 

If your competencies don’t match, you may want to swap some out, replacing with options from your comprehensive list that are a better fit. 

And what if your core competencies don’t match at all? It might mean the position or the cultural fit isn’t ideal for you at the moment. 

In addition to surfacing the right skills with Teal’s Matching Mode, Teal’s Resume Skills Management feature can help identify and manage your best core competencies and group them according to job families, so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel for every application.

What are core competencies on a resume and why are they important? Core competencies include your personal strengths, certifications, and expertise. They can differentiate you from other candidates 

There are many different types of core competencies and each company may be looking for something different. But there are some competencies that recruiters and hiring managers look for when vetting candidates. 

Here is a list of core competency examples for your resume that are in demand:

• Communication: Shows your ability to share ideas and information clearly in a variety of ways (writing, speaking) to many different people (managers, customers, stakeholders). 
• Adaptability: Highlights your ability to shift and make changes quickly in an evolving environment. 
• Problem-solving: When presented with challenges, the ability to find solutions to problems when they arise. 
• Strategic planning: The ability to identify a company’s long-term goals and how to reach them.
• Leadership: The skills required to inspire, motivate, and manage a team successfully. 
• Teamwork: The ability to work well with others to accomplish larger goals and objectives.
• Decision-making: Navigating the complexities of making an informed decision on important matters. 
• Initiative: The innate drive to pursue or complete tasks and projects without direction. 
• Empathy: Being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and behave in a way that takes others into consideration. 
• Conflict resolution: The ability to work towards a resolution among conflicting parties in a diplomatic and empathetic way.
• Customer-centered: Working in a way that prioritizes customer satisfaction to build long-term relationships and achieve company goals. 
• Relationship building: The ability to connect with others and build organic relationships with customers, staff, stakeholders, community, etc.
• Analytical: Using critical thinking to process data and evaluate challenges and potential solutions.
• Results-driven: The ability to stay focused and motivated to achieve results with excellence.
• Integrity: Working and behaving in a manner that upholds morals and ethics. Being honest and forthcoming, with a high level of discretion. 
• Diversity: Valuing and promoting diverse communities and experiences in the workplace. 
• Flexibility: The ability to go with the flow and not hold too tightly to ways of working or outcomes. 
• Creativity: Generating ideas and possibilities that are outside of the box. Additionally, may refer to a person with an artistic skill set such as design, writing, photography, etc. 
• Time-management: Demonstrates the ability to establish project timeframes and meet deadlines. 
• Detail-oriented: The ability to look at things on a micro-level—always dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s.

If you’re looking for core competencies for your resume, this list is a start. You can add your own or take some from the list. Just make sure your professional experience and abilities back up your stated competencies.

30 examples of core competencies by position

The list of core competencies above can provide inspiration and a starting point. But here you can see some examples of core competencies by position. 

1. Web designer

• Detail-oriented
• Customer-centered
• Results-driven

2. Marketing professional

• Time-management
• Flexibility
• Problem-solving
• Decision-making 

3. Nonprofit program director

• Strategic planning

4. Sales executive 

• Relationship building
• Adaptability

5. Human Resources manager 

6. Project manager

7. Medical assistant 

8. Construction worker 

• Decision-making

9. Music teacher 

10. Customer service representative

• Initiative 

11. Engineer 

12. Accountant 

• Problem-solving 

13. Hair Stylist 

• Relationship building 

14. Journalist 

15. Manager 

• Conflict resolution

18. Editor 

19. Banker 

20. Administrative assistant 

• Customer-centered 

22. Pharmacist

• Flexibility 

23. Psychologist 

• Conflict-resolution
• Adaptability 

24. IT manager 

25. Real estate agent 

26. Librarian 

27. Food service worker 

28. Career counselor 

• Leadership 

29. Financial advisor 

30. Massage therapist 

These positions make up a wide range of industries and each has a different set of core competencies. If you don’t see your role listed, you can use a position that’s skill-adjacent to help you identify your core competencies.

After you identify core competencies, narrow them down based on the position. Once you have the list ready, here’s how to list core competencies on a resume:

Create a resume core competencies section 

Many people wonder where to put core competencies on a resume and the place that makes the most sense is under your name and contact information. You want them front and center so potential employers can see them right away. 

Choose a format

Remember, your core competencies should be short and sweet. When you add them, choose a format and be consistent. You can use either bullet points or vertical lines to separate them. 

Core competencies on a resume example #1

• Strategic Planning

Core competencies on a resume example #2

Communication | Leadership | Strategic Planning 

Add them to your resume 

The final step is to put your competencies on your resume. Double-check the spelling and formatting. Review the job description again so you can feel confident you’re adding the best ones. 

Pro tip: some organizations actually publish the core competencies they’re looking for, removing the guesswork. That way everyone is on the same page with what’s needed to excel and serve in the role. Of course, you should only list the core competencies that match your strengths, so you’re not starting the relationship with a lie or getting caught in an awkward moment. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) outlines the top eight core competencies required for special agents to excel, including: 

• Flexibility and Adaptability
• Interpersonal Ability
• Problem Solving and Judgment
• Organizing and Planning

If you want to apply for a role with the FBI, identify what items on the list match your core competencies. Then you can create an FBI core competencies resume section. 

Some examples might look like:

Or, you could use vertical bars to keep core competencies to one line: 

Collaboration | Initiative | Problem Solving | Flexibility

To see if you can find any intel, search the name of the company you’re applying to and “core competencies.”

It’s not just companies that use core competencies either. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) published the 15 core competencies for medical students entering school:

• Service orientation
• Social skills
• Cultural competence
• Oral communication
• Ethical responsibility to self and others
• Reliability and dependability
• Resilience and adaptability
• Capacity for improvement
• Critical thinking
• Quantitative reasoning
• Scientific inquiry
• Written communication
• Living systems
• Human behavior

After graduation, doctors are in a public-facing role where quick thinking and adaptability are key. They work with a range of people and handle sensitive information. AAMC clearly communicates the core competencies required to excel in this position. 

You don’t need to work for the FBI or become a doctor for core competencies to be relevant. Every organization has them whether they publish them or not.

Using the Resume Skills Management feature inside Teal’s Resume Builder can streamline this process for you. 

Why you need to add core competencies to your resume 

Having a core competency section on your resume makes it easier for hiring managers to assess your strengths and identify whether you’re a good fit. Tailor your resume and core competencies for every job so it's specific to each role and company. 

Companies want a candidate whose core competencies can help them fill the gaps and drive results. Your goal is to communicate how and why you’re the person who can do that best. 

Revising your resume is easy to do with Teal’s AI-powered Resume Builder and its Resume Skills Management feature. Try it out for free and create new resumes in a few simple steps. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s another word for core competencies on a resume.

Core competencies are included in a resume, but you may not call them that. Another word for core competencies on your resume could be “strengths,” “capabilities,” or “proficiencies.” 

What are the seven core competencies?

Core competencies can be used in business. The seven core competencies for business are business acumen, agile frameworks, organizational ability, efficient processes, continuous learning, product and technology development, and customer focus.

What are the four common competencies?

Four common competencies desired by employers include communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and professionalism, according to The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Job Outlook 2024 report. 

What are the three core competencies describe them?

There are a variety of core competencies, but some of the top three are communication, creativity, and collaboration. Communication can include writing and speaking, creativity is the potential for ideas, and collaboration is the ability to work together with others on a project or toward shared goals. 

What are the three levels of competence?

There are different levels of competence and ways they are described. In one example, the three levels of competence can illustrate skill and expertise levels. These include working, journey, and expert.

Melanie Lockert

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More From Forbes

10 must-have skills to put on your resume in 2024.

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Employers are placing a greater emphasis on skills, especially soft skills, than on degrees or work ... [+] experience

Have you ever felt tempted to skip the skills section in your resume, just to get to the most important part—your employment history? After all, it's your employment track record that matters, right?

Recruiters and employers on LinkedIn don't seem to think so. " Skills have become more important than ever in landing opportunities today," said LinkedIn's head of product for Jobseeker, Employer Brand, and Skills, Rohan Rajiv in 2022. "In fact, over 40% of companies on LinkedIn globally explicitly rely on skills to search and identify job candidates on LinkedIn (up 20% year-over-year)."

This staggering figure is certainly set to increase even more in 2024, as more companies turn to new and unconventional methods to evaluate the skill set of job applicants, and LinkedIn continues to empower applicants and recruiters alike with state-of-the-art tools to showcase and filter skills.

All this demonstrates that although your employment background is important, your skills and strengths—especially the ones unique to the role—are even more important. And off LinkedIn, there is an increased focus on skills-based-hiring, leading employers to place greater weighting on the skills a candidate includes in their resume.

While you should always look out for the core skills listed in the job posting and ensure you put them on your resume, there are some other skills you should always aim to include in your resume (whether in the skills section, your online portfolio, LinkedIn profile, or throughout the professional profile and employment sections).

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And of course, it might seem fairly obvious, but don't forget to only include those skills that you can truthfully say you possess. Lying on your resume will work against you and you'll get caught out.

Top 10 Skills To Put On Your Resume

According to FlexJobs , some of the core skills that should be put on your resume include a combination of soft, or "power" skills and hard skills, listed below:

1. Problem-solving

Employers want to onboard candidates who take ownership for a problem instead of shifting or evading responsibility. Working out creative solutions to a business or customer issue is a skill that is, at least for the present, irreplaceable by AI.

2. Critical thinking

Listed in the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs 2023 report , critical thinking is a skill akin to problem-solving, that involves evaluating a problem and possible solutions, and developing new and improved methods of working.

3. Flexibility

Although this has become a taboo term for employers and employees to discuss, it's importance cannot be evaded. So far as possible, maintain a degree of flexibility in your work, reaching a compromise with your prospective employer to ensure both parties are happy with working arrangements, and learn how to be dynamic and embrace change.

4. Communication

The importance of communication skills can never be overrated. They are needed everywhere to ensure the smooth delivery of projects, streamlined processes, and a healthy work environment. Get specific on your communication skills, showcasing aspects such as presentation skills, conflict resolution, negotiation, or even writing copy, depending on your role of course.

Taking ownership to resolve a problem for clients, team members, or stakeholders, is a highly ... [+] desirable quality sought after by companies globally

5. Teamwork

The saying goes, "Teamwork makes the dream work." Although it might sound cheesy and you may not enjoy working with people, it's essential to know how to collaborate and communicate well within your team and cross-functional teams. It will be very difficult to find a role where teamwork is not involved to some degree.

6. Digital skills

You'd be hard-pressed to find a job that does not require you to possess digital skills. Almost every role requires the use of company-specific software, design software, MS office suite, or a CRM. You should highlight the technical skills that you are proficient or comfortable with, including any that you are currently learning.

And if you observe through your research that the employer uses a specific type of software, always ensure you include this in your technical skills list (including proficiency level if possible).

You don't need to be a designer to need to have a grasp of design. Design principles (and related software) appear everywhere, from engineering, to social media management, to creating the slide deck for a PowerPoint presentation, to event planning.

8. Data analysis

Data analytics is another in-demand skill that is necessary, even outside of the data profession itself. If you find yourself called upon to analyze reports, Excel spreadsheets, or other data, to arrive at conclusions or to inform decision-making, you're likely doing some form of data analysis.

9. Negotiation

Sales, partnerships and agreements, and internal stakeholder arrangements all require negotiation skills to some degree. Add this skill to your resume and include some proof of where you have used it successfully, as a bonus.

10. Mathematics

No, do not list "mathematics" in your resume unless you're straight out of high school. But mathematical skills ? Absolutely. Think about budget management, financial forecasting, cost reduction, statistical analysis, probabilities, machine learning, and financial modelling.

These are all highly desirable and specific skills.

Aim to include specific examples of your skills in action, throughout your resume

Remember most importantly, listing skills is a relatively easy job. Detailing how you demonstrated them in your roles and the positive impact they made as a result, is another job altogether. Be careful that you do not fall into the copy/paste trap, without ensuring the skills listed are relevant, truly reflect you, and are backed, as far as possible, with evidence.

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What Are Transferable Skills? 10 Examples for your Resume

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What Are Transferable Skills? 10 Examples for your Resume was originally published on The Muse , a great place to research companies and careers. Click here to search for great jobs and companies near you.

Transferable skills, also known as portable skills, are those versatile abilities that you can bring to any role or industry—which is particularly helpful when changing careers . But you don’t need to be an expert to have them; these valuable skills can be acquired from all sorts of experiences, like past jobs, volunteering, internships, college, or personal projects. So, even if you’re an entry-level candidate , chances are you already have some transferable skills.

If you don’t, it’s time to start developing a few. They’re highly valued by recruiters and can definitely set your resume apart. Not sure where to start? Find out everything you need to know about transferable skills: meaning, examples for your resume, and why they’re so important.

What are transferable skills?

The transferable skills definition is straightforward: they are measurable abilities or knowledge that hold value in any role or industry. The term “transferable” comes from the fact that, regardless of changes in your job title or company, these skills can seamlessly transition to your new position.

“Think of them as your superpowers!” says Muse career coach and corporate recruiting specialist Yolanda M. Owens . “These superpowers can be used in any professional setting. For example, coding, languages, research, project coordination, administrative support, data entry, editing, training….”

Update that resume and check out open jobs on The Muse that are perfect for you »

Why are transferable skills important?

Think about how many jobs require strong writing skills , even if it isn’t the main focus of the role. Or consider how often you come across job postings listing “ leadership skills ” as a requirement. This is why transferable skills are important—they show what you have to offer beyond just completing daily tasks.

“Highlighting transferable skills on a resume is a quick way for employers to see what you bring to the table and how it aligns with the roles you’re applying to,” Owens says. “This is especially true if a company is using key search words when looking for candidates.”

They can also open doors for less experienced job seekers. “It can add some valuable subtext that may help you compensate for lack of direct experience and differentiate you from the competition. And in today’s competitive market, that subtext can make or break you landing an interview ,” Owens says.

Transferable skills: Examples

Not sure what skills to showcase? Here are 10 examples of transferable skills to include on your resume—feel free to incorporate them into your cover letter or job application as well. Just remember, while these are relevant and common skills, you shouldn’t feel restricted by them. Use this list as a guide to identify these and other valuable abilities you already have—or intend to develop.

1. Languages

Speaking a second or third language is a transferable skill that comes in handy across many professions, from customer service to data analysis . Workplaces are getting more diverse than ever, especially in large companies. And this diversity isn’t just about the employees they hire; it also includes the people they serve, thanks to the internet making international businesses more accessible.

Writing is one of the most common and useful transferable skills out there: Countless job postings require some form of writing on a daily basis. Whether it’s sending emails, interacting with customers on social media, or preparing presentations for clients—the possibilities are endless.

3. Research

Can you gather, understand, and use data effectively? The ability to research, often acquired in school, is another transferable skill with applications across several industries—from finance (i.e. financial analysis ) to marketing (i.e. user research and customer analysis ). Putting this skill on your resume is strategic because being a good researcher involves a diverse set of skills, such as data collection, documentation, and writing.

4. Excel proficiency

Some people have a love-hate relationship with spreadsheets. But the truth is, they’re an indispensable tool to many businesses—whether it’s keeping track of an inventory or managing employee shifts in a restaurant. That’s why Excel proficiency is considered a transferable skill, if it makes sense with the jobs you’re seeking, it’s definitely worth adding to your resume.

Read this next: These Excel Tips Are Really Simple, and Yet So, So, Helpful

5. Data entry

Data entry involves processing, filling up, and updating information, typically within a private system or spreadsheet (yep—Excel again!). Some professions and professional settings that typically require data entry include inventory management , e-commerce , transcription , accounting , and bookkeeping.

6. Management

Every company or organization needs someone with management skills and experience. Managers are typically the ones responsible for assigning tasks, ensuring that everything is carried out as intended, and providing guidance to employees who need assistance.

7. Leadership

Leadership skills are also highly valued by employers, particularly in professional environments where initiative and self-management are crucial. People with strong leadership abilities are generally good communicators, critical thinkers, and have an easy time delegating tasks and taking calculated risks.

8. Administrative support

Administrative skills encompass a range of abilities, including scheduling tasks, meetings and appointments, data collection and entry, answering emails, organizing employee paperwork, and managing office supplies. These skills are transferable across any type of industry or company. For instance, a secretary at a marketing company relies on these skills as much as a receptionist at a dental clinic does.

9. Project coordination

If you have experience planning, managing, and executing projects, then you have a transferable skill known as project coordination. While it’s similar to leadership skills, project coordination is slightly more focused. Instead of leading a group of people, it involves successfully bringing a project together and turning it into reality.

10. Training

Having training skills means that you can provide clear instructions to teach a process or procedure to others. If you’re applying for a managerial position, for instance, this is an important skill to have, as you’ll likely be tasked with training new staff members in entry-level positions or interns.

How do you write transferable skills on a CV?

The skills section of a resume can be your best friend. However, every transferable skill listed there should be somehow linked to your experiences.

“I always recommend adding a ‘Skills’ section using your transferable skills as a base,” Owens advises. “Just make sure to justify those transferable skills by tying them to ways you’ve added value to your jobs in your resume’s ‘Experience’ section .”

Meaning that if you mention leadership skills, at least one of your experiences should illustrate how and where this skill was used, as well as the outcome of your actions.

For example:

Professional Experience

Company for devs

Web Developer, January 2021—November 2023

• Led the development of SEO strategies for two websites, achieving an increase of 15% in the lead conversion rate

Marketing Analyst, June 2019—December 2020

• Led and executed Google Analytics tracking campaigns to maximize the effectiveness of the re-marketing initiative, achieving a 10% increase in total sales

Relevant skills

Data analysis

Project coordination

Transferable skills vs soft skills: what’s the difference?

Many people confuse transferable skills with soft skills —after all, they’re both useful in any profession setting. However, there’s a distinct difference between the two.

“Transferable skills are measurable strengths or areas of expertise,” Owens says. “On the other hand, soft skills are interpersonal attributes—generalities that don’t speak to your ability to do a job, but could determine how you interact with others, process information, and the kind of environment you feel productive in. For example, collaboration, problem solving skills, effective time management .”

Depending on your level of experience or the role you’re applying for, it’s wise to list both your transferable skills and soft skills. Candidates writing a resume with no experience could benefit from highlighting any set of abilities and interpersonal attributes learned and developed in college, personal, or community projects.

95 Examples: Top 15 Retail Skills for Your Resume

By Status.net Editorial Team on May 30, 2024 — 9 minutes to read

Retail jobs equip you with various skills that can shine on your resume. When highlighting your retail experience, be specific about the skills you developed. In this article, we’ll provide 95 example phrases to showcase the top 15 retail skills on a resume.

Core Retail Skills

Customer service excellence.

Customer service means providing an outstanding and positive experience that keeps customers coming back.

• Handled an average of 50 customer queries daily, resolving issues promptly and efficiently.
• Recognized as Employee of the Month for exceptional customer satisfaction ratings.
• Trained new staff in customer service protocols, improving team performance.
• Developed a rapport with repeat customers, leading to increased loyalty and sales.
• Responded to customer complaints with professionalism, achieving a positive resolution rate of 95%.

Sales Expertise

Sales expertise means knowing how to persuade, negotiate, and close deals. Key skills include understanding customer needs, demonstrating products, and handling objections.

• Achieved sales targets consistently, exceeding monthly quotas by 20%.
• Utilized upselling techniques to increase average transaction value by 15%.
• Provided personalized shopping experiences, driving repeat business.
• Conducted product demonstrations, resulting in a 30% boost in sales.
• Collaborated with the marketing team to develop effective sales strategies.

Product Knowledge

Having strong product knowledge means being well-versed in the details, uses, and benefits of the products you are selling.

• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of all store products, including their features and benefits.
• Assisted in the launch of new products by educating customers and staff.
• Provided detailed and accurate information to help customers make informed purchasing decisions.
• Attended regular training sessions to stay current on product developments.
• Created informational displays that highlighted product features, increasing customer interest and sales.

Communication Skills

Verbal communication.

Being clear and articulate when speaking to customers is paramount. This means greeting customers warmly, answering their questions accurately, and providing helpful information about products or services. Friendly and engaging interactions can significantly enhance the customer experience and boost sales.

• Provided exceptional customer service through clear and helpful communication.
• Guided customers in product selection by effectively explaining features and benefits.
• Resolved customer complaints by listening and responding professionally.
• Delivered product demonstrations to small groups of customers.
• Communicated store promotions and sales to increase customer purchases.

Written Communication

Accurate written communication is also key in retail settings. It’s used for writing emails, taking inventory notes, or creating promotional materials.

• Crafted clear and concise emails to communicate with suppliers.
• Prepared promotional materials such as flyers and product descriptions.
• Maintained accurate inventory records through detailed written notes.
• Documented customer feedback and suggestions to improve service.
• Created training materials and manuals for new employees.

Listening Skills

Good listening skills are vital to understand customer needs and respond appropriately. This includes paying full attention to the customer, asking clarifying questions, and summarizing their points to ensure understanding. Active listening can lead to better customer satisfaction and loyalty.

• Actively listened to customer concerns and provided effective solutions.
• Asked insightful questions to understand customer preferences.
• Took detailed notes on customer feedback for management review.
• Listened to team members’ ideas to improve store operations.
• Ensured customers felt heard and valued through attentive service.

Technical Proficiencies

Technical skills are a key part of retail positions, combining efficiency with customer service. You’ll often use various software to manage transactions and inventory effectively.

Point of Sale Systems

Mastering Point of Sale (POS) systems means you can handle transactions swiftly and accurately. These systems are more than just cash registers; they track sales, manage customer data, and sometimes even handle inventory. Familiarity with systems like Square, Shopify POS, or Lightspeed can make you a more valuable employee.

• Managed customer transactions using Square POS daily
• Trained team members on Shopify POS operations
• Efficiently processed returns and exchanges using Lightspeed POS
• Maintained accurate sales records through the Clover POS system
• Handled mobile payments and contactless transactions effectively

Inventory Management Software

Knowing how to use Inventory Management Software means you can keep track of stock levels, orders, and deliveries. Systems such as NetSuite, TradeGecko, or Fishbowl help ensure that the store remains stocked and organized. These tools also aid in predicting future inventory needs based on sales trends.

• Updated inventory levels using NetSuite daily
• Conducted stock audits with TradeGecko
• Managed reordering processes through Fishbowl
• Forecasted inventory needs based on historical data using Cin7
• Coordinated with suppliers using Ordoro for timely restock

Interpersonal Abilities

Your ability to interact well with others in a retail environment means effective team collaboration, handling conflicts adeptly, and showing genuine empathy.

Team Collaboration

Team collaboration means working well with your colleagues to achieve store goals. This includes sharing tasks, supporting others, and maintaining a positive work environment. You must communicate clearly, listen to others’ ideas, and be dependable.

• Coordinated with team to achieve daily sales targets.
• Assisted teammates with customer inquiries to ensure a seamless shopping experience.
• Actively participated in team meetings and training sessions.
• Shared best practices and strategies to improve store operations.
• Collaborated with stock and sales team for efficient inventory management.

Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution means addressing disagreements and finding solutions that satisfy everyone involved. In retail, this means handling customer complaints calmly and resolving disputes among staff effectively. It also means keeping a cool head under pressure and mediating conflicts to maintain harmony.

• Resolved customer issues promptly and courteously.
• Mediated disputes between team members to maintain a positive work environment.
• Addressed and de-escalated confrontational situations.
• Implemented solutions to prevent recurring customer complaints.
• Trained new staff on effective conflict resolution techniques.

Empathy means understanding and sharing the feelings of others. In retail, it’s important to recognize and address the needs and concerns of customers and colleagues. Demonstrating empathy helps build strong relationships and improve customer satisfaction.

• Listened attentively to customers to understand their needs.
• Provided personalized service to make customers feel valued.
• Supported colleagues during busy periods to reduce stress.
• Showed understanding and patience with customer concerns.
• Created a welcoming atmosphere by engaging warmly with every customer.

Operational Competencies

Operational competencies are important for ensuring smooth store operations, improving customer experience, and maximizing sales. They include skills such as merchandising, visual display arrangement, and stock management.

Merchandising

Merchandising means strategically displaying products to encourage sales and meet customer needs. You need to understand consumer behavior and market trends. This skill ensures shelves are stocked with products that sell well and appeal to your target audience.

• Developed and implemented effective merchandising strategies that increased sales by 15%
• Analyzed sales data to optimize product placement and drive customer engagement
• Managed seasonal inventory rotations to maintain freshness and relevance
• Collaborated with suppliers for timely product delivery and promotions
• Ensured compliance with visual merchandising standards and brand guidelines

Visual Display Arrangement

Visual display arrangement means organizing and presenting products in an eye-catching way to attract customers. This involves creativity and an understanding of design principles. Your goal is to highlight products effectively, drawing customer attention and enhancing the shopping experience.

• Designed innovative window displays that increased foot traffic by 10%
• Utilized color theory and spatial arrangement to create inviting store layouts
• Implemented themed displays for holidays and promotions, boosting sales
• Trained staff on best practices for visual merchandising and display setup
• Maintained cohesive brand image through consistent visual presentation

Stock Management

Stock management means keeping track of inventory levels, ordering new stock, and managing stock storage. Effective stock management minimizes waste, reduces costs, and ensures that popular items are always available for customers, improving overall store efficiency.

• Oversaw inventory control processes, reducing stock discrepancies by 20%
• Implemented automated inventory systems to streamline stock management
• Coordinated with suppliers for timely replenishment of high-demand items
• Conducted regular stock audits to maintain accuracy and prevent loss
• Optimized storage solutions to maximize space and improve access for staff

Marketing Abilities

Marketing abilities mean promoting products to attract customers and increase sales. These skills are essential in retail, where you must understand customer behavior and market trends.

With good marketing abilities, you can create effective campaigns and strategies.

Another key aspect is analyzing the effectiveness of marketing efforts. Utilizing data to measure success helps you make better decisions.

Consider highlighting your social media skills. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are vital for reaching a broad audience. Knowing how to use these tools effectively can set you apart.

• Coordinated successful social media campaigns, increasing followers by 30%
• Analyzed customer data to develop targeted marketing strategies
• Created promotional content that boosted sales by 15%
• Managed email marketing campaigns with a 20% open rate
• Conducted market research to understand emerging trends

Digital marketing is another vital area. You should know how to utilize online platforms to drive traffic and sales. This skill includes SEO, SEM, and other online strategies.

• Increased website traffic by 25% through targeted SEO strategies
• Managed Google Ad campaigns, reducing CPL by 10%
• Developed online promotions that increased sales by 20%
• Coordinated digital advertising efforts across multiple platforms
• Utilized Google Analytics to monitor and improve campaign performance

Understanding offline marketing techniques can also be beneficial. These strategies include flyers, in-store promotions, and local events to attract customers.

• Organized in-store events that boosted foot traffic by 20%
• Created eye-catching promotional materials for local ads
• Developed loyalty programs that increased repeat customers
• Coordinated community outreach efforts to enhance brand visibility
• Implemented in-store displays that increased product sales by 15%

Effective communication is also essential. Whether creating engaging content or negotiating with vendors, strong communication skills make a significant difference.

• Wrote compelling product descriptions that improved online engagement
• Negotiated vendor contracts to secure better deals
• Developed newsletters to keep customers informed and engaged
• Conducted product presentations to boost sales
• Collaborated with the sales team to align marketing strategies

Don’t forget to mention your creative abilities. Innovative marketing ideas can set you apart and make your campaigns memorable.

• Designed unique marketing concepts that stood out in the market
• Created imaginative ad campaigns that increased brand awareness
• Developed themed in-store displays that attracted customers
• Produced viral social media content that enhanced engagement
• Generated creative solutions to market challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some examples of retail sales skills to include on a resume.

Retail sales skills can encompass several abilities. Examples include customer service, effective communication, inventory management, point of sale (POS) system operation, and upselling techniques. You can also highlight your aptitude in handling cash transactions or your experience in resolving customer complaints.

How can I highlight retail skills effectively in my resume?

To highlight your retail skills, use action verbs and include specific examples. For instance, instead of just writing “customer service,” you can write “provided exceptional customer service to increase customer loyalty by 20%.” Tailoring your skills to the job description can also make a significant impact.

Which skills are essential to mention for a retail management position?

For a retail management position, emphasize leadership, team management, and strategic planning skills. Mention specific achievements, such as “Managed a team of 15 employees, resulting in a 30% increase in sales.” Highlight your ability to train staff, manage schedules, and exceed sales targets.

How should I list retail experience on my resume if I have no prior experience?

Even if you have no prior retail experience, focus on transferable skills and relevant experiences. Mention any customer service roles, teamwork, organizational skills, or volunteer work. For example, list a position like “Server at (…) Café” and highlight customer interaction, money handling, and efficiency.

What hard skills should I emphasize on my resume for a retail job?

For a retail job, emphasize hard skills such as operating cash registers, proficiency in POS systems, inventory management, and understanding of sales principles. Including certifications or training in these areas can also strengthen your resume. For example, “Certified in (…) POS system” shows specific expertise.

How can I showcase transferable skills from retail in my resume?

Showcase transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and time management. Describe situations where you’ve used these skills outside of retail. For example, “Coordinated events for a charity, requiring strong organizational and communication skills.” These examples highlight your abilities even if they were gained in different contexts. Related: Top Transferable Skills Every Company Wants

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