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How to Effectively Show Writing Skills on Your Resume (with Examples)

Want to add writing skills to your resume but aren’t sure how? We have recruiter-backed suggestions & recommendations for how to talk about it on your resume!

3 months ago   •   7 min read

It's normal to feel unsure about how to talk about writing on your resume. Are you overstating your skills? Are they even relevant to the job you want? And how do you make sure the hiring manager sees your writing as a good thing on your resume?

The key to successfully showcasing your writing skills is keep it clear, concise, and relevant. You’ll want to mention specific writing skills that fit the job requirements, and prove that you have these skills.

Why is it important to include your writing on your resume in 2024? Whether it's crafting emails, reports, or online content, writing significantly influences how effective you’ll be in your job. Even though AI has the ability to write huge pieces of content for you, it still takes someone who knows what they’re doing to make sure the writing is easy to understand and free of errors.

Also, with remote work on the rise, written communication plays a key role in your ability to communicate with team members and get the job done. Not to mention, it often helps leave a positive first impression with potential employers.

Let’s dive into how to effectively showcase your writing skills on your resume, tailor these skills for different job applications, and avoid common pitfalls in the process.

How to put writing skills on your resume: a step by step guide

• Figure out what kind of writing is required in this job. You may moonlight as a poet, but if you’re applying for a marketing position, they’re going to be more interested in your expertise with SEO writing. Research the company and role, and use the job description as your guide for what types of writing to highlight on your resume.
• Tweak your resume. In most cases, you’ll want to highlight your writing in the “Work Experience” section . If writing is a big part of the job or if you don’t think your work experience demonstrates it plainly enough, you may want to also list it in the “Skills” section .
• Keep it short. Since you’re a writer, this shouldn’t be a problem... But make sure you edit your resume to keep it concise. Think bullet points, not paragraphs.
• Be specific. As much as you can, highlight specific projects you’ve worked on and talk about their results in concrete terms, using numbers . For example, you could say something like, “Wrote emails that increased sales by 15% among new list subscribers”
• Don’t use jargon. It may be tempting to flex your expertise by using industry-standard terms (cold traffic, anyone?), but remember the person reading your resume may get confused and push your resume aside. Unless the job description specifically uses the jargon in question, keep things easy to read.
• Include examples with your resume , whenever possible . In your application, try to link to a portfolio or personal blog that has samples of your best writing pieces. That way, you don’t have to rely solely on describing your skills— you can show the manager what an amazing writer you are!

To determine if you've effectively showcased your writing skills on your resume, upload it to the tool below . It will provide feedback on whether your document effectively highlights your specific type of writing skills.

Where to put writing skills on your resume

Writing exists in a weird middle ground between soft and hard skills— depending on the job, your writing skills may be a nice plus, or they may be essential.

Generally speaking, you want to demonstrate your writing skills with accomplishments in the bullet points of the “Work Experience” section of your resume.

Here’s an example of what that could look like:

If it’s essential to the job, consider also putting it in the skills section, like this:

It’s much more powerful to show the results of your writing than to simply say you can write. If you’re wondering how to describe your writing skills on a resume, default to giving an example with measurable results.

Now, let’s talk about the specific kinds of writing you might want to put on your resume:

Specific writing skills to put on your resume

Different jobs require different types of writing skills. Here are some you might include on your resume:

Technical writing

Technical writing is about making complex information accessible to everyone. If you’ve ever used an instruction manual, that’s an example of technical writing. So are other manuals, reports, and internal reference documents.

When listing this skill on your resume, make sure to include any specific projects you’ve worked on in the past. For example, if you created the repair manual for a specific type of engine, you could say something like, “Wrote the repair manual for the V7000 engine downloaded by 600+ readers.”

Technical writing is best included on resumes for jobs in: IT, engineering, and science.

Creative writing

If you’re a creative writer, your ability to craft compelling stories and capture the hearts of audiences is invaluable. Creative writing in business isn't just about weaving a tale; it's about connecting with your audience in a way that resonates and persuades.

So should you include your novelist aspirations on your resume? Maybe not, but if you have proof that you can write content that gets people’s attention, you should highlight that. For instance, you might say, "Conceived and wrote a viral advertising campaign that increased brand engagement by 40%."

Creative writing is best included on resumes for jobs in: marketing, advertising, and content creation.

Business writing

This may not be the first thing you think of when you’re applying for a job, but writing is a huge asset in business. Emails, reports, proposals, memos... Corporate employees do a lot of writing every single day. And companies run better when their employees understand how to write clearly and concisely.

Business writing is direct and persuasive, with a professional tone. If you have this skill, a good example to list on your resume could be, "Authored comprehensive project proposals leading to a 30% increase in client acquisition."

Business writing is best included on resumes for jobs in: administration and management, especially in corporate environments.

SEO writing

SEO writing involves creating content that ranks well on search engines and gives readers helpful information. You could illustrate this skill with a statement like, "Wrote SEO-optimized blog posts that doubled the organic traffic to the company website within six months."

SEO writing is best included on resumes for jobs in: digital marketing

Copywriting

Copywriting is the art of persuasive writing that prompts action, whether it's a purchase, a sign-up, or engagement.

If you have this skill, don’t just talk about it— show specific ways that your copy has encouraged people to take action. For example, "Crafted product descriptions that increased online sales by 25%."

Copywriting is best included on resumes for jobs in: advertising and marketing

Editing and proofreading

Editing and proofreading aren’t just about grammar and spelling. They’re about creating clarity and consistency for readers. In many jobs that require a significant amount of writing, it’s crucial that you’re able to self-edit or help your coworkers

A line such as "Edited and proofread a monthly magazine with a circulation of 50,000, maintaining a high standard of accuracy and readability" can demonstrate you know what you’re talking about when it comes to editing.

Editing and proofreading are best included on resumes for: any jobs that require a significant amount of writing.

Grant writing

Grant writing is laser-focused on creating proposals to secure funding.

If that job involves grant writing, highlighting your success rate in the past will make your resume awesome. For example you could include a bullet point that says something like: "Successfully wrote and submitted grant proposals that secured over $1 million in funding for various community projects."

Grant writing is best included on resumes for jobs in: non-profits and research.

Common mistakes to avoid

Finally, let's walk through how to avoid some common pitfalls when it comes to putting writing skills on your resume:

Avoid irrelevant skills

Tailor your writing skills to the job you're applying for. Instead of listing every writing project you've ever done, focus on ones that relate to the position.

Example: if you're eyeing a role in digital marketing, emphasize skills like SEO writing and content creation over technical writing.

Be honest about your skill level

If your experience in a particular style of writing is basic, don't oversell it as advanced. Misrepresenting your skills might mean you end up in a job that’s over your head.

However, if you are working on that skill through workshops or online courses, include this on your resume. It shows you’re willing to do what it takes to do the job right.

What to do if you have limited writing experience

If your professional writing experience isn’t what you’d like it to be, you can always draw attention to relevant skills from other areas. Research, editing, or strong organizational abilities can help you make a case for why you’d be a good fit for a job that requires writing.

Also, don't underestimate the value of personal projects. Blog posts, volunteer writing you’ve done, or freelance gigs can show potential employers you have the writing chops required for the job. And the good news is— it’s not too late to write a blog post or write something for your favorite charity so that you can mention it in your application!

If you’d like personalized feedback on your resume before you apply, check out score my resume . It’s our free AI-powered resume checker that will give you specific feedback on how to improve your resume so that recruiters and hiring managers can see what an awesome fit you are for the job!

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Adding Your Writing Skills on a Resume: How to Make Every Word Count

3 key takeaways

• Why it’s important to showcase writing skills effectively on resumes
• How to incorporate writing skills into sections of your resume
• How Teal’s AI Resume Builder can streamline this process

Whether or not you work in a writing-centric field (like marketing or journalism), writing skills will be important in your role. (Think about it: Even mathematicians have to write emails to colleagues, explain their equations, or put their ideas on paper.)

But including your writing skills in a professional resume can be tricky.

So what’s the solution? What keywords should you include, and how can you do it in a way that demonstrates your writing skill rather than disproves it? Take a look at the smartest, easiest, and most effective ways to showcase writing skills on your resume.

Why you should list your writing skills on a resume

No matter your specific job description, at some point during your career, you’re probably going to have to write. That’s why you need to prove to potential employers that you’re prepared

No, you don’t need to be the next Stephen King—simply showing that your communication skills can handle day-to-day workplace writing tasks is enough. 

What skills qualify as writing skills?

When you think about “writing skills,” concepts like vocabulary, grammar, and sentence construction are likely the first words to come to your mind. But you don’t have to stop there. Even additional skills—ones not usually thought of as writing-specific—can serve to demonstrate your writing prowess. 

Below are some examples of skills that absolutely count as “writing skills” and should be included on your resume.

In many cases, research is a huge part of writing. Research is the process of collecting, organizing, and analyzing information on a certain topic. 

The ability to conduct strong, efficient research (and then translate that research into an article, a paper, or maybe even just an email) will get you a long way in the workplace. That’s why you need to be letting potential employers know up front that this is an area where you excel. 

You might be a good researcher if you are:

• Collaborative
• Communicative 
• Organization

What does organization look like in writing? 

The ideas you present should flow logically, structured in a way that makes it easy for readers to follow and understand what you’re trying to say. If your writing isn’t organized, your reader won’t stick around for the end. 

Some writers like to create an outline before they dive in. Others find it simpler to organize their thoughts as they go. Either way, you want your resume to show that your writing is well-organized—from an introduction to a conclusion and everything in between. 

Meeting deadlines

You can write the most creative, organized, well-thought-out article anyone has ever read. But if you don’t turn it in until a week after the deadline, your boss probably won’t be happy, and those awesome writing skills won’t matter so much after all. 

Meeting deadlines is crucial. Doing your part and meeting a deadline helps the entire team stay on track toward the shared goal of organizational success. 

How to incorporate writing skills on a resume

Highlight important keywords.

Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to help process large volumes of job applications. This software is a digital filing system hiring professionals use to store and sort applications. 

They can then search the ATS to find specific keywords and qualifications—ones that you can easily include when listing your skills.

Recruiters and hiring managers will use their ATS to find resumes that mention exact terms, phrases, or words. These keywords are usually skills that the company is prioritizing in the position. 

For example, they might be looking for “organization,” “adaptability,” or “project management.” These are all versatile resume keywords that you can slip in as part of your writing skills, helping your resume become more visible to a recruiter looking through a stack of hundreds.

Want to find the right words quickly and easily?

The Teal AI Resume Builder and Job Application Tracker highlight the top keywords from any job description so you can easily incorporate them into your resume. 

Showcase both hard and soft skills

As you begin to compile a list of your writing skills, make sure you’re including both hard and soft skills. Resume hard skills are more technical skills—things you’ve been trained to do in order to complete your job. Soft skills are natural; think of these interpersonal skills as more like personality traits.

You can (and should) incorporate both hard and soft skills that are related to writing into different sections of your resume. Hard skills for writing might look like:

• SEO writing
• CMS proficiency 
• Editing and proofreading
• AP style (or any other style, like Chicago)
• Translation
• Grant writing
• Proposal writing

Soft skills for writing could include:

• Time management
• Collaboration

Use the Teal AI Resume Builder “Skills” section manager to incorporate any hard skills you aren’t able to leverage throughout other sections of your resume. 

Tailor your skills to the job description

Another important resume writing tip: Line up the resume skills you include with those mentioned in the job description. 

You might be tempted to include generic writing skills like “grammar” or “typing.” But in reality, recruiters often view these skills as low-level or too general.

Instead, pick out two or three specific skills mentioned in the job posting and add those to your resume. 

For instance, a job posting for a brand copywriter or content marketer might talk about skills like writing high-quality sales copy, being a strong collaborator, or easily adapting your writing tone between projects or clients. Using the same language as the company is a great way to get hiring managers to notice your resume. 

If you want to compare your resume to a job description , try Teal’s Matching Mode. Teal’s Matching Mode compares your skills, experiences, and language to the job description—uncovering patterns and insights to give you a Match Score. 

Discuss other skills in the context of writing

Your resume should include a healthy number of skills, even if they don’t all have a direct connection to writing. But even the ones that don’t can still serve to highlight your writing ability. 

For example, you may have learned to pay close attention to detail in your previous roles. This is a beneficial transferable skill that can also apply to your writing, helping you take the time to ensure your writing is factually accurate and well-edited. 

Project management and adaptability are two additional examples of crucial skills for writers that you may already possess, thanks to prior job experience. Planning and organizing projects uses a similar skill set to organizing a piece you’re writing, and adaptability can help you adjust your writing voice on the fly to fit a new set of brand guidelines. 

Show instead of tell with specific examples

One of the best resume tips you can follow is to show instead of tell . Yes, you should list your key skills in bullet points at the end of your resume—but you should also take those skills and incorporate them higher up in other resume sections, describing your past work experience in a way that proves your competency in these areas. Here are a few tips to help.

1. Be specific about your skills and experience

When it comes to your skills and experience, be as specific as possible. Vague, general descriptions don’t give potential employers a clear picture of who you are as a candidate. Instead, give examples of specific skills and how you’ve used them in past roles to show them what you bring to the table.

2. Quantify your accomplishments

Adding numbers to your resume accomplishments is always a good idea. 

Quantifying your accomplishments wherever possible makes those achievements more effective. Hard, cold metrics prove that you know how to put your top skills into practice. 

This might look like:

• Effectively coordinated and monitored a project budget of $200,000, identifying and reporting any discrepancies and variances to the project manager.
• Researched and implemented state-of-the-art machine learning techniques, resulting in a 5% improvement in model accuracy and a 10% reduction in false positives.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement security controls and solutions, resulting in a 25% reduction in security incidents and a 20% increase in system availability.

3. Include writing skills throughout your resume

Another way to show instead of tell is to sprinkle your writing skills throughout your resume. They don’t have to be confined solely to the resume “skills” section (and they shouldn’t be unless they’re hard skills)—you can add them elsewhere, too.

Mention any writing-related education or certifications you have. You can also list relevant software or tools you’re proficient with, such as Microsoft Word or SEO tools like Clearscope. 

Finally, make sure your cover letter (and any social media platforms that your recruiter might find) also demonstrates a strong writing skill set and command of the English language.

Build powerful writing resumes with Teal

Building a strong resume isn’t always easy—even for seasoned writers who know their way around the blank page. 

But no matter your writing skill level, you can make the resume writing process easier with Teal. 

Teal’s AI Resume Builder helps you quickly generate personalized resumes tailored for each job application. Analyze your resume’s effectiveness and get targeted recommendations to optimize every time you hit apply.

Show off your writing skills with a tailored, optimized resume— try Teal for free today !

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i quantify my writing skills on a resume to make them stand out, should i list general writing skills or be specific about the types of writing i excel in, can i include writing skills that i've developed from personal projects or hobbies on my resume.

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100 Good Skills to Put on a Resume [Complete Guide]

Jeff Gillis 0 Comments

By Jeff Gillis

Updated 6/4/2022.

When you’re adding skills to a resume, you don’t just want to focus on what you’re good at. Instead, relevancy has to be part of the equation. After all, every job you’re trying to land requires a very specific skill set, one that you need to show that you have.

Choosing the skills to put on a resume when you’re applying to a role isn’t something you should do haphazardly. Instead, you want to use the job description, company mission, and company values as a guide, creating a sense of alignment.

Additionally, it never hurts to have a handy list of skills by your side, making it easier to explore your options. So, if you’re on the hunt for good skills to put on a resume, here’s what you need to know.

Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills

There are two basic types of skillsets that a job seeker can have and include on their resume: hard skills or soft skills.

Hard skills are the skills or abilities for a resume that are easily quantifiable…that can be learned through classroom work, apprenticeships, or other forms of learning. These include things like operating tools, computer programming, speaking foreign languages, or different kinds of technical prowess.

Soft skills are more subjective and harder to quantify and are often grouped together by what we know as “people skills.” Some examples of soft skills include communication, relationship building, self-awareness, and patience.

Which Skills Are More Important?

The debate rages on about which of these two types of skills is more important.

According to executive consultant and Forbes contributor Naz Beheshti , “…There is an ongoing debate about the relative importance of soft and hard skills that imply a competition between the two. However, they are both necessary and complementary to one another.”

On the one hand, job seekers with proficiency in a specific hard skill may get hired more quickly. Many employers want to hire people that can deliver value with fewer resources (ex., the need for training, etc.), making hard skills their priority.

However, we are also seeing that many hiring managers are choosing to hire candidates with highly developed soft skills.

In the end, as Indeed puts it, “soft skills are necessary to create a positive and functional work environment.” Plus, hiring managers feel that they can always train the candidate in the hard skill that is required to complete the job, but soft skills are often skills that cannot necessarily be taught.

So, what does this mean for you? Mainly that you can’t simply just pick one or the other and cross your fingers. Instead, the best strategy is to take a balanced approach and make sure that your resume contains both hard and soft skills.

How Do You Choose the Skills to List on a Resume?

Here’s the deal; there’s a good chance you know what you’re good at in a professional sense. Often, you can use your experience, duties, training, and education as a guide, giving you a strong foundation. Then, it’s about diving a bit deeper, looking at traits that could help you stand out, and comparing it all to the job description.

By using a simple process, you can make progress faster. Here’s a quick way to get started.

1. Make a List of the Skills You Know You Have

As mentioned above, the easiest way to get a grip on your current skills is to reflect on your academic and professional experiences. Consider the tasks you’ve taken on, the training you’ve completed, and the courses you had in school. In most cases, that’ll give you some solid ideas about your hard skills.

After that, it’s time for soft skills. Here, you want to think of traits or capabilities that help you engage with others and navigate professional relationships. Often, these are reflections of your personality, so use that as a jumping-off point.

2. “Mine” the Job Descriptions for Must-Have Skills

The next step is to take a look at the job description for the position you are applying for and make a list of the required skills it includes. Then, compare it to your capabilities. Are any of the skills on both of the lists you just created? If so, these are must-haves for your resume.

Now, notice if there are any skills on the job description that you don’t have. If there aren’t any, great!

But if there are…don’t panic. There are things you can do, which we’ll dig into shortly.

If you’re dealing with a vague job description, you aren’t stuck either. Here is a link to a ton of job descriptions that can give you an idea of the skills needed.

3. Tailor Your Skills to the Company/Position

As you may have read in our other blog articles, it is always very important to “tailor” your resume to the company and position you want to land. For an in-depth look into how to make that happen, check out our Tailoring Method article. 

If you want a quick overview, the idea is to focus on capabilities the company wants to find. Every job requires a unique skill set, and you want to show you have it. As a result, it is absolutely essential that skills from the job description make an appearance on your resume.

However, you also want to dig deeper. Spend some more time researching the company, including going through all of their various web properties, such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages.

Why? Because they will leave clues about the types of people they hire. That gives you more ideas about the best skills to put on a resume to land a job there, particularly when it comes to soft skills you may not find in a job description.

100 Resume Skills Examples

If you’re struggling with coming up with a list of skills based on your past experience, it can be easier if you have existing resume skills lists to work with. You don’t have to think up every possible skill; you can simply review the list and find the matches.

Here is a list of resume skills examples, divided into hard skills and soft skills, that you can use when applying for a job.

Hard Skills for a Resume

• Advanced Bookkeeping
• Appointment Setting
• Automotive Repair
• Cold Calling
• Computer Programming
• Conversion Testing
• Copywriting
• Customer Engagement
• Customer Service
• Data Analysis
• Digital Marketing
• Electrical Engineering
• Environmental Cleanup
• Forklift Operating
• Graphic Design
• Heavy Machinery Operation
• Installation
• Landscaping
• Mathematics
• Medical Coding
• Paid Online Traffic
• Patient Care
• Photo Editing
• Picking and Packing
• Project Management
• Schedule Management
• Search Engine Optimization
• Server Maintenance
• Social Media
• Spanish Fluency
• Statistical Analysis
• Systems Analysis
• Technical Support
• Telecommunications Systems
• Travel Booking
• Video Editing
• Website Design
• Word Processing

Soft Skills for a Resume

• Accountability
• Active Listening
• Adaptability
• Brainstorming
• Business Etiquette
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Conflict Resolution
• Contextualizing
• Critical Thinking
• Decision Making
• Emotional Intelligence
• Flexibility
• Goal-Setting
• Handling Pressure
• Influencing
• Insightfulness
• Interpreting
• Negotiation
• Open-Mindedness
• Organization
• Prioritization
• Problem Solving
• Relationship Building
• Reliability
• Resource Management
• Responsibility
• Self-Confidence
• Strategical Thinking
• Strong Work Ethic
• Time Management

What If I Don’t Have the Required Skill?

Whether you need to possess a specific skill depends on the job and the skill in question. Usually, here’s where you have to be honest with yourself. If the skills required are part of the core competencies of doing the job, you may want to reconsider your application.

For example, if a golf course posts a job posting for a golf pro, you probably shouldn’t apply if you’ve never swung a golf club.

However, you will come across situations where what you bring to the table is close. In this case, moving forward might be okay.

You need to be able to demonstrate, using examples from your past, that you are capable of doing the required skill, even if you haven’t specially done it. So, go over your work history with a fine-tooth comb and try to come up with a few examples of you doing something in the right ballpark.

They are going to ask about it in your interview, so don’t think you can just wing it, and everything will be fine.

Also, many job descriptions have “nice-to-have” skills on the list. If you happen to possess them, great. But if not, don’t assume you shouldn’t apply if you have the must-have skills. In the end, those capabilities aren’t outright requirements, so don’t screen yourself out based on them.

How To List Skills on a Resume

There are a few different schools of thought when it comes to deciding where to put (or how to list) the skills on your resume.

According to our friends over at online resume-builder Zety.com , “…skills are so very, very important that they should show up all over your resume. Not just in the resume skills section.” In other words, it is imperative that there are elements of your skills throughout your resume, including your resume objective/summary and experience sections.

In addition, there isn’t one right answer for where to include your skill section because that depends on the industry, company, and position you’re trying to land. For example, for a job where technical competencies are of the utmost importance, it is often beneficial to list the skills closer to the top of the resume, right underneath the resume objective or resume summary statement.

However, if through your research you determine that the hiring manager will put more weight into your experience, you may want to lead with your experience. Then, put the skills section further down your resume.

At the end of the day, the selection of the skills themselves is the most important thing. After all, most hiring managers will easily find your skill section regardless of where it is on your resume.

What About Skills for My Job Application?

When you’re looking for skills to put on a job application, you do have to treat it a little differently than skills for a resume. Usually, you’re working with a finite amount of space on an application, not just in an overall sense but in each applicable section.

Since that’s the case, you need to lean heavily on the job description. Look for any capabilities that are listed as must-haves or that are repeated through the job ad. Then, make sure those skills are featured prominently in several areas, including in work history descriptions and skills areas.

If you have to answer essay questions, discuss those skills there, too, whenever possible. Use any other relevant capability as a supplement, treating it as supporting information instead of the primary point you’re sharing.

However, if an essay question asks about a skill that’s not in the job description, feel free to dig in a bit. It’s a capability that’s clearly on the hiring manager’s mind, so touch on it occasionally to show you shine in that area.

Putting It All Together

If you were wondering, “What are some good skills to put on a resume?” you should now have a solid answer. The most important thing to remember is to select skills that are relevant to the position you are interviewing for and, more important than that, skills that your company puts a tremendous amount of value in.

Once you get your skills straightened out, you should make sure that the rest of your resume is congruent with the skills you just selected, namely, that your experience shows that you both used those skills in a work environment and developed the skill with on-the-job tasks.

Co-founder and CTO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Jeff is a featured contributor delivering advice on job search, job interviews and career advancement, having published more than 50 pieces of unique content on the site , with his work being featured in top publications such as INC , ZDnet , MSN and more.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Jeff gillis.

Co-founder and CTO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Jeff is a featured contributor delivering advice on job search, job interviews and career advancement, having published more than 50 pieces of unique content on the site , with his work being featured in top publications such as INC , ZDnet , MSN and more. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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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)

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Sharpen Your Writing Skills

Regardless of your job, rank, or industry, written communication is a skill that can set you apart from your peers. Here’s a three-step framework to help you level up as a writer—whether you’re writing an email, a formal document, a social post, or something else. First, determine the purpose of what you’re writing. What result […]

Regardless of your job, rank, or industry, written communication is a skill that can set you apart from your peers. Here’s a three-step framework to help you level up as a writer—whether you’re writing an email, a formal document, a social post, or something else.

Source: This tip is adapted from “How to Take Your Business Writing From ‘Average’ to ‘Great,’” by Elizabeth Danziger

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SAP ERP Consultant Resume Examples

Published April 4, 2024 7 min read

Discover the keys to crafting a standout resume for an SAP ERP Consultant role. This guide will delve into highlighting your technical expertise, project experiences, and problem-solving skills tailored to SAP environments, ensuring you showcase your qualifications effectively to potential employers.

SAP ERP Consultant Resume Created Using Our Resume Builder

or download as PDF

ERP Consultant Resume Example (Text)

Laquan Marcal , ERP Consultant

[email protected]

(336) 217-5435

Pocatello, ID

Professional Summary

A dynamic and forward-thinking ERP Consultant with one year of experience specializing in the implementation, customization, and optimization of ERP systems. Demonstrated expertise in analyzing business processes, identifying inefficiencies, and deploying solutions that enhance operational performance and profitability. Proficient in various ERP software, with a strong ability to learn and adapt to new technologies quickly. Collaborates effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and alignment with business objectives. Committed to leveraging analytical skills and technical knowledge to deliver high-quality solutions that drive business growth and efficiency.

Work Experience

ERP Consultant at In Time Tec, LLC, ID

Dec 2023 - Present

• Spearheaded the successful migration of In Time Tec, LLC's legacy ERP system to a modern cloud-based solution, resulting in a 30% increase in operational efficiency and reducing system downtime by 95%.
• Led a cross-functional team of 12 in the integration of advanced analytics into the ERP system, which enhanced data-driven decision-making capabilities, leading to a 20% improvement in project delivery times and a 15% reduction in costs across key projects.
• Designed and implemented custom ERP modules tailored to In Time Tec, LLC’s unique business processes, improving inventory management accuracy by 40% and shortening the financial closing process from 10 days to 5 days.
• Conducted comprehensive training sessions for over 100 employees on the new ERP functionalities, achieving a user adoption rate of over 90% within the first three months post-launch.

Junior ERP Consultant at Fisher's Technology, ID

Sep 2023 - Oct 2023

• Successfully led the implementation of a new ERP system for a mid-sized retail client, improving their inventory management efficiency by 30% and reducing order processing time by 25%, which directly contributed to a 15% increase in customer satisfaction scores within the first six months post-launch.
• Spearheaded the development and deployment of custom ERP modules for financial reporting across five departments at Fisher's Technology, resulting in a 40% reduction in month-end closing times and a 20% improvement in financial reporting accuracy, significantly enhancing decision-making capabilities.
• Delivered comprehensive training programs on ERP system functionality and best practices to over 100 employees across various departments within Fisher's Technology, achieving an average user competency rate increase of 35% and facilitating smoother cross-departmental operations.

Bachelor of Science in Information Systems at Boise State University, ID

Sep 2018 - May 2023

Relevant Coursework: Database Management, Systems Analysis and Design, Information Security, Network Infrastructure, Business Intelligence, Software Engineering, and Project Management.

• SAP S/4HANA
• Oracle Cloud
• Microsoft Dynamics
• Workday HCM
• Infor CloudSuite

Certificates

• SAP Certified Application Associate
• Oracle ERP Cloud Certification

Tips for Writing a Better SAP ERP Consultant Resume

Creating a standout resume as an SAP ERP Consultant is crucial for showcasing your expertise and landing your next project or position. Your resume is often the first impression you make on potential employers, so it's essential to highlight your skills, experience, and achievements in a way that sets you apart from the competition. Here are some tips to help you craft a better SAP ERP Consultant resume:

1. Start With a Strong Summary

• Begin your resume with a compelling summary statement that highlights your years of experience, key skills, and major achievements. Tailor this section to match the specific requirements of the job you're applying for.

2. Emphasize Your SAP Skills

• Clearly outline your SAP skills and certifications. Be specific about the modules (e.g., FI, CO, MM, SD) you are proficient in and any additional tools or technologies you are familiar with (like SAP HANA, SAP Fiori, etc.).

3. Detail Your Project Experience

• Use bullet points to describe your project experience. For each project, include the SAP modules involved, the scope of the project, your specific role(s), and the outcomes or benefits realized by the project. Quantify these achievements where possible (e.g., improved process efficiency by 20%).

4. Highlight Your Problem-Solving Skills

• Provide examples of how you've solved complex problems or improved processes in your past projects. This demonstrates your analytical skills and your ability to add value.

5. Include Your Education and Certifications

• List your relevant education, including degrees and certifications. SAP certifications are particularly important in this field, so make sure they are prominently displayed.

6. Tailor Your Resume for the Job

• Customize your resume for each application to reflect the skills and experiences most relevant to the job. Use keywords from the job description to ensure your resume passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and catches the attention of hiring managers.

7. Professional Development and Continuous Learning

• Show your commitment to professional growth by listing any ongoing or recent professional development courses, workshops, or seminars relevant to SAP ERP consulting.

8. Mention Soft Skills

• Don’t forget to include your soft skills. Effective communication, leadership, teamwork, and adaptability are crucial in consulting roles and can make you stand out.

9. Keep It Concise

• Aim for a resume that is no longer than two pages. Be concise and focus on the most relevant and recent experiences.

10. Proofread

• Typos and grammatical errors can undermine your professionalism. Proofread your resume multiple times and consider having a colleague or friend review it as well.

11. Use a Professional Format

• Ensure your resume is well-organized and easy to read. Use a clean, professional format with clear headings and a logical flow of information.

By following these tips, you can create a SAP ERP Consultant resume that not only showcases your skills and experience effectively but also makes you stand out in a competitive job market. Remember, a great resume opens the door to interviews and opportunities, so invest the time to make yours exceptional.

Related : ERP Consultant Resume Examples

Key Skills Hiring Managers Look for on SAP ERP Consultant Resumes

Incorporating keywords from the job description when applying for an ERP Consultant opportunity at SAP is crucial due to the company's reliance on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). SAP, like many large organizations, employs ATS to manage the high volume of applications they receive. These systems are designed to scan resumes and cover letters for specific keywords related to the job posting, such as "SAP ERP," "business process integration," "configuration," or "implementation." By including these keywords in your application materials, you increase the likelihood that the ATS will identify your resume as a match for the job requirements, advancing your application to the next stage of the hiring process. This strategic approach not only demonstrates your attention to detail and alignment with the role's requirements but also significantly enhances your visibility among potentially hundreds of candidates, ensuring that your application reaches the hiring managers for further evaluation.

Here is a compilation of essential skills and key terms frequently encountered when seeking ERP consultant roles at SAP:

Related : ERP Consultant Skills: Definition and Examples

Common Action Verbs for SAP ERP Consultant Resumes

Creating a resume for a SAP ERP Consultant position can often feel like a daunting task, particularly when it comes to choosing the right action verbs to describe your professional experiences and achievements. The importance of selecting varied and precise verbs cannot be overstated, as these verbs play a critical role in making your resume stand out to hiring managers. In the competitive field of SAP ERP consulting, where demonstrating your ability to innovate, streamline processes, and drive efficiencies is vital, using a diverse array of action verbs is essential. Repetitive or generic verbs can dilute the impact of your accomplishments, making them seem less impressive. On the other hand, carefully chosen action verbs can vividly convey the depth and breadth of your expertise, your proactive approach to problem-solving, and your capacity for driving transformative change. Thus, investing the time to find and include diverse action verbs in your SAP ERP Consultant resume is a strategic step towards showcasing your unique value proposition and securing your next career opportunity.

To provide you with a competitive advantage, we have curated a selection of impactful action verbs designed to enhance your resume and secure your upcoming interview:

Related : What does an ERP Consultant do?

Editorial staff

Brenna Goyette

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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