What is the Best Way to List Technical Skills on a Resume?
11 mins read

What is the Best Way to List Technical Skills on a Resume?

Many individuals desire work today, therefore it;s critical to highlight your professional skills on your CV. This is important to know the extensive computer use, such as programming or computer repair. Even if you’ve been a programmer for a long time, wish to be a cyber-security specialist, or oversee a team of programmers, you must demonstrate your computer talents clearly on your resume.

This article will educate you to crafting a professional resume and how to best list of technical skills on a resume so you get the job you want. It will teach you how to write about your professional experience and computer skills in order to find the ideal job for you.

What are Technical Skills?

Do you know how to do a specific task very well? That is because you have technical expertise! These abilities are like unique tools in your mind that allow you to fix things, construct things, and use computers. You learn these skills in school, by taking a class, or by doing the work and gaining experience. These are soft skills. Technical abilities are primarily about knowing precisely what to do and how to execute it.

Importance of Technical Skills

Technical Skills are very valuable in today’s jobs! Here’s why: 

  • Technical abilities are crucial for today’s work market. Employers need individuals with the ability to use technology to solve challenges and improve outcomes.
  • Coding, computer security, data comprehension, and computer system operation are all examples of technical skills.

Types of Skills

Work Skills

You have two main kinds of skills for your job. These are referred to as hard and soft skills. Hard skills are similar to the tools you use in your work. They acquired through instruction or training. Hard skills are things like using computer programs, handling machinery, and speaking another language.

Soft skills are your ability to work and communicate with people is referred to as soft talents. They are nonetheless essential even if they are harder to learn than hard skills. Being on time, getting along with people, and having nice discussions are examples of soft talents.

Skills for Your Job

Different skills are required for every job. Good work skills are things you learn to do that will help you be successful at your job. Cooks must know how to use knives and cook in a variety of ways. Doctors must be knowledgeable about medicine and how to care for sick patients.

How to List Technical Skills on a Resume

Identify Relevant Technical Skills

Find the tech skills required for the position first. Carefully read the job description, making note of the skills that align with yours. This demonstrates your technical knowledge and the skills for a resume for the position.

Make a Skills List Section

A special skills section is a great way to list your technical skills. Place this section in an obvious and accessible location. Here’s how to configure it:

Like This:

Technical Skills:

  • Programming languages include Python, Java, and C++.
  • Web Development: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
  • Databases: SQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL
  • Security: Network Security, Threats, Coding Protection
  • Tools: Git, Docker, Jenkins, AWS

Integrate Technical Skills into Professional Experience

Mostly people are concern that should I list technical skills on resume? On your resume, you should emphasize both your technical expertise and your professional experience. This enables employers to view your real-world job usage of your skills. List your primary actions and responsibilities in bullet points to demonstrate your proficiency with computers and technology skills.

For example

Software Engineer, ABC Tech Solutions (June 2018 – Present)

  • Developed and managed websites using Node.js, React, and JavaScript.
  • Created SQL solutions for databases to improve information storage and retrieval.
  • Oversaw a group of five workers who relocated outdated computer systems to AWS, resulting in a 30% increase in productivity.
  • There were 25% fewer errors when it reviewed other people’s code to ensure it was written correctly.

Use Keywords and Phrases

Your resume serves as a key to getting the job of your dreams! You add special computer- understandable words to optimize its performance. These are referred to as “skills” and can include anything from working with people to technology to anything you’re proficient in. Your resume will find you more easily and be seen by actual hiring managers if you include these skills. Your hiring is based on skills.

Highlight Certifications and Training

Getting certifications and participating in training programs attests to your computer proficiency and interest. Employers see that you take your work seriously and that you want to keep up with the latest developments in technology.

To include a section for your training and certifications, follow these steps:

Certificates: 

Type your certifications names in the space provided, for example, “Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)“.

Training:

Detail the titles of the courses you have completed in training.

Showcase Soft Skills

Good job, can! You’ll need two things: the ability to do the work (such as fixing machines) and the ability to interact with others. These people skills are referred to as “skills”. If you can do both the work and get along with others, you’re an excellent candidate for the position!

Mention your soft skills to demonstrate how they enable you to effectively apply your technical abilities when discussing your work experience.

For example

  • We simplified the project by clearly explaining the technical components, even for those
    who are unfamiliar with them.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and execute scalable software
    solutions.

Technical Skills Examples by Industry

Programming Languages

Software tools, development frameworks, and programming languages are common examples of technical skills for software engineers.

Example

Technical Proficiency: Django, Spring Boot, React, and Angular are development frameworks. Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript are programming languages. 

Tools: Jenkins, Kubernetes, Docker, and Git

Cyber Security

A variety of abilities in network security, threat detection, and information protection are required of cyber security skills.

Example

Technical Proficiency

Security tools help to keep things safe! Here are several examples:

Blockers: These act as a fence around your computer, preventing bad things from entering. Firewalls and intrusion prevention systems are prime examples.
Alarms: These monitor for trouble and sound an alert if anything suspicious occurs. This is similar to having a security guard for your computer system, known as an intrusion detection system.
Secret codes: They scramble information so that only the intended recipients can see it. This is similar to having a secret language; it is known as cryptography. There are several methods for doing this, including encryption, PKI, and SSL/TLS.

Data Analysis

Database administration, data visualization, and statistical analysis are necessary for data analysts.
Example:
Technical Skills:

  • R, Python (Pandas, NumPy) for statistical analysis; Tableau, Power BI, and D3.js for data
    visualization
  • Database management: Hadoop, Spark, NoSQL, Web Development and SQL
  • Web developers must be proficient in both front-end and back-end programming.

Example:
Technical Skills:

Front-end: Django, Ruby on Rails, Node.js, Express.js; Back-end: Angular, React, HTML, CSS, JavaScript.

Tools: Docker, Web pack, and Git Customizing Technical Know-How to the Job Requirements

Analyze the Job Description

Examine the job ad closely. Determine the skills required for the job, particularly those involving computers or machines. Write these abilities at the top of your resume to demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the job.

Example:
If the job requires a web designer who is proficient in React and Node.js, highlight these skills at the top of your resume.

Prioritize Relevant Skills

In your technical skills section, list the most relatable skills first. This guarantees that hiring managers and the applicant tracking system see the most crucial qualifications first.

Use Action Verbs

  • Use powerful action verbs to describe your technical talents and professional experience.
  • Verbs of action such as “developed”, “implemented, “managed” and “optimized” show that you are actively using your abilities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some mistakes to avoid when listing your technical skills on a resume, in plain English:

Big Words: Avoid using words that are difficult to understand. To demonstrate your abilities, use simple, clear language.
Mystery Letters: Avoid letters that only a few people understand. Spell out any words that can be shortened.
Bragging: Don’t claim to be a “expert” unless it’s true. Instead, mention that you “used” a program or have “experience” with a skill.
No Proof: Listing your skills isn’t enough. Show us how you used them! For example, “Created a website with HTML and CSS.”

Final Tips for an Effective Resume

Catch their eye: 1-2 page resume focusing on relevant skills and experience.

Professional appearance: Employ a simple layout with distinct areas for qualifications, experience, training, and licenses.
Error-free: Proofread thoroughly – a polished resume shows attention to detail, valued in tech roles.
Start strong: Include a professional summary highlighting your technical background, key skills, and career goals.
Example:
The software engineer is very driven and has over five years of experience creating scalable web applications using JavaScript (React) and Node.js. Proven ability to good development team leader, and create efficient coding procedures. Prepared to provide technical know-how and strong leadership qualities to creative initiatives in a high-tech, fast-paced setting.

Key improvements:
Stronger action verbs:
Modified “results-driven” into “highly motivated” along with “proven track record” into “proven ability.”
Conciseness
Deleted unnecessary terms and expressions like “over five years” and “seeking to leverage”.
Conciseness
Highlighted Utilize React to enhance JavaScript keyword targeting.
Key words:
To improve search engine visibility, relevant keywords like “fast-paced”, “scalable” and “innovative” were added.

Conclusion

Your resume ought to show how proficient you are at your skills! To do this effectively, keep a few simple things in mind. First, choose the skills that help you excel at your job. These should be the same ones that the job you want requires.
Next, include a specific list of your skills on your resume. Mention your skills alongside your work experience on your resume. Make small adjustments to your resume to emphasize the skills that are most relevant to the position you’re applying for. You can write a resume that emphasizes your technical abilities and proves you’re qualified for the position by using the advice in this article!

Credit To:
Ahmad is a seasoned Career Coach and expert Resume Writer, specializing in guiding individuals towards their professional aspiration