What Are Hard Skills? 13 Hard Skills to Put on a Resume

In today's competitive job market, job seekers often find themselves facing a common challenge: how to stand out from the crowd and acquire their dream positions. The solution lies in understanding what hard skills to add to resume and how they can transform their resume into a powerful tool for success. In this blog, we'll explore the solution to this common dilemma by diving into the world of the best hard skills for a resume that will set you on the path to professional achievement.

What are Hard Skills?

Hard skills for a resume, often referred to as technical or job-specific skills, are tangible abilities and competencies that are acquired through education, training, and practical experience. Unlike soft skills, which are more related to personal attributes and interpersonal abilities, hard skills for CV are specific, quantifiable, and easily measurable. 
They encompass a wide range of proficiencies, from technical expertise in areas like programming, data analysis, or project management to concrete skills in fields like finance, marketing, and language proficiency. These hard skills to add to resume play a critical role in your professional life, as they determine your suitability for specific roles and your potential to excel in them.

15 In-Demand Hard Skills For a Resume in 2024

While soft skills like teamwork and communication are crucial, hard skills to list on resume are the technical competencies that set you apart. Let's explore the top 15 best hard skills for a resume that can supercharge your student resume.

1. Analytical Skills

Analytical skills, often regarded as critical hard skills for a resume, are the brainpower behind smart decisions. They enable you to dig into data, extract valuable insights, and draw meaningful conclusions. 

Analytical Skills to add to your resume

• Critical Thinking
• Problem-Solving
• Pattern Recognition
• Statistical Analysis
• Quantitative Analysis

2. Sales Skills

Sales skills aren't just about selling; they're about building lasting relationships. They involve the art of uncovering customer needs, negotiating win-win deals, and transforming leads into loyal clients, making it one of the hard skills for a resume. 

Sales Skills to add to your resume

• Prospecting
• Product Knowledge
• Sales Strategy
• Presentation Skills
• Customer Retention

3. Marketing Skills

Hard skills for a resume in marketing aren't merely about promotion; they're about telling compelling stories. Proficiency in digital marketing, content creation, market research, and SEO allows you to craft narratives that resonate with your target audience. 

Marketing Skills to add to your resume

• Social Media Marketing
• Brand Management
• Email Marketing
• Advertising Strategy
• Content Strategy

4. Technological Skills

Technological skills are hard skills for a resume and serve as the driving force behind innovation. They encompass programming, software development, IT management, and more. 

Technological Skills to add to your resume

• Network Administration
• Cybersecurity
• Database Management
• Cloud Computing
• Technical Troubleshooting

5. Computer Skills

Computer skills are another hard skill to put on resume that isn't just about being tech-savvy; they're about mastering the tools of modern productivity. Proficiency in software applications, troubleshooting, and data management empowers you to work efficiently.

Computer Skills to add to your resume

• Spreadsheets (e.g., Excel)
• Database Management (e.g., SQL)
• Graphic Design Software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop)
• Basic Coding Knowledge
• Operating System Proficiency

6. Finance Skills

Hard skills for a resume in finance are the compass for sound financial management. They involve financial analysis, budgeting, and investment strategies, navigating complex financial terrains, asses risk and allocating resources effectively. 

Finance Skills to add to your resume

• Risk Assessment
• Financial Modelling
• Strategic Budget Planning
• Taxation Knowledge
• Cash Flow Management

7. Project Management Skills

Project management hard skills for a resume are your roadmap to success. They encompass project planning, team leadership, risk management, and overseeing intricate initiatives, ensuring they stay on track and meet their objectives. 

Project Skills to add to your resume

• Time Management
• Scope Management
• Conflict Resolution
• Quality Control
• Agile/Scrum Methodologies

8. Language Skills

Hard skills for a resume, such as language skills, are the bridges between cultures and communities. They encompass multilingualism, translation, effective communication with diverse audiences, and breaking down communication barriers. 

Language Skills to add to your resume

• Writing (e.g., copywriting, content creation)
• Business Communication
• Cross-Cultural Communication
• Fluency in Specific Languages
• Language Proficiency Testing

9. Data Analysis Skills

Data analysis skills, a prime example of hard skills for a resume, are the keys to unlocking the hidden value in data. They encompass data interpretation, visualisation, and statistical analysis. With these skills, you can turn raw data into actionable insights, helping organisations make data-informed decisions.

Data Analysis Skills to add to your resume

• Statistical Software (e.g., SPSS, R)
• Data Cleansing
• Hypothesis Testing
• A/B Testing
• Predictive Modelling
• Data-Driven Decision-Making

10. Customer Service Skills

Customer service skills, known as essential hard skills for a resume, are the heart of customer satisfaction. They encompass empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution, highlighting your ability to create exceptional experiences for customers while ensuring their needs are met.

Customer Service Skills to add to your resume

• Problem-Solving
• Patience
• Product Knowledge
• Time Management
• Service Recovery
• Multichannel Support (e.g., phone, email, chat)

11. Negotiation Skills 

Negotiation skills are the ability to communicate persuasively, understand perspectives, and facilitate compromise between two individuals to achieve a mutual goal. This is a very important hard skill for a resume, given that in the future, you need to negotiate salaries and job positions to get what you want ultimately. 

Negotiation Skills to add to your resume

• Effective Communication
• Problem-Solving
• Conflict Resolution
• Strategic Thinking
• Relationship Building
• Assertiveness
• Flexibility

12. Writing Skills 

Writing skills refer to the capacity to articulate thoughts, ideas, or information clearly and coherently through written communication. Strong writing skills are important hard skills to list on resume as they convey your creativity and language strength.  

Writing Skills to add to your resume 

• Strong Grammar and Punctuation
• Creative Writing
• Technical Writing
• Content Creation
• Copywriting
• Editing and Proofreading
• Research and Analysis
• Adaptability to Different Styles and Tones

13. Design Skills 

Design skills encompass proficiency in conceptualising, visualising, and creating visual elements to communicate messages or solve problems. These hard skills for a resume involve understanding design principles, utilising design software and tools, and applying creativity to produce visually appealing and functional outcomes. 

Design Skills to add to your resume 

• Graphic Design
• Web Design
• User Interface (UI) Design
• User Experience (UX) Design
• Multimedia Design
• Print Design
• Typography

14. Leadership Skills

This hard skill for a resume singlehandedly has the power to take your career to new heights. It is one thing to be a master of your craft, and it's another thing to organise it in a way that makes you and your teammates assets to your company.
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‍Leadership Skills to add to your resume

• Visionary Leadership
• Team Building and Motivation
• Decision-Making and Problem-Solving
• Conflict Resolution
• Delegation and Empowerment

15. Time Management Skills

Lastly, these hard skills for a resume can make your and your employer's life easier by you getting more work done as a result of handling your time well. In today's time where everybody is so busy, this skill goes a long way.
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‍Time Management Skills to add to your resume‍

• Prioritization and Goal-Setting
• Task Scheduling and Planning
• Procrastination Avoidance
• Focus and Concentration Techniques
• Adaptability to Changing Priorities

How to Improve Hard Skills for a CV

You see, it is crucial to know that you need to improve your hard skills. But it is equally important to know the best ways to do so. The tips below will help you do the same.

1. Get Feedback

Actively seek feedback from mentors, supervisors, or peers to gain valuable insights into your performance and areas for improvement. Constructive criticism helps you understand your strengths and weaknesses and helps enhance your hard skills. 

2. Regular Practice

Consistent practice is essential for mastering hard skills. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to hone your abilities through hands-on exercises, projects, or problem-solving tasks.

3. Take a Course

Supplement your self-learning efforts with structured courses or training programs tailored to your desired hard skills. Online platforms offer a wealth of resources, from beginner to advanced levels, covering a wide range of technical subjects. 

4. Understand Your Pain Points

Reflect on your learning journey to identify specific challenges or pain points you encounter while developing your hard skills. Whether it's mastering complex algorithms, understanding statistical concepts, or navigating coding syntax, pinpointing areas of difficulty allows you to focus your efforts more effectively. 

How to Put Hard Skills on Your Resume

The most effective way to design your resume is by leveraging the right mix of hard skills and strategic placement of the same. The hacks below will help you do so with ease:

1. Identify relevant hard skills

Begin by first understanding the job role in detail and deciding which hard skills to add to a resume, ones the employer is looking for. This ensures a targeted job application.

2. Create a skills section

Clearly mention your hard skills in a prominent section to capture the recruiter's attention instantly and mention the skills in descending order of importance.

3. Tailor skills to the job

The hard skills to list on a resume should be according to every new application by carefully reading the job description and understanding the subtone of the message for the ideal candidate.

4. Showcase certifications

Accompany your hard skills for a resume with supporting certifications from the courses you've undertaken, adding more substance and credibility to your pitch.

5. Be specific and quantify

Adding some spice to your hard skills to list on your resume is done by sprinkling it with specific numbers highlighting your achievements and the growth metrics you've achieved.

Hard skills to put on resume, ranging from technical expertise to industry-specific knowledge, play a pivotal role in distinguishing you from the competition. Tailoring your resume to highlight the 10 best hard skills for a resume discussed here is the key to catching the eye of potential employers. 

There are a lot of student internships that offer valuable resources to enhance your educational journey. So, equip yourself with the right hard skills for a resume and open the door to a world of professional opportunities.