Top 15 Skills for Resume in 2025: With Examples

Choosing the right skills for resume can help you stand out and improve your chances of getting hired. This is especially important now, as a recent study shows nearly two-thirds of employers use skills-based hiring to find candidates with strong potential.

In this article, we discuss the 15 best skills to include on a resume in 2025, including hard and soft skills for resume, examples ideal for freshers, and tips for listing your skills effectively.

Hard skills vs. soft skills: what to highlight?

Employers look for both hard skills and soft skills for resume to find well-rounded candidates. Knowing the difference can help you decide which ones to include based on the job you're applying for.

Hard skills for resume

Hard skills are teachable abilities you can learn through training, education, or experience. They are often job-specific and easy to measure.

Examples of hard skills for resume:

• Data analysis skills
• Programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, C++)
• Graphic design
• Foreign language proficiency
• Project management tools (e.g., Trello, Asana)

Soft skills for resume

Soft skills are personal traits that affect how you work with others. They are harder to teach but equally important in most jobs.

Examples of soft skills for resume:

• Communication or public speaking skills
• Problem-solving
• Adaptability
• Time management
• Attention to detail

Most experts recommend using both types of skills for resume. Hard skills show what you can do, while soft skills show how you work and interact with others.

15 best skills to put on your resume

Recent reports show that employers now look for a mix of technical and people skills to keep up with the changing workplace. With the rise of AI, digital tools, and sustainability, the most in-demand professional skills have shifted.

Here are the top 15 skills to add to your resume in 2025.

1. Technological literacy
   Technological skills are growing faster than any other skill. In the tech industry and beyond, employers look for candidates who can quickly learn and use digital tools for communication, project tracking, or data entry.
2. Analytical thinking
   This skill means being able to look at data, find patterns, and make smart decisions. It's especially useful in finance, operations, and marketing, where data guides business strategy.
3. Creative thinking
   Creative thinkers bring new ideas and innovation, which is important in changing industries like media, advertising, and tech. Creative thinking also helps with problem-solving and developing new products.
4. Leadership skills and social influence
   Even without a formal leadership role, employers value those who can influence others, take initiative, and help teams reach goals. This includes motivating others, handling conflicts, and building trust.
5. Resilience, flexibility, and agility
   In fast-changing workplaces, employers value people who stay calm under pressure, recover from setbacks, and adjust to new tasks or priorities.
6. Curiosity and lifelong learning
   Being curious and open to learning helps you stay updated. Employers value those who take the initiative to grow their skills as new tools and technologies develop.
7. Talent management
   This skill is important for managers and team leaders. It involves hiring, coaching, and helping team members grow, while also creating an inclusive and supportive workplace.
8. Environmental stewardship
   As more companies focus on sustainability, knowing about environmental responsibility is a valuable skill. This includes reducing waste, following green practices, and supporting ethical sourcing.
9. Project management skills
   Managing deadlines, resources, and teams requires strong organizational skills. The ability to handle multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and stay on schedule is a valuable asset, especially in a management position. Hiring managers value those who can deliver results on time and within budget.
10. Communication
    Clear communication, both spoken and written, is important for teamwork, reporting, and leadership. Good written communication skills help share ideas clearly, avoid confusion, and build trust in the team.
11. Problem-solving
    Problem-solving shows you can think clearly, find solutions, and take action. It also highlights your critical thinking skills, which are important in fast-paced or changing workplaces.
12. Teamwork and collaboration
    Team players who work well with different groups are important in cross-functional roles. This includes working remotely, sharing credit, handling conflicts, and supporting team goals.
13. Time management skills
    Managing tasks, meeting deadlines, and staying organized are important in most jobs. Employers value candidates who can prioritize tasks effectively and work independently to get things done.
14. Customer service skills
    Customer-facing roles need empathy, patience, and good communication. Strong customer service and sales skills can lead to repeat business and positive feedback, whether in retail, tech support, or sales.
15. Interpersonal skills
    These skills show how well you interact with others such as clients, coworkers, or managers. They include active listening skills, empathy, and emotional intelligence, all of which support strong teamwork and leadership.

Best skills in resume for freshers

If you're just out of school and starting your job search, your resume should highlight skills that show your potential. Here are five of the best skills to include as a fresher:

• Good communication skills
  Strong communication skills are important for any job. Job seekers, especially freshers, can demonstrate this through group projects, presentations, part-time jobs, or extracurricular activities. It helps to highlight the ability to share ideas clearly, listen actively, and collaborate in a team.
• Problem-solving skills
  Employers want people who can spot problems and find solutions. This skill helps complete tasks efficiently and overcome obstacles. It can be shown by explaining how challenges were handled in school projects, volunteer work, or personal tasks.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn
  Jobs often change, so being open to learning and handling new situations is valuable. As a fresher, show that you're eager to grow and take on new challenges.
• Teamwork and collaboration
  Most roles require working with others. Use examples from group work, clubs, sports, or volunteering to show you can work toward shared goals.
• Basic digital literacy or technical skills
  Having basic computer skills, like using Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or other common computer programs, is helpful. Even for non-technical jobs, being comfortable with digital tools is a big plus.

Tips for listing skills on a resume

Listing key skills on your resume helps you stand out to employers; here are some tips to do it effectively.

1. Match your skills to the job
   Read the job postings or job descriptions carefully. Look for important skills and job duties, such as "teamwork" or "Excel," and include them if they match your experience.
2. Group your skills
   Make your resume easier to read by grouping similar skills together. For example, you can separate your skills into categories like:
   • Technical skills (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel)
   • Soft skills (e.g., teamwork, time management)
   • Language skills (e.g., English, French)
   • Transferable skills (e.g., problem-solving, adaptability)
3. Be clear and give examples
   Don't just say "good at computers." Be specific. For example: "Created weekly reports using Microsoft Excel." This tells the employer what tool you used and how you used it. It's much more helpful than a general statement.
4. Show your skills in other parts of your resume
   Skills shouldn't only appear in the skills section. You can also highlight them in your work experience, education, or project descriptions to show how you used them in real situations.
   
   For example: "Worked with a team of five to complete a school project on time." This shows teamwork and time management.
5. Be honest about your skills
   Only list personal skills you actually have. If you say you know Excel but don't, it could hurt your chances in the interview or later on the job. It's better to be honest and show you're willing to learn.

Having the right skills can help you stand out to employers during the hiring process. List the most relevant skills on your resume in a clear and effective way to increase your chances of getting hired.

For extra support, a professional resume writer can help highlight your strengths. Your resume is your first impression, so make every skill count.