Skills can make or break your resume. They should match the jobs you’re applying for and show recruiters that you can succeed at their companies.
Sometimes companies will use applicant tracking systems (ATS) that automatically scan resumes and forward the best matches to hiring managers. Whether a human or a computer is looking over your resume, it pays to have a robust set of skills.
Below, I’ll cover some essential skills to put on your resume, the difference between soft and hard skills and the best ways to highlight skills when communicating about your work experience:
Adaptability:
Change is the only constant in business, according to Mark Cuban. The skills you develop when you start a job may not be relevant in five years, even if you’re still in the same position.
Companies want employees who can adapt to changing times. Demonstrating that on your resume shows employers that you’re a good long-term investment.
Communication:
Virtually every job involves some amount of communication. Are you a software engineer who just wants to code? You still have to talk to clients about their needs.
Eyeballing a management role? You’ll need to successfully communicate with direct reports to give feedback and achieve team goals.
Talking about your communication skills on your resume, including listening, presentation and writing skills, shows
you know how to work with others. You can also mention your communication
Critical thinking: 
Critical thinking is your ability to find solutions beyond the obvious. Good critical thinkers can get to the “why” behind a problem, anticipate future problems and elevate the quality of work
Putting critical thinking on your resume takes your skills to the next level. It also speaks to your independence-you come up with solutions on your own, rather than relying on others.
Customer service:
Many jobs require some sort of customer service element. Salespeople or project managers talk to customers, helping them get exactly what they’re looking for. Other workers, like copywriters or data engineers, may still meet with customers to speak to their area of expertise and demonstrate the viability of their company’s work.
Don’t take customer service skills for granted. They’re valuable in almost any position.
Creativity:
The best employees are not just cogs in a machine. They stand out by thinking outside the box and offering creative new solutions to their company’s problems.
But creativity doesn’t necessarily mean you’re artistic. If you’re an analyst, it could mean drawing novel conclusions from data. If you’re a manager, it could mean finding interesting new ways to engage your team. Including creativity as a skill on your resume shows employers that you can offer value beyond the job description.
Time management:
Many employers want things done yesterday. That’s not always possible, but good time managers offer the next best thing: work that’s done well and finished as soon as possible. Introducing yourself as a good time manager shows that you’ll finish tasks before they’re due. That’s something hiring managers love to see.
