Top 20 Hard Skills for Your Resume: A Guide

In the hard skills vs. soft skills debate, there is only one solid answer: you need both. Yes, if you want to win over the hiring manager, your professional resume needs a balance of the two. 

While you might have your soft skills down, choosing the right hard skills for a resume can be tricky. Luckily, we have you covered. In this complete guide, we will look at what they are, why you need them, and the top 20 hard skills that you can consider including on your next resume.

What are hard skills?

Hard skills are competencies that apply directly to the job. These can include the ability to use specific software, industry knowledge, or technical skills, for example. Often enough, these skills are both teachable and measurable. You might learn them over the course of your career. 

The core hard skills that are expected of you will vary from sector to sector. However, there are certain trends of which you need to be aware. Having your finger on the pulse when it comes to what hard skills recruiters are looking for is always a good move. This strategy will allow you to continuously upskill and learn new things, according to the demands of the industry.

Why should you include hard skills on your resume?

Now that you understand what hard skills are, let’s talk about why they matter for your resume. While well-rounded candidates ought to have both hard and soft skills on their resume, the former play a vital role in showing the hiring manager that you have what it takes to succeed. With that in mind, let’s take a look at why you need hard skills for your resume.  

Match the job requirements

One of the main reasons that you need hard skills for your resume is to show that you match the job requirements. Before you apply for any role, you need to check out the criteria. Often enough, the hiring manager will add this information to the job posting or advertisement. 

Look at the exact requirements of the role. You should find that there is a list of hard skills that the employer expects of candidates. Of course, you need to ensure that your resume aligns closely with the demands of the role. Including the right hard skills will help you do just that. 

Beat the bots 

Including the right hard skills can also help you to get past the applicant tracking system (ATS). The screening software ranks incoming resumes by how well they fit the criteria of the vacancy. One of the ways that it does this is by searching for specific keywords in each application. 

If you want to boost your chances of getting past the software, you need to make sure that your resume includes the right keywords. Once again, you should go back to the job advertisement and look for the hard skills that have been listed there. By including the skills that you have under your belt, you can easily improve your chance of ranking well with the ATS software.

Highlight your expertise

Hiring managers want well-rounded candidates. When they are filling any vacancy, they have to consider how well the person will fit into the workplace and, crucially, whether they have the skills to ace the job. Choosing hard skills for your resume helps you to highlight your expertise. 

When the hiring manager glances at your resume, they will instantly be able to tell which hard skills you have. This means that they can determine whether you have the right level of knowledge to start working in the position that they need to fill. The more technical skills you have, the better your chances will be of landing the role (so long as they are relevant to it!). 

Top 20 hard skills for your resume in 2024

Choosing the right hard skills for your resume can be hard. We recommend considering the employer’s needs when you are making this decision. However, there are some hard skills that are increasingly in demand in the modern working world. In the following section, we will take a look at the top 20 hard skills for your resume as well as clear definitions for each of them.

Technological hard skills 

First up, we’re going to kick things off with the most popular category. When you think of hard skills, chances are technical proficiencies spring to mind. While it’s true that there’s a wide range of hard skills out there, many do fall neatly into this category. For that reason, it’s worth breaking down some of the most common hard skills that employers may expect you to have.

1. Cybersecurity 

Cybersecurity talent is in high-demand. According to the 2023 Fortinet Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report, more than half of all organizations struggle to recruit candidates who have the cybersecurity skills that they need. When you consider that malware variants are on the rise, there is no wonder that the demand for this set of hard skills is booming. 

Cybersecurity skills include ethical hacking, information security, network security, secure software development, and cloud security. If you boast any of these in-demand hard skills and you’re applying for a role in the sector, including them on your resume is a must. 

2. Programming 

Since the technological world is advancing at a remarkable rate, programming skills will always top the charts. Understanding coding languages means that you can create and develop the technology of the future. Whether you work in software development or a related field, choosing these hard skills for your resume is always going to win over hiring managers. You may include: 

• C++

• CSS

• JavaScript

• HTML

• Pathon

• Node

• Ruby 

• React 

If you decide to include these hard skills on your resume, you should add context. Be clear about what language you use and any projects that you have worked on. The more detail you can add here, the easier it will be for the hiring manager to gage your level of expertise, 

3. Cloud computing skills 

Should you have expertise in any level of cloud computing — including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP) — it’s worth shouting about. This is an area that is set to expand in the years to come, and so showcasing your knowledge now could be key. As always, it’s smart to show you are continuously learning and developing these skills. 

4. Data and analytical skills 

Should you work in a research-based field, having a strong grip of data and analytics is a must. Of course, there are many ways in which these hard skills for your resume can manifest. You need to be specific about how you manage data and the techniques that you are au fait with. 

Wherever possible, try to hone in on this skill-set on your resume. Here are some examples of the types of hard skills you may choose to include on your next application: 

• Data analysis 

• Data mining 

• Business analysis 

• Data management 

• Microsoft Excel

• SQL

• Python

• Marketing analysis 

• Data forecasting 

• SWOT testing 

• Financial analysis 

Consider where your exact skill-set lies and how you have learned it over the years. You can include these hard skills in the skills section of your resume. However, you may also want to weave them into the fabric of the application. For instance, you can choose to include mentions of them in your tasks and duties when you are writing your work experience section. 

5. AI and machine learning 

You don’t need to have a crystal ball to know that AI is the future. From ChatGPT to algorithms, companies are looking for candidates who have a strong grasp of this rapidly expanding sector. If that sounds like you, there are plenty of hard skills for your resume that you don’t want to miss. Here are some of the skills that you may already have and should include: 

• Machine learning (MI) 

• Natural Language Processing (NLP) 

• Autonomous systems

• Expert systems 

• Computer vision 

You don’t have to work in the technological sectors for AI to be a useful skill-set. As these systems become more prevalent across various fields, they will be in demand in a range of industries. For that reason, these are prime hard skills for your resume. 

Engineering hard skills 

Next up, let’s talk about the engineering sector. If you’re hoping to land a job in this industry, you need to make sure that you have a wide array of hard skills on your resume. As always, you can refer back to the original job posting to get an idea of what the hiring manager is after. In this next section, we will be looking at two of the top engineering hard skills you may need. 

6. Computer Aided Design (CAD) skills 

Used in product design, architecture, and manufacturing — among many other fields — CAD software gives you the chance to create detailed models of systems or structures. Put simply, it is one of the major tools that engineers use when they are creating their plans. Examples of this software include CATIA, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Revit.

7. Mechanical skills 

Needless to say, mechanical skills are a must in the realms of engineering. Once again, Rather than using this blanket term, you should try to be as specific as you can. You may want to talk about the following hard skills on your engineering resume: 

• Blueprint drawing and reading 

• Mechanical design and engineering 

• Manufacturing troubleshooting 

• Mechanical assembly and installation 

• Safety regulations and protocols

In each case, consider what the hiring manager is looking for when it comes to their prime candidate. The better you can align your resume to their needs, the higher your chances. 

Digital marketing hard skills 

The global digital advertising and marketing market is set to reach $786.2 Billion by 2026. It should come as no great surprise that digital marketing skills are popular among hiring managers. Whether you work in this sector directly or within a field that crosses over with it, these hard skills are invaluable. Let’s take a look at some that you may already have. 

8. Search engine optimization (SEO)

Unless you have been hiding under a rock for the past decade, you will have heard of SEO. Search engine optimization is an ever-changing discipline, and so you need to ensure that you're up to date on the latest industry updates and changes. If you know how to make the SEO ranking system work for you and clients, you will always be in a prime position. Not only should you list this in the hard skills for your resume, but also give it context in your application. 

9. Search engine marketing (SEM)

Following on from SEO, you have search engine marketing (SEM). In essence, this is how you use the founding principles of SEO to your best advantage. This hard skill is all about increasing web pages’ visibility and boosting their place in search engine results pages (SERPs). 

10. Social media marketing 

Social media marketing has remained one of the most in-demand hard skills when it comes to digital marketing. It’s clear to see why. The world of social media is always changing. 

While this marketing strategy was once confined to the likes of Facebook and Instagram, there are countless other platforms of which marketers should be aware. These include TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, LinkedIn, X (previously Twitter), and so on. 

If you have social media marketing skills already, be sure to name-check them on your resume. In addition, should you have undertaken any specific training, you need to list this in your education section. Try to give some real credibility to the claims that you make here. 

11. Graphic design 

Graphic design is all about visual communication. You may use a selection of software, such as Adobe programs, to create stunning marketing resources. When you are including this hard skill on your resume, be sure to include the tools that you are confident in using for your craft.

Financial hard skills 

Looking to break into the financial world? If so, you will need to have a diverse range of hard skills for your resume. Any discerning hiring manager will want to make sure that you have the right skills for the job. Let’s take a look at some of the core financial hard skills below.

12. Accounting software

It’s not merely about stating that you understand specific accounting software, such as Sage 50 Accounting or QuickBooks. You should also look at ways in which you utilize that software in your role. You can use the work experience section to elaborate on the way in which each piece of software has helped you in your financial role. 

13. Financial forecasting 

Financial forecasting means analyzing current trends and finances and making predictions on behalf of your business. As you might imagine, this is a hard skill that is always in high demand. Of course, financial forecasting involves a section of disciplines including the following: 

• Revenue and expense forecasting 

• Financial statements projection 

• Budgeting and long-term planning 

• Performance monitoring and altering 

Should you work in the financial sector, it’s worth strengthening this particular skill-set. Having these hard skills on your resume could be the key to your ultimate success. 

Methodology hard skills 

In the world of business, many professionals use intelligent methodologies to improve efficiency. So, if you have learned any of the core methodologies, you will want to mention them on your next resume. Here are some of the hard skills that may well come under that umbrella. 

14. Inquiry-based learning

Emphasizing the importance of evidence and research-based learning, this strategy is one that is being adopted by many modern workplaces. When you’re considering the best hard skills on a resume for students, you should not overlook this particular skill. The approach encourages professionals to investigate, ask questions, and further develop their critical thinking skills. 

15. Design sprint 

When teams are aiming to solve complex problems quickly, they will often use a design sprint. This five-day collaboration allows them to understand, diverge, and create a prototype to solve the problem. If you have taken part in this type of strategy — or even lead a design sprint — before now, that is well worth speaking about when creating your professional resume. 

16. Six sigma 

Next up, six sigma is a data-driven approach to operational excellence. It comprises different phases that you use to make sure that a team or department is reaching the highest possible levels of operations that they can. If you are confident in how this methodology works and have previously used it within your career, you may want to include that detail on your resume. 

Miscellaneous hard skills

Not all hard skills fall firmly into a category. In fact, some of the most popular hard skills are miscellaneous. So, let’s take a look at some of the skills you don’t want to forget. 

17. Healthcare skills

Whether you work in the healthcare field or you’re the designated first aider in your office, there’s no doubting the fact that these skills are hard. If you want to show that you can support the wider workforce and keep people safe, it is worth including these skills on your resume. Of course, there’s a broad range of healthcare skills you may choose to list on your application.

18. Languages 

Do you speak another language? If the answer is yes, you should talk about that fact on your resume. In some roles, having an additional language will be a prerequisite of the job. However, even if the job advert does not mention the need for language skills, you may still want to include them. These are the types of hard skills that are certain to set you apart from the crowd. 

19. Translation and interpretation 

While we’re on the subject of languages, why not take things one step further? If you are a pro when it comes to either translation or interpretation, let the hiring manager know. Include any special training or experience you have in this sector. In some cases, it may be worth listing the level of your language proficiency. That way, they can see the value in your language skills. 

20. Project management 

Project management is a hard skill that spans a whole selection of sectors. If you have experience of taking the lead on projects and finding the best ways to keep your team on track, you should include this in your hard skills for your resume. Don’t forget to mention any software, tools, or systems you use when you are taking the helm of a project. 

Tips for strengthening your hard skills 

If you have looked at our hard skills on resume examples and fallen short, don’t panic. There are plenty of ways that you can strengthen your skill-set. Here are some simple tips: 

• Look into online training. Taking evening courses or any other form of online training could be the answer. If you want to boost a specific hard skill, this approach will allow you to do so and even gain a certificate in that discipline. 

• Watch out for L&D programs. If your workplace offers learning and development programs, make good use of them. Signing up to one of these training systems may help you to gain valuable hard skills you can use later in your career.

• Always take on new projects. Whenever there is an opportunity to take on a new project, put yourself forward. The more diverse your experience, the more likely you are to develop a solid range of hard skills on which you can rely. 

Final words 

Looking for a simple way to upgrade your resume? In this guide, we have shared a selection of hard skills examples that you can use for inspiration. Hiring managers are always looking for candidates that have a selection of technical skills that meet the job requirements. Consider which core skills are pertinent in your career and include them within your next resume. 

Be sure to tailor your resume to the role for which you are applying. If in doubt, you can always refer back to the job criteria and see how many of the competencies you already possess. Listing these on your resume will increase your chances of landing that all-important interview.

Want to make sure your resume is hitting the mark? Get your free resume review from our team of experts now. Learn how you can quickly and easily upgrade your application.

Recommended reading: 

• 5 Things Hiring Managers and Recruiters Want On Your Resume

• The19 Essential Skills to Put on Your Resume

• Communication Skills on a Resume (Examples + Tips)