If you have ever stared at the “Skills” section of your resume wondering what to write, you are not alone. Hiring authorities at Monster, Robert Half, and DeVry University agree that the right mix of hard and soft skills can determine whether your application moves forward. DeVry suggests listing 5 to 10 highly relevant skills tailored to each job description — a rule of thumb backed by recruiter expectations.

4 related posts

Most requested soft skill: Communication (Robert Half, Handshake) ·
Recommended skill count: 5–10 (DeVry University) ·
Hard skill emphasis: Technical proficiency required for job tasks (Indeed)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Which skill rank matters most for remote roles
  • How demand for specific hard skills will shift with AI automation
  • Whether technical skills are truly industry-specific or can be broadly applied
3Timeline signal
  • Digital fluency and adaptability are rising priorities (HGS Canada)
4What’s next
  • Expect recruiters to prioritize proof of skills through work samples and certifications

Three key patterns emerge from employer surveys and career-center advice, one pattern: soft skills, hard skills, and the right number of skills all carry weight.

Factor What the data shows Source
Most requested soft skill Communication (92% of recruiters cite it as critical) UGA Career Center, Handshake
Most in-demand hard skill Data analysis (listed in 70% of job postings for business roles) Indeed
Skills gap concern 64% of employers struggle to find candidates with the right mix HGS Canada

What are good skills for a resume?

Hard skills vs. soft skills

  • Hard skills are teachable, job-specific abilities such as coding, data analysis, or foreign languages (Robert Half).
  • Soft skills are interpersonal traits like communication, teamwork, and adaptability (HGS Canada).
  • A balance of both is essential for career advancement (DeVry University).

The implication: employers look for evidence of both types. Listing only hard skills can make you seem one-dimensional; relying only on soft skills may leave competence in doubt.

How to choose the right mix

  • Start with a master list of all skills from work experience, education, and volunteer work (Monster).
  • Select 5–10 skills that match the job description (DeVry University).
  • Organize them under bolded category headings (e.g., Technical Skills, Interpersonal Skills) for quick scanning (UGA Career Center).

The trade-off: more skills are not better. A targeted list shows focus and relevance, while a laundry list dilutes impact.

The upshot

Customizing your skill list to each application — even by swapping one or two keywords — can increase your chances of passing applicant-tracking systems and recruiter reviews.

The implication: Customizing your skills list is not just a tip — it’s a strategy backed by employer expectations.

What are the 7 soft skills?

Employer surveys and career experts repeatedly highlight these seven interpersonal abilities as the most valued across industries.

  • Communication — clearly conveying ideas verbally and in writing (Robert Half)
  • Teamwork — collaborating effectively with others (Handshake)
  • Problem-solving — identifying and resolving issues (HGS Canada)
  • Adaptability — adjusting to changing circumstances (DeVry University)
  • Leadership — guiding teams or projects (Harvard Business School Online)
  • Time management — prioritizing tasks effectively (Handshake)
  • Creativity — generating innovative ideas and solutions (HBS Online)

What this means: these seven soft skills consistently appear in job postings and recruiter wish lists. Demonstrating them through concrete examples — like leading a team project or resolving a customer complaint — can set you apart.

Why this matters

According to Robert Half, 92% of hiring managers say soft skills are equally or more important than hard skills when making a final decision. A resume that fails to show any of these seven could be overlooked.

What this means: Without these seven soft skills, a resume risks being overlooked.

What are the 7 hard skills?

Hard skills are measurable, job-specific abilities. The following seven categories cover the most commonly requested examples across industries.

  • Technical skills — proficiency with specific tools or machines (Robert Half)
  • Data analysis — interpreting data to make decisions (Indeed)
  • Project management — planning and executing projects (Monster)
  • Foreign languages — fluency in a second language (Indeed)
  • Computer programming — writing and testing code (Monster)
  • Design — creating visual or user-experience layouts (DeVry University)
  • Writing — producing clear, accurate documents (UGA Career Center)

The pattern: hard skills vary widely by field, but the ability to demonstrate at least one area of technical depth signals competence. Recruiters often screen for these keywords before reading the full resume.

What are top 5 skills?

Across surveys from Robert Half, Handshake, and DeVry, five skills appear most frequently as universal requirements.

  • Communication — both verbal and written (Robert Half)
  • Problem-solving — analytical thinking and troubleshooting (HBS Online)
  • Teamwork — collaboration across functions (Handshake)
  • Adaptability — willingness to learn and change (DeVry University)
  • Technical skills — role-specific hard skills (Indeed)

The catch: these five are considered core for most roles, but the priority order shifts by industry. For a customer-facing role, communication and adaptability may lead; for a tech role, problem-solving and technical skills dominate.

What are 10 good skills?

For mid-level and senior positions, a broader set of 10 skills shows depth and versatility. The list below combines the top five with five additional high-value competencies.

  • Critical thinking — evaluating information objectively (HBS Online)
  • Customer service — addressing client needs (HGS Canada)
  • Leadership — motivating others (Robert Half)
  • Project management — organizing workflows (Monster)
  • Written communication — report writing, email clarity (UGA Career Center)
  • Data analysis — extracting insights (Indeed)
  • Time management — meeting deadlines (Handshake)
  • Digital literacy — comfort with tools and software (HBS Online)
  • Attention to detail — accuracy in deliverables (DeVry University)
  • Collaboration — working in diverse teams (Handshake)

The pattern: a 10-item list covers both foundational and advanced competencies. For senior roles, recruiters expect evidence of leadership, project management, and data fluency — not just basic soft skills.

Bottom line: The 10-skill list is what experienced professionals should aim for. Entry-level candidates: prioritize 5–7 core skills. Mid-career: expand to 10 with measurable results.

The pattern: A 10-skill list signals seniority and breadth, but only if backed by measurable results.

Clarity check: what we know and what remains open

Confirmed facts

  • Soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are consistently cited by employers as critical (Robert Half, Handshake).
  • Hard skills must be role-specific and backed by experience or certification (Indeed).
  • Tailoring your skills list to each job posting increases interview chances (Monster).

What remains unclear

  • Exactly which skill hierarchy matters most for remote and hybrid roles.
  • How AI-driven automation will change demand for specific hard skills over the next five years.
  • Whether technical skills are truly industry-specific or can be broadly applied.

“We look for candidates who can communicate clearly and work well in teams. Technical skills we can teach, but the willingness to collaborate is harder to find.” — HR manager, Fortune 500 company (quoted in Robert Half research)

“For entry-level candidates, I recommend leading with soft skills and backing each with a concrete example. Did you lead a group project? That’s leadership and teamwork in action.” — Career coach, University of Georgia Career Center (via UGA Career Center)

Choosing the right skills for your resume is about strategic alignment, not listing everything you have done. The evidence from hiring managers and career experts is consistent: a focused, tailored set of 5–10 relevant skills, demonstrated with real examples, gives you the best chance of moving to the interview stage. For entry-level job seekers, the decision is clear: prioritize communication, teamwork, and adaptability — or risk being passed over for candidates who make those traits visible.

For a look at which qualifications are trending now, check out our guide to in-demand skills for 2025.

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Frequently asked questions

How many skills should you list on your resume?

Most career experts recommend 5 to 10 skills, tailored to the job description. DeVry University specifically suggests 5–10 highly relevant skills to keep the section focused and scannable (DeVry University).

Should soft skills or hard skills be listed first?

List hard skills first if the job is technical; soft skills first if the role emphasizes interpersonal interaction. Use the job posting as your guide — match the order of importance signaled by the employer (Indeed).

What skills are best for entry-level roles?

Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and a willingness to learn are top picks. HGS Canada notes that strong communication skills are among the most important for beginners (HGS Canada).

How to list technical skills on a resume?

Create a dedicated “Technical Skills” section with bullet points or a comma-separated list. Group related tools or certifications under bolded headings (e.g., “Programming Languages,” “Software”) (UGA Career Center).

Can you put hobbies as skills?

Only if the hobby directly demonstrates a relevant skill — for example, running a community group shows leadership and organization. Otherwise, avoid hobbies in the skills section (Monster).

What is the difference between a skill and a qualification?

A skill is a specific ability (e.g., “Python programming”). A qualification is a formal credential, such as a degree, certification, or license. Both should appear on your resume, but skills go in the skills section and qualifications in education or certifications (Indeed).

How to tailor skills for a specific job application?

Compare your master skill list with the job posting. Select the 5–10 skills that match most closely, reorder them to mirror the posting’s priorities, and include concrete examples of how you used each (Monster).