What are Hard Skills? (25+ Hard Skills to Put on Resume)

Introduction

In today's competitive world, showcasing skills on a resume has become the most important thing in job hunting. Adding the right skills to the resume can make the difference in getting an interview opportunity or being overlooked.

Among the different types of skills, hard skills are one of the most valued since they help you perform particular job tasks. Most interviews test the hard skills of the candidate for the job since they are measurable through tests.

In this article, we will understand the wide range of hard skills across industries and roles, including software engineering, accounting, customer service, teaching, etc.

Top Hard Skills Examples for Resume

Hard skills on the resume need to be tailored to the targeted job description to pass through the ATS screening. Tools like Resume Skills Generator helps you find the best skills to put on your resume based on the job description provided.

Following is the list of hard skills for different roles.

Hard Skills for Students

Students can add different hard skills onto their resume based on their academic background and pursuing careers.

Following are a few hard skills examples for students by career:

Mechanical Engineering

CAD Software

• AutoCAD: 2D/3D designs, layers.
• SolidWorks: 3D modeling, simulation.

Thermodynamics

• Principles: Laws of thermodynamics, energy transfer.
• Applications: HVAC systems, engine design.

Electrical Engineering

• Analog Circuits: Resistors, capacitors, transistors.
• Digital Circuits: Logic gates, flip-flops, microprocessors.
• Microcontrollers Programming: C/C++ for embedded systems.
• Microcontrollers Applications: Firmware, sensors, actuators.
• PLC Programming Ladder Logic: Control circuits, timers, counters.
• PLC Programming HMI Integration: User interfaces, control systems.

Civil Engineering

Structural Analysis

• Load Calculations: Stress, strain.
• Software: STAAD.Pro, SAP2000.

Surveying

• Techniques: Theodolites, total stations, GPS.
• Mapping: Topographic maps, and site plans.
• Construction Management Project Planning: Scheduling, MS Project, Primavera.
• Construction Management Quality Control: Safety standards, regulations.

Chemical Engineering

• Process Simulation Software: Aspen HYSYS, CHEMCAD.
• Modeling: Reaction kinetics, mass transfer.
• Chemical Safety Standards: OSHA regulations, hazardous materials.
• Risk Assessment: Safety protocols.
• Lab Techniques
• Experimental Skills: Laboratory equipment, data analysis.
• Analytical Methods: Spectroscopy, chromatography.

Robotics and Automation

• Languages: Python, C++.
• Libraries: ROS, OpenCV.
• Mechanical Design
• CAD for Robotics: Kinematics, dynamics.
• Prototyping: 3D printing, CNC machining.

• Automation Tools
• Software: UiPath, Automation Anywhere.
• Control Systems: Automated machines, and processes.

Software Engineering

• Programming Languages: Java, Python, C++, JavaScript
• Data Structures and Algorithms: Sorting, Searching, Trees, Graphs
• Web Development: HTML, CSS, React, Node.js
• Databases: SQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL
• Version Control: Git, GitHub, Bitbucket

Data Science

• Programming Languages: Python, R, SQL
• Data Analysis Tools: Excel, Pandas, NumPy
• Machine Learning Algorithms: Linear Regression, Decision Trees, K-Means Clustering
• Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI, Matplotlib, Seaborn
• Big Data Technologies: Hadoop, Spark

Digital Marketing

• SEO and SEM: Keyword Research, On-Page SEO, Google Ads, Bing Ads
• Social Media Management: Content Creation, Hootsuite, Buffer
• Content Marketing: Blogging, Copywriting, Video Editing
• Email Marketing: Mailchimp, Campaign Monitor, A/B Testing
• Analytics Tools: Google Analytics, SEMrush, Moz

Business and Management

• Financial Analysis: Excel for Financial Modeling, Financial Ratios
• Project Management: Gantt Charts, Microsoft Project, Trello
• Business Analytics: Tableau, Power BI, Business Intelligence
• Marketing Strategies: Market Research, SWOT Analysis, Digital Marketing
• Operations Management: Supply Chain Management, Lean Management

Healthcare and Medical

• Basic Medical Training: First Aid, CPR, Patient Care Basics
• Medical Terminology: Understanding Medical Jargon, ICD-10 Coding
• Clinical Skills: Phlebotomy, EKG, Patient History Taking
• Public Health: Epidemiology, Health Promotion, Disease Prevention
• Healthcare Software: Electronic Health Records (EHR), Medical Billing Software

Finance and Accounting

• Accounting Software: QuickBooks, Xero, Microsoft Excel
• Financial Reporting: GAAP, Financial Statement Analysis, Budgeting
• Taxation: Tax Preparation, IRS Regulations, Tax Planning
• Investment Analysis: Portfolio Management, Risk Assessment, Financial Markets
• Auditing: Internal Controls, Compliance, Audit Procedures

Designing

• Graphic Design: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
• Web Design: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, WordPress
• UI/UX Design: Wireframing, Prototyping, User Research
• Motion Graphics: After Effects, Premiere Pro, Animation Techniques
• Product Design: Sketch, Figma, CAD Software

Legal Studies

• Legal Research: Westlaw, LexisNexis, Case Law Analysis
• Paralegal Skills: Legal Documentation, Case Preparation, Client Communication
• Contract Law: Contract Drafting, Review, Negotiation Skills
• Criminal Law: Criminal Procedures, Evidence Handling, Legal Writing
• Corporate Law: Corporate Governance, Mergers and Acquisitions, Compliance

Education and Teaching

• Curriculum Planning: Lesson Planning, Educational Standards, Assessment Methods
• Classroom Management: Behavior Management, Student Engagement Techniques
• Education Technology: Learning Management Systems (LMS), Interactive Whiteboards
• Special Education: IEP Development, Inclusive Teaching Strategies
• Instructional Design: Course Design, E-Learning, Blended Learning

Hospitality and Tourism

• Customer Service: Communication Skills, Conflict Resolution, Guest Relations
• Event Planning: Event Coordination, Budget Management, Vendor Negotiation
• Management: Revenue Management, Front Desk Operations, Housekeeping Management

• Culinary Skills: Food Preparation, Menu Planning, Nutrition
• Travel Coordination: Travel Booking Systems, Itinerary Planning, Cultural Awareness

Tips for Selecting Hard Skills for Your Resume

Tailor your Resume

Adding exact or equivalent skills mentioned in the job description onto the resume helps in the ATS system, HR, and hiring manager screening.

Don't send the same resume to all the job openings; instead, send an optimized version to each job description.

Formatting

Proper formatting helps highlight your skills better. Following are the ways to format skills on your resume:

1. Add 2-3 of the most important skills in the resume summary or objective section.
2. In work experience, projects, education, achievements, and projects sections, include them in the descriptions.
3. Add a separate section for showcasing skills.

Also, check out the font size and style. Leave adequate margins on both sides of the resume.

Quantifiable Approach

Highlight your potential in a quantifiable way. For example, if you are a digital marketer, show the exact number of times you helped the website improve traffic or helped the company achieve the sales target.

Relevant Skills

Only add relevant hard skills to your profile. Hiring managers are not interested in what you did five years ago as the technologies keep evolving. Mention the current platforms and technology you are working on.

Make separate sections for the latest achievements and the certification courses you recently did.

How to Balance Hard Skills vs Soft Skills on Resume

Hard skills and soft skills are equally important on a resume, so crafting a well-rounded resume is essential for getting more interview opportunities.

Follow the below tips to achieve the right balance between hard skills and soft skills on a resume.

1. Work Experience description with both Soft skills and Hard skills

A separate skills section grabs the quick attention of the hiring manager, but strategically combining soft skills and hard skills in the work experience description makes your resume more authentic and genuine.

Examples:

• Led a team of five to develop a CRM system using Java and SQL (Hard skill), coordinating milestones and daily stand-ups (Soft skill).
• Directed an AI-based LLM project for customer support using machine learning and NLP (Hard skill), collaborating cross-functionally and conducting regular progress reviews (Soft skill).

1. Tailor your resume to the job description

Recognize the hard skills and soft skills mentioned in the target job description. After identifying the skills from the job description, strategically include them in the resume summary (objective), work experience, and skills sections.

1. Hard Skills with Numbers and Soft Skills with Context

Add Hard skills with quantifiable metrics and Soft skills with the relevant context to showcase the impact.

Example:

Enhanced data processing efficiency by 50% using Python and SQL (Hard skill) while mentoring a team of analysts, improving productivity by 20%, and enabling teamwork (Soft skill).

Difference between Hard Skills and Technical Skills

Hard skill is the broader term, whereas technical skill is a subset of hard skills. Both Hard Skills and Technical Skills are teachable via formal education or training.

Hard Skills:

Hard skills are tools needed for performing a specific job task.

Following are a few examples of Hard Skills that are not Technical Skills:

• Language Proficiency
• Typing Speed
• Data Analysis
• Project Management
• Machinery Operation

Technical Skills:

Technical skills are a subset of Hard skills applicable in IT and science. The ability to use software, tools, or equipment is a Hard skill.

Examples:

• Programming Languages: Python, Java, C++
• Software Proficiency: Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD
• Network Security: Cybersecurity measures
• Database Management: SQL, Oracle
• Technical Writing: Creating manuals and documentation

How to Enhance Your Hard Skills

Enhancing hard skills regularly makes you a valuable asset in the ever-changing technology world.

As a first step, reflect on your current skill set and realize the skills you want to learn. After identifying the skills, complete your learning with one of the below methods.

On-the-job training:

Most employers have dedicated training programs to keep their employee's skills up to date. Participate in the training that helps you improve your preferred hard skills.

Certifications:

Enrolling in courses and getting certified not only improves your hard skills but also adds credibility to your profile.

For instance, If you are in the IT industry, then to enhance your skills, you can consider the AWS Certified Solution Architect program.

Following are a few popular online certification course providers:

1. Coursera
2. Udemy
3. LinkedIn Learning.

Self-study:

The Internet is a knowledge treasure if you tap it right. There are a lot of great platforms providing free courses on several topics.

For example, Khan Academy and Codecademy provide a lot of free course materials.

Social Media & Influencers:

Follow the channels and influencers relevant to your hard skills to get tips and easy and better ways to enhance them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I differentiate between hard skills and soft skills?

Hard skills are necessary to perform job responsibilities and duties, whereas soft skills are how you represent yourself and communicate with the team.

What are the latest top 20 hard skills?

Some of the top hard skills for a resume are - Graphic design, Database Management, SQL, Customer Relationship Management, Python, Data Analysis, Writing, Research Skills, network structure, operating system, digital security, foreign languages, risk analysis, budgeting, photo composition, and taxation.

How do you effectively incorporate hard skills in a resume?

Hard skills are the reflection of your knowledge and expertise in the subject. You can add them to the summary or career objective section, you can include them in achievements and work experience, or you can even have a separate section for listing down your hard skills.

How do I upgrade my hard skills?

You can take courses and go through the certification process or learn at your own pace by self-study.

Conclusion

Your hard skills decide your paycheck. According to a report, 34% of resumes are overlooked because the resumes don’t have any hard skills with measurable results.

To have a better reflection of the Resume, use the software resumeup.ai.