Top 260+ skills to put on a resume (+ how to identify them)
If you’re competing against many other applicants, your resume must stand out from the crowd. It should be concise yet comprehensive; compelling enough for the employer to call you for an interview. It should tell them your story -- who and what you are, your credentials and achievements, your past and present.
Aside from personal and professional information, there's one thing you must highlight: your skills in resume. Include the hard and soft skill sets you've learned over the years. Your list of relevant skills in your resume will give the employer an idea of how your qualifications can contribute to their company's success.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn how to assess and identify soft and hard skills. You'll learn how to highlight them on your resume -- in ways that will impress your prospective employer and hook their interest.
This guide is structured as follows:
Why highlighting the right skills is important?
One essential reminder: always read the job description and list of requirements carefully. It will tell you the skills the company needs, and they're the skills in your resume that you need to highlight.
Every company has a different set of requirements and scope of work for each open role. Be sure to customise your resume and your highlighted skills for each application, even if it's for a company in the same industry.
If you can show on your resume that your key skills match their needs, you'll have a higher chance of making a good first impression. And you may get invited to your first interview!
The role of skills in the modern Malaysian workplace
Skills have become increasingly important in the modern workplace. It presents the employability and expertise of a jobseeker in a nutshell.
When hiring managers receive an application, one of the first things they look at is the applicant's skill set. Does it fit the current requirements and future demands of the role? What skills does the applicant lack? Following this, how much training will address the skill gap?
In addition, training and reskilling experts have found that 91% of Malaysian employees are interested in upskilling and reskilling to retain and improve their employability in today's digital world. Most of them have also taken the initiative to acquire new skills and update existing ones using online learning tools and resources.
By including the new skills they have attained through reskilling and upskilling, Malaysian job seekers are able to communicate why they are an excellent fit for today's digital-driven roles.
Thinking of getting some extra training? Or learning a new skill? Make sure your application includes the skills you have acquired. Also include educational certifications, if any.
Getting started: adding key skills to your resume
Making sure the right and most relevant skills in your resume appear can be a daunting task, especially if you're a fresh graduate. Likewise, if you're switching careers or applying for a more senior role, you'll have to ensure that your list of skills matches the requirements of your prospective employer. This will help convince them that you're the best person for the job.
Below are some quick guidelines to help you get started. First, you must identify your skills. Then, you classify them into hard skills and soft skills. Finally, you'll also need to identify the skills required for the job you're applying for so you know which ones to highlight in your resume.
Identifying your skills
Take the following steps to identify the skills to add to your resume.
1. Contemplate your strengths
Think about the times other people asked for your help. Usually, these opportunities affirm your talents and skills.
Example: You are a fresh graduate looking for a job in marketing. In college, a friend asked you to promote her small business. You single-handedly set up her Facebook page, created promotional materials, and responded to inquiries. With your help, the business earned revenue. After this, other friends asked you to lead digital marketing campaigns.
2. Evaluate your skills
Think about the skills that allowed you to perform your best. How do these skills show that you're a competent employee and the best candidate for the role you're applying for?
Example: What digital marketing skills do you specialise in? You've probably honed your skills in market research, data analysis, and content creation skills. At this stage, list as many as you can think of.
3. Reflect on your work experience
Identify the skills that boosted your work performance in your previous roles. What skills helped you achieve those things (e.g. time management, conflict resolution skills)?
Example: Be specific about the results of your work experience. For instance, you increased website traffic by 50% through social media campaigns. How did you achieve this? Show off your transferable skills. You may have utilised communication skills, creative thinking, and collaboration.
4. Review your skill list
Be as honest as possible when self-evaluating your skills. Potential employers will review your resume with objectivity, and they will be able to detect any lack of authenticity in your application.
You will also need to prove or convince them of your skills and competencies during the interview, so it pays to be truthful. Also, remember to remove irrelevant skills from your resume.
Example: Instead of flaunting your substandard skills in Google Analytics, highlight your ability to create promotional materials.
What are hard skills?
Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities that can be measured and learned through education, training, or experience. These skills are often job-specific and can be verified through certifications, assessments, or past work experience. Unlike soft skills, which are more about personality and behaviour, hard skills are technical and directly contribute to job performance.
Your skills in resume should include hard skills that match the job requirements, ensuring that you meet the employer’s expectations.
Importance of hard skills in the workplace
Hard skills are critical for securing a job and excelling in it. Employers rely on these skills to determine whether a candidate is qualified for a role. In industries like healthcare, finance, and technology, having the right hard skills can mean the difference between meeting job expectations and struggling to perform.
A strong foundation in hard skills also makes career advancement easier. Employees who continuously improve their technical abilities tend to be more competitive, adaptable, and valuable to their companies.
How to develop hard skills?
Building hard skills requires dedication and continuous learning. Here are some ways to develop them:
Formal education: Enroll in university courses or certification programs relevant to your field.
Online courses and workshops: Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer training in various hard skills.
On-the-job experience: Apply skills in real-world scenarios through internships, volunteer work, or side projects.
Industry certifications: Earning certifications validates your expertise and makes your resume more competitive.
Ways to showcase hard skills in a job application
Your resume should clearly highlight your hard skills in a way that demonstrates your qualifications. Here’s how:
Skills section: List relevant hard skills that match the job description.
Work experience section: Show how you applied your skills in past roles, supported by achievements and measurable results.
Certifications and education: Include any formal training or certifications that validate your expertise.
Portfolio (if applicable): For roles in design, writing, or software development, link to work samples to showcase your abilities.
Examples hard skills
Here are the main hard skills that are essential for success in various industries:
Technical skills
Technical skills are the backbone of many industries, particularly in IT, software development, and engineering. These skills involve the ability to use specific tools, technologies, and methodologies to solve problems and complete tasks efficiently. Mastering technical skills often requires hands-on practice, formal training, and certifications.
Programming languages (e.g. Python, Java, C++)
Web development (e.g. HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
Data analysis and visualisation (e.g. SQL, Tableau)
Machine learning and AI (e.g. TensorFlow, Keras)
Cloud computing (e.g. AWS, Azure)
Cybersecurity (e.g. intrusion detection, network security)
Mobile development (e.g. iOS, Android)
Robotics (e.g. ROS, computer vision)
GIS (e.g. ArcGIS, QGIS)
Digital marketing (e.g. SEO, SEM, PPC)
Copywriting and content creation
Graphic design (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite)
Video editing and production
Sound engineering and production
Photography and photo editing
3D modelling and animation
Finance and Accounting Skills
Financial analysis and reporting
Finance and accounting skills are essential for managing money, analysing financial performance, and ensuring compliance with regulations. These skills are crucial for roles in banking, investment, corporate finance, and accounting, where precision and analytical thinking are highly valued.
Budgeting and forecasting
Corporate finance
Investment analysis
Financial modelling
Capital raising
Financial statement analysis
Tax accounting
Auditing
Asset management
Treasury management
Accounts payable and receivable
Cash flow management
Cost accounting
Financial planning and analysis
Sales and marketing skills
Sales and marketing skills are vital for understanding customer needs, promoting products or services, and driving business growth. From digital marketing strategies to brand management and lead generation, these skills help businesses attract, engage, and retain customers in a competitive market.
Brand management
Market research
Product management
Content marketing
Email marketing
Social media marketing
Influencer marketing
Search engine optimisation (SEO)
Search engine marketing (SEM)
Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising
Public relations
Event planning and management
Customer relationship management (CRM)
Sales forecasting
Lead generation
Medical and healthcare skills
Medical and healthcare professionals require specialised knowledge to provide patient care, conduct research, and manage healthcare systems. These skills range from medical terminology and clinical assessments to healthcare management and medical technology expertise.
Medical terminology
Anatomy and physiology
Medical coding and billing
Electronic health records (EHR)
Patient assessment
Clinical trials
Medical research
Medical writing
Medical imaging
Medical device design
Healthcare management
Healthcare consulting
Public health
Health informatics
Nutrition counselling
Occupational therapy
Physical therapy
Legal and regulatory skills
Legal and regulatory skills are necessary for professionals working in law, compliance, and corporate governance. These skills help ensure organisations follow laws, protect intellectual property, and navigate complex regulatory environments.
Contract drafting and negotiation
Legal research
Intellectual property law
Employment law
Immigration law
Environmental law
Real estate law
Tax law
International law
Compliance management
Regulatory affairs
Privacy and data protection
Cybersecurity law
Corporate governance
Litigation
Engineering and science skills
Engineering and science skills are critical in designing, developing, and testing innovative solutions across multiple industries. Whether in civil, mechanical, electrical, or biomedical engineering, professionals in these fields rely on analytical thinking, mathematical proficiency, and hands-on technical expertise.
Laboratory skills
Data analysis and statistics
Research design and methodology
Mathematical modelling
Chemical engineering
Civil engineering
Mechanical engineering
Electrical engineering
Aerospace engineering
Materials science
Biomedical engineering
Environmental engineering
Industrial engineering
Systems engineering
Process engineering
Quality assurance product testing
Human resources skills
Human resources (HR) skills are essential for managing workforce-related tasks, from recruiting and training employees to handling labour laws and workplace policies. Strong HR skills contribute to a positive work environment, employee satisfaction, and organisational success.
Recruiting and staffing
Employee relations
Performance management
Compensation and benefits
HR analytics and metrics
Training and development
Talent management
Succession planning
Compliance management
Conflict resolution
Labour law and regulations
Diversity and inclusion
Construction and trades skills
Construction and skilled trades require practical, hands-on expertise in building, repairing, and maintaining structures. These skills are valuable in industries such as carpentry, plumbing, welding, and electrical work, where precision and safety are key.
Carpentry and woodworking
Electrical wiring and installation
Plumbing and pipefitting
Welding and metalworking
Masonry and concrete work
Roofing and siding installation
HVAC system installation and maintenance
Heavy equipment operation
Construction project management
Blueprint reading and interpretation
Logistics and supply chain skills
Logistics and supply chain management skills are crucial for ensuring the efficient movement of goods and services. From inventory management to supplier coordination and transportation planning, these skills help businesses optimise operations and reduce costs.
Inventory management
Warehouse operations
Distribution and transportation management
Supply chain planning and optimisation
Freight forwarding and shipping
Import/export regulations and compliance
Purchasing and procurement
Supplier management
Materials handling and packaging
Reverse logistics
Data science and analytics skills
Data science and analytics skills are in high demand as organisations rely on data-driven decision-making. These skills involve collecting, processing, analysing, and interpreting data to uncover trends, make predictions, and drive business strategies.
Machine learning algorithms
Data mining and cleaning
Predictive analytics
Big data management and analysis
Data visualisation
Data warehousing
Business intelligence
Statistical analysis
Data modelling
Time series analysis
What are soft skills?
Soft skills refer to personal attributes, communication abilities, and social skills that influence how well you work with others. Unlike hard skills, which are technical and measurable, soft skills are more about how you interact, solve problems, and adapt to different situations. They play a crucial role in professional success as they determine how effectively you collaborate, lead, and navigate workplace dynamics.
Soft skills in resume are just as important as hard skills, as they demonstrate how well you collaborate, communicate, and adapt in different work environments.
Importance of soft skills in the workplace
Soft skills are essential in every industry and job role. While hard skills help you perform specific tasks, soft skills determine how effectively you apply those hard skills in a team or business setting.
Employers value soft skills because they contribute to workplace harmony, efficiency, and overall productivity. For example, strong communication skills help prevent misunderstandings, while problem-solving abilities ensure that challenges are addressed proactively. Leadership and teamwork skills, on the other hand, are crucial for managing projects and fostering collaboration.
In today's evolving job market, soft skills are just as important as technical expertise. With the rise of automation and AI, skills like creativity, emotional intelligence, and adaptability have become key differentiators for professionals aiming for career growth.
How to develop soft skills
Unlike hard skills, which can be learned through training and certifications, soft skills require continuous practice and self-awareness. Here’s how you can develop them:
Seek feedback: Ask colleagues, mentors, or supervisors for constructive feedback on your interpersonal and communication skills.
Engage in teamwork: Join group projects, volunteer organisations, or collaborative initiatives to improve your ability to work with others.
Improve communication: Practice active listening, refine your writing skills, and work on delivering clear and confident messages.
Work on problem-solving: Take on challenges, analyse different solutions, and improve your ability to think critically under pressure.
Learn emotional intelligence: Develop self-awareness, empathy, and conflict resolution strategies to improve your relationships in the workplace.
Ways to showcase soft skills in a job application
Because soft skills aren’t always easy to quantify, you need to demonstrate them in your resume, cover letter, and interviews. Here’s how:
Resume: Instead of listing soft skills, show them through your achievements. For example, instead of saying, “Strong leadership skills,” mention how you led a team to complete a project successfully.
Cover letter: Use storytelling to highlight soft skills. Explain how your adaptability helped you overcome a challenge or how your teamwork contributed to a successful outcome.
Job interview: Demonstrate your soft skills in action. Maintain good eye contact, actively listen, and provide examples of how you've used communication, problem-solving, or leadership skills in previous roles.
Examples of soft skills
Here are the main soft skills that are highly valued in the workplace:
Communication and interpersonal skills
Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential in any workplace. They help you build relationships, convey ideas effectively, and collaborate with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. Whether it’s verbal or written communication, emotional intelligence, or active listening, these skills ensure smooth interactions and prevent misunderstandings.
Active listening
Verbal and written communication
Conflict resolution
Collaboration
Emotional intelligence
Empathy
Diplomacy
Positive attitude
Adaptability
Open-mindedness
Persuasion
Networking
Relationship building
Storytelling
Cultural awareness
Interpersonal skills
Leadership and management skills
Leadership and management skills are not just for those in executive roles. They’re valuable for anyone who needs to take initiative, make decisions, and inspire others. Effective leaders know how to delegate, problem-solve, and manage change while keeping their teams motivated and aligned with business goals.
Decision-making
Problem-solving
Strategic thinking
Delegation
Visionary thinking
Motivation
Team building
Change management
Coaching and mentoring
Conflict resolution
Time management
Goal setting
Personal development skills
Personal development skills help you grow as a professional and adapt to new challenges. These include self-discipline, resilience, and a growth mindset—all of which contribute to continuous learning and improvement. Developing these skills allows you to manage stress, stay motivated, and push yourself to achieve your goals.
Self-awareness
Self-discipline
Self-motivation
Resilience
Growth mindset
Creativity
Innovation
Curiosity
Time management
Goal setting
Planning
Reflection
Learning
Adaptability
Stress management
Teamwork and collaboration skills
The ability to work well with others is crucial in today’s workplace. Teamwork and collaboration skills involve communication, trust-building, and accountability. They help you navigate group dynamics, resolve conflicts, and contribute to a positive work environment where ideas and skills come together to drive success.
Communication
Active listening
Empathy
Conflict resolution
Collaboration
Leadership
Trust building
Relationship building
Accountability
Respect
Diversity and inclusion
Cross-functional collaboration
Interpersonal skills
Negotiation
Compromise
Customer service skills
Customer service skills go beyond handling complaints—they’re about ensuring customer satisfaction and building long-term relationships. These skills require patience, problem-solving, and empathy to understand customer needs, provide solutions, and create positive experiences that keep people coming back.
Active listening
Empathy
Patience
Communication
Problem-solving
Conflict resolution
Adaptability
Resourcefulness
Flexibility
Positivity
Time management
Attention to detail
Customer orientation
Service orientation
Multitasking
Organisational and administrative skills
Being well-organised is a key professional asset. Organisational and administrative skills help you manage time, prioritise tasks, and maintain efficiency in day-to-day operations. From scheduling and record-keeping to event coordination, these skills are critical for productivity and workplace success.
Planning and organisation
Time management
Attention to detail
Prioritisation
Record-keeping
Event coordination
Administrative support
Filing and data entry
Scheduling and calendar management
Meeting facilitation
Creativity and innovation skills
Creativity and innovation skills allow professionals to think outside the box, generate new ideas, and drive improvements. These skills are particularly valuable in problem-solving, product development, and design thinking, where fresh perspectives and experimentation lead to breakthrough solutions.
Ideation and brainstorming
Out-of-the-box thinking
Creative problem-solving
Innovation management
Design thinking
Conceptualisation
Prototyping and experimentation
Risk-taking
Adaptability
Flexibility
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills are necessary for analysing complex issues and making informed decisions. These skills involve logical reasoning, creativity, and adaptability, allowing professionals to approach challenges strategically and find effective solutions.
Analytical thinking
Logical reasoning
Creative thinking
Decision-making
Problem-solving
Strategic thinking
Data analysis
Research
Process improvement
Innovation
Resourcefulness
Risk assessment
Troubleshooting
Adaptability
Flexibility
Influence and negotiation skills
The ability to persuade, negotiate, and build strong relationships is important in business and leadership roles. Influence and negotiation skills help you navigate discussions, resolve conflicts, and reach agreements that benefit all parties involved while maintaining professionalism and respect.
Persuasion
Negotiation
Diplomacy
Conflict resolution
Relationship building
Active listening
Empathy
Assertiveness
Flexibility
Collaborative problem-solving
Project management skills
Project management skills help professionals plan, execute, and oversee projects efficiently. From setting goals and managing budgets to risk assessment and stakeholder communication, these skills ensure that projects stay on track and meet deadlines.
Planning and organisation
Time management
Risk management
Resource allocation
Budgeting and forecasting
Scope management
Quality management
Communication management
Stakeholder management
Change management
Differentiating between hard skills and soft skills
When listing skills on your resume, it's essential to distinguish between hard skills and soft skills—both of which contribute to workplace success but in different ways. Hard skills are technical and job-specific, while soft skills are transferable and interpersonal. Understanding how these skills complement each other can help you craft a well-rounded resume.
Key differences between hard skills and soft skills
Feature | Hard skills | Soft skills |
Definition | Teachable, measurable abilities specific to a job or industry | Personal and interpersonal traits that influence how you work with others |
How they're gained | Through education, training, and hands-on experience | Developed over time through interactions, experiences, and self-improvement |
Examples | Programming, data analysis, accounting, graphic design, machine operation | Communication, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability |
How they're measured | Certifications, tests, work samples, portfolio projects | Observed in teamwork, decision-making, and leadership situations |
How employers evaluate them | Assessed through job descriptions, qualifications, and technical tests | Evaluated through interviews, references, and workplace behaviour |
Why both matter in the workplace?
Employers assess both hard and soft skills in a resume to determine whether a candidate is both technically competent and a good cultural fit for the organisation. A strong resume should balance both skill types:
Hard skills ensure job competency: These are essential for performing tasks and meeting job requirements.
Soft skills determine workplace success: They help you work well with teams, solve problems, and lead effectively.
For example, a marketing specialist may need proficiency in SEO, Google Analytics, and content creation (hard skills), but their success also depends on creativity, communication, and collaboration (soft skills).
Likewise, an IT project manager must know agile methodologies and risk management (hard skills) while also excelling in team leadership and problem-solving (soft skills).
How to highlight your skills on your resume?
As you craft your resume, know that highlighting your skills can help you advance in the hiring process. Strategically placing your skills in resume sections such as the summary, work experience, and a dedicated skills section ensures they get noticed. It will also help you stand out from other job seekers.
Here below, you'll learn how to write your skills and where to place them on your resume. And you'll know how to quantify your skills and achievements. By highlighting your skills, you'll have a higher chance of landing an interview and convincing the employer that you're the best fit for the role.
Where to place your skills in your resume?
1. Career objective or resume summary
You can mention your key skills in the career objective or your resume summary. Think of it as an attention-grabbing introduction to your professional background and career goals. This will give the hiring manager an idea of your qualifications and how you fit the position you're applying for.
2. Work experience
Your resume's work experience section is another good spot for showcasing your key skills, especially your soft skills. You can incorporate them into the descriptions of your duties and responsibilities in your previous employment.
3. Skills and competencies
Have a dedicated skills or competencies section where you can let your technical skills shine. Place all the software, programmes, and online platforms you know how to use. Ensure they are relevant to the position you're applying for, and categorise them according to your proficiency level.
How to write your skills section?
Your career objective can be a short paragraph, but your work experience and skills should be in bullet points. This will make it easier for hiring managers to skim through your work and evaluate your application faster.
Quantifying your skills and achievements is also a great way to show your skill level, especially for technical skills. A well-structured skills in resume section can instantly show hiring managers that you have the right qualifications for the job.
Career overview
Use years of experience in your career overview to indicate your proficiency level in general.
Example: Senior Software Developer with 5 years of experience in website and software architecture and design, specialising in e-commerce development.
Work experience
In your work experience section, incorporate numbers to make your specific competencies measurable. You can also use percentages to quantify the achievements you obtained due to your skills.
Examples:
Developed a system that increased project completion rate by 60%
Managed a team of 10 account managers for 2 years
Conducted e-commerce platform updates, which increased annual sales target by RM 10,000
Pro tip: Use numerals instead of words (e.g. 5 instead of “five”) wherever applicable.
Examples of well-written skills sections
A well-written skills section makes your key skills specific, straightforward, and readily visible to hiring managers. Check out this sample list for a Senior Web Developer:
Hard skills
Proficient in web development languages (HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, MySQL)
Expert in responsive web design
Knowledgeable in cloud platforms (AWS EC2, RDS, Code Commit)
Knowledgeable in Social Network Platform API
Soft skills
Self-motivated team player
Fast learner with initiative for innovation
Strategic thinker
Then, use the tips above to quantify your skills for polished career overview and work experience sections.
You can find plenty of resume tips here on Jobstreet, but if you want a specific example, check out our tips for writing a transferable skills-based resume. You can also check out our free resume templates.
Additional tips for showcasing your skills
1. Use keywords
When evaluating job applications, employers and hiring managers look for strong keywords in resumes. They tend to skim through a resume with specific keywords in mind that give them an idea about the employment background, core competencies, and key skills of a jobseeker. It would help to study the keywords in a job posting and how to use them in your resume.
2. Use action words
Incorporate power words and action verbs that indicate how you performed specific tasks and responsibilities and any achievements or recognition you received. These are effective in emphasising your skills and how you used them to perform well in your current or previous roles.
3. Use visual aids
Visual aids will reinforce the skills and milestones you gained throughout your career. You can experiment with infographics, bolding or colour-coding your skills to draw attention to the contents of your resume. Ensure you look at other examples of resumes to draw inspiration. Make sure your resume is not distractingly different when experimenting with things like colour and infographics.
How to demonstrate your skills in your cover letter and interview?
How to mention your skills in your cover letter?
Apart from your resume, your cover letter should also contain your hard and soft skills. Again, take note of the keywords used in the job description and use them as a guide when writing your cover letter. Use action words and verbs to indicate how you were able to use your key skills in your previous employment or projects.
How to answer skills-based questions in an interview?
Once your cover letter and resume catch the attention of hiring managers and you get invited for an interview, it's time to make those key skills shine even brighter. You will be asked skills-based questions, so be prepared to answer honestly.
For example, if you need more confidence in your web design skills, you can tell them why. You may still be learning the ropes of the software and online platforms for the past year or so. Or, you could still be in the process of upskilling or retraining. Be bold and let them know what skills you lack or need to be proficient in, but also express openness to learning or improving them.
Common mistakes to avoid when showcasing your skills
Whether you're writing a resume for the first time or refreshing an existing one, it's important to remember some common mistakes to avoid. Generic skills that are expected of everyone and irrelevant to the role should be omitted. Lying about your competencies or exaggerating your skills should be avoided.
One major mistake is failing to tailor the skills in your resume to the specific job description, which can lead to your application being overlooked. Finally, unless the role involves them, don't use jargon or technical terms that may be misunderstood.
Summary
To recap, continuing to update and optimise your skills in resume is crucial to your career, whether you're a fresh graduate or a seasoned professional. This helps ensure that your resume communicates all your professional capabilities. Your skills give employers and hiring managers an idea if you're an excellent fit for the role you're applying for, in ways that job titles and education may not. Remember, it's your skills that can show how you accomplish job responsibilities and tasks.
Highlight your key skills in resume and cover letter. They should be a combination of different types of skills. It's important to include both technical skills and soft skills. Use the job listing as your guide on the best keywords to write in your resume.
Tailor your resume and cover letter to each application, as each company may have specific requirements for the open position. Be honest about the skills in resume you put on your resume, and never exaggerate them! During the interview, be sure to talk about them confidently and truthfully. Be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of your skills and relate your experience or accomplishments.
Get ready to polish your resume, showcase your top skills, and #SEEKBetter jobs today, starting with creating or updating your Jobstreet profile! Download the Jobstreet app for iOS or Android to search for jobs, send applications, and track updates on the go. Lastly, check out the Career Advice page as well for more tips on job searching, self-improvement, and career advancement!
FAQs
- What skills should I put on my resume?
Your resume should have a combination of key skills – hard and soft skills – that are specific and relevant to the role you are applying for. If you're applying for a Senior Software Developer position that indicates a leadership capacity, include soft skills such as delegation, goal-setting, and mentoring. - How do I know which skills to include?
Closely examine the job description in the ad or posting of the role you want to apply for. What skills or competencies is the employer looking for? Pay attention to keywords that may also point to job titles, experience levels, and results. - Should I include skills that are not relevant to the job?
When evaluating applications, employers and hiring managers focus on skills that are directly related to the job. It's best not to include skills that are not relevant in your resume or cover letter. Applying for a job as a data scientist? You don't have to mention your skills in baking or driving. Instead, include skills such as problem-solving, statistical knowledge, and data analysis. - How should I format my skills section?
To make it easier for hiring managers to find your key skills, make sure that you list them in bullet form. You can also experiment with visual aids like infographics if they can effectively and accurately communicate your proficiency. Again, remember to use strong keywords! - Can I list skills that I don't have much experience in?
Yes, you can! But be sure to honestly and accurately indicate your level. During the interview, hiring managers will also ask you about your skills and competencies. So, it's best that you mention skills that you can talk about with confidence. - Can I list skills that I learned on my own?
Definitely! An increasing number of Malaysian workers are upskilling and reskilling on their own. They're updating their resumes with new and improved skills from their self-training. Employers and managers value initiative and willingness to learn; you'll likely impress them with your proactiveness to reskill or upskill. - How many skills should I include on my resume?
While there is no exact number of skills to have on your resume, a good rule of thumb is to stick to the key skills required in the job description.
If the job description requires three key skills (e.g. social media marketing, content creation, and data analytics), your resume should include those three — and, preferably, more. - How do I demonstrate my skills in an interview?
During an interview, you will likely be asked many skills-based questions. Be prepared to answer as truthfully and positively as possible. You can mention situations where you successfully used these skills and competencies. Emphasise how these skills led to your career accomplishments and milestones. If you get asked about the skills you lack or aren't proficient in during the interview, don't be afraid to say why, but also express openness to learn or improve. - Should I mention the same skills in my cover letter as in my resume?
Yes! The cover letter is one of the first things that hiring managers look for in the application as an initial evaluation of an applicant. So, please take it as your first chance to impress and get a foot in the door. Having the same skill set in your cover letter and resume will create the impression of consistency. - How do I quantify my skills?
Quantifying your skills and accomplishments is a great way to establish your competency and fit for the role you're applying for. Use years of experience when describing your previous employment, or indicate the duration of your past projects. Use percentages to quantify the achievements you accomplished due to your skills. Finally, wherever applicable, use numerals instead of words (e.g. 5 instead of “five”).
