Quick Answer
Job skills typically fall into three categories: technical skills (tools, technologies, domain knowledge), certifications (required credentials), and soft skills (interpersonal abilities). Mix all three types to give candidates a complete picture of what the role requires.
Overview
The Skills section accepts any text—there's no predefined list. This flexibility means you can tailor skills to your exact role, but it also means you're starting from a blank slate.
This guide provides examples across industries to help you build an effective skills list.
Technical Skills by Industry
Information Technology
Python, JavaScript, React, Node.js, TypeScript SQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Docker, Kubernetes Git, CI/CD, REST APIs, GraphQL Linux, Networking, Security
Healthcare
Electronic Health Records (EHR), Epic, Cerner HIPAA Compliance, Medical Terminology Patient Care, Vital Signs, Medication Administration Medical Coding, ICD-10, CPT Lab Procedures, Phlebotomy
Legal
Legal Research, Westlaw, LexisNexis Contract Drafting, Document Review Case Management, E-Discovery Legal Writing, Brief Writing Immigration Forms, Court Filings
Finance / Accounting
Financial Analysis, Financial Modeling QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle Financials GAAP, Tax Preparation, Auditing Excel (Advanced), Pivot Tables, VLookup Budgeting, Forecasting, Variance Analysis
Marketing
SEO, SEM, Google Analytics, Google Ads Social Media Marketing, Content Strategy HubSpot, Salesforce, Marketo Copywriting, Email Marketing A/B Testing, Conversion Optimization
Sales
Salesforce, HubSpot CRM, Pipeline Management Cold Calling, Lead Generation, Prospecting Negotiation, Closing, Account Management B2B Sales, Enterprise Sales, SaaS Sales Sales Presentations, Proposal Writing
Required Certifications
By Profession
Profession | Example Certifications |
IT/Security | AWS Certified, CISSP, CompTIA Security+, PMP |
Healthcare | RN License, CNA, BLS/CPR, ACLS |
Legal | Bar Admission, Notary Public |
Finance | CPA, CFA, Series 7, Series 63 |
Real Estate | Real Estate License, Broker License |
HR | SHRM-CP, PHR, SPHR |
Project Management | PMP, Scrum Master, Agile Certified |
How to Format
Be specific about whether certifications are required or preferred:
Required:
CPA Required Active Bar License RN License (State)
Preferred (mention in job description instead): In your job description: "PMP certification preferred but not required"
Soft Skills
Communication
Written Communication, Verbal Communication Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Active Listening, Client Communication Technical Writing, Documentation
Collaboration
Team Collaboration, Cross-Functional Teams Stakeholder Management, Relationship Building Conflict Resolution, Consensus Building Remote Collaboration, Virtual Teams
Problem-Solving
Problem Solving, Critical Thinking Analytical Skills, Data-Driven Decision Making Troubleshooting, Root Cause Analysis Creative Thinking, Innovation
Work Style
Time Management, Prioritization Attention to Detail, Accuracy Self-Motivated, Self-Starter Adaptability, Flexibility Organization, Multitasking
Leadership
Team Leadership, People Management Mentoring, Coaching Decision Making, Strategic Thinking Change Management, Process Improvement
Sample Skill Lists by Role
Software Developer
JavaScript, React, Node.js, TypeScript PostgreSQL, REST APIs, Git AWS, Docker, CI/CD Agile, Problem Solving, Team Collaboration
Registered Nurse
Patient Care, Vital Signs, Medication Administration Electronic Health Records, Medical Terminology BLS/CPR Certified, ACLS Communication, Attention to Detail, Compassion
Marketing Manager
Marketing Strategy, Campaign Management Google Analytics, HubSpot, SEO/SEM Budget Management, ROI Analysis Leadership, Cross-Functional Collaboration Presentation Skills, Stakeholder Communication
Accountant
GAAP, Financial Reporting, Month-End Close QuickBooks, Excel (Advanced), ERP Systems CPA Required, Tax Preparation Attention to Detail, Analytical Skills Deadline-Driven, Organization
Sales Representative
Salesforce, Pipeline Management, CRM Cold Calling, Lead Qualification, Closing Negotiation, Relationship Building Communication, Persistence, Goal-Oriented
Tips for Effective Skill Lists
Balance the Three Types
Include a mix of:
Technical skills (what tools/knowledge they need)
Certifications (what credentials they must have)
Soft skills (how they need to work)
Be Specific
❌ "Computer skills" ✓ "Microsoft Excel (Advanced), PowerPoint, Word"
❌ "Good communicator" ✓ "Client Communication, Presentation Skills, Technical Writing"
Prioritize Must-Haves
Put required skills in the Skills section. Mention nice-to-haves in your job description.
Keep It Realistic
A realistic list of 10-15 skills is more effective than an overwhelming list of 40. Focus on what truly matters for success in the role.
FAQs
Should I include both required and preferred skills? Focus the Skills section on required skills. Mention preferred skills in your job description with language like "preferred" or "a plus."
How specific should technical skills be? Specific enough to be meaningful. "JavaScript" is good; "Programming" is too vague; "JavaScript ES6+ with React 18" might be too specific unless you really need that exact version.
Should I include industry-standard skills everyone has? Only if they're genuinely differentiating. Listing "Microsoft Word" for an office job is probably unnecessary, but "Excel (Advanced)" signals you need more than basic spreadsheet skills.
How many soft skills should I include? 2-5 soft skills is typically sufficient. Focus on the interpersonal qualities that truly matter for success in this specific role.