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13 Best Technical Skills for a Resume (+Types & Examples)

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The best technical skills are what’s most relevant to a company’s needs. Generally, the top technical skills are coding and programming, cloud computing…

Technical skills refer to job-specific abilities and knowledge required for carrying out the core duties of a role. The best technical skills for a resume depend on a company’s needs, so carefully review the job description. You can list technical skills in the skills section of a resume, but it’s even better to prove them in the work experience section. Use action verbs and metrics to describe how you applied your skills and made a meaningful impact for your current or previous companies.

You can’t be a programmer without knowing how to code.

You can’t be an accountant without knowing how to keep financial records.

Arguably, it’s the technical skills that define any role—without them, you simply can’t execute the core tasks of a job position.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to come up with a list of the best technical skills for YOUR resume. While we can’t provide an exact list of top tech skills for everyone’s resume since it varies across industry, field, and target job description, we’ll walk you through how to determine the most relevant ones and demonstrate them effectively on your resume.

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What Are Technical Skills?

Technical skills refer to the knowledge and abilities required to perform job-specific tasks within an industry. For instance, expertise with certain tools and methodologies relevant to a particular field.

Another term that’s often used synonymously for technical skills is hard skills. There isn’t really a difference between hard skills and technical skills. Both refer to job-specific abilities that are concrete, measurable, and quantifiable. You develop technical or “hard” skills through experience, education, and professional training.

Examples of technical skills include programming languages like Python, data analysis using SQL, and operating machinery in manufacturing.

But technical skills aren’t limited to technical fields. For example, for a professional babysitter, meal preparation or CPR are relevant technical skills. For a teacher, technical skills mean things like curriculum development or classroom management.

In this guide, we’ll focus on the more technology-related technical skills. To see an overview of “hard” or technical skills for non-tech industries as well, head over to: Hard Skills for a Resume & How to Describe Them

Are technical skills and technical proficiency the same thing?

No, there’s a small difference.

Technical skills refer to specific abilities and knowledge needed to perform the core responsibilities of a job. Technical proficiency, in turn, refers to how competent you are with those abilities and knowledge.

Someone might have technical skills in using Excel for spreadsheets, but their actual proficiency level in using Excel could range from beginner to advanced.

Technical skills vs software skills vs IT skills vs computer skills

Think of technical skills as a broad umbrella term, relating to all types of skills requiring specialized knowledge. Software, IT, and computer skills are all subsets of technical skills.

Technical skills: broad category encompassing all specialized knowledge and abilities related to specific tasks and technologies within an industry, and not just a technical industry. Examples include programming for a software developer, data analysis for a financial forecaster, phlebotomy for a nurse, knife skills for a chef, and so on.
Software skills: focused specifically on your ability to effectively use software applications such as word processors, spreadsheets, design tools, and project management software.
IT skills: the management and maintenance of computer systems and networks. Examples include network configuration and systems administration.
Computer skills: refers to basic to advanced abilities in using computers. Examples include typing, using operating systems, installing software, and basic troubleshooting.

Technical skills are required to complete specialized tasks in an industry. This can include both hardware and software expertise.

Software skills emphasize proficiency in using specific software applications. IT skills focus on managing and securing computer systems and networks. Computer skills are foundational abilities needed to use computers and basic software.

The Best Technical Skills for a Resume

Here are the best types of technical skills to put on a resume:

Coding and programming
Cloud computing
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning
Data analysis and data science
Database management
IT, networking, and cybersecurity
Mobile development
Web development
Software development methodologies
Core operating systems
Microsoft Office Suite
Version control
Industry software proficiency

However, the best ones for your particular situation depend on what’s most relevant to the company.

One person on Reddit even mentioned that they failed to land an interview because they didn’t explicitly mention a certain keyword (which was also a tech skill) on their resume.

Reddit post about tech skills and putting "AWS" on a resume

In short, the best technical skills for your resume are based on the keywords employers are looking for (more on that later).

1. Coding and programming

Coding and programming skills are all about writing instructions for computers to execute. These skills are fundamental for developing software, websites, and applications.

Python
JavaScript
Java
C++
SQL

Example:

Developed a web application using Python and JavaScript, improving user engagement by 20%.

2. Cloud computing

Cloud computing skills revolve around designing, deploying, and managing applications and data using internet-based cloud platforms.

Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Microsoft Azure
Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
DevOps (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)

Example:

Oversaw cloud infrastructure on AWS, reducing costs by 30% through efficient resource allocation.

3. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning

AI and machine learning involve creating algorithms and models for computers to perform certain tasks.

Machine Learning Algorithms
Deep Learning
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
Computer Vision
AI Model Optimization

Example:

Implemented machine learning algorithms to enhance predictive analytics, increasing forecast accuracy by 15%.

4. Data analysis and data science

This is all about extracting insights from data to inform business decisions. To do this, it requires statistical techniques as well as proficiency in certain tools.

Data Visualization (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
Big Data Technologies (e.g., Hadoop, Spark)
Statistical Analysis
Data Mining
Predictive Analytics

Example:

Created data visualizations using Tableau to communicate insights effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.

5. Database Management

Database management skills allow you to ensure data integrity, security, and accessibility.

SQL Databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL)
NoSQL Databases (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra)
Database Design
Database Optimization
Data Warehousing

Example:

Optimized SQL queries, reducing database response time by 40%.

6. IT, networking, and cybersecurity

This field of technical skills focuses on managing, maintaining, and protecting computer networks and systems.

Network Configuration
Firewall Management
Ethical Hacking
Incident Response
Risk Management
Cloud Security

Example:

Maintained a secure and reliable IT infrastructure by configuring networks, managing firewalls, implementing security protocols, and troubleshooting technical issues.

7. Mobile development

Mobile development involves creating applications for mobile devices, focusing on performance, usability, and user experience.

iOS Development (Swift)
Android Development (Kotlin, Java)
Cross-Platform Development (e.g., Flutter, React Native)
Mobile UI/UX Design
Mobile Security

Example:

Built a cross-platform mobile app using Flutter, increasing the user base by 10,000 within the first month.

8. Web development

As the name suggests, this is about building and managing websites. Web development skills allow you to make sure that a website is functional and user-friendly.

HTML/CSS
React.js
Angular
Node.js
Django

Example:

Led the development of a responsive e-commerce website using React.js and Node.js, boosting sales by 25%.

9. Software development methodologies

These refer to approaches and practices used to handle software development processes.

Agile
Scrum
DevOps
Kanban
Lean Software Development
Project Management Tools (e.g., JIRA, Trello, Asana)

Example:

Successfully implemented Agile methodology within a 5-person development team, resulting in a 20% reduction in development time and a 15% increase in bug-free releases for a new e-commerce platform.

10. Core operating systems

This means having the ability to manage operating system environments to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.

Windows
Linux/Unix
macOS
Android
iOS

Example:

Migrated 12 user workstations from Windows 7 to Windows 10, ensuring seamless data transfer and application compatibility through scripting and configuration best practices.

11. Microsoft Office Suite

Microsoft Office Suite proficiency involves knowing how to use its applications to execute business and administrative tasks efficiently.

Word
Excel
PowerPoint
Outlook

Example:

Streamlined reporting processes using Excel, reducing time spent on data entry by 30%.

12. Version Control

Version control systems manage changes to code, allowing multiple developers to collaborate efficiently and track project history.

Git
GitHub
GitLab
Bitbucket
Version Control Best Practices

Example:

Leveraged Git branching and rollback features to efficiently isolate and resolve a critical bug, minimizing downtime and ensuring project delivery on schedule.

13. Industry software proficiency

This refers to software used by professionals in a specific field or profession to carry out their day-to-day tasks.

AutoCAD (Engineering)
SAP (Enterprise Resource Planning)
MATLAB (Scientific Computing)
Salesforce (Customer Relationship Management)
QuickBooks (Accounting)
Adobe Creative Cloud (Graphic Design)

Example:

Maintained accurate financial records using Intuit QuickBooks, ensuring timely invoicing, bill payment, and bank reconciliations.

The Best Types of Technical Skills for a Resume By Career Level

Students and new grads: focus on foundational technical skills relevant to your field, such as basic programming, core operating systems, and introductory data analysis tools. Highlight any coursework, projects, or internships that demonstrate your ability to learn and apply these skills.
Entry-level: emphasize basic technical proficiency, including coding, data entry, and familiarity with essential tools and technologies. Demonstrate a strong grasp of fundamental tasks and your ability to carry out basic job responsibilities effectively.
Mid-level: highlight specialized technical skills and the ability to handle complex tasks requiring specific industry knowledge. Showcase your proficiency in advanced programming, data analysis, cloud computing, and database management.
Senior-level: showcase strategic technical skills and deep industry-specific expertise. Prove that you can bring a high level of knowledge and experience to your field, including leadership in IT projects, advanced AI and machine learning applications, and large-scale system architecture.

The Top Technical Skills for a Resume By Industry

There are specific technical skills from every industry that are worth highlighting. I’ll go through some of the top tech skills across the most popular industries.

But, just know that another way to find relevant technical skills in your field is to use Rezi AI Skills Explorer. Simply:

Pick a category of skills you’re after (technical skills).
Enter your industry or field of skills (e.g., data, software, IT, engineering, and so forth—list as many as you’d like).
Click “enter.”

From there, you’ll generate a list of relevant technical skills based on your field, profession, and industry.

That simple—you can try it out for free by signing up here.

Now, let’s get back to looking at what technical skills you might want to showcase for different industries!

Art, design, and entertainment

Technical skills in these industries are crucial for creating and refining visual, audio, and multimedia content.