# Technical Skills You Should List on Your Resume

> **Definition**
>
> Technical skills may include knowledge of accounting principles, software programs, or the ability to operate a specific piece of machinery.

## What Are Technical Skills?

Many employers use automated systems to cull resumes. Writing [resumes](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/resume.asp) requires a delicate balance: If you get too creative, you risk not making it past the [artificial intelligence (AI)](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/artificial-intelligence-ai.asp) screeners, but if you don’t include your skills, the human who ultimately reviews your application may be unable to evaluate the person behind the resume.

Highlighting [technical skills](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/technical-job-skills.asp) and including a programming language such as Python, data analysis tools like Tableau, your [CPA](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/cpa.asp) certification, and skills on specialized equipment or machinery may help move your application forward in the queue.  

### Key Takeaways

*   Highlight relevant technical skills specific to the job to prove you have the necessary expertise.
*   Include hard skills like programming languages and software proficiency, and soft skills such as problem solving and communication.
*   Use concrete examples and quantify your achievements to demonstrate your aptitudes and the mark you left in earlier roles.

![Technical Skills: The abilities and knowledge needed to accomplish complex actions, tasks, and processes.](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/uDGDPxBbTGCjsHLlgv0HC-IE8NY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/technical-skills.asp-final-2bfdf377f91841919654e2c42b7cb0e2.png)

*Computer skills, programming languages, data analysis, and web development are considered technical skills. — Joules Garcia / Investopedia*

## What Employers Look for

## How to List Skills on a Resume

A well-constructed resume will present the qualifications, experience, and skills that make you a qualified candidate. When including technical skills, it’s important to list those pertinent to the job for which you’re applying. Begin with the technical skills most critical to the role, and follow with ancillary skills you’ll need in the specific position.

Employers seek basic technical skills that relate to positions in data analysis, project management, accounting, and marketing. Whether your skills are in [enterprise resource planning (ERP)](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/erp.asp) systems, financial modeling and [forecasting](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/forecasting.asp), or you know [generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/gaap.asp), commonly used resume software may create a skills section using an appropriate heading and organize them in a list format, with the most relevant skills first.

> **Tip**
>
> Quantify your experience by listing the number of years of experience using a specific skill or the number of projects you have completed using the skill.

## Improving Your Technical Skills

*   **Identify your career goals**: Determining what technical skills you need by clearly defining your career choice. For example, instead of establishing a goal to pursue a career in marketing, you could set your objective as a career in digital marketing and focus on learning the required technical skills.
*   **Research**: Searching online for a job with basic and sophisticated technical skills. Job postings can shed light on the required qualifications for different roles. Consider interviewing or shadowing someone in the field you wish to enter.
*   **Itemize skills**: Document the skills you need to realize your goals. Consider the specializations, certifications, and education to obtain them. Create categories and list all the associated skills that fall within each. For example, under the Certification category, you could list [Lean Six Sigma](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/lean-six-sigma.asp) or Prosci Certified Change Manager.
*   **Education**: If a career requires a bachelor’s degree in a specific field, research what institutions offer that degree program. Find institutions with the curriculum or certification you need if seeking a promotion in your current field.
*   **On-the-job training**: Some skills can be acquired on the job, while others must be obtained through a formal program or training. Internships can provide candidates with the skills while introducing them to a career.

## How Much Work Experience Should I Include on a Resume?

According to the job website Indeed, employers commonly look at the last 15 years of a candidate’s experience.

## What Is a Professional Affiliation?

Professional affiliations demonstrate your commitment to your field and engagement with industry networks. Common organizations that candidates may add to their resume include the American Accounting Association, the National Criminal Justice Association, the American Society of Civil Engineers, or the Association for Financial Professionals.

## What Are Soft Skills?

General skills in communication, teamwork, or creativity, while valuable, do not count as technical. Instead, these are classified as [soft skills](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/soft-skills.asp). Technical skills reveal your ability to handle the specific technical demands of a job, which can be critical in fields ranging from information technology (IT) and engineering to marketing and finance.

## The Bottom Line

Technical skills are the abilities and knowledge that enable someone to perform certain functions. Whether attained through training or education, technical skills are essential for increased productivity and competitive advantage. You can position yourself for success by staying informed about the most sought-after technical abilities, investing in continuous learning, and effectively showcasing your expertise on your resume.  

> **Article Sources**
>
> 1.  Indeed. “[How Many Years You Should Go Back On a Resume?](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/how-many-years-should-you-go-back-on-a-resume)”
>     
> 2.  Indeed. “[57 Professional Associations To Join to Boost Your Resume](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/professional-association).”