Writing a resume isn’t always an easy feat. You think you’re doing a great job including all your qualities, only to find that you forgot to include a few. This article details some of the job skills most people forget to include.

Many people find it hard to list their qualifications and achievements with an unbiased opinion. You’ll struggle with which skills to include and which to leave off. This issue leads to undervaluing yourself and leaving off job skills you should have included.

You’ve accomplished so much and must give yourself credit for all of it. Don’t leave essential information off because it causes you to undervalue yourself. Leaving it off doesn’t only happen when you don’t value yourself either because many people forget to include relevant job skills.

There’s so much that goes into a resume that it’s easy to forget things that could help you get a good job. You want to give valuable information that details your areas of expertise and shows your value. Remember that you’re selling yourself, so you want to include everything that highlights your skill set.

Hard Job Skills and Soft Skills (These Belong on Your Resume!)

There are two categories of job-related skills, including hard and soft skills. You’ll want to include qualities from both.


Hard Job Skills

Hard skills show that you are capable of the job you’re applying to. They are industry-specific skills learned through training courses, previous career experience, or schooling. You must have these job skills to show that you can do the job.

As you list hard skills, include specific certifications and proficiencies. List technologies you’re an expert in, and detail what you’ve done with those programs.

Your resume should also include examples of how you’ve implemented the hard skills. The hiring manager will want to see how you’ve used relevant skills, showing whether you’re a good candidate for the job. If you can, use specific achievements that show the value you brought to the company.

Soft Job Skills

Soft skills are the skills that people need to interact with other people. They include social skills learned from your experience working with others and in an office setting. Managers look for these skills to ensure you’ll fit with the other employees.

Your soft skills can make just as much of a difference as the hard skills when a hiring manager looks at them. Highly trained employees who don’t fit in with the office culture can be detrimental to the team effort. Managers look for those with compatible soft skills to complement the team while adding value.

Create a Job Skills Section on Your Resume

Creating a resume takes quite a bit of work and organization. When creating the skills section, ensure your content is easy to read. Go for a three-column, three-row format near the top.

It should go just above the professional experience, making it easy to view your skillset. Put the required qualifications near the top, adding keywords to help the potential employer recognize what you can do.

Including a few keywords can show what you can offer the company. Use a bulleted list to make your skills section easy to scan. Make it easy for potential employers to read your list for a quick overview.

Don’t use complete sentences in your skills section. Save them for your work history section, another essential aspect.

You’ll want to highlight your job skills in other sections, including your work history, volunteer activities, or professional certifications. However, weave them in seamlessly. Use solid examples to show how these skills apply to your chosen career.

Most People Forget to List These Twenty Job Skills on Their Resume

It’s easy to forget essential job skills on your resume when you’re stressed about getting it done. Many aspects can be overwhelming, but you can achieve them. Double-check that you included these skills, and you’re all set.

1 – Equipment or Machinery Operating

If you are looking for a hands-on job, make sure to detail your skills with equipment and machinery. The potential employer will want to know that you can operate the required equipment. Make sure to list safety training and related courses, too, if they show your skill set.

2 – Proficiency in Programs and Web Tools

A web-based employer will want to know that you can use the necessary programs and web tools. You’ll need proficiency in specific programs, so don’t forget to list these job skills. Think about things such as:

  • Adobe suite
  • social media platforms
  • content management systems
  • WordPress
  • photo editing software
  • Microsoft office
  • G suite
  • QuickBooks
  • FreshBooks
  • Xero

3 – Certifications

Certifications show that you know about the job and are dedicated to continuing education. Employers like to see that you continually better yourself and your skills by expanding your knowledge.

4 – Problem Solving Skills

No matter what job you’re applying for, problem-solving skills are beneficial. All employers want to know that you can work through issues. Every job has hiccups, and being able to navigate them is a good sign.

5 – Collaborative Job Skills

If your job relies on teamwork, you’ll want to highlight your ability to work with others. List this job skill to show that you can work with others toward a common goal. You can list this in the skill section, but you can further detail how you collaborated in your job description.

6 – Communication

Verbal and written communication skills are essential to landing a beneficial job in your field. You must be able to speak to people and present information. However, you also must have written communication skills since many people rely on email.

7 – Leadership

You should list this skill even if you aren’t applying for a leadership position. It shows hiring managers that you possess the necessary job skills to lead a team. Not only will it show them your abilities now, but it’ll encourage them to consider you for leadership later.

The potential employer will know you can take charge of projects and see them through. They’ll trust you with a team because they’ll know you’ll ensure the team gets it finished.

8 – Time Management

Let potential employers know that you can manage your time wisely. It shows that they won’t be wasting company money paying you for not working efficiently. They want to know that you can accomplish the job well and meet deadlines.


9 – Creativity

Highlighting your creative abilities shows that you can think of new ideas and overcome obstacles. It can also unexpectedly bring people together, promoting free-thinking.

10 – Multilingual

If you’re fluent in multiple languages, make sure you include it. Even if the job you’re applying for doesn’t require additional languages, it can help set you apart. It indicates dedication and perseverance because you managed to learn multiple languages.

11 – Bookkeeping or Accounting

These skills are basic abilities that many employers look for. It includes invoicing, collecting payments, account reconciliation, and knowledge of software programs.

12 – Data Analysis

Having an employee who can interpret data is a benefit many companies won’t pass up on. Don’t forget to include it on your job skills list if you’re proficient.

13 – Data Privacy

Cybersecurity skills are in-demand, so never forget to leave them off. If a company deals with sensitive information, the hiring manager will want to hire someone who can keep it safe.

14 – Adaptability

Being able to handle disruption or a changing environment is a beneficial skill. Hiring managers want to hire someone who can acclimate to changes quickly and effectively.

15 – Attention to Detail

Making small mistakes can be costly and time-consuming for businesses. They’ll want to hire someone who pays attention to the little things and catches problems before they cause issues.

16 – Process Automation

Using process automation can save businesses time and improve accuracy. However, employers need someone who can set up and oversee process automation programs. Including this in your job skills section will make you stand out to potential employers.

17 – Research Skills

Ideal job candidates know how to look up the information they need. They don’t claim to know everything but know how to find the answers.

18 – Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM)

SEO and SEM are essential aspects of online content. They can be hard to understand, so if you have the skillset, don’t forget to include it.

19 – Keyboarding or Typing Job Skills

If you can key data quickly and accurately, put it on your resume. Many job industries look for this in your job skills section. You can take a typing test online to determine how many words you can type each minute.

20 – Empathy

A potential employer will like knowing that you are empathetic and can understand the emotions of others. It shows that you can effectively engage with others by putting yourself in their shoes when necessary.


Final Thoughts on Job Skills Most People Forget to List on Their Resume

Resume writing doesn’t follow a single format, so you must learn along the way. Even with research, it’s hard to remember to include everything. There’s so much that goes into it that you must make sure to highlight your skills and strengths.

Don’t forget to include essential job skills so that a potential employer knows how great you are. Update your document to show the best version of you and your abilities.