What Are Technical Skills?
You know how many employers rely on automated systems to filter resumes, right? When you're writing your resume, you have to strike a delicate balance: get too creative, and you might not make it past the AI screeners, but if you skip listing your skills, the human reviewer won't see what you're capable of.
That's why highlighting your technical skills is crucial. Include things like programming languages such as Python, data analysis tools like Tableau, your CPA certification, or expertise with specialized equipment or machinery. This can push your application ahead in the process.
Key Takeaways
Focus on highlighting relevant technical skills that match the job to show you have the expertise needed. Include hard skills like programming languages and software proficiency, along with soft skills such as problem-solving and communication. Use concrete examples and quantify your achievements to illustrate your abilities and the impact you've made in previous roles.
What Employers Look For
Employers in different fields seek specific technical skills paired with complementary expertise. In accounting, that means proficiency in preparing financial statements, using software like QuickBooks or SAP, and knowing GAAP or IFRS, often with a CPA certification. For asset management, it's about portfolio software, Bloomberg Terminal, and strong analytical skills alongside understanding economic trends.
In corporate finance, expect needs for financial planning, budgeting, and tools like ERP systems, complemented by business acumen and critical thinking. Data science requires big data tech like Hadoop, languages like Python, and machine learning tools, plus analytical skills and domain knowledge. Digital marketing involves SEO, analytics like Google Analytics, and platforms like HubSpot, with creativity and customer management.
Engineering calls for CAD software, programming, and simulation tools, backed by problem-solving and teamwork. Finance demands modeling in Excel, data analysis with SQL, and risk software, with quantitative skills and market knowledge. Financial planning uses software like eMoney Advisor and involves tax strategies, paired with interpersonal skills.
FinTech needs programming in Python or Java, blockchain, and cybersecurity, with an innovative mindset. Graphic design relies on Adobe Suite and UX tools, plus creativity and time management. Healthcare involves EHR systems like Epic and medical coding, with regulatory knowledge. HR requires software like Workday and analytics, with communication and organizational skills.
IT encompasses programming, cloud computing like AWS, and security, supported by problem-solving and continuous learning. Investment banking uses financial modeling and valuation methods, with negotiation skills. Marketing needs analytics and SEO tools, with data-driven decisions. Quantitative finance involves algorithmic trading and big data, with advanced math. Software engineering includes Agile and languages like Java, with collaboration. Web development covers front-end and back-end tech, focusing on UX and problem-solving.
How to List Skills on a Resume
Build your resume to showcase the qualifications, experience, and skills that qualify you for the job. When adding technical skills, stick to those relevant to the position you're applying for. Start with the most critical ones for the role, then add supporting skills you'll use in that job.
Employers often want basic technical skills in areas like data analysis, project management, accounting, and marketing. If you have skills in ERP systems, financial modeling, or GAAP, resume software can help create a skills section with a proper heading and list them, prioritizing the most relevant.
Here's a tip: quantify your experience by noting the years you've used a skill or the number of projects completed with it.
Improving Your Technical Skills
Start by identifying your career goals to figure out what technical skills you need. For instance, if you're aiming for digital marketing, focus on learning those specific skills instead of a vague marketing career.
Do some research online for jobs that list basic and advanced technical skills. Job postings reveal required qualifications, and you might interview or shadow someone in the field.
Make a list of the skills needed for your goals, including specializations, certifications, and education. Categorize them—for example, under certifications, note things like Lean Six Sigma.
If the career requires a degree, research institutions offering that program. For promotions, find curricula or certifications that fit. Some skills come from on-the-job training, while others need formal programs or internships to gain experience and exposure.
Additional Notes
When it comes to work experience on a resume, employers typically review the last 15 years, according to sites like Indeed. Professional affiliations show your commitment to the field, such as joining the American Accounting Association or similar groups.
Soft skills like communication and teamwork are valuable but aren't technical; they're general abilities. Technical skills prove you can handle job-specific demands in fields like IT, engineering, marketing, and finance.
The Bottom Line
Technical skills are the abilities and knowledge that let you perform specific functions. Gained through training or education, they're key for boosting productivity and gaining a competitive edge. Stay updated on in-demand skills, commit to ongoing learning, and highlight your expertise on your resume to set yourself up for success.
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