Top 20 hard skills list for 2021

Here’s a list of the top 20 hard skills (from several industries, as well as general ones) that we compiled based on our 2021 research and resume-related experience:

General hard skills:

1. Computer software knowledge (specify based on the job)
2. Research (web research or open-source research)
3. Foreign languages
4. Social media knowledge (general)
5. Administrative tasks

Marketing & sales hard skills:

1. Social media management
2. Content creation and visualization
3. SEO
4. Marketing/content strategy
5. Facebook/Google ads

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Management hard skills:

1. Project management systems
2. Use of CRM or CMS software
3. Business planning/analysis
4. Six Sigma techniques
5. Agile / Scrum

Design hard skills:

1. Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop
2. Figma
3. Photo editing
4. Web design and/or UX design
5. Storyboards

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Hard skills FAQ

These are some frequently asked questions about listing hard skills on a resume:

Should you separate hard skills and soft skills on a resume?

On balance, it’s probably best to avoid creating separate headings for hard skills and soft skills. Some skills fall into a gray area between the two, and separating them into different sections is really not helpful to employers.

Is being bilingual a hard skill?

Being bilingual is usually considered a hard skill, although some classify it as a soft skill. But it doesn’t really matter. If you do choose to create separate headings for hard skills and soft skills, then create a third category called “Languages.” 

Is customer service a hard or soft skill?

Customer service is a hard skill, acquired by training and experience, though it relies heavily on soft skills involving communication, listening and empathy. 

Should I put ‘hard worker’ on my resume?

No. Avoid vague, “fluffy,” clichéd phrases like “hard worker,” “self-starter,” “team player.” As a general rule, try to list skills that are specific and measurable.

How do you list typing skills on a resume?

Lean toward the term “word processing” instead of “typing,” and if possible mention how many words per minute you can produce: “Word processing: 75 words per minute.”

Should skills be bulleted on a resume?

Most resume designs feature bullet points ( • ) in front of each skill. Lean toward a simple bullet design like a solid black dot and avoid unusual styles like check marks.  

Resume.io is a leading global provider of resume templates and occupation-specific resume examples and writing guides . When preparing your resume, get off to a solid start with a field-tested template where the design is already done for you. You know your skills — we’ll show you where to put them.

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