When you apply for a job, one of the most important sections of your resume or application is your skills section. But if you are unsure what are skills in a job application, you may wonder what you should actually write and which abilities employers want to see.
Skills in a job application are the abilities, knowledge, tools, and competencies that demonstrate you can perform the responsibilities of the position. They can include technical skills such as programming, data analysis, or operating specialized equipment, as well as soft skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.
The most important point is that you should not simply create a long list of every skill you have. Your skills should be relevant to the specific position you are applying for and supported by your education, experience, projects, or achievements. Current career guidance also emphasizes tailoring skills to the job description rather than using the same generic list for every application.
What Are Skills in a Job Application?
Skills in a job application are the capabilities that show an employer what you can contribute to their organization.
For example, if you are applying for a software developer position, relevant skills might include:
- Python
- JavaScript
- SQL
- Git
- Problem-solving
- Software testing
- Communication
- Teamwork
If you are applying for an administrative position, your skills might include:
- Microsoft Excel
- Data entry
- Scheduling
- Organization
- Customer service
- Written communication
- Document management
Therefore, the best skills to put on a job application depend on the job.
A good skills section answers a simple question for the employer:
“Can this candidate perform the work we need?”
Why Are Skills Important in a Job Application?
Skills are important because employers want to understand whether your qualifications match the requirements of the position.
Your education tells an employer what you have studied. Your work experience shows where you have applied your knowledge. Your skills section quickly highlights the specific abilities you can bring to the role.
Skills can also be important when your resume is reviewed by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Many employers use software to help organize and screen applications. Matching relevant terminology from the job description can make it easier for your application to demonstrate its relevance. Indeed recommends reviewing the job description and using relevant keywords naturally in application materials.
However, this does not mean you should copy every keyword from a job advertisement. Only include skills you genuinely possess and can support.
What Types of Skills Should You Put on a Job Application?
Skills can be divided into several categories. The two most common are hard skills and soft skills, although modern career guidance also commonly separates technical, workplace, and interpersonal skills.
1. Hard Skills
Hard skills are specific abilities that can generally be learned, trained, tested, or measured.
Examples include:
- Programming
- Data analysis
- Accounting
- AutoCAD
- PLC programming
- Microsoft Excel
- Graphic design
- SEO
- Database management
- Project management
- Machine operation
- Foreign languages
Hard skills are often directly related to the job.
For example, an electrical engineer may list:
Technical Skills: PLC Programming, SCADA, AutoCAD, Electrical Troubleshooting, Industrial Automation, Modbus, Profinet
A graphic designer might list:
Technical Skills: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, Typography, Branding, UI Design
The important thing is to focus on skills that are actually relevant to the position.
2. Soft Skills
Soft skills describe how you work, communicate, solve problems, and interact with other people.
Common examples include:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Time management
- Adaptability
- Creativity
- Organization
- Decision-making
- Conflict resolution
- Active listening
These skills can apply across many different professions. Indeed identifies communication, problem-solving, teamwork, planning, organization, critical thinking, leadership, and time management among valuable skills employers may look for.
One important point is that soft skills are stronger when you demonstrate them instead of simply claiming them.
For example, instead of only writing:
Leadership
you could demonstrate it in your experience section:
Led a four-member team during the installation and commissioning of an industrial control system.
That provides evidence behind the skill.
15 Skills to Consider Putting on a Job Application
There is no universal list of the best skills, but the following skills are broadly useful when they genuinely match the position.
1. Communication
Communication includes speaking, writing, presenting, listening, and explaining information clearly.
It is useful in almost every profession because employees regularly communicate with managers, coworkers, customers, suppliers, or clients.
2. Problem-Solving
Problem-solving demonstrates that you can identify problems, investigate possible causes, and develop practical solutions.
It is particularly valuable in technical, engineering, management, customer service, and operational roles.
3. Teamwork
Most workplaces require employees to cooperate with other people.
Teamwork includes collaboration, sharing information, supporting colleagues, and working toward common objectives.
4. Leadership
Leadership involves taking responsibility, making decisions, coordinating people, and helping a team achieve its objectives.
You can demonstrate leadership even if you have never held a formal management position.
5. Time Management
Time management shows that you can organize your workload, prioritize important tasks, and meet deadlines.
6. Critical Thinking
Critical thinking allows you to evaluate information, identify assumptions, compare options, and make logical decisions.
7. Adaptability
Employers increasingly need employees who can learn new technologies, processes, and responsibilities.
Adaptability demonstrates that you can remain effective when circumstances change.
8. Technical Skills
Technical skills should be specific to your profession.
For example:
- Programming
- CAD
- PLC programming
- Data analysis
- Accounting software
- Cloud platforms
- Network administration
- Machine operation
9. Microsoft Office Skills
Depending on the position, skills such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams can be valuable.
For roles involving data or administration, Excel skills can be especially useful.
10. Data Analysis
Data analysis is increasingly useful across industries.
Examples include:
- Excel
- SQL
- Power BI
- Tableau
- Python
- R
The specific tool matters less than whether it is relevant to the position.
11. Project Management
Project management skills include planning, scheduling, resource coordination, risk management, documentation, and monitoring progress.
These skills can be useful even if you are not applying for a formal project manager position.
12. Customer Service
Customer service skills are especially relevant for retail, sales, hospitality, support, and client-facing positions.
They can include:
- Active listening
- Communication
- Conflict resolution
- Product knowledge
- Relationship management
13. Organization
Organization involves keeping information, tasks, schedules, documents, and responsibilities under control.
It is particularly useful for administrative, management, operations, and project-based roles.
14. AI Literacy
AI literacy has become increasingly relevant in the workplace.
Depending on the role, this could include:
- Using AI productivity tools
- Writing effective prompts
- Evaluating AI-generated information
- AI-assisted research
- Workflow automation
- Understanding responsible AI use
Coursera’s 2026 career guidance lists AI literacy alongside communication, adaptability, problem-solving, data literacy, and project management among skills worth highlighting when relevant.
15. Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is valuable in positions where accuracy matters.
Examples include:
- Accounting
- Engineering
- Quality control
- Data entry
- Healthcare
- Documentation
- Software testing
It can help demonstrate that you can identify errors and maintain accurate work.
What Skills Should I Put on a Job Application?
This is where many applicants make a mistake.
You should not automatically list every skill you possess.
Instead, look at the job description and identify what the employer is actually asking for.
Suppose a job advertisement says:
“We are looking for a junior automation engineer with experience in PLC programming, SCADA, industrial communication protocols, troubleshooting, documentation, and teamwork.”
Your skills section could be:
Skills
- PLC Programming
- SCADA Systems
- Industrial Automation
- Modbus TCP/RTU
- Profinet
- Electrical Troubleshooting
- Technical Documentation
- Problem-Solving
- Teamwork
- Communication
This is much stronger than writing a generic list such as:
Hardworking, honest, punctual, friendly, computer skills, leadership, creativity, teamwork, internet, MS Office…
The first version is directly connected to the job.
Current resume guidance similarly recommends starting with the job description, identifying the employer’s required skills, and then incorporating relevant skills into the resume’s skills section and experience.
How to Match Your Skills With a Job Description
A simple process can make your application much stronger.
Step 1: Read the Job Description Carefully
Look for phrases such as:
- Required skills
- Preferred skills
- Qualifications
- Responsibilities
- Experience required
- Technical knowledge
Highlight the important terms.
Step 2: Separate Technical and Soft Skills
For example:
Technical:
- AutoCAD
- PLC
- SCADA
- Modbus
- Electrical troubleshooting
Soft/workplace:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Time management
Step 3: Select Your Strongest Matches
Do not include a skill simply because it appears in the job description.
Ask yourself:
“Can I honestly say that I have this skill?”
If you cannot demonstrate it through education, work, projects, certifications, or practical experience, leave it out.
Step 4: Use the Employer’s Language Where Appropriate
If the job advertisement says “PLC programming,” it is generally better to use “PLC Programming” than an unrelated phrase such as “industrial controller coding.”
This makes your application clearer and can also help with automated resume screening.
Step 5: Prove Important Skills
Your skills section should be supported by your experience.
For example:
Skill: PLC Programming
Experience:
Developed and tested PLC logic for an automated water treatment process, including sequencing, valve control, alarms, and equipment interlocks.
This is much more convincing than simply writing “PLC Programming.”
Where Should You Put Skills on a Job Application?
There are several places where you can highlight your skills.
Skills Section
This is the most obvious location.
Example:
Technical Skills
- PLC Programming
- SCADA
- AutoCAD
- Modbus TCP/RTU
- Electrical Troubleshooting
Professional Skills
- Problem-Solving
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Project Coordination
Professional Summary
You can mention your most important skills near the top of your resume.
For example:
Automation Engineer with hands-on experience in PLC programming, SCADA systems, industrial communication, electrical troubleshooting, and commissioning of automated systems.
This immediately communicates your professional strengths.
Work Experience
This is where you can provide evidence.
Instead of:
Skills: Problem-solving
write:
Troubleshot recurring communication faults in a Modbus network and identified configuration and wiring issues, improving system reliability.
Projects
Projects are particularly useful for students and recent graduates.
For example:
Project: Industrial Energy Monitoring System
Developed a Modbus-based energy monitoring solution integrating multiple energy meters with a PLC and cloud monitoring platform.
This demonstrates technical, analytical, communication, and project skills simultaneously.
How Many Skills Should You Put on a Job Application?
There is no universal number that works for every application.
The goal should be relevance rather than quantity.
A focused list of roughly 8–15 highly relevant skills can be a useful starting point, particularly when the application allows a free-text skills section. Some current career guidance recommends around this range, while emphasizing that the actual number should depend on the job and application format.
If an online application allows you to select only five skills, choose your five strongest matches.
If it provides a larger skills field, you can include additional relevant competencies.
Avoid filling the application with dozens of generic skills simply to make the list look impressive.
Should You Include Both Hard and Soft Skills?
Yes, when both are relevant.
A strong application often combines technical abilities with workplace and interpersonal skills.
For example, an IT support candidate might list:
Technical Skills
- Windows
- Networking
- Active Directory
- Troubleshooting
- Microsoft 365
Soft Skills
- Customer Service
- Communication
- Problem-Solving
- Teamwork
- Time Management
This combination tells an employer both what you can do and how you work.
Modern career resources commonly recommend combining technical, workplace, and interpersonal skills rather than relying on only one category.
Skills You Should Avoid Listing Without Evidence
Be careful with vague terms such as:
- Hardworking
- Honest
- Motivated
- Passionate
- Friendly
- Fast learner
- Team player
- Responsible
These qualities are not necessarily bad, but simply listing them provides little evidence.
Instead of:
Hardworking
show the result:
Completed a critical automation project ahead of the commissioning deadline while coordinating with electrical and production teams.
Instead of:
Problem Solver
write:
Diagnosed and resolved recurring PLC communication faults during system commissioning.
Evidence is more powerful than adjectives.
What Skills Should Students Put on a Job Application?
Students and recent graduates may not have extensive professional experience, but they can still demonstrate valuable skills.
Consider including:
- Research
- Communication
- Presentation
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Microsoft Office
- Data analysis
- Project management
- Programming
- Technical writing
- Time management
- Adaptability
Projects, university assignments, internships, volunteer work, competitions, and certifications can all provide evidence of these skills.
For example:
Final-Year Project: Designed and programmed an automated process control system using PLC and HMI technology.
That single project can demonstrate technical knowledge, programming, troubleshooting, project management, documentation, and problem-solving.
What Skills Should You Put on an Application Without Experience?
If you have little or no work experience, focus on transferable skills and genuine technical abilities.
For example:
Skills
- Microsoft Excel
- Data Analysis
- Communication
- Research
- Teamwork
- Problem-Solving
- Presentation
- Time Management
- Social Media Management
- Basic Python
Then demonstrate these skills through academic projects, internships, coursework, certifications, or personal projects.
Do not assume that you have “no skills” simply because you have not had a full-time job.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are skills in a job application?
Skills in a job application are the abilities, knowledge, tools, and competencies you have that are relevant to the position. They can include technical skills, workplace skills, and interpersonal skills.
What are the best skills to put on a job application?
The best skills are those that match the employer’s requirements and that you can genuinely demonstrate. Common examples include communication, problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, adaptability, technical skills, data analysis, project management, and digital skills.
Should I list soft skills on a job application?
Yes, but whenever possible, demonstrate them through your work experience, projects, or achievements rather than simply listing them. For example, instead of only writing “leadership,” describe a project you led.
How do I know which skills to include?
Start with the job description. Identify the required and preferred skills, then select the ones you genuinely possess and can support with evidence.
Can I use the same skills for every job application?
You can keep some core skills consistent, but you should customize your skills for each position. Different jobs have different requirements, and tailoring your application makes your qualifications more relevant.
Are technical skills better than soft skills?
Neither is universally better. Technical skills demonstrate that you can perform specific tasks, while soft skills show how you communicate, collaborate, solve problems, and work within an organization. Most jobs benefit from a combination of both.
Final Thoughts
So, what are skills in a job application?
They are the abilities and competencies that demonstrate your potential to perform the job successfully. They can include technical skills, workplace skills, interpersonal skills, digital abilities, and job-specific knowledge.
The most important rule is simple: don’t list skills just to fill space.
Read the job description, identify what the employer needs, choose the skills you genuinely possess, and then demonstrate those skills through your experience, projects, education, and achievements.
A strong skills section is not necessarily the longest one. It is the one that quickly communicates:
“I have the skills you need, and I can prove it.”
That approach can make your job application more relevant to both recruiters and automated screening systems while giving employers a clearer picture of the value you can bring to the role.
