Resume Skills Examples (2026)
How to write and format the skills section of your resume — with real examples for software engineering, data analysis, and frontend roles.
How to format a resume skills section
The most ATS-friendly format is a simple list grouped by category. Avoid columns, skill bars, and icons — these are decorative and confuse parsers.
SKILLS
Languages: Python, TypeScript, Java, SQL
Frameworks: React, Next.js, FastAPI, Spring Boot
Cloud & DevOps: AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, GitHub Actions
Databases: PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis
Skills section examples by role
Software Engineer
Data Analyst
Frontend Developer
Skills to avoid listing on a resume
These are assumed or don't differentiate you. Replace them with domain-specific tools and technologies.
Build a skills-optimized resume
Resumly's ATS checker shows which skills are missing from your resume for a specific job description.
FAQ
How many skills should I list on a resume?
Aim for 10–20 skills, grouped by category. Too few looks sparse; too many suggests keyword stuffing. Every skill you list should be something you can discuss in an interview. Quality and relevance beat quantity.
Should I rate my skills on a resume?
No. Skill rating bars or percentages (e.g., 'Python: 80%') are subjective and meaningless to recruiters. Instead, show your proficiency through context — list advanced skills in your primary category and note 'familiar' or 'basic' for secondary ones if needed.
What's the difference between hard skills and soft skills on a resume?
Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities: Python, SQL, Figma, Tableau. Soft skills are interpersonal traits: communication, leadership, problem-solving. Your skills section should be dominated by hard skills. Soft skills are better demonstrated through your experience bullets than listed explicitly.
How do I know which skills to include for a specific job?
Read the job description carefully and extract the tools, frameworks, and skills mentioned in the requirements. Cross-reference with your actual skills. Add the matches to your resume — this also helps with ATS keyword matching. Run an ATS check to see which keywords you're missing.
Should soft skills be on a resume?
Use soft skills sparingly and show them through examples instead. 'Leadership' as a bullet under experience ('Led a team of 4 engineers') is more credible than listing it as a skill. If you must include them, limit to 2–3 most relevant to the role.