12 Technical Skills for Resume in 2024 to Find a Job

In the ever-evolving landscape of the job market, staying relevant and competitive is of paramount importance. While a well-rounded resume has always been essential, the emphasis on technical skills in 2024 has reached new heights. 

The modern workforce demands a diverse set of competencies, and job seekers need to adapt to these changes to secure their desired positions. 

This article explores the definition of technical skills, their significance in resume building, examples of these skills, the best new technical skills to include in your resume for 2024, industry-specific technical skills, and how to showcase them in your resume effectively.

Go through some resume examples to get your job application started.

Technical Skills Definition

What Are Technical Skills?

Technical skills refer to the specific competencies and abilities required to perform tasks in a particular field or industry. These skills are typically hands-on and directly relate to a profession, making individuals more effective in their roles.

In the context of a resume, technical skills showcase your expertise and aptitude for the job you are applying for. They often include the use of tools, software, and knowledge of specific processes or methodologies.

Why Technical Skills Matter on a Resume

In a highly competitive job market, it’s essential to understand why technical skills are crucial for your resume. Here are some key reasons:

Enhancing Employability

Technical skills are a valuable asset that can make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers. In fact, 87% of job postings require at least one technical skill as of 2024, making them a non-negotiable component of a well-rounded resume.

Meeting Industry Demands

Industries are constantly evolving, and so are their requirements. By possessing relevant technical skills, you ensure that you can adapt to industry changes and remain employable in the long term.

Showcasing Expertise

Technical skills demonstrate your competence and expertise, assuring employers that you can handle the responsibilities of the job. This is especially important in highly specialized fields.

12 Best Technical Skills to Put on Resume in 2024

Now that we’ve established the importance of technical skills, let’s dive into some examples that can strengthen your resume. We will explore both evergreen skills that remain valuable year after year and some new skills that have gained significance in 2024.

1. Data Analysis

Why it’s Important: Data analysis skills are essential for making informed business decisions. They help organizations make sense of vast amounts of data, and professionals with this skill can earn up to 23% more than their counterparts.

2. Programming and Coding

Why it’s Important: As technology continues to advance, programming and coding skills remain highly sought after. Proficiency in languages such as Python, Java, or JavaScript can open the door to various job opportunities.

Python is currently the most popular programming language. In a 2020 survey done by Google’s Kaggle subsidiary, over 80% of the 2,675 respondents who identified themselves as working data scientists said they use Python.

3. Cybersecurity

Why it’s Important: With the increasing threat of cyberattacks, cybersecurity skills are in high demand. They are crucial for protecting sensitive data and systems, and job postings for cybersecurity professionals have grown by 32% in the past year.

3. Web Development

Why it’s Important: Web development is crucial as it drives the digital presence of businesses and organizations. In 2024, a strong web presence is essential for reaching customers, conducting e-commerce, and sharing information, making web development skills highly valuable.

According to Statista, web development is the most demanded tech skill by recruiters in 2024. At the same time, over 16 percent of recruiters were looking to hire people with cyber security skills.

4. Mobile Development

Why it’s Important: Mobile development is vital due to the widespread use of smartphones and tablets. As mobile apps continue to dominate the digital landscape, mobile development skills are essential for creating user-friendly, accessible, and in-demand applications.

6. Digital Marketing

Why it’s Important: In the digital age, businesses rely on digital marketing to reach their audience. Proficiency in digital marketing tools and strategies is essential to help companies grow their online presence.

7. Cloud Computing

Why it’s Important: Cloud computing skills are indispensable for the modern workplace. They offer flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. 71% of businesses use cloud technology, creating a demand for professionals with expertise in this field.

8. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Why it’s Important: AI and ML skills are at the forefront of technological advancement. They are used in various industries, from healthcare to finance. Professionals with expertise in AI and ML can expect to earn an average of 30% more.

9. Project Management

Why it’s Important: Effective project management ensures that tasks are completed on time and within budget. 87% of high-performing organizations value project management skills, making them highly desirable.

10. Digital Design

Why it’s Important: In an increasingly visual world, digital design skills are essential. They include graphic design, web design, user interface (UI), and user experience (UX) design, with a demand that continues to grow.

11. Foreign Language Proficiency

Why it’s Important: In our globalized world, knowing a second language is a valuable skill. Proficiency in a foreign language can open doors to international job opportunities and collaborations.

12. Critical Thinking

Why it’s Important: Critical thinking skills are not limited to any one field but are highly valued across industries. They involve analyzing problems, making informed decisions, and creatively finding solutions.

Though it is seen as more of a soft skill, critical thinking often goes hand in hand with many technical expertise. Click the link for more related soft skills.

New Examples of Technical Skills

As the job market evolves, new technical skills become increasingly important. To stand out from the competition in 2024, consider including the following skills:

Blockchain Technology

Why it’s Important: Blockchain has applications in various industries, including finance, supply chain management, and healthcare. Knowledge of blockchain technology can be a valuable asset for organizations looking to secure their data and transactions.

3D Printing

Why it’s Important: 3D printing is revolutionizing manufacturing and product development. As it becomes more mainstream, professionals with 3D printing skills will be in demand in various fields.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

Why it’s Important: AR and VR are transforming industries such as gaming, healthcare, and education. Proficiency in AR and VR development can lead to exciting career opportunities.

AR and VR is now considered to be a high income skill in Singapore. It is a notable technical skill to work on. See some other exceptional high income skills you can put in your resume.

Sustainable and Green Technologies

Why it’s Important: As environmental concerns continue to grow, expertise in sustainable and green technologies is highly relevant. These skills are sought after in industries focused on reducing their carbon footprint.

Quantum Computing

Why it’s Important: Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize fields like cryptography and drug discovery. As this technology advances, demand for quantum computing skills will increase.

Industry-Specific Technical Skills

In addition to the general technical skills discussed earlier, various industries have their unique technical skill requirements. Understanding these industry-specific skills can give you a significant advantage when seeking employment in different fields. Here are some industry-specific technical skills that can make you stand out in various sectors:

Information Technology

Skill: DevOps

Why it’s Important: DevOps is the art of combining software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops). It’s not just a skill; it’s a cultural approach that streamlines the software development lifecycle. DevOps professionals are crucial in ensuring that software development is not only efficient but also reliable.

They work to eliminate barriers between development and operations teams, allowing for faster development cycles, quicker problem resolution, and a continuous improvement mindset. This skill is crucial in a rapidly changing IT landscape where rapid deployment and robust infrastructure are key.

Example: DevOps engineers reduce deployment time by 50%, leading to quicker software delivery and enhanced customer satisfaction.

Healthcare

Skill: Electronic Health Records (EHR) Management

Why it’s Important: The healthcare industry is increasingly reliant on Electronic Health Records (EHR) to store and manage patient data.

EHR systems have transformed the way medical professionals access and manage patient information, leading to more informed decision-making, better patient care, and streamlined administrative processes.

Proficiency in EHR management is vital for healthcare professionals as it ensures the accurate and secure handling of sensitive medical data, which is essential for patient care and regulatory compliance.

Example: Skilled EHR managers improve data accessibility, reduce administrative errors, and enhance patient safety.

Finance

Skill: Financial Modeling

Why it’s Important: Financial modeling is a critical skill in the finance sector. It involves creating a mathematical representation of a financial situation, often used for forecasting, budgeting, and decision-making.

Accurate financial modeling is essential for banks, investment firms, corporations, and other financial institutions to assess risks, make investment decisions, and plan for the future. It is also vital in mergers and acquisitions, investment analysis, and strategic planning.

Example: Skilled financial modelers help organizations make more informed financial decisions, leading to improved financial stability and growth.

Engineering

Skill: AutoCAD

Why it’s Important: AutoCAD is a powerful computer-aided design (CAD) software tool used in various engineering and design disciplines. It enables engineers and designers to create detailed 2D and 3D drawings, schematics, and models.

AutoCAD is widely used in architecture, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and many other fields. Proficiency in AutoCAD is crucial for professionals who need to create precise and detailed visual representations of projects, which can be used for planning, construction, and communication.

Example: Proficient AutoCAD users create accurate and detailed engineering drawings, reducing errors in construction and improving project efficiency.

If you’re looking for more specific industries, here are some of the best resume skills to add.

How to Showcase Technical Skills on Your Resume

Crafting a standout resume that effectively highlights your technical skills is a crucial step in the job application process. Your resume is not just a list of qualifications; it’s a dynamic document that should tell a story of your expertise and potential value to an employer. Here’s an expanded guide on how to showcase your technical skills on your resume:

1. Create a “Technical Skills” Section

Begin by carving out a dedicated “Technical Skills” section in your resume. This section serves as a clear and concise reference point for hiring managers to assess your capabilities quickly.

To maximize visibility, position this section near the top of your resume, just below your contact information and professional summary (if included).

2. Be Specific

The devil is in the details, and this is especially true when it comes to showcasing your technical skills. Avoid using generic, vague terms like “programming” or “data analysis.”

Instead, specify the exact skill names, languages, tools, or software you are proficient in. Precision not only communicates your competence but also helps your resume pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) that scan for keywords.

Example:

• Vague: Programming
• Specific: Programming Languages: Python, Java, C++

3. Prioritize Relevant Skills

Your resume is not one-size-fits-all. Tailor your list of technical skills to match the job description of the specific position you’re applying for.

Hiring managers appreciate candidates who can demonstrate a strong alignment between their skills and the requirements of the job.

Analyze the job posting and identify the key technical skills the employer is seeking, then ensure they take precedence in your list.

Example:

If the job posting emphasizes “Proficiency in Python” and “Experience with SQL,” ensure that these skills are highlighted prominently in your “Technical Skills” section.

4. Provide Context

Beyond simply listing your skills, provide context to demonstrate how you’ve applied these skills in your previous roles. Use quantifiable achievements or responsibilities to illustrate your proficiency.

This shows prospective employers that your skills aren’t just theoretical but have practical value.

Example:

• “Developed and deployed a Python-based inventory management system that reduced restocking time by 30%.”
• “Utilized SQL to extract, analyze, and visualize customer data, resulting in a 15% increase in targeted marketing campaign effectiveness.”

5. Certifications and Training

If you’ve acquired relevant certifications or undergone specific training related to your technical skills, don’t forget to showcase them.

Certifications and training not only validate your expertise but also indicate your commitment to professional development.

Example:

• “Certified AWS Solutions Architect with extensive experience in cloud architecture and deployment.”
• “Completed Google Analytics and AdWords certification courses, enhancing digital marketing proficiency.”

6. Keep It Updated

The world of technology and industry-specific skills is ever-evolving. To stay competitive in the job market, it’s essential to keep your resume current.

As you acquire new technical skills or expand your proficiency in existing ones, regularly update your resume to reflect your current competencies.

Ensure that your resume reflects your most recent accomplishments, certifications, and training.

Example:

If you’ve recently completed a training program in a new programming language or earned a new certification, make sure to add these to your “Technical Skills” section, providing a timestamp to indicate their recency.

Takeaways

In 2024, the job market continues to evolve, and the demand for technical skills is higher than ever. Employers seek candidates who not only possess these skills but can also demonstrate their proficiency on their resumes. 

By understanding the importance of technical skills, staying up-to-date with new trends, and tailoring your resume to showcase your expertise, you can position yourself as a strong candidate in a competitive job market. 

So, invest in your technical skills for resumes, update yours, and embark on your job search with confidence.