How Many Skills Should You List on a Resume?

When making a resume, one of the key decisions to make is how many skills should you list on a resume.

While it’s tempting to showcase every ability you’ve acquired over the years, including the right number is essential for creating a focused and impactful document.

In this article, we’ll explore how many skills you should realistically put and how to choose the most relevant ones.

What are skills?

These are the knowledge that allow individuals to perform tasks and solve problems efficiently.

They can be divided into two main categories:

Hard Skills: Teachable competencies that are often learned through education, training, or hands-on experience.
Soft Skills: Interpersonal traits that influence how people interact with others and approach challenges.

Both types are crucial for thriving in various job roles, as they help people perform effectively, collaborate with colleagues, and adjust to changing circumstances.

Why put skills on a resume?

Provide a clear picture of what you can do, making it easier for employers to assess your fit for the position.
By incorporating skills that align with the job description, you increase the chances of passing an ATS test.
Show how you will contribute to the organization’s success, emphasizing your capacity to meet their needs.
Indicate that you are committed to self-improvement, which is attractive to HR seeking candidates who can evolve within the role.

How many skills should you list on a resume?

When deciding what skills should you list on a resume, it’s important to maintain a balance between showcasing your abilities and keeping the content relevant and concise.

Typically, placing 5 to 10 competencies is ideal, though this can vary depending on your background.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of how to approach skills section for resume, organized by level and industry:

By Experience Level

Entry-level

For individuals just starting their careers, focus on essential core attributes that demonstrate potential and an eagerness to learn.

While you may lack extensive hands-on experience, it's needed to emphasize:

Fundamental: Proficiency in software, basic technical skills, or tools used in the field.
Transferable: Aptitudes gained from internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs, such as organization, communication, and collaboration.
Soft: Qualities like flexibility, a strong work ethic, and attention to detail.

Typically, 5-7 skills are appropriate, blending operational awareness and interpersonal strengths. Tailor this areas of expertise on a resume to match the job requirements.

Mid-level

At this stage, employers expect a more advanced combination of proficiency and practical abilities.

You should highlight:

Hard Skills: In-depth knowledge of tools, software, or methodologies specific to your industry.
Leadership: Experience in managing tasks, organizing teams, or overseeing complex projects.
Problem-Solving: Ability to approach challenges methodically and develop effective solutions.

For mid-career professionals, aim for 7-10 skills, prioritizing more sophisticated competencies that demonstrate depth and specialization.

Senior-level

For executives, the focus shifts to strategic background and an extensive understanding of the market. Your skills lists for resume should emphasize:

Mastery: Expertise in the most advanced tools and technologies within your sphere.
Strategy: Experience managing teams, driving company initiatives, and making high-level decisions.
Insights: Grasp of trends, regulations, and best practices that inform business strategies.

For senior-level positions, you can list 10 or more skills, ensuring they reflect your deep understanding of your area.

By Industry

Sphere	Recommended Number	Why Add
Technology and IT	8 to 12	Strikes a balance between showcasing proficiency in tools, languages, and functional concepts.
Marketing and Sales	7 to 10	Highlights key tools like SEO and CRM while emphasizing communication, negotiation, and strategic skills.
Healthcare	6 to 9	Centers on qualifications for providing excellent care, without unnecessary details.
Finance and Accounting	7 to 10	Provides room for complex knowledge as well as attributes like attention to detail and organizational skills.
Creative Industries	6 to 8	Demonstrates both technical proficiency and creativity, without overloading the resume with excessive tools or concepts.
Education	7 to 10	Ensures a focus on the most significant aspects of your teaching abilities for a well-rounded profile.
Human Resources	7 to 10	Emphasizes expertise in managing talent, while allowing space for communication and conflict resolution skills.
Legal	6 to 9	Provides a clear representation of legal expertise and attention to detail, avoiding unnecessary minor skills.
Manufacturing & Engineering	8 to 12	Showcases engineering knowledge, software proficiency, and problem-solving capabilities, along with leadership.
Retail and Customer Service	6 to 8	Underlines emphasis on traits like communication and sales, without overwhelming the reader with excessive information.
Hospitality & Tourism	6 to 9	Highlights your capacity for guest services and event organization, while also showcasing qualities like patience and care.
Supply Chain & Logistics	7 to 10	Demonstrates proficiency in process optimization and resource management, focusing on the most important job-related competencies.
Construction & Real Estate	8 to 10	Outlines both methodical and managerial strengths, ensuring key qualifications are represented effectively.

Examples of how many skills to put on resume

Areas of expertise on a resume for Software Developer:

Java
Python
C++
React
Django
MySQL
PostgreSQL
Git
Agile
Scrum

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How Many Skills to Put on a Resume?

What are skills?

Why put skills on a resume?

How many skills should you list on a resume?

Entry-level

Mid-level

Senior-level

Examples of how many skills to put on resume

Areas of expertise on a resume for Software Developer:

Digital Marketing Manager skills to put on a resume:

Registered Nurse skills on a resume:

Key skills for resume of Financial Analyst:

Graphic Designer skills to add to resume:

Best skills to put on a resume of Teacher:

HR Manager professional skills for resume:

Lawyer resume examples skills:

Project Manager skills lists for resume:

Sales Manager skills on resume:

Customer Support Specialist skills section of resume:

Construction Manager resume skills list:

Data Scientist job skills for resume:

Skills to list on a resume of Social Media Manager:

Marketing Analyst beginner skills for resume:

Web Developer skills examples for resume:

Content Writer skills to put on a resume:

Data Analyst skills to add to resume:

Customer Success Manager resume skills list:

Executive Assistant job skills for resume:

Areas of expertise on a resume of Video Editor:

Research Scientist skills to list on a resume:

Event Planner skills examples for resume:

UX/UI Designer skills section of resume:

Network Administrator key skills for resume:

Copywriter resume examples skills:

IT Support Specialist skills on a resume:

How many skills should you list on a resume - Conclusion

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Trevor Richfield

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