82 hard skills examples to boost your resume in the Philippines

Looking to boost your resume and stand out in the competitive Philippine job market? One way to do that is by showcasing your hard skills – the technical expertise that hiring managers are looking for. 

As digital transformation reshapes industries, the demand for job-specific skills has skyrocketed in the Philippines. Whether you’re eyeing a promotion, a career switch, or your very first job, equipping yourself with the right hard skills can give you that edge. 

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about hard skills. We'll also give you 82 in-demand examples to add to your resume. 

• What are hard skills? 
• Hard skills examples 
• How do you develop hard skills? 
• Showcasing hard skills on your resume 
• In-demand hard skills in the Philippines 
• Leveraging hard skills for career success in the Philippines
• FAQs 

What are hard skills? 

Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities or knowledge sets that you can measure and define. Think of them as the “how-to” skills that enable you to perform specific tasks. Unlike soft skills, hard skills can easily be quantified. Hiring managers will look for both, so having hard and soft skills in any job description is still important. 

Here’s a quick breakdown: 

Hard skills	Soft skills
Technical and measurable	Interpersonal and behavioral
Learned through education or training	Developed through experience
Job-specific	Personality-driven

A few examples of hard skills include analytical skills, photo editing skills, and research skills. 

In the Philippine job market, hard skills are especially important. Many industries, such as Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Information Technology (IT), and digital marketing, focus on technical capabilities when evaluating candidates. With the rise of automation, artificial intelligence, and digital services, the need for job seekers to demonstrate hard skills has never been greater. 

Hard skills examples 

Here’s a categorized list of 82 hard skills that are highly valued by hiring managers in the Philippines.  

1. Computer technology skills 

Computer technology skills are the technical abilities used to operate, develop, manage, and secure computer systems, specialized software, and networks. This includes hard skills like programming languages and machine learning. In the Philippines, these skills are in high demand in the IT, BPO, fintech, and e-commerce sectors. 

Mastering these hard skills can open doors to high-paying tech jobs, local and international opportunities, and long-term career growth. 

Here are some examples of hard skills in computer technology: 

• Programming languages: Python, Java, C++ 
• Database management 
• Network security 
• Cloud computing 
• Artificial intelligence (AI) 
• Machine learning (ML) 
• Operating systems management 
• Version control  
• Systems administration 
• Cybersecurity  
• Software testing and QA 
• DevOps practices 

2. Communication skills 

Communication skills are interpersonal skills. These hard skills help convey information in writing, speaking, or digital formats. Strong communication skills are important for collaboration, client interaction, and international partnerships. Hard skills like these can also position you for leadership opportunities and long-term career advancement. 

Here are key examples of hard skills in communication: 

• Technical writing 
• Public speaking 
• Foreign language proficiency (e.g., Mandarin, Spanish, Japanese) 
• Email marketing 
• Business communication 
• Presentation design  
• Active listening 
• Cross-cultural communication 
• Crisis communication 
• Customer service communication 
• Language skills 

3. Data analysis skills 

Data analysis skills involve collecting and analyzing data. In the Philippines, analytical skills are among the top in-demand skills across finance, e-commerce, healthcare, and IT sectors. Professionals with strong analytical skills help companies stay competitive and make smarter decisions.  

Let’s look at some examples of hard skills in data analysis: 

• Data visualization tools: Tableau, SQL 
• Statistical analysis 
• Data mining 
• Big data analytics 
• SQL (structure query language)  
• Data cleaning and preparation 
• Excel (Advanced)  
• R Programming 
• Power BI 
• Data warehousing 

4. Marketing skills 

Marketing skills promote products, services, or brands. These skills are useful across various industries, including retail, e-commerce, healthcare, and real estate. As technology transforms how customers interact with businesses, marketers must also adapt. They must attract, engage, and convert customers in traditional and digital spaces. 

Mastering these technical skills can open up opportunities for building your brand or business. 

Consider these examples of hard skills in marketing: 

• Search engine optimization (SEO) 
• Search engine marketing (SEM) 
• Marketing campaign management 
• Digital marketing strategies 
• Social media marketing 
• Content marketing 
• Email marketing tools 
• Google Analytics 
• Influencer marketing 
• Marketing automation 

5. Project management skills 

Project management skills involve the ability to plan, execute, monitor, and complete tasks or projects on time, within scope, and on budget. Prominent industries in the Philippines, like construction, IT, marketing, and BPO, rely on well-organized teams and tight deadlines.  

As a professional, developing these technical skills can give you an edge in leadership, operations, and strategy roles. It’ll also boost your employability in both local and international markets. These skills are especially valuable when you’re managing cross-functional teams or working in dynamic, fast-paced environments. 

Here are common examples of hard skills in project management: 

• Project management tools: Trello, Asana 
• Budgeting and resource management 
• Agile methodologies 
• Risk management 
• Scrum framework 
• Time management 
• Project scheduling 
• Stakeholder management 
• Critical thinking 
• Change management 

6. Design skills 

Design skills are all about creating visually appealing, functional, and user-friendly materials. This can range from digital interfaces and marketing assets to product prototypes and brand visuals.  

Such hard skills are in high demand among companies that rely on strong visual communication to attract customers, establish their brand identity, and improve the user experience. Having these skills can support your career growth, as you can contribute to creative projects, lead design teams, or work as a freelancer or consultant. 

These are some examples of hard skills in design: 

• Design tools: Adobe XD, Figma, Sketch 
• User interface design 
• Graphic design 
• 3D modeling 
• Motion graphics 
• Branding design 
• Typography 
• User experience (UX) design 
• Wireframing 
• Video editing 

7. Writing skills 

Writing skills are essential to express ideas clearly, persuasively, and appropriately for different audiences and platforms. This is a major asset in Philippine industries like BPO, marketing, education, publishing, and digital content.  

Whether you're crafting marketing copy, technical documentation, or business reports, effective writing helps you communicate, build credibility, and connect with your clients or audience. Writing skills also support remote work, freelancing, and international roles, making them valuable at every career level. 

If you can write well, you’re more likely to succeed in roles that need clarity, influence, or creativity. Those with such skills are often trusted with leadership communication, branding, and thought leadership tasks. 

Check out these examples of hard skills in writing: 

• Copywriting 
• Content creation 
• Editing and proofreading 
• SEO writing 
• Technical documentation 
• Proposal writing 
• Creative writing 
• Academic writing 
• Grant writing 
• Scriptwriting  
• News writing 

8. Mobile & web development skills 

Mobile and web development skills relate to designing, building, and maintaining websites or mobile applications. There’s no doubt that such hard skills are in demand as industries transform digitally. If you have these hard skills, make sure to highlight them. 

Here are examples of hard skills in mobile and web development: 

• Mobile development (iOS, Android) 
• Web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) 
• Responsive design 
• API integration 
• React 
• WordPress development 
• Bootstrap 
• Node.js 
• Version control with Git 
• Website performance optimization 

How do you develop hard skills?  

If you aren’t confident with your list of hard skills yet, there’s good news: it’s not difficult to acquire hard skills as long as you’re open to continuous learning.  

Stay updated with industry trends so your skill set remains relevant. This helps you adapt to new technologies and positions you as a forward-thinking professional ready for career advancement.  

Here’s how you can build or upgrade your hard skills: 

1. Take online or in-person courses 

Websites like edX, Coursera, Udemy, and TESDA offer affordable training in a wide range of topics, from coding to graphic design. 

2. Pursue higher education 

Getting a degree (e.g., BBA, MBA) can open doors in management, finance, and other competitive fields. The Philippine Statistics Authority found that individuals with higher education qualifications have an employment rate of 93.4%. 

3. Get certified 

Professional certifications – like Google Analytics, PMP (Project Management Professional), or Microsoft Office Specialist – show employers that you’re committed and qualified. You can also tap resources like the Jobstreet app, which provides videos and online courses for certifications in these fields. 

4. Start a related hobby 

Try coding a basic app, starting a blog, or designing logos in your free time. Passion projects can build your portfolio and sharpen your skills. 

5. Volunteer 

Offer your services to NGOs or startups to gain hands-on experience while building your resume. 

6. Take on challenges at work 

Step up and lead a project or offer to automate a repetitive task. Real-world challenges are great skill-builders. 

7. Intern or apprentice 

Whether paid or unpaid, internships can give you a foot in the door and practical training in your chosen field. You can find an internship through platforms like Jobstreet, your college guidance counselors, or professors. 

Showcasing hard skills on your resume 

Once you’ve earned these technical skills, it’s important to show them off. Here’s how to showcase hard skills on your resume and catch a hiring manager’s attention. 

Resume tips: 

• Create a “Skills” section: Have a list of hard skills using keywords from the job description. Make sure you list only relevant skills. Otherwise, you could distract hiring managers from your most important hard skills. 
• Incorporate them in job descriptions: Show how you’ve used these technical skills in past roles. Be sure to include any technical skills you've earned from on-the-job training. 
• Tailor your resume: Customize your resume for each application by matching your technical skills with the job requirements. 
• Quantify your achievements: Use numbers to show impact. For example, “Reduced data processing time by 30% using Python automation.” 
• Highlight certifications: Add them under a “Certifications” or “Professional Training” section. 
• Balance with soft skills: Pair your hard skills with soft skills for a well-rounded profile. 

Example: 

Digital Marketing Specialist 
ABC Corporation | Jan 2022 – Dec 2023 

• Managed SEO and PPC campaigns, increasing website traffic by 40% 
• Used Google Analytics and SEMrush to track campaign performance 
• Created weekly content for social media using Canva and Buffer 

In-demand hard skills in the Philippines 

Let’s zoom in on the fastest-growing industries and the hard skills that matter most. 

1. Information Technology 

• Hard skills examples: Software development, cybersecurity, data analysis, cloud computing, AI/ML 
• Why it matters: As companies digitize, IT skills are critical to staying competitive. 

2. Digital marketing 

• Hard skills examples: SEO, PPC, content marketing, social media strategy, marketing automation 
• Why it matters: The shift to online sales and services has created huge demand for digital marketing professionals. 

3. E-commerce 

• Hard skills examples: E-commerce platform management, CRM, logistics, digital payments 
• Why it matters: Online shopping is booming across Asia, and skilled workers are needed to manage platforms like Lazada, Shopee, or Shopify. 

4. Healthcare 

• Hard skills examples: Clinical knowledge, electronic health records (EHR), telemedicine tools, healthcare tech 
• Why it matters: COVID-19 has reshaped healthcare delivery, driving demand for digital health skills. 

5. Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) 

• Hard skills examples: Customer service, data entry, technical support, process optimization 
• Why it matters: The BPO industry continues to be a major employer, especially if you’re a tech-savvy and multilingual worker. 

Leveraging hard skills for career success in the Philippines 

Hard skills are more than just technical checkboxes – they’re your ticket to career growth and better job opportunities in the Philippines. 

With industries evolving quickly, staying updated and constantly learning new hard skills is essential. Combine those with the right soft skills, and you’ll impress hiring managers in any industry. 

So, what’s your next move? 

• Assess your current skillset 
• Identify areas to improve 
• Enroll in a course or try something new 
• Update your resume with measurable, job-relevant hard skills 

FAQs 

1. What are the key differences between hard skills and soft skills? 
⁠Hard skills are technical and job-specific, such as coding or data analysis, while soft skills are personal traits, including communication and adaptability. Hard skills are often learned through education or training, whereas soft skills are developed through experience and interpersonal interactions. 

2. What percentage of employers prioritize hard skills over soft skills in the Philippines? 
⁠While both are important, many Philippine employers prioritize hard skills when technical knowledge is essential for the role. However, in leadership or customer-facing roles, soft skills may carry equal or greater weight in hiring decisions. 

3. What are the most in-demand computer technology skills in the Philippines? 
⁠Cloud computing, cybersecurity, and software development are highly sought-after. Employers are also seeking professionals who can implement scalable digital solutions and maintain secure systems. 

4. Which data analysis tools are currently popular in the Philippine job market? 
⁠SQL, Tableau, Excel, and Python are frequently used. These tools are favored for their ability to turn complex data into actionable business insights across industries. 

5. What are the top project management methodologies used in Philippine companies? 
⁠Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall are common, especially in tech and construction. Many companies use a mix of approaches to better adapt to project complexity and team dynamics. 

6. What are the emerging design skills required in the Philippine creative industry? 
⁠UI/UX design, 3D modeling, and tools like Figma and Adobe XD are in high demand. These skills are crucial for creating user-friendly digital experiences on websites, apps, and virtual platforms.  

7. How has the demand for computer technology skills changed in the Philippines over the past year? 
⁠It has surged, with businesses seeking responsive websites, apps, and e-commerce integrations. The digital transformation of traditional industries has accelerated the need for tech-savvy professionals even further. 

8. What are the most popular online learning platforms for developing hard skills in the Philippines? 
⁠Coursera, Udemy, and TESDA are flexible and affordable platforms for upskilling in a wide range of fields, including IT, business, design, and digital marketing. 

9. What are the top professional certifications valued by employers in the Philippines? 
⁠PMP, Google Analytics, AWS Certification, and Microsoft Office Specialist. These credentials help demonstrate expertise and commitment to continuous learning, especially in competitive job markets. 

10. How do Philippine employers typically verify hard skills during the hiring process? 
⁠Through practical tests, portfolio reviews, and certification checks. Some also conduct technical interviews or trial tasks to assess hands-on proficiency.