Top skills to include in your resume for Philippine job seekers

Widening skills mismatch is a significant problem in the Philippine economy. Employers in various industries look for different types of skills. Having the required skills isn't enough. You also need to show them in your resume to impress prospective employers. 

Knowing how to list relevant skills in a resume can make you stand out in your job search. It shows that your abilities align with the company's needs and goals. This article looks at the most important skills for resumes in the Philippines and how to list them. 

The topics we'll cover include: 

• Essential hard skills for Philippine job seekers 
• Key soft skills valued by Philippine employers 
• Industry-specific skills for the Philippine job market 
• How to showcase skills effectively on your resume 
• Common mistakes to avoid when listing skills 
• Crafting a winning skills section for your Philippine resume 
• FAQs

Essential hard skills for Philippine job seekers 

Hard skills are technical skills you can measure. They're usually obtained through formal training and experience. They're also specific to certain industries and positions.  

For instance, IT and business process management employers seek employees with data analysis and project management skills. Other examples of hard skills include coding, network security, and search engine optimization marketing. 

Listing relevant hard skills in a resume can increase your job chances. It lets a potential employer know that you have the necessary expertise for the role. This means that you can handle all the duties and responsibilities of the job. 

The Philippines is experiencing a booming digital economy. A survey found that 52% of employers regard digital skills as their main priority. Having the right digital skills can give you a competitive edge over other job seekers. The following is a list of the top skills for resumes in the IT industry. 

1. IT support 

IT support skills help ensure optimal computer operation and network stability. An IT support technician provides technical assistance and resolves computer issues. They should be proficient in hardware and software installation and troubleshooting. Additionally, they need to know how to remove viruses from computers. 

2. Cybersecurity 

Cybersecurity expertise is important to Philippine employers. It includes an array of skills needed to keep computer systems, networks, and data secure. Some examples include coding, risk assessment, and network security control. 

3. Data analysis and visualization 

Many Philippine employers value data analysis and visualization skills. Data analysts and visualizers evaluate complex data and transform it into compelling insights. This can help an organization grasp intricate concepts and make informed decisions. Statistical, analytical, and visual design skills are necessary for data analysis and visualization. Familiarity with platforms such as Tableau and Power BI is also necessary. 

4. Software development 

Software developers create new software applications and enhance existing ones. They write the code for building everything from mobile apps to video games. Essential skills for software development include computer languages and algorithm skills. Software development and IT operations skills, also known as DevOps, are increasingly in high demand. 

5. Programming languages 

Programming languages comprise characters and texts that produce specific outcomes in computer programs. They're used to give instructions and guidance to software applications. Proficiency in coding languages is necessary for web development, software engineering, and cybersecurity. Sought-after programming languages include JavaScript, Python, Java, and C++. 

6. Framework and database knowledge 

Framework and database knowledge skills are crucial for effective data governance. They're vital for ensuring data consistency, quality, and security within an organization. Elements of data governance include data security control, access management, and regulatory compliance. The ability to define and impose data quality standards is also important. 

The Philippines is undergoing rapid digital transformation. Companies throughout the country are increasingly seeking people with strong digital skills. Showcasing relevant digital skills in your resume can set you apart from other job seekers. It can increase your chances of landing a rewarding job in the IT industry, such as IT-BPM. 

Key soft skills valued by Philippine employers 

Soft skills are personal traits that help you function more effectively in your job. They also play a critical role in improving workplace relationships and organizational culture. Soft skills are more difficult to define and develop than hard skills. Examples include communication, teamwork, adaptability, and leadership. 

Possessing strong soft skills can make you more attractive to Philippine employers. About 68% of employers prioritize self-management skills, and 49% seek analytical skills. General soft skills are important to 25% of employers. Below is a list of highly valued soft skills in the Philippines. 

1. Problem solving 

Problem-solving skills can help a company overcome obstacles and challenges more easily. This can lead to smoother processes, increased productivity, and better decision-making. Great problem solvers analyze situations in a logical way and devise the best solution. Examples of problem-solving skills include strategic thinking, systems thinking, and risk assessment. 

2. Adaptability 

If you're adaptable, you can transition smoothly into new roles. You can also cope with changing circumstances in your workplace and career. Adaptability assures your employer that you won't feel stressed or overwhelmed when things change. Abilities that can enhance your adaptability include change management, multitasking, and self-motivation. 

3. Teamwork 

Teamwork means working well with others to achieve a common goal. It requires you to accept your teammates and do your part to contribute to team success. Good teamwork is beneficial to any organization. It can improve efficiency and productivity and reduce workplace conflict. Active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution help make a strong team player. 

4. Cultural intelligence 

Cultural intelligence is a crucial skill for Filipinos working in international companies. It enables you to interact and work effectively with people from other cultures. A culturally intelligent person can understand and adapt to their peers' respective cultures. This can result in enhanced communication, harmony, and innovation in the workplace. Cultural intelligence abilities include open-mindedness, cognitive skills, and emotional intelligence. 

5. Cross-cultural communication 

Cross-cultural communication allows people with cultural differences to engage effectively with each other. It involves recognizing the differences among cultural groups and adjusting to improve communication. This skill can help create a positive work environment that brings out the best in everybody. Traits that can enhance cross-cultural communication include interpersonal skills, adaptability, and cultural awareness. 

6. Communication 

Communication is important in every role and company. It's the ability to convey and receive messages clearly and accurately. It comes in several different forms, including verbal, nonverbal, and written. Effective communication skills can boost workflow efficiency, improve problem-solving, and strengthen workplace relationships. Clear articulation, active listening, and empathy are several traits of a good communicator. 

7. Self-management skills 

Self-management skills help you control your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. They allow you to understand responsibilities and take accountability for your actions. They can make you more productive, reliable, and valuable to your employer. Key elements of self-management include self-awareness, organization, and independence. 

Soft skills can complement hard skills to contribute to professional success. Mention both hard and soft skills in a resume to show your suitability for the position. Make sure you align the skills listed on a resume with the job description. Also, provide concrete examples of how your skills proved useful in previous roles. 

Industry-specific skills for the Philippine job market 

Different employers in the Philippines look for different hard and soft skills. A certain skill that's highly sought after in one industry may not be as relevant in another. As such, you should tailor the skills listed on your resume to the specific role and industry. Here are resume skills examples for the most popular industries in the Philippines. 

Business process outsourcing industry 

The BPO industry generates almost $30 billion each year and employs about 1.3 million Filipinos. This sector is among the fastest-growing in the country. 

BPO involves delegating certain business processes to an external vendor or service provider. Agents in a BPO call center handle customer calls on behalf of other businesses. These professionals need excellent communication skills to address customer concerns and complaints.  

Customer-centricity, active listening, and cultural intelligence are especially important in this field. Digital tools skills are also required to handle different software programs and customer relationship management systems. 

IT industry 

The IT industry encompasses many activities related to technology and information systems. It includes software development, data analysis, network administration, and cybersecurity. IT jobs require strong hard skills with a focus on a specific field. These skills can be coding, data science, or DevOps. Essential soft skills for IT professionals include critical thinking, adaptability, and time management. 

Health care 

The health care sector helps people with medical problems and injuries. Doctors, nurses, and paramedics must have solid communication and empathy skills. There are also administrative and research roles that require problem-solving and time-management abilities. Technical skills are also required for most health care jobs. 

E-commerce 

E-commerce generally refers to business-related activities conducted over the internet. This umbrella includes sales, marketing, management, and finance. Successful e-commerce professionals tend to be excellent communicators, problem solvers, and leaders. Depending on the field, you may need hard skills such as SEO, data analysis, and UX design. 

Research the most in-demand skills in your target sector and list them on your resume. This shows the recruiter that you have the expertise needed to succeed in the industry. Also, keep up with emerging industry trends and skills to stay competitive. 

How to showcase skills effectively on your resume 

Follow these helpful tips to list important skills on your resume effectively. 

Use a clear, standard heading and bullet points 

Your resume's skill section provides your prospective employer with a snapshot of your skill set. It should be well-organized and easy to skim. Use a clear and standard heading, such as “Relevant Skills.” List six to 10 skills in bullet points and keep each skill short. 

Include measurable results and quantifiable impacts in your work experience section 

You can also showcase your skills in the work experience section, but you should back up your claims with quantifiable results. Here's an example: “Managed a social media campaign that increased engagement by 30%.” This will make your resume more credible and compelling. 

Tailor your resume to specific job descriptions and optimize for applicant tracking system compatibility 

A job description contains keywords representing the abilities the employer is looking for. These keywords can indicate specific hard or soft skills or industry-specific terms. They can also be action verbs, such as “implemented” or “motivated.” These keywords can help optimize your resume for ATS. 

Use action verbs to describe your skills and achievements 

Action verbs are impactful words that capture the attention of hiring managers. They express drive and energy and demonstrate their enthusiasm for the job. Some examples include “implemented,” “accelerated,” and “inspired.” Using action verbs to describe your abilities makes your resume stand out. 

Consider using a skills matrix or rating system to showcase proficiency levels 

Showing your skill proficiency levels helps an employer gauge your abilities more accurately. Color coding is a simple yet effective way to indicate skill levels in a resume. You can use a green highlight for expert, yellow for proficient, and orange for novice. Alternatively, you can list skills in proficiency-based categories. Here's an example: “Expert: Coding, MS Office Suite, task delegation.” 

Organize skills by relevance to the job you're applying for 

Place the most important skills for the specific role at the top of the list and the least relevant at the bottom. This makes your most relevant abilities more noticeable. It helps capture a hiring manager's attention and increases your chances of getting hired. 

On average, recruiters spend about seven seconds looking at a resume. Your skills are one of the first things they notice. Having an effective skills section is a great way to make a strong first impression on an employer. 

Common mistakes to avoid when listing skills 

Filipino job seekers should avoid these common mistakes when listing skills in a resume. 

• Listing irrelevant skills: Employers may ignore a resume that mentions irrelevant skills. It suggests that you may not have read the job description carefully or tailored your resume to it. Either way, irrelevant skills in a resume imply that you may not have a genuine interest in the job. 
• Being too vague or general: Using general or vague statements results in a boring and uninspired skills section. It makes your resume look just like everyone else's. Provide specific examples to give an employer a clearer idea of your abilities. 
• Overusing buzzwords without context: Buzzwords used without context are generic and unauthentic. Employers may perceive them as empty fillers that lack specific meaning. They do nothing to demonstrate the unique value you can bring to the company. 
• Failing to back up skills with examples: Merely mentioning your skills and achievements won't impress the hiring manager. Instead, provide concrete examples and use numbers and percentages to show measurable impact. This makes your resume more convincing and memorable. 
• Not updating skills for each application: Customize your skills for each job application to ​get better ​​get better job search results​. A tailored skills section shows that you've researched the position and company. This shows your enthusiasm about the job. Also, list job-specific skills to help the recruiter see how you can contribute to the team. Try to avoid using a generic resume for every application. 
• Using complex formatting or nonstandard file formats: A resume with complex formatting is more difficult to read and less ATS-friendly. This means that employers are more likely to pass it over. Use a simple and standard format to get your resume noticed. 

Crafting a winning skills section for your Philippine resume 

Getting your resume right isn’t always easy, but highlighting the right skills can help you stand out. By tailoring your skills for each role, you give yourself the best shot in a competitive market. 

With growing opportunities in the digital economy, focus on developing in-demand digital skills and use the tips above to highlight them in your resume. 

FAQs 

Here's a list of frequently asked questions about top skills for resumes. 

1. What are the current employment trends in the Philippines? 
   ⁠Several industries in the Philippines are seeing a surge in hiring. These include IT-BPM, BPO, and e-commerce. 
2. What are the most in-demand hard skills in the Philippines? 
   ⁠IT support, data analysis and visualization, and cybersecurity are the most sought-after hard skills. 
3. How has the demand for digital skills changed in the Philippines over the past year?
   ⁠Rapid digital transformation has led to an increase in demand for digital skills. Today, basic digital skills are considered a must-have for many jobs in the Philippines. 
4. What are the top soft skills valued by Philippine employers? 
   ⁠Soft skills that Philippine employers prioritize include self-management, analytical skills, and adaptability. 
5. How do Philippine employers assess soft skills during the hiring process? 
   ⁠Philippine employers use a variety of methods to assess soft skills when hiring. These include reviewing resumes, asking questions during interviews, and conducting personality tests. 
6. What are the fastest-growing industries in the Philippines and their required skills? 
   ⁠BPO and IT are among the fastest-growing industries in the Philippines. Important skills for a career in BPO include customer-centricity, communication, and digital dexterity. IT professionals need strong technical skills, as well as critical thinking and adaptability. 
7. What are the most sought-after skills in the Philippine BPO industry? 
   ⁠Digital skills, communication skills, and cultural intelligence are important in the BPO industry. 
8. How can Filipino job seekers effectively demonstrate their skills on a resume? 
   ⁠Filipino job seekers can include a skills section in their resumes. They can also mention their skills in the work experience section. When listing skills, it's important to organize them by relevance. 
9. What are the latest ATS trends and requirements for resumes in the Philippines? 
   ⁠The latest ATS trends include AI-powered systems and social media integration. These technologies have made the hiring process quicker and more convenient. But they also pose new challenges for Filipino job seekers. A resume with a simple format and job-specific keywords tends to be more ATS-friendly. 
10. What are the most common resume mistakes made by job seekers in the Philippines? 
    ⁠Many job seekers include irrelevant skills and overused buzzwords in their resumes. Some also fail to tailor their resumes to specific roles. 
11. What are some emerging skills that Philippine employers are looking for?
    ⁠Cybersecurity, AI, and machine learning are the top emerging skills in the Philippines.