10 technical skills to put on your resume in 2023

Technology has become part of our daily lives. It affects how we work and learn. It influences what we purchase. Companies are also fast-tracking their digital transformation. This is how they make their businesses relevant today. And this is how they stay relevant in the years ahead.

But how does this affect you as a job seeker? 

Hirers want to know if you are prepared to help them thrive in the digital age. One way to do this is to highlight technical skills on your resume.

Still, not everyone sees fast technological changes as good news. According to the Decoding Global Talent report, 77% of Filipino workers see automation as a job threat. But Filipinos are adaptable. To keep up with the rise of digitization, 77% are willing to upskill. They wish to do it even when their jobs are not at risk.

But how do you know which technical skills are marketable? And how do you learn these skills? We discuss how to develop, showcase, and maximize technical skills across industries. This boosts your marketability.

• What are technical skills?
• Differences between technical skills and soft skills
• How to improve your technical skills
• Showcasing technical skills
• Common misconceptions about technical skills
• Top 10 Examples of Technical Skills for Your Resume
• Conclusion
• FAQs

What are technical skills?

Technical skills are capabilities and expertise that you have learned. You develop them through training, education, and professional experience. These skills often depend on the industry or position. Before, technical skills included practical abilities such as mechanical repairs and carpentry. These specific skills are job-specific and need training or education. Some need on-the-job experience.

Today, technical skills have come to include digital literacy. Employees should know how to use technology in the workplace. For example, a Software Developer's technical skills include programming languages, database management, and data structures.

Even non-tech roles need technical skills. To manage their tasks, accountants use software and data analysis platforms. Marketing professionals use analytical tools. These tools help them study consumer behavior and preferences. Some tools are for communicating messages. For example, email marketing suites help send campaigns to subscribers.

Differences between technical skills and soft skills

There are technical skills and soft skills. Both are necessary to succeed in the workplace. You need a balance of both to do your tasks effectively. 

What's the difference between the two?

Technical skills require specialized knowledge. You must know how to use digital tools, equipment, and methodologies. Soft skills are also called transferable skills. There are qualities and habits related to interpersonal skills. Examples are teamwork, leadership, time management, and adaptability.

Here are their other differences:

Technical Skills	Soft Skills
Specific and measurable	Subjective and abstract
Learned through education and training	Learned through practice and experience
Job-specific	Transferable across roles and industries

How to improve your technical skills

You should continuously pivot your skills. You can do this through ongoing learning, practice, and collaboration. Stay committed to self-development. Grab opportunities to develop technical skills. Follow these tips to stay competitive in your industry.

Take online classes or training

Make your learning journey structured and focused. Do this by joining training programs and online courses. The internet is full of these classes! Read the course descriptions. Choose a program relevant to your job and interests.

It's tough to make time for lessons when you have other things on your plate. But always strive to complete your chosen class. This will give you a sense of accomplishment. Certification also enhances your credentials. It lets you gain an edge over other candidates.

Show your initiative at work

According to the Decoding Global Talent report, 65% of Filipino workers prefer on-the-job training for self-development. Why not? Workplace training sessions are free of charge. Expert employees are ready to share knowledge. Consult your boss first and let them know why you want to learn new skills. You want to learn for your growth and the company's success. Knowledge exchange across departments also helps employees collaborate. It helps them understand each other's roles better.

Take part in online groups

Online communities let you connect with other professionals in your field. Participate in discussions. Pose questions. Share your experiences. This can lead to good collaborations. This lets you and other group members work better. Hands-on practice can let you perform your skills in real-life settings. This allows you to develop them further.

Study on your own

The Decoding Global Talent report says that self-learning is the second most preferred method of Filipinos to develop skills. Read online articles and books to know the latest industry trends and news. Set aside time to refresh your knowledge. Be on the lookout for free courses and training sessions. Be passionate about self-learning. Have the initiative to gain knowledge in different ways.

Find a mentor

By seeking mentorship, you can directly ask questions. You also gain feedback. This way, you identify your areas for improvement faster. It is also a more effective way to improve yourself. Remember to adopt a growth mindset. Be open to constructive criticism. Accept corrections with an open mind. These guide your quest for new knowledge and skills.

Showcasing technical skills

How do you show employers that you're a company asset? Display your technical skills. This tells them you're ready for the future. It tells them you are able to adapt to new technologies. You can handle disruptions. Always mention only the technical skills relevant to your target role. 

Here are some tips to highlight your competence:

Including technical skills on a resume

• Create a section for technical skills
  ⁠Draw the hirer's attention to your technical skills with a separate section. Use bullet points for readability. This makes it easier for employers to gauge your expertise.
  ⁠
• Be specific
  ⁠Be sure to list the specific programs or software you're proficient in. Don't state "skilled in image editing". Instead, put "skilled in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom." You can even take this further by using metrics. Or you can use examples. "Skilled in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom, with experience designing logos, brochures, and social media graphics" packs a stronger punch.
  ⁠
• Use relevant keywords
  ⁠Different companies use keywords to highlight their brand. Keywords also communicate their  values. A company that values collaboration appreciates terms such as "cross-functional teams", "collective success", and "active listening." Learn the company culture by visiting their corporate website. Explore their social media accounts. Read the latest news about them.

Highlighting technical skills in job interviews

• Check the job requirements
  ⁠To ensure you're mentioning relevant skills, carefully review the job description. Identify what kind of candidate it needs. This will help you tailor an answer that convinces hirers that you're the right person for the job.
  ⁠
• Use industry terminology
  ⁠Prove your expertise by using industry jargon. Do this as you talk about your technical skills. If you’re an accountant, discuss your skill in accounting software. Examples are QuickBooks and Xero. Give specific examples on how you used these tools in your work. This information lets hirers know that you’re open to new technology. It tells them you know your way around new things.
  ⁠
• Show passion for your work
  ⁠Convey your interest in the job with words and non-verbal cues. Explain how your work fulfills you. Express your enthusiasm by maintaining eye contact. Use a positive voice tone.

Creating a portfolio to showcase technical skills

• Determine your goal
  ⁠Planning to put together your portfolio? Decide first on the message you want to relay to potential employers. Which skills do you want to emphasize? What do you want hirers to know about you? Decide on the impression you want to make. This will dictate your next steps.
  ⁠
• Choose a platform
  ⁠Will you be presenting a hard copy of your portfolio? Or will you upload it online? Choose a way that's convenient for the interviewer. Compose a portfolio that best fits your career goals.
  ⁠
• Give context
  ⁠Collate your best work. Remember to provide a background of each item. State its objectives and challenges. Enumerate the tools you used. Mention the results you achieved. Highlight your technical skills by explaining how you maximized resources. Include code screenshots. Show visual proof of project stages. They underline your contribution to the project's success.

Common misconceptions about technical skills

Technical skills are only important for technical jobs

Specialized jobs like software development and computer engineering need technical skills. But other non-tech fields are jumping on the digital bandwagon. These include finance, marketing, and human resources. All industries are undergoing digital transformation. This means their employees should be knowledgeable about tech tools. Often, business operations already use technology.

Technical skills are only relevant for entry-level positions

All employment levels–from entry-level to senior management roles–require technical skills. Businesses have become so digitally driven. As a result, technical skills are no longer an option. They are now a necessity. Professionals need these skills to land a job. They also need them to grow their careers.

Technical skills are only developed through formal education

A degree in a technical field gives you a solid background in digital skills. But because technology continually evolves, learning continues in formal education. Non-tech graduates can still develop technical skills. Workshops, online classes, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training are all possible resources. What is important is to stay curious and hungry for knowledge. This develops a culture of self-learning and self-improvement.

Top 10 Examples of Technical Skills for Your Resume

There are many types of technical skills. These vary according to industry. As new technologies surface, new skills are added to the mix. These help businesses innovate and boost productivity.

These are some of the most in-demand skills in today's competitive job market:

1. Software development

Software professionals are sought-after. So are software proficiency skills. These form the backbone of modern business operations. More and more businesses rely on technology. They depend on professionals who create, track, and upgrade software and other tools. These specialists also work with emerging technologies. Among these are Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning. These automate processes and interpret large data sets.

Examples:

• Object-oriented programming
• Software testing
• Source code management
• Software documentation
• Application performance optimization

2. Data science

Data has become essential for identifying customer trends and making informed decisions. Data science also includes analysis. These can also help businesses predict future trends. This way, businesses become proactive. By crafting contingent plans, they can surmount challenges.

Examples:

• Statistical analysis
• Data visualization
• Data mining
• Data cleaning and preprocessing
• Predictive modeling

3. Cloud computing

Instead of buying and maintaining hardware for storing data, companies can now migrate to the cloud. They use services such as online servers, databases, networks and analytics. Because of this, businesses need cloud computing experts. The experts will help them maintain, secure, and update cloud systems.

Examples:

• Cloud architecture design
• Cloud infrastructure management
• Cloud security
• Cloud migration
• Serverless automation

4. Networking and infrastructure

These two elements maintain connectivity between devices, systems, and users. This ensures the smooth flow of operations. Networking and infrastructure also help employees communicate and collaborate. In addition, they also help employees manage and protect company data.

Examples:

• Network architecture design
• Routing and switching
• Firewall configuration
• Network monitoring
• DNS management

5. Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity safeguards a company's confidential data against threats. Among these threats are phishing and malware. Professionals in this field ensure that organizations comply with security and safety regulations and standards. This helps companies protect their digital assets. Security breaches can disrupt operations. These can result in financial losses and a damaged reputation.

Examples:

• Penetration testing
• Security risk analysis
• Security policy development
• Incident response management
• Malware analysis

6. Web development

Companies need to have a strong online presence. This helps them interact with their audience, their target market, and potential clients. Web developers can build robust websites with multiple functionalities. Web development skills are also in demand because of the rise of e-commerce.  

Examples:

• Front-end development
• Back-end development
• Full-stack development
• Web design
• Content management systems (CMS)

7. Mobile development

Many people now use their mobile phones to access the internet. This means that companies need to create a mobile presence. This includes websites optimized for mobile usage. This also entails creating apps for mobile operating systems. The rise of mobile phone users opens opportunities for organizations to grow their business. It has also created opportunities for professionals with mobile development skills. 

Examples:

• Cross-platform app development
• Mobile app design
• Mobile app testing and debugging
• Mobile app analytics
• Push notifications

8. UI/UX design

Designing the user interface and user experience is vital in creating a seamless online customer experience. A user-friendly website lets customers navigate easily. This leads them to relevant sections and makes transactions easy. Effective UI/UX designs can distinguish a brand from competitors.

Examples:

• User interface design
• User experience design
• Usability testing
• Information architecture
• Visual and interaction designs

9. Project management

At first glance, this may not seem like a technical skill. But complex projects require managers to be well-versed in software. This is especially true for technical projects. A good example is software development. Project managers use tools and agile techniques to ensure a project’s  success. Project managers need a mix of soft and technical skills to lead teams. At the same time these skills help them monitor product quality.

Examples:

• Product strategy development
• Market analysis
• Customer research
• User stories and personas
• Agile development methodology

10. IT operations

Businesses need people that maintain their IT infrastructure. This includes upgrades and evaluation. This promotes business continuity and brings down operational costs. It also improves performance. This is how IT professionals help companies achieve their business goals. IT professionals also supply the needs of their company’s customers. 

Examples:

• IT infrastructure management
• IT service management (ITSM)
• Incident management
• Change management
• Disaster recovery planning

Conclusion

Technical skills have become crucial in today's job market. Because of ever-evolving technology, companies are looking for adaptable and resilient candidates. This helps them fulfill their business needs now and in the future. 

Accentuate your technical skills on your resume and in your job interview and portfolio. This lets employers know you have what it takes to bring their organization to the next level. Keep your skills relevant by continuously honing and enhancing them. This makes you even more valuable to the company. 

FAQs 

1. Can technical skills be learned online?
   ⁠Yes, they can. There are a variety of online resources that offer technical programs in the form of classes, step-by-step tutorials, and webinars. Most of these online educational platforms have flexible schedules, allowing you to learn quickly. While these learning alternatives may be convenient and cost-effective, they may only be suitable for some technical skills. Some are better understood through hands-on training and face-to-face learning.

2. How do I identify which technical skills are important for my field?
   ⁠Aside from studying the job ad, you can also check out industry publications, such as magazines and blogs, that tackle your field. Here, you can read up on current technologies and issues related to technical skills. Trade events and conferences can also upgrade your knowledge of trends and best practices. Consulting colleagues and mentors in your industry can give you insight into which skills you should prioritize.

3. How can I improve my technical skills without spending a lot of money?
   ⁠Scour the internet for free online resources like courses and webinars. Joining online communities and forums can also help, letting you communicate with like-minded professionals who give you advice and tips to improve your capabilities. Also, take advantage of trial versions of software and tools that allow you practice technical skills.

4. Are technical skills more important than soft skills?
   ⁠You may have mastered the hard skills of a Network Administrator, but you still need to learn how to communicate with others. Not developing your soft skills will make your technical expertise less effective. Both technical and soft skills are vital for career success, especially in today's highly digital and collaborative work environment. You must possess both to accomplish your tasks well to be an effective employee.

5. Can I still get a job without technical skills?
   ⁠Yes, you can, especially when targeting jobs that highlight soft skills like customer service and sales. However, when developing technical skills, you limit yourself to specific roles and position levels. Potential leaders are constant learners, so to be a more competitive candidate with more job opportunities, consider learning technical skills.

Have you boosted your CV with your most in-demand technical skills? Start by exploring JobStreet or downloading the JobStreet app on Google Play or the App Store to create or update your profile. #SEEKBetter jobs by visiting our Career Advice page.