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Technical Skills: 8 Examples to Make Your Resume Stand Out

23 Jul 2025
Technical Skills 8 Examples to Make Your Resume Stand Out

In today’s dynamic job market, merely listing job titles or past responsibilities is no longer sufficient. Employers are increasingly prioritising candidates who can demonstrate practical, role-specific expertise—especially in technical domains. These technical skills represent the specialised knowledge and capabilities required to perform tasks effectively in a given field, from data analysis to cloud computing.

These skills are not only essential for staying competitive, but also play a crucial role in helping professionals advance, transition industries, or adapt to emerging technologies. In this article, we will explore the difference between technical and soft skills, highlight some of the most in-demand technical skills today, and share practical tips on how to showcase them effectively on your resume.
 

Hard (Technical) vs Soft (Transferable) Skills


While both types of skills are essential to career success, they serve different purposes and understanding the distinction can help you craft a more compelling resume.
 

Hard (Technical) Skills


Hard or technical skills are specific, measurable abilities typically acquired through formal education, structured training, or hands-on experience. These skills are often associated with particular tools, platforms, or technical knowledge required to execute specialised tasks.

Examples: 

  • Coding in Python
  • Creating marketing automation workflows
  • Managing cloud infrastructure

Acquisition and transferability:
Acquiring technical skills generally involves deliberate learning and practice, often through workshops, courses, certifications, or on-the-job exposure. While they can be highly industry-specific, many are transferable across similar roles or sectors. For example, data visualisation skills might be used in both finance and healthcare analytics.
 

Soft (Transferable) Skills


Soft skills, often referred to as transferable or interpersonal skills, are behavioural traits and attributes that influence how you work with others and navigate your work environment. 

Examples:

  • Communication
  • Adaptability
  • Teamwork
  • Emotional intelligence

Acquisition and transferability:
Unlike technical skills, soft skills are more fluid and can be applied across virtually any role or industry. They are usually developed over time through experience, feedback, and personal development. While harder to quantify, soft skills often differentiate great professionals from good ones, especially in collaborative or leadership roles.
 

List of In-Demand Technical Skills


As the world becomes increasingly digital, certain technical skills are emerging as must-haves for professionals across a wide range of industries. Whether you are a tech professional, marketer, analyst or business leader, building these capabilities can significantly enhance your employability and career trajectory.

Here are eight technical skills that are in high demand today:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)


AI and ML refer to the development of systems that can process data, learn from it, and make decisions or predictions without human intervention. Key skills include model building, algorithm design, and understanding neural networks. These are valuable in sectors such as healthcare, finance, retail, and logistics.

Unlock the potential of intelligent systems with SMU Academy’s AI and ML practical courses and certifications, designed to help professionals develop real-world skills in automation, data modelling, and predictive analytics. 

2. Cybersecurity


Cybersecurity involves protecting systems, networks, and data from cyber threats through a range of technologies and practices. Skills include risk assessment, ethical hacking, cryptography, and incident response. These competencies are essential across industries where digital security is paramount.

Explore SMU Academy’s cybersecurity programmes to develop the essential skills needed to detect, defend, and respond to cyber threats in a rapidly evolving digital environment.

3. Cloud Computing


Cloud computing allows businesses to store and manage data over the internet using platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud. Professionals skilled in managing cloud infrastructure, virtual machines, and cloud security are increasingly in demand as businesses migrate to digital ecosystems.

Build your expertise with SMU Academy’s comprehensive cloud computing courses, designed to equip professionals with the tools to architect and manage scalable cloud-based systems.

4. Data Analysis


Data analysis involves extracting meaningful insights from raw data using statistical and visualisation tools like Excel, Python, R, or Tableau. This skill is highly valuable for decision-making across marketing, finance, operations, and beyond.

Start building strong data literacy with SMU Academy’s hands-on data analysis courses—perfect for professionals who want to turn data into actionable insights and drive strategic decisions.

5. Data Science


Data science takes data analysis to the next level by building predictive models, using machine learning techniques, and managing large datasets. Data scientists must understand data wrangling, programming, and statistical modelling.

Delve into the world of big data with SMU Academy’s data science programmes, built for those ready to tackle real-world challenges using data-driven solutions.

6. Software Development


Software development encompasses designing, building, and maintaining applications and systems. Skills in programming languages (like Java, Python, and JavaScript), mobile application development, and software testing are in high demand across all industries.

If you are ready to master the art of software creation, SMU Academy offers structured software development courses that guide you from coding fundamentals to full-stack projects.

7. Digital Marketing


Digital marketing involves promoting products or services using digital channels, including search engines, social media, and email. Key skills include Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), content strategy, and data-driven campaign analysis. This area increasingly overlaps with mobile marketing and automation tools.

Stay ahead in the digital space with SMU Academy’s digital marketing certificates, crafted for professionals aiming to lead impactful campaigns across online channels and platforms.

8. User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design


UI/ UX design focuses on creating seamless, engaging user experiences through interface layout, prototyping, and usability testing. Professionals in this field should be skilled in tools like Figma, Adobe XD, and user journey mapping.

Enhance your creative and technical edge with SMU Academy’s UI/ UX design courses—perfect for those looking to create meaningful digital experiences through design thinking and user research.

How to Showcase Technical Skills in Resume


Effectively presenting your technical skills on your resume can make a significant difference in attracting the attention of hiring managers. It is not just about what skills you have, but how well you communicate them.

Tip 1: Create a Dedicated Technical Skills Section


Place a distinct section near the top or side of your resume that lists your core technical proficiencies. This allows hiring managers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to immediately recognise your expertise.

Tip 2: Be Specific and Use Keywords


Instead of vague descriptions like "good with data," specify tools or platforms (e.g., “SQL,” “Power BI,” “Google Analytics”). Use industry-standard terminology and mirror the language used in the job description.

Tip 3: Demonstrate Proficiency Levels


If possible, indicate your level of expertise, such as “Advanced in Excel,” “Proficient in Python,” or “Basic knowledge of Tableau.” This provides context and helps recruiters assess your fit for the role.

Tip 4: Quantify Your Achievements


Highlight the outcomes of your technical work. For instance, "Automated reporting processes, reducing monthly reporting time by 30%," or "Developed a website that increased user engagement by 25%." Numbers add credibility and impact.

Tip 5: Weave Technical Skills into Your Work Experience


Don’t isolate technical skills—integrate them into your job descriptions to show how you have applied them in real-world scenarios. For example: “Led a cross-functional team to implement a CRM system, resulting in improved client retention.”

Tip 6: Include Relevant Certifications and Training


Courses, workshops, and certifications (such as those offered by SMU Academy) signal that you are proactive about professional development and keep your skills up to date. List these under a “Certifications” or “Professional Development” section.

Tip 7: Tailor Your Resume


Customise your resume for each application by prioritising the technical skills that are most relevant to the role. This boosts your visibility in ATS scans and shows that you have made the effort to align with the employer’s needs.
 

Staying Relevant Through Technical Skills Development


As businesses continue to digitise and innovate, the demand for technical proficiency shows no sign of slowing down. Professionals who take the initiative to upskill in areas like data science, cloud computing, or cybersecurity position themselves to thrive in the evolving workforce.

Building new technical capabilities is also a strategic way to future-proof your career, expand your role, or even explore opportunities in entirely new industries. Ongoing learning is essential for anyone aiming to remain competitive in their field or embark on a new career path.

Thinking about a mid-career switch or looking to stay ahead in your profession? Discover SMU Academy’s wide range of courses today.

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