how to write computer course in resume

How to List Computer Skills on a Resume (Computer Skill Examples)

This article breaks down how to list computer skills in a resume using real resume examples. For other professional skills, check out this  article on how to include 50+ examples of skills on a resume . 

In today’s information and technology age, it’s no surprise that job seekers with strong computer skills land far more jobs than those who don’t. From laptops to POS systems and from RFID scanners to mobile phones, almost every job today requires you to work hand-and-hand with technology.

To make sure you have the computer skills on your resume that hiring managers are looking for, this guide will walk you through how to add the right computer skills, plus 50+ computer skill examples.

This resume writing article will cover:

• What Are Computer Skills? And Why Are Computer Skills Important?
• Types of Computer Skills
• Levels of Computer Skill Proficiency
• Where and How to Incorporate Computer Skills On Your Resume
• Top 50+ Computer Skills Hiring Managers Look for On Resumes
• The Fastest Ways to Acquire New Computer Skills

What Are Computer Skills? Why Are Computer Skills Important?

Computer skills are the ability to utilize computers and technology efficiently.

With the rise of technology, the computer skills you have can set you apart when applying for a new job. When you think about it, there are seldom positions that remain free from technology. Even trades that traditionally didn’t require computers, like farming, landscaping, and handymen, now use technology for marketing, accounting, and reservations.

Every professional position requires the use of certain technology, ranging from hardware to computer applications. Likewise, every professional has a unique set of computer skills with varying levels of proficiency. Finding the perfect fit between what’s needed and what someone has is the sole mission of a hiring managers when looking for a new employee. If the hiring manager is able to find someone that has all of the computer skills necessary, they won’t need to spend so much time and money on training, which means they will get a quicker return on their hiring investment.

But how can hiring managers tell if you have the computer skills needed for their role?

First and foremost, hiring managers will look at your resume. Typically, hiring managers spend no more than 6 seconds reviewing a resume and during that time they are looking to see if the computer skills needed jump out.

As a job seeker, it is your responsibility to know what computer skills are necessary for each role. It is also your responsibility to put those computer skills on your resume in a way that stands out.

Types of Computer Skills (Resume Examples)

Computer skills can be broken down into categories and levels of proficiency. Before we discuss how to incorporate computer skills on your resume, let’s discover the basic computer skills categories and assess your level of proficiency.

Skill Categories

Computer skills can be broken down into 13 main categories.

Typing – The process of writing or inputting text, typically using a keyboard

Mouse – Navigating a two-dimensional surface with a pointer, using a standalone mouse, touchpad, or touchscreen

Internet – Using the internet to browse and research

Email – Using text to correspond with other users through the internet using an email application or browser

Hardware – The physical elements of technology, including keyboards, cases, cables, screens, and touchpads

Operating Systems – The critical, low-level software that supports all other applications

Word Processing – Using a text editing application, such as Notepad or Word, to write and modify text

Presentations – Creating engaging, visual presentations using applications like Prezi and PowerPoint

Graphics – Creating and manipulating visual elements

Multimedia – Using sound, images, and video to create multi-faceted elements

Spreadsheets – Using applications, such as Excel, to input, edit, calculate, and manipulate numbers and data

Databases – Storing numbers and data in a central location

Programming – Using programming languages to write, edit, and manipulate software applications

Levels of Proficiency

There are many assessments used in the job market to assess a candidate’s level of computer skill proficiency. One of the most widely used is the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools, also knows as ICAS. The ICAS Digital Technologies assessment assesses skills and knowledge in the above technology categories and then grades your level of proficiency using a letter rating between A and H.

The rating system most hiring managers are familiar with though is simply rating your computer skills as either fundamental, basic, intermediate, or advanced. We will go through each of these categories and will give examples of your expected knowledge for each.

Fundamental Computer Skills

Fundamental computer skills include typing and using a mouse. Possessing fundamental computer skills mean you have no to little computer experience or training. At a fundamental level of computer proficiency, you should be able to:

• Identify the basic components of a computer (keyboard, mouse, screen, etc.)
• Understand menu bars
• Create, save and delete documents
• Operate the print function
• Recognize icons (sound, internet, video, etc.)

Basic Computer Skills

One level up from fundamental proficiency is basic computer skills. Possessing basic computer skills requires a small amount of computer experience, including a basic understanding of email, word processing, graphics, and spreadsheets. At a basic level of computer proficiency, you should be able to:

• Write, modify, and edit text using a word processing application
• Create and format simple spreadsheets
• Create basic presentations
• Know how to forward and cc emails
• Understand how to search, assess search results, and download information from the internet

Intermediate Computer Skills

Intermediate computer skills build upon the basic level of proficiency. Intermediate computer skills require a moderate amount of previous computer experience, including a moderate understanding of operating systems, word processing, graphics, spreadsheets, and databases. At an intermediate level of computer proficiency, you should be able to:

• Understand operating systems
• Understand how to use flash drives and memory cards
• Know how to insert hyperlinks and tables on word processing applications
• Understand how to insert links and videos into presentations
• Know how to use CD, DVD, and mp3 players
• Modify your signature, recognize and sort spam, and recognize file formats when using email
• Conduct complex sorting, applying filters, and using different views on spreadsheets and databases

Advanced Computer Skills

The final level of proficiency is advanced computer skills. At this stage, you will be able to use word processing, email, the internet, and spreadsheets to their fullest capacity. You will also start to understand basic software development and programming principles. At an advanced level of computer proficiency, you should be able to:

• Understand computer hardware and software components
• Execute complex operations, formatting, and tables in word processing applications
• Integrate multimedia elements into presentations
• Create distribution lists and complete advanced file transfers using email
• Create ‘if’ statements, create complex graphs/charts, and use complex functions like macros and VLOOKUP in spreadsheets
• Have a fundamental understanding of programming principles and concepts

Where and How To Include Computer Skills On Your Resume

Your computer skills must be incorporated throughout your entire resume, rather than being stuck in one area. When hiring managers review a resume, they scan over each section, from top to bottom, which is why it is important to include your computer skills in these 3 main areas: The professional summary, the key skills, and the experience sections.

If writing your resume from scratch, we suggest using this free and easy-to-use resume builder . When using a resume template, all sections and formatting is done for you, all you need to do is fill in rich, engaging content.  

Professional Summary Section

At the top of your resume, below the header and contact information, comes a professional summary section. This section could be titled ‘Professional Summary’ or ‘Summary’ but avoid calling it an ‘Objective’. An objective statement is an old-school resume writing approach and is seldom used in today’s job market.

Your professional summary section will be 1-3 sentences in length. This should include your title, years of experience, and the top skills that set you apart.

If using the resume builder , the ‘True Red’, ‘Doppio’, and ‘Large; resume templates have professional summary sections that are sure to stand out.

Professional summary resume example: 

Summary of Skills Section

Following your professional summary comes a ‘summary of skills’ section. Alternative titles for this section could be ‘technical skills’, ‘key skills’, or ‘core competencies’.

Your skills section should be written in list form. Depending on the amount of skills you want to include, you can either list them out separately or arrange them into categories. A good rule of thumb is 10 skills or less should be separate, while more than 10 skills should be categorized.

Summary of skills resume example: 

Experience Section

After your summary of skills comes an experience section. Alternative titles for this section include ‘professional experience’, ‘work experience’, and ‘relevant experience’.

The experience section should be written listing your most recent employer first. For each professional position, include the company name, your title, the dates of employment, and 3-5 bullet points detailing your daily responsibilities.

When writing your responsibilities, sprinkle as many computer skills in as you can. This will validate the computer skills you have listed in your skills section by explaining how and where you used each of them.  

Experience section resume example: 

What Computer Skills Should You Include on Your Resume?

There are three easy-to-follow steps to figure out what computer skills you should include on your resume. The computer skills you include depend on both your background and the types of positions you are applying to.

Step #1: Create a master list of your computer skills

Go through each category and create a master list of each and every computer skill you have in your toolbox. When creating your master list, write every skill, no matter how obvious it may seem. Although some computer skills might seem obvious given your profession, many hiring managers still want to see these skills listed.

The important thing is to never write a computer skill that you aren’t comfortable with. If you include it, hiring managers will expect you can deliver. If you are ever worried about a hiring manager over or underestimating your level of proficiency, add ‘fundamental’, ‘basic’, ‘intermediate’, or ‘advanced’ in parentheses next to the skill listed.

Job post example (with highlighted skills):

Step #2: Figure out the computer skills required for the job

When applying for a new position, you must first identify the computer skills needed. To figure this out, go through each job description and highlight each thing that relates to a technology, software, or application.

Then create a list with the computer skills described, making sure to write each skill using the same wording that is used in the job description.

Step #3: Match your master list with the computer skills required for each position

The computer skills you include on your resume should be the items that overlap between your master list and the list of computer skills needed.

A general rule of thumb is to never include skills that aren’t relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a landscaping position, there is no need to include that you know computer programming.

50+ Computer Skills Hiring Managers Want In Resumes

To make sure your resume has the computer skills hiring managers look for, go through this list to check out the top computer skills needed for each type of category and position.

Graphic Design & Word Processing

Spreadsheets & databases, how to learn new computer skills.

Are you worried about not having the computer skills needed for a position? If so, there are plenty of tools to help you get up to speed quickly.

The first option is to enroll in a course at a local school or library. For beginners, many public libraries teach basic computer skills, so ask your neighborhood branch when the next lesson is. If you are more advanced, consider enrolling in a technology certification course at a local community college. They are cheaper and require less time than a full-out degree program.

The second option is to use an online platform. There are so many free and cheap computer skills courses available, ranging from YouTube videos to eLearning platforms like Lynda, Udemy, and Skillshare. But of course, you will need to have mastered fundamental computer proficiency, like internet browsing and typing, before you can get there.

More Skill-Related Articles For Resume Writing:

• How to List Skills on a Resume (50+ Resume Skill Examples)
• How To List Hard Skills On A Resume (50+ Hard Skill Examples)

How to List Computer Skills on a Resume [Full List & Examples]

Nowadays, computer skills are more important than ever. 

With the increasing use of technology in the workplace, there are practically no jobs that don’t require at least some degree of computer literacy, be it typing fast, knowing how to use Google Docs, or knowing how to code. 

In a nutshell, in today’s job market strong computer skills can increase your productivity, improve your employability, and help you advance in your career more easily.  

But do you know which computer skills are exactly the right ones to include in your resume and what can you do to make them stand out?

Well, this is exactly what this article is here to show you! Read on to learn:

• 14 Computer Skills for Your Resume

3 Steps to Add Computer Skills to Your Resume

23+ courses to improve your computer skills.

Let’s dive in. 

14 Computer Skills For Your Resume

Computer skills are a set of transferable skills that refer to the ability to use computers and all related technology. They consist of hardware skills and software skills .  

Knowing your way around hardware starts from simple things like turning machines on and off to more complicated stuff like connecting them with networks and changing parts. Software skills, on the other hand, involve knowing how to use computer programs and applications. 

Although there are several levels to computer skills, they are typically divided into: 

• Basic computer skills. Such as using word processing software, creating spreadsheets, using printers and other work-related equipment, or looking up information online.
• Advanced computer skills. This includes using complex Excel formulas, coding, managing a database, etc.

Now that we covered the basics, here is a detailed breakdown of the most in-demand computer skills that you can add to your resume in 2022:

#1. MS Office

Microsoft Office is Microsoft’s most popular “family of client software and services.” 

As such, there are over 1.2 billion users of MS Office products and more than 60 million businesses have subscriptions to Office 365, which includes: 

#2. Google Drive 

Google Drive is a popular file-storage service that has grown exponentially in the past ten years. Specifically, 40,220 companies worldwide are using Google Drive , most often in the US and in the Information Technology and Services industries. 

On top of being a file storage service, Google Drive allows its users to synchronize and share their files across multiple devices. Google Drive encompasses: 

• Google Docs
• Google Sheets
• Google Slides
• Google Forms

#3. Collaboration and Communication Software

Companies and businesses use collaboration tools to communicate effectively online. 

Some communication tools are essential for every company (e.g. e-mailing, Skype, etc.), while others come particularly handy for remote companies that need more dedicated software to manage teams in different locations.

Here are some popular communication and collaboration tools you can add to your resume:

• Microsoft Teams
• Google Hangouts
• Lifesize Video Conferencing

#4. Social Media

With companies using social media to increase their online presence and market their products/services more and more, social media skills have become important for workers in many industries. 

Specifically, as of June 2022, about 88% of marketers will hire at least one more team member in a social media role in the next two years. This alone makes social media skills essential computer skills to have on your resume. 

Some of the most popular platforms to master are: 

If you’re going to add social media skills to your resume, don’t just mention the platforms you know how to use.

Instead, talk exactly about what you know how to do with these platforms. E.g. running Facebook Ads, managing the company's Instagram profile, etc.

#5. Presentation Software

When it comes to computer skills, knowing how to use presentation software can help you organize and present information effectively and efficiently. As such, they come in particularly handy for “crowd-facing” positions, such as professor, spokesperson, motivational speaker, project manager , etc. 

Some popular presentation software includes: 

• OpenOffice Impress

#6. Graphic Design Skills

Graphic design skills are not only for dedicated graphic design roles - they’re useful for jobs in marketing, advertising, social media management, and others.

The most common graphic design tools and software include: 

• Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.)
• Gravit Designer

#7. Hardware Skills

As we already mentioned, hardware skills refer to being able to physically operate a computer and other related devices. 

There are numerous hardware skills out there (depending on your field), but some of the most common ones are:

• Network configuration and security
• System Administration
• Technical support and troubleshooting
• Cloud management
• Hardware Development, Analysis, and Testing
• Software installation
• Tech support

#8. Enterprise systems

Enterprise systems are software that provide solutions to an integrated business organization. 

Such systems integrate all the tools an organization is using into one, making everything easier to manage.

The three main types of enterprise systems that businesses use are: 

• Customer Relationship Management, with functionalities like analytics, contact center automation, marketing communication, and workflow automation.
• Enterprise Resource Planning, with functionalities such as accounting, human resources, inventory and order management, etc.
• Supply Chain Management, with functionalities such as procurement, product lifecycle management, and logistics, to mention a few.

#9. Spreadsheets

Spreadsheets are apps used for inputting and organizing data into tables, quick numbers calculations, and even complex data analysis. 

While some employers may require a very basic knowledge of such apps, more technical positions (i.e. accounting , retail management, bookkeeping , etc.) will likely require that you are well-versed in more advanced features. 

Some common spreadsheet apps used by companies in 2024 include: 

• Apple Numbers
• Zoho Sheets
• Libre Office

#10. Operation Systems

Operating Systems (OS) refers to the software that each computer uses to work.

Different operating systems manage software differently and sometimes work only with specific hardware. For example, Apple devices run on iOS or macOS, Microsoft devices run on Windows, Google devices run on Android, and Linux is used for various hardware devices. 

Mentioning you have OS skills in your resume means knowing how to use one (or more) of the following operating systems:

• Ubuntu Linux

Make sure to mention the exact operating system you know how to use on your resume, instead of writing something generic like “OS knowledge.” 

#11. Accounting Software

If you’re going for a position in finance or business, then accounting software knowledge is essential. 

Even if you’re applying for a job in a small-scale business, knowing how to use accounting software can surely give you an edge over your competition, considering they’re quite integral for a company’s success. 

Specifically, knowing how to use accounting software involves managing accounts, payments, expenses, cash flow, and other financial data. Some of the most popular accounting tools today are

• Oracle NetSuite

#12. Writing Skills  

As you’ve probably understood already, computer writing skills are about a lot more than knowing how to use MS Word or Google Docs. 

On the contrary, they entail a variety of skills that are related to writing, including how to use content management systems, how to write content that’s optimized for search engines, and even how fast you can type. 

These are some specific skills related to computers and writing: 

• Search Engine Optimization
• Technical Writing

#13. Database Management

A database management system (DBMS) is a computerized data-keeping system. In a nutshell, database management skills involve knowing how to use different data-keeping software, including creating, maintaining, and controlling access to the database. 

Some jobs where database management skills are essential are developer roles, data analysts , business or financial data analysts , data scientists , and the sorts. 

The most popular database management systems include: 

• Microsoft Access
• Apache Cassandra
• Oracle Database

#14. Coding Skills

Coding or programming skills are knowing how to use different programming languages to command an application/computer/software about what actions it must perform and how. 

It goes without saying that computer programmers, software engineers , and application developers need coding skills to land a job in their field. 

Coding skills, however, can also come in handy for other roles as well. For example, businesspeople and marketers can also take advantage of coding knowledge to communicate better with technical staff.

Some of the most popular coding skills in 2024 are:

Are you looking for computer skills that match YOUR specific position? Head over to our guide on resume examples & guides for over 80 professions. 

Your computer skills may fail to help you land a job if you don’t know how to add them to your resume in a compelling way.

And yes, there IS a right and wrong way to do this.

Below, we’ll walk you through the entire process of how to add your computer skills to your resume, step by step.

Before you read further, though, pick one of our resume templates and fill it in as you go!

#1. List Your Computer Skills Under Hard Skills

The first and most obvious place to list your computer skills is under your Skills section. 

This part is pretty straightforward - done right, your skills section should be divided into 

“ Soft Skills ” and “ Hard Skills ” and look something like this:

Keep in mind, though, that you shouldn’t include too many skills here.

Chances, you don’t need ALL the computer skills for the job you’re applying for. Not to mention, if you included too many, you’d be cluttering up your resume.

Here’s what you can do to make your skills section as relevant as possible: 

• Check the job description. The job description will show you exactly which computer skills are essential for the job - all you have to do is go through it attentively. For marketing managers, for example, it may require skills like SEO, Google analytics, and email marketing. 
• Identify your own skills. Single out the skills that you possess and are also relevant to the role. 
• Add them under your Skills section. Add technical computer skills under your resume’s hard skills or skills section if you’re not separating hard/soft skills. 

#2. Sprinkle Your Computer Skills In Your Resume Summary

Secondly, you should add your computer skills to your resume summary . 

The resume summary is a two or three-sentence paragraph that aims to describe your strong points as a candidate. It typically includes: 

• Your professional title and years of experience 
• One or two of your top skills
• Your most noteworthy accomplishments  

If you do it right, the resume summary will get the hiring manager to go through your resume and professional experience in more detail. 

Here is an example of an attention-grabbing resume summary:

So, for positions where computer skills are absolutely essential, it’s definitely helpful to mention your computer skills in the resume summary section. For example:

• Hard-working office assistant with 8 years of experience performing various administrative tasks to support an office's daily operations. Proven track record of maintaining records, generating reports, and multitasking in a fast-paced environment. Well-versed in Microsoft Office Suite, MS Office 365, and Google Drive. 

#3. Prove Your Computer Skills In Your Work Experience Section

Last but not least, you should also include your computer skills in the work experience section . 

Basically, this is where you can prove that you’ve got all the computer skills needed for the job.

Mentioning the computer skills in your skills section is one thing - giving examples of how you’ve used these skills in an office environment in the work experience section is something else entirely.

Here’s how you can list your computer skills in your work experience section the right way:

• Tailor your experience to the job description. When applying for jobs, you should always customize your work experience section to the company’s needs. Read the job ad and extract the most important skills they’re looking for. Then, in your work experience section, make sure to include experiences that prove that you DO possess such skills.
• Prioritize your achievements. When possible, aim to use achievements to describe your past experience instead of responsibilities. The hiring manager knows what your responsibilities were; they want to know how you excelled at the job and made an impact.
• Make your achievements quantifiable. As for how you should list your achievements, you should aim to make them as quantifiable as possible. Think about which one sounds better: “increased team productivity by 15% by using Trello and Google calendar to ease communication, synchronize tasks, and share materials” or “improved team productivity?”

And here’s an example that highlights and proves the candidate’s computer skills:

IT Specialist

02/2015 - 06/2019

• Ensured over 200 computers worked effectively by monitoring, configuring, and maintaining their hardware and software systems.
• Implemented innovative network configurations that improved networking capabilities by 17%. 
• Evaluated IT systems to ensure efficiency and data security, successfully avoiding any data breaches and leaks in four years. 
• Contributed to the successful delivery of large-scale projects, including all computer system upgrades and CRM system migration, within the right time frame.

Do you have some personal projects or certificates that can make your computer skills practically indisputable? Make sure to include them in dedicated sections titled Professional Certificates or Independent Projects. 

15 Ways to Describe Basic Computer Skills

Not sure how to best describe YOUR computer skills?

Worry not, we’re here to help!

Below, we’re going to give you 15 examples of computer skills listed effectively on a resume:

For collaboration and communication software: 

• Increased project team’s productivity by 16% by using Trello to organize materials, automate tasks, and ease communication. 
• Managed to never miss a deadline in two years by using Microsoft Teams to integrate team members, content, and tools in one place. 
• Created mail merges between MS Outlook and Word that reached over 30k customers/monthly.

For MS Office: 

• Used MS Word’s commenting feature to collaborate on deliverables with 15 team members and successfully managed to submit reports continuously before their deadlines. 
• Leveraged Excel pivot tables to categorize budget reports, which improved the company’s overall financial strategy and performance. 
• Saved approximately 4 work hours per week by using Outlook folders and tasks. This system was later adopted by the entire department. 

For Google Drive: 

• Used Google Docs to onboard new employees and keep track of existing ones’ performance and work hours, effectively improving team management and collaboration. 
• Saved trainees’ time looking for answers to customer questions by using Google Sheets to automate the company’s FAQ. 
• Raised company revenue by around 13% by using Google Sheets’ Tornado Charts for sensitivity analysis.

For Enterprise Systems: 

• Automated workflow using Zoho to increase productivity by 18%. 
• Improved business revenue by 24% by using Oracle ERP to automate back-office processes and daily business activities. 
• Leveraged SourceHUB to centralize the company’s data and streamline logistics processes, to improve communication and save time.

For Graphic Design 

• Used After Effects to make motion graphic animations for video productions with a client approval rate of over 90%. 
• Improved clients’ social media presence by rebranding their logo and website using InDesign. 
• Developed graphics and layouts for product illustrations and logos using Illustrator and After Effects, which increased user engagement by 8%.

Looking to further develop your computer skills?

Great idea!

Unlike soft skills, you don’t need years of work in an office to develop - all you need is the right training course!

Below, we compiled a list of the most useful computer skills courses we could find:

• Accounting software. You can become a certified QuickBooks user with this course or learn Xero accounting software with this one. Alternatively, you can follow a QuickBooks online essential training course .
• Communication tools. Microsoft offers free Outlook training for different Operating Systems to help you learn the ins and outs of emailing, while this course can help you master Asana. 
• Database management. Microsoft also offers free training for its own database management system, Access . If you go online, you should be able to find alternative courses for other systems. 
• Enterprise systems. Coursera offers a number of classes from top universities on enterprise systems . 
• Google Drive. This online training course on Google Drive can help you become a master of everything Google-related. 
• Graphic design. LinkedIn Learning offers a number of training courses in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator - all you have to do is pick the one you want to learn and input it at the search bar at the top of the page. 
• Microsoft Office. As we already mentioned, MS Office is super popular, which means that there are plenty of useful tutorials out there, to begin with. If you don’t want to pay for a course, you can look up tutorials on YouTube on top of checking out Microsoft’s own training materials, and then receive official certification . 
• Presentation software. Master PowerPoint, one of the most beneficial presentation software, through this PowerPoint for Windows training. 
• Social media. Out of the many free social media courses out there, we’ve singled out this Social Media Management course and the fundamentals of digital marketing course by Google.
• Spreadsheets. Both Coursera and Udemy have several online courses to choose from that can help you become a pro in Excel or any spreadsheet program your company uses.

Computer Skills on a Resume Examples

Want to see what computer skills on a resume look like?

Well, look no further!

Below, we’ve listed five resume examples with a computer skills section:

#1. Office Assistant Resume Example

#2. Customer Service Representative Resume Example

#3. Computer Scientist Resume Example

#4.  AI Engineer Resume Example

#5. IT Resume Example

FAQs on Computer Skills 

Do you still have some questions about computer skills? We’ll answer them in the FAQ section:

#1. Why are computer skills important?

Computer skills are important because they can significantly improve your employability. 

In 2022, over 70% of US jobs require middle-to-high-level digital skills , making computer skills an essential asset for advancing your career.

Computer skills can help you stay productive at work, get more tasks done, manage a team better, as well as grow your career.

#2. What are the levels of computer skills proficiency?

Just like any other skill, computer literacy skills can be categorized into basic (which are foundational computer literacy skills), intermediate (computer literacy beyond the foundational level), and proficient (advanced computer skills).

#3. What are the most in-demand computer skills?

The most in-demand computer skills vary based on the industry . While the majority of industries require some basic computer skills (e.g. writing and editing documents, sending and receiving emails, using the Internet, or creating presentations), different industries require their employees to be well-versed in industry-specific software. 

If you’re a project manager, for example, then knowledge of team management skills is going to be essential. Software like Asana, Slack, Zapier, etc.

Generally speaking , though, the most in-demand computer skills include MS Office, Google Workspace, Adobe Creative Suite, and programming languages (e.g. Java, Python, C++).

#4. How do I describe my level of computer proficiency?

There are several ways you can describe your computer proficiency on your resume. One is to use descriptive words (e.g. beginner, intermediate, or advanced) next to each computer skill. 

Alternatively, you can show your proficiency in different computer skills through progress bars or star ratings (where one to two stars stand for beginner level, three stars for intermediate, and four to five stars for advanced or proficient).

Last but not least, you can list your certifications in a dedicated resume section to prove that you know how to use a particular software or program.

#5. Are computer skills hard skills?

Yes, computer skills are hard skills. That’s because they are objective, quantifiable skills that can be learned through training, online courses, education, work experience, etc. 

Key Takeaways

That’s about everything you need to know about computer skills for your resume! 

Before you start putting everything you learned into practice, let’s go over the main points we covered in this guide:

• Computer skills are a set of transferable skills that refer to the ability to use computers and all related technology. They consist of hardware skills and software skills.  
• Computer skills are commonly categorized into basic computer skills and advanced computer skills. 
• Some common computer skills in today’s job market include database management, enterprise systems, graphic design, coding and programming, presentation software, social media skills, MS Office, and hardware skills. 
• The best places to add computer skills to your resume are your skills section, your resume summary, and your work experience section. 
• To make your work experience section pop, make sure to focus on your achievements and make them as quantifiable as possible. 
• You can show your level of computer literacy on your resume by using descriptive words, progress bars, a star rating, or by listing your certifications for different software.

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Let's talk about the levels of computer skills for resume.

Technology is now deeply intertwined with our modern pandemic workspaces. For every profession and every designation, you must check off the basic computer skills list.

Employers look for applicants who are technically sound even if they are not applying for a technical profile. That is exactly why you must hone certain computer skills for resume in 2022.

The following FAQs will help you understand the commonly required computer skills for resume:

• How to write computer skills on resume?
• How to communicate your level of computer proficiency in a resume?
• How to write technical skills on resume?
• How do you write basic computer skills on a resume?

Let's get started!

How to List Computer Skills on a Resume

Whether your field of work is technical or non-technical, you should have a separate section to include computer skills for resume.

Following are some tips:

• Make a separate section or a sub-section for writing the computer skills you possess
• Name this section as TECHNICAL SKILLS
• Make sure only to add the skills which are relevant to the job you are applying for
• If the recruiter has mentioned any specific computer skill in the job description, make sure you hone that skill and mention it in your resume

Also read : Find Out How to Draft a Computer Tech Resume

Computer Skills for Technical Profiles

Now, with the help of examples, we will show you the correct way of writing the technical skills for each profile and how to include them in your professional experience section.

Computer Skills for Resume: Data Analyst and Research Specialist

We will show you how to showcase your computer skills for resume in the technical skills section.

Computer Skills for Resume Example 1:

Computer Skills for Resume Example 2:

In the second example, we can see how we have categorized the skills to make it look neat and organized. Hence, grouping is important considering computer skills for resume.

Computer Skills for Resume: Information Security Manager and Cloud Specialist

Computer Skills for Resume Wrong Example:

KEY SKILLS AWS ; VPC ; KMS ; EC2 ; EBS ; RDS ; Agile Methodologies ; Analytical Approach

Computer Skills for Resume Right Example:

TECHNICAL SKILLS Tools: AWS, VPC, S3, KMS, EC2, EBS, RDS, IAM, Cloud Trial

Computer Skills for Resume: IT Director

In the first example, we witnessed poor readability because of cluttered data.

The second example emphasizes on grouping your technical skills which is the proper way to showcase computer skills for resume.

Computer Skills for Resume: Network Consultant and Data Center Administrator

Writing computer skills for resume in sub-sections increases the readability of the section.

It makes your resume look tidy and expands the scope of ATS being able to scan the computer skills by many folds.

Computer Skills to List on Resume: Accessibility Analyst and Senior Consultant

Let us now see how to incorporate these computer skills in the professional experience section.

Computer Skills in Professional Experience Examples:

• Efficiently conducting research & successfully implementing Flex automation process for accessibility test automation
• Deployed online resources and a Selenium-based automation tool for conducting research & automating systems
• Mentoring accessibility developers & rendering accessibility support to enhance Flex & HTML5 components

How to List Computer Skills on Resume: Business Analyst and Data Analytics Professional

• Deployed ' Simplified ' to enable data visualization for clients & ' Querying ' to save server space & run reports efficiently
• Benefited stakeholders like Sodexo , GE & IBM by effectively working on ' Crystal Reporting ,’ a business objects info view
• Validating the data via SQL , scrutinizing the defect tracking system & rendering insights w.r.t data issues, bugs & risks

Basic Computer Skills Resume: Entrepreneur, CTC, and Full Stack Developer

• Developed a hotel booking engine from scratch using Python/Django framework
• Employed ActionScript 3 for game programming
• Created the entire website from scratch including WordPress theme designed using PHP/WordPress

So, this is how you can include your computer skills in your professional experience section.

Computer Programs for Resume: Data Analyst and Software Developer

Computer Skills Examples:

How to Describe Computer Skills On Resume: Full Stack Developer

• Played a key role in developing recruitment oriented web app & hybrid mobile apps (incl. MVP) from the ground up in Meteor
• Fixed 30+ bugs in the code, including multiple front-end responsiveness bugs on Bootstrap
• Used enlist as a linter for the JavaScript code & Jshint for static code analysis

Computer Programs List for Resume: Database Administrator

• Oracle (8i, 9i, 10g, 11g, 12c)
• SAP Sybase ASE (15.0/16)
• MSSQL ('00, '05, '08, '08R2, '12, '14)
• Amazon Web Services (AWS) - EC2
• Cloud Watch
• Data Migration Manager
• Other Tools
• Windows ('NT, '00, '03, '08, '12, '14, '16)
• SAP Brtools
• ControlCentre
• TASK SCHEDULER

Also read : Technical Resume Examples in 2022

Non-Technical Profiles

So far, we have been discussing the profile-wise advanced computer skills required in your resume.

Now we will discuss the basic computer skills list required in profiles which are not purely technical.

Computer Skills for Resume: Graphic Designer

• Adobe Premiere Pro - Video
• Illustrator
• After Effects

By using the above-given computer skill set, we will show you how to write the technical skills section in a resume for non-technical jobs.

AVOID THIS:

In the above-given example, you can see how cluttered the technical skills section is looking.

PRACTICE THIS:

Now, in the example given above, you can see how we have uncluttered the technical skills section and have written it in an organized manner. We've divided the technical skills section into a subsection, namely, Graphics Tools .

The subheading and the separators give it a neat and organized look.

Computer Skills on Resume: Administration Head and Facility Manager

Computer Skills for Resume Example:

The below-given sample will show you the correct way of writing your administration and facility manager skills.

We've grouped the technical skills into three groups: Languages , Operating Systems , and Packages . This will make the resume look neatly organized and will give greater clarity to the recruiter of your technical skills.

Further, you can also go for Hiration's Resume Reviewing Services to get a review of your job title.

Computer Skills to Put on a Resume: Art and Creative Designer

• Adobe Creative Suite
• Google Analytics
• Survey Monkey

As you can see in the above-given example, the technical skills section looks really messy as well as has poor readability. So many skills written in an unorganized way make it quite difficult to read.

Now, in the second example, we have used a bullet before each technical skill to give it an organized look as well as to increase its readability.

Resume Computer Skills: User Experience Developer

Here is an example of the Technical Skills section of UX Developer:

The above-given example looks very untidy, has poor readability, and it will get difficult for the ATS to scan it for computer skills.

As you can see in the example given above, we have added a bullet before each technical skill to make it look tidy, increase its readability, and make it easier for the ATS scanner to scan the technical skills section.

Computer Skills to List on Resume: Project Manager

Now, let us see how to correctly write the section on the technical skills of a project manager.

How to List Computer Skills on Resume: Regional Sales Manager

• MS Office Suite
• VBA for Excel
• SPPS Minitab

See the sample given below to get an idea of how to write the technical skills section of a regional sales manager.

Computer Skills for Regional Sales Manager:

Basic Computer Skills Resume: Regional BD Manager

• Windows 97/2000/XP
• Advanced Excel

We will now show you the correct and incorrect way of writing the technical skills section with the help of samples.

You can see how cluttered the above-given sample of regional BD manager is looking. It's because it is not written in a well-organized manner.

Now see the difference between example 1 and example 2. How adding bullets before each technical skill has given it a neat and organized look.

Computer Programs for Resume: Marketing Manager

Now, let us see how to write it with the help of an example.

How to Describe Computer Skills On Resume: Sales, Business Development Leader,

See the below-given sample to understand how to write the technical skills section of a sales, business development leader, and HR professional.

Now, look at the sample given below to see how to incorporate these computer skills in your resume professional experience section.

• Interfacing with CRM & Marketing to source clients via references, corporate visits, property exhibition, campaigning, etc.

Computer Programs List for Resume: Sales Manager and Business Development Expert

• Infusion Soft

Observe the below-given examples to see the difference between a correctly written technical skills section and an incorrectly written technical skills section.

The above-given example of sales manager and business development expert's technical skills section looks messy and has poor readability.

The above-given example of sales manager and business development expert's technical skills section looks organized as well as has a neat appearance. Adding separators has also increased its readability.

Also read : Know About Employability Skills in 2022

Key Takeaways

• Opt for some basic level and some advanced level computer skill courses related to your field as computer skills play a major role in your resume while getting hired.
• When writing the technical skills section in your resume, scan your job description to add those computer skills mentioned in the job description.
• Before writing your resume, make an exhaustive list of the technical skills which you have acquired. This will ensure that you write all your computer skills when making the technical skills section .
• Attend workshops and seminars to stay up-to-date with the new versions and functions of the technical computer tools which you use to upgrade your skills.
• When going for a computer skill course , first research your industry and see which all technical tools are highly used in your target profile.
• In the interview, if the recruiter asks questions about your computer skills, make sure to explain them by giving an example of how you used them to benefit the previous company. This will give the recruiter an in-depth idea of your level of proficiency in that particular computer skill.
• Every time you learn a new and valuable computer skill, make sure to update the same in your resume.

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For any concerns or queries, reach out to us at [email protected] .

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Adding Computer Skills to Your Resume

Basic computer skills  are essential for most jobs these days. Computers are commonplace in every industry so employers pay attention to the  computer skills on the resumes  of potential employees.

In some jobs, the required skills may be as basic as sending emails or using a cash register. For other positions, it is necessary to include specific, more technical programs such as Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft Powerpoint, when  listing computer skills on a resume .

As the necessary computer skills are often different for each position, you should carefully read through each job description to know which  computer skills to put on your resume . Many candidates use  resume templates  as they allow you to quickly edit your resume.

Many companies now use  Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)  which scan resumes for keywords and phrases which  reflect the job requirements . If your resume doesn’t contain enough of these keywords the ATS will eliminate it from the application process. For this reason, it is vital to  include computer skills on your resume .

How to list computer skills on your resume

It is important to  highlight computer skills on your resume , as well as other abilities, by including a  skills section . It should be in a prominent place on your resume which  grabs the employer’s attention . You can simply list the programs and you can also  include your ability level  (beginner, intermediate, advanced etc.).

You don’t need to include all your  computer skills , only the ones which the employer is looking for. However, if a job requires an  extensive list  of them which are central to the position, you should add a specific  ‘computer skills’ section on your resume  to give it prominence.

Another option is to  add computer skills  into your  work experience  section (or other parts) of your resume. You can write short sentences which demonstrate your abilities and show what you achieved.

For example…

• Designed the company website  using WordPress, it  received more than 1,500 visitors a day.
• Responded to over 100 emails a week using Microsoft Outlook.
• Gave regular presentations to clients and stakeholders using Microsoft Powerpoint.

Using a  resume builder  is a quick way of producing a well- structured, attractive resumes. It also allows you to easily build in the specific skillset for each job application.

Highlighting your computer skills in your cover letter and interview

Including computer skills on your resume  is vital. However, the application process does not begin and end there. If computer skills are  important for the job you’re applying for , you can also use your  cover letter  to highlight them.

You should use the second and third main paragraphs to  show how your skills match  those needed by the employer.  Don’t simply list your computer skills  in your cover letter, it  needs to be engaging .

Be ready to  back up the claims you’ve made  on your resume in the  job interview . Make sure you can give specific examples of when you’ve used programs and for what purposes. Some employers actually ask candidates to  demonstrate their computer skills  by asking them to perform tasks.

Top computer skills for a resume list

Here are come of the  most important computer skills  which employers look for. The more abilities you have from this  resume computer skills list  you have, the more employable you are. Some of them are  basic resume computer skills  and others are more technical. If a job description includes any of the following skills, make sure to add them to your resume.

Word processing

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Publisher

Spreadsheets and Databases

• Microsoft Excel
• Data analytics
• Adobe Campaign

Graphic design

• Adobe InDesign
• Adobe Creative Cloud
• Microsoft Visual Studio

Software and Hardware Development

It troubleshooting.

• Backup management
• Diagnostics
• Tech support

Social Media

• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• Google Analytics
• Email marketing

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16 Computer Science (CS) Resume Examples for 2024

• Computer Science (CS) Resumes
• CS Student Resumes
• CS Resumes by Experience
• CS Resumes by Role

Writing Your Computer Science Resume

When you’re a computer science student looking for an internship or your first full-time role as a developer, deciding what to include in a  good resume  and how to format it correctly can be challenging.

We analyzed countless computer science resumes and chose the top 16 examples to help you get started. No matter if you’re looking for your first real-world coding job or are a seasoned campaigner, we have a computer science cover letter and resume designed to match where you’re at in your career.

The hardest part of resume writing is figuring out how to do a resume. Our  resume tips ,  resume maker,  and free  Word resume templates  have helped developers  get interviews at companies like Facebook and Microsoft,  so they’re a great place to start.

Computer Science Resume Example

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Why this resume works

• If you’ve already had an internship or related work experience (as a research assistant, for example), you want to highlight that experience at the top of your computer science resume. Lead with your strengths, and if you have the experience, that’s a real asset.
• Hiring managers review a lot of resumes for CS internships and entry-level roles. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine! Your activities outside the classroom can help you stand out if you have a unique interest.
• Starting with a  resume outline example  can help guide you in how to include a project or two on your final resume.

Computer Scientist Resume Example

• Your computer scientist resume should build upon any related experience, perhaps as an entry-level computer support specialist. Your experience coupled with a four-year degree can open a career path for you.
• Use any previous education and experience as a launchpad to land your next computer science role. 

Computer Science Student Resume Example

• Browse through our  free resume templates  on Google for some inspiring designs suited for little to no experience. 
• Employers understand that people looking for their first programming role won’t have relevant work experience to discuss. In this case, strive to demonstrate your interest in computer science through personal projects and what you did outside of class during your school years.
• At this point, your education is your greatest strength, so be sure to list all the relevant classes you’ve taken that make you a great fit for the role to which you’re applying.

Computer Science Internship Resume Example

• Don’t list too many skills. A hiring manager wants to know your strengths. It’s much better to list two to three languages or tools you’re really strong in than ten you wouldn’t be able to answer questions about in an interview.
• List work experience, even if it’s not directly related to computer science. It shows you can handle responsibility and are reliable. Combining this with the  technical skills on your resume  can give you an advantage over the competition.

Computer Science Major Resume Example

• The CS courses you’re studying will give an employer a better picture of what theoretical knowledge you’re well versed in and can bring to your first job.

Computer Science No Experience Resume Example

• The details of a personal project—like one where you designed and developed a portfolio website—are a great addition to your computer science no experience resume.

Entry-Level Computer Science Resume Example

• This means finding a  professional resume template  that includes your education, relevant skills, projects you’ve worked on, and any relevant internship experience, plus leveraging a cover letter generator to complement your application.
• To make the case you’ll have a real impact as a full-time developer, you should quantify the impact of your internship achievements. Numbers make a much stronger case than words, so using them will set your resume apart.

Entry AGS Desktop Publisher Resume Example

• As a desktop publisher, you use publishing software to create various documents and products, including financial reports, business proposals, books, newspapers, newsletters, packaging, tickets, and business cards. You format and combine text, numerical data, photographs, illustrations, charts, and other visual elements.
• Analyze locally available job descriptions and take note of consistent skill requirements. These requirements serve as a physical roadmap of what to include in your resume.
• Specialize using the physical roadmap from the local analysis mentioned above to create an aspirational checklist of what to learn/continue learning to be maximally effective.
• Career objectives  exist to support and enhance whatever work experience you list. Instead of opting for a lengthier resume that includes irrelevant experience, your entry AGS desktop publisher resume can use a career objective to instill confidence in the reader and prove that you have a proven, albeit short, history of driving value.

Entry-Level Android Developer Resume Example

• As an aspiring developer, your  entry-level Android developer resume  has options for showcasing your available skillset.
• The key here isn’t reinventing the wheel but creating something dynamic and unique that can’t be easily replicated with a few Google searches and a video tutorial.
• Some internships require a fully completed degree to be in hand before starting. Although this is becoming more uncommon with the introduction of online coding trade schools (boot camps), research needs to be done regarding individual markets and locations.

Senior Computer Vision Scientist Resume Example

• Your senior computer vision scientist resume should be steeped in well-documented data and reporting. When updating the  resume skills  list on your resume, there are two primary sources from which you can collect data.
• The first source is the company’s list of required skills from the job description. This list provides the exact skills needed to excel in the role.
• The second way is to look at desired job titles in a specific geographic location. After evaluating the market’s desired skill requisites, adjustments can be made to showcase expertise to the general “heartbeat” of what employers in the area are seeking.
• Emphasize specific bullet points with KPIs that complement and enhance the general “heartbeat” of the desired market.

Computer Programming Resume Example

• So, what else can you do to ensure that your computer programming resume impresses recruiters? Well, an elegant template with subtle color accents would add flair to your application. Also, this format gives your piece the room to balance text and white spaces for a formal outlook.

Computer Engineering Resume Example

• Take this direction, and demonstrate your numbers in production errors and hardware costs (cue: 27% reduction in production errors and reducing hardware costs by 18%).

Computer Technician Resume Example

• Be sure to highlight these achievements in your resume all while integrating quantifiable metrics to add credibility to your achievements, making yourself a strong candidate.

Computer Science Teaching Assistant Resume Example

• Your  computer science teaching assistant resume  should contain the key sections recruiters need to see. It may be tempting to include other sections, many projects, or even non-relevant work experience when writing your academic resume, but that can greatly hurt your chances of being interviewed.
• The most important sections are skills, work experience, education, and relevant projects.
• For example, “Engaged with industry to maintain 100% fluency in the area of focus and provide opportunities for students to work on industry projects.”
• In the eyes of the reader, this bullet point means you will not need a lot of training and will bring immediate value to the company when hired.

Computer Science & Engineering Teacher Resume Example

• Adding a summary gives you the chance to reinforce your abilities with software engineering, curriculum development, and teaching, overall increasing your chances of landing an interview.
• Don’t forget to customize your  skills section  in addition to the other sections on your resume; check the job description for skill keywords you can include to catch any recruiter’s eye.

Computer Science Tutor Resume Example

• For example, you could include experience that involves working with students, colleagues, and school administration.
• You should also include soft skills, even though they’re difficult to quantify. Scan the job description to find soft skill keywords you can use in your  skills section  or work experience.
• Projects are a good way to demonstrate your tech knowledge, especially if you have limited work experience. However, projects are formatted slightly differently than work experience; use our  resume outline example  to show you how to add relevant projects to your resume.
• Your skills section is vital for demonstrating your technical abilities – include the software and tools you’re comfortable using and especially include any tools that are listed on the job description.

Related resume guides

• Data Analyst
• Data Science Resume
• Java Developer
• Data Engineer

Early in your computer science career, you must keep your resume to one page. As such, real estate on your resume is valuable. You should only include a  resume objective  if it adds value and increases your chances of getting an interview.

So, what is a resume objective for a computer science student? It’s a statement that succinctly states your skills, what you’re looking for in the job you’re applying for, and how you’ll add value in that role.

That sounds like a lot, but it’s not that bad in practice. You should keep it to two to three sentences and customize it to each role for which you apply. Here are a couple of examples from the resumes above:

• “I’m looking for an internship where I can utilize my experience with natural language processing and building web apps for non-technical users to further the mission of Coursera in democratizing education across the world.”
• “Industrious recent computer science graduate with a zeal for innovation. Seeking a position at Sikka Software, where the strategic focus on delighting users aligns with my creativity and desire to enhance social events through technology.”

Alternatively, if you’ve built some valuable experience, you may want to consider a  resume summary statement . Only include one if you can successfully and specifically highlight your greatest career accomplishments. 

Projects on your computer science resume

When you’re looking for a computer science internship or your first full-time role as a developer, projects are a must-have on your resume.

These can either be projects you completed as part of a class or something you went out and built on your own. Projects are the best way to show a potential employer that you can take what you learned in class and apply it to the real world.

More than that, they’re a great way to demonstrate your interest in coding outside of your classwork. In your projects, mention exactly what you built and the languages/ libraries you used. Here are some examples:

Social media scheduler

• Built a responsive web app using Django and Node that allowed users to schedule social media posts across Instagram and Twitter
• Utilized the Twitter API and Instagram API
• Built features using scikit-learn in Python that learned what time of day maximized engagement with social media posts which increased the overall user engagement rate by 15% 
• Released app for free for University of Pittsburgh students, and it quickly grew to over 500 monthly active users
• Used: Javascript, Python, SQL, HTML/CSS

Poker simulation

• Built a full-stack web app to allow users to simulate and visualize outcomes of poker hands against opponents of different play styles using open-source cards.js on the front-end
• Utilized sci-kit learn in Python to simulate possible outcomes under different scenarios that the users chose

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Health Care Resume Skills: What to Include (+ Examples)

Find out which skills are important to include on your health care resume. Discover how and where to write health care resume skills and tips for developing your skills.

Listing critical health care skills on your resume can help distinguish you from your competition when applying for a health-related job. Employers can understand the tangible ways you've learned your skills through your education, work experience, and a list of skills on your resume (that they can follow up on during interviews).

What skills should you include on your resume to stand out? Find out how and where to include them, and use our helpful examples. We'll also share some tips on how you can further develop your skills to enhance your health care career.

What is a health care resume? 

A health care resume is a type of resume specific to professions in the health care field. Health care professions hold particular skills, education, experiences, and training that are different from occupations outside of health care.

Because most positions in the health care field require specific formal training, expect to include a separate section that lists skills specific to the position for which you’re applying. A health care resume may have an area that lists fellowships or clinical experiences that some medical professionals require. These elements are unique to health care and offer employers insight into your skills as a medical professional and how you have relied on these skills to advance your career.  

Jobs that require a health care resume 

If you’re applying for a position within the medical field, you will likely need to structure your resume to effectively highlight critical health care skills. The health care field is broad, with varying job titles and responsibilities. Here are a few of those fields: 

Allied health: Allied health is a field of health care focused on the delivery of health care, rather than clinical care. This includes supporting and diagnostic roles and specific skills will vary by job title. Technical skills for these positions usually require completing certificate programs or other training specific to the role.

Example jobs: Dental hygienists , medical transcriptionists , occupational therapists , sonographers , radiographers , medical assistants , pharmacy techs , home health aides , physical therapists , EMTs , speech-language pathologists  

Administration and management: Administration and management professionals in health care are typically planning, coordinating, and managing a medical facility. Some may specialize in a particular type, such as financial management or ambulatory services. Some managerial positions require leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving, while technical skills will vary depending on the facility, legal parameters, and more.

Example jobs: Administrative assistant, medical staff coordinator, community health director , health care administrator , quality assurance coordinator

Medical providers and nurses: Medical providers undergo extensive training. From a bachelor’s degree to residency, the average duration to become a medical provider is eleven years. During this time, doctors learn technical skills specific to their specialty but also critical personal skills and licenses necessary to the medical profession. 

Example jobs: Primary care physicians, dentists, anesthesiologists , nurses , home health aide , personal care aide

Read more: Is Health Care a Good Career Path? Outlook, Jobs, and More

Key skills to list on a health care resume

Health care is a vast field with many different facets. You can work in health care in many ways, from a supporting position as a medical billing specialist to a patient care provider as a nurse. The skills you’ll need to succeed in health care depend on your career track in the field of health care. 

Technical skills 

Health care professionals who work directly with patients in clinical roles will need different technical skills than professionals who work on the non-clinical side of health care; however, you’ll find overlap in the knowledge of HIPPA laws and basic medical terminology. 

 Clinical (direct patient care; providers, allied health) 

First aid/CPR 

Adhere to HIPAA

Check and monitor vital signs 

Assess a patient’s symptoms 

Diagnose conditions and provide appropriate treatment 

Administer medical treatments 

Interpret lab results 

Develop treatment plans as needed 

Advise patients on treatment options 

Non-clinical positions (supporting health care roles; administration, clerical)

Office skills 

Insurance billing 

Medical codes and terminology 

HIPAA compliance 

Scheduling software 

EMR software 

Data entry 

Record patient history

Personal skills 

Most health care professionals understand the importance of compassion and empathy when supporting or treating patients. 

Good bedside manner

Compassion and empathy 

Good communication 

Listening skills 

Problem-solving 

Critical thinking 

Non-clinical positions (supporting roles in health care; administration, clerical)

Detail oriented

Ability to multitask 

Works well as a team 

Good communicator 

Detail oriented 

Attention to detail 

How to include health care skills on your resume 

Your skills as a health care professional should be immediately evident on your resume and demonstrated in each work experience description. It should be clear to employers how you developed those skills over time with real-world examples.

1. Include skills relevant to the position. 

Employers should be able to quickly assess if your skills fit the job description or not. Tailor your skills to the job description by including specific skills referenced in the job description. This will also improve your chances of applicant tracking software (ATS) picking up your resume. Optimize your resume with these keywords and include only skills relevant to the job posting.

Take advantage of the cover letter 

Cover letters offer an excellent opportunity to explain precisely how your skills would benefit an employer more in-depth. Use the cover letter as your introduction, further unpacking the skills you hold and how you plan to rely on these skills.

How will your qualifications and skills as a health care professional add value to the employer?

Highlight professional experiences or point to achievements or accolades that illustrate how you’ve developed skills and gained professional success due to this skill set.  Be sure to connect your skills to a specific position or job title. 

2. Mention skills in your professional summary.  

Highlight critical skills right away in your resume summary. Use these two to three sentences to give employers insight into your qualifications for a position by highlighting key skills and credentials that make you a suitable applicant. Using adjectives to describe yourself is a great way to pull in your skills concisely. For example, you could begin with “Organized care coordinator with five years experience in….” 

3. Weave skills throughout your resume.

Your health care resume should have a section devoted to your skills as a professional in health care with brief examples. It’s also vital to integrate skills throughout your resume. For example, if you list in the skills section that you are flexible and adaptable, describe in your work history section how you used these skills successfully.

4. Be specific. 

Avoid vague and ambiguous adjectives that are hard to quantify when listing your skills. Instead of listing “good communicator” as a skill, think of a creative way to be more descriptive. Try, “skilled in patient-provider interactions" instead. Tying real-world experiences and examples to the skills highlighted on your health care resume is always helpful.

5. Choose the best format based on your qualifications.

You can format your health care resume in a few different ways. The format you choose depends on your level of experience and education. You can choose the functional format, ideal for entry-level positions; the chronological format, best for management or supervisory positions; and the combination format for mid-level positions. 

With functional formatting , you’re focusing on skills over work history. List skills summary first, just after your resume summary. The skills summary section notes how you have demonstrated proficiency in specific skills through various experiences beyond work history.

The chronological format lists your work history from most recent to least recent. This format is ideal for those with a lot of professional experience. It’s also the preferred formatting for most health care resumes. With this format, you will still have a separate list of your skills, education, and summary.

A combination format gives equal weight to work history and skills. As with the functional resume, have your skills section at the top of the page, just after the summary. List your work experience after the skills section or toward the bottom of the page. These resumes are ideal for health care professionals seeking a mid-level job title.

6. Use a professional layout. 

The layout is as important as the formatting. When creating a health care resume, choose a professional format. Enhance the readability by using headers, bullet points, and bold text where appropriate. As a general rule, lay out your health care resume with: 

12 point font

10-inch margins

Ample use of white space

Headers for each section 

Four to five bullet points per job title 

One page limit (two pages may be appropriate for 10+ years of experience)

Example of a health care resume

Health care resumes typically include a title, personal information, a resume summary, a skills summary, experience, education, and certifications section. You may also have additional sections such as accomplishments, accolades, awards, and publications. Here is a sample template of what to include on a health care resume:

Headline (name and professional title if you already have one) 

Contact information (phone, email, LinkedIn) 

Resume summary (two to three-sentence explanation of your career goals and objectives)

Education (university name and degree awarded in reverse-chronological order; also include residencies or fellowships, if applicable) 

Work experience (organization, job title, responsibilities, skills used, accolades, and so on listed in reverse-chronological order)

Skills ( list of both technical and workplace skills, with brief examples of how you have applied these skills)

You may change the order of these sections based on the format you choose and omit or add to these elements depending on your level of education and experience. 

Consider this example of a health care resume for a patient care coordinator position with five years of experience in her role: 

Jane E. Doe

Patient Care Coordinator 

Personal information 

Phone: 123-456-7890

Email [email protected]

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janeedoe 

Dedicated patient care coordinator with five years of experience managing patient care, implementing and monitoring treatment plans, and evaluating patient progress. Assisted in the grant writing process to secure funding for Acme Medical Center through the Health Care Coordinators and Navigation Grant. CCCTM certified with a degree in Health Care Administration. Looking to improve patient outcomes by providing support and quality care to patients at ABC Hospital. 

Skills Summary 

Coordinate patient-care services to offer quality care 

Work as a team member to evaluate possible patient interventions

Give compassionate patient care for improved patient outcomes 

Communicate plan of care to family and caregivers of patients 

Accurately record patient history and documentation per HIPAA compliance 

Work History 

Patient Care Coordinator, ABC Medical Center. July 1 to present 

Develop patient treatment plans based on provider’s notes 

Manage patient care coordinators within the medical center 

Advise caregivers of patient progress 

Communicate patient outcomes to medical providers 

Assist other patient care coordinators in the development of treatment plans 

Patient Services Coordinator, Maple Street Hospital, January 2018 to July 2021

Advised patients on viable treatment plan options 

Communicated patient concerns and feedback to medical providers 

Explained treatment options to patients 

Evaluated results of treatment plans and communicated outcomes 

University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 2010-2014

Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration 

Relevant coursework: principles of health care administration, health care marketing, health care human resources, and legal and ethical environment in health care 

Tips for developing key health care skills 

Need to build your skill set as a health care professional? You can find many ways to learn new skills or build upon existing skills in demand for the position you seek. Research the top skills for the job you’re applying for, and choose the best way to gain experience in those skills. Enroll in an online course, earn a certification, or apply for entry-level positions or volunteer opportunities. Developing your skill set can also help you meet your future career goals. 

Courses like Career 911: Your Future Job in Medicine and Health Care offered by Northwestern University can help you learn critical skills to succeed in health care. You can list courses on your resume to demonstrate your breadth of abilities to employers.

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