Jobs are hiring based less on university degrees and more on in-demand skills. If you fail to mention those skills on your resume, hiring teams will have an impossible time finding your resume in the applicant tracking system (ATS).
So you need to develop strong marketable skills. But what kinds of skills should you improve and feature on your resume?
One way to make sure you’re including the most valuable skills is to use resume scanner. You can compare your skills on your resume to the job description you’re applying for. Our tool shows your missing keywords and abilities based on the job description. With this, you can ensure you include the most impactful skills on your resume.
Using our data, we’ve identified the most in-demand resume skills for 2025 and the best places to grow your skills to give you a competitive edge in your job search. Aside from this report on skills rising in popularity, also read our guide of the best skills for your resume by overall demand.
What skills are in demand in 2025?
We analyzed millions of job descriptions to identify in-demand resume skills for 2025. We can anticipate the most sought-after skills of 2025 by examining our data trends from 2023 and 2024.
Hard skills in demand in 2025
Hard skills are technical, job-specific skills. Highlighting measurable hard skills on your resume catches the attention of recruiters when they search for these skills in the ATS. You can learn and enhance your hard skill proficiency to make your resume stronger. These are among the best skills to learn for your job search.
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills
AI is a learned skill, and its tools are growing in every industry. Jobs rely on writing tools, image generators, productivity tools, and automation in many industries. A range of sectors, from education, finance, data security, to healthcare, utilize AI to enhance productivity.
From 2024 to 2025 alone, our data shows a 30% increase in AI skills listed in job descriptions. This is only going to continue to soar in the coming years.
As more industries adopt AI and the technology continues to evolve, it will remain one of the most valuable skills to possess in 2025 and beyond.
And if you’re a student looking for skills for your resume, AI should definitely be on there.
How to learn AI skills to put on your resume
Dive into AI courses to leverage tools and add to your resume. Some courses include:
- AI for Everyone on Coursera by DeepLearning.AI
- Generative AI Learning Path on Google Cloud Skills Boost Program
- Career Essentials in Generative AI or Building Generative AI Skills for Business Professionals on LinkedIn Learning
- AI for Business Specialization from the University of Pennsylvania on Coursera
- AI Foundations for Everyone on Coursera by IBM
2. Computer science skills
A strong foundation in computer science is indispensable in today’s tech-driven world. It’s all about computational thinking, solving complex problems, and designing efficient systems. This knowledge is crucial for everything from developing AI to building secure cloud infrastructure.
Employers need candidates who can not only code but also understand underlying architectures, optimize performance, and leverage new technologies. Mastering programming, data structures, algorithms, and areas such as machine learning and cybersecurity are essential. These skills aren’t just technical; they equip you with powerful analytical and creative tools to tackle 2025’s biggest challenges.
How to learn computer science skills to put on your resume
You can build your computer science skills to showcase on your resume by taking the following classes:
- Microsoft Python Development Professional Certificate on Coursera
- Introduction to Cloud Computing by IBM on edX
- Foundations of Cybersecurity by Google on Coursera
3. Systems design skills
As the scale and complexity of software systems continue to increase, systems design skills are highly sought after by many tech companies. For improved scalability, reliability, and performance, organizations rely on employees with strong systems design skills. It’s not just about writing code, but about architecting a robust, scalable, and maintainable system.
The technical knowledge you need includes:
- Programming languages
- Data modeling and database design
- Security and performance optimization
- Containerization and orchestration
- Cloud computing platforms
How to learn systems design skills to put on your resume
Build on your systems design skills with the help of various courses.
- AI-Powered Software and System Design by DeepLearning.AI on Coursera
- Software Design and Architecture Specialization on Coursera
4. Engineering
Whether you’re building a groundbreaking product or optimizing an existing system, engineering skills are foundational. They emphasize:
- Programming languages
- Data structures and algorithms
- Version control
- Database management
As technology evolves, so does the engineer’s toolkit, but the fundamental principles of problem-solving, analytical thinking, and systematic design remain indispensable. This demand is only going to continue to soar in the coming years.
How to learn marketing skills to put on your resume
Upskill your engineering knowledge with courses like:
- Systems Engineering by MathWorks on Coursera
- IBM Data Engineering Professional Certificate on Coursera
- Engineering Project Management Specialization on Coursera
5. Project management skills
Balancing projects with a team requires project management skills. Project-based work across industries requires practical project management skills.
Project management helps you:
- Get more work done
- Balance priorities
- Adapt to changing conditions
- Examine past performance
You don’t have to be applying for a project management position to need the skill. Employers see the value and include it in job descriptions for a range of roles from healthcare, engineering, sales, to marketing, IT, and more.
How to learn project management skills to put on your resume
Upskill your project management skills with the following courses:
- Foundations of Project Management by Google on Coursera
- Introduction to Project Management by IBM on Coursera
- Google Project Management Professional Certificate on Coursera
- Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification through the Project Management Institute
Tailor your resume to the job description and include the right skill.
Soft skills in demand for 2025
Soft skills are behavioral or personality traits that help you communicate and work with others. While soft skills are more difficult to measure on your resume, they are just as sought-after as hard skills, and hiring managers value them in potential candidates.
1. Communication skills
Effective communication is one of the most important interpersonal skills. The days of working in isolation are becoming rare, and while teams may not always see eye to eye, their ability to openly share diverse skills, knowledge, and perspectives is what truly drives remarkable achievements.
Strong communication skills enable:
- Effective problem-solving
- Conflict resolution
- Creative decision making
- Innovation
- Effective customer service
How to learn teamwork skills to put on your resume
You may have developed strong communication and teamwork skills in previous roles, but to level up your skill set, consider taking the following courses:
- Teamwork Essentials: Stand Out as a Valuable Team Member on LinkedIn Learning
- Teamwork Skills: Communicating Effectively in Groups on Coursera
- High Performance Collaboration: Leadership, Teamwork, and Negotiation by Northwestern on Coursera
2. Management skills
Strong management skills are highly sought after, reflecting the increasing complexity of workplaces and the need for effective leadership. Beyond traditional administrative tasks, modern management demands a blend of strategic thinking and interpersonal skills. Leadership skills, good communication, problem-solving ability, and adaptability are paramount.
The demand for these skills stems from the adoption of collaborative work models, making the ability to motivate, empower, and manage diverse teams crucial. Organizational skills and time management skills can be rolled up into the pillar of management. Additionally, the rapid pace of technological advancement and global shifts necessitates managers who can adapt quickly, think critically to solve unforeseen challenges, and strategically plan for the future.
Strong management skills are highly valued in a collaborative work environment across all industries. These skills can be applied to any job you have. As you pursue better opportunities, management skills can translate to other roles and workplaces.
How to learn management skills to put on your resume
You develop management skills by:
- Reading books about management techniques and styles
- Finding a mentor
- Practicing active listening, organization, and delegating
- Embracing opportunities to lead at work
3. Problem-solving skills
Problem-solving is a critically demanded soft skill. It’s the ability to identify, analyze, and effectively resolve challenges, whether they’re routine operational hitches or complex strategic dilemmas. Employers are actively seeking individuals who can think critically, approach unforeseen obstacles with a proactive mindset, and devise innovative solutions. This encompasses skills like analytical thinking, critical thinking, creativity, decision-making, and adaptability.
Employees who can not only recognize problems but also dissect their root causes, explore multiple solutions, and implement effective strategies are invaluable. They contribute directly to efficiency, innovation, and an organization’s resilience, enabling businesses to navigate complex landscapes and maintain a competitive edge.
How to learn problem-solving skills to put on your resume
Improve your problem-solving skills with the following courses:
- Solving Problems with Creative and Critical Thinking on Coursera
- 10 Habits of Great Problem Solvers on LinkedIn Learning
4. Analytical skills
Analytical skills involve interpreting data, analyzing information, thinking critically, and problem-solving. These skills also include making strong decisions based on the analysis.
These skills are in high demand because they help with:
- Pattern recognition
- Brainstorming
- Integrating new information
- Theorizing and hypothesizing
- Decision-making based on multiple variables
Most work demands analytical skills, so it’s not uncommon to see it in most job descriptions, especially high-income roles.
How to learn analytical skills to put on your resume
Build your analytical skills with courses like:
- Analytical Thinking to Drive Insights on LinkedIn Learning
- Analytical Thinking to Evaluate Conclusions on LinkedIn Learning
- People and Soft Skills for Professional and Personal Success by IBM on Coursera
5. Research skills
Research is the ability to effectively gather, evaluate, and synthesize information from various sources to inform decisions and solve problems. Employers highly value individuals who can not only locate relevant data but also critically assess its credibility and extract meaningful insights. This includes skills like information literacy, data analysis, critical evaluation, and synthesis.
It’s not just a skill for academics—the demand for strong research skills is driven by the sheer volume of information available and the need to make data-driven decisions. Whether it’s understanding market trends, analyzing competitor strategies, or developing new solutions, the capacity to conduct thorough and insightful research is crucial for any organization aiming to innovate and stay competitive.
How to learn research skills to put on your resume
Some people are naturally good researchers, but you can boost your research skills by learning new research methods, technology to aid in research, and AI tools. Try the following courses:
- How to Research and Write Using Generative AI Tools by LinkedIn Learning
- Market Research on Coursera
- User Experience Research and Design on Coursera
Use a resume scanner to find the right skills for your resume
Don’t leave out these core competencies that could land you the job. Use a resume scanner tool to quickly generate a resume report that tells you what skills you’re missing, how important they are in the job description, and scores your resume. This information lets you tick every box to be the best candidate.
Here’s an example of our match report—it illustrates which skills you’ve included that match the job description and which skills you’re missing based on what the hiring manager is looking for. You’ll also see an overall score so you can maximize your resume’s strength with your changes.
Tailor your resume to the job description and include the right skills
FAQs
What skills are most in demand now?
Keep in mind that the demand for skills can vary depending on industry trends, technological advancements, and global events. It’s essential to stay updated on industry-specific requirements. Here is a list of skills that are likely to remain relevant:
Digital Literacy:
• Proficiency in using digital tools and platforms.
• Familiarity with cloud computing services.
Data Analysis:
• Data interpretation and analysis skills.
• Experience with data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI.
Programming and Coding:
• Coding skills in languages such as Python, Java, or JavaScript.
• Knowledge of web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning:
• Understanding of AI and machine learning concepts.
• Experience with AI/ML frameworks and tools.
Cybersecurity:
• Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices.
• Experience with cybersecurity tools and protocols.
Adaptability and Flexibility:
• Ability to adapt to change and learn new skills quickly.
• Flexibility in handling different tasks and responsibilities.
What skills can I learn in 3 months to get a job?
A DevOps and Software Engineering Certificate is a 3-month course. You will learn how to build applications, use automation tools, and more. This can help you build your resume for the growing industry.
User experience and development meet with web development. The University of Michigan has a 2-month course, Web Design for Everybody, to introduce hard skills like JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS3 that will look attractive on your resume.
Account management skills help you work in sales roles and build relationships outside an organization. Salesforce Sales Operations Professional Certificate teaches you how to use valuable client relationship management (CRM) tools to manage account details. In 3 months, you’ll learn skills that can transfer across industries and improve your resume.
What skills are important in 2025?
Essential resume skills in 2025 include:
• AI skills
• Computer science skills
• Systems design skills
• Engineering skills
• Project management skills
• Communication skills
• Management skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Analytical skills
• Research skills
