When hiring managers scan your resume, they’re not just checking if you’ve done the job before, they’re looking for proof that you have the tools to do it well and the traits to work with others effectively.

That’s where technical and soft skills come in. One shows what you can do, the other shows how you do it — and together, they help your resume stand out in a crowded stack.

Let’s break down why both matter and how to showcase them clearly.

What Are Technical Skills?

Technical skills are the hard, job-specific abilities you’ve gained through training, education, or experience.

Examples:

• Excel or Google Sheets
• Programming languages like Python or HTML
• Graphic design using Canva or Adobe
• SEO tools like Ahrefs or Google Analytics
• ESL teaching platforms like Zoom or ClassIn

These skills show employers that you’re qualified to do the work.

What Are Soft Skills?

Soft skills are your personal attributes and how you work with others. They’re just as important, especially in collaborative or client-facing roles.

Examples:

• Communication and active listening
• Adaptability and time management
• Problem-solving
• Leadership and teamwork
• Emotional intelligence

Soft skills show that you’re easy to work with — and that you can handle challenges professionally.

Why You Need Both on Your Resume

Think of it this way:

Technical skills = what you can do
Soft skills = how you do it

Hiring managers don’t just want a checklist of tools, they want people who can communicate, adapt, and deliver results under pressure.

A resume that balances both types of skills creates a well-rounded picture of you as a professional.

Where to Put These Skills on Your Resume

1. Dedicated Skills Section

List both technical and soft skills in a bulleted list. You can group them:

Technical Skills: Excel, Google Analytics, Canva
Soft Skills: Time Management, Collaboration, Communication

2. Inside Your Work Experience

Mention how you used your skills to achieve results.

“Led a 5-person team (soft skill) to create visual assets in Canva (technical skill), increasing social media engagement by 25%.”

3. In the Summary Section

Briefly describe your strengths as a mix of both.

“Resourceful marketing assistant with strong communication skills and proficiency in digital tools like Canva and Google Ads.”

Final Tip: Match the Job Description

Use the exact language in the job ad — if it says “collaboration” or “data visualization,” and you’ve got those skills, mirror those words in your resume. This helps you pass both ATS filters and human eyes.

TL;DR: Don’t Choose Between the Two

You don’t have to pick one. Technical skills show you can do the job. Soft skills show you can thrive in the job.

Want a plug-and-play resume template with a balanced skill section? Let us know in the comments!