Jobs are hiring based less on university degrees and more on in-demand skills. If you fail to mention those skills on your resume, the applicant tracking system (ATS) can filter out your resume. 

So you need to develop strong marketable skills. But what kinds of skills should you improve and feature on your resume?

One way to do this is to use Jobscan’s resume scanner, you can compare your skills to the job description you’re applying for. Our tool highlights missing keywords based on the job description. With this, you can ensure you include the required skills on your resume. 

Using our data, we’ve identified the most in-demand resume skills for 2024 and the best places to grow your skills to give you a competitive edge in your job search.

What skills are in demand in 2024?

We analyzed over 10 million of job descriptions to identify in-demand resume skills for 2024. We can anticipate the most desired skills of 2024 by looking at our data trends from 2022 and 2023.

Hard skills in demand in 2024

Hard skills are technical, job-specific skills. Highlighting measurable hard skills on your resume the catches attention of ATS and recruiters. 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. Education, finance, data security, and healthcare use AI to make work more productive. 

From 2022 to 2023 alone, our data shows an increase in AI skills listed in job descriptions by 75 percent. This is only going to continue to soar in 2024.

As more industries embrace AI, it will stay among one of the best skills to have in 2024 and beyond. 

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. Data analysis skills

Identifying, examining, and interpreting data has practical applications across industries. Spotify, Amazon, and even Starbucks use data analytics to target and delight customers. Data analysis helps you understand your business. It informs decision-making, adjusts budgets, and solves problems. 

Mastering Excel, learning data-specific software, and leveraging AI to assist in data analysis are crucial skills hiring managers are looking for in 2024.

How to learn data analysis skills to put on your resume

Master data analysis skills by reading:

• Data Analyst Resume Skills

You can build your data analysis skills to showcase on your resume by taking the following classes:

• Share Data Through the Art of Visualization by Google on Coursera
• Excel Skills for Business on Coursera
• Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate on Coursera

3. 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 various job descriptions. 

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

4. Cloud computing skills

Experts expect the high demand for technical skills in cloud computing to continue as the global market for cloud computing increases to $1.6 trillion by 2030. Some of the key in-demand skills you should know about cloud computing include:

• Cloud foundations
• Automation
• Cloud management
• Cloud architecture

Growth in cloud computing in organizations will make cloud migration and cybersecurity skills more appealing on your resume and among the best skills to learn. Cybersecurity knowledge you need includes:

• Basics of network security
• Intrusion detection systems, intrusion prevention, remote access, and virtual private networks (VPNs)
• Security controls
• Risk management

How to learn cloud computing skills to put on your resume

Learn everything you need to know about tech roles and read:

• Top 10 Software Engineer Skills to Put on Your Resume

Build on your cloud computing and cybersecurity skills with the help of various courses.

• Google Cloud Training
• Introduction to Cloud Computing by IBM on edX
• Foundations of Cybersecurity by Google on Coursera

5. Marketing skills

Whether you’re promoting yourself or a product, marketing skills are versatile. They emphasize:

• Research
• Strategic thinking
• Creativity
• Customer relationship management (CRM)

Marketing skills aren’t only for marketers. If you’re seeking a job in sales, project management, operations, and more, marketing skills can help set you apart. 

How to learn marketing skills to put on your resume

For a comprehensive view of every key marketing skill you need to stand out in your job search, read:

• Top 10 Marketing Manager Skills to Put on Your Resume

Upskill your marketing knowledge with courses like:

• Google Digital Marketing & E-Commerce Professional Certificate on Coursera
• Attract and Engage Customers with Digital Marketing by Google on Coursera

TIP: If a skill isn’t relevant to the job description you’re applying for, remove it from your resume.

Soft skills in demand for 2024

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 in-demand skills that hiring managers value in potential candidates.

1. Collaboration skills

Teamwork and collaboration are valuable soft skills. Working in isolation is becoming rare. Teams may not always agree, but harnessing their members’ diverse skills, knowledge, and perspectives produces amazing achievements. 

Strong collaboration skills enable:

• Effective problem-solving
• Conflict resolution
• Creative decision making
• Innovation

How to learn teamwork skills to put on your resume

Collaboration and communication go hand-in-hand. Read about essential communication skills:

• The Top 5 Communication Skills to Put on Your Resume

You may have developed strong 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. Interpersonal skills

Some people are born with good interpersonal skills, but you can also learn them. Interpersonal skills, also known as social skills, involve understanding others. These skills include reading and responding to social cues effectively. 

Interpersonal skills help you:

• Communicate effectively
• Be an active listener
• Build relationships
• Support your colleagues and team members

Strong interpersonal skills are valued in a collaborative work environment in any industry. These skills can be applied to any job you have. They will also go with you as you pursue better opportunities. 

How to learn interpersonal skills to put on your resume

You develop interpersonal skills by interacting with the people around you. They include sub-skills that are in high demand. Understand their importance by reading:

• 5 Interpersonal Skills You Need on Your Resume

3. Leadership skills

Showing strong leadership demonstrates motivation, trustworthiness, and communication skills. This is valuable to potential employers, even if you’re not seeking a management role. 

Leadership skills show that you can:

• Facilitate group conversations
• Mentor others
• Accept and give constructive feedback
• Manage conflict
• Be accountable for your work

How to learn leadership skills to put on your resume

Learn about necessary leadership skills to develop that will impress your employer by reading:

• Leadership Skills You Need to Include on Your Resume That Employers Actually Look For

Improve your leadership skills with the following courses.

• Leading with Vision on LinkedIn Learning
• Leading Diverse Teams & Organizations on Coursera

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. 

How to learn analytical skills to put on your resume

To learn more about analytical skills, read:

• Analytical Skills to Include on Your Resume
• The Top 5 Problem-Solving Skills Employers Want

5. Attention to detail skills

Employers search for candidates who are precise and exact. This leads to better performance and productivity. Attention to detail encompasses:

• Organization
• Time management
• Observational skills

How to learn attention to detail skills to put on your resume

Attention to detail is critical in fast-paced environments and highly precise work. Learn how organization plays a role:

• The Top 10 Organizational Skills to Put on Your Resume

Some people are naturally more detail oriented, but you can develop this skill through new habits. 

• Limiting distractions
• Avoid multitasking
• Get organized
• Make lists to avoid missing anything

In-demand resume skills by industry

Based on our data, we noticed emerging trends on the horizon for several industries. The data suggests that specific skills will give you an advantage depending on the industry you’re in or trying to break into. 

Resume skills for finance

Finance roles have stiff competition, but you can come out on top by investing in the best skills to learn.

Read about what finance skills you need to succeed:

• Top 10 Financial Analyst Skills to Put on Your Resume

Whether you want to work in investment banking, financial planning, financial analysis, or portfolio management, you’ll find some common skills in job descriptions. 

• Accounting
• Project management
• Strategic planning
• Customer relationship management
• Risk management
• Data analysis
• Problem-solving
• Communication 

To stay ahead of the curve, consider advanced learning courses in the future of finance:

• Fintech: Foundations & Applications of Financial Technology Specialization on Coursera
• Fintech Law and Policy on Coursera
• Digital Transformation in Financial Services on Coursera

Resume skills for healthcare

Healthcare professionals hold specific skills, education, and specializations that can set them apart. Healthcare resume skills will be technical for allied health practitioners, administration, and medical providers.

Ensure you develop all the skills you need for a healthcare career:

• Top 10 Medical Assistant Skills to Put on Your Resume
• Key Nursing Skills to Elevate Your Resume and Career
• Top 10 Dental Assistant Skills to Put on Your Resume
• Top 10 Pharmacy Technician Skills to Put on Your Resume

Your highlighted skills will also depend on your role. 

• Technical skills: patient assessment, diagnostics, interpreting lab results, insurance billing, medical codes, etc. 
• Personal skills: compassion, good bedside manner, critical thinking, detail-oriented, flexibility, etc. 

To learn more about healthcare, you can advance your skills with courses.

• AI in Healthcare on Coursera
• Medical Billing and Coding Fundamentals Specialization on Coursera
• Health Informatics Specialization on Coursera

You should weave fellowships, internships, and research experience into your resume and apply your skills in an orchestrated way. 

Resume skills for technology

Hard skills often dominate tech resume skills. Expertise in computers, engineering, analytics, and programming languages is beneficial. It can help you find the job you desire. 

Read more about in-demand tech skills:

• Top 10 Data Engineer Skills to Put on Your Resume
• Top 10 UI Designer Skills to Put on Your Resume
• Master Web Developer Skills for a Thriving Career

Some of the most sought-after technology skills are:

• Python
• Structured query language (SQL)
• Data analysis
• Javascript
• Software development
• Cybersecurity
• Cloud computing
• Linux
• UI/UX
• Cascading style sheets (CSS)

You can upskill your tech skills by investing in courses:

• Introduction to Cybersecurity Essentials by IBM on Coursera
• Tools of the Trade: Linux and SQL by Google on Coursera
• Automate Cybersecurity Tasks with Python by Google on Coursera

Resume skills for marketing

Modern marketers must be experts in all channels. They must understand how each channel works and how it impacts marketing strategy.

Read more about developing marketing skills:

• Top 10 Account Manager Skills to Put on Your Resume
• Top 10 Marketing Manager Skills to Put on Your Resume

To transition to your next role in marketing, you need to have a proven track record in skills like:

• Creativity
• Communication
• Analytical thinking
• Digital marketing, SEO, CRM
• Data collection and visualization

To advance your career and your skillset, upskill and reskill with the help of courses.

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialization on Coursera
• Data Analytics Methods for Marketing by Meta on Coursera

Resume skills for trades

Trade skills in demand depend on your trade. To apply for residential trades such as construction, plumbing, or electrical work, you will need:

• Project management skills
• Health and safety training
• Knowledge of OSHA
• Attention to detail
• Time management

Trade skills are often lucrative. Education is cheaper than traditional degrees, and apprenticeships offer paid training opportunities. To get an interview, you need to emphasize your experience and build your skills.

• Safety in the Utility Industry on Coursera
• Construction Management Specialization on Coursera

Use Jobscan’s Resume Scanner to Pass the ATS

Don’t leave out essential skills that could land you the job. Use Jobscan’s 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 see an overall score so you can maximize your resume’s strength as you edit.

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