Resume Skills and Certifications to Include

Everyone · Explainer · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What Are Resume Skills and Certifications?

Resume skills are the abilities you have that relate directly to the job you want. These include hard skills—measurable, teachable abilities like coding, typing, or operating machinery—and soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Certifications are official documents or credentials earned from recognized organizations after completing training or passing exams. Examples include certifications like “Certified Nursing Assistant” or “CompTIA A+ Certification.”

Together, skills and certifications show employers not only what you can do but also that you have demonstrated competence through formal validation. For example, “Microsoft Excel proficiency” is a skill, but “Microsoft Office Specialist Excel Certification” is a certification proving your skill has been tested and recognized. It’s important to understand that skills describe your capabilities, while certifications confirm those skills through a credential.

How Do Skills and Certifications Work on a Resume?

Skills and certifications serve as clear markers that employers and automated systems look for when scanning resumes. Employers use them to quickly determine if your qualifications match the job requirements. For example, if you’re applying for a digital marketing position, you might list skills like “SEO” and “content creation.” Including a certification like “HubSpot Content Marketing Certification” confirms that you have formal training in that area.

Here’s a simple table showing how to list skills and certifications side by side:

In this way, the skills describe what you can do, and certifications back them up with proof. Employer software called applicant tracking systems (ATS) scans for these keywords. Using the exact wording from job descriptions and including relevant certifications increases the likelihood your resume will be noticed.

Why Do Skills and Certifications Matter for Job Seekers?

Skills and certifications matter because they clearly show you are qualified for the job. For example, if the employer requires “advanced Excel” skills, listing that skill along with a “Microsoft Office Specialist Certification” confirms you meet this need. This reduces uncertainty for the employer and strengthens your application.

Employers often use ATS to filter out resumes without the required keywords. Including both skills and certifications that match the job description makes your resume more likely to pass these electronic filters. Certifications also show commitment to your profession and ongoing learning, which employers value.

For example, a project management certification signals that you understand industry standards and best practices, beyond just having experience. Overall, relevant skills and certifications help set you apart from candidates who only list job titles or vague experience.

What Are Common Mistakes People Make About Skills and Certifications?

A frequent mistake is mixing up skills with experience. Skills are what you can do, like “graphic design” or “data entry.” Experience shows how you have used those skills, such as “created marketing brochures for two years.” Both are important but serve different purposes.

Another error is listing irrelevant or outdated skills and certifications. For example, including a CPR certification when applying for a software engineering role may not add value. Similarly, listing expired certifications without noting their status can confuse employers.

Some candidates list generic skills like “Microsoft Office” without specifying proficiency levels or certifications to prove expertise. It’s better to specify, for example, “Microsoft Excel – Advanced” and include any related certification. Avoid overwhelming your resume with too many skills; focus on those most relevant and supported by certifications or experience.

How Should You Choose Which Skills to Include?

Choosing the right skills means matching your abilities to the job’s requirements. Follow these practical steps:

1. Read the job posting carefully: Highlight the skills and certifications mentioned multiple times.
2. Pick your strongest matches: Identify which of your skills and certifications align best with the job needs.
3. Include both hard and soft skills: Hard skills like “Python programming” and soft skills like “team collaboration” both matter.
4. Use the employer’s language: Mirror the exact wording from the job description to help your resume pass ATS filters.
5. Prioritize verified skills: Include skills supported by certifications or recognized achievements.

For example, if a job ad emphasizes “customer service” and “CRM software,” you might list those exact phrases and add a certification like “Salesforce Certified Administrator.”

How Should You List Certifications on Your Resume?

Certifications should be clearly visible and easy to find. Create a section titled “Certifications” or include them under “Professional Development” or “Education.” For each certification, include:

• Full certification name
• Issuing organization
• Date earned (and expiration date if applicable)
• Credential ID or verification link if available

Example format:

Only list certifications relevant to the job. If a certification is being renewed, note that clearly, for example, “PMP Certification – Renewal in progress.”

What Are the Next Steps After Identifying Your Skills and Certifications?

After listing your skills and certifications, take these actions to enhance your resume:

• Customize your resume for each job: Adjust your skills and certifications to match the specific job description.
• Earn new certifications: Look for certifications that improve your qualifications and can be completed online or locally.
• Use specific examples: In your work experience section, describe how you used your skills, such as “Utilized Excel to analyze sales data monthly” or “Managed social media campaigns, increasing follower engagement.”
• Combine skills with experience: Show how you applied your skills to achieve results rather than just listing them.
• Keep your resume current: Update your skills and certifications as you gain new ones or renew existing ones.

Checklist for effective inclusion:

• [ ] Identify job-relevant skills and certifications
• [ ] Use exact keywords from the job posting
• [ ] List certifications with issuer and dates
• [ ] Include a balanced mix of hard and soft skills
• [ ] Avoid irrelevant or expired certifications
• [ ] Provide examples of skill application in your job descriptions

Refer to related articles such as What Skills to Put on a Resume and Resume Skills Versus Experience Explained for further help.

Frequently asked questions

Can I include certifications I earned online on my resume?

Yes. Online certifications from reputable organizations are valid. Always include the full name, issuer, and date earned to maintain credibility.

How can I effectively demonstrate soft skills on my resume?

Instead of simply listing soft skills, provide examples in your work experience section that show how you applied them. For instance, “Collaborated with a team to deliver projects on tight deadlines.”

Should I put skills and certifications before or after work experience?

It depends on your situation. If your skills and certifications are strong selling points, place them near the top. Otherwise, list them after your experience section.

What if I have many certifications? Should I list them all?

Focus on certifications relevant to the job. Too many can overwhelm readers. You can offer a link to a professional profile or portfolio for additional credentials.

How do applicant tracking systems (ATS) affect how I list skills and certifications?

ATS scan resumes for keywords. Using exact phrases from the job posting for skills and certifications improves your chances of passing these automated filters.

Are volunteer certifications worth including on a resume?

Yes, if relevant. For example, a CPR certification earned through volunteering can be valuable for healthcare or childcare positions. Always include context and certification details.