What Top 7 Skills to Put on Your Resume This 2025 (and What Employers Should Look For)

This 2025, resumes are more than a job application. They’re a strategic tool to prove you’re not just qualified, but future-ready. Whether you’re actively job hunting or considering a career shift, it’s time to rethink what skills belong on your resume. And if you’re a hiring manager, knowing what to look for beyond buzzwords is crucial to building a high-performing remote or hybrid team.

This guide unpacks the top 7 skills to put on your resume for 2025, shaped by the evolving job market, remote work demands, and the AI-powered recruitment landscape. Let’s dive in.

Why Skills Matter More in 2025

Hiring today is increasingly skills-first. Employers are prioritizing what candidates can do over where they went to school or even how long they’ve worked.

Here’s why this shift matters:

• Remote and hybrid work require self-motivation and collaboration across time zones.
  
• AI and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) scan resumes for keyword-rich, skill-based content.
  
• Cross-functional teams are the norm, demanding broader competencies.
  

For job seekers, showcasing skills in a clear, targeted way is essential. For employers, recognizing true skill depth over generic labels helps reduce mis-hires.

The Top 7 Skills to Put on Your Resume This 2025

1. Digital Communication & Asynchronous Collaboration

In a remote-first world, being able to express yourself clearly through writing and async tools (like Notion, Slack, or Loom) is non-negotiable.

Employers look for:

• Clear written communication
  
• Proactive status updates without micromanagement
  
• Team alignment via async platforms
  

Show it on your resume: “Led remote team of 6 via Slack and Notion, reducing meeting time by 35%”

2. AI Fluency (for All Roles)

No, you don’t need to code an AI model. But you do need to understand how AI tools (like ChatGPT, Grammarly, or AI search engines) enhance productivity.

Employers look for:

• AI tool usage in day-to-day workflows
  
• Comfort adapting to tech trends
  

Show it on your resume: “Used ChatGPT to draft client proposals, reducing writing time by 50%.”

3. Cross-Functional Thinking

Today’s lean teams need employees who can think beyond silos.

Employers look for:

• Collaboration with product, ops, marketing, etc.
  
• Systems-level thinking
  

Show it on your resume: “Coordinated product launch with sales and support teams, leading to a 15% increase in upselling.”

4. Problem Solving in Dynamic Environments

Fast-changing markets reward candidates who remain calm under pressure and solve problems with limited direction.

Employers look for:

• Initiative and resourcefulness
  
• Data-driven decisions under uncertainty
  

Show it on your resume: “Resolved 30+ customer escalations per week during Q4 surge with 95% satisfaction rate.”

5. Digital Literacy and Remote Tool Mastery

You should be comfortable navigating remote tech stacks.

Employers look for:

• Tools: Google Workspace, Trello, Zoom, Airtable, Notion
  
• Efficiency using digital workflows
  

Show it on your resume: “Built automated reporting system in Airtable, saving 4 hours/week.”

6. Inclusive Communication & Cultural Awareness

Remote teams often span continents. Inclusive communication ensures everyone is heard.

Employers look for:

• Empathy in communication
  
• Experience working across diverse teams
  

Show it on your resume: “Collaborated with regional teams across APAC, adapting product messaging for cultural relevance.”

7. Self-Leadership & Independent Execution

Remote work thrives on self-starters.

Employers look for:

• Ownership over goals
  
• Ability to manage deadlines without supervision
  

Show it on your resume: “Independently managed client onboarding, reducing churn by 10%.”

What Employers Should Actually Look for in Resume Skills

Don’t just scan for buzzwords. Look for:

• Evidence of application (e.g., “increased X by Y using Z”)
  
• Relevance to the job
  
• Modern, industry-aligned tools
  

Avoid resumes that list 30+ skills with no context. A tight, tailored skills section beats a generic one every time.

Bonus: Skills vs. Traits

A skill is something you can teach or prove (e.g., “project management”). A trait is a personal quality (e.g., “detail-oriented”).

Tip: Frame traits in a skill-based context.Instead of “team player,” write: “Facilitated weekly cross-department standups to ensure project alignment.”

How to Customize Your Skills for Each Application

1. Analyze the job post: Look for repeated skill-related keywords.
   
2. Mirror the language: Use their terms when honest (e.g., “async workflows”).
   
3. Tailor your top 3-5 skills to match the role.
   

Pro Tip: Update your resume summary to spotlight the top 3 role-specific skills.

Resume Skills by Role Type

Marketing: AI copywriting, funnel testing, async creative reviews
Customer Success: CRM proficiency, customer de-escalation, video walkthroughs
Tech/Engineering: Prompt engineering, GitHub collaboration, LLM integration
Admin/Operations: Notion databases, workflow automation, async scheduling
Sales: Remote pitching, CRM pipelines, data-informed prospecting

FAQs

How many skills should I list?

Stick to 7–10 relevant, high-impact skills.

Should I separate hard and soft skills?

You can, but context beats categorization. Blend them naturally.

Where should I put my skills on the resume?

List them in a dedicated section and embed them in your experience bullets.

Can I include AI skills if I’m not in tech?

Yes. Show how AI makes your work better.

Do freelance/side gig skills count?

Absolutely. Just back them up with real outcomes.

Conclusion

In 2025, showing the right skills is more important than ever, especially in a competitive, remote-first job market. Whether you’re applying for a new role or hiring one, it’s time to look beyond generic lists and focus on future-proof, results-driven abilities.

If you’re looking for remote roles with attractive compensation and benefits, check out these openings.