What are technical skills: importance & examples
When you think of technical skills, you think of IT, data science or computer programming, right? But that’s not true! Technical skills encompass a vast array of "hard" skills essential in many jobs and industries. Let’s find out more about different technical skills for resumes.
Technical skills are specialized abilities needed to perform specific tasks in real-world situations. Regardless of the industry, knowledge of certain technical skills is necessary to meet daily work performance requirements.
A study by SHRM revealed that 83% of HR professionals have seen a decline in the quality of applicants, with one-third attributing this to a lack of technical skills. So, possessing additional technical skills that potential employers seek can make for more viable candidates.
When comparing an applicant who possesses only soft skills with one who has both soft skills and technical skills, employers are more likely to choose the latter. Let’s understand the meaning of technical skills and their importance.
Also read: Hard skills vs. Soft skills
Contents
What are technical skills?
When you define technical skills, they refer to the specialized knowledge and expertise to perform specific tasks and utilize tools and programs in real-world situations. These skills are essential across nearly every field and industry, from IT and business administration to health care and education.
Traditionally, technical skills were IT and tech related. They were associated with fields such as computer science, mechanics, and IT. Well, that’s not the case anymore! Due to technological advancements, even industries that did not traditionally require technical skills now consider them essential.
For example, technical skills are employed to use various instruments and follow protocols to convert biological and physical phenomena into data and charts. Similarly, technical skills are used alongside clinical analysis and other techniques to count tissue samples in the medical field. Knowing how to operate data management systems and perform data analysis is a vital technical skill from the perspective of a customer service rep.
Importance of technical skills
Technical skills are key for businesses for a variety of reasons. Regardless of the sector, the tasks employees perform daily rely on different tools and processes. Ensuring employees have the necessary technical skills to perform their jobs successfully, which in turn means better productivity.
It ultimately results in a competitive edge for the business. Along with this, LinkedIn feels the “skill of the moment” in 2024 is adaptability. It is critical for both organizations and employees.
According to D2L’s U.S.-based survey, 92% of learning leaders believe effective training and development programs contribute to higher employee retention. Taking this into account, organizations must provide technical skills training for their employees.
Technical skills examples
Technical skills examples for resumes vary based on the specific requirements, job titles, and level of expertise required. Some websites provide 130+ Technical Skills for Your Resume [+Examples]. But, do you really need so many? Here is the list of technical skills for different industries: –
Healthcare
- Electronic health records (EHR) systems
- Medical imaging and analysis software
- Health informatics and data management
- Telemedicine and remote patient monitoring
Manufacturing
- Computer numerical control (CNC) programming
- Industrial robotics and automation
- Supply chain management software
- Quality control and six sigma methodologies
Engineering
- Computer-aided design (CAD) software
- Finite element analysis (FEA) tools
- Internet of Things (IoT) and embedded systems
- Robotics and automation technologies
Education
- Learning management systems (LMS)
- Educational software development
- Virtual and augmented reality in education
- Gamification and interactive learning technologies
Finance
- Financial modeling and analysis
- Risk management and compliance software
- Algorithmic trading and quantitative analysis
- Blockchain technology and cryptocurrency
Media and entertainment
- Video editing and production software
- Animation and visual effects (VFX) tools
- Content management systems (CMS)
Information technology (IT)
- Programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, C++)
- Cloud computing (e.g., AWS, Azure)
- Cybersecurity and network security
- Data analysis and visualization (e.g., SQL, Tableau)
Marketing and advertising
- Search engine optimization (SEO)
- Social media analytics and advertising platforms
- Marketing automation tools
- Data-driven marketing and analytics
Retail
- Point of sales (POS) systems
- E-commerce platforms and website development
- Inventory management software
- Customer relationship management (CRM) tools
Energy and sustainability
- Renewable energy systems and technologies
- Energy management and monitoring software
- Environmental impact assessment tools
In the competitive job market and the introduction of generative AI, technical skills have become essential for job seekers. To progress in one’s career, understanding the true meaning of technical skills is paramount. Advanced technical skills present promising opportunities and contribute to career growth.
Jobseekers are encouraged to go through these technical skills examples for resumes. It will help organize these technical skills, showcasing their diverse abilities.