Hiring managers and recruiters are always on the lookout for potential employees with great technical skills that are vital for completing specific tasks and thereby helping the company achieve its goals.
Unlike soft skills, technical skills continuously change over time. This is why it is important to promptly upskill even after landing a job so that you stay ahead of the changes in your field before someone points out that your technical skills are outdated.
Types of technical skills
Technical skills are often mastered through training as well as hands-on experience. Though many think technical skills are most relevant to the information technology (IT) sector and other science-related jobs, several other industries too require employees with specific technical skills.
For instance, while computer programmers need to be technically proficient in a variety of coding languages, technical skills may be required by customer service representatives in order to manage customers who use mobile telephony systems. Educators may need to have technical skills in order to use instructional design technologies and learning platform programs, which can include attendance, student behavior monitoring and grading.
Almost every job depends on the use of different tools, programs and processes. And this makes technical skills an essential component in every employee's resume. Take a look at the following examples of technical skills that you are bound to chance upon in the job postings from specific industries:
Retail and Food Service: Point of Sale Software (POS)
Architecture and Engineering: Software for CAD
Adobe software: Design and photography
Healthcare: Electronic Medical Record software (EMR)
Shipping and Transportation: Software for Logistics Management
Journalists and writers: Content Management Systems (CMS)
Accounting and Finance Software: Bookkeeping Software
Sales and Marketing: Customer Relationship Management Systems (CRM)
Most Important Technical Skills
Based on an analysis of more than 3 million job postings, the following are the most important technical skills:
C++
SQL
Python
Java
R
HTML
Ladder
JavaScript
Servers
Network Security
Big Data
Algorithms
SPARK
SAS
Artificial Intelligence
Ruby
Examples of Technical Skills
Big Data Analysis
Nearly all industries today rely on data. This could be data about clients or data about the success of their products. Companies can easily get data but they need people who can organize and interpret it. Employers value the following data analysis skills:
Algorithms
Analytical Skills
Big Data
Calculating
Compiling Statistics
Data Analytics
Data Mining
Design Database
Database Management
Documentation
Modeling
Modification
Need Analysis
Quantitative Research
Quantitative Reports
Statistic Analysis
Programming and Coding
Employers will consider applicants with coding experience, even if the job isn't for a coder or programmer. A strong candidate for many jobs will be able to code and understand multiple programming languages. These are some of the most important technical skills required for IT job candidates:
Coding
Computing
Configuration
Debugging
Design
Development
Hardware
HTML
Implementation
Information Technology
ICT (Information and Communications Technology).
Network Architecture
Network Security
Networking
Operating Systems
Programming
Restoration
Security
Servers
Storage
Structures
Systems Analysis
Technical Support
Troubleshooting
Useability
Project Management
Although it might seem like a soft skill rather than a hard one, project management is essential for all technical projects. Complex programs and systems are often required to manage these projects. Take a look at the technical skills involved in project management.
Benchmarking
Budget Planning
Fabrication
Performance Review
Project Planning
Quality Assurance
Quality Control
Scheduling
Task Delegation
Task Management
Social Media Management & Digital Marketing
You will stand out from your competitors if you are able to explain your experience on certain media platforms and quantify those results. Skills in this area are especially useful for those looking for jobs in marketing, public relations, web development, and any other related to digital marketing.
Content Management Systems (CMS)
Blogging
Digital Photography
Digital Media
Networking
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Web Analytics
Automated Marketing
Technical Writing
Writing is a common job that requires you to communicate complex ideas in an easy-to-understand manner. Clients and manufacturers might need you to write press releases, web content or user manuals. Take a look at the technical skills required here:
Data Gathering
Research
Expertise in Subject Matter (SMEs)
Technical Documentation
Information Security
Microsoft Office Certifications
Video Creation
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Cloud/SaaS Services
Are your current technical skills relevant for the hiring scenario at top tech companies? Get professional guidance on what skills you need to gain and how to emerge victorious in technical interviews. Sign up with HiCounselor’s career accelerator program. HiCounselor combines technology and professional mentorship from top tech companies to help you get more interviews and land your dream job faster. We work on the Income Share Agreement where you'll pay us ONLY if you land a job.
HiCounselor has forged technical advances to transform the hiring landscape for job seekers and recruiters alike. Our career accelerator program provides job seekers with coaching and mentorship from industry leaders employed at FAANG companies while recruiters ally with HiCounselor to empower their hiring strategy and hone in on the best candidates. Learn more about HiCounselor here and reach out to us on LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.