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List of Important Technical Skills with Examples

List of Important Technical Skills with Examples

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a job so that you stay ahead of the changes in your field before someone points out that your technical skills are outdated.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


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