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How To List Microsoft Office Skills On A Resume (With Examples)

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Summary. The best way to include Microsoft Office skills on a resume is to showcase specific accomplishments you’ve achieved using Microsoft Office software rather than using generalizations. Highlight your experience, not just your proficiency.

Microsoft Office is the backbone of many companies and organizations. Because of this, HR departments want to know that if they hire you, they won’t need to train you on the basics.

In this article, you’ll learn which Microsoft Office skills are worth brushing up on and featuring on your resume.

Key Takeaways:

The top three Microsoft skills that employers are looking for are Microsoft Excel Skills, Microsoft Word Skills, and Microsoft PowerPoint Skills.

When applying for jobs, start by checking the job description to make sure you highlight any specific skills listed there.

If you haven’t used many Microsoft programs and don’t have an understand of it, don’t lie and list skills on your resume that are not real.

How to List Microsoft Office Skills on a Resume

Types of microsoft office skills, more microsoft office skills, proficient in microsoft office, beyond your resume, ways to improve your microsoft office skills, microsoft office skills faqs.

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When it comes time to show off your Microsoft Office skills while you’re applying for a new job, it can be difficult to know how to present them. As always, start by checking the job description you’re applying for to make sure you highlight any specific skills listed there. Then, incorporate them into your job experience if they fit well. For example:

Managed department’s budget and purchases with intermediate skills in Microsoft Excel Coordinated with three other offices to complete projects using basic Microsoft Teams skills Compiled, formatted and distributed quarterly reports to all staff using advanced skills in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Outlook

Something like the above section is perfectly fine, but it’s not exactly going to stop and make hiring managers go “wow.” For that, you’ll need to demonstrate your Microsoft skills with quantifiable achievements, like:

Saved Product department $20,000+ annually on metallic resources and contractor spending by creating budgeting sheet with Microsft Excel Increased efficiency of cross-team projects by 12% through effective weekly memos drafted on Microsoft Word Created PowerPoint presentations for Sales staff, leading to a 8% higher conversion rate and 6% boost in subscriber retention

The above experience section showcases proficiency in Microsoft Office by showing examples of achievements, rather than telling the recruiter basic job responsibilities.

If your work experience doesn’t lend itself to featuring your Microsoft Office qualifications in this way, you can add them in a separate skills section. Paint a picture of what you can do with each platform instead of simply saying that you can use it.

Your skills section might look something like this:

Relevant Skills Microsoft Word: Advanced skills creating and editing company memos, reports, and newsletters so that formatting remains consistent with company style guides. Used mail merge to create and send personalized emails to company employees and customers. Microsoft Excel: Basic skills entering and sorting data. Used simple formulas and filters to organize customer contact information for the department. Microsoft Outlook: Intermediate skills using Microsoft Outlook to send and manage emails and calendar events.

Some of the more specific Microsoft Office skills you need to hone depend on your job, but the basics tend to stay the same across industries. No matter what you do for a living, you need to be able to easily throw together a nice-looking document, spreadsheet, or presentation.

Having a working knowledge of each platform will also allow you to more easily pick up on the more specific ins and outs of the programs you will be using for your particular job.

Microsoft Excel Skills

Even if you aren’t going to be making complex data reports in Microsoft Excel, you still need to know how to interact with this program on some level.

You should especially make sure that you can list these skills on your resume if you’re going to be working with data, finances, or in any administrative setting. Here are some more specific skills to hone and then mention on your resume :

Creating and editing formulas. Formulas are some of the most useful features in Excel. They can be tricky to get the hang of, though, so being able to create and adjust these quickly will make you a much more valuable employee.

Once you know the basics, work on learning how to connect formulas across documents, between graphs, and more.

Using pivot tables. Pivot tables allow you to read and manipulate large amounts of complex data quickly and accurately.

Being comfortable with these will set you apart from other applicants, especially in an administrative or data-driven position, so make sure you work on your skills in this area and then list them on your resume.

Formatting graphs and charts. Knowing how to use and manipulate the charts and graphs in Excel is important to being able to present data well.

Beyond the technical aspects of this, it’s also important that you know which styles are best for the information you’re trying to present. Choosing the right type and then designing it to be easy to read can make all the difference when you’re trying to present data.

Sorting data. Even if it’s just making a simple alphabetical list, it’s important to be able to sort data in Excel.

Knowing how to use multiple filters is ideal, as even the simpler spreadsheets you use may need to be sorted in a few different ways. Practice adding and using these filters quickly and without mixing up the cells.

Creating workbooks and sheets. While it may not be a highly technical skill , knowing how and when to separate sheets and workbooks is vital. Each situation may call for a different setup, but knowing how to do this makes your document usable.

Microsoft Word Skills

Microsoft Word is one of the most versatile Microsoft products. You’ll need basic skills in this program no matter where you work, since reports, memos, and project plans are created in Word. Plus, it works well across Macs and PCs, making it easier to share documents without having to worry about converting files.

Make sure to add this to the skills section of your resume regardless of what position you’re applying for. Here are some more specific areas of expertise you should have as well:

Formatting documents. Few things look more unprofessional than a poorly formatted Word document. From font sizes to spacing, you should know the general norms and features of proper formatting.

Knowing how to create a document with multiple columns, appropriate headers and footers, and professional fonts will save you from embarrassment and make you a more valuable employee.

Using proofreading and editing tools. Microsoft added some very handy tools to Word that allow you to catch errors and changes that you wouldn’t normally be able to as easily.

For example, you can show every line break and space so that you can troubleshoot your formatting or compare two different documents to see what changes have been made. Knowing how to use these tools and others like them will help you be a more efficient and effective employee.

Making and using templates. Whether they’re helping you do your job more efficiently or they’re an organization-wide requirement, Word templates are common in many workplaces. Knowing how to use them is vital, and knowing how to make them is even better.

Incorporating text boxes, photos and other elements. You might find yourself needing to know how to add pull quotes, photos, and charts and graphs into your document. Being able to insert, create and format these elements will help you reach a higher level in your Word skills.

Microsoft PowerPoint Skills

You might associate Microsoft PowerPoint with lectures and conferences, but this program is useful for the layman presenter as well. Companies also use PowerPoint to provide training or announcements to employees, even if they simply email the presentation out.

Even if the position you’re applying for doesn’t require you to use it very often, knowing your way around PowerPoint only adds to your value as an employee. If you’re comfortable with this program, be sure to include it on your resume, as well as any of these more specific skills :

Creating and working with custom templates and themes. Many organizations make PowerPoint templates and themes to match company branding. Depending on your job, you’ll either need to know how to use them, how to create them, or both.

Using the notes feature. Although the technical aspects of putting notes in with your slide aren’t complicated, the real skill comes in knowing what types of information should go there instead of in the slide itself.

Some of this is a style choice that varies from person to person, but knowing the basic principles is beneficial.

Printing the presentation in handout form. Whether your job is to assist your boss in preparing for a presentation or giving updates to important investors yourself, knowing how to print out a PowerPoint presentation in handout form is a valuable skill to have.

Thankfully, the program has presets for this; you just need to know how to find them on both a Mac and a PC.

Designing an engaging presentation. This is also a skill that requires a good amount of practice, but as a professional, you should know the basic principles of a quality PowerPoint presentation.

Take note of good presentations you watch and work to hone your communication skills in this area, as this will increase the value that you bring to a business.

Incorporating animations and multimedia elements. To have truly effective PowerPoint skills, you should know how to incorporate multimedia elements like videos into your slides.

Similarly, knowing the different animations you can add to a presentation and then using them tastefully is also a valuable skill to have.

While Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint are some of the most widely used Microsoft Office products, you may want to consider building up and listing these other skills on your resume as well:

Microsoft Outlook. This email platform is a common one for companies to use, as it works well for large groups.

Getting to know not only its mail functions, but also its more detailed scheduling and sorting components will bring you extra favor with a potential employer, especially if you’re going to be working in a communication-based role.

Microsoft Publisher. Microsoft Publisher is used to create materials like event programs and newsletters, so it’s good to be at least familiar with it. Learn the formatting techniques that come with printing booklets and other multi-page documents to really make an impression.

Cross-platform functions. One of the benefits of Microsoft Office is how well each program works together. For example, you can use the mail merge function to create and send out personalized emails using the data you’ve entered in an Excel spreadsheet, all without leaving Word.

Even if this skill isn’t mentioned in the job description, it’s good to bring up since it shows that you’re an efficient employee who truly knows Microsoft Office.

OneNote. OneNote is a virtual, shareable notebook. It also allows you to add links, photos, and documents to your notes, making it a valuable tool for sharing research and other information with your team. While this isn’t as commonly used as Microsoft Word, it is worth at least having a basic understanding of the program.

Office 365. With the rise of remote work and Office 365, it’s important that you know how to use some of the more popular programs within it such as Microsoft OneDrive and Microsoft Teams.

OneDrive is a shared storage space, and Teams is a project management system that allows you to message and video chat with your team members. Knowing your way around these will make you more attractive to employers, as they will have to spend less time training you if they use these programs regularly.

Many candidates opt for the phrase “Proficient in Microsoft Office” on their resume. While this is a useful phrase to include, we should take a moment to discuss the meaning of “proficient.”

Someone who is proficient in Microsoft Word should easily be able to create, design, and format documents that look professional and error-free. A proficient Microsoft Excel user is someone who can develop and run a variety of functions, create meaningful pivot tables, and design charts that look great and convey data in an easy-to-understand way.

Be able to back it up. Don’t make the mistake of bragging about proficiency if you’ve only made spreadsheets to track static data or used PowerPoint to create super basic presentations in school. A few well-placed Microsoft interview questions will reveal the limits of your knowledge, which is a bad look.

Don’t include it unnecessarily. Everybody knows the basics of Microsoft Office, and that’s why we recommend leaving it off your resume most of the time. For example, if you’re a high-level tech person, hiring managers will assume you know how to operate the most universal program suite on the planet.

Make sure it’s relevant. If you’re applying for a job that doesn’t use computers whatsoever (they do exist), then you can also leave off this irrelevant skill set.

It’s usually a good idea to mention your Microsoft Office skills in your cover letter and interview as well, especially if the position you’re applying for puts an emphasis on them. Have a few examples ready of projects where you used your abilities and what you can do on each platform.

Be ready to demonstrate your skills by brushing up on any rusty areas before your interview . If your interviewer asks you about something that you don’t know how to do, be honest. Tell them that you don’t know and then explain how you would figure out how to do it. This shows that while you aren’t perfect, you are able and willing to teach yourself new skills.

If you want to step up your Microsoft Office skills and really earn that “Proficient in Microsoft Office” title, there are several good routes to take.

Take a course. There are countless online courses dedicated to teaching the most advanced ways to utilize the Micorosft Office suite.

Find a mentor . You can also find a mentor who has more advanced skills with Microsoft Office (and a desire to share those skills). Mentorship doesn’t have to be a super formal thing — it can be as simple as meeting with someone for an hour once a week to learn how to do something new with Excel.

Use YouTube. Don’t sleep on the power of YouTube tutorials. There’s an endless amount of content creators who’ve put together videos explaining just about everything you could imagine using Microsoft Office for. Whatever specific skill you’re hoping to gain and wherever your current skill level is, there’s a channel for you.

Practice. There’s a good chance you regularly use Microsoft Office in your personal life anyway. These programs are super useful for organizing your life outside of work, after all.

What are basic Microsoft Office skills?

Basic Microsoft Office skills are being able to create, open, modify, save, and send documents using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. These are generally considered the basics of Microsoft Office.

However, being able to perform more complex tasks with Microsoft Office and showcasing that experience on your resume will help you to stand out.

Is it too late to learn Microsoft Office skills if I don’t already know them?

No, it isn’t too late to learn Microsoft Office skills if you don’t already know them. You can teach yourself Microsoft Office through guided tutorials online, or you can take more official courses and receive certifications.

Do I need to know Microsoft Publisher for office jobs?

No, you don’t necessarily need to know Microsoft Publisher for office jobs. Microsoft Publisher might be useful for administrative assistant roles or for those who own and operate their own small business.

However, the basic Microsoft Office skills required for office jobs generally include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

What are Microsoft Excel skills?

Microsoft Excel skills include working with formulas, sorting data, and creating graphs and charts. Including these slightly more advanced Excel skills on your resume can help you stand out from applicants who are only familiar with basic Excel functions.

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Abby is a writer who is passionate about the power of story. Whether it’s communicating complicated topics in a clear way or helping readers connect with another person or place from the comfort of their couch. Abby attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she earned a degree in writing with concentrations in journalism and business.

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Microsoft Office Skills on Your Resume: Guide, Detailed Examples and Best Practices for 2024

Here are the top ways to show your microsoft office skills on your resume. Find out relevant microsoft office keywords and phrases and build your resume today.

Is your resume ATS-friendly?

Drop your resume here or upload a file to find out if the skills in your resume are readable by an ATS.

What are Microsoft office skills and why are they wanted on your resume

Examples of microsoft office skills for your resume, microsoft office skills: key takeaways for your resume.

Microsoft Office skills are no rocket science, but curating them with intent could actually be your winning strategy.

Listing them on your resume could help you:

highlight your aptitude for analyzing and systematizing data,

communicating ideas in a creative manner,

and so forth.

It goes without saying that the Microsoft Office (MSO) package includes the tools generating the bread and butter of any modern-day business.

And with HR's schedules being as busy as ever, training new staff on how to use Microsoft Office isn't on anyone's agenda.

But have you ever thought about how you'd actually list your expertise in Word or Excel without sounding like Captain Obvious?

Read on to find out how to turn the #1 essential office skill set into an opportunity to showcase that you are the perfect candidate for the job.

What are the three most common things you'd find in any office?

Desks, computers, and Microsoft Office products. That's why it's important to show that you can use them (referring to Microsoft Office - the other 2 are pretty obvious).

The MSO includes:

Microsoft Word - to create editable text files and reports with different proofreading and language tools.

Microsoft Excel - an editable spreadsheet, used to systematize data sets with formulas, pivot tables, macros, graphs, etc.

Microsoft PowerPoints - to organize your creative ideas within a presentation, while keeping audiences engaged.

Microsoft Access - managing and storing your business-crucial information database.

Microsoft OneNote - digital space to share information with your colleagues.

Microsoft Publisher - to create customizable templates for marketing and advertising materials (e.g. flyers, newsletters, brochures, etc.).

Microsoft Outlook - an email platform, used also to schedule meetings.

Microsoft Skype - space for virtual calls between colleagues and/or clients.

The Microsoft Office skill set includes an understanding of these 8 products.

It's often that we see two main mistakes professionals tend to make when listing them.

The first is that they completely forget to include their MSO skills; even though the job advert explicitly requires them.

When Applicant Tracker Systems sifts through their documents and doesn't allocate these "vital, missing skills", the candidate's whole application could be marked as 'unsuitable'.

The second case we see is: resumes with "MSO skill set is good", where the candidate hasn't put any actual thought into why they included this phrase. They think of MSO skills as just another tick box off their checklist.

If your resume is written like one of the examples above, don't worry - this is a very common mistake.

That's why we're here to help you with…

Knowing how to use Microsoft Office products pinpoints to a multitude of skills within your resume, but the most common being:

• Analytical & data-focused : at the heart of it all, the Microsoft Office package allows you to sort complex data - whether in Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, etc. Demonstrating this skill set would showcase your ability to manage data and make it understandable - for yourself, your colleagues, or clients.
• Creativity within visual : the ability to take numbers or words and illustrate them with stories, charts, and videos. Microsoft Office allows you to show a special sort of creativity within data management and presentation.
• Organizational skills : the Microsoft Office package allows you to have a more integrated approach towards your tasks and time management. Its full potential is to help keep all of your important files stored and sorted within your very own system - so that you can easily retrieve the latest stats for this morning's client pitch.

How to demonstrate Microsoft office skills on your resume

• If you have worked on projects that have required a more complex understanding of the Microsoft Office suite, you can describe the projects and how this particular skill set has helped you in more details

The way you should be thinking about your Microsoft Office skills is within two categories:

• Your proficiency - whether (or not) you are certified on a more advanced level.

This could not only show your capabilities, but also that you are willing to invest your time to improve your “office” skills / data-management skills.

• Your track record of using Microsoft Office - be specific and results oriented.

If your resume states something along the lines of, “I type up my daily reports in Word”, well, this is a definite red flag.

You can turn the situation around by, for example, writing - “organizing data sets on a tight deadline to create 15+ daily client reports in Excel”.

Now’s that’s a candidate aiming to prove achievements and success!

Let’s now get into more details with examples of how you can include Microsoft Office skills within the different sections of your resume.

Example 1: Show Microsoft Office Skills in the experience section

Job situation: Receptionist applying for the role of Customer Support

• • Used Outlook to schedule 20+ daily appointments within the agendas of senior level staff
• • Updated and maintained all supplier contact details and information within Access
• • Created and updated an inventory of all office supplies with Excel formulas
• • Helped marketing to prepare all PowerPoint presentations for clients - ensuring that correct and accurate information is included

This receptionist is quite familiar with the Microsoft Office tools and has integrated them within his or her day-today tasks, showcasing;

• High-level of trust as they are apt at managing schedules and appointments;
• Responsibility by working with various data management systems to keep all information updated;
• Attention to detail in ensuring the correct information is included.

This goes to show that this receptionists’ job included a lot of different tasks to build trust and ensure responsibility. He or she has seized the opportunity to highlight that there is so much more than meets the eye.

Example 2: Demonstrate Microsoft Office Skills in the resume summary section

Job situation: a junior accountant with 1+ year of experience applying for a financial analyst position

It goes without saying that numbers and reports are a huge responsibility within the world of finance.

In this case, the accountant excels at quickly managing data sets within client communication, all thanks to his or her understanding of Microsoft Office.

Example 3: Show your Microsoft office skills in your achievements sections

Job situation: Marketing Executive looking for opportunities within the fields of communications

In both scenarios, the marketing professional is subtly referring to their expertise within MSO, but with a focus on rather what they’ve achieved.

Example 4: Use a separate skills' section

In this case, we’ve only listed the level of proficiency of the user, as well as their certification.

It is good to have the “Microsoft Office” keyword listed within this section, but without focusing too much on all the different products.

Should I show or say what level my Microsoft office skills are?

You definitely should, especially if the MSO skill set is vital for your job sector (e.g. Excel and financial industry).

Take this segment of your resumes as an opportunity to also showcase if you have received some extra training or certifications because this always goes a long way in font of recruiters.

• Put some thought into why you are including Microsoft Office skills on your resumes by showing examples of your experience
• Be honest about your capabilities of using Microsoft Office - because you don’t want to end up in a situation where your CV states you are an Excel Master , but you don’t know how to make a pivot table
• Be subtle about listing your MO skill set within your resume with a focus on achievements within your responsibilities

About this report:

Data reflects analysis made on over 1M resume profiles and examples over the last 2 years from Enhancv.com.

While those skills are most commonly met on resumes, you should only use them as inspiration and customize your resume for the given job.

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How to List Microsoft Office Skills on a Resume: Best Skills and Examples

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Why employers want to see Microsoft Office skills on your resume

How to list microsoft office skills on your resume, best microsoft office skills to add to a resume, how to improve microsoft office skills.

Microsoft Office is often one of the top skills that employers list in job postings. If you are applying to jobs in an office environment, you will most likely need to include your Microsoft Office skills on your resume. However, even if you have used Microsoft Office programs in the past, you should take care to list certain skills and avoid listing others. Learn how to list Microsoft Office skills on your resume and what to highlight so that your resume stands out from the rest.

Employers want to see that you have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office because it is one of the most widely used productivity software programs and it is used by many businesses. If employers ask for Microsoft Office skills, they typically want to know your capabilities in four core Microsoft Office programs: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Word. Employers may also list proficiency in specific Microsoft Office programs as a requirement for the position, in which case you should include examples of your expertise in the specified programs.

Employers may assume you have basic skills in Microsoft Office, but you can make your resume stand out by including more advanced skills and specific examples of how you’ve used them in previous positions. 

Here are several effective ways you can list relevant Microsoft Office skills on your resume:

1. First, list advanced Microsoft Office skills by program

This is a straightforward way to communicate what you know to the employer. Rather than listing programs or skills you have a basic understanding of, focus on specific programs and applications that you can use proficiently. You can provide a list of skills per program in the ‘Skills’ section of your resume.

2. Then, highlight basic Microsoft Office skills by providing context

If you have a basic understanding of a Microsoft Office program, such as Excel which has many specific and technical functions, you should avoid listing the program as a general skill on your resume so you don’t mislead the employer into thinking you are a proficient Excel user. Instead, you can highlight basic Microsoft Office skills in the bullet points of the ‘Experience’ section of your resume by including how you used Microsoft Office software at previous jobs. 

3. Finally, prove advanced Microsoft Office skills by providing context

If the job description asks for a strong understanding of a particular program, like Excel, you can better highlight your level of proficiency by including examples of where you used advanced Excel skills in previous positions. 

These Microsoft Office skills can add to your resume if they are relevant to the position you are applying for. Certain skills, like creating documents in Microsoft Word and sending emails in Microsoft Outlook, are too basic to mention directly on your resume. If you list more advanced skills such as the ones listed below, the employer can assume that you also understand the basic functions of the given program. 

 Here are some of the best Microsoft Office skills to include on your resume:

Microsoft Excel skills

• PivotTables:  A data analysis tool in Excel that allows you to select and manipulate columns of data in a spreadsheet. 
• Formula functions:  Useful calculation functions include IF/AND/OR functions, Lookup functions and statistical functions. 
• VLOOKUP:  An Excel function that allows you to look up data from a column of a table. 
• Macros : An action in Excel that allows you to record and create a shortcut to perform routine tasks. 

Microsoft Outlook skills

• Share and configure calendars:  Create calendars of your personal schedule, a project schedule and special holiday or vacation calendars that you can share with colleagues. 
• Plan meetings : Set the time and location of a meeting and invite required and optional attendees. 
• Assign tasks:  Assign tasks, set due dates and view in-progress tasks. 

Microsoft PowerPoint skills

• Slide formatting : Add transitions, animation and narration to slides. 
• Formatting and creating templates:  Create and customize templates to suit a presentation and reuse for future presentations. 
• Adding hyperlinks and embedding data:  This allows you to move between different parts of your presentation to open links and documents without exiting your presentation. 
• Broadcasting and sharing slideshows : A feature that allows you to present your slideshow to a remote audience. 

Microsoft Word skills

• Compare and merge documents:  A feature that allows you to compare the differences between documents and merge revisions from one document into another document. 
• Track changes:  A tool in Microsoft Word that shows editing changes, markups and comments on a Word document. 
• Mail merge:  A function that pulls names and addresses from a database into Microsoft Word to facilitate a mass mailing. 
• Developer tab:  A tab in Word that gives access to XML mapping, macro creation and Visual Basic editor. 

Here are several ways you can improve your Microsoft Office skills when you have limited or basic knowledge of a program or need to practice skills you haven’t used in a while:

1. First, take a course in a Microsoft Office program

You can improve your Microsoft Office skills through online tutorials and classes. Microsoft Office offers free online self-study and paid instructor-led prep classes for the certification program to become a Microsoft Office Specialist. 

2. Then, become certified

You can improve your Microsoft Office skills and have a new credential to list on your resume by completing a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), MOS Expert or MOS Master certification. Certificates are available at different levels for Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word. 

3. Finally, practice at work

Once hired, you can use the training process to ask questions and practice specific tools and functions you’ll be using in different Microsoft Office programs.

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Showcase Microsoft Office Skills on Your Resume Like a Pro: A 2024 Guide

Microsoft Office skills are a double-edged sword — what’s essential to one recruiter may seem like resume padding to another. Here’s how to avoid the pitfalls.

9 months ago   •   6 min read

Basic Microsoft Office skills don’t belong on your resume. The key word here is basic . More advanced or job-specific skills, on the other hand, are fair game. But what skills are considered basic in 2024? How do you accurately assess your own skill level? And how do you prove that your skills are genuinely a cut above the rest?

We’ll answer all those questions in a moment, but first: Here’s how to tell if you actually need to put Microsoft Office skills on your resume in the first place.

Do you need Microsoft Office skills on your resume?

Let’s take a look at some industries where Microsoft Office skills are essential (and what skills in particular you should highlight on your resume).

Administrative and secretarial roles

If you’re applying for an administrative role, you should definitely list Microsoft Office on your resume. In particular, you’ll need:

• Word for creating and editing documents
• Excel for basic data management
• Outlook for handling professional correspondence

Data-driven roles

Any job that works with a lot of data is going to require proficiency with Microsoft Office — Excel in particular. Try to highlight more advanced skills like:

• Pivot tables
• Complex formulas

Marketing and sales roles

For marketing and sales professionals, Microsoft Office may not be a huge part of your day-to-day, but you’ll still need PowerPoint presentation skills and the ability to create pitch decks.

On the other hand, there are some situations where it’s less cut and dried:

• Creative or technical roles often require their own specialized software, so prioritize those over general Microsoft Office skills.
• Recent graduates may see Microsoft Office skills as a good way to pad out a resume, but this is more likely to call attention to your lack of experience, unless they’re actually relevant to the role.
• Career changers should focus on transferable skills , but this doesn’t mean they need to be generic. Unless Microsoft Office skills are specifically mentioned in the job post, highlighting your soft skills is the better way to go here.

Now that you have a better understanding of whether to list Microsoft Office skills on your resume — here’s how.

How (and where) to put Microsoft Office skills on a resume

Like most things you want to highlight on your resume, Microsoft Suite proficiency doesn’t just belong in one place. You should aim to highlight it throughout your:

• Skills section
• Work Experience section
• Resume summary

Let’s dive into a little more detail on each of these options.

Listing Microsoft Suite in your Skills section

This is the most obvious place for Microsoft Office skills to go, so it should still be your first stop. Settle on a handful of Microsoft Suite skills to list here — ideally, ones that are listed in the job ad or that you know to be essential to the role.

For example:

SKILLS Microsoft Office Suite: Data Analysis with Excel, Mail Merge in Word, PowerPoint Presentations

Including Microsoft Office-based work experience

What’s even better than listing your skills outright? Showing them in action. If using Microsoft Office software is a major part of the position you’re applying for, you should also aim to include one or two related accomplishments in your Work Experience section.

• Used MS Word to draft and edit memos, correspondence, and reports, improving office efficiency by 20%.
• Leveraged advanced Excel features to maintain and analyze budget data, contributing to a 15% decrease in monthly expenses.

Highlighting key Office skills in a summary

In roles that require a high level of proficiency with Microsoft Office, it can also pay to highlight these skills upfront in a resume summary.

Detail-oriented Project Manager with 5 years of experience and strong expertise in utilizing Microsoft Project and PowerPoint for managing and presenting complex projects.

A helpful approach to determine if you have selected the appropriate section of your resume to highlight your specific Microsoft Office skills is by uploading your resume to the tool below – It will assess whether you have effectively showcased your Microsoft skills and provide insights on which of these skills should be included on your resume.

How to assess your proficiency levels

If you’re not quite sure how your own skills match up to the job you want, here’s a quick guide to deciphering skill levels in a job description.

• Beginner: You’re familiar with basic functions in core Microsoft Suite products, e.g. formatting text in Word, basic data entry in Excel.
• Intermediate: You’re comfortable with more complex tasks and can figure things out on your own, e.g., Mail Merge in Word, basic formulas in Excel.
• Advanced: You’re able to use advanced features effectively and can potentially train others to use them, e.g. Track Changes and Comments in Word, Pivot tables and complex formulas in Excel.

Now, let’s take a look at individual Microsoft Suite tools and what skills hiring managers really want to see on your resume.

Specific Microsoft Office skills for your resume

Microsoft excel.

Excel isn’t just about data entry. If you aren’t familiar with pivot tables, VLOOKUP, complex formulas, and macros, you may not have the level of skill employers want to see when they ask for proficiency in Microsoft Excel. But if you do, you should be as specific as possible about what skills you have and how you’ve used them. For example:

In a resume summary: “Advanced Excel user with expertise in pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and creation of macros for efficient data processing.”

In your Work Experience bullet points: “Leveraged Excel's data analysis capabilities to identify cost-saving opportunities, resulting in a 20% reduction in departmental expenses.”

In an Additional section: List Excel certifications, e.g. “Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Associate” or “Excel Expert.”

Microsoft Word

Unless you’re a true expert in Word, it probably isn’t worth listing on your resume — basic proficiency is expected in just about any professional role.

So, when should you include it? If you've used advanced features (like creating an automated Table of Contents, Mail Merge, or advanced formatting) and you’re in a role where these skills are essential.

Microsoft Outlook

If your Outlook skills are limited to sending and receiving email, it doesn’t belong on your resume. On the other hand, if you’re familiar with its more advanced features, it’s definitely okay to include accomplishments that say so. For example:

Effectively managed executive's complex calendar using Outlook, coordinating over 30 appointments weekly while minimizing conflicts.

Implemented new email categorization system in Outlook, improving response times by 25%.

Microsoft Access

When does MS Access belong on a resume? If you're applying for a role in data analysis or database management, include it. Otherwise, leave it off.

Again, don’t just list “Proficient in MS Access.” Instead, illustrate it with accomplishments like:

Utilized MS Access to design and manage intricate databases, enhancing data retrieval efficiency by 30%.

Other Microsoft Office tools

While other Microsoft Suite tools like OneNote, Teams, and Publisher may seem like attractive resume boosters, more skills don’t always make your resume more appealing. Like with any other skill, your rule of thumb should be: If it’s not in the job description, it doesn’t need to be on your resume.

Common mistakes to avoid

Now that you have a good understanding of what to do — here’s what you should avoid.

Overgeneralization

DON’T: List skills like “Proficient in Microsoft Office.” This is too vague and doesn’t say anything about what you can actually do.

DO: Be specific about the tools you’ve used and what you achieved with them.

Used advanced Excel functions to develop comprehensive sales reports, driving a 15% increase in quarterly revenue.

Including basic skills

DON’T: Include basic skills like “Microsoft Word.” Hiring managers already expect this, so listing it just makes you appear out of touch.

DO: Skip mentioning basic Word processing skills — unless you can tie them to a tangible accomplishment.

Implemented template standardization in MS Word, improving document consistency across the team.

Listing irrelevant skills

DON’T: List every single Microsoft Office product you’re familiar with.

DO: Only list skills that align with the job description.

EXAMPLE: If you’re applying for a Data Analyst position, Excel is a must-have — but Publisher isn’t, even if you’re really good at it.

Instead of listing every single Microsoft Office product you’re familiar with, list hard skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Use the tool below to find the right ones.

Exaggerating your skills

DON’T: Claim to have a skill that you don’t have and can't quickly learn — this is going to backfire on you as soon as you’re asked to use it.

DO: Realize that the skills listed in the job ad are a wish list. As long as you can do the job, you don’t need to have every single skill on the list.

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How to list microsoft office skills on resume.

Getting an edge in the workplace today means having Microsoft Office skills . Showing these on your resume is a must. List and describe your proficiency in Microsoft Office concisely. Employers look for these abilities to handle office tasks. This article will tell you the best ways to list and describe your Microsoft Office skills.

To showcase Microsoft Office skills, create a dedicated section on your resume. Use bullet points and group related skills under subheadings. Describe which applications you are proficient in, like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access . Only list those you have expertise in.

Include specialized skills related to the role you’re applying for. For example, if you know advanced functions in Excel or complex formulas, mention those.

LinkedIn Talent Solutions survey (source) shows Microsoft Office proficiency is one of the top ten most desired job skills. Highlighting this on your resume could get you an interview.

Importance of Listing Microsoft Office Skills on Resume

When crafting a competitive resume, it’s essential to list your Microsoft Office skills. In this day and age, proficiency in MS Office is a must for many job positions. Employers often seek candidates with a strong command of these tools, as they’re widely used in business.

Including your MS Office skills on a resume demonstrates technical expertise, and the ability to efficiently handle various tasks. These skills include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook , and more! Being able to use these tools can make you more valuable to employers.

Highlighting your MS Office skills shows adaptability and motivation to learn new technologies. It indicates you can handle document editing, data analysis, presentations, and email management. This versatility is highly desirable to employers, as it proves you can have an impact in multiple areas.

Moreover, mastering MS Office can set you apart from other applicants. Showcasing advanced skills or certifications related to these tools gives you an edge in the job market. Employers recognize the value of having someone who can handle complex projects and specialized tasks using MS Office.

Take John for example. He applied for an administrative assistant position at a prestigious company, and highlighted his proficient knowledge of MS Office on his resume. This caught the hiring manager’s attention, and John secured an interview and ultimately landed the job due to his strong foundation in MS Office.

Steps to List Microsoft Office Skills on Resume

Highlight your Microsoft Office skills on your resume for a professional boost. Here’s a 6-step guide to help you:

• Prioritize relevant skills for the job you’re applying to.
• Create a “Skills” section to showcase your proficiency.
• Format the section with bullet points or columns.
• Provide specifics about the software applications you know.
• Use action verbs to demonstrate proficiency.
• Highlight real-world examples of successful use.

Remember, accurately listing and describing your Microsoft Office skills can greatly improve your chances of getting an interview . Plus, make sure to continuously update and develop your skills!

Tips for Describing Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Include a designated section on your resume to list your Microsoft Office skills . Use bullets to list programs you know, such as:

• Word : Created and formatted documents, including utilizing advanced formatting options and styles.
• Excel : Created pivot tables, used macros to automate tasks, and analyzed data using advanced formulas and functions.
• PowerPoint : Created visually appealing presentations with custom animations and transitions.
• Outlook : Managed email, calendars, and contacts efficiently and utilized advanced features such as rules and filters.

To show off your abilities, use action verbs like “created” and “formatted”. You can also highlight certifications or training you’ve received.

It’s also good to demonstrate your proficiency. Show projects you’ve done or give references who can vouch for your skills. For example, one applicant showed her advanced knowledge of Word and Excel by linking to a portfolio site with documents she’d created. This made her stand out and she got the job!

Sample Phrases to Describe Microsoft Office Proficiency

Highlight your Microsoft Office expertise ! Use your resume to show off captivating phrases that express your level of skill. For example, say “ Proficient in making dynamic PowerPoint presentations ” or “ Skilled at Excel data organization and analysis .” With descriptive words, you can show off your abilities and make a great impression. Make sure your resume sparkles – use powerful language to show off your Microsoft Office skills!

Additional Considerations for Microsoft Office Skills on a Resume

When you list Microsoft Office skills on a resume, keep in mind some extra factors. Pick skills that suit the job and show off any successes you’ve had. Note your level of expertise, from basic to advanced.

Moreover, think about any certifications or courses about Microsoft Office .

Recruiters expect to see examples of you using these skills on the job.

Pro Tip: Use strong action verbs when explaining your Microsoft Office proficiency for more of an effect.

Microsoft Office skills are an absolute must in today’s job market. Showing you can use tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is a huge plus. Mentioning these skills on your resume boosts your chances of getting a job. Plus, it gives you an edge over other applicants.

Employers like candidates who know Microsoft Office well. This shows they can use the programs and do various tasks. When you list MS Office skills, include the specific programs you know. For example, Excel for data analysis or PowerPoint for presentations .

When you describe how skilled you are, use precise words like “ advanced ,” “ proficient ,” and “ expert .” This helps employers understand your abilities better. Also, provide examples of when you used these skills in the past.

Include any certifications or training courses on your resume. This gives employers assurance that you know MS Office well and are committed to mastering the tools.

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Top Microsoft Office Skills for a Resume: How to List Them

Microsoft Office is a widely-used suite of productivity software that includes applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Proficiency in these tools is essential in many industries, making it crucial to highlight your Microsoft Office skills on your resume.

In this article, we will discuss the top Microsoft Office resume skills and provide tips on how to effectively list them on your resume to increase your chances of getting hired. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, these tips will help you showcase your Microsoft Office skills and stand out to potential employers.

Table of Contents

Why Add Microsoft Office Skills to a Resume?

According to a recent survey conducted by Burning Glass Technologies , proficiency in Microsoft Office is one of the most in-demand job skills across a variety of industries. In fact, the survey found that proficiency in Microsoft Office was listed as a required skill in nearly 8 million job postings in the United States in 2020. By adding Microsoft Office Skills to your resume, you are showing potential employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to use these tools to streamline processes, increase productivity, and improve overall performance.

Additionally, Microsoft Office skills can be a differentiating factor between you and other candidates, making your resume stand out and showing your commitment to professional development.

Examples of Microsoft Office Skills

• Microsoft Word Skills
• Microsoft Excel Skills
• Microsoft Powerpoint Skills
• Microsoft Outlook Skills
• Microsoft Access Skills
• Microsoft Publisher Skills
• Microsoft Teams Skills

Here are some of the most common Office applications and relevant skills to include on your resume:

Microsoft Word:

• Formatting documents
• Tracking changes
• Creating bibliographies
• Creating graphs and charts
• Creating forms and templates
• Using master documents
• Inserting columns
• Setting up password protection
• Adding footers and headers
• Creating mail merge templates

Microsoft Excel:

• Creating and using pivot tables
• Applying conditional formatting
• Using advanced formulas and functions
• Working with macros
• Performing data simulation
• Making lists
• Using sparklines and slicers

Microsoft PowerPoint:

• Designing templates
• Creating charts and graphs
• Inserting media
• Creating animations
• Inserting hyperlinks
• Using the Accessibility Checker

Microsoft Outlook:

• Creating rules
• Archiving emails
• Organizing inboxes
• Making public folders
• Scheduling appointments and meetings
• Using Quick Steps
• Using Quick Parts

Microsoft Access:

• Creating and customizing databases
• Creating queries
• Importing and exporting data
• Producing reports
• Filtering data
• Converting reports to PDFs

Microsoft Publisher:

• Creating and formatting tables
• Manipulating graphics
• Using Design Checker
• Creating web pages
• Working with building blocks
• Designing business cards and promotional materials

Microsoft Teams:

• Setting up and conducting audio/video conferencing
• Using screen sharing
• Using the chat function
• Using Whiteboard
• Using Shifts.

Microsoft Office Skills Proficiency Levels

Microsoft Office skills proficiency levels can vary widely depending on the individual’s experience and training. Some individuals may have a basic understanding of Microsoft Office tools, while others may have advanced knowledge and expertise.

Proficiency levels are typically categorized into basic, intermediate, and advanced levels.

• Basic proficiency refers to the ability to perform basic tasks such as creating simple documents, spreadsheets, or presentations.
• Intermediate proficiency refers to the ability to use more complex features such as advanced formulas, data analysis , and design elements.
• Advanced proficiency refers to the ability to use the software to its fullest extent, including programming and automation.

It’s important to accurately assess your proficiency level and include it on your resume, as it can help potential employers understand your skillset and qualifications for the job.

How to List Microsoft Skills on a Resume

Listing your Microsoft skills on your resume is essential in showcasing your proficiency level and demonstrating your ability to work efficiently and effectively with various tools. Here are some tips on how to effectively list your Microsoft skills on your resume:

• Create a dedicated “Skills” section on your resume and list your Microsoft skills there.
• Customize your list of Microsoft skills to the specific job description, highlighting the skills that are most relevant to the job.
• Categorize your Microsoft skills by application, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access.
• Use industry-recognized terminology and keywords to describe your proficiency level, such as “proficient,” “advanced,” or “expert.”

“Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, with advanced skills in Excel and PowerPoint. Experience in creating complex spreadsheets, including the use of pivot tables and advanced formulas to analyze data and make recommendations. Skilled in designing professional presentations, including the use of multimedia elements and animations to engage audiences. Expertise in using Word to create and edit professional documents, including the use of tracking changes, formatting, and mail merge templates.”

Quantify your skills where possible by including specific examples of how you have used your Microsoft skills to achieve success in past roles.

“Developed and maintained complex Excel spreadsheets to analyze sales data and make strategic recommendations, resulting in a 15% increase in revenue for the company. Designed and delivered professional PowerPoint presentations to executive management, resulting in approval for a new product launch. Managed a high-volume email inbox in Outlook, achieving a 98% response rate within 24 hours for customer inquiries. Utilized advanced Word features, such as formatting and mail merge templates, to create professional business documents that were praised by clients and colleagues.”

• If you have earned any Microsoft certifications, list them separately in a dedicated section to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development.

Here’s an example of how to list Microsoft certifications on a resume to demonstrate ongoing professional development:

Certifications:

• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Excel Expert
• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) PowerPoint
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Office 365

Finally, be prepared to discuss your Microsoft skills during the interview process, as potential employers may ask about your proficiency level and how you have used these skills in previous roles.

Template for Listing Microsoft Office Skills on a Resume

Here’s a template for listing Microsoft Office skills on a resume:

Microsoft Office:

Microsoft Outlook: [proficiency level]

• Using Shifts

Note: Replace [proficiency level] with either “basic,” “intermediate,” or “advanced” depending on your level of proficiency in each application.

How Do I Say I Am Good at Microsoft Office?

To convey that you are good at Microsoft Office on your resume, use industry-recognized terminology to describe your proficiency level , such as “proficient,” “advanced,” or “expert.”

Quantify your skills by including specific examples of how you have used your Microsoft Office skills to achieve success in past roles, and highlight any relevant Microsoft Office certifications you have earned.

Finally, tailor your language to the job description, using the same terms and phrases to describe your Microsoft Office skills as the job posting. Be honest about your skill level and be prepared to discuss your Microsoft Office skills during the interview process.

How Can I Describe My Microsoft Office Skills in an Interview?

To describe your Microsoft Office skills in an interview, be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you have used Microsoft Office tools to achieve success in past roles.

Use industry-recognized terminology to describe your proficiency level, such as “proficient,” “advanced,” or “expert,” and provide examples of projects or tasks you have completed using specific applications, such as Excel or PowerPoint.

If you have earned any relevant Microsoft Office certifications, be sure to mention them and explain how they have helped you develop your skills. Finally, tailor your responses to the job description, emphasizing the Microsoft Office skills that are most relevant to the position.

How Can I Improve My Microsoft Office Skills?

To improve your Microsoft Office skills, there are several steps you can take:

• Take online courses or tutorials: There are many online resources available for learning Microsoft Office, including free and paid courses and tutorials.
• Practice using the software: The more you use Microsoft Office, the more comfortable and proficient you will become. Try to incorporate the software into your daily work tasks whenever possible.
• Experiment with new features: Microsoft Office is constantly evolving, and new features are added regularly. Take the time to experiment with new features and tools to learn how they can improve your productivity.
• Seek out help from colleagues or experts: If you’re struggling with a particular aspect of Microsoft Office, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to colleagues or consult with experts to get the guidance you need.
• Attend Microsoft Office training sessions: Many companies offer internal training sessions for employees to improve their Microsoft Office skills. Take advantage of these opportunities to learn from experts and get hands-on experience.

By following these steps, you can improve your Microsoft Office skills and become more confident and proficient in using the software.

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Top Microsoft Office Skills for a Resume in 2024

In today’s job market, having proficiency in Microsoft Office is an essential skill for any job seeker, regardless of industry or job level. Companies rely heavily on Microsoft Office as it is a widely used software suite that includes popular programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Therefore, having Microsoft Office skills on your resume can be a major advantage in securing a job.

Microsoft Office skills have become a universal requirement in today’s workplace, and employers expect job candidates to have a basic level of proficiency in it. In a highly competitive job market, having Microsoft Office skills on your resume can help you stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of getting hired.

Benefits of having Microsoft Office expertise

Apart from making your resume stand out, possessing Microsoft Office skills can benefit your career in a number of ways. It can improve your communication skills, enhance your organization and time management ability, provide a better understanding of data analysis and financial management, and streamline administrative tasks. Being proficient in Microsoft Office can also help increase your productivity and efficiency at work, which can result in a more successful and fulfilling career.

Overview of the article

This article focuses on the top Microsoft Office skills that are essential for a job seeker to include on their resume. The objective is to provide practical guidance on how to improve your Microsoft Office skills, as well as tips on using Microsoft Office to boost your professional development. This article will also provide information on how to tailor your Microsoft Office skills to fit different job requirements and industries. The following sections will provide an in-depth look into the top Microsoft Office skills to include in your resume:

• Advanced Excel skills
• PowerPoint presentations
• Word processing
• Outlook email management
• Collaboration and teamwork using Microsoft Teams

By including these essential Microsoft Office skills on your resume, you are more likely to receive job offers from top companies that highly regard these skills. This article aims to provide practical and comprehensive advice on how to harness the power of Microsoft Office to elevate your career prospects.

Microsoft Word Skills

Microsoft Word is an essential tool for any professional that requires a high level of writing and documentation. Therefore, it is crucial to highlight your Microsoft Word skills to potential employers.

Here are the top Microsoft Word skills that you can add to your resume:

A. Formatting

Formatting is essential in creating an organized and readable document. In Microsoft Word, formatting includes changing font types and sizes, aligning text, adding page numbers, adjusting margins, and many more. A good grasp of formatting can help you create professional-looking documents.

B. Creating and editing tables

If you need to present data in a structured way, tables are your go-to tool. You should be comfortable creating tables, adding and deleting rows, columns, and cells, formatting cells, merging cells, and applying cell borders and shading. Being able to handle tables with ease will immensely benefit you while creating reports, presentations, and other documents that need data visualization.

C. Utilizing styles and templates

Using pre-designed styles and templates can save you a lot of time when creating documents. You should know how to modify styles and templates according to your needs. It can also help you maintain consistency and professionalism throughout your work.

D. Inserting and formatting graphics

Graphics, such as images, logos, charts, and diagrams, can help you illustrate your ideas and communicate information better. You should know how to insert and format graphics, resize them, adjust their position, and wrap text around them.

E. Creating and formatting bullet points and lists

Bullet points and lists make your document more readable and easier to navigate. You should know how to create bullet points and lists, change their formatting, and manage levels.

F. Using mail merge

Mail merge is a useful feature for creating personalized letters, labels, and envelopes. You should know how to connect your document to a data source, create placeholders for variable data, and run the mail merge.

By highlighting your proficiency in Microsoft Word, you can attract potential employers and prove that you have the technical skills needed to succeed. By mastering these top Microsoft Word skills, you can create professional-looking documents, streamline your workflow, and ultimately enhance your career prospects.

Microsoft Excel Skills

As one of the most widely used applications in the business world, Microsoft Excel has become an essential tool for professionals at all levels. Whether organizing data, analyzing trends, or creating visual representations of information, Excel is an indispensable tool for maintaining organization, increasing productivity, and improving communication.

A. Creating and Editing Spreadsheets

To be competitive in today’s job market, it is essential to have strong Excel skills, including the ability to create and edit spreadsheets. A comprehensive understanding of spreadsheet organization and formatting is necessary for creating clean and intuitive spreadsheets that can be easily navigated by others. This includes knowledge of how to enter and manipulate data, format fonts and cell styles, and create and manage worksheets.

B. Analyzing Data Using Formulas and Functions

Excel’s extensive range of built-in formulas and functions make it possible to perform complex calculations and data analysis quickly and easily. Understanding how to use these formulas and functions, including SUM, AVERAGE, MAX, and MIN, is a critical component of Excel proficiency. Moreover, the ability to develop custom formulas and functions using VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) programming can help take analysis capabilities even further.

C. Formatting Cells and Worksheets

Effective spreadsheet design requires a comprehensive understanding of formatting options. Being skilled in the use of number, date, and time formats, as well as defined named ranges, and conditional formatting, are all essential tools in creating a clear and intuitive worksheet design.

D. Creating and Formatting Charts and Graphs

Creating and formatting charts and graphs is an essential component of Excel proficiency, allowing you to convey complex data in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand manner. Excel’s charting capabilities, including pie charts, line graphs, scatter plots, and more, can help make your data analysis more effective and communicative.

E. Using Macros and VBA

For those looking to take their Excel skills to the next level, VBA programming and the creation of macros can be a valuable time-saving tool. Macros are a series of automated actions that can be programmed into Excel, and when combined with VBA programming, macros can significantly streamline repetitive tasks and improve overall productivity.

F. Data Validation and Protection

The ability to protect your sensitive data is essential in any organization. Understanding data validation and protection techniques is necessary to prevent unauthorized access, data corruption, and other forms of data loss. Protecting ranges of cells with passwords, set-up data validation rules and effective data auditing are essential components of Excel proficiency.

Excel proficiency is an essential skill that can increase productivity, improve communication, and enhance job prospects. Every professional looking to build an impressive resume must include their Microsoft Excel skills showing demonstrated proficiencies in creating and managing spreadsheets, analyzing data, formatting cells and worksheets, charting and graphing, using macros and VBA, and data validation and protection techniques.

Microsoft PowerPoint Skills

As a copywriter and subject matter expert, you know that Microsoft PowerPoint is a powerful tool for creating eye-catching and effective presentations. Being proficient in this tool can be a valuable addition to your resume, and can help you stand out as a candidate in the job market.

Here are some of the main skills you should highlight when listing your Microsoft PowerPoint expertise:

A. Creating and designing presentations

One of the primary uses of Microsoft PowerPoint is creating presentations that capture the audience’s attention and convey information in an engaging way. You should be able to use the various features of PowerPoint to create visually appealing and effective presentations.

This includes elements such as selecting an appropriate color scheme, choosing the right font styles and sizes, and arranging content on the slides in a visually pleasing way. You should be able to create slides that are easy to read and that communicate the intended message effectively.

B. Inserting and formatting text and graphics

A key aspect of creating effective PowerPoint presentations is inserting and formatting text and graphics. This includes tasks such as adding captions, labels, and descriptions, and adjusting images to fit the slide.

You should be able to format text and graphics in a way that enhances their impact and makes them easy to read. This might include adjusting font size, color, and style, and using techniques such as bolding or italics to draw attention to key points.

C. Using slide masters and templates

Another important skill for creating impressive presentations is using slide masters and templates to create a consistent look and feel throughout the presentation.

You should be able to use slide masters and templates to create a cohesive design that maintains a uniform appearance, with consistent color schemes and font styles. By working with templates, you can quickly and easily create professional-looking presentations that impress your audience.

D. Creating and formatting animations and transitions

Another valuable skill for working with Microsoft PowerPoint is knowing how to create and format animations and transitions to keep the audience engaged throughout the presentation.

This might involve adding slide transitions that introduce each new point, or using animations to highlight key points or create visual interest. You should be able to use PowerPoint’s built-in animation and transition tools to create a vibrant and dynamic presentation.

E. Collaborating and sharing presentations

Finally, you should be able to collaborate effectively with others when working on a presentation. This might involve sharing your work with others, receiving feedback and suggestions, and incorporating any changes or revisions suggested by other team members.

In addition, you should be able to share presentations with others through various means, such as email or online file-sharing services. You should also be familiar with how to save and backup your work to prevent loss or damage.

These skills can help you demonstrate your proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint and give you an advantage in the job market. By highlighting your PowerPoint expertise on your resume, you can show potential employers that you have the skills and experience they need to create compelling presentations that make an impact.

Microsoft Outlook Skills

Microsoft Outlook is an essential communication and scheduling tool for many workplaces. To stand out in a job search, it’s important to showcase your proficiency in using this software. Here are the top five Outlook skills to highlight on your resume.

A. Managing emails and attachments

Effective email management is a crucial part of any job. With Outlook, you can streamline your inbox by creating rules to automatically categorize, move, or delete messages. You can also use filters to easily find specific emails or attachments. Knowing how to properly compose and format emails is also important, including creating professional signatures and adding attachments. By showcasing your proficiency in managing emails and attachments in Outlook, you can demonstrate your ability to maintain a tidy and organized inbox.

B. Organizing and scheduling appointments and meetings

Outlook’s calendar feature allows users to schedule appointments and meetings, and send invitations to colleagues. As a subject matter expert, it’s important to highlight your proficiency in using this feature on your resume. You should be familiar with creating and editing appointments and meetings, setting reminders, and responding to invitations. Additionally, you should know how to use the scheduling assistant to find available times for multiple attendees.

C. Creating and managing tasks and to-do lists

Outlook also offers a comprehensive task and to-do list feature. This allows you to prioritize your daily responsibilities and track your progress on projects. On your resume, highlight your expertise in creating and assigning tasks, setting deadlines, and adding notes or attachments to tasks. You should also show that you can easily manage and categorize your tasks to optimize your productivity.

D. Utilizing calendar features

In addition to scheduling appointments and meetings, Outlook’s calendar feature brings additional benefits, such as customizable views and templates. On your resume, demonstrate your familiarity with the calendar feature, including adding and editing events, setting reminders, and utilizing different views. You should also be knowledgeable about how to customize your calendar settings to optimize your workflow.

E. Customizing settings and preferences

Outlook offers many options to customize settings and preferences to fit your specific needs. This includes customizing folders, views, and rules. On your resume, showcase your ability to navigate different settings, personalize the software to fit your workflow, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

Microsoft Access Skills

Microsoft Access is a popular database software that many companies use to manage and organize large amounts of data. As a job seeker, having Microsoft Access skills on your resume can make you stand out to potential employers. Here are some key skills to highlight:

A. Creating and managing databases

One of the core features of Microsoft Access is its ability to create and manage databases. This involves setting up a structured system for storing and organizing data. Some important skills to highlight in this area include:

Creating tables and fields: Access allows you to define the structure of your database by creating tables and fields. This requires a good understanding of database design principles, and the ability to think logically about how data should be organized.

Setting up relationships: In many cases, data in one table will be related to data in another table. Access allows you to define these relationships so that you can query and join data across the different tables.

Defining data types: Access supports a wide range of data types, from simple text and numbers to more complex data structures like attachments and hyperlinks. Knowing how to choose the right data type for each field is important for ensuring data accuracy and efficiency.

B. Designing tables and forms

In addition to creating the underlying database structure, Access also allows you to design user-friendly interfaces for working with the data. This includes designing tables and forms. Some key skills to highlight in this area include:

Creating and formatting tables: Access allows you to customize the look and feel of your tables, including adding borders, changing colors, and formatting text.

Designing forms: Forms provide users with an easy way to view and interact with data. Access allows you to design custom forms that match your specific needs, including adding fields, creating data validation rules, and using macros to automate tasks.

C. Creating and running queries

One of the most powerful features of Access is its ability to run complex queries on your data. These queries can be used to search for specific data, calculate aggregate values, and perform other advanced calculations. Some skills to highlight in this area include:

Writing SQL queries: Access supports SQL (Structured Query Language), which allows you to write powerful queries to manipulate your data.

Using query wizards: Access also provides query wizards, which can guide you through the process of creating common types of queries.

Creating calculated fields: Access allows you to create calculated fields within your queries, which can perform complex calculations on your data.

D. Generating reports

In addition to querying and manipulating data, Access also allows you to generate custom reports. These reports can be used to summarize data, present it in a visually appealing way, and even automate the process of generating reports on a regular basis.

Microsoft Teams Skills

As communication and collaboration continue to become essential in today’s workplace, Microsoft Teams has become an increasingly popular choice for teams to stay connected and achieve their goals. If you have experience working with Microsoft Teams, it can be a significant addition to your resume. Here are the essential skills you should highlight:

A. Communicating and collaborating with team members

Microsoft Teams offers a range of communication channels to keep communication efficient and streamlined, including chat, audio and video calls, and conferences. As a Microsoft Teams user, your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with your team members is critical.

When listing this skill on your resume, consider highlighting how you have used Microsoft Teams to facilitate collaboration and communication within your team, such as initiating virtual meetings, group chats, or video calls.

B. Using chat and video call features

Another essential skill when working with Microsoft Teams is being able to use chat and video call features effectively. With Teams, you can hold virtual meetings with your team members, regardless of location, using audio and video conferencing. You can also share screens with colleagues to illustrate ideas or work collaboratively on projects.

When listing this skill on your resume, emphasize your ability to harness these features to drive effective communication, collaboration, and demonstrate proficiency in using them.

C. Sharing and editing files in real-time

Sharing and editing files securely in real-time is another key skill that you can learn when working with Microsoft Teams. With the platform, you can upload files, documents, and presentations, and manage them alongside other members of your team.

Having the ability to share and co-author documents, for instance, is essential in saving time and maintaining productivity in teams. Be sure to highlight how you have used this feature to manage project timelines and achieve team goals.

D. Managing channels and teams

Teams, with its various customizable features, offers a platform where you can manage channels and teams. As a Microsoft Teams user, it is essential to demonstrate your ability to manage channels and teams effectively.

Include on your resume how you have demonstrated proficiency in setting up channels, managing access rights to files and documents, and providing guidance and support to team members in using these features.

Another important skill that you can highlight when working with Microsoft Teams is the ability to customize settings and preferences according to your preferences. For instance, you can customize notifications or appearance settings based on your work style.

When listing this skill on your resume, show how you have taken advantage of Teams to tailor its features to improve efficiency and productivity when collaborating with your team.

Microsoft Teams is an essential tool that many teams use today to communicate and collaborate. Highlighting the skills you have developed while working with Teams, such as communication and collaboration, using chat and video call features, sharing and editing files in real-time, managing channels and teams, and customizing settings and preferences can help you stand out in a competitive job market.

Microsoft OneNote Skills

If you’re looking to make your resume stand out in the competitive job market, having Microsoft OneNote skills is a great place to start. OneNote is a versatile note-taking and collaboration tool that can help boost your productivity and organization. Here are some essential OneNote skills to showcase on your resume:

A. Creating and Organizing Notes and Notebooks

Creating and organizing notes and notebooks in OneNote is essential for effective note-taking. With OneNote, you can create notebooks, sections, and pages to keep different types of information organized. You can also customize the layout and formatting of your notes to suit your needs.

To demonstrate your skills in creating and organizing notes and notebooks on your resume, highlight any relevant experience you have with:

• Creating and naming new notebooks
• Organizing notes into sections and pages
• Using tags and labels to categorize information
• Customizing the layout and formatting of your notes

B. Using Drawing and Graphical Features

OneNote is not just a text-based note-taking tool. It also includes drawing and graphical features that can help you communicate ideas more effectively. You can use OneNote to sketch diagrams, annotate images, and create flowcharts.

To highlight your skills in using drawing and graphical features on OneNote, consider mentioning any experience you have with:

• Creating and editing images
• Inserting and annotating screenshots
• Drawing diagrams and flowcharts
• Utilizing the built-in OneNote drawing tools

C. Collaborating and Sharing Notes with Team Members

OneNote is a great tool for collaboration. You can share your notes and notebooks with your colleagues or team members and work together in real-time. OneNote also integrates with other Microsoft Office applications, such as Microsoft Teams and Outlook, making it easy to share and collaborate.

To showcase your collaboration and sharing skills on OneNote, you should include on your resume any experiences you have with:

• Collaborating with team members on shared notebooks
• Co-authoring notes and pages in real-time
• Using OneNote with other Microsoft Office applications for team collaboration
• Managing user permissions and access

D. Customizing Settings and Preferences

Customizing the settings and preferences in OneNote can help you tailor the software to your individual needs and preferences. You can configure OneNote to suit your note-taking style and workflow by changing settings for things like page layout, font size, and color scheme.

On your resume, to demonstrate your skills in customizing settings and preferences in OneNote, include any experiences you have with:

• Configuring page layout and structure
• Customizing font size, style, and color
• Changing OneNote theme and color scheme
• Adjusting settings to suit individual workflows

Microsoft OneNote skills are highly valued in today’s job market.

Microsoft Publisher Skills

As a copywriter and subject matter expert, I have found that having strong skills in Microsoft Publisher can greatly enhance your ability to create professional-looking publications. Whether it’s for marketing materials, reports or proposals, Microsoft Publisher is a great tool to have in your toolkit. Here are the top Microsoft Publisher skills to include on your resume:

A. Creating professional-looking publications

One of the most important skills in Microsoft Publisher is the ability to create a polished and professional-looking publication. This involves understanding layout, text formatting, and graphic design. With Microsoft Publisher, you can easily import and manipulate images, shapes, and text to create visually appealing content. Utilizing pre-designed templates is another great way to create professional-looking publications that are ready to print or distribute online.

B. Designing and formatting graphics and layouts

When it comes to designing and formatting graphics and layouts, Microsoft Publisher offers an impressive array of options. It has a wide range of design tools, including shape and image editors, and allows you to create custom graphics that can be manipulated and scaled to fit any project. Microsoft Publisher also has a comprehensive set of layout tools, including the ability to create columns and margins, adjust spacing, and set up headers and footers.

C. Creating and editing text and fonts

Microsoft Publisher allows you to create and edit text in a variety of fonts and styles. You can change font size, color and style, and apply special effects such as shadows and reflections. You can also create custom text boxes and adjust their position, size, and orientation to fit your layout. Additionally, Microsoft Publisher has a range of tools for editing and formatting text, such as spell check, hyphenation, and paragraph styling.

D. Publishing and sharing publications

Once you have created your publication in Microsoft Publisher, you can easily publish and share it with others. You can save your publication as a PDF, which ensures that your file can be viewed and printed on any device. You can also email your publication directly from the program or save it to a cloud storage service such as OneDrive or Dropbox for easy sharing.

Finally, Microsoft Publisher allows you to customize its settings and preferences to suit your individual needs. For example, you can choose which rulers are displayed, configure keyboard shortcuts, and adjust gridlines and snap-to guides. You can also set up default design templates and text formatting options to speed up your workflow.

Having strong Microsoft Publisher skills can greatly enhance your ability to create professional-looking publications. By including these skills on your resume, you demonstrate to potential employers that you have a comprehensive understanding of this powerful publishing tool.

Soft Skills in Microsoft Office

As employers seek not only technical talents, but also certain personality traits in the candidates they hire, it is essential to highlight one’s soft skills on a resume. The Microsoft Office Suite includes various tools that require a particular set of soft skills to operate effectively. Here are some essential soft skills necessary to succeed in Microsoft Office.

A. Time management

Time management is a critical skill in any job, and it becomes even more critical while using productivity tools like Microsoft Office. Excellent time management skills assist in meeting project deadlines and prioritizing tasks within the software. For example, scheduling tasks in Outlook, organizing tasks in OneNote, and creating timelines in Project – all require careful time planning and execution skills.

B. Problem-solving

Not a day goes by without encountering issues while using Microsoft Office. Being able to problem-solve is an essential skill that employers value in Microsoft Office users. It means being resourceful, creative, and able to think critically to identify and resolve issues when they arise. These could include anything from fixing an Excel formula, debugging a Visual Basic script, or finding a workaround when a feature is not working correctly.

C. Attention to detail

Microsoft Office is a suite of tools that enables the user to create and share documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. Attention to detail is critical to ensure that the work is accurate, complete, and free from spelling and grammar errors. This soft skill is needed to create professional-looking documents in Word, well-planned spreadsheets in Excel, and polished presentations in PowerPoint.

D. Communication

Clear communication is essential when collaborating with colleagues, team members, or clients while using Microsoft Office. Users with excellent communication skills can articulate ideas, write clearly, and convey their message precisely. These skills are especially vital in tools like Outlook, Teams, and OneNote, where users communicate and share information to complete tasks and projects.

E. Adaptability

Lastly, an essential soft skill that is highly valued in Microsoft Office users is adaptability. With continuous software updates and changes in the workplace, it is vital to be adaptable to the new versions of Microsoft Office tools. It also means being open to learning new processes, software features, and ways of working. Adaptability will allow users to master unfamiliar tools and work smarter, thus increasing productivity.

Incorporating soft skills in one’s resume can be the difference between getting hired or being passed over for a position. Employers, specifically when hiring for Microsoft Office roles, look beyond technical skills and search for candidates who can manage time effectively, problem-solve, pay attention to detail, communicate, and adapt to new changes. Highlighting these soft skills, along with technical skills, will distinguish a job candidate in the eyes of an employer.

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Interview tips for all roles 

If advancing in the process, the next interview steps vary based on the role you're applying for. Be prepared to demonstrate how you meet the qualifications of the job by sharing specific examples from your past or ideas about how you would accomplish a specific task. Be sure to share how skills you have gained throughout your career will translate to the role for which you are interviewing. For some of our openings you may be asked to write code, share a creative portfolio, or provide examples of your work in other ways. You’ll meet with a few people—some potential teammates and some cross-functional colleagues—for up to an hour each. The hiring team gets a chance to get to know you—and you get a chance to get to know the team. Post-interview, your recruiter can help you understand the specific timeline of when you can expect to hear back regarding the hiring decision.     Our interview process is currently entirely virtual. For more specific guidance, you can read how to prepare for a virtual interview.

Before your interview

Do your research.

Don't stop at understanding the position you’re interviewing for. You should understand what's happening in the tech industry, what Microsoft is doing well, and how we can make ourselves stand out from the competition. Make sure to prepare questions to ask during your interview. This is also a chance for you to make sure that the opportunity is what you are looking for.

Know our competencies

The interviews will include competency-based questions, as well as questions about your resume. Keep the core competencies in mind. Think of examples you can share or incorporate into your conversation. These are our core competencies:   

Collaboration . Communicating effectively within the team and across teams.

Drive for results . Working tenaciously to deliver on commitments, constantly seeking bigger challenges, holding yourself and others accountable.

Customer focus . Our mission at Microsoft is to empower every person and every organization to achieve more. 

Influencing for impact . Successfully persuading and influencing others with effective communication.

Judgment . Effectively scoping complex problems and using business acumen to make knowledge-based decisions.

Adaptability . Ability to deal with ambiguous and uncertain situations or problems with agility.

Accelerate our culture

At Microsoft, we believe that living our culture is key to achieving our mission. Selecting people who have the right skills and mindset is important, not only for the company we are today, but also for the company we aspire to be.     Our growth-mindset culture is designed to drive innovation and collaboration. Being a learn-it-all instead of a know-it-all fosters curiosity and prompts us to be inclusive and seek new and diverse perspectives.     For our interview process, we focus on these key aspects of our culture:   

Growth mindset . True learners who can acquire new skills rapidly and connect with others to help bring big ideas to life.

Diverse and inclusive . Being open to learning about your own biases and changing behaviors accordingly. Value differences, seek them out, and invite them in. 

One Microsoft . Actively seeks collaboration with others and looks for common ground across differences, contributes to and builds on success of others, and prioritizes for customer and team within their role. 

Customer obsession . The ability to learn about customers' perspectives, show empathy to their experiences, and incorporate these insights into their decisions and deliverables.

Values . When we come together, we treat each other with respect, we act with integrity, and we are accountable to one another for our words and actions.

Manager expectations . Our managers help bring our culture to life. As they model, coach, and care, they help reinforce our culture and create an environment where everyone can do their best work.

  Learn more about Microsoft culture

Envision your future

We encourage you to have a vision beyond the role you’re applying for. At Microsoft, you can build a career across a variety of teams and disciplines. Go to Microsoft Life to learn more about how Microsoft has helped employees make a difference in their lives, communities, and careers.

If needed, request accommodations. If you need any accommodations or are concerned about Microsoft Teams or other third-party virtual platform not being fully accessible for you, please submit an accessibility request . We will reach out to discuss how to best support you.

During your interview

Be yourself.

We value authenticity and unique perspectives. We invite you to come as you are. So, you don’t need to dress up to impress us. Wear whatever makes you most comfortable.

Demonstrate your thinking and curiosity

We want to see not only what you know, but also how you think. Be prepared to share your thought process and explain the rationale behind your decisions. When asked to solve a problem or develop code, ask clarifying questions, state your assumptions, and be prepared to share your opinions or explain your choices.   

Throughout the assessment process, we aspire to assess fundamental knowledge, capability, and learning potential. We don’t expect you to know everything. When you get stuck or don’t have experience with the subject matter, we encourage you to ask clarifying questions that show your integrity, collaboration, and ability to be resourceful.

Be specific

We recommend you use the STAR(R) model when answering questions. This will help you create clarity and structure your response. 

After your interview

Ask for the interview timeline.

At the end of the interview process, ask the hiring manager or recruiter when you can expect to hear back about the next steps or the hiring decision.

Your recruiter will follow up with you about the outcome of your interviews as soon as a hiring decision is made. Feel free to send a thank you email to the recruiter, who will forward it to the hiring manager and interviewers.

Stay connected

Follow us on Twitter at Microsoft Life , on Facebook at Microsoft Careers , Instagram at Microsoft Life , and LinkedIn on the Microsoft Corporate page .

Explore more specific tips for your particular role

Virtual interviews

Technical interviews

Student and recent graduate interviews

Top 5 resume mistakes new graduates make (and how to fix them)

march 21, 2024

by Gabrielle Woody

Hey there, recent grads! I'm Gabrielle, and after a decade in university recruiting, I've seen my fair share of resumes . Today, I want to share with you the top 5 resume mistakes I often see from new college graduates. But don’t worry—I'll also show you some cool tricks in Microsoft Word to help you avoid each mistake. Let’s get started!

Mistake 1: Omitting key sections

First up, don't forget key sections. These segments introduce you to your potential employer and showcase your qualifications and potential. Let's break down the sections your resume should include:

• A professional summary: This is your elevator pitch. It should concisely articulate who you are and what you offer.
• Education: Highlight your degree, major, and any awards, honors, or distinctions. Don't forget relevant extracurricular activities or leadership roles. (As you gain more work experience, you might find yourself condensing some of this section in the future to make room for more relevant info).
• Experience: Include internships, part-time jobs, and significant class projects. Tailor this section to the job you're applying for.
• Key skills: Identify the skills that set you apart and are in demand in your field.
• Relevant coursework: Especially useful if you lack related work experience, this can demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the field. (You'll likely replace this section in the future with additional work experience).

Pro tip: Start with a professionally-designed Word template or resume template to effortlessly organize the sections you need and ensure your resume looks polished.

Mistake 2: Lack of keywords

Next, pack in those keywords. Keywords are your secret weapon in getting your resume noticed, especially in an era where many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Here's a step-by-step approach to mastering this:

• Analyze job descriptions to identify frequently mentioned skills and qualifications.
• Align your experiences and skills with these keywords authentically. Avoid overstuffing!
• Leverage Word's Smart Lookup feature to understand the context and ensure you're using keywords accurately.

Mistake 3: Overlooking formatting

Never underestimate the power of formatting. A cluttered or oddly formatted resume can inhibit readability and distract from your accomplishments. Use Word's Styles feature to:

• Maintain consistency across headings and subheadings.
• Ensure bullet points are uniform, enhancing readability.
• Leverage color to differentiate sections without overwhelming.

Remember, simplicity is key. Your goal is to make your resume as accessible and easy to navigate as possible, not to win any creative design awards!

Mistake 4: Ignoring action verbs

Action verbs are the unsung heroes of a compelling resume. They transform passive descriptions into powerful narratives of your achievements. Here's how to make the most of them:

• Begin each bullet point with a dynamic verb to capture attention.
• Right-click bland verbs and use Word’s Synonyms feature to replace them with engaging, action-oriented alternatives.
• Ensure the verbs align with your industry and the tone of the job description.
• Aim for a balance between exciting, action-packed verbs and “plainer” language that enhances the readability and flow of your resume.

Mistake 5: Neglecting proofreading

Finally, don't neglect proofreading. Spelling and grammar mistakes can hurt your chances. But proofreading isn’t just about catching typos; it's about ensuring clarity and consistency. Here are some additional tips:

• Make it a habit to use Word’s built-in spelling and grammar check every time you complete projects like this. It’s a crucial step that even the best of us can forget!
• Ask Copilot for an even more thorough resume review with feedback and suggestions. If you’re having a difficult time phrasing an experience or accomplishment, Copilot can also help you find the right words.
• Use Word's Read Aloud feature to catch errors you might skip over when reading silently.
• Never underestimate the power of a pair of fresh eyes! Ask a friend or career advisor to take a look at your resume and offer their feedback.

You're now ready to craft a resume that avoids common pitfalls and helps you stand out in a crowded field. Embrace these strategies, and you’ll be well on your way to capturing the attention of recruiters and landing your dream job. Good luck, and remember: You've got this!

Related topics

10 Most In-Demand Soft Skills to Put on Your Resume

L ong gone are the days when listing hard skills was the best (and oftentimes only) way to get your foot in the door at a prestigious company. While technical knowledge and training will always be important, soft skills (or essentially personality traits) are becoming increasingly important to highlight on your resume. And it makes sense, as more companies prioritize work culture and, therefore, the personalities of those they’re hiring.

But which soft skills are the ones that standout the most on a resume? Using data from Indeed.com, CashNetUSA scoured job ads for 46 predetermined soft skills to find the ones that appeared the most on high-paid jobs that surpassed the 75th percentile of wages in America’s most populated cities as well as each state. These are the soft skills that came out on top.

10. Resilience

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 34.29%

Resilience is a soft skill that highlights your ability to handle stress and challenges that come up at work. 

A good example of how to add this to your resume could be, “Showed resilience when leading a team after budget cuts by still delivering work on time and within scope.”

* Data comes from a January 2024 report released by CashNetUSA .

9. Financial Management

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 38.24%

If you’ve ever been in charge of a budget of any size, you can say that you have financial management skills. 

For instance, something like “oversaw the financial management of the freelance budget” could work if you hired contractors for a specific project.

8. Innovation

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 39.24%

Sure, this one makes our eyes roll a bit, too, but in today’s fast-paced world, innovation is key. No one wants an employee that stays stagnant or, worse, digs their heels in at the slight mention of change. 

You know who’s not stagnant? Someone who “excelled at brainstorming and ideation in the innovation process for [fill in project name].” You get it.

7. Emotional Intelligence

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 43.11%

We’re actually pleasantly surprised with this one. After all, we didn’t think corporations necessarily had it in them to care about this.

Jokes aside, having emotional intelligence is something that makes a good team member and an even better manager. After all, it’s hard to resolve team conflicts without it. The more a company emphasizes a “harmonious work environment,” the more this soft skill will matter.

6. Mentoring

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 47.89%

Here’s another managerial skill that job ads like to use to weed out the haves from the have-nots when it comes to managers. Do you actually enjoy mentoring people or have you just fallen up the corporate ladder into a management position?

True leaders will make mentoring a priority and want to highlight it on their resume.

5. Critical Thinking

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 47.94%

“Critical thinking” or “problem solving” can be put in the same bucket as resilience. How did you handle a challenging situation at work? It’s even better if you have data to back up your claim.

Well, maybe you “demonstrated strong critical-thinking skills when analyzing financial reports and making forecasts for the following quarter.”

4. Presentation Skills

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 56%

Presentation skills are the nature of the beast when it comes to today's Corporate America. That's because lots of today’s high-paying jobs require working with cross-functional teams and being able to explain your work in easy, digestible terms.

Think someone on a data science team explaining their findings to a marketing team. Along with "presentation skills," you could also add the specific presentation tools or software you use for your presentations on your resume.

3. Persuasion

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 57.41%

Persuasion sounds rather seductive, but it's crucial when trying to get specific projects across the finish line.

It's also a term that's used a lot in marketing when talking about "persuasive marketing skills" required to communicate well with a customer audience.

2. Negotiation

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 58.26%

This skill goes back to business basics. Proper negotiation skills come in handy in any aspect of life, whether you're negotiating a $1 billion merger or whether or not your toddler can have dessert for breakfast.

That said, it's a skill that takes time to hone — which is why it's considered all the more valuable.

1. Strategic Thinking

Percentage of highly paid jobs requiring the skill: 64.77%

Strategic thinking is essentially a combination of innovation and critical thinking, but the best way to incorporate this keyword on your resume is by using the CAR (challenge, action, result) technique.

You could say something like, "Used strategic thinking skills by analyzing user engagement data and running an A/B test that resulted in increased engagement of 20 percent."

For more resume advice, check out "How to Make Your Resume Shine."