Top Non-Technical Skills for Resume That Employers Value in 2025

When it comes to building a standout resume, non-technical skills for resume can be just as important as your technical expertise. Today’s job market requires a balance of hard and soft skills, and employers are increasingly valuing non-technical skills when evaluating candidates. Soft skills such as communication, leadership, and adaptability play a crucial role in helping you succeed in diverse work environments.

Non-technical skills for resume are essential for showcasing your ability to thrive in collaborative settings, manage challenges, and build relationships in the workplace. According to research, 92% of recruiters consider these skills equally important as technical expertise. In a world dominated by technology and hard skills, it’s the non-technical skills for resume that can set you apart and make you stand out to hiring managers. Let’s dive into why these skills are vital and how to highlight them effectively on your resume.

What Are Non-Technical Skills?

Non-technical skills (also known as soft skills) refer to personal attributes that help you interact harmoniously with others in the workplace. These are traits that allow you to work effectively in teams, handle pressure, communicate with clarity, and show empathy. Unlike technical skills, which can be learned through formal training or education, non-technical skills for resume are often developed over time through experience and personal growth.

These skills go beyond what’s listed on your degree or certification. While technical skills demonstrate your ability to perform specific tasks, non-technical skills for resume highlight your ability to navigate complex social and emotional dynamics in a work environment. In today’s competitive job market, recruiters value candidates who possess both technical expertise and strong non-technical skills.

Top 10 Non-Technical Skills to Include in Your Resume (2025 Edition)

To stand out in 2025, it’s essential to include the right non-technical skills for resume. Here are the top 10 non-technical skills every candidate should showcase:

1. Communication

Clear and effective communication is crucial, both in written and verbal formats. It’s about being able to express ideas, actively listen, and tailor your message to your audience. Whether it’s in meetings, emails, or presentations, communication is at the core of every successful interaction.

Resume Tip: “Communicated project goals and updates to cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment and clarity.”

2. Teamwork

Employers look for candidates who can work well with others and contribute to a team’s success. Teamwork is about sharing ideas, taking responsibility, and helping others succeed. It’s a skill that’s vital across all industries.

Resume Tip: “Collaborated with a team of 8 to deliver a major marketing campaign ahead of schedule.”

3. Problem-Solving

Being a strong problem-solver means thinking critically and creatively to overcome challenges. Employers need individuals who can identify issues, come up with solutions, and implement them effectively.

Resume Tip: “Analyzed client feedback to identify recurring issues, resulting in a 25% decrease in customer complaints.”

4. Time Management

Time management is essential in any role. Employers value candidates who can prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and balance multiple responsibilities without sacrificing quality.

Resume Tip: “Managed multiple client accounts simultaneously, delivering all projects on time and exceeding performance expectations.”

5. Leadership

Even if you’re not in a management position, leadership skills are highly valued. Being a leader means motivating others, taking initiative, and setting a positive example. Leadership skills are critical for career advancement.

Resume Tip: “Led a team of 6 to develop a strategic marketing plan that increased company revenue by 15%.”

6. Adaptability

In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to adapt to changing circumstances is crucial. Employers seek candidates who are flexible and can thrive in a dynamic environment. Adaptability shows that you can handle new challenges and pivot when needed.

Resume Tip: “Adapted to new company software and trained team members on its features, resulting in a smoother workflow.”

7. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to manage your own emotions and understand the emotions of others. High EQ helps build stronger relationships, resolve conflicts, and navigate difficult situations in the workplace.

Resume Tip: “Used emotional intelligence to defuse a conflict between team members, maintaining team harmony.”

8. Creativity

Creative thinking allows you to approach challenges from different angles. Employers love candidates who can think outside the box and find innovative solutions to problems.

Resume Tip: “Developed creative marketing materials that boosted brand engagement by 30%.”

9. Work Ethic

A strong work ethic shows that you’re committed, reliable, and dedicated to your job. Employers appreciate candidates who are motivated, show initiative, and consistently deliver quality work.

Resume Tip: “Exceeded sales targets by 20% through persistent follow-up and building lasting client relationships.”

10. Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is an often-overlooked but critical skill. It shows that you care about the quality of your work and can spot errors before they become major problems.

Resume Tip: “Ensured 100% accuracy in data entry, reducing errors and improving workflow efficiency.”

How to List Non-Technical Skills on Your Resume

Now that you know which non-technical skills for resume to highlight, here’s how to make them shine:

• Strategic Placement: Incorporate your non-technical skills into both your Skills section and your Work Experience section. Use bullet points to show how you’ve applied these skills in your previous roles.
  
  
• Use Action Verbs + Quantifiable Results: Whenever possible, include measurable outcomes to demonstrate the impact of your non-technical skills for resume. For example, instead of just saying “good communicator,” say “Effectively communicated project goals, leading to a 20% reduction in team misunderstandings.”
  
  
• STAR Method for Interviews: The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a powerful way to prepare for interviews. Use it to provide concrete examples of how you’ve applied your non-technical skills in real-world situations.
  
  

Pro Tip: Customize your non-technical skills for resume to match the job description, ensuring that you’re showcasing the skills that are most relevant for the role.

Industry-Specific Non-Technical Skills

Different industries require different sets of non-technical skills. Here’s a breakdown of which skills are most valuable in specific fields:

Business & Management

• Leadership
  
  
• Time Management
  
  
• Communication
  
  

Tech & Development

• Problem-Solving
  
  
• Adaptability
  
  
• Teamwork
  
  

Healthcare

• Emotional Intelligence
  
  
• Communication
  
  
• Attention to Detail
  
  

Sales & Marketing

• Creativity
  
  
• Communication
  
  
• Negotiation
  
  

Design & Creative Roles

• Creativity
  
  
• Teamwork
  
  
• Time Management
  
  

Why Non-Technical Skills Are Key to Getting Hired

Non-technical skills are often the deciding factor in whether you get hired or promoted. A study by LinkedIn found that 57% of employers prioritize soft skills over hard skills when hiring. Non-technical skills for resume like communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence can help employers assess your overall fit for the role, beyond your ability to perform technical tasks.

Having a balance of both technical and non-technical skills can accelerate your career progression, making you a well-rounded candidate who is not just skilled in your craft but also able to collaborate and lead in any workplace situation.

Common Mistakes When Listing Non-Technical Skills

Even though non-technical skills for resume are crucial, many candidates make mistakes when including them. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

1. Vague Listings: Phrases like “good communicator” or “team player” are too general. Be specific about how you’ve demonstrated these skills in past roles.
   
   
2. No Real-World Examples: Don’t just list soft skills; show how you’ve applied them in the workplace.
   
   
3. Irrelevant Skills: Make sure the non-technical skills you list are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
   
   
4. Failure to Tailor to the Job: Always customize your resume to highlight the non-technical skills for resume that align with the specific job description.
   
   

How Panls Can Help You Showcase the Right Skills

Panls.ai provides a unique Interview-as-a-Service (IAAS) solution that helps job seekers and hiring teams assess both technical and non-technical skills for resume. Panls allows candidates to prepare for real-world job interviews by simulating the kinds of questions and challenges they’ll face. It’s an invaluable resource for practicing how to present both your technical and non-technical skills in interviews.

Streamline your hiring process or sharpen your interview performance with Panls.ai — Book a free demo today.

Conclusion 

When it comes to non-technical skills for resume, it’s clear that soft skills are not just a “nice-to-have” anymore—they’re essential for success. These skills are what help you build relationships, navigate challenges, and contribute to a positive workplace culture. Take the time to reflect on your non-technical skills and ensure they’re effectively showcased on your resume.

If you want more insights or tools to help you perfect your resume, check out our resume builder or get training through our skills workshop. Panls is here to help you assess and improve your job readiness with mock interviews and more!

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