Top 10 Student Resume Skills (with Examples)

You just gave a killer presentation about the Brazilian rainforest to 50 classmates. What’s even better, you can now list “public speaking” and “oral communication” on your resume. These student resume skills also just happen to be among the most in-demand student resume skills sought by employers!

In this article, I’ll cover the top 20 student resume skills to list on your application. Whether you’re aiming for an internship, a part-time job, or your first full-time position, understanding and articulating your student resume skills can open doors to exciting opportunities and set you on the path to career success. If you’re feeling like you don’t have the necessary skills to succeed, you can always hone skills in any subject through resources like Tutor Hunt.

Skills examples for students

Here are the top 10 student resume skills with examples to include on your student resume, listed in no particular order:

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Skill #1: Written communication

Students can perfect written communication skills lots of different ways. For example, through writing class papers and essays, writing professional emails in a work setting, and writing social media posts, to name just a few.

Resume Summary Example:

Detail-oriented student with strong written communication skills, demonstrated through writing academic research papers, generating social media content for personal blog, and editorial positions on student-run publications. Seeking an internship in marketing to leverage ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively.

Skill #2: Oral communication

Have you ever given a class presentation or participated on the debate team? What about performing in a school talent show or play? If you answered yes, you can put “oral communication skills” on your resume!

Extracurricular Example:

Event Coordinator, XYZ University Student Council (Sept 2022 – Present)

  • Delivered speeches and presentations at student events, engaging audiences of over 200 students.
  • Organized and moderated panel discussions and Q&A sessions.
  • Trained and mentored fellow students in public speaking and presentation techniques.

Skill #3: Leadership

If you’ve ever been a team lead on a school project or at a job, you can add leadership to your student resume skills on your application.

Project Example:

Team Leader, Marketing Project for ABC Non-Profit (Jan 2023 – May 2023)

  • Managed team of 5 students to develop marketing campaign, resulting in 20% increase in donations.
  • Delegated tasks effectively, ensuring all project milestones were met on time.
  • Facilitated regular team meetings to track progress and resolve any issues promptly.

Skill #4: Problem-Solving

Students can develop problem-solving skills through both personal and school-related projects and experiences.

Project Example:

ABC Robotics Competition Project (Jan 2023 – May 2023)

  • Designed and built multifunctional robot, requiring obstacle course navigation and task performance like object retrieval and placement.
  • Investigated and found sensor miscalibration and inconsistent power supply issues.
  • Recalibrated sensors to ensure accurate distance measurement and directional control and stabilized power supply by incorporating capacitors to smooth out voltage fluctuations.

Skill #5: Technical Skills

Examples of software skills you can list on your resume include proficiency or familiarity with programs like Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, or any industry-specific software.

If you are applying for a technical position, I highly recommend listing specific programming languages on your resume.

Skills Example:

Programming Languages: Knowledge of languages such as Python, Java, C++, HTML/CSS, or JavaScript.
Data Analysis: Excel, R, MATLAB, SPSS, and data visualization software

Watch our video about how to create your high school resume – a step-by-step guide:

How to Write a High School Resume

Skill #6: Teamwork

Demonstrating your ability to work effectively as part of a team, for example through participating in group projects, sports, or extracurricular activities, is critical. Employers won’t take the time to train you how to work well on a team after you are hired. When it comes to student resume skills, including this one is a definite must!

Volunteering Example:

Member, University Volunteer Group
XYZ University, Anytown, USA
September 2021 – Present

  • Collaborate with 10+ team members to organize and execute five community service projects, including food drives and environmental cleanups.
  • Actively participate in team meetings to brainstorm and implement strategies for community engagement and outreach.

Skill #7: Flexibility / Adaptability

With technology constantly changing, the ability to be flexible and adaptible to change is another critical skill every student should acquire.

Experience Example:

Resident Assistant
XYZ University Housing, Anytown, USA
September 2022 – Present

  • Managed and resolved unexpected issues and conflicts among residents, showcasing adaptability in addressing wide range of situations.
  • Organized and facilitated events for residents, adjusting plans based on attendance, feedback, and evolving needs.
  • Provided support to students from diverse backgrounds, adapting communication and support strategies to meet individual needs.

Skill #8: Strong Work Ethic

Strong work ethic is another example of a skill that employers won’t teach you on the job. Can you think of an example of when you demonstrated a strong commitment to work, either at a job or in school?

Example of Awards & Honors

Dean’s List
XYZ University, Fall 2020 – Present

  • Recognized for academic excellence and maintaining a 3.5 GPA throughout university studies.

Skill #9: Analytical / Quantitative

Analytical skills are examples of student resume skills that can be gained through most classes you take in high school and beyond. For example, in English you might have to analyze a problem in a story and discuss it with other classmates. Writing a research paper is another way to gain and market your quantitative and analytical skills.

Project Example:

Capstone Project: Economic Impact Analysis
XYZ University, Spring 2023

  • Conducted in-depth analysis of economic impact of proposed local government policy using regression models.
  • Gathered and analyzed economic data from various sources, applying quantitative methods to forecast potential outcomes.
  • Presented findings and recommendations to faculty and peers, highlighting potential economic benefits and risks.

Skill #10: Customer Service

As our world gets more digital, skills that only humans can perform like customer service will become more and more important. Make sure to add this to your student resume skills, especially if you are applying for a job working with or helping people.

Experience Example:

Customer Service Representative
ABC Retail Store, Anytown, USA
June 2022 – Present

  • Assisted average of 50+ customers per day, providing product information and resolving issues with positive and helpful attitude.
  • Received “Employee of the Month” twice for exceptional customer service and high customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Trained and mentored new employees on best practices for customer service and company policies.

What are the best high school student resume skills?

Communication Skills

Public speaking, writing (essays, reports), active listening, teamwork, collaboration on group projects,
participation in team sports or clubs

Leadership

Positions held in clubs or organizations (e.g., club president, team captain), initiating and leading projects

Critical thinking

Participation in science fairs or competitions, debate club, research projects and papers

Time Management

Balancing schoolwork with extracurricular activities, meeting deadlines for projects and assignments, keeping track of assignments and deadlines, maintaining organized notes and materials

What are the best college student resume skills or resume skills for freshers?

Research and analytical Skills

Conducting qualitative and quantitative research, data analysis and interpretation, critical thinking and problem-solving

Writing and communication

Technical writing, report writing, public speaking and presentation skills

Foreign languages

Proficiency in one or more foreign languages, language certifications (e.g., TOEFL, DELE)

Laboratory skills (for science majors)

Lab techniques and equipment handling, safety protocols, experiment design and execution

Design

Graphic design, UX/UI design, digital media production, soft skills

Leadership and teamwork

Experience in leadership roles (e.g., club president, team captain), collaborative projects and teamwork, conflict resolution and mediation

Strong work ethic

Balancing multiple responsibilities (e.g., coursework, part-time jobs, extracurricular activities)

Communication Skills

Verbal and written communication, active listening, negotiation and persuasion

Adaptability and flexibility

Ability to adjust to new environments and challenges, learning new skills quickly, openness to feedback and improvement

What are the best resume skills for students with no experience?

Leadership and teamwork

Roles in student organizations or clubs, participation in group projects, leading or organizing events

Time management

Balancing coursework, extracurricular activities, work, and personal commitments, meeting academic deadlines

Interpersonal

Effective communication with peers and professors, building and maintaining relationships within teams and groups

Problem-Solving

Tackling academic challenges and projects, developing solutions during group activities or competitions

Organization

Event planning, organizing school events, workshops, or seminars, coordinating logistics and managing budgets for student activities

In Conclusion

By showcasing your student resume skills effectively, you can prove that you have the essential tools to succeed in any role, even with little or no work experience. It’s also important to tailor your resume skills to each job posting. This customization shows employers that you’ve taken the time to consider the specific requirements of the position and that you are excited about the role. It also helps to make your resume stand out in a competitive job market!

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  • Lee Cristina Beaser

    MS, CPRW (Certified Professional Resume Writer)

    Lee brings over two decades of expertise in guiding individuals towards career success. Having helped thousands of professionals in a wide variety of industries, she has a deep understanding of the intricacies of the job market. Lee founded The Career Counter, a platform dedicated to providing busy people, especially moms returning to the workforce, with tools and services tailored to their unique career goals.

    Our Founder has over 20 years of experience helping people like you