Skills To Put On Resume

I remember the first time I submitted a resume for a finance internship — it was a disaster. I listed 'excellent communication skills' and 'team player' without ever proving them. I didn't mention the specific tools I used, like Excel or QuickBooks, or the financial models I built in college. That resume landed in the trash pile. It wasn't until I rewrote it with real, measurable skills — like 'analyzed 200+ financial statements using Excel' — that I got a response. That lesson stuck with me, and now I’m here to help you avoid the same mistake.^[1]

In finance, your skills are more than buzzwords. They’re the foundation of your credibility. A hiring manager won’t be impressed by vague statements like 'financially savvy' or 'detail-oriented.' They want to see specific actions you've taken, tools you’ve mastered, and results you’ve achieved. When I first started in finance, I didn't understand how to translate my experience into the right language. But after working with a career coach and refining my resume, I landed a job at a boutique firm — and it all started with knowing which skills to highlight.

The right resume can open doors, and the wrong one can keep you stuck in the same place. When I rewrote my resume, I didn't just list skills; I tied them to outcomes. For example, instead of saying 'good with numbers,' I wrote 'reduced operational costs by 15% through data-driven analysis.' That kind of language speaks to hiring managers in finance. It’s not just about what you know — it’s about what you've done with that knowledge.

Why Hard Skills Matter More Than You Think

As of September 2026, Hard skills are the technical abilities that set finance professionals apart. These are the tools and techniques you use daily — like Excel, financial modeling, QuickBooks, and data analysis. When I applied for my first finance role, I didn't know how important it was to list the exact software I used. Now I know: listing the right tools can make your resume stand out to hiring managers. For example, if you’ve used Excel for complex financial modeling, that’s a skill worth highlighting.

Hiring managers in finance want to see that you’re not just theoretically knowledgeable, but practically skilled. If you’ve used QuickBooks for bookkeeping or built a financial forecast in Excel, make sure to include that. These tools aren’t just software — they’re proof that you can handle real-world finance tasks. I’ve seen resumes that list 'proficient in Excel' without specifying what that proficiency includes. If you can quantify it — like 'used Excel to build a 12-month financial forecast' — that’s far more compelling.

Including the right tools and techniques shows that you’re ready to contribute right away. A hiring manager doesn’t want to spend time teaching you how to use basic financial software. They want to know you can jump in and hit the ground running. That’s why listing specific software and techniques on your resume is so important. It shows that you’re already equipped with the right skills for the job.

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Quantify Your Experience — It Makes a Difference

Numbers tell a story — and in finance, they’re everything. When I first started applying for jobs, I didn’t know how to quantify my work. I just wrote 'assisted with financial planning' — but that doesn’t show what I actually did. Now I know to use specific numbers. For example, instead of saying 'helped improve financial efficiency,' I write 'reduced operational costs by 15% through data-driven analysis.' That’s a much stronger statement.

Hiring managers in finance want to see real results. If you’ve improved a company’s profitability or reduced expenses, make sure to include those numbers. When I applied for a finance internship, I mentioned that I had 'analyzed 200+ financial statements using Excel' — that made a huge difference. It showed that I had hands-on experience and could handle the workload.^[2]

Using numbers adds credibility to your resume. It shows that you’re not just talking about skills — you’re talking about real outcomes. If you can quantify your achievements, you’ll stand out from the competition. I’ve seen resumes where candidates list 'excellent analytical skills' without any proof. That’s not enough. Show them your results with real numbers.

Numbers don’t lie — and they can make your resume unforgettable.

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Highlight Transferable Skills — They’re More Useful Than You Think

In finance, you’re not just crunching numbers — you’re working with people. Skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving are just as important as technical abilities. When I first applied for a finance job, I focused too much on tools and forgot to mention my communication skills. That was a mistake. Now I know that being able to explain complex financial concepts is just as important as knowing how to use Excel.

Hiring managers want to see that you can work well with others and communicate clearly. If you’ve led a project, presented financial reports, or collaborated with a team, make sure to highlight that. For example, if you’ve 'presented financial reports to senior management,' that’s a transferable skill worth mentioning. It shows that you can take your work beyond the spreadsheet and into the real world.

Transferable skills are especially important if you’re changing careers or starting in finance. They show that you have the interpersonal abilities to succeed in the industry. I’ve seen candidates with strong technical skills but no communication skills — and they didn’t get hired. So don’t forget the soft skills — they’re just as important as the hard ones.

“I remember the first time I submitted a resume for a finance internship — it was a disaster.”— Printandbudget editors

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Tailor Your Resume to the Job — It’s Not a One-Size-Fits-All Approach

Tailoring your resume for each job is one of the most important steps you can take. When I first started applying for finance roles, I used the same resume for every job. That was a mistake. Now I know that each position is different, and so should your resume. If you’re applying for a financial analyst role, focus on data analysis and modeling. If it's for an accountant position, highlight your bookkeeping and tax preparation skills.

Hiring managers can spot a generic resume from a mile away. If you use the same skills and experiences for every job, you’re not showing that you understand the role. Instead, take the time to tailor your resume to each position. For example, if you’re applying for a financial planning role, mention your experience with retirement planning and investment strategies.

Tailoring your resume shows that you’re serious about the role and that you’ve done your homework. If you can match your skills to the job description, you’ll stand out from the competition. I’ve seen candidates who got job offers simply because they customized their resumes. So don’t skip this step — it can make all the difference.

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Don’t Overlook Education and Certifications — They Can Set You Apart

Education and certifications are powerful tools that can set you apart from other candidates. When I first started looking for finance jobs, I didn’t know how important it was to list my certifications. Now I know that having certifications like the CFA or CPA can open doors. These aren’t just letters — they’re proof that you’ve invested in your education and are committed to your career.

Hiring managers in finance are always on the lookout for candidates with strong educational backgrounds. If you have a degree in finance, economics, or business, make sure to highlight it. Certifications like the CFA, CPA, or FRM can also give you a significant edge. I’ve seen candidates with strong technical skills but no certifications — and they didn’t get hired. So don’t underestimate the power of education.

Including your education and certifications shows that you’re serious about your career and that you’re willing to invest in your skills. It’s not just about the degree — it’s about the value it brings. If you have a certification, make sure to mention it. It can give you a major advantage in the finance job market.

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Use Action Verbs — They Make Your Resume More Dynamic

Action verbs can transform a passive resume into a powerful one. When I first wrote my resume, I used phrases like 'helped with financial planning' — but that didn’t show what I actually did. Now I know to use strong action verbs like 'analyzed,' 'managed,' and 'developed.' These verbs make your resume more dynamic and show that you’ve taken initiative.

Using action verbs shows that you’re proactive and results-driven. Instead of saying 'worked on a financial project,' say 'managed a financial project that improved profitability by 10%.' This approach not only shows what you did, but also the impact you had. I’ve seen resumes that are filled with vague language — and they don’t stand out. So make sure to use strong verbs that show your achievements.

Action verbs can make your resume more engaging and professional. They show that you’re not just describing your experience — you’re showing what you accomplished. Whether you’re applying for a junior or senior position, using action verbs can make your resume more compelling. So take the time to revise your resume and replace passive language with strong verbs that highlight your skills.

Strong verbs make your resume read like a story — not a list.

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Avoid Common Resume Mistakes — They Can Cost You Opportunities

Avoiding common resume mistakes is essential if you want to stand out in the finance industry. When I first started applying for jobs, I made some of these mistakes — like using generic skills like 'team player' and 'good with numbers.' I didn’t realize that these weren’t enough to impress hiring managers. Now I know that vague language can make your resume less effective and even cost you opportunities.

Hiring managers in finance are looking for specific, measurable achievements. If you list skills like 'excellent communication' without any proof, you’re not showing what you actually did. Instead, use concrete examples. For example, instead of saying 'good at presentations,' say 'presented financial reports to senior management, leading to a 15% increase in budget approval rates.' That’s a much stronger statement.

Avoiding common resume mistakes can make a big difference in your application. It shows that you’re serious about your career and that you understand what hiring managers are looking for. So take the time to review your resume and make sure it’s free of generic language and vague skills. A strong, well-written resume can open the door to the finance job you want.

Skills To Put On Resume