technical research skill

Explore Jobs

• Jobs Near Me
• Remote Jobs
• Full Time Jobs
• Part Time Jobs
• Entry Level Jobs
• Work From Home Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

• $15 Per Hour Jobs
• $20 Per Hour Jobs
• Hiring Immediately Jobs
• High School Jobs
• H1b Visa Jobs

Explore Careers

• Business And Financial
• Architecture And Engineering
• Computer And Mathematical

Explore Professions

• What They Do
• Certifications
• Demographics

Best Companies

• Health Care
• Fortune 500

Explore Companies

• CEO And Executies
• Resume Builder
• Career Advice
• Explore Majors
• Questions And Answers
• Interview Questions

The Most Important Research Skills (With Examples)

• What Are Hard Skills?
• What Are Technical Skills?
• What Are What Are Life Skills?
• What Are Social Media Skills Resume?
• What Are Administrative Skills?
• What Are Analytical Skills?
• What Are Research Skills?
• What Are Transferable Skills?
• What Are Microsoft Office Skills?
• What Are Clerical Skills?
• What Are Computer Skills?
• What Are Core Competencies?
• What Are Collaboration Skills?
• What Are Conflict Resolution Skills?
• What Are Mathematical Skills?
• How To Delegate

Find a Job You Really Want In

Research skills are the ability to find out accurate information on a topic. They include being able to determine the data you need, find and interpret those findings, and then explain that to others. Being able to do effective research is a beneficial skill in any profession, as data and research inform how businesses operate.

Whether you’re unsure of your research skills or are looking for ways to further improve them, then this article will cover important research skills and how to become even better at research.

Key Takeaways

Having strong research skills can help you understand your competitors, develop new processes, and build your professional skills in addition to aiding you in finding new customers and saving your company money.

Some of the most valuable research skills you can have include goal setting, data collection, and analyzing information from multiple sources.

You can and should put your research skills on your resume and highlight them in your job interviews.

What are research skills?

Why are research skills important, 12 of the most important research skills, how to improve your research skills, highlighting your research skills in a job interview, how to include research skills on your resume, resume examples showcasing research skills, research skills faqs.

• Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs

Research skills are the necessary tools to be able to find, compile, and interpret information in order to answer a question. Of course, there are several aspects to this. Researchers typically have to decide how to go about researching a problem — which for most people is internet research.

In addition, you need to be able to interpret the reliability of a source, put the information you find together in an organized and logical way, and be able to present your findings to others. That means that they’re comprised of both hard skills — knowing your subject and what’s true and what isn’t — and soft skills. You need to be able to interpret sources and communicate clearly.

Research skills are useful in any industry, and have applications in innovation, product development, competitor research, and many other areas. In addition, the skills used in researching aren’t only useful for research. Being able to interpret information is a necessary skill, as is being able to clearly explain your reasoning.

Research skills are used to:

Do competitor research. Knowing what your biggest competitors are up to is an essential part of any business. Researching what works for your competitors, what they’re doing better than you, and where you can improve your standing with the lowest resource expenditure are all essential if a company wants to remain functional.

Develop new processes and products. You don’t have to be involved in research and development to make improvements in how your team gets things done. Researching new processes that make your job (and those of your team) more efficient will be valued by any sensible employer.

Foster self-improvement. Folks who have a knack and passion for research are never content with doing things the same way they’ve always been done. Organizations need independent thinkers who will seek out their own answers and improve their skills as a matter of course. These employees will also pick up new technologies more easily.

Manage customer relationships. Being able to conduct research on your customer base is positively vital in virtually every industry. It’s hard to move products or sell services if you don’t know what people are interested in. Researching your customer base’s interests, needs, and pain points is a valuable responsibility.

Save money. Whether your company is launching a new product or just looking for ways to scale back its current spending, research is crucial for finding wasted resources and redirecting them to more deserving ends. Anyone who proactively researches ways that the company can save money will be highly appreciated by their employer.

Solve problems. Problem solving is a major part of a lot of careers, and research skills are instrumental in making sure your solution is effective. Finding out the cause of the problem and determining an effective solution both require accurate information, and research is the best way to obtain that — be it via the internet or by observation.

Determine reliable information. Being able to tell whether or not the information you receive seems accurate is a very valuable skill. While research skills won’t always guarantee that you’ll be able to tell the reliability of the information at first glance, it’ll prevent you from being too trusting. And it’ll give the tools to double-check .

Experienced researchers know that worthwhile investigation involves a variety of skills. Consider which research skills come naturally to you, and which you could work on more.

Data collection . When thinking about the research process, data collection is often the first thing that comes to mind. It is the nuts and bolts of research. How data is collected can be flexible.

For some purposes, simply gathering facts and information on the internet can fulfill your need. Others may require more direct and crowd-sourced research. Having experience in various methods of data collection can make your resume more impressive to recruiters.

Data collection methods include: Observation Interviews Questionnaires Experimentation Conducting focus groups

Analysis of information from different sources. Putting all your eggs in one source basket usually results in error and disappointment. One of the skills that good researchers always incorporate into their process is an abundance of sources. It’s also best practice to consider the reliability of these sources.

Are you reading about U.S. history on a conspiracy theorist’s blog post? Taking facts for a presentation from an anonymous Twitter account?

If you can’t determine the validity of the sources you’re using, it can compromise all of your research. That doesn’t mean just disregard anything on the internet but double-check your findings. In fact, quadruple-check. You can make your research even stronger by turning to references outside of the internet.

Examples of reliable information sources include: Published books Encyclopedias Magazines Databases Scholarly journals Newspapers Library catalogs

Finding information on the internet. While it can be beneficial to consulate alternative sources, strong internet research skills drive modern-day research.

One of the great things about the internet is how much information it contains, however, this comes with digging through a lot of garbage to get to the facts you need. The ability to efficiently use the vast database of knowledge that is on the internet without getting lost in the junk is very valuable to employers.

Internet research skills include: Source checking Searching relevant questions Exploring deeper than the first options Avoiding distraction Giving credit Organizing findings

Interviewing. Some research endeavors may require a more hands-on approach than just consulting internet sources. Being prepared with strong interviewing skills can be very helpful in the research process.

Interviews can be a useful research tactic to gain first-hand information and being able to manage a successful interview can greatly improve your research skills.

Interviewing skills involves: A plan of action Specific, pointed questions Respectfulness Considering the interview setting Actively Listening Taking notes Gratitude for participation

Report writing. Possessing skills in report writing can assist you in job and scholarly research. The overall purpose of a report in any context is to convey particular information to its audience.

Effective report writing is largely dependent on communication. Your boss, professor , or general reader should walk away completely understanding your findings and conclusions.

Report writing skills involve: Proper format Including a summary Focusing on your initial goal Creating an outline Proofreading Directness

Critical thinking. Critical thinking skills can aid you greatly throughout the research process, and as an employee in general. Critical thinking refers to your data analysis skills. When you’re in the throes of research, you need to be able to analyze your results and make logical decisions about your findings.

Critical thinking skills involve: Observation Analysis Assessing issues Problem-solving Creativity Communication

Planning and scheduling. Research is a work project like any other, and that means it requires a little forethought before starting. Creating a detailed outline map for the points you want to touch on in your research produces more organized results.

It also makes it much easier to manage your time. Planning and scheduling skills are important to employers because they indicate a prepared employee.

Planning and scheduling skills include: Setting objectives Identifying tasks Prioritizing Delegating if needed Vision Communication Clarity Time-management

Note-taking. Research involves sifting through and taking in lots of information. Taking exhaustive notes ensures that you will not neglect any findings later and allows you to communicate these results to your co-workers. Being able to take good notes helps summarize research.

Examples of note-taking skills include: Focus Organization Using short-hand Keeping your objective in mind Neatness Highlighting important points Reviewing notes afterward

Communication skills. Effective research requires being able to understand and process the information you receive, either written or spoken. That means that you need strong reading comprehension and writing skills — two major aspects of communication — as well as excellent listening skills.

Most research also involves showcasing your findings. This can be via a presentation. , report, chart, or Q&A. Whatever the case, you need to be able to communicate your findings in a way that educates your audience.

Communication skills include: Reading comprehension Writing Listening skills Presenting to an audience Creating graphs or charts Explaining in layman’s terms

Time management. We’re, unfortunately, only given 24 measly hours in a day. The ability to effectively manage this time is extremely powerful in a professional context. Hiring managers seek candidates who can accomplish goals in a given timeframe.

Strong time management skills mean that you can organize a plan for how to break down larger tasks in a project and complete them by a deadline. Developing your time management skills can greatly improve the productivity of your research.

Time management skills include: Scheduling Creating task outlines Strategic thinking Stress-management Delegation Communication Utilizing resources Setting realistic expectations Meeting deadlines

Using your network. While this doesn’t seem immediately relevant to research skills, remember that there are a lot of experts out there. Knowing what people’s areas of expertise and asking for help can be tremendously beneficial — especially if it’s a subject you’re unfamiliar with.

Your coworkers are going to have different areas of expertise than you do, and your network of people will as well. You may even know someone who knows someone who’s knowledgeable in the area you’re researching. Most people are happy to share their expertise, as it’s usually also an area of interest to them.

Networking involves: Remembering people’s areas of expertise Being willing to ask for help Communication Returning favors Making use of advice Asking for specific assistance

Attention to detail. Research is inherently precise. That means that you need to be attentive to the details, both in terms of the information you’re gathering, but also in where you got it from. Making errors in statistics can have a major impact on the interpretation of the data, not to mention that it’ll reflect poorly on you.

There are proper procedures for citing sources that you should follow. That means that your sources will be properly credited, preventing accusations of plagiarism. In addition, it means that others can make use of your research by returning to the original sources.

Attention to detail includes: Double checking statistics Taking notes Keeping track of your sources Staying organized Making sure graphs are accurate and representative Properly citing sources

As with many professional skills, research skills serve us in our day to day life. Any time you search for information on the internet, you’re doing research. That means that you’re practicing it outside of work as well. If you want to continue improving your research skills, both for professional and personal use, here are some tips to try.

Differentiate between source quality. A researcher is only as good as their worst source. Start paying attention to the quality of the sources you use, and be suspicious of everything your read until you check out the attributions and works cited.

Be critical and ask yourself about the author’s bias, where the author’s research aligns with the larger body of verified research in the field, and what publication sponsored or published the research.

Use multiple resources. When you can verify information from a multitude of sources, it becomes more and more credible. To bolster your faith in one source, see if you can find another source that agrees with it.

Don’t fall victim to confirmation bias. Confirmation bias is when a researcher expects a certain outcome and then goes to find data that supports this hypothesis. It can even go so far as disregarding anything that challenges the researcher’s initial hunch. Be prepared for surprising answers and keep an open mind.

Be open to the idea that you might not find a definitive answer. It’s best to be honest and say that you found no definitive answer instead of just confirming what you think your boss or coworkers expect or want to hear. Experts and good researchers are willing to say that they don’t know.

Stay organized. Being able to cite sources accurately and present all your findings is just as important as conducting the research itself. Start practicing good organizational skills , both on your devices and for any physical products you’re using.

Get specific as you go. There’s nothing wrong with starting your research in a general way. After all, it’s important to become familiar with the terminology and basic gist of the researcher’s findings before you dig down into all the minutia.

A job interview is itself a test of your research skills. You can expect questions on what you know about the company, the role, and your field or industry more generally. In order to give expert answers on all these topics, research is crucial.

Start by researching the company . Look into how they communicate with the public through social media, what their mission statement is, and how they describe their culture.

Pay close attention to the tone of their website. Is it hyper professional or more casual and fun-loving? All of these elements will help decide how best to sell yourself at the interview.

Next, research the role. Go beyond the job description and reach out to current employees working at your desired company and in your potential department. If you can find out what specific problems your future team is or will be facing, you’re sure to impress hiring managers and recruiters with your ability to research all the facts.

Finally, take time to research the job responsibilities you’re not as comfortable with. If you’re applying for a job that represents increased difficulty or entirely new tasks, it helps to come into the interview with at least a basic knowledge of what you’ll need to learn.

Research projects require dedication. Being committed is a valuable skill for hiring managers. Whether you’ve had research experience throughout education or a former job, including it properly can boost the success of your resume .

Consider how extensive your research background is. If you’ve worked on multiple, in-depth research projects, it might be best to include it as its own section. If you have less research experience, include it in the skills section .

Focus on your specific role in the research, as opposed to just the research itself. Try to quantify accomplishments to the best of your abilities. If you were put in charge of competitor research, for example, list that as one of the tasks you had in your career.

If it was a particular project, such as tracking the sale of women’s clothing at a tee-shirt company, you can say that you “directed analysis into women’s clothing sales statistics for a market research project.”

Ascertain how directly research skills relate to the job you’re applying for. How strongly you highlight your research skills should depend on the nature of the job the resume is for. If research looks to be a strong component of it, then showcase all of your experience.

If research looks to be tangential, then be sure to mention it — it’s a valuable skill — but don’t put it front and center.

Example #1: Academic Research

Simon Marks 767 Brighton Blvd. | Brooklyn, NY, 27368 | (683)-262-8883 | [email protected] Diligent and hardworking recent graduate seeking a position to develop professional experience and utilize research skills. B.A. in Biological Sciences from New York University. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Lixus Publishing , Brooklyn, NY Office Assistant- September 2018-present Scheduling and updating meetings Managing emails and phone calls Reading entries Worked on a science fiction campaign by researching target demographic Organizing calendars Promoted to office assistant after one year internship Mitch’s Burgers and Fries , Brooklyn, NY Restaurant Manager , June 2014-June 2018 Managed a team of five employees Responsible for coordinating the weekly schedule Hired and trained two employees Kept track of inventory Dealt with vendors Provided customer service Promoted to restaurant manager after two years as a waiter Awarded a $2.00/hr wage increase SKILLS Writing Scientific Research Data analysis Critical thinking Planning Communication RESEARCH Worked on an ecosystem biology project with responsibilities for algae collection and research (2019) Lead a group of freshmen in a research project looking into cell biology (2018) EDUCATION New York University Bachelors in Biological Sciences, September 2016-May 2020

Example #2: Professional Research

Angela Nichols 1111 Keller Dr. | San Francisco, CA | (663)-124-8827 |[email protected] Experienced and enthusiastic marketer with 7 years of professional experience. Seeking a position to apply my marketing and research knowledge. Skills in working on a team and flexibility. EXPERIENCE Apples amp; Oranges Marketing, San Francisco, CA Associate Marketer – April 2017-May 2020 Discuss marketing goals with clients Provide customer service Lead campaigns associated with women’s health Coordinating with a marketing team Quickly solving issues in service and managing conflict Awarded with two raises totaling $10,000 over three years Prestigious Marketing Company, San Francisco, CA Marketer – May 2014-April 2017 Working directly with clients Conducting market research into television streaming preferences Developing marketing campaigns related to television streaming services Report writing Analyzing campaign success statistics Promoted to Marketer from Junior Marketer after the first year Timberlake Public Relations, San Francisco, CA Public Relations Intern – September 2013–May 2014 Working cohesively with a large group of co-workers and supervisors Note-taking during meetings Running errands Managing email accounts Assisting in brainstorming Meeting work deadlines EDUCATION Golden Gate University, San Francisco, CA Bachelor of Arts in Marketing with a minor in Communications – September 2009 – May 2013 SKILLS Marketing Market research Record-keeping Teamwork Presentation. Flexibility

What research skills are important?

Goal-setting and data collection are important research skills. Additional important research skills include:

Using different sources to analyze information.

Finding information on the internet.

Interviewing sources.

Writing reports.

Critical thinking.

Planning and scheduling.

Note-taking.

Managing time.

How do you develop good research skills?

You develop good research skills by learning how to find information from multiple high-quality sources, by being wary of confirmation bias, and by starting broad and getting more specific as you go.

When you learn how to tell a reliable source from an unreliable one and get in the habit of finding multiple sources that back up a claim, you’ll have better quality research.

In addition, when you learn how to keep an open mind about what you’ll find, you’ll avoid falling into the trap of confirmation bias, and by staying organized and narrowing your focus as you go (rather than before you start), you’ll be able to gather quality information more efficiently.

What is the importance of research?

The importance of research is that it informs most decisions and strategies in a business. Whether it’s deciding which products to offer or creating a marketing strategy, research should be used in every part of a company.

Because of this, employers want employees who have strong research skills. They know that you’ll be able to put them to work bettering yourself and the organization as a whole.

Should you put research skills on your resume?

Yes, you should include research skills on your resume as they are an important professional skill. Where you include your research skills on your resume will depend on whether you have a lot of experience in research from a previous job or as part of getting your degree, or if you’ve just cultivated them on your own.

If your research skills are based on experience, you could put them down under the tasks you were expected to perform at the job in question. If not, then you should likely list it in your skills section.

University of the People – The Best Research Skills for Success

Association of Internet Research Specialists — What are Research Skills and Why Are They Important?

MasterClass — How to Improve Your Research Skills: 6 Research Tips

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating / 5. Vote count:

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.

Recent Job Searches

• Registered Nurse Jobs Resume Location
• Truck Driver Jobs Resume Location
• Call Center Representative Jobs Resume Location
• Customer Service Representative Jobs Resume
• Delivery Driver Jobs Resume Location
• Warehouse Worker Jobs Resume Location
• Account Executive Jobs Resume Location
• Sales Associate Jobs Resume Location
• Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs Resume Location
• Company Driver Jobs Resume

Related posts

Top Skills Every Professional Needs On Their Resume

What Is A Subject Matter Expert And What Do They Do?

What Are Problem-Solving Skills? (Definition, Examples, And How To List On A Resume)

What Is The Law Of Diminishing Marginal Returns? (With Examples)

• Career Advice >
• Hard Skills >
• Research Skills

Home › Study Tips › Research Skills: What They Are and How They Benefit You

Research Skills: What They Are and How They Benefit You

• Published May 23, 2024

Table of Contents

Research skills give you the ability to gather relevant information from different sources and analyse it critically in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of a subject. Thus, research skills are fundamental to academic success.

Developing these skills will improve your studies, helping you understand subjects better and positioning you for academic success.

That said, how can you develop important research skills? This will explore what research skills are, identify the core ones, and explain how you can develop them.

What Are Research Skills?

Research skills are a set of abilities that allow individuals to find and gather reliable information and then evaluate the information to find answers to questions.

Good research skills are important in academic settings, as finding and critically evaluating relevant information can help you gain a deeper understanding of a subject.

These skills are also important in professional and personal settings. When you graduate and are working in a professional capacity, you’ll often need to analyse sets of data to identify issues and determine how to solve them.

In personal contexts, you’ll always need to assess relevant information to make an informed decision. Whether you’re deciding on a major purchase, choosing a healthcare provider, or planning to make an investment, you’ll need to evaluate options to ensure better decision outcomes.

Different Types of Research Skills

Research skills are categorised into different sub-skills. The most common types are:

Quantitative Skills

Quantitative skills refer to the ability to work with numerical data and perform mathematical and statistical analyses to extract meaningful insights and draw conclusions. 

When you have quantitative skills, you’ll be able to apply mathematical concepts and operations in research design and data analysis. 

You’ll also be proficient in using statistical methods to analyse data and interpreting numerical data to draw meaningful conclusions. 

Analytical Skills

Analytical skills refer to the ability to gather data, evaluate it, and draw sound conclusions. When you have analytical skills, you’ll be able to systematically analyse information to reach a reasonable conclusion. 

Analytical skills are important in problem-solving. They help you to break down complex problems into more manageable components, think critically about the information at hand, analyse root causes, and develop effective solutions.

Qualitative Skills

Qualitative skills refer to the ability to collect, analyse, and interpret non-numerical data. When you have qualitative skills, you’ll be proficient in observation, interviewing, and other methods for collecting qualitative research data. 

You’ll also be able to analyse non-numerical data, such as documents and images, to identify themes, patterns, and meanings.

Research Skills Examples

The core research skills you need for success in academic, professional, and personal contexts include:

Data Collection

Data is at the centre of every research, as data is what you assess to find the answers you seek. Thus, research starts with collecting relevant data.

Depending on the research, there are two broad categories of data you can collect: primary and secondary.

Primary data is generated by the researcher, like data from interviews, observations, or experiments. Secondary data is pre-existing data obtained from different existing databases, like published literature, government reports, etc. 

Thus, data collection is more than gathering information from the Internet. Depending on the research, it can require more advanced skills for conducting experiments to generate your own data.

Source Evaluation

When doing research on any subject (especially when using the Internet), you’ll be amazed at the volume of information you’ll find. And a lot is pure garbage that can compromise your research work.

Thus, an important research skill is being able to dig through the garbage to get to the real facts. This is where source evaluation comes in!

Good research skills call for being able to identify biases, assess the authority of the author, and determine the accuracy of information before using it.

Time Management Skills

Have you ever felt that there is not enough time in a day for all that you need to do? When you already have so much to do, adding research can be overwhelming.

Good time management skills can help you find the time to do all you need to do, including relevant research work, making it an essential research skill.

Time management allows you to plan and manage your research project effectively. It includes breaking down research tasks into more manageable parts, setting priorities, and allocating time to the different stages of the research.

Communication Skills

Communication is an important aspect of every research, as it aids in data collection and sharing research findings. 

Important communication skills needed in research include active listening, active speaking, interviewing, report writing, data visualisation, and presentation, etc.

For example, when research involves collecting primary data via interviews, you must have sound speaking and listening skills. 

When you conclude the research and need to share findings, you’ll need to write a research report and present key findings in easy-to-understand formats like charts. 

Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is the ability to achieve thoroughness and accuracy when doing something. It requires focusing on every aspect of the tasks, even small ones. 

Anything you miss during your research will affect the quality of your research findings. Thus, the ability to pay close attention to details is an important research skill.

You need attention to detail at every stage of the research process. During data collection, it helps you ensure reliable data. 

During analysis, it reduces the risk of error to ensure your results are trustworthy. It also helps you express findings precisely to minimise ambiguity and facilitate understanding.

Note-Taking

Note-taking is exactly what it sounds like—writing down key information during the research process.

Remember that research involves sifting through and taking in a lot of information. It’s impossible to take in all the information and recall it from memory. This is where note-taking comes in!

Note-taking helps you capture key information, making it easier to remember and utilise for the research later. It also involves writing down where to look for important information.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to think rationally and synthesise information in a thoughtful way. It is an important skill needed in virtually all stages of the research process.

For example, when collecting data, you need critical thinking to assess the quality and relevance of data. It can help you identify gaps in data to formulate your research question and hypothesis. 

It can also help you to identify patterns and make reasonable connections when interpreting research findings.

Data Analysis

Data may not mean anything until you analyse it qualitatively or quantitatively (using techniques like Excel or SPSS). For this reason, data analysis analysis is an important research skill.

Researchers need to be able to build hypotheses and test these using appropriate research techniques. This helps to draw meaningful conclusions and gain a comprehensive understanding of research data.

Problem-Solving Skills

Research often involves addressing specific questions and solving problems. For this reason, problem-solving skills are important skills when conducting research. 

Problem-solving skills refer to the ability to identify, analyse, and solve problems effectively. 

With problem-solving skills, you’ll be able to assess a situation, consider various solutions, and choose the most appropriate course of action toward finding a solution.

Benefits of Research Skills

Research skills have many benefits, including:

Enhances Critical Thinking

Research skills and critical thinking are intertwined such that developing one enhances the other.

Research requires people to question assumptions, evaluate evidence, analyse information, and draw conclusions. These activities require you to think critically about the information at hand. Hence, engaging in research enhances critical thinking.

Develops Problem-Solving Skills

Research helps you acquire a set of critical skills that are directly transferable to problem-solving. 

For example, research fosters creative thinking, as it often requires synthesising data from different sources and connecting different concepts. After developing creative thinking via research, you can apply the skill to generate innovative solutions in problem-solving situations. 

Helps in Knowledge Acquisition

Engaging in research is a powerful way to acquire knowledge. Research involves exploring new ideas, and this helps you expand your breadth of knowledge.

It also involves applying research methods and methodologies. So, you’ll acquire knowledge about research methods, enhancing your ability to design and conduct studies in your higher education or professional life.

Why Are Research Skills Important?

Strong research skills offer numerous benefits, especially for students’ academic learning and development. 

When you develop good research skills, you’ll reap great academic rewards that include:

In-Depth Understanding

Conducting research allows you to delve deep into specific topics, helping you gain a thorough understanding of the subject matter beyond what is covered in standard coursework.

Critical Thinking Development

Research involves critical evaluation of information and making informed decisions. This builds your ability to think critically.

This skill will not only help you solve academic problems better, but it’s also crucial to your personal and professional growth.

Encouragement of Independent Learning

Research encourages independent learning. When you engage in research, you seek answers independently. You take the initiative to find, retrieve, and evaluate information relevant to your research.

That helps you develop self-directed study habits. You’ll be able to take ownership of your education and actively seek out information for a better understanding of the subject matter.

Intellectual Curiosity Development

Research skills encourage intellectual curiosity and a love of learning, as they’ll make you explore topics you find intriguing or important. Thus, you’ll be more motivated to explore topics beyond the scope of your coursework.

Enhanced Communication Skills

Research helps you build better interpersonal skills as well as report-writing skills.

Research helps you sharpen your communication skills when you interact with research subjects during data collection. Communicating research findings to an audience also helps sharpen your presentation skills or report writing skills.

Assistance in Career Preparation 

Many professions find people with good research skills. Whether you’ll pursue a career in academia, business, healthcare, or IT, being able to conduct research will make you a valuable asset.

So, researching skills for students prepares you for a successful career when you graduate.

Contribution to Personal Growth

Research also contributes to your personal growth. Know that research projects often come with setbacks, unexpected challenges, and moments of uncertainty. Navigating these difficulties helps you build resilience and confidence.

Acquisition of Time Management Skills

Research projects often come with deadlines. Such research projects force you to set goals, prioritise tasks, and manage your time effectively.

That helps you acquire important time management skills that you can use in other areas of academic life and your professional life when you graduate.

Ways to Improve Research Skills

The ways to improve your research skills involve a combination of learning and practice. 

You should consider enrolling in research-related programmes, learning to use data analysis tools, practising summarising and synthesising information from multiple sources, collaborating with more experienced researchers, and more. 

Looking to improve your research skills? Read our 11 ways to improve research skills article.

How Can I Learn Research Skills?

You can learn research skills using these simple three-point framework:

Clarifying the Objective

Start by articulating the purpose of your research. Identify the specific question you are trying to answer or the problem you are aiming to solve.

Then, determine the scope of your research to help you stay focused and avoid going after irrelevant information.

Cross-Referencing Sources

The next step is to search for existing research on the topic. Use academic databases, journals, books, and reputable online sources.

It’s important to compare information from multiple sources, taking note of consensus among studies and any conflicting findings. 

Also, check the credibility of each source by looking at the author’s expertise, information recency, and reputation of the publication’s outlet.

Organise the Research

Develop a note-taking system to document key findings as you search for existing research. Create a research outline, then arrange your ideas logically, ensuring that each section aligns with your research objective.

As you progress, be adaptable. Be open to refining your research plan as new understanding evolves.

Enrolling in online research programmes can also help you build strong research skills. These programmes combine subject study with academic research project development to help you hone the skills you need to succeed in higher education.

Immerse Education is a foremost provider of online research programmes.

Acquire Research Skills with Immerse Education 

Research skills are essential to academic success. They help you gain an in-depth understanding of subjects, enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, improve your time management skills, and more. 

In addition to boosting you academically, they contribute to your personal growth and prepare you for a successful professional career.

Thankfully, you can learn research skills and reap these benefits. There are different ways to improve research skills, including enrolling in research-based programmes. This is why you need Immerse Education!

Immerse Education provides participants aged 13-18 with unparalleled educational experience. All our programmes are designed by tutors from top global universities and help prepare participants for future success.

Our online research programme expertly combines subject study with academic research projects to help you gain subject matter knowledge and the important research skills you need to succeed in higher education.  With one-on-one tutoring or group sessions from an expert academic from Oxford or Cambridge University and a flexible delivery mode, the programme is designed for you to succeed. Subsequently, enrolling in our accredited Online Research Programme will award students with 8 UCAS points upon completion.

Related Content

11 tips to improve your research skills for academic success.

• Solutions Industries Gaming Automotive Sports and events Education Government Travel & Hospitality Financial Services Healthcare Cannabis Technology Use Case NPS+ Communities Audience Contactless surveys Mobile LivePolls Member Experience GDPR Positive People Science 360 Feedback Surveys
• Resources Blog eBooks Survey Templates Case Studies Training Help center

Home Market Research Research Tools and Apps

Research Skills: What they are and Benefits

Research skills play a vital role in the success of any research project, enabling individuals to navigate the vast sea of information, analyze data critically, and draw meaningful conclusions. Whether conducting academic research, professional investigations, or personal inquiries, strong research skills are essential for obtaining accurate and reliable results.

LEARN ABOUT:   Research Process Steps

By understanding and developing these skills, individuals can embark on their research endeavors with confidence, integrity, and the capability to make meaningful contributions in their chosen fields. This article will explore the importance of research skills and discuss critical competencies necessary for conducting a research project effectively.

Content Index

What are Research Skills?

Important research skills for research project, benefits of research skills.

• Improving your Research Skills

Talk to Experts to Improve Skills

Research skills are the capability a person carries to create new concepts and understand the use of data collection. These skills include techniques, documentation, and interpretation of the collected data. Research is conducted to evaluate hypotheses and share the findings most appropriately. Research skills improve as we gain experience.

To conduct efficient research, specific research skills are essential. These skills are necessary for companies to develop new products and services or enhance existing products. To develop good research skills is important for both the individual as well as the company.

When undertaking a research project, one must possess specific important skills to ensure the project’s success and accuracy. Here are some essential research skills that are crucial for conducting a project effectively:

Time Management Skills:

Time management is an essential research skill; it helps you break down your project into parts and enables you to manage it easier. One can create a dead-line oriented plan for the research project and assign time for each task. Time management skills include setting goals for the project, planning and organizing functions as per their priority, and efficiently delegating these tasks.

Communication Skills:

These skills help you understand and receive important information and also allow you to share your findings with others in an effective manner. Active listening and speaking are critical skills for solid communication. A researcher must have good communication skills.

Problem-Solving:  

The ability to handle complex situations and business challenges and come up with solutions for them is termed problem-solving. To problem-solve, you should be able to fully understand the extent of the problem and then break it down into smaller parts. Once segregated into smaller chunks, you can start thinking about each element and analyze it to find a solution.

Information gathering and attention to detail:

Relevant information is the key to good research design . Searching for credible resources and collecting information from there will help you strengthen your research proposal and drive you to solutions faster. Once you have access to information, paying close attention to all the details and drawing conclusions based on the findings is essential.

Research Design and Methodology :

Understanding research design and methodology is essential for planning and conducting a project. Depending on the research question and objectives, researchers must select appropriate research methods, such as surveys, experiments, interviews, or case studies. Proficiency in designing research protocols, data collection instruments, and sampling strategies is crucial for obtaining reliable and valid results.

Data Collection and Analysis :

Researchers should be skilled in collecting and analyzing data accurately. It involves designing data collection instruments, collecting data through various methods, such as surveys or observations, and organizing and analyzing the collected data using appropriate statistical or qualitative analysis techniques. Proficiency in using software tools like SPSS, Excel, or qualitative analysis software can be beneficial.

By developing and strengthening these research skills, researchers can enhance the quality and impact of their research process, contributing to good research skills in their respective fields.

Research skills are invaluable assets that can benefit individuals in various aspects of their lives. Here are some key benefits of developing and honing research skills:

Boosts Curiosity :

Curiosity is a strong desire to know things and a powerful learning driver. Curious researchers will naturally ask questions that demand answers and will stop in the search for answers. Interested people are better listeners and are open to listening to other people’s ideas and perspectives, not just their own.

Cultivates Self-awareness :

As well as being aware of other people’s subjective opinions, one must develop the importance of research skills and be mindful of the benefits of awareness research; we are exposed to many things while researching. Once we start doing research, the benefit from it reflects on the beliefs and attitudes and encourages them to open their minds to other perspectives and ways of looking at things.

Effective Communication:

Research skills contribute to practical communication skills by enhancing one’s ability to articulate ideas, opinions, and findings clearly and coherently. Through research, individuals learn to organize their thoughts, present evidence-based arguments, and effectively convey complex information to different audiences. These skills are crucial in academic research settings, professional environments, and personal interactions.

Personal and Professional Growth :

Developing research skills fosters personal and professional growth by instilling a sense of curiosity, intellectual independence, and a lifelong learning mindset. Research encourages individuals to seek knowledge, challenge assumptions, and embrace intellectual growth. These skills also enhance adaptability as individuals become adept at navigating and assimilating new information, staying updated with the latest developments, and adjusting their perspectives and strategies accordingly.

Academic Success:

Research skills are essential for academic research success. They enable students to conduct thorough literature reviews, gather evidence to support their arguments, and critically evaluate existing research. By honing their research skills, students can produce well-structured, evidence-based essays, projects, and dissertations demonstrating high academic research rigor and analytical thinking.

Professional Advancement:

Research skills are highly valued in the professional world. They are crucial for conducting market research, analyzing trends, identifying opportunities, and making data-driven decisions. Employers appreciate individuals who can effectively gather and analyze information, solve complex problems, and provide evidence-based recommendations. Research skills also enable professionals to stay updated with advancements in their field, positioning themselves as knowledgeable and competent experts.

Developing and nurturing research skills can significantly benefit individuals in numerous aspects of their lives, enabling them to thrive in an increasingly information-driven world.

Improving Your Research Skills

There are many things you can do to improve your research skills and utilize them in your research or day job. Here are some examples:

• Develop Information Literacy: Strengthening your information literacy skills is crucial for conducting thorough research. It involves identifying reliable sources, evaluating the credibility of information, and navigating different research databases.
• Enhance Critical Thinking: Critical thinking is an essential skill for effective research. It involves analyzing information, questioning assumptions, and evaluating arguments. Practice critical analysis by analyzing thoughtfully, identifying biases, and considering alternative perspectives.
• Master Research Methodologies: Familiarize yourself with different research methodologies relevant to your field. Whether it’s qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods research, realizing the strengths and limitations of each approach is crucial.
• Practice Effective Time Management: Research requires dedicated time and effort. Develop good time management skills to ensure that you allocate sufficient time for each stage of the research process, including planning, data collection, analysis, and writing.
• Embrace Collaboration: Collaborating with peers and colleagues can provide a fresh perspective and enrich your research experience. Engage in discussions, share ideas, and seek feedback from others. Collaborative projects allow for exchanging knowledge and skills.
• Continuously Update Your Knowledge: Stay informed about your field’s latest developments and advancements. Regularly read scholarly articles, attend conferences, and follow reputable sources of information to stay up to date with current research trends.

There is plenty of information available on the internet about every topic; hence, learning skills to know which information is relevant and credible is very important. Today most search engines have the feature of advanced search, and you can customize the search as per your preference. Once you learn this skill, it will help you find information. 

Experts possess a wealth of knowledge, experience, and insights that can significantly enhance your understanding and abilities in conducting research. Experts have often encountered numerous challenges and hurdles throughout their research journey and have developed effective problem-solving techniques. Engaging with experts is a highly effective approach to improving research skills.

Moreover, experts can provide valuable feedback and constructive criticism on your research work. They can offer fresh perspectives, identify areas for improvement, and help you refine your research questions, methodology, and analysis.

At QuestionPro, we can help you with the necessary tools to carry out your projects, and we have created the following free resources to help you in your professional growth:

• Survey Templates

Research skills are invaluable assets that empower individuals to navigate the ever-expanding realm of information, make informed decisions, and contribute to advancing knowledge. With advanced research tools and technologies like QuestionPro Survey Software, researchers have potent resources to conduct comprehensive surveys, gather data, and analyze results efficiently.

Where data-driven decision-making is crucial, research skills supported by advanced tools like QuestionPro are essential for researchers to stay ahead and make impactful contributions to their fields. By embracing these research skills and leveraging the capabilities of powerful survey software, researchers can unlock new possibilities, gain deeper insights, and pave the way for meaningful discoveries.

Authors : Gargi Ghamandi & Sandeep Kokane

FREE TRIAL         LEARN MORE

MORE LIKE THIS

Raked Weighting: A Key Tool for Accurate Survey Results

May 31, 2024

Top 8 Data Trends to Understand the Future of Data

May 30, 2024

Top 12 Interactive Presentation Software to Engage Your User

May 29, 2024

Trend Report: Guide for Market Dynamics & Strategic Analysis

Other categories.

• Academic Research
• Artificial Intelligence
• Assessments
• Brand Awareness
• Case Studies
• Communities
• Consumer Insights
• Customer effort score
• Customer Engagement
• Customer Experience
• Customer Loyalty
• Customer Research
• Customer Satisfaction
• Employee Benefits
• Employee Engagement
• Employee Retention
• Friday Five
• General Data Protection Regulation
• Insights Hub
• Life@QuestionPro
• Market Research
• Mobile diaries
• Mobile Surveys
• New Features
• Online Communities
• Question Types
• Questionnaire
• QuestionPro Products
• Release Notes
• Research Tools and Apps
• Revenue at Risk
• Training Tips
• Uncategorized
• Video Learning Series
• What’s Coming Up
• Workforce Intelligence

• No idea what to do?
• Career path test
• Salary calculator
• Career path guides
• Top graduate employers
• Career profiles
• Further study
• A day in their life
• Find an internship
• Vacation schemes
• Deadline Tracker
• Internship Experience UK
• Find a graduate job
• Find an industrial placement
• STEM advice
• Aptitude & numerical tests
• Assessment centres
• Commercial awareness
• Core career skills
• Entering the world of work
• Bright Network events
• Employer events
• Previous event highlights
• Internship Experience Overview
• Business, Operations & Marketing
• Commercial Law
• Finance, Professional Services & Consulting
• For employers

Discover IEUK: Your launchpad to career success

Join us from 17th - 20th June for a transformative 4-day virtual internship experience! Applications are now open. This unique opportunity offers you the chance to take part in real-life case studies and workshops, as well as network with top employers - including British Airways, BT Group, Clyde & Co and PwC. Don’t miss out!

• Graduate career advice
• Key graduate career skills

Research skills: Examples + how to improve them

No matter what career path you choose to take, research skills are one of the key graduate career skills that will help you impress employers in applications and support you throughout your entire working life. 

Research skills are essential in problem-solving; learning how to improve research skills is therefore a great way to prepare for the workplace and improve your overall skill set in your early career. In this article, you’ll find out what research skills are, how to improve your research skills and much more. 

• What are research skills?
• Examples of research skills
• Jobs that require research skills
• How to improve research skills

How to use research skills at your workplace

How to include research skills in a cv, how to include research skills in a cover letter.

• How to demonstrate your research skills at a job interview

Becoming a Bright Network member is free and easy - sign up to get exclusive access to jobs, events, networking opportunities, advice and more.

What are research skills? 

Research skills refer to an individual’s ability to source information about a certain topic, and effectively extract and evaluate the information in order to answer questions or solve problems. 

Research skills are soft skills that are highly sought after by employers as they show a candidate’s ability to understand and analyse a variety of materials and sources. Whether you’re studying or already in the workplace, research skills are important transferable skills to have in any role or sector that you choose.

These skills can be constantly improved, and this is a great way to develop in your early career and prepare for the workplace. For example, your manager might ask you to conduct research or analysis for various projects, where these skills will be essential for your success. 

Learn how to develop your entire transferable skillset with this free online learning course. You'll also get a certificate once you complete the course that you can display on your CV and LinkedIn profile.

Examples of research skills 

During your time at school and university, you will have used a variety of research skills to complete projects and assignments. If you’re not sure what research skills look like in practice, here are some examples: 

Data collection 

Data collection is the process of systematically gathering information in order to solve problems, answer questions and better understand a particular topic. The information or data that you are collecting can be quantitative or qualitative; it can be collected through using surveys, interviews, reviewing existing materials and more to solve a particular problem.

At university, you would need to read broadly on a certain topic or conduct a literature review for a certain project. This is all data collection, and you can develop and use these experiences in your future role too. 

Critical thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to interpret and analyse information in order to form a particular judgement or evaluation. Someone who is a great critical thinker will be able to apply their knowledge (informed by evidence from, for example, data collection) to think rationally and come to a conclusion. Critical thinking is key in the workplace as it means you can analyse and evaluate strategically, to come to a judgement that will inform a particular action or idea.

Detail orientation 

Another key example of a research skill is detail orientation, or the ability to focus on small details. Someone who is detail-oriented will be able to notice small mistakes and will be able to deliver high-quality and accurate work. When solving problems, this is essential, as the ability to extract and evaluate information with accuracy is important for the validity of your research and will help drive high-quality results. 

Time management 

Time management is the ability to organise your time when planning different activities and projects. Effective time management means you’re able to balance your workload and ensure all tasks are completed within an allotted time. This is important for your research skills, as it means you are able to effectively delegate your time between data collection, analysis and evaluation.

Jobs that require research skills 

• External auditors have great attention to detail to investigate organisations. In an external auditor role, you will need to research policies and regulations, analyse data provided by the organisation and draw conclusions for a report.
• A strategist in the financial sector looks at an organisation’s finances to come up with plans for the future. You need great analytical and evaluative skills in order to understand the best options for your clients and turn a rational judgement into action. 
• A role in the Civil Service involves researching, developing and maintaining policy in the UK. Being able to inform your decisions with evidence, and manage your time effectively, is key. 
• In the role of a data scientist , you will need to conduct research to understand why a client or company needs a data scientist, and be able to analyse effectively to see big patterns in large amounts of data. 
• Clinical scientists must carefully analyse and process large amounts of data, requiring strong research skills and detail orientation.

Not quite sure about the type of career you should pursue? Take our Career Path Test and get matched with the career paths and sectors that meet your interests. 

How to improve research skills 

• Practise your time management and organisation skills: Whether you’re at university or in your early career, it’s important to start learning how to balance your time effectively to complete a number of tasks. For your next project, try setting out clear activities that need to be completed, how long you need to spend on each, and a timeline for when each task will be started and completed. 
• Learn how to write reports: In any research process or project, you will need to summarise and evaluate your findings in a written report in a clear and concise way. Make sure to include the objective of your research, a summary of your findings, and the judgements you have made from the evidence you found. 
• Read more widely: One of the core aspects of research and analysis is the ability to extract information from a variety of materials. Reading more widely will improve your data collection skills and will give you experience with forming judgements from a range of sources and on a number of topics.
• Plan . Before you start a project at work, make sure you’ve taken time to plan what tasks you need to do, and how long each will take, to understand the timelines of the project. This allows you to set aside dedicated time for the research phase, for example, before analysing data or putting ideas into action.
• Read about the topic . Whatever sector you’re in, and whatever project you’re working on, reading about your subject area is key to understanding your field ahead of any decisions being made. This will help you solve problems and answer any questions you need to be answered at the offset.
• Compare your results . Following any research or data collection, it’s a good idea to compare your findings with colleagues to ensure consistency across the team. This will lead to greater accuracy for the project as a whole.
• Present . Practising your presentation and communication skills is an essential part of developing your research skills. At the end of any research you’ve conducted, get into the habit of presenting your findings in a written report, and try presenting this to your line manager and wider team.

Once you’ve developed your research skills, it’s important that you know how to convey these effectively in applications – starting with your CV.

Read: How to write a CV | Advice & templates

Your CV is usually the first thing an employer sees of you, so you need to impress them from the offset. Highlighting your research skills, and how you’ve used them in your experience so far, is a great way to do this and will show your organisation, attention to detail and critical thinking.

Research skills should be included under the ‘skills and achievements section of your CV. This is where you include your technical and personal skills that relate to the role you’re applying for.

When talking about your research skills, remember to highlight how you’ve developed these in a concise way. For example, you might have developed research skills by writing a number of literature reviews at university. This might be phrased as “developed effective research skills through data collection and analysis when writing literature reviews for university projects.”

Another way to convey your research skills on your application and impress employers is through the cover letter. If an employer asks for one, it’s important to know how to structure a cover letter so that you can convey your skillset and interest in the role clearly and succinctly.

Your cover letter needs to be no more than one page and should highlight your competency for the role you’re applying for. Approach your application from the basis of ‘what I can do for you’ rather than ‘what you can do for me’. As research skills are transferable, this is a great chance to highlight how you can benefit the organisation and team you’re applying for, as it shows your ability to collect data, think critically, organise your time, analyse and more. Remember to apply these soft and transferable skills to what the job description says will be expected of you.

How to demonstrate your research skills at a job interview 

Interviews are another opportunity to impress employers with your skill set - including how you have developed strong research skills which you can use in the role you’re applying to. 

Ahead of your interview, you should be using your research skills to look into the company you’ve applied for. Get familiar with what they do, their company values and what they’re looking for in a candidate for your chosen role. 

You can also get prepared by practising to answer potential research skills questions like “give me an example of a time when you solved a problem using your research skills.” To answer this, make sure you’re identifying the specific research skills you have used, and explain a real example of when you have solved problems using them. Think about the impact using those research skills had in order to highlight how you have developed these skills effectively in practice. 

Research skills are essential for success in many different roles and fields. By learning how to improve your research skills, you are setting yourself up to impress employers at application and become an asset to a team when you enter the workplace. 

Research skills are soft skills that employers value, are essential for developing your problem-solving skills and are one of the key graduate career skills that recruiters look for. By adding ‘research skills’ to your CV, and highlighting your research capabilities at interviews, you are increasing your employability and chances for success.

Browse thousands of available graduate jobs, schemes and more and demonstrate to employers that you're able to use your research skills to succeed at interview and in your early career. 

How to list technical skills on your resume (25+ samples & examples)

Your resume technical skills section will be an employer’s first look at what you’re capable of. One of the first things they look for when they read an application is the right skill set.

Companies are looking for talented candidates, and the technical skills you put on your resume may be the difference between getting rejected and getting the interview.

The right list of technical skills for your resume will depend on the job posting, however. Your skills list should always be based on the application.

With that in mind, here are some easy tips for displaying technical skills on your resume.

• What are technical skills?

Technical skills are the specific abilities that are needed to complete particular tasks. They are usually job-specific, and are often related to technology, like a type of software or machine.

Resume skills may be physical in nature, such as TIG welding or machining, or digital, such as C++ or data analysis. Technical skills require practise and experience to develop, and are highly sought after by employers. Even entry-level jobs, like retail or food service, may require technical skills, such as cash handling or using point-of-service systems.

Unlike soft skills , which are strengths that help you to work hard, collaborate, and solve problems, technical skills may require certifications or education.

Browse our gallery of resume examples here.

Technical skills can be learned in school, at workshops, or on the job, but it’s important to be able to back up any claims you make in your resume. Companies will likely test or measure your technical abilities as a part of the interview process. For example, if you interview for a job in computer programming, you will likely be asked to complete a technical interview where your competence with the tools of the job will be evaluated.

• Why do you need a technical skills section on your resume?

It’s important to let employers know that you have the right skills for the job. When you apply for a role, the company will be checking your resume to see if you have what it takes. The better your skills, the faster you will adapt to the new job and the less time the company can spend training you. Candidates who can handle the responsibilities of that specific position are much more likely to be hired.

Employers only spend a few seconds reading each resume, so it’s important to make sure your skills section draws their eye. Your Work History Section and descriptions of past roles may show what expertise you have to offer, but to ensure employers know exactly what skills you bring to the table it’s best to create a distinct list. This makes your skills easy to find and gives employers an overview of your skill set without making them read the entire resume.

Browse our gallery of resume templates here.

• Displaying your technical skills

The best way to display your technical skills is in a distinct Skills section. You should show your skills in the rest of your resume throughout your qualifications and job descriptions, but it’s important to have a concise list as well. This allows readers to quickly skim your application and see your resume technical skills in one place. To create a Skills section:

1: Create a skills section (or two)

To display your technical skills, start by creating a Skills section in your resume. Give this section a heading like “Skills”, “Core Competencies”, or something similar. You can then list your skills beneath that heading. Most job seekers list all of their skills under one title, both technical skills and soft skills.

If you would like to keep your technical skills separate from your soft skills, you can create two different Skills sections. For your technical skills, title one of the sections “Technical Skills” or something related to your field, like “Financial Skills”. For your soft skills, create another section called “Soft Skills”, “Leadership Skills”, or something similar. This way, you can keep your skill set organized and make your technical skills even easier to find.

2: Choose your most relevant and impressive technical skills

Not all jobs require the same skills, so it’s important to remember to customize your resume technical skills every time you apply for a new job.

To customize your resume, research the company and the role. You should know exactly what the company is looking for, what their company culture is like, and what kind of skills are in demand in your industry.

The best technical skills to put on your resume are the skills listed in the job posting. The company will have specific needs for the role, and your resume should reflect this. Use the language of the job posting in your Technical Skills section to show that you have exactly what they’re looking for. For example, if the posting asks for candidates with experience in jQuery, POS systems, or TIG welding, make sure to use that exact phrase in your resume technical skills (as long as it’s true!).

3: List your technical skills

In your Skills section, display your technical skills in a simple list. They should be well-organized and easy to read.

Place the most impressive and most relevant skills at the top of the list. The skills explicitly asked for in the job posting are the ones you should emphasize most.

Technical Skills

• Illustrator

If you would like to create categories in your skills list, you can use each bullet in the list as a separate category. For example, use one bullet to display programming skills and the next to show design skills:

• Programming : C++, SQL, Java, JavaScript
• Design : Corel Draw, Photoshop, Illustrator

For a list of skills that really stands out, you can also include a strength rating out of 10 for each skill. With skill strength bars, like those offered in an online CV builder , you can visually demonstrate your abilities with each skill.

4: Show your skills throughout the resume

Your Skills section is the most succinct list of your skills, but the rest of your resume should show your skills as well. Throughout your Summary section, Work History section, and other parts of your resume, emphasize achievements that demonstrate your abilities.

If you list Agile methodology as a technical skill, for example, you can emphasize this in your Work Experience section by noting that you “led an Agile team of 5 developers” or “implemented Agile methodology throughout development department teams.” Every part of your resume must contribute to showcasing your skills.

• Technical skills examples for your resume

The specific technical skills that you display on your resume will depend on your skill set, your industry, and the job you’re applying to. When deciding which skills to foreground, it’s important to know what the company is looking for and what you’re best at.

(And if you find throughout your job search that many companies are looking for technical skills that you don’t have, there is never a bad time to upskill .)

With that in mind, here are some technical skills that may work for your career:

Programming technical skills examples for resumes

When looking for a job in computer programming, it’s important to highlight the programming languages and technologies that you have experience in. Most job postings for programming roles will list the languages that the role requires, so be sure to prominently feature the programming technical skills that they’re looking for.

• Configuration
• Operating systems
• Troubleshooting
• Technical support
• Systems analysis

Digital marketing technical skills examples for resumes

Digital marketing roles may include social media management, blogging, SEO, and more. It’s important to highlight your specialties and show that you are a skilled marketer with the right digital marketing technical skills for the job.

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Affiliate marketing
• Automated Marketing Software
• Content Management Systems

Data analysis technical skills examples for resumes

Data analysis is integral to how businesses learn and grow in a fast-paced market. People with the ability to organize data and create data-driven business plans are in high demand. With the right data analysis technical skills, you can become an irreplaceable part of your next company.

• Data Mining
• Database Design
• Database Management
• Statistical Analysis
• Data Analytics
• Quantitative Research
• Documentation

Project management technical skills examples for resumes

Project management technical skills are in high demand. Good management can be the factor that makes or breaks an important project. If you are customizing your resume for a project management position, be sure to showcase the technical skills that make you a great manager.

• Performance Review
• Benchmarking
• Quality Assurance
• Budget Planning
• Project Planning
• Task Delegation
• Task Management
• Quality Control

Technical writing technical skills examples for resumes

While technical writing itself is often considered a technical skill, there are also many subcategories of technical writing that you may specialize in. When you apply for a role in technical writing, be sure to emphasize the specific skills that the job posting asked for.

• Technical Documentation
• Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
• Client Management
• Requirements Gathering
• Grant Writing
• Standard Operating Procedures

Healthcare technical skills examples for resume writing

Healthcare workers are always in demand. Whether you’re a medical assistant, health care aid, Licensed Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse, radiologist assistant, or hold any other health care role, there is plenty of demand for skilled workers in your field. When you write your healthcare resume, make sure it has the right technical skills for a healthcare role.

• Medical billing
• Patient care
• Record-keeping
• Electronic medical record software
• Performing EKGs

Product management technical skills examples for resumes

In addition to strong people skills and communication abilities, product managers need to have the right technical skills to be effective. As product manager you will be expected to lead teams, ship new features, maintain strong communication between different departments (including development, design, and marketing), develop revenue models, and drive user adoption. For a great product management resume, include skills like:

• Product roadmaps
• User experience design
• SCRUM methodology
• Agile methodology
• Product lifecycle
• Negotiation
• Stakeholder management

Design technical skills examples for resume success

When an employer is hiring for design roles, whether in graphic design, product design, or even interior design, they will be looking for certain technical skills. You can’t score an interview on good taste alone. It’s important to reassure employers that you are familiar with all the tools of the trade. Technical skills to put on your resume include:

• Interactive media
• Wireframing
• UX research
• Prototyping
• Responsive design
• User modeling
• Customer journey mapping

Research technical skills examples for your resume

Research is an important skill in many industries. Even if the role you’re applying to isn’t explicitly a research role, like fact checker, journalist, or research assistant, research skills can be important. No matter where you work, you could be tasked with researching competitors, products, processes, and more. If you want to include your research abilities in your next application, consider this list of technical skills for your resume:

• Data collection
• Source checking
• Intellectual property rights
• Report writing
• Interviewing
• Focus groups

Troubleshooting technical skills examples for resumes

Troubleshooting is an important part of using any technology. You don’t truly understand a product if you can’t find and fix common problems, or at least work around them. Even if you aren’t applying to a QA role, troubleshooting skills can look good on your resume. Troubleshooting technical skills to put on your resume include:

• System knowledge
• Communication

Video technical skills examples for resumes

Video creation is a powerful skill for people in many industries, whether it’s film, marketing, or customer support. The right resume technical skills will depend on your specific role, whether it’s director, editor, set designer, or any video-related role, but it’s important to make it clear what skills you have and what tools you can use. Video technical skills examples for your resume include:

• Video editing
• Sound editing
• Script supervision
• Final Cut Pro

Computer science technical skills examples for resume writing

Computer science technical skills are very useful in the modern workplace and can be an asset in many different careers. Data scientists, software developers, IT experts, Research and Development specialists, database administrators, and more, all need computer science skills to be successful in their careers. Resume technical skills for computer science professionals include:

• CAD Software
• System design
• Technical reporting
• Visual Studio
• Dreamweaver
• Data modeling

Engineering technical skills examples for resumes

The right engineering resume technical skills for you will depend on what you specialize in. There is some overlap between civic engineers and materials engineers, but the tools they work with may not be identical. Even so, here are some possible engineering technical skills you can consider for your resume:

• Structural Analysis

Journalism technical skills examples for resume writing

Journalism can be an uncertain career, but it’s irresistible to those who hear its call. In a competitive media landscape, your journalism resume should to have everything it needs to impress employers. Whether you’re a freelancer, an editor, or looking to become a star reporter for the New York Times, it’s important to develop your technical skills as much as possible. Resume technical skills for journalists include:

• Note-taking
• Fact-checking
• Self-promotion
• Time management

Logistics technical skills examples for resume writing

Logistics coordinators are integral to the functioning of many businesses. Any time products need to be shipped, tracked, and sold, someone has to be keeping an eye on the supply chain. This can require expertise in billing, developing relationships with clients and customers, coordinating suppliers, and optimizing costs and ship times. Logistics technical skills to put on your resume include:

• Freight monitoring
• Document distribution
• Route selection
• Track and trace
• Account management
• Dispute resolution
• Process development

Administration technical skills examples for resume success

Office administrators, program administrators, executive assistants, secretaries, and more, all need administration technical skills to put on their resume. Administration can mean different things depending on your role, field, and department, but any employer with an open administrator position will be looking for specific abilities. As you write your administration resume, consider these technical skills:

• Production planning
• Microsoft Excel
• Document preparation
• Processing invoices
• Phone operation
• Event coordination
• Bookkeeping

Architecture technical skills examples for resume writing

Architects are primarily responsible for designing buildings. Architects have to pay attention to the aesthetic, function, and safety of built structures, both new and existing. Depending on the role, architects may design a building using software, design parts of a structure as a part of a larger project, supervise new construction, inspect older buildings, and more. Some resume technical skills for architects include:

• Industrial design
• Materials science
• Zoning codes
• Building codes

Help desk technical skills examples for your resume

The specific duties of a help desk specialist will depend on the company and the role. Some help desk specialists work remotely, assisting customers with product questions and billing problems, while others work on-site, helping clients use products, services, and hardware. This role relies on strong soft skills, like communication, teamwork, and time management, but there are many technical skills to put on your resume as well, such as:

• Self-management
• Product expertise
• Billing systems
• Password administration
• Booking and scheduling
• Phone systems
• Device configuration
• Product onboarding

Information security technical skills examples for your resume

Cybersecurity is an important and growing field. Nearly all employers use the internet in one way or another, and they all need to make sure their data is safe and secure. If you want a meaningful and future-proof career, information security is a good choice. Whether you want to work in-house for a large company, or work with clients at an information security firm, it’s important to develop impressive technical skills to display on your resume. Information security technical skills include:

• SIEM Management
• FISMA Compliance
• HIPAA Compliance
• Intrusion Detection Systems
• Intrusion Prevention Systems
• Security analysis
• Incident response
• Data science

Content management technical skills examples for your resume

All businesses need websites, and all websites need content. If you want to create a great career in the digital age, developing a robust set of content management technical skills to put on your resume is a great place to start. Content managers write, edit, and curate content that is published online. This involves working with copywriters, contractors, marketing specialists, and designers. It may require some management abilities, social media savvy, an eye for detail, and more. Content manager resume technical skills include:

• Proofreading
• Content creation
• Social media management
• Content management system (CMS) proficiency
• Search engine optimization

Sales technical skills examples for your resume

Sales is a demanding field, but it can be rewarding for the right kind of person. More than just selling products and services, sales jobs require you to create relationships with customers and clients, keeping them informed of your company’s offerings and ensuring that they feel supported and looked-after as they use the services. Sales roles can entail inside sales, B2B, cold calls, travelling, and more. If you’re creating a resume for a sales role, consider this list of technical skills for your resume:

• Client management
• Sales prospecting
• Social selling
• Product knowledge
• Territory management
• Objection handling
• Presentation software
• Customer relationship management tools
• Buyer research
• Productivity software

Accounting technical skills examples for resumes

When hiring an accountant, employers look for an understanding of accounting regulations, proficiency in particular tools, and strong technical skills. While you should always research potential employers and customize your resume to suit the type of accounting you specialize in, there are plenty of accountant resume technical skills that can look good on a resume:

• Intrax ProcedureNet
• Microsoft Dynamics
• Regulatory standards
• ERP systems
• Cost and trend analysis

Warehouse technical skills examples for resume success

Many organizations need to ship, receive, and store items, all of which require warehouses. As online shopping becomes more popular, warehouses become even more important. Someone has to be there to organize, pack, and store all the items that are delivered to peoples’ doors. Whether you’re a labourer, forklift driver, or manager, warehouse jobs can be very physical and require some specialized knowledge. Warehouse technical skills examples for resumes include:

• Spreadsheets
• Supplies procurement
• Personnel management
• Preventative maintenance
• Forklift license
• Regulation knowledge
• Shipping and receiving
• Pallet jack

Retail technical skills examples for your resume

Retail workers spend long hours on their feet, working the sales floor, operating the cash register, and assisting customers. Retail work is a field that requires good people skills, stamina, and a lot of patience, but for the right person, it can be very rewarding. Soft skills like communication and patience aren’t all it takes for a successful retail resume, however. You also need to have the hard skills that go with the job. Retail resume technical skills include:

• Cash handling
• Point of Sale systems
• Industry knowledge
• Merchandising
• Active listening

Ecommerce technical skills examples for resume writing

Ecommerce is a broad field that encompasses all of marketing and selling online. It involves advertising, email marketing, search engine optimization, data collection, analytics, design, and development. As there is no sign that people are about to stop buying things online, ecommerce is a great field to get into to ensure a long career. If you’re applying for an ecommerce job, consider this list of technical skills for your resume:

• Email marketing
• Data analytics
• Web development
• Social media savvy
• Content writing
• Customer relationship management
• Point of sale technology

Welding technical skills examples for resumes

Welding is the process of using heat to fuse pieces of metal together. It is integral to many manufacturing and construction processes. If you’re looking to become a welder, you will likely need to get certified, but even with a certification your resume needs to list your skills. Welding technical skills to put on your resume include:

• TIG welding
• MIG welding
• Stick welding
• Angle grinding
• Arc welding

Secretary technical skills examples for resumes

Secretaries are responsible for professional administrative duties like taking calls, managing correspondence, scheduling meetings, and greeting guests. Whether you’re at the front desk of an office, act as an office administrator, or work as a private secretary, it’s important to have the right organizational skills and multitasking abilities. Secretary technical skills to put on your resume include:

• Operating phones
• Scheduling software
• Office hardware knowledge
• Note Taking
• Appointment booking
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Calendar software
• More technical skills

Your skill set is unique, and the competencies that you have developed throughout your career will depend on your interests, your education, and your previous jobs. When writing your resume, make sure that you understand your own abilities and what companies in your industry are looking for. With a well-targeted resume and the right technical skills, you can make your resume irresistible to employers.

• Accounting Software
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software
• Database Software
• Information Security
• Video Editing and Creation
• Cloud/SaaS Services
• Telecommunications
• Microsoft Office Certifications
• Business intelligence
• Manufacturing process
• Engineering drawing
• What are Technical Skills?
• Why are Technical Skills Important?

Employers only spend a few seconds reading each resume, so it’s important to make sure your skills section catches their eye. Your work history Section and descriptions of past roles may show what expertise you have to offer, but to ensure employers know exactly what skills you bring to the table it’s best to create a distinct list.

• How do you Describe Technical Skills?

Apart from listing them on a resume skills section - you can also describe your technical skills by leveraging your summary (or objective), work history and accomplishments sections of your resume.

For example, you can describe TDD technical skill on your resume by highlighting “Achieved 100% test coverage by following TDD” in your work experience section.

Community Success Manager & CV Writing Expert

Ben is a writer, customer success manager and CV writing expert with over 5 years of experience helping job-seekers create their best careers. He believes in the importance of a great resume summary and the power of coffee.

Read our free guide to the best action words to use on your resume.

November 23, 2021

Co-Founder & Director

Our 2023 Free Resume Writing Guide is filled with quality job search tips, resume examples and information you need to know before writing your resume or CV.

January 30, 2023

VP Marketing & Resume Expert

A guide to what personal information to include in your CV, no matter where you are applying for a job.

June 16, 2020

Copyright © 2024 Workstory Inc.

Select Your Language:

• Graduate Jobs
• Careers Advice
• Research skills

Updated on 04 June 2020

Research skills are in demand. This guide explains what research skills are and how you can prove you've got them!

What are research skills?

In a nutshell, research skills help us find answers to questions.

Research skills are the ability to search for, find, collect, analyse, interpret and evaluate information that is relevant to the subject being studied.

Research shapes the future, it teaches us new things and helps us adapt and evolve. Without research, we wouldn't have cars, smartphones or the internet (or this website for that matter!)

Everyone is a researcher

We all research, even if we don't know it.

The internet is a huge part of our lives. Using search engines (like Google) is a way of researching. Whether you're finding cheap flights or a top restaurant, it's all research!

Why are research skills important?

Employers love research skills. Research is an important part of business because it helps companies:

• Report writing
• Keep an eye on their competitors
• Develop new products
• Identify what customers want
• Get better at what they do
• Keep up with changing technologies

Research skills show companies you're able to suggest new ideas and help the business adapt to the ever changing world we live in.

Research saves money

Launching a new product is expensive. Research helps companies find out if anyone will buy it.

Launching a product without research is risky. There might not be a demand for it. The money spent on launch, marketing and production could've been saved if the company did some research.

How can you gain research skills?

You can research using tools and methods like:

• The internet
• Experiments

How can you demonstrate your research skills?

As a graduate, It's likely you've done a lot of researching! For example during:

• Your dissertation
• Assignments
• Group projects

In interviews

Talk about what you researched, how you did it and what you found. Explaining research you've done as part of a group will also demonstrate your teamwork skills #2birds1stone.

Using the S.M.A.R.T framework is helpful way to structure your answer. You can read more about S.M.A.R.T in our planning and organising guide.

Show what you know

Demonstrate your research skills by sharing what you know about the industry or company you want to work for. The more you know, the more likely you are to impress.

Add your research skills to your CV

Especially if you're applying for a job that requires research skills.

In many cases, your CV is your chance to make a first impression. Your CV will help employers check you've got the right skills. If they can see you've got them, it's likely you'll get to the next stage.

Examples of research skills

Here's a list of some research skills for your CV:

• Data collection
• Analysis of information from different sources
• Finding information off the internet
• Critical thinking
• Planning and scheduling
• Interviewing
• Critical analysis

Which careers require research skills?

Research plays a key role in several industries. For example:

• Consumer goods

We love cookies! We use them to improve your experience and help you find jobs. By clicking "Got it" you agree to our Privacy Policy. View terms .

Resume builder

The Best Research Skills for a Resume

If you want to apply for a research position, you need to provide evidence of research skills on your resume. In this article, we explore what the best research skills for a resume are, why they are important and how to list them properly. We also provide a researcher resume sample to get you started – you can use it as inspiration or a template.

Table of Contents

What Are Research Skills?

A career like research is an excellent option for anyone who can collect, analyze and interpret data, solve complex problems, dive deep into discovery, and offer innovative solutions. The best thing about being a researcher is that you can not only succeed in science and academia but also climb up the career ladder in the corporate world. Indeed, having solid research skills opens the door to many roles and industries, including academic environments, government settings, transnational corporations, startups, tech giants, and non-profit organizations, to name but a few.

From human behavior to regional studies to biotech, there are myriads of research spheres where a qualified individual can make a difference. Researchers utilize their skills to explore a variety of topics, and if you have your mind set on pursuing a career as a researcher, you need to understand what skill set is pivotal for success in this field.

In a nutshell, research skills are all about searching ways to resolve problems. They are knowledge, abilities and competencies that ensure you can investigate particular topics, perform critical analysis, extract and organize data, interpret results, form hypotheses, and derive data-driven conclusions.

As a researcher, you are expected to be capable of relaying your findings to other people in a compelling and digestible form and even inspire action, both in yourself and in others.

Whether you are a seasoned researcher or a novice in this field, you need to put the right skills on your resume . Below you will find a list of the most in-demand research skills in today’s job market.

The Top 10 Research Skills for a Resume

Communication.

Communication is a crucial aspect of a research career since you are required to share information, relay findings and spread knowledge efficiently and effectively, both orally and in writing . While communication skills certainly have a place on your resume , that doesn’t mean adding “Communication” to your list of skills is enough to move on. You need to provide relevant examples verifying that you can research things as part of a team and work towards a common goal. You could add something like this to add credibility to your claim:

Recruited 7 research assistants for clinical studies by visiting clinics and sending out email invites, increasing participation by 20%.

Explained 100+ research procedures to a group of study participants in 10 days, resulting in a 0% incident rate.

Problem Solving

Being an advanced problem solver means you can consistently identify issues and find effective and efficient solutions to them . It is an extremely valuable skill when it comes to research-based activities, and 86% of employers look for workers who are capable of solving problems in the workplace according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ Job Outlook 2022 survey. If you want to add problem-solving skills to your resume, you need to underpin them with relevant accomplishments. For instance, you could add examples like these:

Resolved course accessibility issues by creating interactive presentations for remote learners, increasing student satisfaction by 89%.

Developed and introduced a new computing environment for analysis, identifying 100% of failure patterns and improving issue detection by 75%.

Analytical Skills

Having analytical skills means you can parse data into digestible pieces, interpret them correctly and make data-based connections and conclusions . Data analysis incorporates a vast set of competencies, including technical skills like proficiency in programming languages, such as Python and R, familiarity with data visualization tools, like Tableau and Power BI, and a strong grasp of statistical analysis methods, such as hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and sample size determination. Armed with these skills, a researcher can take data to the next level and drive both innovation and profitability.

Being able to make sense of facts and figures both manually and using automated solutions will help you thrive in most roles, so recruiters would love to know that you are an analytical thinker when considering your candidacy. Your best bet here is to make sure they can find this out by examining your resume. You can add examples like the ones below to prove you can tackle complicated issues using your analytical skill set:

Collected, cleaned and analyzed first-party data from 10+ departments to identify the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the company.

Performed regression analysis to determine the effects of a company-wide minimum wage increase, concluding that the hiring process was accelerated by 25% due to the wage change in question.

Qualitative Analysis

Qualitative analysis allows you to analyze a research subject using non-numerical and non-quantifiable parameters, characteristics and indicators and is based on abstract concepts . For instance, you can use qualitative attributes like human behavior or brand reputation to make business decisions or recognize investment opportunities. This skill is in demand today as it helps researchers use their observations to make conclusions, identify patterns and tackle challenges. Since you cannot quantify this area of your expertise, you need to provide relevant context to convince the reader that you are capable of analyzing non-tangible aspects of a subject. You can do that by using appropriate examples, like the following ones:

Evaluated the quality and accuracy of 200+ data sources in a month.

Performed quality control of high-volume content in a rapidly changing environment, maintaining a quality score of 99.9%.

Quantitative Analysis

Quantitative analysis is an approach that allows you to collect, study, measure, and analyze data . From statistical research to financial modeling, quantitative analysis includes a powerful toolkit that helps a researcher refine and simplify vast amounts of raw data to make better decisions and forecast trends.

Quantitative analysis has countless applications: with it, you can track metrics, measure variables and evaluate parameters in multiple fields, from finance and accounting to molecular biology and astrophysics. Therefore, it is no wonder that it is one of the most important research skills for a resume and highlighting it the right way is likely to help you move forward in the job searching process. You can prove that you know how to work with tangible data by providing relevant examples, like the following ones:

Designed a new data analysis technique, saving 30 monthly hours in parameter comparisons.

Used SQL to analyze customer data and identify areas for improvement related to customer conversions, resulting in a conversion boost by 75%.

Academic Writing

Academic writing is the ability to create complex documents containing scientific data, such as formulas, graphs, and charts . Academic writing skills help researchers prepare reports, presentations and articles for scientific journals and magazines, and if you have them, it means you know how to present technical information clearly and concisely. Recruiters from scientific fields are especially interested in candidates capable of writing academically, so submitting a resume with examples of written work is likely to help you secure a position as a researcher. Listing your publications to prove your expertise is the best option here, but since you might not have enough space to add all your papers, books and articles, you could highlight your academic writing proficiency with something like this:

Created 350+ articles on the principles of academic research for the university’s database, increasing student satisfaction by 60%.

Published 30+ papers focused on structural changes in protein conformations.

We know that expressing your writing potential in limited words can be difficult, so here getting assistance from a summarizing tool can be a good idea.

Literature Review

Literature review is a methodology that implies conducting rigorous research on a particular topic . Having literature review skills means you can explore your subject area in greater depth using sources like books, journal articles, industry magazines, etc. Such competencies allow you to build upon existing knowledge and generate new ideas, accelerating your research and pushing it to its full potential. Naturally, your literature review skills are a valuable asset to your resume. We recommend you to illuminate them with appropriate examples, focusing on tangible outcomes:

Gathered and reviewed 10+ articles on Stata to extract variables from a dataset.

Performed 100+ literature reviews to implement changes in clinical practice, boosting quality of care by 70%.

Time Management

Time management is a powerful soft skill that is especially valuable in research environments. It allows you to manage your time effectively, break large tasks into manageable chunks and prioritize them properly, set up measurable, attainable, and time-bound goals, and even juggle your responsibilities . Proper time management helps you stay focused on your work, boosts your productivity and thereby leads to consistently high results and impressive outcomes. From carrying out experiments to writing reports to teaching, as a researcher, you need to apply time management strategies on a daily basis to successfully accomplish your tasks. You can show you are good at time management on your resume by showcasing your successes, like in the examples below:

Developed a database for organizing behavioral data for 100+ study participants, decreasing data processing time by 30%.

Implemented data analysis techniques in Python, increasing the amount of data analyzed per hour by 17% and accelerating project completion by 40%.

Attention to Detail

Paying attention to detail is a vital aspect of being a researcher. Having this skill helps you gather credible information, perceive meaningful connections, notice discrepancies, and deliver high-quality work based on correct evidence. Since each and every aspect of a career in research requires efficiency and trustworthiness, attention to detail is something you cannot go without – otherwise, your progress will come to a screeching halt. Naturally, you need to illuminate this skill on your resume as recruiters seek candidates who can look at details with a critical eye and minimize distractions. And the best way to do that is by providing a relevant example of success. You can use the ones below for reference:

Checked 10 + data sheets for completion and quality per day, resulting in a <1% error rate.

Supervised the maintenance and updates of the lab’s database with a 99% accuracy rate.

Editing & Proofreading

Editing and proofreading skills are essential to perform successful research since they ensure it is both accurate and easy to read . While editing is more about making your text more digestible and improving the overall quality of your writing, proofreading corrects surface issues like errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar. Both require you to have a solid command of the language you use and a certain degree of focus. The devil is indeed in the details, so you need to always polish your texts before submitting them. Only this way will they be perceived by your peers and superiors as constructive and professional. And to prove you are good at editing and proofreading, you need to add appropriate examples to your resume. Here is how you can demonstrate your ability to provide high-quality texts:

Edited 11 federal grant proposals designed by my team, which generated $200+ in lab funding.

Edited a research paper co-authored with 2 postdoctoral employees regarding protein generation, which received the Best Paper Award in 2020.

How to List Research Skills on a Resume

Your resume is the best place to highlight your research experience and the value you could bring to your next role. The key here is to put your research skills in the right section so that they get noticed by the reader. You have no fewer than 7 options here:

• A dedicated research section
• Your work experience section
• The education section
• The list of your research publications
• The projects section
• The skills section
• Your resume summary

If you have a solid research background, you may want to create a separate section on your resume and call it Research or Research Experience . This place will help you expand on your projects and their details, specify the nature of your research, and describe the specifics of your previous roles, providing relevant examples and demonstrating the most prominent accomplishments.

If your career is all things research, the work/professional experience section can incorporate your research skills and accomplishments. List your employers and your duties, along with the dates of your employment, like you would do when describing your non-research work experience.

Your education section is an appropriate place to highlight your research skills if you are a student or a recent graduate. You can put it at the top of your resume if you want to draw more attention to your research background when applying for your first job in science or academia.

If you have a whole host of published works, it could be a great idea to create a separate section for listing your publications . This will help you add credibility to your research skills and accomplishments. Research-related accomplishments can also be highlighted as projects on your resume. This might be appropriate if your research background is not so extensive or not quite relevant to your current career aspirations.

You can list your research skills in your skills section as long as they are tangible and relevant for the job you want to land. We recommend you to avoid general skills here and focus on industry-specific expertise, illuminating it with the keywords you can find in the corresponding job listing and relevant skill levels .

Highlighting your research skills in the summary section is appropriate if you are applying for a role where a robust research background is essential. Your resume summary is just a few lines appearing at the top of the document, so make sure to add only the most important research skills there – those that you want the reader to see first and foremost.

Why Are Research Skills Important?

Research-oriented positions and most jobs in academia require you to have a solid set of research skills. Employees outside these roles can also benefit from research experience – research skills are transferable , meaning you can bring them to the table no matter your position, career field or job level. Therefore, they are a valuable addition to a resume in many cases.

Businesses and organizations are eager to employ candidates with proven research skills because they can

• come up with original plans and ideas,
• design innovative products and services,
• improve processes,
• keep up with technology,
• identify customers’ needs and requirements and find ways to meet them,
• resolve complicated issues,
• analyze competitors’ strengths and weaknesses,

By adding research skills to your resume, you show recruiters that you can think outside the box, know how to work with data and technology, are capable of making well-informed decisions, and are good at solving problems. This makes you a valuable hire in today’s skill-based job market

A Resume Sample to Apply for a Research Position

JOHN/JANE DOE Research Assistant Location ⋅ Email ⋅ Phone number Diligent and hardworking clinical researcher seeking a position at [Name of Company] to apply academic expertise and facilitate biological research. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Company/Organization, Location Dates of Employment Research Assistant Assisted scientists in 30+ research projects related to therapeutics for COVID-19 Conducted data-driven testing with an accuracy rate of 98% Supervised a team of 3 junior research assistants with daily laboratory duties Company/Organization, Location Dates of Employment Graduate Research Assistant Participated in cell research projects as part of a cross-departmental team of 30 researchers. Performed cell counts with 99% accuracy Was engaged in developing a platform to investigate immune responses to virus-infected hepatocytes. … Company/Organization, Location Dates of Employment Research Student Assistant Gathered and analyzed data and evidence for 10+ clinical research cases monthly. Awarded “Research Impact Award” in recognition of consistent research excellence (only 1 student is awarded in a class of 100). … EDUCATION NAME OF UNIVERSITY Location Degree, Major Dates of Education SKILLS Molecular cloning RNA isolation Cell counting Knowledge of SQL code and queries Data analysis Literature review

A career in research is an extremely exciting yet quite a demanding path. Since the competition for positions in the field is very fierce, as a researcher, you need to have high levels of determination and persistence and a powerful combination of skills. The research skills we have outlined in this article are what recruiters expect to see on your resume, so make sure to expand on them to get the job of your dream, rise to the top of your game and deliver ground-breaking research.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Technical writing skills

Depending on your field of study, there are different types of articles and formats you’ll need to master. The LaTeX typesetting system, for example, has proven to be a powerful tool for researchers in fields where tables, figures, and formulae are regular manuscript features. Like any technology, there are tips and tricks that can make it easier to use. In this beginners’ guide, we walk you through them. 

What you will learn

• Practical advice to get you started
• Guidance on using the system
• Some golden rules and common mistakes

Modules in Technical writing skills

How to write and review a methods article

How to design effective figures for review articles

How to write for an interdisciplinary audience

An editor’s guide to writing a review article

How to write case reports

Systematic reviews 101

Beginners’ guide to writing a manuscript in LaTeX

Research Analyst Skills

Learn about the skills that will be most essential for Research Analysts in 2024.

Getting Started as a Research Analyst

• What is a Research Analyst
• How To Become
• Certifications
• Tools & Software
• LinkedIn Guide
• Interview Questions
• Work-Life Balance
• Professional Goals
• Resume Examples
• Cover Letter Examples

What Skills Does a Research Analyst Need?

Find the important skills for any job.

Types of Skills for Research Analysts

Critical thinking and analytical skills, technical proficiency and data management, quantitative research and statistical knowledge, communication and visualization, industry knowledge and business acumen, top hard skills for research analysts.

• Critical Thinking and Analytical Reasoning
• Effective Communication

Attention to Detail

• Problem-Solving
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Time Management and Prioritization
• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Creativity and Innovation
• Emotional Intelligence
• Persuasion and Negotiation

Top Soft Skills for Research Analysts

• Data Collection and Management
• Statistical Analysis and Quantitative Methods
• Data Visualization and Reporting
• Advanced Excel and Spreadsheet Proficiency
• Database Management and SQL
• Programming Skills in Python or R
• Econometrics and Modeling Techniques
• Machine Learning and Predictive Analytics
• Survey Design and Implementation
• Big Data Analytics Tools (e.g., Hadoop, Spark)

Most Important Research Analyst Skills in 2024

Advanced analytical proficiency, critical thinking and problem solving, technological savvy, effective communication and storytelling, industry-specific knowledge, quantitative research methodologies, adaptability and continuous learning.

Show the Right Skills in Every Application

Research analyst skills by experience level, important skills for entry-level research analysts, important skills for mid-level research analysts, important skills for senior research analysts, most underrated skills for research analysts, 1. intellectual curiosity, 2. effective communication, 3. active listening, how to demonstrate your skills as a research analyst in 2024, how you can upskill as a research analyst.

• Master Advanced Data Analytics Tools: Invest time in learning cutting-edge data analysis software and platforms that are becoming industry standards, to handle large datasets more efficiently.
• Develop Proficiency in Statistical Programming: Gain expertise in programming languages such as R or Python, which are essential for complex data manipulation and analysis.
• Expand Your Knowledge in Machine Learning: Explore machine learning techniques to uncover deeper insights from data and stay competitive in the field of advanced analytics.
• Enroll in Specialized Research Methodology Courses: Keep abreast of the latest research methodologies by taking courses from accredited institutions or online learning platforms.
• Build a Strong Foundation in Data Ethics: Understand the ethical implications of data handling and analysis to ensure integrity and trustworthiness in your research.
• Participate in Research Forums and Networks: Engage with the research community through forums, webinars, and professional networks to exchange ideas and stay informed about industry trends.
• Seek Opportunities for Collaborative Research: Collaborate with peers from different disciplines to broaden your perspective and enhance your analytical skills.
• Attend Industry-Specific Seminars and Conferences: Stay updated on sector-specific insights and developments by attending relevant events, which can also serve as networking opportunities.
• Focus on Effective Communication of Findings: Improve your ability to communicate complex data and analysis clearly to stakeholders through visualization tools and storytelling techniques.
• Embrace Continuous Learning: Dedicate time to reading academic journals, industry reports, and books to keep your knowledge current and comprehensive.

Skill FAQs for Research Analysts

What are the emerging skills for research analysts today, how can research analysts effectivley develop their soft skills, how important is technical expertise for research analysts.

Research Analyst Education

More Skills for Related Roles

Unlocking business insights through data, driving strategic decisions with numbers

Transforming data into insights, driving strategic business decisions and growth

Unearthing insights from data, driving strategic decisions with predictive analytics

Interpreting economic trends, shaping business strategy with insightful analysis

Unearthing insights and data to drive decision-making, shaping the future of research

Driving business growth and efficiency through data-driven insights and strategic analysis

Start Your Research Analyst Career with Teal

Soft Skills In Research: Effective Communication And Teamwork

Embark on a journey of inspiration as you discover the powerful fusion of Martin Luther King’s legacy and scientific inquiry.

In the context of research, innovation and discovery cannot solely rely on technical expertise. Soft skills, including communication, teamwork, adaptability, and ethical awareness, guide researchers through scientific inquiry. Beyond the confines of laboratory experiments and data analysis, these interpersonal skills foster collaboration, facilitate meaningful dialogue and promote the responsible conduct of research. In this article, we explore the critical importance of soft skills in research, examining how they can enhance productivity, improve research outcomes, and shape the future of scientific advancement.

Understanding Soft Skills

What are soft skills.

Soft skills are a set of interpersonal, communication, and behavioral attributes that enable individuals to interact effectively with others. Unlike hard or technical skills, which are typically job-specific and measurable, soft skills are more about how individuals behave. Examples of soft skills include:

Leadership: Leadership involves more than just giving directions; it’s about inspiring and motivating individuals or teams to achieve common objectives. Visionary leaders provide purpose and direction, while decisiveness enables them to make tough decisions swiftly, even in uncertain situations. Delegation plays a crucial role by assigning tasks to team members based on their strengths and abilities, fostering autonomy and accountability. Additionally, effective conflict resolution skills are essential for addressing disputes constructively, maintaining team harmony, and keeping everyone focused on the task at hand.

Creativity: Creativity is the engine of innovation, generating novel ideas and solutions. Curiosity opens the mind to new possibilities, while imagination allows individuals to envision alternatives beyond conventional thinking. Creative individuals are not afraid to take risks, explore new possibilities, and push boundaries to uncover fresh perspectives and insights. Creativity fuels progress and drives positive change by challenging the status quo and inspiring new ways of thinking and doing.

Critical Thinking: Critical thinking enables individuals to analyze information objectively, evaluate evidence, and make informed decisions. It involves questioning assumptions, recognizing biases, and applying logic and reasoning to draw sound conclusions. Critical thinkers are adept at identifying underlying assumptions, evaluating the credibility of sources, and considering alternative perspectives before arriving at conclusions.

Emotional Intelligence: This is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions, as well as empathize with the emotions of others. Self-awareness enables individuals to recognize their emotional triggers and responses, while self-regulation allows for the effective management of emotions in various situations. Social awareness consists of understanding the emotions and perspectives of others, while relationship management skills facilitate positive interactions and collaboration.

Adaptability: Adaptability is a vital soft skill characterized by the ability to thrive in changing environments and circumstances. Those proficient in adaptability demonstrate flexibility, resilience, and a proactive approach to navigating transitions, whether in the workplace or personal life. They embrace change as an opportunity for growth, quickly adjusting their strategies and mindset to effectively meet new challenges. Valued in both professional and personal contexts, adaptability enables individuals to remain productive, engaged, and resilient in uncertainty, contributing to their success and well-being.

Conflict Resolution: Conflict resolution skills are essential for addressing disagreements and disputes in a constructive and mutually beneficial manner. Active listening is crucial for fully understanding the perspectives of all parties involved, while empathy fosters compassion and understanding. Negotiation facilitates finding mutually agreeable solutions, while compromise entails finding common ground and reaching a consensus.

Time Management: Time management skills enable individuals to prioritize tasks, allocate resources effectively, and meet deadlines efficiently. Setting realistic goals provides clarity and direction while creating schedules helps organize activities and manage time effectively. Identifying and eliminating time-wasting activities is essential for minimizing distractions and maximizing productivity.

Related article: Time Management for Researchers: A Comprehensive Toolkit

Networking: Networking builds and maintains professional relationships to leverage connections for career advancement and opportunities. Effective communication is key to establishing rapport and fostering meaningful connections, while actively seeking out opportunities to connect with others helps expand one’s professional network. Building and nurturing relationships over time allows individuals to tap into resources, expertise, and opportunities for growth and development.

Presentation Skills: Presentation is essential for effectively communicating ideas, proposals, or findings to an audience. Public speaking delivers the information clearly, confidently, and engagingly, while visual design enhances the clarity and impact of presentations. Storytelling captivates audiences and makes information more memorable, while audience engagement techniques encourage participation and interaction.

Resilience: This is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and maintain a positive outlook in the face of challenges. Perseverance is to stay committed to goals despite obstacles or setbacks, while optimism fosters a hopeful and positive attitude. A growth mindset embraces challenges as opportunities for learning and growth, leading to greater resilience and personal development.

The Importance Of Soft Skills In Research

Soft skills play a crucial role in research, contributing to the success and effectiveness of scientific endeavors in several ways. While technical expertise is undoubtedly crucial in conducting research, soft skills play a complementary and equally vital role in ensuring success in this field. Furthermore, soft skills encompass a wide range of interpersonal and communication abilities.

By developing and honing soft skills, researchers can enhance their effectiveness, productivity, and overall success in their work. Possessing strong soft skills can open up new opportunities for collaboration, funding, and career advancement, ultimately contributing to the advancement of knowledge and innovation in their respective fields. Therefore, investing in the acquisition of soft skills alongside technical expertise is essential for researchers seeking to make meaningful contributions to their fields and address complex challenges facing society.

Related article: Funding for Research — Why, Types of Funding, When, and How?

Soft Skills For Researchers

Communication skills.

Communication skills are indispensable throughout the research process, serving as the foundation for effective collaboration, knowledge dissemination, and project advancement. Researchers rely on clear and concise communication to articulate hypotheses, methodologies, and results to peers, advisors, and stakeholders, ensuring alignment and understanding among team members. Particularly crucial in interdisciplinary collaborations, effective communication bridges disciplinary gaps, facilitates idea exchange, and integrates diverse perspectives into cohesive solutions. Researchers adept at communication can navigate these interactions smoothly, translating technical jargon into accessible language and fostering mutual understanding among team members.

Moreover, the impact of good communication extends beyond internal collaborations to external interactions with the broader scientific community and society. Clear and compelling communication of research findings enhances visibility, credibility, and impact. Whether through academic publications, conference presentations, or public outreach efforts, researchers proficient in communication can inspire interest, provoke discussion, and catalyze further inquiry. Ultimately, investing in the development of communication skills not only benefits individual researchers but also advances scientific knowledge and addresses global challenges collaboratively, emphasizing the critical role of communication in the research landscape.

Problem-Solving Skills

Problem-solving skills are integral to the research process, guiding researchers through the complexities and uncertainties inherent in scientific inquiry. In research, challenges are inevitable, ranging from methodological dilemmas to unexpected experimental outcomes. Proficient problem-solving abilities empower researchers to navigate these obstacles effectively, identify viable solutions, and make informed decisions to propel their projects forward. Moreover, problem-solving skills foster a proactive and adaptive mindset, enabling researchers to approach problems with resilience, creativity, and resourcefulness. By cultivating these skills, researchers not only enhance their ability to overcome hurdles but also strengthen their capacity to innovate, explore new avenues of inquiry, and generate impactful discoveries.

Examples of Problem-Solving Scenarios in Research

Experimental troubleshooting : Researchers encounter unexpected issues or inconsistencies in their experiments, requiring them to identify the underlying problems and devise solutions to ensure the reliability and validity of their results.

Data analysis challenges: Researchers face complex datasets with missing or conflicting information, necessitating the development of innovative analytical approaches and algorithms to extract meaningful insights and draw valid conclusions.

I nterdisciplinary collaboration: In collaborative research projects involving experts from diverse fields, researchers must navigate differences in terminology, methodologies, and perspectives to integrate findings and address complex research questions effectively.

Literature review discrepancies: Researchers encounter conflicting findings or inconsistencies in the existing literature, prompting them to critically evaluate the evidence, reconcile discrepancies, and identify gaps for further investigation.

Funding constraints: Researchers encounter budget limitations or funding cuts, requiring them to explore alternative sources of funding, optimize resource allocation, and develop cost-effective strategies to continue their research projects.

Ethical dilemmas: Researchers face ethical considerations or dilemmas in their research, such as conflicts of interest, privacy concerns, or potential harm to participants, necessitating careful ethical deliberation and decision-making to ensure research integrity and compliance with ethical standards.

Technology limitations: Researchers encounter limitations or challenges with existing technologies or tools, prompting them to innovate and develop new methodologies, techniques, or instrumentation to overcome technical obstacles and advance their research goals.

Fieldwork complications: Researchers conducting fieldwork face logistical challenges, environmental constraints, or unforeseen circumstances, requiring them to adapt their research plans, problem-solve on the spot, and implement contingency measures to ensure the success of their fieldwork activities.

Teamwork stands as a cornerstone in research, offering a collaborative framework that fosters synergy, innovation, and collective problem-solving. Research endeavors often entail complex challenges that require diverse perspectives, skills, and expertise to address effectively. In this context, teamwork enables researchers to pool their strengths, leverage complementary talents, and navigate interdisciplinary boundaries to achieve common objectives. 

Teamwork also cultivates an environment of mutual support and shared accountability, where individuals collaborate seamlessly, communicate openly, and respect each other’s contributions. By harnessing the collective intelligence and collective effort of a cohesive team, researchers can amplify their impact, tackle ambitious projects, and push the boundaries of knowledge beyond what could be achieved individually.

Examples of How Efficient Teamwork Accelerates Research

Division of Labor: In a research team, members can divide tasks according to their expertise, allowing for simultaneous progress on multiple aspects of the project. For instance, while one team member conducts experiments, another can analyze data, and another can draft reports. This division of labor ensures efficiency and accelerates the overall research process.

Pooling Resources: Through teamwork, researchers can pool their resources, including equipment, funding, and intellectual capacity. By sharing resources, teams can access specialized tools and expertise that may not be available to individual researchers, thereby speeding up the completion of experiments and analyses.

Brainstorming and Problem-Solving: Collaborative brainstorming sessions allow team members to generate innovative ideas and solutions to research challenges. Through open discussion and exchange of perspectives, teams can quickly identify potential obstacles and develop strategies to overcome them, leading to faster progress in the research process.

Feedback and Peer Review: Efficient teamwork involves providing constructive feedback and engaging in peer review processes. By soliciting input from team members, researchers can identify areas for improvement and refine their methodologies or interpretations more quickly. This iterative process of feedback accelerates the refinement of research findings and ensures their accuracy and validity.

Networking and Collaboration: Research teams often collaborate with external partners, such as other research institutions, industry partners, or community organizations. Through these collaborative efforts, teams can leverage additional expertise, resources, and data, facilitating faster progress in achieving research goals and objectives.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking guides researchers in evaluating evidence, analyzing data, and drawing well-reasoned conclusions. In research, where the pursuit of knowledge often navigates complex and ambiguous situations, critical thinking helps researchers approach problems with skepticism, intellectual rigor, and a willingness to challenge assumptions. 

By applying logical reasoning, sound judgment, and systematic inquiry, researchers can assess the validity of hypotheses, identify gaps in existing knowledge, and formulate novel research questions that push the boundaries of inquiry. It enables researchers to navigate ethical considerations, recognize biases, and uphold the integrity and credibility of their work. Ultimately, critical thinking underpins the entire research endeavor, driving the quest for truth, innovation, and intellectual advancement.

Examples of Critical Thinking in Action

Reviewing Literature: When conducting a literature review, researchers critically evaluate existing studies to identify gaps, inconsistencies, or areas requiring further investigation. They assess the validity, reliability, and relevance of previous research findings, considering factors such as sample size, methodology, and potential biases. Through this critical analysis, researchers inform their study design and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their field.

Designing Experiments: Before conducting experiments, researchers engage in critical thinking to develop robust study designs that address research questions effectively and minimize biases. They carefully consider factors such as control variables, randomization procedures, and sample selection criteria to ensure the validity and reliability of their findings. By anticipating potential confounding factors and addressing them proactively, researchers enhance the rigor and credibility of their experiments.

Analyzing Data: In the data analysis phase, researchers apply critical thinking skills to interpret research findings accurately and draw meaningful conclusions. They scrutinize statistical analyses, examining factors such as effect sizes, significance levels, and confidence intervals to assess the strength of evidence supporting their hypotheses. Additionally, researchers critically evaluate outliers, anomalies, and potential sources of error, ensuring the integrity and validity of their data interpretations.

Identifying Bias: Researchers critically examine their assumptions, biases, and preconceptions throughout the research process to minimize their influence on study outcomes. They strive for objectivity and impartiality in data collection, analysis, and interpretation, employing strategies such as blind or double-blind procedures to reduce bias. By acknowledging and addressing potential sources of bias, researchers enhance the credibility and reliability of their research findings.

Also read: How To Avoid Bias In Research: Navigating Scientific Objectivity

Drawing Conclusions: When concluding research findings, researchers engage in critical thinking to assess the strength of evidence and the validity of their interpretations. They consider alternative explanations, potential confounding variables, and limitations of the study design, weighing the evidence carefully before making definitive claims. By exercising skepticism and intellectual rigor, researchers ensure that their conclusions are grounded in sound reasoning and supported by empirical evidence.

Improving Your Soft Skills

Training and courses.

Enhancing soft skills requires a proactive approach to learning and development, incorporating a combination of self-directed practice, feedback, and structured training opportunities. One practical way to improve soft skills is through experiential learning, where individuals actively engage in real-world scenarios that require the application of specific skills. This can involve volunteering for leadership roles in group projects, participating in networking events to hone communication skills, or seeking opportunities to collaborate with diverse teams to cultivate teamwork and adaptability. Additionally, soliciting feedback from peers, mentors, or supervisors can provide valuable insights into areas for improvement and guide targeted skill development efforts.

Organizations may provide in-house training programs or workshops focused on specific soft skills relevant to their industry or organizational culture. Professional associations, community colleges, and continuing education programs often offer seminars or certificate programs tailored to develop soft skills for specific career paths or industries. By leveraging these training opportunities, individuals can systematically enhance their soft skills, augment their professional capabilities and open up new opportunities for personal and career growth.

Regular Practice And Consistent Learning

Habitual practice plays a fundamental role in improving soft skills, as consistent repetition allows individuals to reinforce desired behaviors and cultivate proficiency over time. Just as athletes train regularly to hone their physical abilities, individuals aspiring to develop soft skills must engage in deliberate practice to refine their interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving capabilities. By incorporating soft skill development into daily routines and activities, individuals can gradually build competence and confidence in applying these skills across various contexts. Consistent practice not only enhances skill proficiency but also fosters a growth mindset, where setbacks are viewed as opportunities for learning and improvement rather than obstacles to progress.

Tips for Cultivating a Habit of Consistent Learning

To cultivate a habit of consistent learning and skill development, individuals can adopt several strategies to integrate learning activities seamlessly into their daily lives. Setting specific, achievable goals related to soft skill improvement can provide motivation and focus for learning efforts. Breaking down large goals into smaller, manageable tasks can make progress more tangible and sustainable. 

Establishing a regular schedule or routine for learning activities, such as dedicating a specific time each day for skill practice or scheduling regular check-ins to track progress, can help maintain consistency and accountability. Embracing a growth mindset and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth can also foster resilience and perseverance in the face of setbacks. Leveraging available resources such as books, online courses, workshops, or mentorship opportunities can provide valuable guidance and support for ongoing learning and skill development.

Ultimately, the significance of soft skills in enhancing research competency cannot be overstated. As researchers strive to address increasingly complex and interdisciplinary challenges, the ability to effectively communicate ideas, collaborate with diverse teams, and think critically becomes indispensable. Soft skills not only complement technical expertise but also enable researchers to navigate uncertainties, innovate, and drive scientific progress forward. By recognizing and investing in the development of soft skills, individuals and organizations can foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning, thereby advancing the frontiers of knowledge and addressing society’s most pressing challenges with ingenuity and impact.

Discover insights on how to make learning a habit you enjoy: “ How To Make Learning A Habit You Enjoy “.

Science Figures, Graphical Abstracts, And Infographics For Your Research

Mind the Graph platform offers invaluable support to scientists by providing a comprehensive suite of tools for creating visually compelling science figures, graphical abstracts, and infographics tailored to their research needs. The platform offers a diverse range of customizable templates and design elements, empowering researchers to create professional-quality visuals with ease. Whether crafting graphical abstracts to summarize key findings, designing infographics to illustrate research processes, or creating science figures to visualize experimental results, Mind the Graph enables scientists to effectively communicate their research in a visually impactful manner. By harnessing the power of visual storytelling, Mind the Graph helps scientists captivate audiences, disseminate knowledge, and elevate the impact of their research endeavors.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Exclusive high quality content about effective visual communication in science.

Unlock Your Creativity

Create infographics, presentations and other scientifically-accurate designs without hassle — absolutely free for 7 days!

Content tags

• SUGGESTED TOPICS
• The Magazine
• Newsletters
• Managing Yourself
• Managing Teams
• Work-life Balance
• The Big Idea
• Data & Visuals
• Reading Lists
• Case Selections
• HBR Learning
• Topic Feeds
• Account Settings
• Email Preferences

You Need New Skills to Make a Career Pivot. Here’s How to Find the Time to Build Them.

• Elizabeth Grace Saunders

Even when you have a full-time job.

With any significant change in your career comes the need for new skills. But that’s even more true when you want a radical career change. In these situations, it’s going to take more than listening to a few webinars to build the knowledge you need get to where you want to go. You must set aside a significant amount of time for self-directed learning, formal training, or even a second job to gain the skills for the big leap.

There are a few strategies to be effective for consistently making time for acquiring new career skills. First, accept the time commitment; you may need to scale back on nonessential activities. Second, research what’s required for your new field, whether it’s formal licensing, independent working, or side hustle work. Third, layer in learning onto activities you’re already doing throughout your day. Fourth, designate specific times you’ll dedicate to skill-building — and stick to it. Finally, modify your work schedule, if needed.

Sometimes you don’t just want a new job, you want a radical career change . Perhaps you’ve been in finance and now want to be an acupuncturist, you’re a marketer eager to lead a startup, or you’re an educator looking to shift into catering and event planning.

• ES Elizabeth Grace Saunders is a time management coach and the founder of Real Life E Time Coaching & Speaking . She is the author of How to Invest Your Time Like Money and Divine Time Management . Find out more at RealLifeE.com .

Partner Center

Advancing social justice, promoting decent work ILO is a specialized agency of the United Nations

Migrated Content

Many countries are experiencing a persistent gap between the skills needed in the labour market and those offered by the workforce. Skills anticipation is a strategic and systematic process through which labour market actors identify and prepare to meet future skills needs, thus helping to avoid potential gaps between skills demand and supply. A skills anticipation strategy enables training providers, young people, policy-makers, employers and workers to make better educational and training choices, and through institutional mechanisms and information resources leads to improved use of skills and human capital development. The Branch’s area of work on Skills for the future of work helps ILO constituents to develop forward looking approaches to adapt skills development to the labour market demand and to respond to industrial, sectoral, trade, technology and environmental policies and challenges. Technical support provided by this area of work includes assistance in building systems and institutions to anticipate skill needs and minimise skills mismatches. It also develops, adapts and applies knowledge and tools on skills anticipation and improved labour market outcomes of learning. The Branch's research and technical assistance on Skills for the future of work includes work on:

• Skills for Trade and Economic Diversification (STED) 
• Skills anticipation and matching
• Skills mismatches 
• Skills for a greener future 
• Skills for digital transformation 
• Big Data for skills anticipation and matching 
• Skills and COVID-19 pandemic  

Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA)

Related content

Skills and Lifelong Learning

Phone Numbers

Routine and emergency care.

Companion Animal Hospital in Ithaca, NY for cats, dogs, exotics, and wildlife

Equine and Nemo Farm Animal Hospitals in Ithaca, NY for horses and farm animals

Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists, on Long Island for every horse

Ambulatory and Production Medicine for service on farms within 30 miles of Ithaca, NY

Animal Health Diagnostic Center New York State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

General Information

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Ithaca, New York 14853-6401

Program Expectations

Is veterinary medicine right for you.

Veterinary medicine is a highly rewarding profession, with unique opportunities to improve animal health and well-being. However, is important to remember that veterinarians must be able to:

• Work effectively with people, including animal owners and diverse health care teams
• Learn, integrate, and apply large amounts of complex knowledge
• Continually develop and improve knowledge and skills
• Plan, focus, prioritize, and make timely decisions in the workplace
• Handle the fast pace and long workdays of clinical practice 
• Be resilient, adaptable, and resistant to stress

Succeeding at Cornell

The veterinary curriculum at Cornell is a rigorous four-year program designed to prepare graduates to be successful across the breadth of the profession. If you are considering applying to the program, please familiarize yourself with the essential skills, abilities, and attitudes described below. Students enrolled in the program are expected to meet all of the requirements.

Essential Skills and Abilities

The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree signifies that the holder is a veterinarian prepared for entry into the practice of veterinary medicine with or without further postgraduate study. All Cornell veterinary students must acquire broad scientific knowledge and technical skills necessary for them to function independently in a wide array of clinical, research, and other situations. Candidates for the DVM degree must demonstrate the requisite skills and abilities to satisfy both the overall and course-specific requirements of the curriculum. Moreover, students must be able to function safely and effectively in multiple environments, such as classrooms, laboratories, examinations, large and small animal clinics, and a variety of animal environments. Exposure to chemicals (e.g., medications, disinfectants, anesthetics, tissue fixatives) and pathogens are unavoidable during veterinary school and beyond.

Veterinarians are governed by a code of ethics and professional behavior that forms a social contract between the profession and society. The DVM degree is conferred only after the student has achieved satisfactory mastery of the necessary scientific and clinical knowledge as well as technical skills, while also demonstrating the professionalism, attitudes, and behaviors that are consistent with the professional degree of veterinarian. Throughout the curriculum, students must demonstrate a high level of compassion for all animals and people, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, the highest moral and ethical standards, a motivation to serve, and are expected to interact effectively with people of all ethnic, social, cultural, and religious backgrounds.

Essential Requirements

The following information will familiarize applicants and students with the abilities, skills, and attitudes expected to meet the requirements of the curriculum and the profession. The avowed intention of an individual student to practice only a narrow part of clinical medicine, or to pursue a non-clinical career, does not alter the requirement that all veterinary students take and achieve competence in the curriculum required by faculty.

The College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University has an ethical responsibility for the safety of patients and clients with whom students and veterinarians interact and interrelate. Patient and client safety and well-being are therefore essential factors in establishing requirements involving the physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities of candidates for admission, promotion, and graduation. Candidates for the DVM degree must be able to elicit and receive a variety of inputs from their environment, including tactile, visual, and auditory stimuli, then process these inputs based on their knowledge and experience, and finally make appropriate responses that include both verbal communications and a variety of physical actions. A candidate for the DVM degree must demonstrate abilities and skills in five areas: observation, communication, motor, intellectual (conceptual, integrative, and quantitative), behavioral, and social.

Observation

Communication, motor function, intellectual (conceptual, integrative, and quantitative), behavioral and social attributes.

Learn new skills, connect in real time, and grow your career in the Salesblazer Community.

What Is a Sales Engineer, and What Do They Do?

Sales engineers tap into both the sales and tech sides of an organization, using their technical know-how to close deals.

Mark Keene II

Share article.

Peanut butter and jelly. Fish and chips. Macaroni and cheese. Some things are just better together.

The same goes for the role of sales engineer.

What’s a sales engineer? It’s a mash-up of sales and tech. And when those two skill sets come together, they create a hugely valuable member of a sales team.

Here, we cover what you’ll do, the skills and experience needed to be successful in the role, and what you need to know to nail an interview and get the job.

What you’ll learn:

What is a sales engineer, what does a sales engineer do, skills needed to become a sales engineer, what you need to be successful as a sales engineer, what you need to know to nail a sales engineer interview, join the salesblazer movement.

We’re building the largest and most successful community of sales professionals, so you can learn, connect, and grow. 

A sales engineer specializes in selling complex technological and scientific products and services. They play a crucial role in the sales process by acting as a bridge between a customer or prospect’s technical resources and their company’s sales team.

A sales engineer typically works in business-to-business (B2B) sales in industrial and technical industries. The top organizations that employ sales engineers are in high-tech, manufacturing, merchant wholesale, and computer systems design.

( Back to top )

A sales engineer’s role and responsibilities are a blend of sales and tech. They collaborate with their sales team to develop an understanding of where the prospect or customer is today and where they could potentially go with the product being offered. The sales engineer then takes that understanding and provides solutions based on the customer’s tech needs and requirements.

These duties are key to the sales engineer role:

• Consultant: A sales engineer works with customers and prospects to identify their technical challenges and provide potential solutions. This often entails reviewing the customer’s tools, processes, or systems and suggesting improvements.
• Product expert: A sales engineer has an in-depth knowledge of the technical aspects of their company’s product or service. They know how it works and why it is beneficial to a customer. The sales engineer conveys their product expertise to a prospect with a presentation tailored to their needs. They communicate about complex technology in a way that is understandable and relatable.
• Technical support: A sales engineer helps customers troubleshoot and solve technical issues with their company’s product or service. They also work with their own company’s product development team to report any customer issues that could be fixed in future product iterations. For example, a sales engineer at a software as a service (SaaS) company helps a manufacturing customer fix a software error.

Sales engineers need a mix of hard and soft skills. They must be armed with technical proficiency and be able to interact with customers and prospects. Let’s say you’re a sales engineer for a company that provides technology for health care call centers. These are some of the skills you may need:

Hard skills

• Technical knowledge: You know the ins and outs of your company’s product or service, such as how the technology routes incoming calls. You understand the product’s features, its capabilities, its differentiation from the competition, and how it could work for a customer.
• Industry intelligence: A sales engineer keeps up on information, trends, and research developments specific to their product’s industry. They are immersed in the world they sell into and are constantly reading industry reports, getting certifications, and learning how the latest tech works.
• Opportunity and project management: A sales engineer must juggle multiple opportunities, projects, stay on track, and meet deadlines. The goal is to manage your time and be productive. For example, on a typical day, a sales engineer might balance the priorities of attending customer meetings, answering customer questions, updating sales management, and delivering a call center solution.

Soft skills

• Verbal and written communication: A sales engineer works with customers, prospects, sales account executives, and product developers — and must speak the language of all of them. An example might be talking with a customer about their call center’s help-ticketing system and telling a story through a demonstration of the product showcasing how your product decreases the time to ticket resolution.   
• Interpersonal skills: Sales engineers build a rapport with customers and must be comfortable with active listening, empathy, and adaptability. An example is participating in a face-to-face customer meeting about an issue with their current call-center tech. A sales engineer must ask questions, provide a technical solution, and do it all while building a human connection.
• Analytical thinking: Sales engineers are problem solvers. They like to dig into complex customer issues and offer tailored solutions. An example is interpreting patterns in the customer’s call center data to identify ways to decrease call volume.

Get the latest articles in your inbox.

360 Highlights

Yes, I would like to receive the Salesblazer newsletter as well as marketing emails regarding Salesforce products, services, and events. I can unsubscribe at any time.

By registering, you confirm that you agree to the processing of your personal data by Salesforce as described in the Privacy Statement .

Thanks, you’re subscribed!

My career path to becoming a sales engineer and working with great sales engineers involved earning a bachelor’s degree. While working at the Ohio Army National Guard and at one of the largest metal distribution and manufacturing companies in North America. That’s where I first learned about Salesforce from our IT team. I learned while on the job and completed Salesforce Trailhead Badges. Then, I studied to become a certified Salesforce Admin and developed my sales skills while learning the technical aspects of Salesforce products.

In my experience, it takes three to five years of working experience to become a sales engineer. A college degree is often required, along with relevant certifications.

The job outlook for sales engineers is promising. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook projects that sales engineer employment could grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. About 5,900 openings for sales engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Employment growth is likely to be strong for sales engineers selling computer software and hardware.

Here are the qualifications you should consider on your career path:

College degree

It is recommended that you have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Common engineering majors are for electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering to gain technical acumen as well as critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

I have seen that some employers no longer require a college degree, though. For example, companies offering cloud technology tend to require only certifications and work experience. This is likely because the technical knowledge needed for cloud tech is different than that in a more industrial field, such as an aeronautical fabrication company, where an aeronautical engineering degree could be seen as more beneficial.

Certifications

Work on getting the technical and sales credentials needed for your industry or product.

Certifications enhance your credibility and demonstrate to a potential employer that you have specialization in a field. Certifications typically involve learning via courses and books to prepare for a certification exam. To find out which certifications you may need:

• Scan sales engineer job descriptions.
• Ask your colleagues or managers.
• Search online groups or industry associations.

Sales training

Technical acumen is only half the equation. You’ll also need sales skills to succeed in this role — that’s where sales training comes into play. It teaches salespeople how to sell more effectively, such as presenting products or closing deals. Start with the sales training offered by your current employer and check out this list of leading sales training programs . Seek out programs that address your specific needs or weaknesses. For example, a sales engineer who needs to have better interpersonal skills could focus on improving active listening.

Gain relevant experience

You’ll want to obtain experience in sales and tech, because a sales engineer role encompasses both these areas. I have found that a typical sales engineer job description requires three to five years of sales and technical experience.

The choice is yours as to where you want to start. On the sales side, you may hold entry level roles within a sales organization, such as business development representative (BDR) or inside sales representative, and use them as a stepping stone to gain tech experience. People in these positions look for potential new customers by generating qualified leads through outbound prospecting or by following up with inbound leads.

Or you could begin on the tech side and use that experience as a foundation to then switch over to sales. Tech experience could include implementing the product or spending time as a product end user, such as using Slack .

Maintain continuous learning

The technology that sales engineers work on is constantly changing because of new developments, innovations, and product variations. Once you’ve landed your job as a sales engineer, you must continue to learn through courses, conferences, and workshops, books, and articles in your areas of expertise.

Some technical certifications may require renewal, maintenance, or updates. For example, to maintain a valid Salesforce Admin Certification, you must complete a Trailhead maintenance module each year.

So, you’ve attained your certifications, training, and everything else you need to set yourself up for success as a sales engineer. Now it’s time to show off your experience and expertise in a job interview. These are the typical steps of the sales engineer interview process:

1. Meet with human resources

You’ll meet with a person from the hiring company’s human resources group. The purpose of the meeting is for the HR person to screen your experience for the sales engineer position and decide whether you will move on to the next stage of the process. You will be asked basic questions to gauge your interest in the role and determine whether you have the right qualifications, such as:

• Why are you interested in this position?
• Why do you want to work at this company?
• What sales engineer skills and experience do you have?

The HR person is looking to unearth your reasons for applying to the company. Get specific in your answers, such as responding that you like one of their new cloud-product innovations, and weave in your previous experience working on cloud solutions.

2. Meet with the hiring manager

The hiring manager is usually the sales director or sales manager who leads the sales team. The focus of this interview will be on technical questions, so they can confirm that you have the certifications, skills, and experience needed for the role. The interviewer may ask about your sales experience, such as how you handle objections on a sales call or what soft skills you use to interact with customers. Questions may include:

• What is one way you’ve used our product to benefit customers?
• How do you explain complex technical topics to a customer?
• How do you think your technical certifications have helped in your past roles?

Your responses should play up your technical and sales skills to illustrate your experience. For instance, when the interviewer asks how you explain complex tech topics, your answer could include an example of how you described a firewall for cybersecurity software.

3. Give a final presentation and product demo

The hiring manager wants to see whether you can back up your skills and experience with a live presentation and demonstration . They’ll assess your ability to speak with customers, answer questions, and explain the company’s tech in simple terms.

In my experience, you will be given a mock sales scenario and asked to present to the sales leader, who will act as the customer or prospect. The presentation typically lasts about half an hour to 45 minutes. It includes creating and presenting your slides and conducting a demo of the company’s product or service. Here are some tips to keep in mind for your presentation:

• Research the customer or prospect: Learn everything you can about the customer or prospect’s company, such as going to their website and reading press releases and searching for industry articles. This information allows you to tailor your presentation to your audience’s needs and showcase how you can help solve their pain points .
• Review technical terms: Go over the features and benefits of the hiring company’s product or service. Decide how you will cover the technical features in plain language. Consider telling a story or using an analogy. For example, if you’re demonstrating cybersecurity software, you might explain how a firewall is like a security guard at a bank.
• Practice, practice, practice: Rehearse your presentation with a friend or family member and ask for feedback. Run through your demo several times to ensure there are no malfunctions with the tech. Time yourself with a stopwatch and try to keep the presentation within your allotted time. Remember to allow a few extra minutes for answering questions.

Uniting the best of both worlds

Working as a sales engineer means tapping into the sales and tech sides of an organization and using your technical know-how to close deals. It’s all attainable with the right certifications, experience, and training to prepare you for a successful job interview. Before you know it, you’ll be thriving in your new career.

8 sales productivity pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

Get the Sales Productivity Workbook and avoid pitfalls like bloated tech stacks and approval bottlenecks.

Just For You

What Is a QBR? (And How to Plan One Your Customers Will Appreciate)

What Is Sales Turnover and How Does it Help With Smarter Inventory Management?

Explore related content by topic

• Salesblazer
• Sales Fundamentals

As the Director of Sales and Projects at ETG Digital, Mark delivers Salesforce solutions that enable digital transformation for his clients. Mark has over 12 years of experience in sales, marketing, and CRM. He holds multiple Salesforce certifications, including Salesforce Certified Administrator, ... Read More Salesforce Certified Associate, and Salesforce Certified Service Cloud Consultant.

What Does Salesforce Do?

What Is Sales Tracking and How Does It Help Improve Team Performance?

Dynamic Pricing Demystified: How to Ride the Highs and Lows in the Market and Win

Thrive or Dive: Why the Difference Between Revenue vs. Profit Matters

Sales Prospecting: How to Find the Right-Fit Customers You’re Looking For

What Is Commission Pay? A Great Way to Motivate Sales Teams [Tips and Examples]

What Is Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) and How Can It Help You Understand Business Health?

Keep it Brief: How to Write Subject Lines for Sales Emails that Actually Get Opened

New to Salesforce?

• What is Salesforce?
• Best CRM software
• Explore all products
• What is cloud computing
• Customer success
• Product pricing

About Salesforce

• Salesforce.org
• Sustainability

Popular Links

• Salesforce Mobile
• AppExchange
• CRM software
• Salesforce LIVE
• Salesforce for startups
• América Latina (Español)
• Brasil (Português)
• Canada (English)
• Canada (Français)
• United States (English)

Europe, Middle East, and Africa

• España (Español)
• Deutschland (Deutsch)
• France (Français)
• Italia (Italiano)
• Nederland (Nederlands)
• Sverige (Svenska)
• United Kingdom (English)
• All other countries (English)

Asia Pacific

• Australia (English)
• India (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• ประเทศไทย (ไทย)

© Copyright 2024 Salesforce, Inc. All rights reserved.  Various trademarks held by their respective owners. Salesforce, Inc. Salesforce Tower, 415 Mission Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105, United States