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Senior leader skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted experts

Jessica Tangen Daniels Ph.D.,

Jessica Tangen Daniels Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical senior leader skills. We ranked the top skills for senior leaders based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 8.7% of senior leader resumes contained java as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a senior leader needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 senior leader skills for your resume and career

1. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how senior leaders use java:

Designed and Implemented Java - Flex interaction through BlazeDS configurations - Designed and Developed Security Framework around modules.
Worked mainly in Core Java Collections, Multi-Threading and Java Concurrency framework

2. Project Management

Here's how senior leaders use project management:

Have been actively involved in various project management activities such as resource management, time management, and task creation/allocation.
Directed project management functions from inception through completion, which included completing projects within allotted time frames and budgetary constraints.

3. Architecture

Here's how senior leaders use architecture:

Implemented Technical Architecture Design Documentation * Involved in project planning process with to analyze business requirements and outline a possible solution.
Crafted high-level technology cost estimates for declining/non-permitted remediation and data center exit programs in tandem with Architecture & Strategy team.

4. Customer Service

Customer service is the process of offering assistance to all the current and potential customers -- answering questions, fixing problems, and providing excellent service. The main goal of customer service is to build a strong relationship with the customers so that they keep coming back for more business.

Here's how senior leaders use customer service:

Facilitate an atmosphere of fun and learning and provide exemplary and personalized customer service to every passenger.
Facilitated training initiatives for managers and customer service personnel in quality services, coaching and performance management.

5. C++

C++ is a general-purpose programming language that is used to create high-performing applications. It was invented as an extension to the C language. C++ lets the programmer have a high level of domination over memory and system resources. C++ is an object-oriented language that helps you implement real-time issues based on different data functions

Here's how senior leaders use c++:

Implemented a Python program that generated C++ code from a JSON defined catalog of well- defined events and statistics.
Designed and implemented business and data objects for middle tier using both Visual Basic and C++.

6. C #

Here's how senior leaders use c #:

Developed web pages with ASP.Net, MVC, and C #.

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7. Patients

Here's how senior leaders use patients:

Mastered clinical procedures through providing high quality care for patients, while facilitating individualized treatment goals to foster increasing functionality.
Certified Med-TechPersonal Care Assistant* Administer prescribed medications to patients and maintain related medical records.

8. Azure

Here's how senior leaders use azure:

Designed the interface solution for seamless connectivity of SAP structures with County s cloud BI Data Mart on Microsoft Azure platform.
Used Azure Monitoring service (Activity Logs, Metrics, Diagnostics Data) for audit.

9. Windows

Windows is a chain of operating systems that controls a computer and is developed by Microsoft. Every version of Windows consists of GUI (graphical user interface), with a desktop that allows the user to open their files.

Here's how senior leaders use windows:

Developed interfaces to manage the framework using windows services; developed web-applications to manage the process (including starting/stopping/pausing activities).
Integrated defined contractual scope requirements into established execution windows, to meet overall project outage windows and project objectives.

10. JavaScript

Here's how senior leaders use javascript:

Assisted in the development of an in-house content management system utilizing ASP/VB Script, XML, XSLT and JavaScript.
Designed and developed the dynamic Web-based UI using AJAX, JSP, HTML, CSS, JSON and JavaScript.

11. Cloud Computing

Here's how senior leaders use cloud computing:

Project Description and Responsibilities: R&D group on Cloud Computing involved in developing expertise on various Cloud Computing solutions.

12. HR

HR stands for human resources and is used to describe the set of people who work for a company or an organization. HR responsibilities revolve around updating employee records and carrying out management processes like planning, recruitment, evaluation, and selection processes. HR is a key contributor to any company or organization's growth as they are in charge of hiring the right employees, processing payrolls, conducting disciplinary actions, etc.

Here's how senior leaders use hr:

Reported on Global HR strategy and metrics in technology, organizational structure and operations for merger readiness.
Support requirement gathering and implementation of HR Profiles and structural authorizations.

13. Emerging Technologies

Here's how senior leaders use emerging technologies:

Deployed expertise in learning governance, emerging technologies, organizational consulting, training programs, resource allocation and customized learning solutions.
Drafted several white papers highlighting computer security trends and briefed senior leadership on emerging technologies.

14. Client Facing

Here's how senior leaders use client facing:

Appointed as the Service Delivery Manager, a client facing role that requires both managerial and technical knowledge.
Coordinate the deployment and implementation of consulting client facing website for administration of a new insurance product.

15. API

Here's how senior leaders use api:

Integrated Abbott custom NFC reading and data managing API's to activate and scan NFC patch.
Key contributor to the North Bound Programmatic API for the routing stack test and design reviews.

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What skills help Senior Leaders find jobs?

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What skills stand out on senior leader resumes?

Jessica Tangen Daniels Ph.D.

Associate Provost - Innovation and Partnerships, Program Director/Professor, Ed.D. Leadership in Higher Education, Bethel University

The skills that "stand out" on an educational leader's resume are those that synergize into a coherent story. So not necessarily the skills that are self-identified and listed under a "skills" heading, but those that are evidenced through outcomes achieved appointments/promotions, or other demonstrated successes. For example, in an educational institution, being elected to a chair or moderator position within a senate structure might indicate characteristics of diplomacy, advocacy, collaboration, and wisdom. The resume reader can imagine how those attributes might translate to a new employment space, with much more confidence than if those same characteristics were merely listed as skills. So first, on a resume, prioritize representing your skills through a story, experience, and evidence (rather than self-described adjectives) in a way that reflects your unique narrative.

Now, regarding the specific skills. Some of the skills desired in an educational leader change, based on the institutional context, the previous leader, unique internal or external challenges, etc. However, I would suggest two interminable and foundational skills that will always stand out on a resume and differentiate the applicant: working hard and working with others. Employers want to hire a hard worker, determined, responsible, trustworthy, and strong work ethic. And employers want to hire someone who others want to work with, someone who is collaborative, thoughtful, or in Ingnation or Jesuit language, someone who is for and with others.

Those two skills form a foundation for professional success.

What soft skills should all senior leaders possess?

Jessica Tangen Daniels Ph.D.

Associate Provost - Innovation and Partnerships, Program Director/Professor, Ed.D. Leadership in Higher Education, Bethel University

With the rapid rate of change, accelerating information turnover, and boundless access to knowledge, certain new soft skills may now be prioritized in our current society. So we all have to be learners, seeking new information, anticipating that we will need to change our mind, and striving for a disposition of curiosity. The specific skill of asking good questions cannot be underestimated.

Employers may be seeking skills like imaginative bridging, humbly and curiously connecting dots. Or the skills of facilitation and curation, with so many different perspectives and lived experiences, and an overabundance of information, an educational leader, must manage people, perspectives, and content like never before.

Employers are looking for skills that relate to not only the day-to-day tactical aspects of educational leadership but also imaginative problem-solving for a thriving future.

What technical skills for a senior leader stand out to employers?

John Russo

Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Computer Science, Landmark College

As I mentioned above, the ability to adapt to change. My favorite course is database management systems. I tell my students that the software that we use today likely will not be around for the entire span of their careers. They really need to learn how to quickly work with new technologies, languages and systems. In the span of my career much has changed. I have always found new technologies exciting and refreshing. Employers want to hire graduates who have a set of technical skills in programming languages, database management systems and techniques (such as data mining) but also can learn on the job and be excited to learn new things.

What hard/technical skills are most important for senior leaders?

Michael Munger

Director of Undergraduate Studies, Director, PPE Program, Duke University

Political Science students should take at least one Computer Science class, be able to run a spreadsheet with skill, and be able to write crisp prose that gets to the point.

Do you want to know more?

List of senior leader skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a senior leader resume and required skills for a senior leader to have include:

Java
Project Management
Architecture
Customer Service
C++
C #
Patients
Azure
Windows
JavaScript
Cloud Computing
HR
Emerging Technologies
Client Facing
API

Web Services
Strong Analytical
Visualization
Scrum
HTML
Troubleshoot
UI
Macro
Management System
Code Reviews
Amazon Web Services
Linux
Cordova
DEV
ETL

Jenkins
SQL Server
Lifecycle Management
CSS
BI
Technical Support
Spring Boot
QA
Object Oriented Programming
Apex
SDLC
Process Improvement
Jira
IP

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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