Top 12 Generalist Skills to Put on Your Resume

Crafting a compelling resume is crucial in today’s competitive job market, and highlighting your generalist skills can significantly enhance your appeal to potential employers. These versatile abilities showcase your adaptability and readiness to tackle a wide range of challenges, making you an invaluable asset to any team.

Generalist Skills

1. Python
2. Excel
3. SQL
4. Tableau
5. PowerPoint
6. Salesforce
7. WordPress
8. QuickBooks
9. Adobe Photoshop
10. Google Analytics
11. Project Management (e.g., JIRA)
12. CRM Systems (e.g., HubSpot)

1. Python

Python is a versatile and widely-used programming language known for its readability and efficiency, favored in fields ranging from web development to data analysis and artificial intelligence.

Why It's Important

Python is important because it is a versatile, easy-to-learn programming language with a wide range of applications, from web development to data analysis, making it a valuable tool for generalists seeking to solve a variety of problems across different fields.

How to Improve Python Skills

Improving your Python skills as a generalist involves a combination of understanding core concepts, practicing coding, and engaging with the community. Here are concise steps with resources:

1. Master the Basics: Ensure a strong grasp of Python syntax and fundamental concepts. Python's Official Tutorial is an excellent starting point.

2. Practice Coding: Apply what you've learned by solving problems on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. Consistent practice is key.

3. Work on Projects: Start with small projects and gradually increase complexity. GitHub is a great place to find project ideas.

4. Read Others' Code: Explore open-source projects on GitHub to see how experienced developers structure their code.

5. Learn from Courses: Platforms like Coursera and edX offer courses on Python and its applications.

6. Stay Updated: Follow Python-related news and updates through Python Weekly and PyCoder’s Weekly.

7. Join the Community: Participate in forums like Stack Overflow and Reddit’s r/Python. Networking and sharing knowledge can provide new insights and opportunities.

8. Explore Advanced Concepts: As you get comfortable, delve into advanced topics like algorithms, data structures, and design patterns. GeeksforGeeks has a wealth of resources for deep dives.

By combining these resources and strategies, you can systematically enhance your Python skills and adapt to various programming challenges.

How to Display Python Skills on Your Resume

2. Excel

Excel is a spreadsheet program developed by Microsoft, used for organizing, analyzing, and storing data in tables, and it supports complex calculations, charting, and data analysis.

Why It's Important

Excel is important because it provides powerful tools for data analysis, organization, and visualization, enabling efficient management of information and insightful decision-making for generalists across various fields.

How to Improve Excel Skills

Improving your Excel skills can significantly boost your productivity and analytical capabilities. Here are concise steps with resources for a generalist:

1. Learn the Basics: Familiarize yourself with Excel's interface, basic formulas, and functions. GCFGlobal offers a comprehensive starting point.

2. Master Key Functions: Dive deeper into essential functions like VLOOKUP, INDEX(MATCH), and pivot tables. Exceljet provides clear guides for these.

3. Practice Data Analysis: Utilize Excel for data sorting, filtering, and visualization. Chandoo.org has practical examples to enhance your skills.

4. Automate with Macros & VBA: Learn how to automate repetitive tasks using Macros and VBA. The Excel Macro Mastery website is a great resource.

5. Stay Updated: Excel continuously evolves, so subscribe to Excel-focused blogs and channels like MrExcel for the latest tips and updates.

Remember, practice is key to mastering Excel. Try applying what you learn in real-world scenarios for the best retention and skill improvement.

How to Display Excel Skills on Your Resume

3. SQL

SQL (Structured Query Language) is a programming language designed for managing and manipulating databases, allowing you to store, retrieve, and manipulate data within a database management system.

Why It's Important

SQL (Structured Query Language) is crucial because it enables efficient management, querying, and manipulation of databases, which are foundational to storing, organizing, and accessing vast amounts of data across various applications and systems.

How to Improve SQL Skills

Improving SQL skills involves a blend of understanding foundational concepts, practicing query writing, and exploring advanced features. Here's a concise guide:

1. Master the Basics: Grasp core SQL operations like SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE. Understand how to create and manipulate databases and tables. W3Schools SQL Tutorial offers a good starting point.

2. Practice Writing Queries: Regular practice helps in solidifying your understanding. Try solving real-world problems on platforms like HackerRank or LeetCode.

3. Learn Join Operations: Understanding how to effectively use different types of joins (INNER, LEFT, RIGHT, FULL) is crucial for working with relational databases. SQL Joins Tutorial provides a comprehensive guide.

4. Optimization Techniques: Learn about indexing, query optimization, and execution plans to enhance performance. Use The Index, Luke! is a valuable resource for learning about indexing and optimizing SQL queries.

5. Explore Advanced Features: Dive into stored procedures, triggers, and user-defined functions for more complex operations. PostgreSQL Tutorial covers these topics well and is relevant for other SQL databases too.

6. Understand Database Design: Good database design is crucial for efficient querying. Learning about normalization, entity-relationship diagrams, and constraints is essential. Database Design Guide offers a solid introduction.

7. Stay Updated and Engage with the Community: SQL standards and database technologies evolve, so follow blogs, forums, and news sites. DBA Stack Exchange is a great place to ask questions and share knowledge.

Consistently applying these steps will substantially improve your SQL skills and understanding of databases.

How to Display SQL Skills on Your Resume

4. Tableau

Tableau is a powerful data visualization tool used to create interactive and shareable dashboards, which help in understanding complex data through graphical representation, making it easier for non-technical users to analyze and derive insights.

Why It's Important

Tableau is important because it enables users to easily visualize and understand complex data, facilitating informed decision-making and insights without requiring deep technical expertise.

How to Improve Tableau Skills

Improving your skills in Tableau, a powerful data visualization tool, involves a combination of learning key concepts, practicing your skills, and staying updated with the latest trends and features. Here's a concise guide to help you enhance your Tableau capabilities:

1. Learn the Basics: Start with understanding the core concepts and functionalities of Tableau. Tableau's official training videos are an excellent place to begin.

2. Practice Regularly: Apply what you learn by working on real datasets. Kaggle offers a wide range of datasets for practice.

3. Join the Community: Engage with the Tableau Community through forums and user groups to learn from others and get your questions answered.

4. Follow Blogs and Tutorials: Stay updated with the latest tips, tricks, and advanced techniques by following renowned Tableau blogs. A couple of notable ones include Tableau Public and the Tableau Magic blog.

5. Take Advanced Courses: Enroll in advanced courses on platforms like Coursera or Udemy for more structured learning paths and deeper insights.

6. Participate in Challenges: Enhance your skills and creativity by participating in challenges like Makeover Monday and Viz for Social Good.

7. Stay Updated: Tableau frequently updates its software. Keep abreast of the latest features and how they can improve your data visualization by checking the Tableau Blog.

Remember, the key to mastery in Tableau lies in continuous learning and constant practice.

How to Display Tableau Skills on Your Resume

5. PowerPoint

PowerPoint is a presentation software developed by Microsoft, used to create, edit, and showcase slide-based presentations combining text, images, and multimedia elements.

Why It's Important

PowerPoint is important because it provides a versatile platform for effectively presenting information and ideas visually, helping to engage audiences, clarify complex concepts, and facilitate communication in academic, professional, and educational settings.

How to Improve PowerPoint Skills

Improving your PowerPoint presentations involves enhancing both design and delivery. Here are concise tips:

1. Start with a Clear Objective: Define the main message or goal of your presentation.

2. Simplify Your Slides: Use minimal text, focus on key points, and avoid clutter. Microsoft's design tips can guide you.

3. Consistent Design: Use a consistent theme, font, and color scheme. Canva's PowerPoint Templates offer customizable designs.

4. Use High-Quality Images and Graphics: Visuals should be clear and relevant. Unsplash and Pexels provide free high-quality images.

5. Incorporate Data Visualization: Graphs and charts can effectively communicate data. Ensure they're simple and easy to understand. Tableau Public offers inspiration.

6. Engage Your Audience: Ask questions, incorporate polls, or use storytelling to maintain interest. Poll Everywhere integrates interactive polls into presentations.

7. Practice Delivery: Rehearse your presentation to refine pacing and transitions.

8. Get Feedback: Share your presentation with others for constructive feedback before the final delivery.

9. Use PowerPoint's Features: Leverage PowerPoint's built-in tools like Designer and Morph to enhance your presentation. Microsoft's PowerPoint training provides tutorials.

10. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest presentation trends and tools. Websites like Presentation Zen offer insights into effective presentation design and delivery.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve the effectiveness and impact of your PowerPoint presentations.

How to Display PowerPoint Skills on Your Resume

6. Salesforce

Salesforce is a cloud-based software company that provides customer relationship management (CRM) service and applications focused on sales, customer service, marketing automation, analytics, and application development.

Why It's Important

Salesforce is important because it provides a comprehensive platform for customer relationship management (CRM), enabling businesses to streamline their sales, marketing, and customer service processes, enhancing efficiency and improving customer satisfaction.

How to Improve Salesforce Skills

To improve Salesforce proficiency as a Generalist, focus on:

1. Understanding Core Concepts: Grasp the basics of CRM and Salesforce's model. Salesforce's Trailhead offers a comprehensive learning path from beginner to advanced levels.

2. Customization and Automation: Learn to customize Salesforce to fit your company's needs. Focus on mastering the use of tools like Process Builder, Flow, and custom reports.

3. Data Management: Understand data import, export, and quality maintenance. Utilize Salesforce's Data Loader for bulk operations.

4. Integration: Learn to integrate Salesforce with other tools and platforms. Explore Salesforce's AppExchange for available integrations and extensions.

5. Stay Updated: Salesforce undergoes regular updates. Keep abreast of the latest features and best practices through the Salesforce Blog.

6. Networking and Community Engagement: Join the Salesforce community through forums like the Salesforce Success Community and Salesforce Stack Exchange for insights and assistance.

Focusing on these areas can significantly improve your Salesforce skills and understanding, making you a more effective generalist in leveraging the platform for your organization's needs.

How to Display Salesforce Skills on Your Resume

7. WordPress

WordPress is a popular content management system (CMS) that enables users to create and manage websites without needing to code, offering a wide range of themes and plugins for customization.

Why It's Important

WordPress is important because it provides an easy-to-use, flexible platform for creating and managing websites, making it accessible for individuals and businesses of all sizes to establish an online presence without requiring advanced technical skills.

How to Improve WordPress Skills

Improving your WordPress site involves enhancing its speed, security, SEO, and user experience. Here's a concise guide:

1. Optimize Speed: Use caching plugins like W3 Total Cache and optimize images with tools like Smush.

2. Enhance Security: Install a security plugin like Wordfence and regularly update your themes, plugins, and WordPress core.

3. Improve SEO: Use Yoast SEO to optimize your content and structure for search engines.

4. Mobile Responsiveness: Ensure your theme is mobile-friendly. Test using Google's Mobile-Friendly Test.

5. Regular Backups: Schedule regular backups with plugins like UpdraftPlus.

6. Clean and Optimize Database: Use WP-Optimize for cleaning and optimizing your database.

7. Content Quality: Publish high-quality, valuable content regularly to engage users and improve search rankings.

8. User Experience (UX): Improve navigation and site structure. Use Google Analytics to track user behavior and make informed adjustments.

Each step involves specific actions tailored to your WordPress site's unique needs. Regular maintenance and monitoring will keep your site optimized and ahead of competition.

How to Display WordPress Skills on Your Resume

8. QuickBooks

QuickBooks is a comprehensive accounting software designed for small and medium-sized businesses, offering features for managing invoices, tracking expenses, payroll processing, and generating financial reports.

Why It's Important

QuickBooks is important because it simplifies financial management for businesses by automating bookkeeping tasks, tracking expenses and sales, managing invoices, and providing insights for informed decision-making.

How to Improve QuickBooks Skills

Improving QuickBooks for general use involves several steps to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and usability. Here are concise tips:

1. Stay Updated: Regularly update QuickBooks to the latest version to access new features and bug fixes. QuickBooks Update Guide.

2. Customize Reports: Tailor reports to your specific needs for better data analysis. Customizing QuickBooks Reports.

3. Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Increase efficiency by mastering QuickBooks keyboard shortcuts. QuickBooks Keyboard Shortcuts.

4. Integrate Apps: Connect QuickBooks with other business apps for enhanced functionality. QuickBooks App Integration.

5. Regular Backups: Ensure you have regular backups to prevent data loss. Backing Up QuickBooks Data.

6. Improve Security: Enhance your QuickBooks security settings to protect sensitive information. QuickBooks Security Best Practices.

7. Attend Training: Participate in QuickBooks training sessions to understand features better and improve your efficiency. QuickBooks Training.

By following these steps, you can significantly improve your QuickBooks experience, making it more efficient and tailored to your business needs.

How to Display QuickBooks Skills on Your Resume

9. Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is a powerful digital image editing software used for creating, editing, and manipulating photos and graphics.

Why It's Important

Adobe Photoshop is important because it is a versatile tool for image editing and graphic design, allowing users to manipulate photos, create artwork, and design graphics, essential for a wide range of industries and creative projects.

How to Improve Adobe Photoshop Skills

Improving your skills in Adobe Photoshop as a generalist involves exploring various techniques and tools that span across different aspects of the software. Here’s a very short and concise guide to enhancing your proficiency:

1. Master Keyboard Shortcuts - Speed up your workflow by learning Photoshop's keyboard shortcuts. Adobe offers a comprehensive list to get you started.

2. Follow Tutorials - Engage with both beginner and advanced tutorials to understand diverse functionalities. Websites like Adobe’s own tutorials and Phlearn offer a wealth of knowledge.

3. Practice Non-Destructive Editing - Utilize layers, masks, and adjustment layers to ensure your original image stays intact. This guide by Adobe explains the concept thoroughly.

4. Experiment with Advanced Tools - Delve into more complex tools like the Pen Tool, 3D features, and advanced compositing. Tutorials specific to these can be found on YouTube or within Adobe’s tutorial section.

5. Join Online Communities - Platforms like Reddit’s r/photoshop or the Adobe Support Community can provide feedback, new ideas, and solutions to problems you encounter.

6. Stay Updated - Adobe frequently updates Photoshop with new tools and features. Keep an eye on the official Adobe Photoshop blog for updates and tips.

By diversifying your learning sources and consistently practicing, you can significantly improve your Photoshop skills as a generalist.

How to Display Adobe Photoshop Skills on Your Resume

10. Google Analytics

Google Analytics is a web analytics service offered by Google that tracks and reports website traffic, providing insights into user behavior and website performance.

Why It's Important

Google Analytics is important because it provides insights into website traffic, user behavior, and conversion metrics, helping businesses and website owners make informed decisions to optimize their online presence and marketing strategies.

How to Improve Google Analytics Skills

Improving Google Analytics involves a few strategic steps aimed at optimizing your data collection and analysis process. Here's a concise guide:

1. Set Clear Objectives: Clearly define what you want to achieve with Google Analytics, such as increasing website traffic or improving conversion rates.

2. Use Correct Tracking Setup: Ensure your Google Analytics tracking code is correctly installed on every page of your website. Google's Setup Guide provides comprehensive instructions.

3. Enable Demographics and Interest Reports: Activate these features to gain deeper insights into your audience. Google's Help Page outlines the process.

4. Set Up Goals: Identify and configure goals in Google Analytics to track conversions and important actions on your site. Setting up Goals is straightforward with Google's documentation.

5. Utilize Event Tracking: Implement event tracking to monitor user interactions that don’t involve a webpage loading, like downloads or video views. Event Tracking Guide offers detailed steps.

6. Regularly Review Reports: Dedicate time to analyze the various reports available in Google Analytics. Familiarize yourself with the insights they provide to make informed decisions.

7. Leverage Segmentation: Use segmentation to dissect your data for more nuanced insights. Google's Segmentation Guide can help you start.

8. Stay Updated: Google Analytics is constantly evolving. Stay informed about new features and best practices by visiting the Google Analytics Blog.

By following these steps, you can significantly improve your use of Google Analytics, leading to better data-driven decisions for your website or business.

How to Display Google Analytics Skills on Your Resume

11. Project Management (e.g., JIRA)

Project Management, as exemplified by tools like JIRA, involves organizing, planning, and executing tasks and resources to achieve specific goals within a project's set timeframe, ensuring efficient workflow and collaboration among team members.

Why It's Important

Project management tools like JIRA are crucial because they help organize tasks, track progress, and facilitate team collaboration, ensuring projects are completed efficiently and effectively. This is essential for a generalist managing multiple projects across different domains, ensuring timely delivery and resource optimization.

How to Improve Project Management (e.g., JIRA) Skills

Improving project management, particularly in tools like JIRA, requires a focus on efficiency, clarity, and continuous learning. Here are concise strategies:

1. Streamline Processes: Simplify workflows to reduce complexity. Use JIRA templates for common project types to save time.

2. Customize for Clarity: Tailor dashboards and filters for better overview and tracking. Customizing JIRA Dashboards can help keep what's important front and center.

3. Integrate Tools: Connect JIRA with other tools (e.g., Slack, GitHub) for seamless workflow. Check Atlassian Marketplace for integrations.

4. Regular Reviews: Hold regular retrospectives to identify what’s working and what’s not. This Retrospective Guide offers a structured approach.

5. Training and Support: Encourage team training on JIRA functionalities. Atlassian’s JIRA Software Guides provide comprehensive resources.

6. Effective Communication: Use JIRA’s commenting and @mentions to keep communication transparent and within context. Understanding JIRA’s Notification Scheme is vital.

7. Prioritize and Delegate: Use JIRA’s prioritization and assignment features to ensure focus on critical tasks. The concept of Effective Delegation can significantly enhance team productivity.

By implementing these strategies, you can harness the full potential of JIRA for project management, leading to improved efficiency and team collaboration.

How to Display Project Management (e.g., JIRA) Skills on Your Resume

12. CRM Systems (e.g., HubSpot)

CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems, such as HubSpot, are software platforms designed to manage a company's interactions with current and potential customers. They help businesses streamline processes, build customer relationships, improve sales management, and increase profitability by organizing information about customers, tracking communications, and managing tasks and sales opportunities in one central location.

Why It's Important

CRM systems like HubSpot are essential because they help businesses organize and manage customer information, streamline sales and marketing processes, improve customer service, and ultimately enhance customer relationships and drive growth.

How to Improve CRM Systems (e.g., HubSpot) Skills

Improving CRM systems like HubSpot involves enhancing user experience, integrating advanced technologies, and ensuring data accuracy. Here’s a concise guide:

1. User Training and Support: Offer regular training sessions and create a comprehensive support system for users. Ensure that resources are easily accessible. HubSpot Academy is a great example, providing free online training courses.

2. Integration with Other Tools: Seamlessly integrate with other business tools (e.g., email, social media, ERP systems) to streamline workflows and data management. HubSpot’s integrations page offers insights on connecting various tools.

3. Data Quality Management: Implement routines for regular data cleaning to ensure accuracy and usefulness. HubSpot’s guide on keeping your database clean is a helpful resource.

4. Customization and Flexibility: Customize the CRM to fit your business needs, including custom fields, pipelines, and dashboards. Explore HubSpot’s customization options for more details.

5. Artificial Intelligence and Automation: Leverage AI and automation features for predictive analytics, lead scoring, and task automation. HubSpot’s automation tools can significantly enhance efficiency.

6. Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback loop with users to continuously gather insights on potential improvements. HubSpot’s Community Forum is a platform where users can share feedback.

7. Mobile Optimization: Ensure the CRM is fully functional and optimized for mobile use, facilitating access on-the-go. Check HubSpot’s mobile CRM features for more information.

8. Security and Compliance: Regularly update security measures and ensure compliance with data protection regulations. HubSpot’s security page provides details on their security practices.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve the effectiveness and user satisfaction of CRM systems like HubSpot.

How to Display CRM Systems (e.g., HubSpot) Skills on Your Resume