How to List AI Skills On Your Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide

AI skills are everywhere—whether you're coding neural networks or fine-tuning ChatGPT prompts for better output. The challenge is showcasing something so broad and fast-changing on a resume in a way that both recruiters and applicant tracking systems (ATS) can easily recognize.

Most job seekers know AI is a game-changer, but many don’t realize they already have AI-related skills. If you’ve automated tasks, analyzed data with AI tools, or worked alongside machine learning models, those skills belong on your resume.

In this guide, we’ll break down what AI skills actually are and the best strategies to list them on your resume so both ATS and hiring managers see their real value.

Figuring out how to list AI skills on your application materials starts with understanding what they are.

Let’s dig a little deeper.

What are AI skills?

Skills in AI encompass the ability to develop, work with, or apply artificial intelligence in real-world scenarios. They range from advanced technical expertise—like training machine learning models—to everyday workplace skills, such as using AI-powered tools to streamline workflows or analyze data.

Most AI-related abilities come from hands-on experience—whether that’s training models, processing data, or integrating AI-powered tools into workflows.

You don’t need to be a machine learning engineer to have valuable AI skills, but you do need to understand what they involve and how to present them effectively.

First, look at some key hard skills that fall under the umbrella of AI expertise:

Not all AI skills are technical. Many involve soft skills like understanding how to apply AI effectively in different industries, making strategic decisions, and ensuring AI is used ethically.

Below are some more examples:

AI-powered tools are already embedded in many industries, often in ways people don’t realize. If you’ve used automation software, chatbots, or AI-driven analytics, you’ve worked with AI.

AI isn’t just a technology—it’s a skill and job seekers are catching on.

Based on the same report, AI-powered resume writing is most common in IT, consulting, finance, marketing, and corporate operations—fields where data analysis, automation, and data-driven decision-making are already part of daily work.

By now, it’s clear that AI skills are becoming a valuable asset in many industries. But before adding them to your resume, consider whether they truly apply to your experience.

If any of the points below sound like you, it’s worth featuring your AI proficiency.

When to put AI skills on your resume

If you’ve ever used AI in a meaningful way, it’s worth showcasing it on your resume. The key is to list AI skills only when they’re relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Here’s when adding them makes sense:

• If the job description specifically mentions AI-related tools: Employers often list artificial intelligence skills as preferred or required. If you see tools like ChatGPT, Python, or machine learning in the job posting, make sure to highlight your experience with them.
  
• If you’ve built a career in artificial intelligence: For roles that focus on developing AI models, analyzing data with AI, or deploying automation, AI skills should be a core part of your resume.
  
• If AI tools enhance your productivity: Even if your job isn’t AI-focused, using AI-driven tools for automation or customer insights can be a valuable detail to mention. This applies to marketers using AI-powered analytics, writers optimizing content with AI, or project managers automating workflows.
  
• If you’ve completed AI-related projects or certifications: Whether you’ve built a chatbot, taken an ML course, or earned a certification in AI-powered analytics, displaying these credentials can strengthen your resume—especially in industries where AI adoption is growing.

If AI plays a role in your work, the next step is making sure it’s listed on your resume in a way that’s clear, relevant, and easy for both hiring managers and ATS to recognize.

Let’s break down the best ways to do that.

How to list AI skills on a resume

Where you place AI skills on your resume depends on how they fit into your experience. Featuring them in different sections allows you to tailor your message. Some placements emphasize hands-on expertise, while others show your ability to apply AI tools effectively.

AI skills in your resume summary or objective

Your resume summary (or objective, for those with little or no experience) is the first thing recruiters see, so it needs to communicate your AI expertise concisely. It’s your chance to show, in just a few lines, how AI fits into your skill set.

If you feature it here, it signals that AI is an essential part of your work and something you’re particularly adept at or proud of.

Here’s what to include in your summary:

• A mention of your AI expertise or relevant tools if they align with the job.
• A brief example of how you’ve used AI to solve problems or improve efficiency.
• A results-driven statement if possible.

Below is an example from a marketing resume:

Choose this placement if you fall into any of the following groups:

• AI-focused roles like machine learning engineers, data scientists, or AI consultants.
• Professionals applying AI in business strategy, automation, or analytics.
• Early-career job seekers who have taken AI courses and want to underline their potential.

Your work history is another great place to outline how you’ve used AI in real-world scenarios.

AI skills in your work experience

Your experience section is the right place to show—not just tell—how you’ve used AI in real-world scenarios. The best way to do that is to weave them into your job descriptions or bullet points to demonstrate their effect.

Here’s what else to include:

• AI-driven projects or responsibilities: Describe how AI was part of your role, even if you weren’t in an AI-specific job.
• Specific AI tools or technologies you’ve used: Mention the platforms you’ve worked with—ATS software is designed to recognize relevant keywords and group related terms within a job's semantic field.
• Results that show the success: Whenever possible, add numbers to prove how AI improved efficiency or performance.

This example illustrates the many ways AI skills can be spotlighted on a resume. By focusing on widely used tools, it adds credibility, and its results-driven approach makes the impact clear.

Here’s who this approach is best for:

• Professionals who apply AI in their daily tasks: If AI tools help you work smarter, mentioning them in your experience section adds credibility.
• Job seekers in fields where AI is transforming processes: Industries like finance, marketing, HR, and customer service are rapidly integrating AI-driven tools.
• People who don’t have AI-specific job titles: You don’t need to be an AI engineer—if you've used AI for automation, analytics, or decision-making, it’s worth including.

This approach ensures your AI skills feel natural and relevant, rather than just buzzwords.

Next, let’s see how to list your AI skills in a dedicated section.

AI competencies in the skills section

The skills section of your resume is one of the easiest places to showcase AI expertise—but listing everything you know isn’t the goal.

Before adding AI as a skill, follow these steps:

1. Analyze the job posting and look for AI-related skills or tools mentioned in the requirements.
2. Identify the AI competencies you actually use in your work.
3. Prioritize the most relevant ones—those that directly match the job and demonstrate your value.

We recommend creating a separate section just for technical skills so they’re easier for both ATS systems and recruiters to scan quickly. (Typically, you should weave soft skills into your work experience, where they have real context.) This way, your AI expertise won’t get buried in a mixed list of skills.

To make your skills section even more structured and memorable, consider grouping related skills into categories rather than listing them randomly.

Check out how this looks using Enhancv’s AI resume builder:

Listing AI skills this way is ideal for:

• Technical professionals applying for AI-heavy roles.
• Candidates with a broad AI skill set.
• Professionals who use AI tools but don’t have an AI-related job title.

When deciding what to put on your resume, it’s important to consider both your strengths and what employers are looking for—finding the common ground between them. Sometimes, that connection comes from your educational background.

AI skills in the education section

If your education includes AI-related coursework, research, or projects, it’s worth mentioning—especially if you’re early in your career or transitioning into an AI-focused role.

Here’s how to describe your AI interests in the education section:

• Include relevant coursework if you studied AI, machine learning, or data science.
• Write about AI-related research or thesis work, especially if it involved hands-on experience with AI tools or models.
• Mention AI bootcamps or specialized training if they complement your formal education.

Below is an example from a cybersecurity resume:

Placing AI skills in the education section is most useful if:

• You lack professional AI experience but have relevant academic projects.
• You’re applying for entry-level or AI-adjacent roles where foundational knowledge is valuable.
• The job description explicitly asks for AI-related education or coursework.

Finally, you can make sure your AI background gets noticed by highlighting it in the certifications section.

AI skills in the certifications section

If you’ve earned certifications in AI, ML, or similar technologies, the certifications section is the best place to display them.

Unlike coursework, certifications signal structured, up-to-date training—which can be especially valuable if your formal education isn’t AI-focused.

Here’s when to use this strategy:

• If AI is not your primary field but is relevant to your role. (For example, a marketer with an AI analytics certification or a project manager trained in AI automation can show they’ve proactively built AI expertise.)
• If you’re self-taught or transitioning into AI.
• If the job description lists AI certifications as preferred or required.

Example:

By listing AI certifications strategically, you reinforce your expertise without overcrowding other sections. This also makes it easier for ATS to recognize your credentials, boosting both your ATS score and your resume’s readability.

This placement is most efficient for:

• Highly technical AI roles, where certifications add credibility alongside work experience.
• Career changers, as a way to bridge the gap between previous experience and AI-related aspirations.
• Those leveraging AI in their current job, to show continued learning and adaptation to industry trends.

Now that you know where to showcase your AI skills for maximum effect, let’s focus on how to decide which ones to include and how to frame them effectively.

How to determine which AI skills to put on your resume

Not every AI skill you have needs to be on your resume—the key is choosing the ones that matter for the job you’re applying to. Including too many can dilute your impact, while missing important ones could make you seem underqualified.

Here’s how to strike the right balance:

Step 1. Start with the job description

Scan the job posting for required and preferred qualifications—does it mention machine learning, deep learning, or AI-driven automation? Identifying the right keywords is essential to crafting a targeted resume.

Step 2. Match the keywords with your experience

Think about how AI has played a role in your work. Have you automated reports, used AI for customer insights, or built AI-driven models?

• Prioritize skills with measurable results. If an AI tool saved time, improved accuracy, or increased efficiency, make that clear.
• Consider transferable AI skills. Even if you’re switching careers, AI knowledge in automation, data analytics, or AI-enhanced decision-making can be relevant across industries.

Step 3. Organize your AI skills by relevance

Once you’ve chosen the right competencies, decide where they fit best in your resume:

• Resume summary: If AI is central to your work.
• Work experience: If you’ve applied AI in past roles.
• Skills section: If you have specific AI-related tools and competencies.
• Education or certifications: If you’ve completed formal AI training.

Step 4. Avoid common mistakes

• Try not to list every AI-related tool you’ve ever used. Stick to five to eight key skills that best match the job.
• Don’t add AI skills just to look trendy. If you’ve only experimented with AI chatbots in your free time, that’s not resume-worthy.

Step 5. Keep your information up to date

AI is evolving fast, and hiring managers know it. Make sure you’re listing tools and concepts that are still relevant—avoid outdated AI frameworks or software from a decade ago.

For example, when including certifications, mention the expiration date if applicable. If you’re currently learning a new AI skill, add the expected completion date. For instance, “Currently completing Microsoft’s AI-900 Certification” signals both growth and initiative."

Follow these steps to ensure that the AI skills on your resume are intentional, relevant, and compelling—not just filler.

Sample resume with a focus on AI skills

This robotics engineer resume example demonstrates how to integrate AI competencies across different resume sections for optimal ATS scanning.

Already have a resume? Upload it below to see how it performs against AI scanners.

Conclusion

AI is becoming an essential skill in many industries, but listing it on your resume takes more than just dropping buzzwords. The key is to write how you’ve used AI in a way that’s relevant, specific, and easy to understand—whether through real-world applications, measurable results, or recognized certifications.

By placing your AI skills strategically and keeping them up to date, you can make a stronger case for your expertise and ensure both recruiters and ATS recognize your value.