In theory, writing a resume is simple enough. It’s a brief account of your professional life thus far, an outline of your education, experience, qualifications, and skills. No problem, right?
Well, simple doesn’t always mean easy. And when it comes time to actually draft your resume, it’s common to feel a little overwhelmed. How do you stand out? Which skills on a resume are most important to include?
If this sounds familiar, you’ve to come to the right place. Read on to learn some of the best resume skills to include in yours.
Technical Skills
Two types of skills should be included in your resume: technical and soft skills. Let’s start with technical skills, as these are skills you learn through experience or education and strengthen your list of qualifications.
The skills you list will vary depending on your particular job search, but the following are hard skills commonly preferred for in-demand fields:
- Multilingualism
- Project management
- Search engine optimization
- Typing
- Writing/editing
- Software proficiency
- Human resources
- Data analysis
- Accounting
Include proficiencies and certifications next to each skill when applicable. And whenever possible, hammer your skills home by adding specific, quantifiable examples of your skills in the experience section of your resume.
If your dream job requires a skill that you don’t have, don’t be afraid to go out there and get it! For example, if a job requires public speaking skills but your knees quake in front of an audience, enlist a public speaking coach to help you gain confidence.
In doing so, you’re not only gaining a new school but showing potential employers that you possess a great deal of ambition and initiative – two highly sought-after soft skills!
Soft Skills
Speaking of soft skills, unlike technical skills, these have less to do with your experience and more to do with you as an individual. They’re a way to highlight the personal traits you possess that make you an excellent employee choice.
These should, of course, apply to you. Embellishing your resume can be tempting, but being honest about what you can offer is always best. You’re far more likely to find a job and work environment that you enjoy by being yourself!
A few good soft skills to add to your resume include:
- Willingness to learn
- Critical thinking
- Integrity
- Dependability
- Attention to detail
- Self-motivation
- Time management
- Communication
- Organization
Make no mistake; soft skills are just as important as technical skills to employers. For many employers, someone who might need a little training but has excellent soft skills makes a better candidate than an irresponsible or difficult person with all the required technical training.
Always Match the Skills on a Resume to the Job
The best advice we can give you is to avoid using a generic list of workplace skills. To stand out, you need to tailor the skills on a resume to the job you’re applying for.
Before you submit your application, go through the job description and take note of any skills mentioned, both required and preferred. Then, compare the list to your resume and ensure the applicable skills are added.
Yes, this will add a few minutes to the application process but can make a huge difference to potential employers!
In need of more tips for landing your dream job? Take a look at our blog for more tips on your resume or CV to get you that interview and your foot in the door!
