Ivan Brown The first step in almost every job application process is submitting a resume. With so much riding on this first impression, it’s crucial to showcase the right skills. Here are some of the most in-demand skills and tips to help you stand out:
Top Skills to Highlight
1. Trustworthiness
Employers value candidates who demonstrate reliability and dependability. Highlight experiences that show a progression of responsibility or longevity with one employer.
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
As AI tools become integral to workplaces, showcasing your proficiency with these technologies can set you apart. Include any AI tools you’ve mastered and the achievements they helped you accomplish.
3. Adaptability
Thriving during periods of change is a critical skill. Highlight how you’ve adjusted to challenges and remained productive in dynamic environments.
4. Leadership
Demonstrate your ability to motivate and guide others, whether through projects or team initiatives. Even non-leadership roles benefit from evidence of this skill.
5. Self-Starter
Showcase your ability to identify opportunities, lead initiatives, and act independently to achieve results.
6. Growth Mindset
Explain how you’ve expanded your skills, embraced challenges, or motivated others to learn and grow.
7. Problem-Solving
Employers seek individuals who can tackle challenges creatively. Detail instances where you resolved complex issues effectively.
8. Time Management
Illustrate how you efficiently balance multiple tasks and meet deadlines, showcasing your productivity.
9. Virtual Communication Skills
In today’s remote work environment, proficiency with tools like Slack, Teams, and Zoom is essential. Highlight examples of how you’ve used these tools effectively.
10. Succinct Writing
Clear and concise communication is critical. Demonstrate this skill through well-written impact statements in your resume.
11. Impact
Focus on quantifiable results from your efforts. For example, mention the number of hires you made or the percentage improvement your work brought to a project.
12. Conflict Management
Explain how you’ve resolved workplace challenges or fostered healthy team dynamics in hybrid or remote environments.
13. Collaboration
Employers value cross-functional teamwork. Showcase achievements resulting from partnerships across departments.
14. Deadline-Driven
Highlight your ability to work efficiently under pressure, meeting and exceeding deadlines.
15. Thriving in Chaos
Demonstrate your ability to adapt and perform in fast-paced, ever-changing environments.
16. Analytical Skills
Quantify your ability to interpret data and drive insights, whether through metrics or performance indicators.
17. Accountability
Share examples of how you’ve taken ownership of projects and delivered high-quality results.
18. Commitment
Show your dedication to professional growth through memberships, industry conferences, or additional certifications.
19. Creativity
Illustrate your innovative approaches to problem-solving, marketing, or graphic design.
20. Digital Proficiency
List relevant software and technical skills aligned with the job requirements.
Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills
- Hard Skills: Technical abilities learned through education and training (e.g., coding, data analysis).
- Soft Skills: Personal attributes that enhance teamwork and communication (e.g., adaptability, collaboration).
An effective resume balances both, with tangible evidence supporting your soft skills.
What to Exclude From Your Resume
- Home Address: This isn’t necessary and may raise privacy concerns.
- Titles for Contact Information: Simply list your email and phone number.
- Years of Experience: Avoid phrases like “20+ years of experience”; let your work history reflect this.
- Subjective Soft Skills: Avoid vague terms like “team player” without supporting examples.
Final Tip
A great resume doesn’t just tell—it shows. Focus on the impact you’ve made in previous roles and align your skills with what employers are seeking.
