With the fierce competition in today’s job market, having a standout resume is crucial for landing your dream job. One of the most effective ways to make your resume shine is by highlighting the top skills that employers are seeking. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best skills for your resume, ensuring you present yourself as a well-rounded and capable candidate. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, understanding which skills to emphasize can make all the difference in your job search.
The concept of a skills-based resume has evolved significantly over the years. Traditionally, resumes focused heavily on work experience and education. However, as industries and job roles have become more dynamic, employers are increasingly looking for candidates with diverse skills. According to a LinkedIn report, 92% of talent professionals and hiring managers agree that candidates with strong soft skills are increasingly important. This shift accentuates the need for job seekers to adapt their resumes to showcase both technical and soft skills effectively.
Technical Skills
1. Data Analysis
In the era of big data, proficiency in data analysis tools like Excel, SQL, or Python is highly valued. According to a Burning Glass Technologies report, data analysis skills can boost your salary by up to 20%. Employers are looking for candidates who can interpret complex data sets and provide actionable insights. Highlighting your ability to use these tools effectively can set you apart from other candidates.
2. Digital Marketing
SEO, content creation, and social media management skills are essential in today’s digital age. Spotlighting certifications from platforms like Google or HubSpot can enhance your resume and make you more attractive to hiring managers and recruiters. Employers will appreciate the knowledge you possess through self-training courses, and they’ll read it as a sign of your willingness to go the extra mile and do what you can to stand out and be the best version of yourself.
Soft Skills
1. Communication
Effective communication is a top skill for resumes across all industries. Demonstrating your ability to convey ideas clearly can set you apart. Whether it’s through written reports or verbal presentations, strong communication skills are essential for collaborating with colleagues and engaging with clients. Instead of simply listing “good communicator” on your resume, we suggest taking an indirect approach and using real-life examples (i.e., situations) to exemplify your strength in this area.
For example. Instead of putting “good communicator” in your skills section. Try something like the following.
“Led weekly cross-functional team meetings with stakeholders from marketing, engineering, and sales to align on project goals and timelines.”
Or
“Managed client communications, ensuring timely delivery of updates and achieving a 95% customer satisfaction score.”
2. Problem-Solving
Employers value candidates who can think critically and solve problems efficiently. Providing examples of past challenges you’ve overcome can illustrate this skill. Use quantifiable metrics whenever possible to demonstrate these successes.
For example, Instead of saying, “Implemented processes to boost efficiency.”
Consider something more along these lines, “Executed a new workflow process that reduced project turnaround time by 20%, saving 10+ hours per week for the team.”
Taking a “show, not tell” approach while still hitting the right keywords and using data points to exhibit actionable results are great ways to prove your strengths to prospective employers.
Leadership Skills
1. Project Management
Experience leading projects and teams is an excellent skill for resumes, especially for managerial roles. Certifications like PMP or Agile can be beneficial and help give hiring teams a better indication of your pre-existing knowledge base. Be sure to include these in your skills or certifications section if you have them! Also, don’t forget to list where you received the certification from (i.e., the website or company, such as “Google” or “Hubspot”) and the year it was completed. Companies are looking for candidates who are self-motivated and adept at managing resources to deliver projects on schedule and within budget.
2. Team Collaboration
Highlighting your ability to work well in teams can be a significant advantage, as teamwork is crucial in most work environments. Demonstrating your ability to collaborate with diverse groups and achieve common goals can make you an attractive candidate for any organization. Reference cross-functionality when possible and give examples of how you’ve engaged with different departments to produce successful outcomes.
Finding the Right Balance with TalentAlly
Designing a resume that effectively showcases the most important skills for success is essential. By focusing on a combination of technical and soft skills, you can present yourself as a well-rounded candidate ready to meet the demands of any role. Remember to show and not tell whenever possible! Include data points to quantify meaningful outcomes and contributions. Depending on your seniority and managerial level, leadership skills are essential, too! Don’t forget to share any wins you were instrumental in producing through the guidance and direction of direct reports.
At TalentAlly, we continuously upload resources to help you craft the perfect resume. Attend our career fairs to connect with great employers looking to hire in your area or industry. Visit our job board to find opportunities that match your interests, and take what you learned here to apply for jobs at inclusive companies!!
