While it’s very easy to determine what hard skills to list on you’re resume based on details in the job description, the choosing of relevant soft skills is not always as straightforward. To help you narrow down which soft skills to list on a resume, it’s paramount to review the highlighted duties of the position and decide which of your personal strengths can help you successfully complete each tasks.
Explained below are several popular soft and hard skills employers look out for:
Computer skills
Computer skills are referred to as the ability to learn and operate various technology. While hardware skills aid your physical operation of a computer and can be as simple as knowing how to turn devices off and on, software skills aids the efficient use of computer programs and applications. Depending on the industry, there are specific software skills that employers may consider as imperative for employment, like using spreadsheets or knowing a certain coding language.
Related skills include:
- Spreadsheets
- Typing/word processing
- Systems administration
- Email management
- Fluency in coding languages
Communication skills
Communication skills basically refer to the abilities you use when transmitting and receiving different kinds of information. This includes communicating ideas, feelings, or whatever is happening around your sphere of influence. Communication skills encompass speaking, listening, observing, and empathizing. Having strong communication skills is paramount at every career level in every industry.
Related skills include:
- Public speaking
- Attentive listening
- Written communication
- Constructive criticism
- Interpersonal communication
- Verbal/nonverbal communication
Attentive listening skills
Attentive listening widely known as active listening is the ability to completely focus on a speaker, understand and comprehend the information thereafter responding accordingly. Attentive listeners use both verbal and nonverbal techniques to show and keep their attention on the speaker. Developing and using attentive listening skills can show everyone around that you are engaged and have a keen interest in that project.
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Actions related to listening skills include:
- Taking notes
- Asking questions
- Punctuality
- Organization
- Verbal/nonverbal communication
Interpersonal skills
Interpersonal skills refer to traits you rely on when you interact and communicate with others. They cover a variety of scenarios where cooperation is crucial. Developing interpersonal skills is important to work efficiently in a team, solve problems and lead projects or teams.
Related skills include:
- Empathy
- Patience
- Flexibility
- Leadership
- Communication
Customer service skills
Customer service skills refer to those traits and practices that help you effectively address the needs of customers to create a positive experience. Generally, customer service skills rely typically on problem-solving and communication. Customer service is mostly considered a “soft skill,” including traits like attentive listening and reading both verbal and nonverbal cues.
Related skills include:
- Empathy
- Reliability
- Problem-solving
- Attentive listening
- Interpersonal skills
Problem-solving skills
Problem-solving skills refer to those qualities that help you discern the root cause of a problem and quickly find a lasting solution. This is a highly valued skill in any role for every industry. Solving problems in your role might require certain industry or job-specific technical skills.
Related skills include:
- Patience
- Research
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Attention to detail
Management skills
Managerial skills refer to those qualities that help you govern both tasks and people effectively. A good manager is empathetic, organized and communicates clearly to support a team or project. Managers should also be experts in both soft skills and certain technical skills related to their industry.
Related skills include:
- Project planning
- Task delegation
- Decision-making
- Team leadership
- Team communication
Leadership skills
Leadership skills refer to those skills you utilize when organizing other people to reach a shared goal. Irrespective of if you’re in a management position or leading a project, leadership skills requires you to inspire others to complete a series of tasks, usually according to a schedule.
Related skills include:
- Flexibility
- Risk-taking
- Team building
- Time management
- Ability to teach and mentor
Transferable skills
Transferable skills are usually those qualities that are useful to any employer as you change jobs or careers, they’re generic in nature. Mostly transferable skills includes teamwork, organization, flexibility or other qualities employers seek in strong candidates. Transferable skills can be used to connect your past experience when applying for new jobs, especially if the industry differs.
Related transferable skills include:
- Ambition
- Empathy
- Creativity
- Teamwork
- Leadership
Time management skills
Time management skills aids you in the completion of tasks and projects before the due date while also maintaining work-life balance. Staying organized can massively help you allocate your workday to certain tasks by the order of importance. Also, deeply understanding your individual, team and company goals can provide a launchpad for when you’re deciding on how to manage your time.
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Related skills include:
- Focus
- Organization
- Goal setting
- Prioritization
- Delegating tasks
In conclusion, the best skills to write on your resume vary depending on the job type, career level, education and other factors. Before you apply for any job, take your time to review the skills that would be most valuable to that employer and position, thereafter tailor your resume based on which of your personal skills fall within the required skills.
The aim of your resume skills list is to show the recruiter or hiring manager that you’re the best fit for the role and will bring certain outlined value to the team. By paying attention to the type of candidate an employer is looking for and making connections to your own strengths, you can quickly stand out among all the candidates.
