The job market has become highly competitive, making it challenging to pass the first step of the recruitment process – CV screening. Ensuring that your resume includes the right skills is essential, especially if companies use applicant tracking systems.
The Top 5 Skills to Include on Your Resume
While the skills to mention on your resume depend on the job you’re applying for, there are some universally valued skills that most recruiters look for:
Active Listening
Being able to focus solely on the speaker, comprehend their information, and respond appropriately is highly valued by many businesses.
Technical Abilities
In today’s digital world, familiarity with computer systems is crucial and highly sought after.
Interpersonal Skills
Recruiters are always on the lookout for candidates who can socialize well with others, as businesses thrive on healthy ecosystems where people need to connect.
Problem-Solving
Regardless of the position you’re applying for, problem-solving skills are essential. Being able to identify and solve problems efficiently is valued by employers.
Time Management
Knowing how to prioritize tasks, set goals, and stay organized is crucial for meeting deadlines, which are often critical in the workplace.
Soft Skills vs. Hard Skills
Both hard and soft skills can be listed on your resume, and it’s essential to strike a balance between them. Hard skills are quantifiable, acquired through education or work experience, and include specific technical knowledge like programming, database management, or marketing skills.
On the other hand, soft skills, also known as “people skills,” are related to interpersonal relationships and character traits that influence how you work. Examples include cooperation, active listening, and time management. Demonstrating examples of when you’ve utilized these skills is an effective way to showcase them on your resume.
How to Showcase Your Skills on Your Resume
While you possess a variety of skills, listing all of them on your resume would make it lengthy and challenging to read. To determine which skills a company is seeking, carefully read the job description, as recruiters often specify the necessary hard skills. Some employers may also mention important soft skills. However, if they don’t, you can understand the company’s needs by researching its office culture and the responsibilities of the role you’re applying for. For instance, being a team player might be crucial if you’re applying for a position that involves creative projects.
Only include skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a sales position, your proficiency in Java software won’t be as relevant. In some cases, employers value attractive personality traits more than ticking off all the hard skill boxes, as soft skills can be harder to learn. Therefore, if your list of skills seems extensive, prioritize soft skills over hard skills.
To present your skills attractively, consider creating a separate skills section on your resume. You can also use a ranking system to indicate your proficiency level, such as a five-star rating. Additionally, using small icons or banners to represent each skill can be visually appealing.
Remember, honesty is crucial on your resume; only list skills you genuinely possess, as recruiters can verify the accuracy of your claims. If you accurately display your skills and qualifications, you increase your chances of being called for an interview. Good luck with your job hunt!
The Top Resume Builders of 2023
| Rank | Company | Info | Visit |
1 | My Perfect Resume |
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2 |   |
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3 |  |
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