When it comes to landing your dream job, crafting a resume that catches the eye of employers is critical. But what exactly are employers looking for when they review resumes? Beyond work experience and education, there are specific skills that employers value more than others. So by highlighting these skills on your resume, you can increase your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers.

In this post, we’ll review the top 10 skills employers look for in a resume and offer tips on showcasing them effectively.

Communication Skills:

Effective communication is essential in almost any job, and it’s one of the most sought-after skills by employers. In fact, according to a survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 73% of employers prioritize communication skills when evaluating job candidates.

Being able to convey your ideas clearly, listen actively, and collaborate with others is crucial in today’s work environment. To highlight your communication skills on your resume, focus on any relevant experiences, such as leading presentations or meetings, communicating complex ideas to others, or working in teams.

In addition, you can include any relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work that requires communication skills, such as public speaking, writing, or fundraising. Please emphasize achievements showing your ability to communicate effectively, such as receiving positive feedback from colleagues or clients.

Problem-Solving Skills:

Employers seek candidates who can think critically and develop innovative solutions to complex problems in today’s fast-paced work environment. Analyzing information, identifying challenges, and developing practical solutions are highly valued skills.

To highlight your problem-solving skills on your resume, include examples of how you tackled a difficult challenge or project and describe the steps you took to reach a solution. For example, could you specify how you identified the problem, the methods you used to analyze the issue, and your actions to develop and implement a solution?

In addition, could you include any relevant coursework, certifications, or training demonstrating your problem-solving abilities? Employers may also value examples of your ability to adapt to changing circumstances, such as how you pivoted during the pandemic to ensure business continuity.

Time Management Skills:

Meeting deadlines and managing multiple projects is a crucial part of almost any job, which is why employers value time management skills. Being able to prioritize tasks, plan, and stay organized is essential in today’s fast-paced work environment.

To highlight your time management skills on your resume, could you include any relevant experiences, such as completing projects ahead of schedule, juggling multiple projects simultaneously, or staying on top of various deadlines? In addition, could you have specific examples of managing your time effectively, such as using time-tracking software or prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance?

Employers may also value examples of your ability to handle stress and remain productive under pressure. Include any relevant coursework, certifications, or training showing your time management skills on your resume.

Leadership Skills

Employers value leadership skills, regardless of the job you’re applying for. The ability to inspire and motivate others set a positive example, and communicate effectively is highly valued in today’s work environment.

To highlight your leadership skills on your resume, could you include any relevant experiences, such as leading a team, spearheading a project, or mentoring others? For example, could you describe your role in the project or team and include specific examples of how you motivated and inspired others, communicated effectively, and achieved results?

In addition, could you include any relevant coursework, certifications, or training demonstrating your leadership abilities? Employers may also value examples of your ability to delegate tasks effectively, provide constructive feedback, and develop team members’ skills.

Teamwork Skills:

Teamwork is essential in almost any job, as most positions require collaboration and communication with colleagues. Therefore, employers value candidates who can work effectively in teams, contribute to a positive work environment, and communicate effectively with others.

To highlight your teamwork skills on your resume, could you include any relevant experiences where you worked on a team or collaborated with colleagues? For example, could you describe your role in the group and provide specific examples of how you contributed to the team’s success, such as giving constructive feedback or collaborating effectively with others?

In addition, include any relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work that requires teamwork skills, such as sports teams, group projects, or community service activities. Employers may also value examples of your ability to resolve conflicts and build positive relationships with colleagues.

Adaptabilit:y

Adaptability is a highly valued skill in today’s rapidly changing work environment. Employers want candidates who can quickly adapt to new situations, pivot when necessary, and easily handle unexpected challenges.

To highlight your adaptability on your resume, could you include any relevant experiences where you had to adapt to changing circumstances or unexpected challenges? Please describe the situation and provide specific examples of how you handled it effectively, including any steps you took to adjust to the new circumstances.

In addition, could you include any relevant coursework, certifications, or training demonstrating your adaptability skills? Employers may also value examples of your ability to learn quickly, be flexible, and take on new challenges.

Analytical Skills:

Employers in almost any industry highly value analytical skills. Analyzing data, identifying patterns, and drawing insights are essential in today’s data-driven work environment.

To highlight your analytical skills on your resume, could you include any relevant experiences where you used data analysis to solve problems or make decisions? In addition, could you describe the data sources, analysis tools, and insights you drew from the study?

In addition, could you include any relevant coursework, certifications, or training demonstrating your analytical skills? Employers may also value examples of your ability to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify and solve complex problems.

Attention to Detail:

Attention to detail is a highly valued skill in many industries, as small mistakes can have significant consequences. Therefore, employers want candidates who can be meticulous and precise in their work, ensuring that everything is accurate and error-free.

To highlight your attention to detail on your resume, could you include any relevant experiences where you had to be precise and meticulous? For example, could you describe any quality control checks you conducted, proofreading, or other steps you took to ensure accuracy?

In addition, could you include any relevant coursework, certifications, or training that shows your attention to detail skills? Employers may also value examples of your ability to catch errors or inconsistencies and make corrections.

Technical Skills:

Employers may value specific technical skills such as programming languages, software proficiency, or digital marketing skills, depending on the job you’re applying for. Demonstrating your ability in these skills can give you an edge over other candidates.

To highlight your technical skills on your resume, could you include any relevant experiences where you used specific software programs, coding languages, or other technical skills? Could you describe the tools you used and the outcomes you achieved?

In addition, include any relevant coursework, certifications, or training that demonstrate your technical skills. Employers may also value examples of your ability to learn new technical skills quickly and stay up to date with the latest technologies.

Interpersonal Skills:

Finally, interpersonal skills are crucial in almost any job, as they relate to your ability to work well with others and build positive relationships. Employers value candidates who can communicate effectively, listen actively, and show empathy and respect for others.

To highlight your interpersonal skills on your resume, could you include any relevant experiences where you worked with clients, customers, or colleagues to achieve a common goal? In addition, please describe your approach to building rapport and resolving conflicts, and provide specific examples of how you have shown empathy and respect for others.

In addition, include any relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work that requires interpersonal skills, such as customer service, team building, or conflict resolution. Employers may also value examples of your ability to work well with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Bonus Skill: Emotional Intelligence:

In addition to the ten skills listed above, emotional intelligence is another valuable skill that employers look for in job candidates. Emotional intelligence involves your ability to understand and manage your emotions, as well as your ability to understand and empathize with others’ emotions.

To highlight your emotional intelligence on your resume, could you include any relevant experiences where you demonstrated empathy, self-awareness, and emotional regulation? For example, describe how you understood and managed your emotions in a challenging situation or how you empathized with someone else’s feelings and responded appropriately.

In addition, include any relevant coursework, certifications, or training showing your emotional intelligence skills.

Employers may also value examples of your ability to communicate effectively, build positive relationships, and work collaboratively with others.

In conclusion, there are specific skills that employers value more than others when reviewing resumes. By highlighting your communication, problem-solving, time management, leadership, teamwork, adaptability, analytical, attention to detail, technical, interpersonal, and emotional intelligence skills, you can increase your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers. Provide specific examples showing your abilities and customize your resume for each job you apply for. With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to landing your dream job.