The hiring process can be brutal. You’ve got a mere 10 to 15 seconds to impress a potential employer with your resume before it’s tossed aside like yesterday’s news. If you’re great at what you do, your skills need to reflect that. But where do you even start?
In this guide, we’ll explore the 20 most sought-after skills to include on your resume, complete with skills examples and insider tips to ensure yours stands out. So, buckle up, and let’s start writing killer resumes!
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Your resume should go beyond listing your experiences and showcase your skills in a way that makes you unforgettable. Let’s dive into the top 20 skills that will help you land that dream job:
Employers want candidates who can convey ideas effectively, whether through writing, speaking, or active listening. Highlight instances where you excelled in presentations, negotiations, discussions, or collaborative projects.
Showcase your ability to lead teams and inspire others towards shared goals. Highlight your experience in mentoring, delegating tasks, and fostering a positive work environment.
Demonstrate your knack for resolving disputes and maintaining harmony in the workplace. Provide examples of times when you successfully mediated conflicts, restored productivity, and boosted morale.
Illustrate your ability to build rapport and work collaboratively with colleagues and clients. Highlight instances where you demonstrated empathy, diplomacy, and adaptability.
Showcase your analytical abilities by highlighting instances where you tackled complex challenges and devised innovative solutions.
Demonstrate your ability to understand and respond effectively to others’ concerns and perspectives. Mention instances where your attentive listening skills led to project success.
Feature skills that are applicable across various roles and industries, such as adaptability, time management, and resilience.
Showcase your ability to think outside the box and approach tasks with fresh perspectives. Underscore instances where your creativity led to unique solutions or innovative ideas.
Illustrate your meticulousness and attention to detail by highlighting instances where you maintained accuracy and precision in your work.
Demonstrate your ability to manage tasks, priorities, and deadlines effectively. Underline instances where your organizational skills contributed to project success.
Emphasize your ability to collaborate effectively with others towards shared goals. Showcase instances where you contributed positively to team dynamics and achieved collective success.
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Illustrate your ability to make sound decisions under pressure and with limited information. Share instances where your decision-making skills led to successful outcomes.
Talk about your ability to provide exceptional service and support to customers. Highlight instances where you went above and beyond to meet customer needs and resolve issues.
Illustrate your drive and initiative by highlighting instances where you took the lead on projects or pursued professional development opportunities.
Showcase your ability to plan, execute, and oversee projects from start to finish. Highlight instances where you successfully managed timelines, budgets, and resources.
Feature your ability to analyze data and draw actionable insights. Discuss instances where your analytical skills contributed to data-driven decision-making.
Illustrate your understanding of marketing principles and strategies. Talk about instances where you developed and executed successful marketing campaigns or initiatives.
Showcase your design skills, whether in graphic design, web design, or user experience design. Feature instances where your designs enhanced usability and aesthetics.
Demonstrate your proficiency with digital tools and technologies relevant to your field. Highlight instances where your tech skills improved efficiency and productivity.
Emphasize your ability to thrive in fast-paced and evolving environments. Discuss instances where you successfully adapted to change and embraced new challenges.
While hard skills are teachable and quantifiable, soft skills are intangible qualities that shape how we work and interact, such as adaptability, self-motivation, and teamwork.
Crafting a winning resume requires a delicate balance of both hard and soft skills. While hard skills like marketing, design, and data analysis demonstrate your technical talents, soft skills underscore your ability to thrive in dynamic work environments, collaborate effectively, and adapt to new challenges.
Having a balance of the right hard and soft skills can help boost your image as a well-rounded candidate capable of delivering exceptional results in any role. For instance, a skilled programmer with strong communication abilities can effectively convey complex ideas to non-technical stakeholders, facilitating smoother project execution.
To paint a clearer picture, here are a few examples of skills to put on a resume per job:
Hard skills
Soft skills
SEO, SEM, PPC
Motivating Teams, Decision-Making
Google Analytics, Data analysis
Creativity, Innovative Campaigns
Market research, surveys, focus groups
Adaptability, Responding to Market Trends, Flexibility
Campaign management, budgeting
Time Management, Efficient Project Execution
Hard skills
Soft skills
Java, Python, or C++, React, Angular, Vue.js, Git
Problem-solving abilities, Analytical Thinking, Attention to Detail
Agile or Scrum
Collaboration, Teamwork, Communication
Database Management Systems (e.g., SQL), Algorithms, Data Structures
Adaptability to Learn New Technologies and Tools
Software Testing and Debugging
Time Management, Efficient Project Execution
Hard skills
Soft skills
Financial Modeling and Analysis using Excel or specialized software like MATLAB or R
Critical Thinking, Analytical Reasoning, Time Management, Organizational Skills
Financial Statements and Accounting Principles
Attention to Detail and Accuracy
Statistical Analysis, Forecasting Techniques, Financial Databases and Research Tools
Ability to Work Under Pressure and Meet Deadlines
Interpret and Communicate Financial Data Effectively
Strong Communication, Presentation Skills, Business Acumen, Strategic Thinking
Hard skills
Soft skills
Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Adobe XD, Sketch
Creativity, Artistic Flair, Attention to Detail, Precision, Adaptability to Evolving Design Trends and Technologies
Typography, Color Theory, Layout Design Principles
Collaboration and Teamwork
Create and Edit images, Illustrations, and Multimedia Content
Time Management and Ability to Meet Project Deadlines
Print Production Processes and File Formats
Communication Skills for Understanding Client Requirements and Presenting Design concepts
Hard skills
Soft skills
Medication Administration, Wound Care, Patient Assessment, EHR
Compassion and Empathy for patients, Collaboration and Teamwork with Other Healthcare Professionals
Knowledge of Medical Terminology and Healthcare Protocols
Effective Communication with Patients, Families, and Healthcare Team Members
Operate Medical Equipment and Technology
Critical Thinking and Problem-solving in Fast-Paced Environments
Understanding of Nursing Ethics and Legal Regulations
Adaptability to Changing Patient Needs and Clinical Situations, Attention to Detail and Accuracy in Patient Care Documentation
Create a resume that stands out from the competition and positions you as the top choice for the job by doing the following:
Before diving into listing skills, consider what impression you want to leave on the hiring manager. Your resume is your story, not just a laundry list of abilities. Each skill should contribute to the narrative you’re weaving about your professional journey and capabilities.
In this video, I walk you through my resume, which got me job offers at Google and Intuit.
With just 15 seconds to capture attention, every word on your resume must pack a punch. Cut the fluff and focus on concise, impactful language that highlights your strengths and achievements.
Grab the hiring manager’s interest early by strategically placing key information. Tailor your resume to the job by aligning your skills with the position’s requirements, and prioritize standout achievements.
Shift the focus from mere responsibilities to tangible outcomes and achievements. Highlight how your skills have directly contributed to positive results in your previous roles.
Customize your resume for each application by including only relevant skills. Study the job description closely and mirror the language and requirements listed to demonstrate your fit for the role.
A well-crafted CV letter complements your resume by providing context and showcasing your personality. Use it as an opportunity to express enthusiasm for the role and explain why you’re the ideal candidate.
The top six skills often sought after by employers include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, leadership, and technical expertise. These skills demonstrate your ability to effectively collaborate with others, think critically, and navigate challenges in the workplace. By highlighting these key competencies, you can make a strong impression on potential employers and increase your chances of landing the job.
Focus on highlighting your transferable skills and relevant achievements from other areas of your life. Include skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, adaptability, and technical abilities gained through coursework, internships, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, or personal projects. Additionally, showcase any certifications, awards, or accomplishments that demonstrate your capabilities and commitment to learning and growth.
Start by identifying the most relevant skills for the job you’re applying for. Then, categorize them into sections such as technical skills, soft skills, and certifications. Be sure to prioritize the skills that align most closely with the job requirements and highlight them prominently on your resume. Additionally, quantify or provide examples of how you’ve used each skill to achieve results, demonstrating your competence and value to potential employers.
Crafting a standout resume is about creating a compelling story that showcases your unique strengths and experiences. By strategically integrating skills throughout your CV and ensuring every word counts, you can grab the attention of hiring managers and stand out from the competition. Remember, your resume is your first impression, so make it count.
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Host of Netflix's "How to Get Rich", NYT Bestselling Author & host of the hit I Will Teach You To Be Rich Podcast. For over 20 years, Ramit has been sharing proven strategies to help people like you take control of their money and live a Rich Life.
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