Writing a resume is a challenge. Most job seekers aren’t always sure what to document in a resume. Plus they might not be skilled at writing short, concise sentences that showcase results and/or highlight why they’re the best candidate for the job.
And beyond experience and education, many job seekers aren’t exactly certain of what should all be included on a resume to ensure job search success.
But there are three types of skills that should be included on every resume. No matter one’s experience, industry, or resume writing goals. We break them down here:
1. Soft Skills
What Are Soft Skills?
“Soft skills – interpersonal skills – are a combination of talent and ability,” Bethany Wallace wrote in the Jobscan article on whether you should include a soft skills section on your resume.
Wallace owns a career coaching business and partners with mission-minded organizations, employers, and educational institutions to provide soft skills solutions. This includes tailored training, executive coaching, professional development, in-service workshops, and keynote presentations.
In the Jobscan article Wallace outlines how to determine which soft skills to feature on your resume. She also explains why it’s important.
“In today’s world, many employees haven’t been taught essential soft skills and arrive at work lacking basics like time management, communication skills, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and more,” says Wallace.
It’s easy to simply list on a resume that one has strong time management and interpersonal skills, is a good communicator, analytical, and/or organized. But take it a step further by listing a key soft skill. You can refer to the job posting to see which soft skills the company highlights. These are the ones they’re searching for in the resume and the top candidate.
In fact, listing soft skills on your resume can be just as important as highlighting key achievements (especially for entry-level job seekers). However, instead of just listing these soft skills, showcase examples of how you used these soft skills to solve a problem, secure a new client, or complete a project.
How Can I show My Soft Skills?
For example, if you’re an IT leader, show how you used communication skills to report to the company leadership team by saying:
Outstanding communications skills: Presented monthly department reports to a six-person executive leadership team. Proficient at explaining complicated technical jargon in non-technical terms.
The employer can then picture the candidate in a meeting room, speaking to company leaders. This is something that’s not easy to do – but essential for one seeking a leadership role.
In 2017, 93% of employers claimed soft skills are an essential factor in hiring decisions. Why?
“Because hiring candidates with weak soft skills results in multiple problems,” says Wallace. “Lower productivity, interpersonal conflicts, negativity and toxicity in the workplace environment, and decreased retention of top talent.”
Showcase soft skills on a resume to stand out.
2. Technical Skills
Listing technical skills, software programs used, or any other technical experience on a resume is important.
Every employee will use some form of software, database, or simple programs like Microsoft Office or Word. Showing that you have technical skills isn’t about working in IT. It’s about showing employers that you can learn these important project management, communication, and relationship management tools to better do your job.
If you use the same programs – or similar tools/programs – as the company for which you’re applying for, that’s even better. This is because that’s less time the company has to spend training you in on these programs. More time can be spent on learning the job, and making an impact.
Every resume should include a section listing technical/software skills. If a resume asks for specific skills, include a few bullets in your experience section to showcase successes/examples using those specific tools.
For example, if you’re in sales and use Salesforce, referencing how you use it, rather than just stating that you use, can help to provide a specific example that a recruiter or employer can relate to, like this:
In role as printing salesman, used salesforce to prospect and follow-up with potential customers. In 2017, generated 100 new leads, setup 25 sales meetings, and closed 6 new accounts using Salesforce.
Now you can give a specific example and successes of how you used that program. And, even if the company you’re applying to does not use Salesforce, but instead uses a different CRM platform, they at least know you can likely learn, and successfully use the CRM technology they use.
Every organization uses some form of technology/software program. Showcase your technical skills on a resume to stand out.
3. Advanced Training or Hard-to-find Skills Specific to the Job
Every job description has a list of job requirements. This is because they only want applicants with those specific experiences to apply. Each job description may also list some other unique skills or traits. These may not be standard or typical in that job, but are relevant for the position.
And if the company finds a candidate with those in-demand or hard to find skills, that may move the candidate to the forefront.
Why?
Most people who apply for the same job have similar backgrounds, skillsets and/or experiences. But those who have unique or hard-to-find skills and can showcase those skills on their resume will be coveted.
We’re not talking solely about education like an MBA, or a plethora of industry certifications. Those are all great, of course. Instead, we’re talking about other factors that give a candidate that “extra” experience. Things that makes them a more versatile team member, such as these examples:
- For example, a company may hire a social media coordinator, but covet someone who also has web development or HTML skills. Why? Because they may also then be able to work on company web site-related projects in addition to their social media role.
- A company may want an entry-level financial analysis with solid Excel skills, but really get excited about a candidate who showcases that they are a master at pivot tables.
- A manufacturing company may want a plant manager with leadership skills, but also covet one with Lean Six Sigma certification to help reduce waste and reduce variation.
- They may also seek someone with unique experiences, such as experience managing a culturally diverse team, experience working rotating shifts, or one who can prove how strong emotional intelligence skills can make a positive impact on the organization.
The best resumes are all about highlighting results and achievements related to the next job. But they’re also about showcasing skills. A combination of soft skills, technical skills, and hard-to-find skills.
Add these three types of skills to your resume, and you will be more likely to stand out in a crowded field of job seekers.
Bonus Tip on the Skills Included in Your Resume
Remember, many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) so your resume needs to be optimized for these. Before uploading any resume to a job board or company web site, be sure to use software such as Jobscan to review your resume and make sure it matches the job for which you are applying.
About the author: Matt Krumrie is a career columnist, blogger, and resume writer. He works with job seekers at all levels to create resumes that get results. He has written more than 2,000 articles on resumes, careers, the job search, and more. Connect with Krumrie on LinkedIn and follow him on Twitter.
