Your resume is the most important document in your job search. In fact, it’s possibly the most important document of your career. But a great looking resume alone will not help you stand out from the competition.
After all, only the most qualified candidates will get called for an interview. And, only those with skills that closely align with an employer’s needs will get a job offer.
The world of work has changed rapidly in recent years. This is thanks largely to the technological revolution that we’re living in.
This has brought opportunities in completely new fields. For example, social media marketing, app design, augmented reality and changes in flexible work arrangements.
Unfortunately, many people find that getting the job of their dreams is far harder than they had anticipated. In this ultra-competitive world of job search, how can you stand out from the crowd and get ahead?
The answer lies in education, training, experience and ensuring you have and communicate your skills. Listed below are the top six skills to include in your resume, that can boost your career prospects and make it easier to find and land a job.
1. Social Media Skills
You may see social media as a hobby or something you do in your spare time. But for many businesses, it’s a vital marketing and communications tool.
Many people with senior roles at companies are of a generation that grew up without social media. Therefore, they may not be the best at getting the most out of it.
The good news is that they’re certainly aware of their limitations and are looking for individuals who have strong social media skills to help them achieve their company’s goals.
If your resume demonstrates a love, understanding, and ability to implement a social media plan, it will make you an attractive candidate to potential employers. Emphasize that you can use your skills to promote the company social media plan.
2. Leadership Skills
Sounds like a cliché, but employers are always looking for those who have the potential to move up in the organization, inspire and lead people.
If you’ve recently graduated or only have a few years of experience, then you may not easily be able to demonstrate your skills as a natural leader. Luckily, there’s other ways you can do this.
Did you run a society or organization at college or university? Have you held a part-time job where you gained responsibilities greater than your initial remit? Have you solved some major problems or implemented a large-scale project?
These can all demonstrate to an employer that you’re a potential leader. Ensure that you present these experiences as best as possible in your resume and as part of an interview.
3. Communication Skills
Another skill I’m sure you’ve heard before. However, whatever your line of work, this is one important skill that will allow you to progress through the corporate ranks and reach your true potential.
Being able to communicate effectively (both upwards and downwards) can help you achieve goals, promotions, and will earn the respect of your colleagues and managers.
But communication is a two-way street, great listening skills go hand-in-hand with verbal communications. Equally important are written communications, whether via email or social media.
If you can demonstrate a track-record of success in this area, it’s sure to be looked upon favorably by employers. Ways that you can do this are by launching and running a popular blog or writing for local newspapers, magazines, or websites.
4. Coaching Skills
The ability to coach co-workers and subordinates, as well as understanding when you need coaching, is a key skill. It can open doors to much more than a new job.
Smart businesses know the importance of having a dedicated coach or trainer on site, who can ensure that their staff are employing best practice at all times.
Many companies also have bespoke in-house training courses that all new employees have to complete, and this means that they also need qualified and enthusiastic coaches to deliver them.
The key to a successful career in today’s competitive marketplace is to have a number of in-demand skills that you excel in and to be able to demonstrate your passion in these areas.
Whether you’re fluent in a language, are an accomplished blogger, a design genius, a natural leader or an excellent communicator, these can all help you stand out from the crowd.
5. Teamwork Skills
Okay, so this one isn’t a secret. Still, it’s imperative to mention because of the rise in the complexity of technology and how it’s implemented in the workplace.
Collaboration skills are as essential as ever because great business leaders need to be charismatic and demonstrate the ability to work within (and respect) teams.
Communicating, as mentioned above, is a key part of this as well. The old saying “actions speak louder than words” rings true when motivating employees to help the company succeed and create a happy work environment.
Great leaders win the trust and confidence of their employees by demonstrating that teamwork delivers the best results.
6. Make it Relevant
Okay, this may not sound like a skill, but it is. This is where creativity and understanding the job responsibilities come into play.
Regardless of what you’ve done in the past, you must find a way to link that experience, to the experience required, to meet the demands of the prospective job.
In Summary
Common skills that transcend job types include communication, teamwork, organization, and leadership. If you can’t find specific skills that translate directly to the new job’s duties and your interviewer’s needs then you will not get the job.
Above all, be confident in the skills you have, and never undersell yourself or your achievements and land the job of your dreams.
About the Author: Joey Trebif is the founder of CareerAlley.com and his site is on the cutting edge of how we find jobs, how we manage our careers and how employers find us. Joey started CareerAlley in 2008 as a way to help others find jobs and improve their careers.
