In today’s competitive job market, having the right set of skills makes all the difference in landing your dream job. While a degree, certifications, and networking in your field is important, it is often the additional skills you bring to the table that boost your resume and set you apart from other candidates. The following skills are not only relevant in today’s job market but can also be used to enhance your personal and professional development. So, if you are just starting your career or looking to make a career change, keep reading to discover how you can strengthen your resume and increase your chances of landing your dream job!
The Best Skills To Include In Your Resume: Soft Skills & Hard Skills
When reviewing your resume for a potential job, many hiring managers go into their search knowing specific keywords they want to see before they will extend an interview offer. Showing you are well-rounded by including a variety of keywords in your resume can make or break their decision between two candidates, so it is important to include both soft skills, also known as interpersonal or people skills, and hard skills, also considered technical skills.
Soft skills are becoming increasingly important in today’s job market. Today’s employers are not only looking for candidates with technical skills but also those who possess soft skills such as:
- Communication and Collaboration
- Attention to Detail
- Leadership and Management
- Multitasking and Problem Solving
- Adaptability
- Time Management
Including these soft skills in your resume helps demonstrate your personality in and out of the workplace as they show your ability to work effectively with others, handle challenging situations, and be an all-around valuable asset to the organization. Moreover, these skills are transferable, which means they can be applied to different job roles and industries. This makes you a more versatile candidate than others who may know how to do the job but won’t necessarily be a good personality fit for the team. By highlighting your soft skills in your resume, you are showing potential employers that you both possess the necessary qualities to excel in the role and contribute to the success of the company while also integrating well with the existing workforce.
Hard skills, also known as technical skills, are important in showcasing your specific qualifications relative to the position. These skills are usually gained from education, training, or prior experience, and are crucial to include as it helps employers quickly determine whether you possess the technical expertise and competence to successfully perform the job. Some of these skills can be:
- Data Analysis
- Human Resources
- Multilingualism
- Search Engine Optimization
- Writing and Editing
- Mathematics
Additionally, hard skills can be used to showcase your ability to complete tasks efficiently and effectively, such as when you highlight specific examples of increasing productivity or improving outcomes for prior employers. Including your hard skills in your resume demonstrates your competence and provides concrete evidence of your ability to contribute to the success of the organization.
How To Match Your Skills With The Job Description Skills
Customizing your resume to fit the job description you are applying for can help you stand out amongst other candidates and ensure that your skills match the requirements of the job. Doing this is quite easy! Carefully read the job description and highlight the key skills and qualifications that the employer seeks. Then, go through your resume and identify the relevant skills and experiences that you have that match the requirements of the job. Make sure you are using the exact keywords from the job description when describing your skills so that you are not passed on for something you didn’t include.
Highlight Concrete Examples Applicable to the Position
Employers are looking to answer two major questions when it comes to deciding who to hire: ‘Are you capable of doing the job?’ and ‘Are you a good fit for their team?’ Describing exactly how your technical or soft skills can be applicable to the position is vital when tweaking your resume for a specific position so that it can stand out among others.
For example, if you are applying for a leadership role, make sure to describe how you fulfilled a leadership role in the past. This can be as simple as a quick sentence: “Organized and led a 20-person team to exceed a client’s marketing goals.” Even better, include specific examples of how the client’s marketing goals were exceeded by providing concrete figures. Did you surpass a client’s goal by 25%? Share this with your new potential employer to increase your chances of getting the job.
By aligning your resume with the job description, you can demonstrate to the employer that you have the skills and experience necessary to perform the job effectively and increase your chances of getting called for an interview.
Contact Legacy To Continue To Build Your Resume And Find Your Dream Job
Still need some direction on how to be the ideal candidate for your next job application? Finding the right role for you and creating your resume to fit the position requirements can be overwhelming without a recruiting firm by your side to assist you with the process. Whether you’re a candidate looking for a specific position or a hiring manager ready to make a strategic hire, get in touch with Legacy Search Advisors!