6 Skills Employers Look For On Your Resume

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Many employers look for a common set of skills and want to see proof that you have these skills.

Always study the job description carefully and note the specific skills required. This lets you know exactly what the employer will be looking for in your resume and application.

Trying to match an employer’s expectations can be daunting, but you’ve likely developed these skills through past work experience or volunteering.

Here’s a quick guide to the most common skills employers look for and examples of how to showcase these skills on your resume:

Communication

This is a skill every employer values. Communication includes three different categories: verbal, listening, and written. You will need communication skills in order to listen effectively to your boss, co-workers or clients, communicate and facilitate discussions effectively with your team, prepare and deliver presentations, write work reports and more.

Sample point showcasing this skill:

  • Excellent communication skills, developed through experience in [retail, customer service, telemarketing, front desk reception, journalism, etc.]

Computer skills

Most jobs require you to have a basic understanding of computer programs such as Excel and Microsoft Office, as well as skills in internet navigation, social media sites and email systems.

Sample point showcasing this skill:

  • Proficient computer literacy proven through work experience in [Front desk IT, software programming and applications, spreadsheet tabulations, social media coordination, etc.]

Research skills

This skill refers to your ability to think critically, analyse situations from multiple viewpoints and research matters to define key issues.

Sample point showcasing this skill:

  • Highly critical thinker with effective researching skills proven through work experience in [Research assistant, resource developer, conflict resolution, project management, etc.]

Leadership

Employers seek those who have the ability to lead, motivate and stimulate others to achieve goals and inspire change. Even if you aren’t applying for a position in management, most employers prefer to hire team members who can manage a team if the need arises.

Sample point showcasing this skill:

  • Exceptional leadership skills developed through work experience in [club or school government position, tutoring, student mentor/leader, personal coach/trainer, etc.]

Adaptability

Employers want to know that you are capable of working in a fast-paced environment and can adapt to various situations prioritizing multiple work assignments simultaneously. This skill is often mentioned in connection with high-volume work environments.

Sample point showcasing this skill:

  • Flexible team player who prospers in a fast-paced work environment based on past experience [balancing a full course load with a part-time job, working odd hours, a busy office, etc.]

Interpersonal skills

Employers want someone who is personable and engaging, and can inspire other co-workers and work well in a team.

  • Interpersonal and relationship building skills proven through work experience in [club involvement, teamwork, student leader, workshop facilitator, etc.]

By Shaheerah Kayani, TalentEgg.ca

TalentEgg.ca is Canada’s leading job board and online career resource for college and university students and recent graduates.

Discussion1 Comment

  1. This language:

    This is a skill every employer values. Communication includes three different categories: verbal, listening, and written. You will need communication skills in order to listen effectively to your boss, co-workers or clients, communicate and facilitate discussions effectively with your team, prepare and deliver presentations, write work reports and more.

    Is copied from:

    https://avidcareerist.com/2016/06/07/skills-to-put-on-your-resume/

    Would you kindly provide a link and an acknowledgment to AvidCareerist.com?

    Thank you,

    Donna Svei
    AvidCareerist.com