Top skills to include on resumes

These skills are often referred to as ‘soft skills’ as they are less technical, less role-specific and tend to relate to your relationships and how you manage various situations in the workplace. Furthermore, the skills to include on resumes will vary according to the role you’re applying for, its seniority and the industry you work in, there are some skills that will always be valued by employers.

1. Problem-solving abilities and resilience

There are are crucial skills to put on a resume, Problem-solving and resilience are resume skills vital to progression and improvement in all roles, and as such, are important skills to put on a resume.

Resume skill example: I pride myself on the high-level problem-solving skills I have used in all roles to overcome adversity and guarantee efficiencies in my team. And, resilience also enabled me to successfully complete a major company-wide IT project, securing my promotion to Project Manager.

2. Communication

Communication is important for all roles, Good communication skills suggest you can explain your work to others, graciously call out successes and defend certain approaches, all while being diplomatic and respectful. Employers want to know that whether you’re dealing with the junior accountant or the CFO, you’ll know what to say and how to say it.

Even if you work independently or in a small team, there is rarely a role in which strong communication skills wouldn’t be beneficial to your employer and the organisation at large.

3. Teamwork is a must

Expressing that you can work with a diverse range of people and overcome conflict or disagreement to get the best job done is an inspiring piece of information for employers.

Most jobs will require that you work with others and often a criteria for selection to a role will be your ability to work successfully within a team. Even if you only encounter a few people while performing your daily duties, employers want to know that when tasked with collaborating, you can do it effectively.

4. Readiness to learn and eagerness to grow are key resume skills

No matter whether you’re applying for your first job as a customer service assistant, going for a business analyst role, or lining up to be a CIO, you should always be eager to keep learning and growing in your role.

Moreover, Resume skill example: In all my previous roles an eagerness to learn and grow has seen me undertake external training, job shadowing or mentoring for career progression. I look forward to doing the same at your organisation.

5. Adaptability

Employers want to know that you won’t crumble if circumstances change in their organisation, or if you’re asked to work on a project a little out of the ordinary. And, stating that you’re adaptable assures employers you understand that roles and work evolve and change, sometimes throwing team members curve balls, but that you’re primed to handle it.