Top Resume Skills for Today's Workforce
by Robyn Tellefsen
As you prepare to update your resume, pay close attention to your skills section. Are you lacking the top resume skills for today's workforce? Have you omitted the section entirely? If so, you're missing out on a critical opportunity to highlight qualities that recruiters are actively seeking.
>> Computers
Computer skills aren't just for the IT field - most jobs require a basic knowledge of e-mail, word processing, and spreadsheets. List the applications in which you have experience, along with any operating systems (e.g., Linux) or programming languages (e.g., Java). Remember that once you are hired, you will be expected to perform at the skill level stated in your resume, so no fibbing!
>> Communication
Of course, technical skills aren't the only skills in demand. To be successful in any line of work, you need to be able to listen, write, and speak effectively. If you can demonstrate these soft skills on your resume and cover letter (starting with no typos), your services will be sought by employers everywhere.
>> Multiculturalism
In today's workplace, cultural sensitivity is a critical issue. Demonstrate your dedication to diversity through language learning, travel, and civic involvement.
>> Multitasking
Any organization will expect you to manage your time well, juggling and prioritizing multiple projects. Employers are looking for flexible, results-driven multitaskers, who successfully complete projects by deadline.
>> Teamwork
Teamwork is a skill that's highly sought-after. How can you prove that you're a team player? Describe ways you've worked with a group to achieve a common goal.
>> Management
Competent, inspiring leaders (as opposed to dictators) can be hard to find. Provide examples of times you have creatively motivated and mobilized co-workers to meet high performance standards.
Practical considerations:
- A concise, targeted skills section is more effective than a laundry list of skills, so select 10 to 15 of your strongest, most desirable skills that are relevant to the position you're seeking.
- Include specific job-related skills (e.g., bookkeeping, medical transcription, copyediting) in addition to the transferable skills mentioned above.
- When you list a skill, indicate your skill level (i.e., beginner, intermediate, expert) and years of experience.
- Refer to these skills in other sections of your resume. For instance, if "multitasking" is a keyword in your skills section, use a bullet in your employment section to provide a concrete example of an instance when you successfully handled several projects at once.
Work up your skills section, and your resume will make it to the top of the pile in no time.
>> Computers
Computer skills aren't just for the IT field - most jobs require a basic knowledge of e-mail, word processing, and spreadsheets. List the applications in which you have experience, along with any operating systems (e.g., Linux) or programming languages (e.g., Java). Remember that once you are hired, you will be expected to perform at the skill level stated in your resume, so no fibbing!
>> Communication
Of course, technical skills aren't the only skills in demand. To be successful in any line of work, you need to be able to listen, write, and speak effectively. If you can demonstrate these soft skills on your resume and cover letter (starting with no typos), your services will be sought by employers everywhere.
>> Multiculturalism
In today's workplace, cultural sensitivity is a critical issue. Demonstrate your dedication to diversity through language learning, travel, and civic involvement.
>> Multitasking
Any organization will expect you to manage your time well, juggling and prioritizing multiple projects. Employers are looking for flexible, results-driven multitaskers, who successfully complete projects by deadline.
>> Teamwork
Teamwork is a skill that's highly sought-after. How can you prove that you're a team player? Describe ways you've worked with a group to achieve a common goal.
>> Management
Competent, inspiring leaders (as opposed to dictators) can be hard to find. Provide examples of times you have creatively motivated and mobilized co-workers to meet high performance standards.
Practical considerations:
- A concise, targeted skills section is more effective than a laundry list of skills, so select 10 to 15 of your strongest, most desirable skills that are relevant to the position you're seeking.
- Include specific job-related skills (e.g., bookkeeping, medical transcription, copyediting) in addition to the transferable skills mentioned above.
- When you list a skill, indicate your skill level (i.e., beginner, intermediate, expert) and years of experience.
- Refer to these skills in other sections of your resume. For instance, if "multitasking" is a keyword in your skills section, use a bullet in your employment section to provide a concrete example of an instance when you successfully handled several projects at once.
Work up your skills section, and your resume will make it to the top of the pile in no time.
Facebook
StumbleUpon
Delicious
Tweet This!Sound Off! Post Your Comments
You are not currently logged on. Please login to add a comment.
Request Free Information
on Colleges Near You
Find