Additional Skills for Your Resume

So, you want to land a new job? The first step in any job hunt is perfecting your resume. You’ve included your name, address, and work experience, but you’re not finished yet. You have to remember to update the ever-important additional skills section. 

A skills section on a resume is a crucial opportunity for self-promotion that is often overlooked by job-seekers. It shows employers which abilities you have that will help you succeed in the role. Potential employers and hiring managers will check this section to see if you have the right skills to move forward to the interview stage. 

There are some key skills you should keep on your resume for almost every application, and, of course, there are certain skills you should add based on a particular job description. Below are some additional skills to add to your resume that you might not have considered.

Resume Skills Section: What to Share  

If you are unsure of what to include on your resume, think about all your past experiences and positions. You should be sure to add the main skills from these jobs to your experience section.

But there are also many different ways to incorporate essential skills into your resume. Below are some of your options as you update your skills section.

Awards and Accolades

If you have ever received an award for a specific work achievement, think about your particular strengths that helped you get there. The skills that made you a winner should be on your resume. Employers love a job candidate who goes above and beyond. 

Ask Around

It can be difficult to reflect accurately on areas in which you excel. Instead, ask former coworkers or managers what your best attributes are. They will most likely be able to point out strengths you may not have thought of on your own.

Network

If you are having difficulty trying to figure out what specific skills you have that match up with the industry you are applying to, you could ask for help from an industry professional. Try to find someone who is in a position similar to the one you are applying for. Ask what skills they use the most in their role and then see how they relate to your own experiences. 

Reference the Job Posting 

The easiest way to decide what skills to add to your resume is by repeatedly checking the job description. It will tell you the skills that are essential to the position. Recruiters and hiring managers will be looking for you to mention these skills, so do not forget to include them. Listing these skills can mean the difference between landing an interview or being taken out of the running.

Decide on a Resume Format

There are many ways you can format the skills section of your resume. You might choose to list your skills, incorporate them into your experience section, or add them to your cover letter. Let’s explore the options below.

List Your Skills 

One of the best ways to catch a recruiter’s eye is by listing your skills. A list is eye-catching, so you can be sure that employers will not overlook it. It is also the best for professionals who have a lot of experience because it allows you to quickly highlight many skills. This is an excellent opportunity to set yourself apart from other candidates and highlight your best attributes as an employee.

Add Them to the Experience Section 

Another great way to incorporate your strengths is by weaving them into your experience section. Along with a list, mixing in skills while describing your previous experience will also be noticed by recruiters. They will look for examples of your skills in other areas of your resume besides the skills section.

Incorporate Important Skills Into Your Cover Letter 

Don’t limit yourself by only adding key skills to your resume. Your cover letter is another place you can shine by adding other skills. Choose your most valuable skills and describe them in your cover letter. 

Just like in the experience section, in your job description, you should ensure that you add specific examples of each. Hiring managers will be looking for you to explain a situation in which you faced a problem and then used your skills to solve it. 

Additional Skills for a Resume

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Alt-text: Photo of computer and accessories. 

Caption: Scatter these essential skills throughout your resume. 

There are many ways to decide which skills you should add to your resume. Referencing the job description is only the starting point. Below are some popular hard and soft skills that you should consider adding that might not be mentioned in the job description. 

Communication

Communication skills are the ability to receive and convey information. This includes communicating ideas, feelings, and situations. 

Strong communication skills are essential in all industries and career levels. Communication skills that you may have experience in are active listening, public speaking, written communication, and constructive criticism.

Computer Skills

Computer skills are also significant because they show that you can operate the technology that is required in the role. This involves using computer programs and applications, and related skills like fluency in coding languages, spreadsheets, email management, and systems administration.

Customer Service

Even if you’re not applying to a job directly in the service industry, it might benefit you to include a customer service skill on your resume. Customer service skills place a heavy emphasis on problem-solving and communication. They also show that you are empathetic, reliable, and have interpersonal skills.

Leadership

Do you consider yourself a leader? Leadership skills include the ability to teach or mentor, team build, and manage time. You will use these strengths if you are leading a project or motivating others. Even if the position you are applying to is not in management, you can still apply these skills to other aspects of a job. 

Listing a leadership skill on your resume will also show that you would have the potential to grow in a new job, which employers love to see. 

Problem-Solving

Problem-solving skills are valued in almost any role or industry. This skill allows you to determine the source of a problem, then find a solution. 

Related skills include attention to detail, patience, research, and collaboration. Being able to solve problems might also consist of technical skills, depending on the role to which you are applying. 

Management Skills

Management skills are great to have for many positions. You may be in charge of your coworkers daily or maybe you are only leading a team to complete a designated task. Specific management skills include project planning, task delegation, decision-making, and team communication.

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Time Management   

Would you consider yourself adept at time management? If so, you should add it to your resume. Time management skills will show that you are organized and will prioritize tasks throughout your workday. Putting this skill on your resume shows that you can meet deadlines, set goals, prioritize, and maintain focus on projects.

Conclusion: Update Your Resume and Apply

Overall, the skills you should put on your resume will depend on the position, career level, and your education. 

Before applying to a position, review the skills common in the industry and tailor your resume to include those skills. The goal of the skills section is to show an employer why you are the best option for their company. Be sure to also demonstrate how your skills are relevant.

When you are considering which skills to include, only list the ones that are actually strengths. If you are still working on a skill that is significant for the role, it is okay not to list it. During the interview process, if the skill is brought up, you can let the employer know you are still improving, and explain how.

Besides using your resume, you can also prove your skills during the interview. Find ways to incorporate your most important hard and soft skills into your answers. You should reference your experiences and think of specific examples to show that you are the best candidate for the job.