We’ve compiled a list of the top skills to include on your resume that employers will love.
While specific requirements will vary from job to job, there are some universal job skills employers look for when evaluating candidates. Below are eight characteristics all hiring managers desire in their prospective employees and what you can do to demonstrate these skills on your personal branding materials during the job search.
Competence
Employers want to know you can get the job done. On your personal branding materials, such as your professional resume and LinkedIn profile, don’t just describe the responsibilities for each role you’ve held. Include information that shows how you met or exceeded your goals in these positions.
Whether they’re looking for industry expertise or related functional experience, the typical hiring manager is looking for someone who has a solid understanding of the role and how to accomplish what the role requires.
Communication skills
While your target job may not require you to speak with customers or give presentations, it’s rare to find a position that doesn’t involve some form of communication on a regular basis. A hiring manager wants to know that you can effectively get your point across – via email, in person, or over the phone, whether you’re speaking to people in or outside of the organization.
Credibility
Your reputation is important when you’re looking for work. Jobs come and go, but your personal brand remains with you throughout your career. Monitor your online reputation by running a Google search for your name on a monthly basis to see what pops up. If something especially damaging surfaces, you may want to consult a reputation management service such as Reputation.com.
Also, identify people in your network who can attest to your character and ask for their permission to use them as references during your job search. While your references should not be listed on your resume, you should have their names and contact information ready when it’s time to interview.
Intelligence
Not every position requires a Ph.D., but generally hiring managers are looking for candidates who have common sense and are smart about their work. This involves planning, organizing, and prioritizing work, and actually getting the job done.
Likability
No one wants to hire a negative Nancy or Ned. Do whatever you need to do to get into a good mood before you walk into an interview. Assume that everyone you encounter the day of the interview could be part of the interview process, from your fellow commuters to the receptionist who checks you in.
Integrity
Employers want to hire people who are honest and can be trusted to do their job to the best of their ability. They want trustworthy employees who are willing to admit their mistakes and acknowledge their strengths and weaknesses. They’re also looking for candidates who are loyal to those they work for. No matter how your last job ended, refrain from bashing the organization or your employer online or in person.
Passion
When all things are equal, the person who lands the job is the one who conveys genuine interest in the job opportunity. Regardless of the role, you need to find something about the position that interests you – it could be the industry, the mission behind the organization, the work you’ll get to do, the people you’ll get to work with, or the learning opportunities you’ll have access to.
Professionalism
When you work for an organization, you become a representative of their brand – in and out of the workplace. It doesn’t matter how laid-back the work environment is like; hiring managers want to feel comfortable having you as an unofficial ambassador of their corporate brand.
How to show off your top transferable job skills
When it comes to your resume and other personal branding materials, the name of the game is to show, don’t tell. Don’t state you’re a great leader. Instead, include a bullet that discusses how, under your leadership, your team was able to beat their sales quota for three consecutive quarters.
Demonstrate your written communication skills by incorporating powerful action words to describe your experience, instead of the mundane “Responsible for”, “Managed” and “Led” verbs everyone else repeats throughout their resume.
To help show off some of your best softer skill sets and characteristics, request recommendations on your LinkedIn profile from people who worked with you and can attest to these skills. It’s one thing to say you take initiative; it’s another thing entirely to have someone else vouch for your proactive nature. Let others speak to your great qualities – and make sure you include the link to your LinkedIn profile on your resume!
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