We all know that a resume contains personal skills, and we’re not going to waste your time telling you to list all your relevant skills – you know the general ones.
You already know that. Instead let’s look at the key skills that can make the difference between being on the short list or finding yourself in File 13.
The Most Important Personal Skills and Qualities
When you are creating your resume, each of your previous jobs likely have a long list of duties and skills.
In the past you may have been told to list all of those qualities and skills, but hiring managers often have hundreds of resumes they need to get through (sometimes thousands), and so when resumes all list the common skills that almost everyone has, it all starts to blur with the hiring manager.
When your resume shows relevant skills and qualities in a clear and concise manner, you can fast track your resume to the short list.
Examples of Top Skills by Job
The best practice would be by looking for examples of personal skills and qualities for CV or resume for selected popular positions.
Let’s have a look at some examples by occupation. When job-hunting, focus on the skills most likely to interest the prospective employer and learn to demonstrate these skills through your résumé, in an interview or in dealing with potential employers at career fairs or industry association gatherings.
Leaders and Managers
- Good Communication Skills: Are you a good listener and verbally articulate? Can you express yourself in a way that vendors, colleagues, and customers will see as a team effort.
- Time Management Skills: Can you prioritize tasks and take on several different projects at once?
- Problem-Solving Skills: Are you able to creatively problem solving? Are you resourceful?
- Ability to Accept Criticism and Learn From It: Can you handle criticism? Are you okay with being coached and growing as a professional?
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Are you able to quickly adapt to new situations? Do you embrace change? Are you adaptable to new challenges?
Account Managers
- Understands the Important of Developing Relationships: Do you have the ability to network? Are you able to develop relationships at all levels?
- Ability to Understand a Customer’s Business and What Motivates Their Decision Making Process ?
- Passion for the Industry and Position: Do you have the type of passion that drives sales personal?
- Ability to Multi-Task: Are you able to manage a number of tasks and projects at one time?
Teachers
- A commitment to learning, teaching, and student success: Demonstrate by incorporating your teaching philosophy into your resume.
- Prominent Featured Credentials: Use a strategy that will highlight your academic credentials on your resume.
- Key Accomplishments: Document your successes in your resume. For example, let’s say you were teaching at a school where the lowest reading scores existed and you brought the students to the second percentile in the district. Include this on your resume.
Target Your Resume With Key Personal Skills and Qualities
When you create a highly targeted resume to the position and your career goals you will have a much more effective resume.
The hiring manager should be able to glance at your resume and instantly know the position you are seeking and that your skills are a great match. That will fast-forward you to the short list, and that’s exactly what you want. Your resume is your advertisement to get you an interview, where you can seal the deal.
“Your targeted resume is like a Fast Food Ad – Not soon to be forgotten.”