Essential Soft Skills Employers Seek on Resumes
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Understanding Soft Skills
A significant 93% of employers consider soft skills essential when reviewing resumes. These interpersonal skills can greatly influence hiring decisions. Below, we explore eight key soft skills that can enhance your employability.
Crafting an Effective Resume
When constructing a standout resume, it’s beneficial to research the company and examine the job description to identify what the employer deems important. For instance, if the organization focuses on business growth, highlighting specific achievements, such as increasing revenue by a certain percentage over a set period, can be advantageous.
While tailoring your resume is vital, employers equally value the inclusion of soft skills. Experts emphasize the necessity of showcasing these skills, as they can significantly impact hiring choices.
According to a report from ZipRecruiter titled "Job Market Outlook for Grads," soft skills are paramount in the hiring process.
What Are Soft Skills?
Soft skills encompass various interpersonal attributes essential for success in the workplace. Their importance varies, with some skills being more sought after than others. Kristin Kelley, Chief Marketing Officer at CareerBuilder, notes, “Communication is particularly critical in today's diverse working environments, especially with the rise of hybrid work settings.”
Top In-Demand Soft Skills
ZipRecruiter analyzed job postings to identify the most sought-after soft skills. Here’s a rundown of the eight key soft skills along with the number of positions that require them:
- Communication Skills: 6.1 million job listings
- Customer Service: 5.5 million job listings
- Scheduling: 5 million job listings
- Time Management: 3.6 million job listings
- Project Management: 2.8 million job listings
- Analytical Thinking: 2.7 million job listings
- Ability to Work Independently: 2 million job listings
- Flexibility: 1.3 million job listings
The Shift in Priorities
As mentioned by Kelley, the importance of communication has surged in the post-pandemic era. Your approach to email correspondence, for example, can significantly shape perceptions. In my own experience with Credit Suisse's recruitment process, I was required to demonstrate my email prioritization skills during online assessments.
The Role of Diversity and Inclusion
Communication skills are increasingly vital due to the growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion initiatives. Engaging with individuals from various cultural backgrounds and experiences necessitates effective communication skills.
Final Thoughts and Tips
Soft skills are often underestimated yet play a crucial role in career success. The eight skills listed above are an excellent starting point for showcasing your abilities on your resume.
Pro Tip: Instead of merely listing soft skills, provide specific examples of situations where you applied them effectively.
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Chapter 2: Video Insights on Soft Skills
To delve deeper into the importance of soft skills, check out the following videos:
The first video, 93% of Employers Want Soft Skills, discusses why soft skills are essential in today’s job market.
The second video, How to Include Soft Skills on Your Resume, provides practical tips for effectively incorporating soft skills into your resume.