5 Professional Skills You Need for Your Resume

Top 5 Types of Skills To Add to Your Resume

There are plenty of skill sets out there that can enhance your resume. When you need to narrow down your list, however, try adding these five key skills to your resume.

• Technical skills

  Knowing how to operate software, equipment, or tools related to the role is a skill you should possess first and foremost. No hiring manager will want to hire a person who can’t do the work required, no matter how personable you are. Tailor your resume skill section to reflect what the job posting requires; for example, if the job requires proficiency in Excel and you have this skill, include it in your resume.

• Interpersonal skills

  Communication skills within the workplace are extremely valuable. In fact, this is perhaps the most essential skill that isn’t a hard skill. Concisely conveying your ideas and being able to actively participate within the workplace can help you stand out from your team members. Candidates with especially strong communication skills typically hold leadership roles since they are more adept at motivating team members.

• Teamwork skills

  Most jobs will require you to work within a team setting. Working well with others is critical to maintaining a steady flow of productivity. A lack of cooperation or communication will only slow down everyone else, so it’s important to know how to get along with others — even people you might not like that much.

• Organizational skills

  Staying organized in a hectic work environment is a great skill to have. There are several different types of organizational skills that can prove useful. For instance, time management can help you manage others’ schedules or ensure the team is meeting deadlines.

  Creating a comprehensive filing system is also a good organizational skill to have. Your team will be able to work more efficiently if everything is in its designated place.

• Problem-solving skills

  Being able to think on your feet when the situation calls for it is always a good trait to have. Adaptability and resourcefulness are all great soft skills that can help you overcome issues with unruly customers, coworkers, or blockages in projects that you need to see through. When discussing this skill in a cover letter or during a job interview, bring up specific examples of times when you had to bring your problem-solving skills to bear on a work-related issue.