If you’re looking for a new job, you want to give yourself an advantage over your competition. Most people who apply for jobs have the basic required “hard” skills—like education or training. It’s the in-demand soft skills that will help you set yourself apart! It’s good to know what employers are looking for so you can put your best foot forward in your resume and attract attention.
Four top soft skills
What are employers looking for? If you have any of the following, be sure to mention them in your resume:
- Leadership. When working with others, do you have a tendency to answer questions, help coworkers learn, or set a good example? If so, you may be a born leader. You might be surprised to note that even if you’re not currently in charge of others, you can still have leadership abilities within yourself. Employers are always looking for candidates with leadership skills because that makes it much easier to promote from within. If you’ve ever led your coworkers during a project or frequently take time to help people out, note that in your career history or skills section.
- Passion/dedication. You might not think of this as a skill, but you’d be surprised! The passion you have for your career and work will shine through in everything you do—and it can be contagious to others. Passion is often conveyed through a positive attitude and the desire to learn and grow. When you have a desire to succeed, you’ll take steps to be the best you can at what you do—and this is impressive to employers.
- Commitment. Do you show up on time, meet deadlines, ask for more work when you have an open queue, and strive to do your best? Being committed to what you do is a trait that makes a good worker thrive in any workplace. It shows loyalty to a company and love for what you do.
- Communication. Every job requires communication in some form. And when you’re an effective communicator, you help ensure the job gets done well and on time. Communication could be verbal (in person or over the phone) or written (in email or text message). It also involves listening—because you’ll be a much more effective communicator when you actively listen to the people with whom you’re communicating. Include ways you’ve communicated in your work history.
In search of your next job?
Add popular and important soft skills to your resume to get noticed by recruiters, employers and hiring managers. And if you’re not sure where to begin looking for a new job, contact Snelling Georgia Group. To learn more, visit our job search page today!
