How to write soft skills in a resume

In today’s job market, having the right technical abilities, often called hard skills, is essential. However, soft skills are just as important. So, what are soft skills? They are personal attributes that help you interact effectively with others. Think of skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. These skills show employers how well you can work with others and handle different situations.

Soft skills matter because they can set you apart from other candidates who may have similar hard skills. Employers are looking for people who can not only do the job but also fit well into their team and contribute positively to the workplace culture. Many hiring managers now prioritize soft skills alongside hard skills when reviewing resumes. This means it’s important to highlight your soft skills effectively to increase your chances of landing that dream job.

What Are Soft Skills?

Soft skills are personal abilities that help you succeed in a job. These include things like communication, teamwork, and motivation.

Sometimes they are called "people skills" or "interpersonal skills."

Unlike hard skills such as data analysis, typing, car repair, or computer programming—soft skills are harder to show or measure.

Hard skills focus on what you do to get the job done, while soft skills focus on how you do it. Having a good mix of both soft and hard skills is important for success in any role.

Why Are Soft Skills Important?

No matter your job, whether you're a CEO or a cashier at a coffee shop—you rely on soft skills every day. These skills help you communicate and connect with customers, coworkers, and business partners.

Even in jobs that require a lot of technical knowledge, soft skills are essential for creating a strong resume. They show that you can work well with others and handle different situations effectively.

Where to Add Soft Skills to Your Resume

Once you've identified your soft skills, it's time to include them in your resume. While soft skills are important, remember that your hard skills should take precedence. Aim for a balance between both, ensuring you highlight each effectively.

Two Effective Ways to List Skills

Separate Skills Section

You can create a dedicated section for your soft skills. Use bullet points to make them stand out. However, this method may lack context, making it less engaging for hiring managers since it’s just a list without examples.

Integrate into Experience Descriptions

A more effective approach is to weave your soft skills into your job experience descriptions.

This allows you to provide context and prove your abilities through real-life examples. For instance, instead of simply stating you have leadership skills, you could say:

“As a project manager, I successfully led a team of seven on five marketing campaigns that boosted company revenue by 47% over two years.”

Providing Context for Your Skills

Go through the work experiences on your resume and find ways to illustrate your soft skills rather than just listing them. If you can’t back up a skill with an example, it’s likely not worth including.

Highlighting Soft Skills in Other Areas

Your resume isn't the only place to showcase your soft skills. Consider adding them to your cover letter as well. This gives you another chance to explain how your skills align with the job description or the company's goals.

Identify Relevant Soft Skills

When you’re preparing your resume, the first step is to carefully read the job description. This is like a treasure map that tells you what the employer is looking for. Pay close attention to the soft skills mentioned in the description. Here’s how to do it.

Common Soft Skills

Communication

This includes the ability to listen to others and express yourself clearly. Good communication helps in teamwork and prevents misunderstandings.

Teamwork

The ability to collaborate with others is highly valued by employers. Being a team player means collaborating effectively and supporting your colleagues.

Adaptability

In today’s fast-paced world, things change quickly. Being adaptable shows that you can handle new challenges and adjust to different situations.

Problem-Solving

This skill is all about finding solutions when issues arise. Employers value people who can think critically and come up with creative answers.

Leadership

Even if you’re not applying for a management position, showing leadership qualities—like taking initiative or guiding others—can set you apart.

By identifying these relevant soft skills, you’ll be better prepared to showcase them effectively in your resume!

Best Soft Skills to Add to a Resume

Soft skills are essential in every profession, regardless of how technical your job may be. At the end of the day, interacting with people is unavoidable, and that’s where soft skills come into play.

Imagine you’re a recruiter. Would you prefer to hire a programmer who is emotionally intelligent and gets along well with others, or someone who is equally skilled but tends to be anti-social? Most would choose the first candidate. 67% of HR managers say they would hire someone with strong soft skills even if their technical skills were lacking. Conversely, only 9% would choose a candidate with excellent technical skills but poor soft skills. Even for hard-to-fill positions, soft skills can influence about 25% of the hiring decision.

Here are the 10 most valuable soft skills to include on your resume:

Time Management

The ability to prioritize tasks effectively.

Communication

Clear and concise verbal and written communication.

Conflict Resolution

Skills to manage and resolve disagreements.

Problem-Solving

The capability to find solutions to challenges.

Negotiation

Skills to reach mutually beneficial agreements.

Attention to Detail

Being meticulous and thorough in work.

Flexibility

The ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

Delegation

Being aware of when and how to delegate work to others.

Analytical Thinking

The ability to analyze information critically.

Collaboration

Collaborating well with others to achieve a common goal.

Companies recognize that efficiency alone doesn’t make them stand out; they also need innovation and a positive work environment where talented employees want to stay. Highlighting these soft skills on your resume can significantly enhance your appeal to potential employers.

How to Highlight Soft Skills in Your Resume

When writing a resume, it's essential to showcase not just your technical abilities but also your soft skills. These interpersonal traits can set you apart from other candidates. Here’s how to effectively highlight your soft skills in different sections of your resume.

Resume Summary/Objective

Your resume summary or objective is the first thing potential employers will see, making it a prime spot to mention key soft skills. Here’s how to do it effectively.

Be Concise

Use 2-3 sentences to summarize your experience and skills. For example, "A dynamic marketing professional committed to project success with excellent communication and teamwork skills."

Prioritize Key Skills

Identify the soft skills that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. If the job description emphasizes communication and adaptability, make sure to include those.

Tailor for Each Job

Customize your summary for each application. This shows employers that you understand their needs and can meet them.

Conclusion

Highlighting soft skills in your resume is crucial for standing out in today’s competitive job market. By effectively showcasing these skills in your resume summary and cover letter, you can show not only what you can do but also how you work with others. Tailor these sections for each application, use real-life examples, and connect your skills to the job requirements for maximum impact.

As you gain new experiences and skills, remember to regularly update your resume. This not only keeps your application fresh but also allows you to reflect on your growth and the value you bring to potential employers. By continuously honing your soft skills and highlighting them on your resume, you position yourself as a well-rounded candidate ready to take on new challenges.