In a job market where recruiters review an average of up to 250 applications per job listing, you need to submit a resume that stands out, says recruitment specialist, Glassdoor.<\/p>\n
But where do you even start? Since you already know which skills to leave off your resume, and you\u2019ve studied which trends to try and which to ignore, it\u2019s time to talk about what should be on your resume. Glassdoor<\/a> asked three experts\u2019 for their takes on the skills that will have recruiters excited to see your resume come into their queue.<\/p>\n Hard Skills for Your Resume<\/strong><\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re a high-tech data scientist or a high-performing elementary school teacher, here\u2019s a selection of hard skills that can make you stand out from the competition.<\/p>\n 1. Data Collection and Analysis<\/strong><\/p>\n Increased technology usage in the workplace means there\u2019s more data than ever to collect, track and analyze. That\u2019s why data analysis is such a huge growth area, says Matt Sigelman, the CEO of Burning Glass Technologies, in Time: \u201cMainstream American companies have come to realize that in order to become more effective in the marketplace, they need to analyze data,\u201d said Sigelman.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd we\u2019re seeing those skills showing up at a premium in a variety of industries, including marketing, logistics jobs and operations management jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n How to Highlight<\/strong>: Reflect on the opportunities you\u2019ve had to capture and analyze data in your current job and include them on your resume. If you can\u2019t think of any, consider taking a free online course in data analytics from a website like edX or Coursera, then apply what you learn on the job.<\/p>\n 2. Social Media<\/strong><\/p>\n Social media makes a timely addition to any resume, said career coach Bethany Wallace: \u201cRegardless of career field and job role, possessing social media management skills is a plus for any candidate,\u201d she said. \u201cMany companies still resist hiring a social media manager, and the ability to fill that gap might make the difference in a candidate\u2019s standing.\u201d<\/p>\n How to Highlight: If you completed coursework or an internship that involved social media, include it on your resume \u2014 extra points for sharing specifics on a campaign you executed. Don\u2019t list recreational social media on your resume \u2014 limit this to times that you\u2019ve managed social media accounts in a professional capacity.<\/p>\n 3. Content Management Systems<\/strong><\/p>\n Website building and design aren\u2019t just for coders anymore. Easy-to-learn platforms like WordPress, Blogger, Squarespace and more can help you learn the basics of creating and maintaining a blog or website. \u201c<\/p>\n WordPress is the most popular CMS (content management system) in the world. Tons of sites, big and small, use it to power their businesses,\u201d said Laurence Bradford, creator of Learn to Code With Me, on Forbes. \u201cWordPress is helpful to know in a range of careers from web development to writing.\u201d<\/p>\n How to Highlight<\/strong>: Learn how to use these platforms through one of the many available online classes or tutorials, then list it under the skill section of your resume. If you want to go the extra mile, build a personal website or online portfolio and include a link to it so recruiters and hiring managers can see your skills for themselves.<\/p>\n Soft Skills for Your Resume<\/strong><\/p>\n Even in a technical age, it\u2019s not all about technical skills. In fact, in a report compiled by the International Association of Administrative Professionals, OfficeTeam and HR.com, 67% of HR managers said they\u2019d hire a candidate with strong soft skills even if that person\u2019s technical skills were lacking.<\/p>\n While you can\u2019t rely on being hired for a job based on soft skills alone, such a strong majority opinion among hiring managers is more than enough incentive to bring a focus to soft skills on your resume and in your interview process. Just don\u2019t list them out point-blank \u2014 that\u2019s an amateur (and unconvincing) way to do it. Instead, let your resume bullet points demonstrate how you\u2019ve leveraged these skills.<\/p>\n 1. Communication<\/strong><\/p>\n Communication consistently ranks among the most important skills for a candidate to have \u2014 and that includes both verbal and written. \u201cAccording to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 73.4% of employers want a candidate with strong written communication skills,\u201d said Kaleigh Moore, contributing writer for Inc.<\/p>\n How to Highlight<\/strong>: Edit your resume for grammar and spelling, but also for clarity. Rewrite long sentences to be shorter, then read your resume out loud to make sure all of your thoughts make sense. Prove your communication skills by email and phone by being brief and to-the-point \u2014 yet warm \u2014 whenever you interact with the recruiter.<\/p>\n 2. Problem-Solving<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cEmployees themselves are hopefully \u2018solved problems,\u2019 fulfilling their job duties and more,\u201d said Jessica Amidon on the AthLife blog, a career development resource for post-professional, professional and collegiate athletes. \u201cAn employee that is able to present creative solutions to complex problems creates tremendous value for the employer and makes himself indispensable.\u201d<\/p>\n How to Highlight: Most resume bullet points should focus on the solution to a problem, such as \u201cIncreased email open rates 10 percent.\u201d Whenever possible, articulate the problem as well as the solution so that recruiters can see exactly how you\u2019ve applied your problem-solving skills.<\/p>\n 3. Positive Attitude<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s not hard to understand why employers value this skill so highly \u2014 it can help in nearly every situation you encounter in the workplace, from collaborating with others to identifying creative solutions. \u201cHaving a positive attitude is absolutely crucial if candidates want to stand out from their peers,\u201d Wallace said.<\/p>\n How to Highlight<\/strong>: It\u2019s easier to display a positive attitude in an interview than on a resume, but you can start by framing your on-the-job challenges in a positive way. Using verbs like \u201covercame,\u201d \u201csurmounted,\u201d \u201csucceeded\u201d and \u201cwon\u201d can contribute to an overall positive, energetic impression.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re one of the millions of Americans looking for a job, or currently employed but considering your next move, list as many of these skills as you can to make your resume pop.<\/p>\n
\n\n
\n