One of the most effective ways to stand out when applying for a new job is by highlighting soft skills on your resume that are in high demand. These skills include communication, client services and time management.
In fact, seventy-seven percent of employers look for soft skills when vetting candidates for a position. Mastering these skills can help you succeed in your career and achieve organizational success. Here are three soft skills you should highlight on your resume to impress hiring managers and land your next position.
Communication Skills
Effective communication is essential to a successful career in any industry. Great communication boosts employee morale, engagement and productivity. If you’re applying for leadership roles, developing your oral and written communication skills can give you a competitive edge during the hiring process and beyond.
The pandemic has changed the ways in which we communicate in the workplace. Many people are still working remotely at least three days a week. This means we must learn to effectively use digital communication tools such as video conferencing, texts, emails and phone calls.
A shifting world economy demands that we pivot or get left behind. Studies estimate that miscommunication can cost organizations $450,000 or more in lost revenue. As you can see, companies can’t afford to hire people with poor communication skills.
Tips to improve your communication skills:
- Pay attention to body language and other nonverbal cues,
- Listen with the intention to understand the person who is speaking.
- Take courses in effective communication.
- Learn how to use a variety of channels to communicate with your colleagues and clients.
Client Services Skills
Reaching new markets and acquiring new clients is essential for an organization’s growth. But we must also remember that once we acquire new clients, we must put in the effort to retain them. This is where having effective client services skills come in handy.
You may not have a traditional customer service role. But this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t develop a ‘customer first’ mindset. After all, every action you take affects customers directly or indirectly.
Essential client services skills include:
- Patience
- Positive Attitude
- Personal Responsibility
- Organizational Accountability
- Empathy
- Product/Service Knowledge
- Time Management Skills
- Diplomacy
- Responsiveness
Time Management Skills
We live in a busy world and managing time effectively is essential for anyone who hopes to get ahead in their career. Employers look for people who are reliable, responsible and can follow through on their commitments. Strong time management skills are a tremendous asset to any employer.
You must be able to distinguish between urgent projects and ones that you can complete over time. Knowing the difference can help you reduce workplace stress, meet deadlines and save money.
Efficient time management tips include:
- Block out distractions such as social media notifications, chatty colleagues and other things that aren’t critical to completing your project.
- Get rid of ‘To Do’ lists. Instead, use a calendar tool to schedule your appointments, projects and meetings.
- Do one task at a time. Contrary to popular belief, multitasking isn’t effective. Not only does it divert your attention, but it can also increase stress and anxiety.
- Avoid attending and leading unproductive meetings. Don’t just meet for the sake of meeting. When scheduling a meeting, create an agenda and stick to it.
Even though there were hiring freezes and mass layoffs last year, the good news is there are plenty of companies looking for skilled candidates to fill open positions. Make the effort to enhance your soft skills to gain a competitive advantage in the job market.
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