When writing a resume, most of us assume that employees only care about the hard skills. What software can we use? What processes do we know? What machines can we operate? Show
Believe it or not, though, 61 percent of employers consider soft skills to be equally important when making hiring decisions. Communication skills are the most desired soft skills – in fact, they’re a requirement for many positions. Why? Because without strong interpersonal communication skills, it’s impossible to build relationships, resolve conflict, and achieve common goals. We’ve scanned over a million resumes and helped job-seekers optimize their resumes based on real job listings. We know exactly what skills hiring managers are looking for. Communication skills are a must-have on your next resume – and we’re here to explain why. Here’s the 101 on what communication skills are, how to include them on your resume, and which ones employers are looking for the most. What Are Communication Skills?The term “communication skills” is an umbrella phrase that covers a wide range of abilities, from verbal to nonverbal communication. It’s not simply a matter of how articulate you are; communication skills involve active listening, emotional intelligence, and more. Some of the most common communication skills include:
As you can see, there’s more to being a good communicator than first meets the eye. Employers want to know that you have the ability to not only communicate your own ideas but also understand and respond to the communication of others. Why You Need Communication SkillsSo, why are communication skills so important? Let’s take a look at some of the key reasons:
As you can see, communication skills touch on all aspects of our professional and personal lives. They’re essential for building positive relationships, resolving conflict, working together as a team, and continuing to grow and develop. Different Communication Skills To Highlight On Your ResumeCommunication skills can be divided into two main categories: verbal and nonverbal communication. Let’s take a closer look at each one. Verbal communication skillsVerbal communication skills are those that involve using words to communicate. This could be communicating in the form of face-to-face conversation, over the phone, or even in writing. Some verbal communication skills examples include:
Verbal communication is often what people think of first when they think of communication skills – but remember, there’s a whole other side to the story! Nonverbal communication skillsDid you know that more than 70 percent of our communication takes place nonverbally? Some experts even estimate that as much as 93 percent of communication is nonverbal – so it’s a pretty big deal. Nonverbal communication is any type of communication that doesn’t involve using words. This could be body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, or even the way we dress. Some nonverbal communication skills examples include:
So, there you have it – some of the most common communication skills to be aware of. But what specific skills or abilities are employers looking for in an interview? How can you explain your communication skills on your resume? The Top 5 Communication Skills Employers Look ForAccording to research from Capterra, up to three-quarters of large companies use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to screen resumes and job applications. They’re looking for keywords to make the process easier – and those keywords are often related to specific skills. When it comes to communication skills, these are some of the buzzwords your employers might look for: 1. Active listeningIt’s not enough to simply hear what somebody is saying in the workplace – you need to be able to understand and process it too. Active listening involves taking in the whole message, not just the words, andresponding accordingly. This is a key communication skill for any workplace. Employers want to see that you can:
To show that you have active listening skills on your resume, try to include examples of times when you’ve used them in the workplace. This could be anything from leading a team meeting to resolving a conflict with a coworker. Make your resume stand out and get noticed Upload your resume to see what’s missing and get a free match rate. 2. EmpathyEmployers are more eager than ever to find emotionally competent employees. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It’s a key ingredient in strong workplace relationships, and it’s something that employers value highly. Some ways to show empathy in the workplace include:
If you want to highlight your empathy skills on your resume, try to include examples of giving constructive feedback or supporting a coworker through a difficult time. 3. ConfidenceA good communicator is someone who is confident in themselves and their abilities. This doesn’t mean being cocky or overbearing, but rather having a healthy sense of self-assurance. Some ways to show confidence in the workplace include:
To demonstrate your confidence on your resume, you might highlight a time when you gave a presentation or took charge of a project. 4. FriendlinessThis might seem overly simple for a resume soft skill, but you’d be surprised how many job applicants come across as cold or unapproachable. Being friendly is an important part of building strong workplace relationships, and it’s a quality that employers value. Some ways to be more friendly in the workplace include:
Remember, employers want to see your humanity, not just your higher education or long list of talents! 5. Clarity and directnessThis is another soft skill that’s often overlooked but is very important in the workplace. Being able to communicate clearly and directly is essential in any work environment, especially when it comes to giving or receiving instructions. Some ways to be clear and direct in your communication include:
Clear communication is a key part of any successful workplace, so make sure it’s included on your resume with the rest of your work related skills. Developing Communication Skills for Future JobsIf you’re reading the communication skills examples listed above and feeling a little lost, don’t worry. These skills can be learned and developed over time. The key is to start practicing now so that you can be prepared for future opportunities. Here are a few suggestions for developing your communication skills: 1. Join a Toastmasters club: This organization helps its members improve their public speaking and leadership skills. 2. Take a class: Many community colleges offer adult education classes on topics like effective communication, business writing, and public speaking. 3. Get a mentor: Ask a friend, family member, or trusted coworker to help you improve your communication skills. They can give you feedback and offer suggestions for improvement. It’s never too late to start developing your people skills. By taking the time to improve these important abilities, you’ll be better prepared for success in your future career. Which skills are involve the ability to communicate and build relationship with others?Interpersonal skills involve the ability to communicate and build relationships with others. Often called 'people skills', they tend to incorporate both your innate personality traits and how you have learned to handle certain social situations.
What skills are included in relationship skills?This includes communicating clearly, listening actively, cooperating, resisting inappropriate social pressure, negotiating conflict constructively, and seeking and offering help when needed. Relationship skills are critical to success in life and work.
What are the effective interpersonal skills which build and maintain effective working relationships?A good work relationship requires trust, respect, self-awareness, inclusion, and open communication. Let's explore each of these characteristics.
What relationship skills are needed to succeed in the workplace?Here is a list of eight of the must-have interpersonal skills for every professional in the workplace:. 1) Exercising Self-Awareness. ... . 2) Being Cognizant of Nonverbal Communication. ... . 3) Being Respectful of Others. ... . 4) Showing Empathy and Understanding. ... . 5) Being a Clear Communicator. ... . 6) Engaging in Active Listening.. |