5 Critical Skills That Should Be on Your Resume

Crafting a compelling resume can be daunting, especially when you're trying to make sure it stands out to recruiters and to trigger the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Knowing which skills to highlight is crucial to your success in landing the job.

To help you, I’ve compiled five critical skills that should be on your resume to make it shine:

Critical Skills No. One: Position-Related Skills

These skills are directly tied to the job you're applying for. They align with the specific requirements listed in the job description and demonstrate that you have the necessary expertise to perform the tasks associated with the role.

For Example:

• If you are applying for a Marketing Manager position: Showcase SEO, Content Strategy, & Google Analytics

• If you are applying for a Software Developer: Showcase Java, Python, & Agile Methodology

Pro Tip: Tailor your resume for each job application by emphasizing the skills listed in the job description but NEVER cut and paste the job description in white font into your resume. While on your screen this shows up okay but when it goes through the ATS system, that will show up and destroy your credibility.

Critical Skills No. Two: Leadership/Management Skills

Companies value employees who can lead and manage teams, projects, and processes effectively. Even if you have never officially held the title or role of manager, highlighting times when you had to use your leadership and management skills shows that you can take initiative and drive results.

For Example:

• In People Management: Showcase Team Building, Conflict Resolution, & Mentoring

• In Process Management: Workflow Optimization & Lean Six Sigma

• In Project Management: Agile, Scrum, & Project Lifecycle Management

Pro Tip: Use specific examples and metrics to showcase your leadership achievements, such as "Led a team of 10 to increase sales by 20%." or “Mentored a junior team member to increase efficiency by 10%”

Critical Skill No. Three: Technical Skills

Technical skills are increasingly important in today's job market. Whether it's software, hardware, or specialized programs, showcasing your technical prowess can set you apart from other candidates.

For Example:

• For IT roles: Network Security, Cloud Computing, & SQL

• For Graphic Design: Adobe Creative Suite & UX/UI Design

• For Finance: Excel, Financial Modeling, & SAP

Pro Tip: If you can’t showcase how you used these skills on the job, you can list relevant certifications and training to add credibility to your technical skills.

Critical Skill No. Four: Soft Skills

Soft skills are essential for workplace success and can often be the deciding factor between two equally qualified candidates. These skills demonstrate your ability to work well with others and adapt to various situations.

For Example:

• To showcase communication: Emphasize Public Speaking, Negotiation, & Writing

• To showcase interpersonal skills: Emphasize Empathy, Team Collaboration, & Conflict Resolution

• To showcase personality: Emphasize Adaptability, Resilience, Creativity

Pro Tip: Provide examples of how you have effectively used your soft skills in professional settings, such as "Resolved customer complaints with a 95% satisfaction rate."

Critical Skill No. Five: Industry-Related Experience

Specific experience in a particular industry shows that you understand the unique challenges and opportunities within that field. This can be especially valuable for roles requiring specialized knowledge.

For Example:

• For Healthcare: Show experience with Electronic Health Records (EHR) & Patient Care Standards

• For Retail: Inventory Management & Customer Service Excellence

• For Finance: Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

Pro Tip: Highlight your accomplishments and experiences that are unique to the industry, such as "Managed a portfolio of high-net-worth clients in the finance sector."

Including these five critical skills on your resume can significantly enhance your chances of landing your desired job. Remember to customize your resume for each application, using the job description as a guide to ensure your skills align with what the employer is seeking. By effectively showcasing your position-related skills, leadership abilities, technical expertise, soft skills, and industry-specific experience, you'll present yourself as a well-rounded and highly qualified candidate.