{"id":3602,"date":"2022-03-19T11:08:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-19T15:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/jerome1greene.x10host.com\/wp\/?guid=4d563580140af256030ba4f7a90b2f76"},"modified":"2022-03-19T11:08:00","modified_gmt":"2022-03-19T15:08:00","slug":"how-to-showcase-soft-skills-on-a-resume","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/jerome1greene.x10host.com\/wp\/how-to-showcase-soft-skills-on-a-resume\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Showcase Soft Skills On A Resume"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>The analyses and opinions presented on Career Cloud are our own. We may receive commissions from purchases made after visiting links within our content. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.careercloud.com\/about\/#disclosure\">Learn More<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<figure class=\"\n              sqs-block-image-figure\n              intrinsic\n            \"\n        ><\/p>\n<p>              <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"thumb-image\" data-image=\"https:\/\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\/content\/v1\/52177782e4b04422e040157b\/1614811499576-REOP8RVS3JOGF11E8DHU\/HOW+TO+pass+a+pre-employment+assessment.png\" data-image-dimensions=\"1200x675\" data-image-focal-point=\"0.5,0.5\" alt=\"HOW TO pass a pre-employment assessment.png\" data-load=\"false\" data-image-id=\"60401169c83d546f7da28988\" data-type=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\/content\/v1\/52177782e4b04422e040157b\/1614811499576-REOP8RVS3JOGF11E8DHU\/HOW+TO+pass+a+pre-employment+assessment.png?format=1000w\" \/><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"\">Your resume is an overview of your skills, abilities, and experiences. It\u2019s a given to list relevant education and work experiences, but there\u2019s another set of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.careercloud.com\/news\/skills-for-resume\" >skills you should add to your resume<\/a> \u2014 soft skills. If a hiring manager is choosing between you and another candidate with similar experiences, having essential soft skills could be the difference in securing an interview or landing a job. Keep reading to learn more about soft skills, how they differ from hard skills, and where to add them to your resume.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"\n              sqs-block-image-figure\n              intrinsic\n            \"\n        ><\/p>\n<p>              <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"thumb-image\" data-image=\"https:\/\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\/content\/v1\/52177782e4b04422e040157b\/1634851856374-UFE6Z5VWZKHK7RPRVJBZ\/quiz+image.png\" data-image-dimensions=\"994x862\" data-image-focal-point=\"0.5,0.5\" alt=\"\" data-load=\"false\" data-image-id=\"6171dc1067a51245d63b4b9f\" data-type=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\/content\/v1\/52177782e4b04422e040157b\/1634851856374-UFE6Z5VWZKHK7RPRVJBZ\/quiz+image.png?format=1000w\" \/><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.careercloud.com\/resume-quiz\" class=\"sqs-block-button-element--medium sqs-button-element--primary sqs-block-button-element\" \n  ><br \/>\n    take the quiz<br \/>\n  <\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>What Are Soft Skills?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\">Soft skills are intangible skills that you either develop or already possess. Sometimes they are referred to as people skills. Soft skills are skills that are transferable regardless of your job role. Some soft skills you can learn in school, but often they are gained through everyday experiences. In many ways, soft skills are just as crucial to your success as hard skills.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">To become a lawyer and practice law, you must earn a law degree and pass the bar exam. But to be an effective lawyer and a valuable asset to your firm, you should possess soft skills like written and verbal communication, confidence, teamwork, and motivation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Soft skills are more challenging to verify than hard skills. You may need to provide more context during job interviews to prove to potential employers you possess those skills.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Soft Skills vs Hard Skills&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\">Chances are you possess both soft skills and hard skills. Both sets of skills are valuable when pursuing a job, but they are very different. As mentioned, soft skills are less definable skills you\u2019ve developed over time. Hard skills are more defined skills, often learned by completing a degree or certificate program. Your college degree is a hard skill. So are any certifications you\u2019ve earned. Other examples of hard skills include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul data-rte-list=\"default\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Accounting<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Data analysis<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Word processing<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Transcription<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Foreign language skills<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Copywriting<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\">Hard skills can be transferable, like soft skills, but it isn\u2019t always the case. Being proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite software will come in handy in a variety of industries. A computer programming degree, though, may not help if you want to become a financial planner or firefighter.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Let\u2019s look at the soft skills and hard skills you might need to be successful in the following professions:&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Accounting<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Hard skills <\/strong>you need as an accountant include:<\/p>\n<ul data-rte-list=\"default\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">An accounting degree or a degree in a related field<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Proficiency with accounting software<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Mathematical skills<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Soft skills<\/strong> important to accounting include:<\/p>\n<ul data-rte-list=\"default\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Verbal communication<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Written communication<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Critical thinking<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Problem-solving<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Time Management<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\"><em>Related: <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.careercloud.com\/news\/communication-skills\" ><em>How To Include Communication Skills On Your Resume<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Computer Technology<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Hard skills<\/strong> needed in computer technology include:<\/p>\n<ul data-rte-list=\"default\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Computer Technology Degree<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Microsoft Office<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">WordPress<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">JavaScript<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">HTML\/CSS<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Adobe Suite<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Content Management Systems (CMS)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Soft skills<\/strong> important to computer technology include:<\/p>\n<ul data-rte-list=\"default\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Problem-solving<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Time management<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Communication<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Flexibility<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Reliability<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\">Having both soft and hard skills shows that you\u2019re a well-rounded candidate. You should always include both types of skills on your resume, especially if they are relevant to your desired job. If you\u2019re up against other candidates with similar education and work experience, your soft skills could push you into the lead for the job.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Soft Skills And Remote Work<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\">Some people think that soft skills are not as necessary with remote work &#8211; not true. Soft skills are still very important, the context is just different. For example, the number one thing I hear from hiring managers when recruiting remote employees is that they are looking for employees with strong self-management skills.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Self-management is a set of skills such as focus, time management, prioritization, and the ability to communicate asynchronously. These skills are super important because your manager can\u2019t (and doesn\u2019t want to) babysit you.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Communication is equally important, again, just in a different context. Mastering asynchronous communication means that you can use a proper channel (email, chat, phone, project management app) and give enough context so that the next person to pick up the work doesn\u2019t have to double back with you to check on things or clarify.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Finally, not everyone is cut out for remote work, and that\u2019s fine. The big separator is usually the ability to deal with ambiguity, and adapt to ever-changing circumstances.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">The entire team here at Careercloud.com is remote and highly values these soft skills.<\/p>\n<h2>Where To Add Soft Skills On Your Resume&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\">Once you determine your soft skills, it\u2019s time to add them to your resume. As important as it is to include soft skills, your hard skills should take priority. Aim to balance your use of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.careercloud.com\/news\/skills-for-resume\" >soft and hard skills<\/a>, so be sure both are highlighted enough.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">There are two effective ways to list skills on your resume. First, you could have a separate section that specifically lists your soft skills. Use bullet points to help them stand out more. The downside of this method is that you aren\u2019t providing any context or proof behind your skills. It\u2019s just a list and may not capture a hiring manager\u2019s eye enough to land a second glance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">A better solution is to incorporate your soft skills into your career experiences where relevant. You should also try to find ways to quantify the skills listed on your resume. One way to do this is to include facts and figures that show your proficiency in a skill. You can also prove multiple skills at the same time:<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><em>As a project manager, I successfully led a team of seven employees on five marketing campaigns that increased company revenue by 47% over two years.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Go through the work experiences listed on your resume. Figure out ways to \u201ctell\u201d them about your skills instead of listing them. If you can\u2019t provide context for your skills, they probably aren\u2019t worth sharing in your resume.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Of course, your resume isn\u2019t the only place you can highlight your soft skills. Consider including them in your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.careercloud.com\/news\/how-to-write-a-cover-letter\" >cover letter<\/a>. Adding them to your cover letter gives you another opportunity to provide context to your skills. Do your skills fit with the job description or the company\u2019s mission? Find a way to share that in your cover letter and resume.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>List of Soft Skills&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\">Think about the skills you\u2019ve developed during your time in school and through other work experiences. You can also ask friends, family, and peers what skills you possess. Here\u2019s a list of some common soft skills you could add to your resume:&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul data-rte-list=\"default\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Adaptability<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Analyzing<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Brainstorming<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Commitment<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Communication<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Conflict resolution<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Contextualizing<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Creativity<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Critical thinking<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Decision making<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Digital proficiency<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Drive&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Empathy<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Flexibility<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Leadership<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Listening<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Motivation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Negotiation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Organization<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Patience<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Persuasion<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Public speaking<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Punctuality<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Problem-solving abilities<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Reliability<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Responsibility<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Self-motivation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Storytelling<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Teamwork<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Time management<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Work ethic<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Writing<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<h3>Should soft skills be listed on a resume?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\">Yes, soft skills should always be listed on a resume. Soft skills are often just as important as your work history and education and could be the difference between landing a job or not.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>How would you describe your soft skills?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\">The best way to describe your soft skills on a resume is by providing context. Hiring managers want to see your skills in action, so provide examples, using facts and figures, instead of only listing them.<\/p>\n<h3>Is negotiation a soft skill?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\">Negotiation skills are considered a soft skill. They can be learned through training and reading but are developed and strengthened through experience and practice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Can soft skills be learned?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\">Soft skills can be learned, but typically require participation to develop fully. For example, you can take an interpersonal communications course, but only by communicating with others can you develop the skill.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Why Are Soft Skills Important?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\">Soft skills are typically used every day in both work and personal situations. Hard skills provide concrete actions and achievements for hiring managers, but soft skills provide the context in which you succeeded in a particular job role to help your employer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\">Adding soft skills and hard skills to your resume could be the difference between getting a call for a job interview or being rejected. Determine your best soft skills and add them to your resume before sending it out. If you still need help, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.careercloud.com\/news\/best-resume-writing-service\" >resume writing service<\/a> can help you effectively list your soft skills.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Your resume is an overview of your skills, abilities, and experiences. It\u2019s<br \/>\na given to list relevant education and work experiences, but there\u2019s<br \/>\nanother set of skills you should add to your resume \u2014 soft skills. If a<br \/>\nhiring manager is choosing between you and another candidate with similar<br \/>\nexperiences, having essential soft skills could be the difference in<br \/>\nsecuring an interview or landing a job. Keep reading to learn more about<br \/>\nsoft skills, how they differ from hard skills, and where to add them to<br \/>\nyour resume.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":54,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[85,62],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3602","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-recent","category-your-resume"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/jerome1greene.x10host.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3602","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/jerome1greene.x10host.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/jerome1greene.x10host.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/jerome1greene.x10host.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/54"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/jerome1greene.x10host.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3602"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/jerome1greene.x10host.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3602\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3660,"href":"http:\/\/jerome1greene.x10host.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3602\/revisions\/3660"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/jerome1greene.x10host.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3602"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/jerome1greene.x10host.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3602"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/jerome1greene.x10host.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3602"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}