Applying for jobs and internships can be competitive, so how do you stand out from the sea of applications that recruiters review? Here is some insight into common skills that you can include on your resume to become a stronger candidate.
Generally, employers are looking to hire employees who have the perfect combination of soft skills and hard skills.
Hard skills (a.k.a. technical skills) are industry-specific abilities, proficiencies, and certifications. Common hard skills include multilingualism, data analysis, project management certification, SEO, and Adobe software proficiency. Since many industries are now data-driven, it is incredibly beneficial to have fundamental analytical/quantitative skills. If a position to which you are applying has any hard skill requirements, consider taking a LinkedIn Learning course to develop your ability in those areas.
Meanwhile, soft skills (a.k.a. “people skills”) are abilities that can be applied to any job. Soft skills include attention to detail, adaptability, customer service, and problem-solving ability. According to an article published by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the top soft skills that recruiters look for include the ability to work in a team, problem-solving skills, and communication skills, both written and verbal.
Employers consistently look for evidence that you possess both hard and soft skills. This article by Robert Half recommends a few ways to weave these skills into your resume. Get immediate feedback on how well your resume incorporates these skills by using vMock!
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