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Your unique strengths are what help your resume stand out from the crowd and net a job interview in this competitive market. Your strengths can be your best traits, skills, abilities or even experiences that ensure you are suited to the role you are applying for. Knowing which resume strengths to list is as important as your resume design and structure.
The key to presenting your strengths in your resume is to make sure they address the needs of the job role you are applying for.
Just as there are certain qualifications and skills that are highly desirable, there are some key strengths that will stand out to a hiring manager. Here’s a list of strengths that are commonly considered desirable in job seekers because they are versatile and transferable:
Though many of these skills are soft skills that are often considered to be standard skills in any role, they are by no means guaranteed in any candidate. This is why it pays to list these strengths in your resume alongside hard skills, especially if they’re applicable to the role. You should also take care to quantify your strengths and accomplishments properly – this will give your resume a boost.
Build your resumeIn order to get the most out of your resume, it’s important to focus on your best, most relevant strengths, skills and qualifications. If you are having trouble deciding what resume strengths to include in order to catch the eye of the hiring manager, here are a few things to consider.
For If you have awards, achievements or certifications to back up certain strengths, you should include them in your resume (assuming they are applicable to the job you are applying for). While anyone can claim to have a certain trait or skill, providing further evidence is a major point in your favor
If your previous employers have praised you for certain competencies, skills and traits, you should consider them among your best skills and include them on your resume. If the hiring manager contacts your previous employer, your employer will be able to support the claims you make.
In If you have official training for any of the things you consider your greatest strengths, these strengths should be prioritized for inclusion in your resume. Candidates who have recognized qualifications or certifications for specific skills appeal to employers because it shows a willingness to put time and effort into self-improvement.
While there are some strengths that are widely beneficial (like attention to detail, for example), others are specialized. This is why it is crucial to tailor your resume to each job you apply for. Check the job description and make a list of bullet points for your greatest strengths and greatest weaknesses. Don’t include the weaknesses in your resume, of course, but make sure you’re aware of them so you can improve in the future. Once you have this list, narrow it down to the three or four main things you are good at that also meet the job requirements. These are the points you should include in your resume. Try to keep the strengths you mention in mind if you are called for a job interview because the hiring manager is likely to ask you to give examples of strengths that you have cited in practice. It can be beneficial to have a personal list of strengths and examples of how you have displayed them as a refresher to reference before interviews. For more tips on how to prepare for a job interview, ResumeHelp has an interview prep section loaded with guides and advice.
Have questions? We’re here to help.
Consider your past achievements and what they say about your strengths and capabilities. Then compare them to strengths often listed in your industry. Furthermore, consider the job listing and think about the strengths that recruiters will be looking for in relation to that description.
Ideally, you should be tailoring your resume to suit each job you apply for, even if you are simply changing the wording to reflect the language used in the job description. Addressing the specific requirements of the posting in your resume and cover letter will increase your chances of standing out when the hiring manager reviews applications.
Yes, if you take the time to do your research and highlight certifications, soft skills and personal strengths that are relevant to the role you apply for, you will find that your job search is more fruitful. These small actions show you to be detail-oriented and conscientious, and have given some thought to what the job needs, and how you can contribute.
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