Before we get into all the details about the best strengths for resumes, answer this: Have you ever noticed how, when you're introduced to someone new, it's the little things that stick? It's like finding out you both love that same obscure band or that you grew up in the same town, wandering the same familiar streets.
It's funny how these resonating details become etched in our memory—the things that strike a chord with us.
And here's the interesting part: this principle can be effectively woven into your job applications through the strategy of highlighting your strengths. Think of it as a way to make sure that recruiters don't just forget you in the sea of resumes.
But let's be real—the"showcase your strengths in your resume" advice might seem straightforward, but in practice, it's anything but. (As a corporate recruiter, I've seen way too many job applications that manage to miss this mark entirely.)
To help you put this advice into practice, I've put together a list of 12 must-have strengths for your resume. Plus, I've gone a step further by sharing over 60 examples of how to seamlessly incorporate these strengths into your resume, leaving a lasting impression on recruiters and hiring managers.
By the way, if you want to perfect your resume, you should also check these blog posts:
Ready? Let's dive in.
Why Is It Important to Showcase Your Strengths in Your Resume
Your resume is a snapshot of your professional journey, and it's crucial to make a strong first impression on potential employers.
Adding strengths to your resume will help you:
Align with job requirements: Job openings typically include a list of desired qualifications and skills. When your resume showcases strengths that align with these requirements, hiring managers can easily see that you possess the qualifications they seek.
Put most relevant skills and qualifications in the spotlight: Whether it's your technical skills, leadership abilities, or problem-solving capabilities, highlighting your strengths allows employers to see the value you can bring to their organization.
Grab the attention of hiring managers: Hiring managers spend just a few seconds scanning resumes before deciding whether to delve deeper into your work experience or move on to the next applicant. Clearly outlined strengths grab their attention and make them want to learn more.
Key Core Competencies for Your Resume
When crafting an impressive resume, showcasing your core competencies is essential. These skills and abilities make you stand out and demonstrate your potential to contribute to the company's success.
Four key areas of core competencies include:
Technical Skills
Technical skills refer to your ability to use specific tools, software, or equipment to perform tasks effectively. These skills are often highly sought after by employers, as they demonstrate your proficiency in utilizing technology to solve problems and achieve results.
Commonly required technical skills include:
MS Office: Excel, Word, PowerPoint
Communication tools: Google Suite, Slack, Microsoft Teams
Data analysis tools: Excel, Tableau, Python
Programming languages: Ruby, Java, SQL
Graphic design software: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva
Analytical Skills
Analytical skills are crucial for evaluating information, identifying patterns, and making data-driven decisions. And, here's the inside scoop—hiring managers love seeing analytical skills listed as strengths on your resume. They suggest your proactive use of information and potential to deliver substantial value.
Some examples of analytical skills include:
Statistical analysis
Data analysis & interpretation
Pattern recognition
Root cause analysis
Risk assessment
Data mining
Hypothesis testing
Process mapping
A/B testing
Statistical modeling
SWOT analysis
Trend analysis
Forecasting
Communication Skills
Effective communication is essential in any professional setting. Strong communication skills allow you to articulate ideas clearly, collaborate with colleagues, and build relationships with clients or customers.
When highlighting your communication skills on your resume, consider including the following:
Verbal communication
Written communication
Public speaking
Active listening
Persuasion
Conflict resolution
Interpersonal skills
Presentation skills
Negotiation
Storytelling
Cross-cultural communication
Leadership Skills
Leadership skills demonstrate your ability to guide and motivate others toward achieving organizational objectives. Even if you are not in a formal leadership position, these strengths can show employers that you can lead and inspire others, making you an asset to any team.
Some examples of leadership skills include:
Team management
Coaching and mentoring
Decision-making
Delegation
Team building
People development
Conflict resolution
Motivation
Problem solving
Effective communication
Empathy
Strategic planning
Change management
Inspirational communication
It's vital to showcase your core competencies.
Technical, analytical, communication, and leadership skills you possess demonstrate your ability to contribute effectively to any organization. However, it's equally important to carefully tailor your resume to each job application, emphasizing the core competencies most relevant to the position you are applying for.
With that in mind, let's explore essential resume strengths―encompassing both soft skills and job-specific traits―that underline your core competencies and ensure recruiters remember you.
Must-Have Strengths for Resume: Soft Skills + Examples
Soft skills are the secret ingredient to crafting an impressive resume that catches the eye of hiring managers. These skills can be applied across various roles and sectors, and even more importantly, they prove your versatility and adaptability as a candidate.
Here are some key soft skills with examples and how they can make your resume stand out.
#1 Adaptability and Flexibility
Adaptability and flexibility are highly valued skills in any work setting. Employers seek individuals who seamlessly navigate new challenges and adjust to shifting priorities.
If adaptability and flexibility are crucial for the job you're targeting, put these strengths on your resume:
Flexibility
Agile problem-solving
Open-mindedness
Change management
Adaptability
Agility
Resilience
Efficient multitasking
Adapting to diverse teams
Resourcefulness
Managing shifting priorities
Here's an example to clarify the importance of these skills. Let's say you worked on a project where the original plan had to be scrapped due to unforeseen circumstances. Instead of becoming overwhelmed, you quickly regrouped, assessed the new situation, and came up with an innovative alternative plan.
This is undoubtedly an impression you'd want recruiters to have in their minds when they come across your name.
#2 Problem-Solving Skills
Problem-solving skills are essential in any job, regardless of the industry. Being a strong problem solver shows you can think independently and overcome obstacles.
Here are strengths to put on your resume to showcase this skill:
Analytical thinking
Critical thinking
Innovative problem solving
Logical reasoning
Decision-making
Creative thinking
Complex problem solving
Troubleshooting
Systematic approach
Data-driven problem solving
Brainstorming
Risk Assessment
These skills showcase your ability to handle difficult situations with composure and find practical solutions.
#3 Time Management Skills
Time management is a highly valued skill that ensures productivity and the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage your time effectively.
If this skill is critical for the job you're targeting, make sure to add these strengths to your resume:
Organizational skills
Prioritization
Task delegation
Efficient workflow management
Effective goal setting
Planning and scheduling
Multitasking
Proactive planning
Self-discipline
#4 Teamwork Skills
Employers want to see that you can collaborate effectively with colleagues, contribute to a positive work environment, and achieve shared goals as part of a team.
To provide evidence that you're a great team player, add these strengths:
Collaboration
Communication
Active listening
Conflict resolution
Empathy
Flexibility
Open-mindedness
Asertiveness
Supportiveness
Diplomacy
Adaptability in team settings
Accountability
Problem-solving in groups
Reliable communication
#5 Creativity and Innovation
Surprisingly, creativity and innovation tend to slip under the radar since many people take these strengths for granted. But hear me out: highlighting creative strengths on your resume is vital, as they take businesses forward.
Here are a few strengths to add to your resume to position yourself as a creative professional:
Ideation
Creative thinking
Brainstorming
Design thinking
Innovative thinking
Visualization
Experimentation
Curiosity
#6 Critical Thinking Skills
Having strong critical thinking skills is crucial in any job. And you should emphasize them wherever you get a chance. They involve analyzing information, evaluating different perspectives, and making informed decisions — qualities that every employer envisions in an ideal employee.
Here are some strengths you can add to your resume to demonstrate your critical thinking:
Data-driven decision-making
Research proficiency
Analytical thinking
Logical reasoning
Deductive reasoning
Inductive reasoning
Data interpretation
Synthesizing information
Strategic analysis
To demonstrate your critical thinking skills in the later stages of the hiring process, highlight instances where you have successfully solved challenging problems or made strategic decisions based on careful analysis.