300+ Industry-Specific Soft Skills to Include in Your Resume in 2024

Stanford Research Center and Harvard University, and Carnegie foundation found that a whopping 85% of job success comes from excellent soft skills. Only 15% comes from technical skills. In every job, from entry-level positions to executive roles, soft skills hold significant value.

Regardless of your field, whether it's healthcare, technology, finance, or customer service, a solid list of soft skills like critical thinking, empathy, resilience, and strong communication can make a big difference.

Wondering which soft skills to include on your resume or seeking examples to guide you? This is the place to find out!

Move ahead to discover:

• What are soft skills?
• What's the difference between hard and soft skills?
• Best soft skills for your resume in 2024
• Crucial soft skills for excelling in 29 industries
• How to effectively present soft skills in a resume

You already have a resume and want to validate the soft skills section in it? Drop it into our Resume Checker and get an instant score. Discover how you can improve to sail through ATS screenings and make your resume the one that lands on top.

Whether it's refining your soft skills presentation or enhancing your overall format, find out exactly what you need for adjustments that ensure ATS success. Don't leave it to guesswork! Let our Resume Checker be your guide to a standout resume that opens doors.

What are soft skills – a definition

Soft skills are those hard-to-pin-down qualities that make you a great team player and a star at your workplace. They focus on good teamwork and professional success, powered by awesome people skills and a positive work vibe. When applying for a new position, the proper soft skills on the resume can distinguish you from the rest. This is very important when recruiters compare applicants with similar backgrounds in work and education. Therefore your resume should feature a strong and influential soft skills section.

Moreover, studies support the importance of soft skills, 91% of organizations want more soft skills. This adds another reason to clearly answer the question “What are soft skills indeed and how can they help you get the dream job?”.

Let's also explore how they differ from hard skills, the technical competencies that complete your professional toolkit.

The difference between soft skills and hard skills

There are two main types of skills you'll find on a resume: hard skills and soft skills.

Hard skills are the specific abilities that you can measure, like being able to code in Java or having expertise in project management. You usually pick up these skills from college, training programs, certifications, or directly from work experience.

In contrast, soft skills relate to your approach to work and interaction with others. Examples include adaptability, problem-solving, leadership, and emotional intelligence. While some people naturally possess certain soft skills, many are developed over time through personal and professional experiences.

In your resume's skills section, the aim is to showcase your hard and soft skills in a way that grabs the attention of the HR manager. By highlighting relevant skills, you'll encourage them to delve deeper into your resume.

Top soft skills to put on your resume in 2024

In 2024, the job scene is all about the soft skills that make you stand out. It's not just about what you can do technically, but how you do it and work with others. These skills can really boost your resume and catch an employer's eye, whether you're looking to move up or switch fields. Let's dive into the top soft skills that will give your resume that extra shine this year, making sure you're ready to meet the demands of the ever-changing job market.

Productivity

Productivity involves working smartly and managing time effectively to achieve goals. It demands organization and a clear focus on priorities. This soft skill certainly goes beyond staying occupied, because it focuses on achieving specific targets. A person with high productivity can accelerate task completion, optimize resource use, and contribute to better overall performance, boosting both personal and organizational success.

Types of productivity skills:

• Time management
• Goal setting
• Focus
• Stress management
• Prioritization
• Planning

Highlighting productivity skills example:

Communication skills

Successful professional relationships rely on effective communication. The ability to express your thoughts and ideas clearly, whether through writing or speaking, is key to keeping work relationships productive. This important soft skill includes listening actively, reading non-verbal signals, and adjusting how you communicate based on who you're talking to.

Types of communication skills:

• Active listening
• Verbal communication
• Confidence
• Awareness
• Presentation skills
• Empathy

Highlighting communication skills example:

Active listening

Active listening is paying attention to what someone is saying. Look for body language, ask questions to understand better, and give thoughtful answers. This approach is fundamental for everyone who wants to successfully communicate, establish trust, and navigate conflicts effectively.

Types of active listening skills:

• Communication
• Empathy
• Attention to detail
• Encouragement
• Calmness
• Optimism

Highlighting active listening skills example:

Leadership

A strong leader can motivate their team to reach new heights. They set clear goals, communicate them well, and build a responsible team culture. Having strong leadership skills is important for doing well in your career and is valued in many kinds of jobs. Since teamwork is vital in today's jobs, possessing strong leadership skills could be your ticket to the promotion you've been aiming for.

Types of leadership skills:

• Mentorship
• Management
• Generosity
• TrustworthinessEncouragement
• Authenticity

Highlighting leadership skills example:

Teamwork

Teamwork means people working together to reach the same goal. It's about sharing ideas, helping each other, and doing different tasks. A good team player not only works on building trust and strong connections with teammates but also finds that being part of a well-collaborating team can enhance job satisfaction and foster a positive atmosphere in the workplace.

Types of teamwork skills:

• Mediation
• Disputes navigation
• Communication
• Listening
• Cooperation
• Collaboration

Highlighting teamwork skills example:

Organization

Organization is about keeping things neat and in order. It means planning your tasks and managing your time well so you can meet deadlines without feeling overwhelmed. Anyone who's organized knows what exactly needs to be done and when. This skill is super helpful at work because it helps avoid chaos, makes sure important things aren't forgotten, and generally keeps everything running smoothly.

Types of organization skills:

• Attention to detail
• Flexibility
• Multitasking
• Delegation
• Analysis
• Time management

Highlighting organization skills example:

Always punctual

Being always punctual shows you respect your own time and others. It means you consistently arrive on time for meetings, appointments, or work. This soft skill is important because it shows you're reliable and you plan. Punctuality is important in any setting, as it helps everything run smoothly and underlines that you're serious and professional about your responsibilities.

Types of always punctual skills:

• Self-management
• Coordination
• Flexibility
• Reliability
• Professionalism
• Discipline

Highlighting always punctual skills example:

Critical thinking

When you don't just accept things as they are but question them we talk about critical thinking. It helps people solve problems by analyzing situations and making informed decisions. This crucial soft skill involves evaluating arguments, considering different viewpoints, and understanding the consequences of choices. Critical thinkers can find the root cause of issues and brainstorm various solutions.

Types of critical thinking skills:

• Analysis
• Focus
• Evaluation
• Patience
• Listening
• Deductive reasoning

Highlighting critical thinking skills example:

Social skills

Social skills are all about getting along with people at work. They include talking clearly, listening well, understanding how others feel, and dealing with people nicely. Having good social skills means you can work well in a team, sort out any disagreements, and build strong connections with your colleagues. Good social abilities are fundamental for everyone to work together better and get the job done smoothly.

Types of social skills:

• Communication
• Patience
• Charisma
• Networking
• Diplomacy
• Sensitivity

Highlighting social skills example:

Creativity

Creativity is about thinking outside the box and generating ideas that question the usual ways of doing things. It involves curiosity and the courage to take risks. Creativity isn't just for art. It's crucial for problem-solving professions as well, because it offers fresh perspectives on challenges. It also helps businesses stand out by leading to unique products and strategies that catch people's attention in the market.

Types of creativity skills:

• Inspiration
• Imagination
• Curiosity
• Experimentation
• Innovation
• Visualization

Highlighting creativity skills example:

Adaptability

Being adaptable means smoothly adjusting to change and new situations. A person with high adaptability excels in various environments, can quickly change priorities, and learns new skills and systems with ease. This ability also covers being open to new ideas, creative and innovative thinking, and the capacity to make quick, effective decisions.

Types of adaptability skills:

• Proactivity
• Self-confidence
• Optimism
• Resilience
• Self-motivation
• Learning fast

Highlighting adaptability skills example:

Emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence means understanding your own feelings and those of others. In modern team-based workplaces, this ability allows people to understand complex social interactions and contribute efficiently to group projects. Those possessing strong emotional intelligence are capable of establishing deep bonds, effectively managing disputes, and leading others with a sense of understanding.

Types of emotional intelligence skills:

• Humility
• Self-awareness
• Empathy
• People skills
• Tolerance
• Motivation

Highlighting emotional intelligence skills example:

Resilience

When talking about resilience in professional settings it means more than just handling stress and bouncing back. It involves adapting to change, staying positive during challenges, and keeping a clear focus. Resilient professionals excel in their roles by maintaining productivity, overcoming obstacles, and building positive workplace relationships. This skill is key for navigating the complexities of today's work environments, enabling individuals to thrive and support a strong team dynamic.

Types of resilience skills:

• Calmness
• Confidence
• Dealing with objection
• Problem-solving
• Decision making
• Work under pressure

Highlighting resilience skills example:

Flexibility

Flexibility refers to effortlessly adjusting to new conditions and managing various tasks at once. Being flexible involves being open to various perspectives and rapidly adapting to new challenges. Such people are at ease in fast-moving settings and tackle unforeseen issues with a calm demeanor.

Types of flexibility skills:

• Adaptability
• Confidence
• Open-mindedness
• Decision making
• Reliability
• Problem-solving

Highlighting flexibility skills example:

Patience

Patience is the ability to stay calm even if things take longer than expected or don't go as planned. It's about being able to handle delays or frustrations without losing your cool. When you're patient, you give yourself and others the time to work through challenges. It's a valuable soft skill in work because it helps you deal with stress better, makes you a more understanding coworker, and allows you to make more thoughtful decisions.

Types of patience skills:

• Listening
• Tolerance
• Sensitivity
• Empathy
• Engagement
• Discipline

Highlighting patience skills example:

Time management

Time management involves strategically organizing your daily tasks and planning how much time you spend on each of them. It's like having a mental calendar and to-do list that helps you decide what needs to be done and when. This skill is super important because it lets you get more work done in less time and reduces stress by helping you meet deadlines. Good time management means you prioritize tasks, avoid wasting time and make sure you focus on what really matters. This way, you can achieve your goals faster and enjoy a well-balanced life.

Types of time management skills:

• Planning
• Goal-setting
• Focus
• Discipline
• Organization
• Prioritization

Highlighting time management skills example:

Conflict resolution

Conflict resolution is when you find a peaceful solution when disagreements or problems arise between people. It's like being a mediator who helps everyone involved understand each other's viewpoints and work together to find a fair outcome that everyone can agree on. This skill involves listening carefully to all sides, communicating openly, and being willing to compromise. When you're good at resolving conflicts, you can prevent small issues from turning into big problems.

Types of conflict resolution skills:

• Collaboration
• Empathy
• Patience
• Negotiation
• Communication
• Mediation

Highlighting conflict resolution skills example:

Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. When you're empathetic, you can sense what another person is going through without them having to tell you in words. It's a powerful skill because it helps build strong connections with people, showing them you truly care and are there to support them. Empathy is important because it can make the workplace more supportive and understanding.

Types of empathy skills:

• Mutual respect
• Social skills
• Communication
• Engagement
• Awareness
• Patience

Highlighting empathy skills example:

Problem-solving

Using problem-solving means being able to come up with lots of solutions for hard problems in any situation. Being able to spot, understand, and fix problems is a key skill at work. A good problem-solver uses a clear and organized way to find what's causing the issue and comes up with different ways to solve it. This involves using critical thinking, looking into things, analyzing information, and coming up with new ideas.

Types of problem-solving skills:

• Critical thinking
• Analysis
• Proactive thinking
• Persistence
• Initiative
• Decision making

Highlighting problem-solving skills example:

Negotiation

The ability to negotiate helps you reach a consensus and craft solutions that work for everyone involved. Essential for leadership positions, this skill helps prevent conflicts and build lasting, positive relationships. Demonstrating your negotiation achievements on your resume underlines your role as a strategic thinker and a bridge-builder in professional settings.

Types of negotiation skills:

• Strategic thinking
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Active listening
• Leadership
• Persuasion

Highlighting negotiation skills example:

Stress management

Stress management in the workplace is the ability to handle work-related pressure and minimize its negative effects on your performance and well-being. It involves identifying stress triggers, using strategies like task prioritization, and relaxation techniques, and ensuring a healthy work-life balance. Effective stress management helps maintain productivity and mental health. Moreover, it enables you to tackle professional challenges calmly and efficiently.

Types of stress management skills:

• Resilience
• Patience  
• Multi-tasking
• Focus
• Self-motivation
• Emotional intelligence

Highlighting stress management skills example:

Persuasiveness

Persuasiveness is the ability to convince others to see things your way or to agree with your ideas or suggestions. It's about communicating effectively and making compelling arguments. Being persuasive doesn't mean being pushy. On the contrary, it's more about being articulate, understanding what matters to the other person, and presenting your case in a way that resonates with them. This skill is essential for guiding teams, initiating change, finalizing agreements, and making sure your efforts are appreciated.

Types of persuasiveness skills:

• Planning
• Charisma
• Resilience
• Empathy
• Patience  
• Humor

Highlighting persuasiveness skills example:

Decision-making

Decision-making is a crucial skill involving choosing the best option after evaluating risks, opportunities, and information. It's essential across all job roles, not just high management, as it enables effective functioning within dynamic, ever-changing work environments. Someone skilled at making decisions can efficiently select the best course of action, transparently share their decision-making logic, and accept responsibility for their choices.

Types of decision-making skills:

• Observation
• Analysis
• Planning
• Problem-solving
• Organization
• Persistence

Highlighting decision-making skills example:

Self-motivation

In the workplace, self-motivation is about having an inner drive to achieve work goals and face challenges directly. It means being ready to start tasks, staying focused on goals despite distractions, and controlling oneself. Self-motivated employees are not just good at setting and following their goals, but also taking on tasks eagerly. They don't fear overcoming professional obstacles to reach success.

Types of self-motivation skills:

• Proactivity
• Initiative
• Optimism
• Open-mindedness
• Flexibility
• Organization

Highlighting self-motivation skills example:

Innovation

This is the ability to think outside the box while driving forward-facing initiatives and it's really impressive. These abilities include creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Employees with these skills can identify improvement areas and introduce significant changes. Essential across industries, innovation skills drive progress and competitiveness by developing new technologies and methodologies.

Types of innovation skills:

• Creativity
• Imagination
• Inspiration
• Intelligence
• Experimenting
• Discipline

Highlighting innovation skills example:

Networking

Networking skills involve the ability to build, maintain, and utilize relationships with a diverse group of people for mutual benefit. These soft skills include effective communication, active listening, empathy, and the capacity to engage with others positively. Good networking can lead to job opportunities, partnerships and knowledge exchange.

Types of networking skills:

• Patience
• Social skills
• Listening
• Tolerance
• Confidence
• Public speaking

Highlighting networking skills example:

The most sought-after soft skills for your industry

Each job requires different skills, like being good at talking to people or solving problems. We'll show you the top soft skills your job industry wants and how to make them shine on your resume. This way, you can grab the attention of companies you want to work for.

Accounting and finance industry top soft skills

In the accounting and finance industry, precision, analytical thinking, and ethical integrity are vital. Professionals are expected to navigate complex financial landscapes and provide strategic advice based on financial data.

Here are 10 key soft skills required in the accounting and finance industry:

Business and management industry top soft skills

In business and management, being good at planning, operational efficiency, and leadership is really important. Experts in this field need to drive organizational goals, manage teams effectively, and make decisions that impact the company's bottom line. While technical knowledge in areas like project management, financial analysis, and marketing strategies is important, soft skills play a critical role in navigating the complexities of business operations and leading teams to success.

Uncover the crucial soft skills for excelling in business and management:

Creative and cultural fields industry top soft skills

Creativity, innovation, and the ability to connect emotionally are fundamental in the creative and cultural industries. They value originality, the ability to think outside the box, and the capacity to connect with diverse audiences on a deep, emotional level. As such, people in these areas must possess a set of soft skills that enable them to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities within these dynamic sectors.

Here are essential soft skills for success in creative and cultural fields:

Data science industry top soft skills

For those in data science, it's fundamental to turn complex data into actionable insights for solving tangible problems. The field weaves together statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualization to shape decisions. Essential technical abilities include mastery of programming languages, a deep understanding of algorithms, and skills in handling and visualizing data. However, a data scientist's effectiveness isn't just about technical know-how. Here's some soft skills that are equally critical to achieving success.

Design industry top soft skills

In the design industry, creativity, innovation, and a keen eye for aesthetics are paramount. Designers are tasked with creating visually appealing and functional designs that meet client needs and industry standards. This field spans various disciplines, including graphic design, web design, interior design, and industrial design, each requiring a unique set of technical skills like proficiency in design software (Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD) and an understanding of design principles.

However, a designer's success also really relies on having good soft skills:

Engineering industry top soft skills

At the core of engineering are technical expertise, analytical skills, and the knack for solving complex problems. Engineers must apply scientific principles to design, develop, and improve structures, machines, devices, systems, and processes. This requires a deep understanding of mathematics, physics, and specialized knowledge in their particular engineering discipline, whether it's mechanical, electrical, software engineering or other.

Beyond technical know-how, soft skills are crucial for an engineer's success.

Executive and management industry top soft skills

In management and executives roles, it's essential to have great planning, decision-making, and team-leading skills. Those in charge set the goals, drive growth, and make sure everything works as it should. They handle tough situations, make quick decisions, and guide their companies through changes.

The soft skills that set apart successful executives and managers:

Food service industry top soft skills

In the food service industry, providing exceptional customer service and ensuring food quality are crucial. Success in this field depends on the ability to deliver a high-quality dining experience, manage fast-paced kitchen and service areas, and meet diverse customer needs. This industry values professionals who can work well under pressure and adapt to varying customer preferences.

Here's a list with the top 10 soft skills to include on your resume:

Government and federal jobs top soft skills

Key priorities in government and federal careers include maintaining public trust and guaranteeing transparency. These roles often involve managing resources, making policy decisions, and interacting with the public and other stakeholders. Success in this sector requires not only a deep understanding of laws, regulations, and procedures but also a set of soft skills that enable professionals to navigate the complexities of public service effectively.

HR industry top soft skills

In the human resources industry, effectively managing talent, fostering a positive workplace culture, and ensuring compliance with labor laws are crucial. Success in HR isn't just about knowing how to recruit people. It also needs good soft skills to manage the fine points of how employees get along and grow within the company.

IT industry top soft skills

In the IT field, being up-to-date with tech innovations and using them to fix issues or improve systems is crucial. Doing well in IT requires strong technical abilities, like coding, network security, and system management. Additionally, success demands proficient soft skills to manage the team-focused and dynamic nature of the tech world.

Soft skills for interns and entry-level professionals

For interns and entry-level professionals, making a strong first impression, demonstrating eagerness to learn, and contributing value to the team are key. These early career stages are crucial for building a professional foundation, gaining practical experience, and networking within the industry.

Top 10 soft skills every intern and entry-level professional should feature in their resume skills section:

Soft skills for law enforcement and emergency services professionals

In the fields of law enforcement and emergency services, the ability to think clearly in high-pressure situations, and make ethical choices is very important. People working in these jobs need to act fast and smart in emergencies, deal with stress well, and talk to people kindly and professionally.

Important soft skills needed for doing well in law and emergency jobs are:

Soft skills for legal professionals

In legal roles, focusing on details, analyzing information, and communicating effectively are essential. Professionals need the ability to present strong arguments, and navigate legal procedures. High standards of professionalism and ethics are critical in dealings with clients and the legal system.

Core soft skills required in the field of law include:

Soft skills for maintenance and repair professionals

In the world of maintenance and repair, having a strong grasp of technical skills, accuracy, and quick problem-solving capabilities is key. Whether it's dealing with complex machinery, electronic systems, or physical structures, professionals need a thorough knowledge base and the ability to perform effectively when faced with tight deadlines.

Soft skills also matter, complementing technical know-how.

Soft skills for manufacturing and warehousing professionals

The cornerstones of manufacturing and warehousing include efficiency, safety, and a strong quality focus. People working here need a solid understanding of how things are made, how inventory is managed, and how to follow safety rules.

After listing skills like machine operation, inventory management, and organization in your resume's skills section, don't forget to add important interpersonal skills needed such as:

Soft skills for marketing professionals

Marketing roles demand a unique mix of imagination, planning, and insight into customer behavior. Professionals in this field need to master the digital landscape, interpret market data, and develop messages that connect with people effectively. The art of marketing lies in the dual ability to creatively stand out while precisely measuring the impact of one's efforts.

Key interpersonal skills essential for those in marketing are:

Soft skills for nursing, healthcare, and well-being professionals

In nursing, healthcare, and well-being professions, compassion, technical competence, and patient-centered care are paramount. These roles demand not only extensive medical knowledge and clinical skills but also the ability to connect with patients on a human level. Professionals must navigate stressful situations with empathy and collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team to provide holistic care.

Essential personal skills to include in your resume:

Soft skills for the office and administration industry

In the office and administration industry, efficiency, organization, and attention to detail are key. Experts in this field are expected to manage tasks, support teams, and ensure smooth operations. They must be adept at juggling multiple priorities, handling correspondence, and maintaining records accurately. Effective communication and the ability to work well under pressure are also critical for success.

Top 10 soft skills for office and administration professionals include:

Soft skills for project managers

Being good at project management means you can lead teams, make plans, and see a project through from the beginning to the end. It involves using resources wisely, sticking to deadlines, and achieving what the business wants. It's important to get along with your team, share updates, and handle any new challenges or obstacles that come up to successfully complete projects.

Vital people skills for project managers are:

Soft skills for the real estate industry

In real estate, the key to success lies in creating lasting relationships, analyzing market movements, and effectively negotiating contracts. Agents need to shine at making clients feel valued, highlighting property features, and facilitating a seamless exchange process.

Knowing the market and giving advice is just one part. Being great at real estate also means being good at working with others. These skills help build better relationships and make deals go smoothly. Here are the top 10 soft skills that are crucial:

Soft skills for the sales and retail industry

The essence of sales and retail revolves around recognizing customer requirements, utilizing compelling communication, and nurturing durable customer relationships. In sales and retail, being good at talking to customers and working well with others is really important. Here are the essential people skills that boost your job expertise:

Soft skills for the salon and spa professionals

In the salon and spa industry, professionalism, a keen eye for aesthetics, and exceptional customer service are fundamental. If you work in this industry you must excel in creating a welcoming environment and delivering high-quality services with a personal touch. Knowing the latest in beauty and wellness is key, but so is being good at dealing with people. Here are the main interpersonal skills needed for those working in salons and spas:

Soft skills for science and research professionals

The science and research fields demand individuals with exceptional analytical capabilities, attention to detail, and a systematic approach to conducting research. Key competencies include data interpretation, experimental design, and effective reporting of findings. Moreover, successful collaboration with continuous scientific learning is indispensable.

Technical knowledge is important, but so are people skills. Here are the 10 top soft skills for those in the science and research field:

Soft skills for software and engineering professionals

Having expertise in programming languages like Python, Java, C++ and more is crucial for anyone in software and engineering. This proficiency, combined with the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively is vital for any project success. Including these soft skills on your resume highlights your technical abilities as well as your capacity to work effectively in a team and drive innovation in the field. Lets see what other soft skills is better to include on your resume:

Soft skills for sports and recreation professionals

In sports and recreation, knowing how to coach and understanding athlete psychology is really important. Being good at bringing people together and talking well makes a big difference in how a team performs. When you add these soft skills to your resume, it shows you're not just about sports—you're also great at leading and getting the best out of everyone. Now, let's look at other soft skills that will make your resume stand out:

Soft skills for professionals working in the teaching and education industry

Professionals in the education sector must deeply understand educational frameworks and student psychology. Creating a positive learning environment and clear communication are key to student success. Highlighting these skills on your resume shows you're not only knowledgeable in education but also skilled in motivating students. Now, let's look at more soft skills to enhance your resume.

Soft skills for the travel and transport industry

In the travel and transport industry, having a keen understanding of customer service is essential. Being adept at uniting people from diverse backgrounds can significantly enhance customer experiences. When you highlight these soft skills on your resume, it demonstrates that you're not just knowledgeable about travel logistics—you're also skilled at leading and ensuring the satisfaction of all customers. Now, let's explore additional soft skills that will make your resume more attractive:

Soft skills for quality assurance professionals

In quality assurance, mastering analytical skills is essential. Excelling in team collaboration and articulate communication greatly influences project outcomes. Featuring these people skills on your resume shows you're not merely proficient in technical aspects but also shine in leading and optimizing team performance. Now, let's delve into more soft skills to elevate your resume:

Do you need soft skills on your resume

Including soft skills on your resume is crucial. They offer a comprehensive view of your ability to interact effectively, solve problems, and adapt to new situations—qualities that technical skills alone cannot convey. Employers value these skills because they contribute to a positive work environment, enhance team dynamics, and improve customer interactions. In today's job market, where technical qualifications often overlap among candidates, soft skills differentiate you, showcasing your potential to contribute beyond specific technical tasks. They indicate your capacity for leadership, collaboration, and growth, making you a more desirable candidate.

Need to update your resume? Here are some professionally designed templates that are ATS-friendly or simply drag-and-drop your resume below! 👇

How to include soft skills on your resume

Including soft skills on your resume is crucial for showcasing your interpersonal and professional abilities. Highlight them in your summary, tailor them to the job description, and integrate examples within your experience section to demonstrate their application in real-world scenarios. Consider the following specific steps:

1. Decide on your resume's layout

Three primary resume formats exist: the chronological (or reverse chronological), functional, and combination resume.

• Chronological resume: This format emphasizes the Experience section, which begins just after your contact information and sometimes follows a brief summary or objective. Your work history is listed starting with your most recent job at the top, hence the name reverse chronological.
• Functional resume: Focuses on your skills and qualifications rather than your job history. Skills and accomplishments are detailed, while the Experience section is minimized. This layout is rarely used alone and often paired with other formats for a more comprehensive presentation.
• Hybrid resume: Merges elements of both chronological and functional resumes. It's ideal for crafting targeted resumes, allowing you to highlight specific skills and experiences relevant to the job you're applying for.

Although the reverse chronological resume is the most frequently adopted by job seekers, it's not always the most effective. To truly capture the attention of recruiters, consider customizing your resume layout to better align with your career field. Tailoring your resume to emphasize the skills and experiences most relevant to your job application can significantly boost your chances of making an impression.

2. Include applicable soft skills

Identify the soft skills sought after by employers from the job listing and include these in your resume's skills section. Additionally, integrate these skills into your work history descriptions, demonstrating how you've applied them in real-world situations.

For example, if you're applying for a software developer position, you might focus more on skills like coding and knowledge of programming languages. However, soft skills like problem-solving and teamwork are also important.

Customizing your soft skills for the position can be straightforward - simply refer to the job listing as your guide. Essentially, carefully review the job posting and compile a list of the desired skills. Afterwards, incorporate these into your resume.

Imagine you're applying for a waiter position. The job listing might specify:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience in customer service or hospitality.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask and handle busy dining environments.
• Strong team cooperation and support skills.
• Knowledge of point-of-sale (POS) systems.

Clearly defined ad. Now let's outline the soft skills that match the job's specific needs.

3. Highlight key skills in your professional summary

The professional summary or objective is often the first thing recruiters see. Make an immediate impact by weaving in your strongest soft skills here. For instance, mention your proficiency in managing complex tasks, leading teams, or adapting to new challenges.

4. Leverage transferable skills

When shifting careers, emphasize transferable soft skills that are valuable across various industries, such as leadership, communication, or problem-solving. Match these skills with the requirements of the job you're applying for, showcasing how your previous experiences make you a fit for the new role.

5. Maintain a balanced skill set

Ensure your resume is cohesive by aligning the skills listed in the summary with those detailed in the work experience section. Avoid redundancy and focus on the skills most relevant to the job you're applying for, referring to the job description for guidance on what employers value most.

In case all these explanations need to be back up with images, check some actual resume examples right now.

Key takeaways

• Research by leading universities shows soft skills are crucial for 85% of job success, overshadowing technical skills.
• Soft skills involve interpersonal interactions, complementing measurable hard skills.
• Essential skills include problem-solving, communication, and adaptability, crucial for standing out in the job market.
• Different fields prioritize unique soft skills, such as analytical thinking in finance or creativity in creative industries.
• Tailoring soft skills to job descriptions and highlighting them in summaries and experiences enhances resume impact.