By strategically selecting and presenting your skills on a resume, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you are the ideal candidate for the job. In this article, you will find example phrases to showcase skills, abilities, and achievements. From soft skills like communication and teamwork to technical skills, we will provide you with a wealth of options to help you create a resume that stands out from the crowd.
Examples of Skills and Abilities
Technical and Soft Skills
Technical skills are specific abilities you’ve learned, like using software or operating machinery. Soft skills are personal traits that help you work well with others. Both are important to showcase.
Examples
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- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Experienced with customer relationship management (CRM) systems
- Skilled in data analysis and visualization
- Fluent in Spanish and English
- Expert in social media marketing
- Certified in project management
- Strong leadership abilities
- Excellent teamwork skills
- Creative problem-solver
- Detail-oriented and organized
Related: 80 Soft Skills Examples for a Resume
80 Technical Skills Examples for a Resume
Communication and Relationship Building
Good communication helps you work well with others and get your ideas across. It’s a vital skill in any job. Relationship building helps you create strong connections with coworkers and clients.
Examples
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- Clear and concise written communicator
- Confident public speaker
- Skilled at building rapport with clients
- Experienced in conflict resolution
- Effective at giving and receiving feedback
- Proficient in cross-cultural communication
- Skilled negotiator
- Experienced in team building
- Adept at networking and relationship management
Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
Employers value people who can tackle challenges and make smart choices. These skills show you can handle tough situations and find solutions.
Examples
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- Analytical thinker
- Skilled at root cause analysis
- Experienced in developing innovative solutions
- Proficient in data-driven decision making
- Adept at risk assessment and management
- Skilled in strategic planning
- Experienced in crisis management
- Proficient in process improvement
- Skilled at identifying and addressing inefficiencies
- Capable of making decisions under pressure
Adaptability and Flexibility
The work world changes fast. Showing you can adapt and be flexible makes you valuable to employers. It proves you can handle new challenges and learn quickly.
Examples
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- Quick learner of new technologies
- Comfortable working in fast-paced environments
- Able to pivot strategies based on new information
- Skilled at managing multiple priorities
- Open to constructive feedback and continuous improvement
- Experienced in change management
- Adaptable to diverse team dynamics
- Flexible in taking on new responsibilities
- Capable of working effectively in ambiguous situations
- Resilient in the face of setbacks
Time Management Mastery
Managing your time well helps you get more done and meet deadlines. It’s a skill that can make you stand out in any job.
Examples
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- Skilled at prioritizing tasks effectively
- Experienced in meeting tight deadlines
- Proficient in project scheduling and timeline management
- Adept at delegating tasks efficiently
- Skilled in time-blocking techniques
- Experienced in using productivity tools and software
- Capable of balancing multiple projects simultaneously
- Proficient in creating and following action plans
- Skilled at estimating time requirements for tasks
- Experienced in optimizing workflows for efficiency
Professional Experience Examples
Your professional experience section showcases your work history, achievements, and skills that make you a strong candidate. Here are key areas to focus on when crafting this part of your resume.
Incorporating Leadership Skills
Even if you haven’t held a management position, you can show leadership in other ways. Think about times you’ve guided projects, mentored colleagues, or taken initiative.
Examples
- “Led a team of 5 in completing a critical project ahead of schedule”
- “Mentored 3 new hires, helping them integrate into the team”
- “Spearheaded a company-wide sustainability initiative”
- “Organized and facilitated weekly team meetings”
- “Delegated tasks effectively to meet tight deadlines”
- “Motivated team members to exceed quarterly goals”
- “Resolved conflicts between departments to improve collaboration”
- “Championed new ideas that increased productivity by 15%”
- “Guided the implementation of a new customer relationship management system”
- “Stepped up as acting manager during supervisor’s leave”
Showcasing Teamwork and Collaboration
Examples
- “Collaborated with marketing team to launch new product line”
- “Partnered with IT department to improve internal communication systems”
- “Worked closely with clients to understand and meet their needs”
- “Contributed to cross-functional projects that increased efficiency”
- “Fostered a positive team environment through open communication”
- “Participated in company-wide initiatives to improve workplace culture”
- “Shared knowledge and best practices with team members”
- “Supported colleagues during high-stress periods”
- “Actively sought and incorporated feedback from team members”
- “Built strong relationships with vendors to ensure timely deliveries”
Describing Project Management Proficiency
Examples
- “Managed a $500,000 budget for a 6-month project”
- “Coordinated resources across 3 departments to meet project goals”
- “Developed project timelines and ensured on-time completion”
- “Used Agile methodologies to improve project efficiency”
- “Identified and mitigated risks throughout project lifecycle”
- “Created and maintained project documentation and reports”
- “Led daily stand-up meetings to track progress and address issues”
- “Utilized project management software to streamline workflows”
- “Managed stakeholder expectations through regular updates”
- “Successfully completed 5 major projects within budget and timeline”
Highlighting Career Accomplishments
Your accomplishments set you apart from other job seekers. Use numbers and metrics when possible, to show the impact of your work.
Examples
- “Increased sales by 25% in one year”
- “Managed a team of 15 employees”
- “Reduced costs by $50,000 annually”
- “Launched 3 successful marketing campaigns”
- “Improved customer satisfaction scores by 40%”
- “Streamlined processes, saving 10 hours per week”
- “Secured $1 million in new business”
- “Implemented new software, boosting efficiency by 30%”
- “Trained 50+ new hires in company procedures”
- “Received Employee of the Year award in 2023”
Educational Background
Your education section is a key part of your resume. It shows employers your academic qualifications and skills. Here’s how to make it shine:
Listing Degrees and Certifications
Start with your highest degree and work backwards. Include the name of the school, degree, and graduation date. If you’re still in school, put your expected graduation date.
Examples
- “Associate’s Degree in Business Administration”
- “Master of Arts in Education”
- “High School Diploma”
- “Certified Public Accountant (CPA)”
- “Project Management Professional (PMP)”
- “Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certificate”
- “Adobe Certified Expert”
- “Six Sigma Green Belt”
Relevant Coursework and Training
List classes that relate to the job you want. This shows you have the right skills, even if you don’t have much work experience.
Examples
- “Completed coursework in digital marketing”
- “Advanced training in data analysis”
- “Specialized courses in child psychology”
- “Intensive workshop on graphic design”
- “Hands-on lab experience in organic chemistry”
- “Attended leadership development program”
- “Completed online course in cybersecurity”
- “Participated in business writing seminar”
- “Trained in conflict resolution techniques”
- “Completed first aid and CPR certification”
Academic Achievements and Honors
Highlight your best academic accomplishments. This can include awards, high GPAs, or being on the Dean’s List.
Examples
- “Graduated summa cum laude”
- “Dean’s List for four consecutive semesters”
- “Awarded Academic Excellence Scholarship”
- “Valedictorian, Class of 2024”
- “National Merit Scholar”
- “First Place, Science Fair 2023”
- “Perfect attendance for all four years”
- “Published research paper in college journal”
- “Captain of debate team, state finalists”
Personal Growth and Development
Career Development Initiatives
Examples
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- Completed leadership training program
- Earned industry certifications
- Attended professional conferences
- Took on stretch assignments
- Pursued advanced degree
- Learned new software skills
- Volunteered for cross-functional projects
- Sought out mentorship opportunities
- Joined professional associations
- Developed expertise in emerging technologies
Self-Assessment and Feedback
Examples
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- Solicited 360-degree feedback from colleagues
- Conducted self-assessments to identify growth areas
- Embraced constructive criticism to improve performance
- Used personality assessments for self-awareness
- Set SMART goals for personal development
- Tracked progress on key performance indicators
- Reflected on lessons learned from projects
- Kept a journal to document growth experiences
- Asked for feedback after presentations
- Used peer reviews to enhance work quality
Mentoring and Coaching Experiences
Examples
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- Mentored junior team members
- Participated in reverse mentoring program
- Coached colleagues on public speaking skills
- Sought guidance from industry leaders
- Shadowed executives to learn leadership skills
- Served as a peer mentor for new hires
- Attended career coaching sessions
- Provided feedback as part of mentoring circles
- Offered informational interviews to students
- Developed mentor-mentee action plans
Continuous Improvement Commitment
Examples
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- Read industry publications weekly
- Experimented with new productivity techniques
- Learned a new skill each quarter
- Sought out challenging assignments
- Stayed updated on industry trends
- Implemented feedback to improve performance
- Set annual personal development goals
- Created a personal learning curriculum
- Practiced new skills through side projects
- Embraced change and adapted to new processes
Additional Information
Your resume can shine with extra details that show your well-rounded skills and experiences. Here are some key areas to highlight:
Involvement in Professional Organizations
Being part of industry groups can boost your career cred. It shows you’re invested in your field and like to learn.
Examples
- “Active member of [Organization Name]”
- “Attended monthly meetings of [Group]”
- “Presented at [Association] conference”
- “Served on [Committee Name] committee”
- “Organized networking events for [Organization]”
- “Contributed to [Group] newsletter”
- “Participated in [Association] mentorship program”
- “Led workshops at [Organization] gatherings”
- “Maintained membership in [Professional Society]”
- “Volunteered at [Group] annual fundraiser”
These show you’re plugged into your industry and ready to grow.
Volunteer Work and Community Service
Giving back looks great on a resume. It shows you care about more than just work.
Examples
- “Organized food drive for local food bank”
- “Coached youth soccer team”
- “Volunteered at animal shelter”
- “Participated in charity run for [Cause]”
- “Tutored students in math and science”
- “Helped build homes with Habitat for Humanity”
- “Served meals at homeless shelter”
- “Led beach cleanup efforts”
- “Raised funds for [Charity Name]”
- “Mentored at-risk youth”
These activities show you’re a team player with a big heart.
Language Skills and International Experience
Speaking other languages or having global experience can set you apart. These skills show you can work with diverse groups and adapt to new situations.
Examples
- “Fluent in Spanish and English”
- “Conversational French”
- “Studied abroad in Japan for one semester”
- “Completed internship in Brazil”
- “Translated documents from German to English”
- “Assisted international clients in Mandarin”
- “Taught English in South Korea for one year”
- “Participated in cultural exchange program in Italy”
- “Conducted business meetings in Arabic”
Related: 10 Examples โ How to Include Language Skills on Your Resume
How to Increase the Chances of a Resume Getting Noticed
A well-crafted resume goes beyond just listing your skills and experience. It also needs to be technically sound to make it through digital screening processes and catch the eye of recruiters.
Optimizing for Applicant Tracking Systems
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are computer programs that scan resumes before human eyes see them. To get past these digital gatekeepers, you need to format your resume correctly. Use simple fonts like Arial or Calibri. Stick to standard headings like “Work Experience” and “Education.” Avoid fancy graphics or tables that ATS might not read properly.
Keep your file format simple too. A plain .doc or .pdf file works best. Make sure your contact info is at the top of the first page. This helps ATS find and sort your information easily.
Including Relevant Keywords
Keywords are the secret sauce of a great resume. They help you match what employers are looking for. Look at the job description closely. Pick out important words and phrases. These might be specific skills, job titles, or qualifications.
Sprinkle these keywords throughout your resume naturally. Put them in your job descriptions, skills section, and summary. But don’t go overboard. Your resume should still read well to humans.
Here’s a tip: Make a list of 5-10 key terms from the job ad. Check if you’ve included them in your resume. This simple step can boost your chances of getting noticed.
Ensuring Consistent Formatting and Layout
- A clean, consistent layout makes your resume easy to read. It shows you pay attention to detail. Start by choosing one font and sticking to it. Use bold or italic text sparingly to highlight important info.
- Keep your margins between 0.5 and 1 inch all around. Use bullet points for lists of skills or job duties. This breaks up text and makes it easier to scan. Aim for 3-5 bullet points per job.
- Make sure your spacing is consistent too. Leave a line between sections. Align all your text to the left for a neat look. Use the same date format throughout. These small details add up to create a polished, professional resume.