How to Rock Your CV with a Soft Skills Section [Tips, Examples, 2024 Advice]

Studies have revealed that it takes only six seconds for a recruiter to decide if an applicant is suitable for a job.

How is that possible?

HR specialists pay close attention to a list of soft skills. Soft skills, or common skills, combine social skills and character traits—for example, teamwork, critical thinking, multitasking, and other abilities that most jobs require. Soft skills are part of a recruiter’s first impression since they are usually listed at the beginning of a resume. Below you’ll find out how to master this part of a CV and make a job-winning resume. For more information, check our essay database – you’ll find thousands of free papers on different topics.

💥 Top 10 Soft Skills in Demand for 2024

Consider these soft skills when crafting a resume in 2024. We’ve compiled this list based on McKinsey’s research of the current job market.

1. Critical thinking.
2. Planning and ways of working.
3. Communication.
4. Mental flexibility.
5. Teamwork.
6. Developing relationships.
7. Self-management.
8. Entrepreneurship.
9. Achievement of goals.
10. Digital fluency.

📍 What Are Soft Skills on a Resume?

For a recruiter, soft skills set the ideal candidate apart from other applicants.

Imagine an HR specialist is choosing between the candidates with the same work and education experience. If one of the applicants has listed the soft skills required by the company while another hasn’t, the former will probably get the job.

Most employers believe soft skills are as necessary as hard skills – technical knowledge essential for a specific job.

Soft Skills

Soft skills influence how employees deal with tasks, manage time, and interact with others. In other words, soft skills aren’t job-specific but facilitate an employee’s ability to get a job done. Examples of soft skills are communication and listening skills, time management, and emotional intelligence. Some soft skills are difficult to learn or develop, so it is important to show your strengths.

Soft Skills Vs. Hard Skills

Hard skills describe an employee’s ability to perform a specific professional task. Hard skills can be acquired through practice and education. Examples of hard skills are budgeting, coding, or any other professional skill you acquire at work or college. These abilities increase employees’ productivity and company performance.

The critical difference between these two types of skills is that hard skills are teachable and measurable while soft skills are not. It is believed that hard skills might get an employee through an interview, but soft skills will help them keep the job. Consequently, soft skills complement hard skills and together make a perfect candidate.

Types of Soft Skills

Numerous soft skills are relevant for different jobs. We’ve developed the following categories to help you better understand the types of soft skills.

1. Problem-solving skills
   Conflicts and challenges often occur in the workplace. Companies highly value employees who can come up with practical solutions in a short time. Here are the fundamental abilities for efficient problem-solving:

   • Negotiation.
   • Patience.
   • Diplomatic skills.
   • Risk management.
   • Stress resistance.
2. Communication skills
   Effective communication skills are vital for many jobs. Persuasive communication helps to prove your point or disagree with others without causing conflict. The following skills are necessary:

   • Active listening.
   • Public speaking.
   • Confidence.
   • Empathy.
   • Presentation skills.
3. Time-management skills
   Time management is essential for workplace success. Employees who manage their time well are more likely to stay productive and avoid emotional burnout. The core skills to manage your time wisely are:

   • Prioritizing.
   • Scheduling.
   • Delegating.
   • Setting goals.
   • Planning.
4. Creativity skills
   Creative employees can find uncommon ways to perform the most difficult tasks. Creativity is necessary to make work processes exciting and attract new customers. These are the characteristics of a creative employee:

   • Innovativeness.
   • Risk-taking.
   • Experimentation.
   • Curiosity.
   • Open-mindedness.
5. Adaptability skills
   Changes occur in any organization, not to mention global transformations, like world pandemics. Employers highly value workers who can quickly adapt to new circumstances. Here’s what you need to perform well in changing circumstances:

   • Observation skills.
   • Consistency.
   • Optimism.
   • Enthusiasm.
   • Cooperation skills.

👔 Soft Skills According to Job

Some soft skills are universal and benefit any type of work. Common soft skills include teamwork, critical thinking, motivation, time management, etc. However, some soft skills are explicitly required for certain specialists. When crafting your resume, it is necessary to focus on relevant skills for the desired position. Here are examples of top soft skills for popular career fields. Consider including them in your resume to show that you’re the perfect candidate!

📜 Main Resume Writing Rules

When you’re worried about finding a job, it’s easy to overlook something in your resume. We’ve developed the best resume tips to help you craft a CV that will catch your recruiter’s attention.

1. Make sure your contact information is correct and up-to-date. Always double-check your phone number and email.
2. Use reverse-chronological order, starting with your most recent job. Your goal in the experience section is to highlight the most relevant work experience.
3. Organize your content in a way that’s easy to read. Make all the keywords bold so that a recruiter notices them on the first look.
4. Include links to your social media profiles or your blog. This can be especially useful when applying for a creative job.
5. Remember to refer to the soft skills list when describing your work experience. This way, you can demonstrate how you apply your soft skills in practice.

Why It Is Crucial to Introduce Your Skills Properly

Each part of your resume is essential, especially when applying for a corporate job. Introducing your soft skills in an attractive manner can single you out among all the candidates. Other benefits of a well-structured soft skills section are the following:

• The soft skills section allows you to show your potential and highlight the areas in which you’re especially talented.
• The soft skills section can make your resume look more professional, especially if you lack working experience.
• Soft skills demonstrate your experience since they reflect how you deal with tasks and communicate with colleagues.

Do’s & Don’ts of a Resume Skills Section

🪄 Tips on Making a Job-Winning Soft Skills List

We prepared a step-by-step guide to help you stand out among other candidates and win that perfect job. This section will teach you how to identify relevant soft skills, organize your resume, and show off your best features.

1. Identify the Relevant Soft Skills

When making a resume, it is crucial to research skills that are in demand in particular work areas. Carefully read the employer’s requirements and highlight the skills they value most. You should analyze what skills you have and which of them are the most relevant for the job you’re applying for.

Consider the extract from the job offer we provide below. You must pay close attention to the job requirements to indicate the desired soft and hard skills. We’ll show you how to do it!

Example

Bonus tip: Check out resumes for similar positions on the Internet. However, don’t copy the soft skills of other candidates!

2. Organize Your Skills

When you’ve come up with the relevant soft skills, the second step is to organize them. Here, building a logical structure that is easy to follow is essential. Remember to distinguish soft skills from hard ones. You can also start your list of soft skills with the most in-demand ones or those you excel at. Make them stand out so that a recruiter notices them. Finally, remember that 10-15 soft skills will be enough when organizing your list.

Example

3. Highlight Leading Skills

The next step in building the perfect resume is highlighting your leading skills. Leading skills are those that help you stand apart from other candidates. Think about the soft skills you’ve developed to an expert level and let a recruiter learn more about them. By emphasizing your strengths, you make your resume attractive and desirable. In addition, focusing on your strongest skills is more valuable than coming up with a long list of less relevant ones.

Example

4. Use Power Words

The language of your resume tells a lot about you as a candidate. HR managers read hundreds of resumes a day. To bring attention to your CV, we recommend using power words. They will make your skills and achievements stand out!

Power words are action words that add practical context to your resume and help recruiters better understand your value as an employee. For example, instead of saying that you were responsible for the company’s social media accounts, try this: “I managed the company’s social media accounts and maintained the communication with customers.” Check out some more examples:

Simple wording: I was responsible for communication with stakeholders.
Power words added: I informed stakeholders about all the changes in the company and collected their feedback.

Simple wording: I helped increase the company’s annual revenue by 30%.
Power words added: I designed a successful marketing campaign that rocketed the company’s annual revenue by 30%.

Simple wording: I started a training program for the new employees in our company.
Power words added: I developed and coordinated a training program for the new employees in our company.

Simple wording: I was a team player and participated in all the product development brainstorming sessions.
Power words added: I collaborated with my colleagues daily, provided my ideas, and shared feedback during the product development brainstorming sessions.

Simple wording: During the planning stage, I paid attention to all the details.
Power words added: During the planning stage, I spotted everything that could be upgraded and shared my recommendations.

🙅 Skills You Should NOT Include in Your CV

Not all skills can benefit your resume. There are some things you should not include if you want a recruiter to see you as a professional. The list of skills to avoid in your CV contains:

1. Outdated skills
   For example, if you plan to work in an IT sphere, you shouldn’t include knowledge of obsolete software or technology.
2. Irrelevant skills
   If you apply for a creative job, like a digital designer, you don’t have to mention too many analytical skills. Focus on your creative side and highlight your imaginative abilities!
3. General skills
   Some characteristics like passion for your job are overused. Try to avoid things that are too obvious.
4. Skills that everybody should already have
   Every company expects its employees to stay focused and have some experience. Do not add the minimal requirements to your soft skills list.
5. Skills that you don’t have
   We all want to be the best versions of ourselves. However, this doesn’t mean you should claim to have the skills you lack. If you struggle with time management, look for a job with no strict deadlines instead of lying about how well you organize your time.

🏁 Conclusion

Let’s wrap up what we’ve learned about soft skills in your resume!

Soft skills combine professional attitudes and social skills. They reflect how you deal with work tasks and other challenges that appear throughout the working process. These skills are in demand in all professions and can bring your resume to a new level! Recruiters pay close attention to the soft skills list, which can become a critical factor in the hiring process.

Remember that your soft skills should demonstrate your strongest sides and correspond with your hard skills. Make sure you list your soft skills in the first paragraphs of your resume and apply them when needed in other sections. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the necessary soft skills yet! Write down what is relevant to you, and you’ll find the job that matches the best!

❓ Soft Skills FAQ

What Are Soft Skills?

Soft skills are general characteristics of how a person deals with work tasks, communicates with colleagues and solves different problems. The most popular soft skills are problem-solving, time management, critical thinking, and effective communication.

Where Do I Put Soft Skills on My Resume?

Add the list of your soft skills to the beginning of your resume. This will ensure it will attract a recruiter’s attention when looking through your CV. For the list of soft skills, use bold type and italics to highlight the most relevant ones.

Which Soft Skills Should I Include in My Resume?

Soft skills can benefit your resume if you mention the most relevant ones. It is essential to craft your resume according to the requirements of a specific job offer. Include the soft skills that make you stand out from other candidates. Never copy abilities that don’t apply to you.

What Are the Best Soft Skills in 2024?

In 2024 soft skills are believed to be as important as hard ones. Employers especially value employees who know how to collaborate efficiently and be team members. Today, the most in-demand soft skills are critical thinking, adaptability, worth ethic, teamwork, and leadership.

🔗 References

1. Soft Skills for Success: Identifying, Developing, & Selling | Custom-Writing.org
2. 12 Tips to Make a LinkedIn Profile that Employers Will Love [Infographic] | Blog StudyCorgi.com
3. 5 soft skills needed and why do they matter in the workplace, HR News, ETHRWorld
4. Top 20 Must-Have Skills to Put on Your Resume | FlexJobs
5. How to Pass the 6-Second Resume Test | TopResume
6. 300+ Action Verbs, Power Words & Synonyms for Your Resume
7. Do’s & Don’ts of Resume Writing – Career Center – UMBC