Many people claim that finding a good job often comes down to how bright your luck is. Many people say it is all about your hard work and skills. While the role that luck plays in getting you a good job is debatable, there’s one thing that is not—that is, ensuring you put your best foot forward when applying at a company.
The first communication you have with a prospective employer is through your resume, cover letter and work samples (if any). This means that your first communication should ensure to highlight your achievements, skills and what makes you the perfect fit.
This goes beyond listing down chronologically your work and education experience on your resume. One should spend more time on perfecting their resume and job application for higher chances of getting the job, and therefore the career, they deserve.
What does this mean for you? It means that you should put down your strengths in such a way that it convinces your potential employer that you’re a good fit. It doesn’t mean you must lie; it means you should know what strengths to insert in your resume and how. So here are some career tips you need to ensure your resume strength.
How to add strengths in your resume
There are strengths that make anyone a good employee, irrespective of their fields, and positions. Every employer would want someone honest, a good problem-solver and a good team worker. But there are several strengths that may be more valued at the job you are seeking. It is advisable to add those too, along with a little evidence to support your claim. For instance, if you are mentioning you are a good team leader, you can also mention how big your team was.
Do not be vague and don’t waste space on mentioning skills that mean the same. For instance, having analytical skills and problem-solving skills mean more or less the same. You cannot solve problems without analysing them. Write down strengths that are relevant to the job you seek in minimal words.
Communication strengths
Any kind of job requires communication and with effective ways of communicating, one can make work coordination extremely smooth. In fact, several fields such as sales, media, marketing, etc, require good communication skills.
You can list down verbal and written communication, storytelling skills, persuasive power, and having a pleasant disposition as some of the skills that portray communication as a strength. This will highlight that you are good with clients, suppliers, colleagues, stakeholders, and can make the workflow smoother without any professional miscommunication. In client-facing jobs and careers, this is even more important.
Dependability strengths
Every employer wants an employee that is dependable. You can list the following as strengths to highlight your dependability: Dedication, flexibility, responsible, accuracy, attention to detail, focus, professionalism, excellent time management, strong work ethics, etc.
Analysis strengths
Exhibiting analysis as a strength means that you are capable of handling a much larger role in an organisation, and contributing to its growth. It means that you, as an employee can solve problems effectively and make beneficial decisions. You can list the following as your strengths to show the same: innovative, logical thinking, open-minded, efficient, good judgment skills, solution-oriented, analytical skills, forecasting and anticipation skills, ability to analyse past outcomes.
Leadership strengths
If you are seeking a job position that requires you to handle a team, you must exhibit good leadership strengths for that. A good leader is much more than the years of experience they have. They are able to help their team flourish and give their very best. You can list the following skills for the same: good management, mentoring, ability to give criticism constructively, motivating, effective planning, collaborative, team-oriented and the ability to lead with impeccable work ethics.
Technical skills strengths
This essentially depends on the technical strengths required for the job you are seeking. Here are a few examples: the ability to handle digital media, managing data, computer skills, excel skills, knowledge of any proprietary software and programming languages, data analytics, etc.
If you are in a technical field, this will have to be more specific and elaborate, as per the tools and tech skills needed.
Other strengths
The best way to list down your strengths is to research on what strengths are needed for your job profile. Apart from generic strengths, you must be able to highlight those.
Here are some strengths that you can choose from, apart from those that are specific to your job.
1) Ability to think quickly
2) Ability to handle pressure well
3) Patient and perseverant
4) Looks at the bigger pitcher
5) Unbiased and inclusive
6) Cordial but assertive
Sample:
Analytics: Solutions-oriented, good at analyzing processes to resolve complex problems. Able to use logical and creative thinking skills to predict outcomes.
Communications: Good verbal and written communication skills with peers, supervisors, clients, and stakeholders. Also possess active listening skills.
Leadership and Teamwork: Voluntarily assumes leadership of team projects, promoting collective success, good at informed decision-making, providing constructive criticism, etc.
Technical Proficiencies: Good command of Microsoft Office Suite. Able to learn and apply emerging technologies.
Conclusion:
Always highlight your strengths that include generic ones as well as those specific to your job. This will help your resume stand out amidst a bunch of resumes. There may be many career tips you can focus on, but creating a resume that reflects your strengths is a top one you absolutely need.
FAQs:
1) What strengths should I put as a fresher?
Mention you are a good learner, active listener and good at communication and problem-solving skills.
2) What strengths can I put as a senior?
Leadership skills, analytical skills, time management, etc
Also Read: Types Of Job Interviews And How To Ace Them