7 Essential Skills Students Should Highlight on Their Resume
4 mins read·
Let's dive into something that every student thinks about at some point: crafting that perfect resume.
It's your golden ticket to landing interviews and, eventually, snagging your dream job.
But here's the thing. What exactly should you include on that resume to make it stand out?
Well, worry no more! We've got you covered with the top 7 skills that employers absolutely love to see.
These are the game-changers that can make your resume pop into a pile of others.
Ready to make a mark? Let's go!
What are 7 Skills Students Should Include in Their Resume?
1. Communication Skills
Whether you're chatting in person, sending emails, or presenting in front of an audience, being able to communicate clearly is key.
Employers want folks who can share their ideas in a way that's easy to grasp.
So, if you've led team projects, written articles for the college newspaper, or nailed presentations, make sure these highlights find a spot on your resume.
Example:
Position:
Marketing Intern
Description:
Developed and presented a comprehensive social media strategy to the marketing team, increasing engagement by 25% over three months. Regularly contributed articles to the company blog, enhancing our SEO efforts and driving traffic.
2. Teamwork
No man is an island, right?
Workplaces thrive on team efforts.
Showcasing your teamwork skills tells employers you play nice with others.
It means you can collaborate, compromise, and contribute to a team's success.
Highlight times when you worked in groups, whether it's for class assignments, sports teams, or club activities.
Example:
Position: Project Team Member, University Capstone Project
Description: Collaborated with a team of four peers to design and execute a market research study, analyzing consumer behavior and presenting findings to our class. The project received top marks for its thorough analysis and clear presentation.
3. Problem-Solving
Life throws curveballs, and how you handle them matters.
Employers search for people who can think on their feet and tackle challenges head-on.
Talk about moments when you faced a problem and used your creativity and logic to solve it.
It's all about showing you can navigate tricky situations and come out on top.
Example:
Position: IT Help Desk Volunteer
Description: Troubleshot and resolved a recurring software issue that affected students’ ability to access online learning materials, improving system reliability by 30%. Created a step-by-step guide for students to prevent future occurrences.
4. Time Management
Juggling classes, part-time jobs, and social life teaches you a thing or two about managing time.
Employers value candidates who can prioritize tasks and meet deadlines without breaking a sweat.
If you've managed to maintain good grades while balancing other responsibilities, you're golden.
Let your resume shine a light on this skill.
Example:
Position: Part-time Retail Assistant
Description: Balanced a part-time job with a full course load by prioritizing tasks and effectively managing my schedule. Recognized by my manager for consistently meeting shift responsibilities and project deadlines without compromising academic performance.
5. Leadership
Step up and stand out!
Leadership is about guiding others and bringing out the best in them.
If you've held positions in student organizations, led group projects, or volunteered as a team leader, you've got what it takes.
Employers are always on the lookout for potential leaders.
Example:
Position: Student Government President
Description: Led a team of 10 student representatives in organizing school events, increasing student participation by 40%. Successfully advocated for the implementation of a new student feedback system to address campus issues.
6. Technical Proficiency
In today's world, being tech-savvy is a must.
You don't need to be a coding wizard (unless the job calls for it), but understanding your way around basic software and digital tools is crucial.
Whether it's Microsoft Office, Google Suite, or any specific software related to your field, make sure to list your tech skills.
Example:
Position: Data Analysis Intern
Description: Utilized Python and SQL to analyze customer data, identifying key trends and contributing to a 15% increase in targeted marketing campaign effectiveness. Developed and maintained Excel dashboards for real-time sales tracking.
7. Adaptability
Change is the only constant, and how you adapt to change is critical.
Employers love candidates who can adjust to new situations without missing a beat.
Reflect on experiences where you had to adapt to new roles, learn new skills quickly, or deal with changes in a project or team dynamic.
Example:
Position: Event Coordinator Assistant
Description: Adapted to rapidly changing circumstances during a major conference by reorganizing schedules, relocating sessions with minimal disruption, and maintaining clear communication with speakers and attendees.
Ready to tackle the job market?
With these skills on your resume, you're well on your way to catching an employer's eye. Remember, your resume is your story.
Make it count!