Six skills to emphasize on your resume

Whether you're applying for a position in an entirely new area or attempting to transition into the global development sector without seemingly possessing the necessary skills, you can still transfer numerous abilities from your past or present job. DevelopmentPeople consulted an experienced recruiter to reveal what is currently sought after and which skills should always be highlighted on a resume.

1. Communication skills – a valuable asset

Aspiring to become a manager or team leader? Demonstrating strong communication skills can enhance any CV. Candidates should articulate their thoughts, ideas, and suggestions clearly. A person adept at understanding others and adjusting communication styles to fit various situations will be valuable to any organization.

2. Leadership and management

Leadership is a valuable asset when seeking a job in a new field. Highlight your experience in leading a project, committee, or meeting. Can you effectively handle unexpected situations and manage them? Compile a list of instances where your leadership has benefited a team. Use broad explanations rather than narrow ones: "Led a team of 12 people who surpassed the expected output by 75%." This is more comprehensible than detailing the technical aspects of working as an accountant or office manager for a particular company.

3. A go-getter by nature

Employees who persevere, tackle challenges, and sometimes exceed expectations are valued across all industries. Are you able to meet the demands of your employer or colleagues? Consider examples like taking on additional projects, working overtime during emergencies, supervising an intern, or training a new colleague. Don't hesitate to highlight these experiences. Be sure to include them in your resume.

4. Personal motivation drives the results

There is likely an aspect of your current job that you enjoy, something you are passionate about, and perhaps the reason you initially chose that position. Try to clearly express these reasons. This can also be beneficial if you are considering changing industries. For instance, did you pursue a career in journalism because you love storytelling but have become disheartened by the negative nature of the news? In that case, consider telling different stories for online marketing or social media, or, if needed, seek employment in a library.

5. Flexibility to wear different hats

In numerous roles, employees must be capable of handling multiple responsibilities, such as reporting to both the marketing and HR departments. If you've done this previously, highlight that experience in your application. This ability is particularly sought after, especially within smaller companies or the non-profit sector. In education, for instance, a field where lateral entry is feasible, you might also need to manage a variety of distinct tasks.

6. Count on me, boss!

Believe it or not, the fact that an employee is rarely sick or has a huge stash of unused vacation days may be the number one selling point when applying for a job. Because, in whatever industry you apply, being on time, being reliable, and delivering what is necessary are universal requirements. If you never make your colleagues wait, you are already a successful employee, no matter what field you work in.

Conclusion

Transitioning into a new field - especially global development - may seem daunting, but many skills are universally valuable across industries. Strong communication, leadership, perseverance, motivation, flexibility, and reliability are qualities that make any candidate stand out. By effectively showcasing these transferable skills on your resume, you can demonstrate your ability to adapt and excel in any role, regardless of your previous experience.