Communication skills are in high demand from employers hiring in a wide range of industries, according to a LiveCareer analysis of recent job postings. In a high pressure job market, the ability to write and speak clearly, develop strong messaging, and effectively work across departments are critical in setting yourself apart in a volatile job market.
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The list below highlights some of the communication skills most frequently mentioned in the job ads analyzed by LiveCareer. Such skills are a highly prized commodity and transferable to other industries and jobs. We suggest how you can use them to land a job or transfer between industries where your skills are most valued.
Key communication skills to highlight on your resume
Job seekers have a better chance of making a seamless career transition by highlighting communication skills on their resume.
Here are six skills that will help you make the jump.
Verbal and written communication
Strong verbal and written communication will be key in any career change. You can begin showing these skills by composing a well-written resume and cover letter. Then, whether you're a medical receptionist or an administrative assistant, you can draw on a well of experience writing reports, preparing documents and, in some cases, composing letters, emails and social media posts.
Clarity and brevity
Good writing requires clarity and brevity. Your cover letter is a great tool for demonstrating you're capable of writing in this way. Use concise and exact words. Don't go on longer than needed to get your point across.
Presentation ability
This skill is valued at every level of an organization, but those in higher positions, such as IT project managers, will have more experience speaking in public and leading presentations. Add this to the skills and work experience sections of your resume.
Networking
People may think of networking as something done outside of the workplace, but interdepartmental networking is just as important to the furtherance of your career. You can include this skill in the work experience section of your resume or in your cover letter by highlighting the relationship-building you practiced in previous roles.
3 tips for highlighting communication skills on your resume
- Identify and list the soft and hard skills in which you excelled in your previous positions.
- Examine job descriptions for the position you're seeking to see where your skill set overlaps. In the process, you may notice skills you should add to your initial list.
- Highlight those skills on your resume and cover letter using the exact wording that appears in the job description.
