Management, communication and leadership are among the most frequently mentioned skills in human resources job ads, according to a LiveCareer analysis of recent postings and resumes. In all three categories job seeker resumes are hitting the mark.
Related Content
HR professionals who want to maintain or land a job must keep up with the rapidly changing expectations of the contemporary workplace.
Communicating effectively as employees return-to-work to find new safety protocols and request work-from-home arrangements is important. You must show employers you can manage tricky transitions and lead the company in the right direction.
LiveCareer pinpointed the skills listed most often in job ads, including the precise wording of each skill. This data-based approach reveals the terminology employers expect to see on human resources applications, and can help guide job seekers in refreshing their resumes.
Top hard, soft and remote work skills that will help you land human resources jobs
We analyzed job ads for a range of human resources positions, including recruiters and human resources specialists. Here are the skills that rose to the top.
Soft skills
- Management skills
Found in 57.05% of HR job ads
Look for words like manage, oversee, conduct, supervise and direct. - Communication
Found in 56.38% of job ads
Look for words like communicate, articulate, voice and talk through. - Fast learner
Found in 40.54% of job ads
Look for words like understand, comprehend and learn. - Relationship building
Found in 37.58% of job ads
Look for words like relate, collaborate and team player. - Well-organized
Found in 36.24% of job ads
Look for words like organize, organization, methodical and systematic. - Leadership
Found in 35.57% of job ads
Look for words like lead, plan, mentor and coach.
Hard skills
- Training
Found in 26.85% of job ads
Look for words like instruct, teach and train. - Employee reviews
Found in 11.41% of job ads
Look for words like performance review. - Computer skills
Found in 8.05% of job ads
Look for a wide range of HR software and talent management systems.
Remote work skills
- Project management software Teamwork is found in 2.70% of job ads.
- Video conferencing software Zoom is found in 2.70% of job ads.
An experienced human resources specialist resume example
How to add skills to your resume
Read the job description, understand what the employer is seeking and use the exact wording of the skills listed in the job posting.
1. Weave a few important critical soft skills into your summary statement.
Example one: Recruiter
Talented corporate recruiting professional experienced in recruiting at all levels, from entry-level to C-suite executives. Open and clear communicator with collaborative and hardworking style and a proven talent for relationship building.
Example two: Human resources specialist
Tactful regional human resources specialist with five years of extensive experience in efficiently handling human resources operations. Competent in developing and implementing HR initiatives and communication strategies. Adept at creating and facilitating training for over 20+ associates.
2. Create a separate skills section. Make sure to include both hard and soft skills.
Example one: Human resources manager
- Succession planning
- Labor negotiations
- Benefits administration
- Payroll coordination
- Project management software
- Training and development
Example two: Staffing coordinator
- Utilization review
- Program planning
- Recruiting
- Regulatory requirements
- Team building
- Training and mentoring
3. Lace skills throughout top achievements in your work experience section.
Example one: Recruiter
- Developed and deepened relationships with college campus representatives to meet with graduating seniors for recruitment.
- Pre-screened resumes prior to sending to corporate hiring managers for consideration.
- Followed up with notable applicants sourced via industry-specific pipelines, events and job fairs.
Example two: Human resources specialist
- Reduced expenses by analyzing compensation policies and implementing competitive programs while ensuring adherence to legal requirements.
- Maximized team knowledge and productivity by effectively training, monitoring and directing employees in application of best practices and regulatory protocols.
- Maintained optimal staffing levels by tracking vacancies and leading recruitment and interview processes to identify qualified candidates.
How to grow this skill set
Employers are going to want to see you are continuing to build your human resources skills. There are many options available to you, including:
- Many states have workplace safety protocols in place for COVID-19, and you should make sure you're up to date. You can find many companies like the HR software provider Automatic Data Processing sharing tips as well, such as their Employer Preparedness Toolkit.
- Learn how to institute remote work policies to your workplace. One option is getting certified in Remote Human Resources by Remote-How, a program approved by the HR Certification Institute. The Society for Human Resources Management offers a lot of guidance as well.
- Get actively involved in LinkedIn groups and other online forums. Linked: HR is one of the largest groups on LinkedIn. Here you can talk with others about key issues in the profession and sharing job opportunities.
