When crafting your CV, you typically focus on highlighting your experience, job responsibilities, and education. However, one crucial aspect you shouldn’t overlook is highlighting your skills.
According to LinkedIn career expert Blair Heitmann, skills have become the most critical factor in securing a job. Companies are shifting their focus from traditional measures like degrees and years of experience to skills-based hiring, ensuring they find the most qualified individuals who can deliver results.
So, what kind of skills should you emphasize?
Recruiters are interested in both hard skills (certifiable skills like coding or graphic design) and soft skills (less quantifiable skills like multitasking and problem-solving).
For example, if you have a special certification or fluency in another language, include these under your skills section. While some skills can be integrated into your experience bullets, the rest should be featured separately.
Highlighting your skills can elevate you above other candidates, providing a competitive edge during the hiring process.
The Top 10 Most In-Demand Skills LinkedIn analysed job listings on its platform and identified the most frequently mentioned skills sought by recruiters. Here are the top 10 skills currently in demand:
- Customer Service
- Sales
- Accounting
- Business Development
- Marketing
- Leadership
- Communication
- Digital Marketing
- Sales Management
- Problem Solving
Not all these skills will apply to every job search, but it’s important to train yourself to identify the skills companies are looking for in job descriptions. If you possess these skills, highlight them in your CV and emphasize them during interviews.
Remember, be honest about your skills. Don’t claim to have skills you don’t possess just to secure a job. It will become evident in the workplace, eroding trust. Instead, consider taking classes to acquire the desired skills that you currently lack.
The Significance of Soft Skills in Hiring Decisions Soft skills, such as communication, adaptability, and time management, play a pivotal role in hiring decisions. In fact, 93% of employers consider soft skills to be crucial, according to ZipRecruiter.
Soft skills reflect how you work and fit into an organization. For instance, a fast-paced environment requires strong time-management skills, while adaptability is crucial in roles where circumstances change frequently.
Although not all soft skills will apply to your situation, it’s essential to identify and highlight the ones relevant to the position you’re applying for. Review job descriptions, identify the required soft skills, and incorporate them into your CV, cover letter, and interview responses.
For example, when discussing a challenging work situation and how you overcame it, emphasize the soft skills you utilized, such as communication, time management, analytical thinking, and flexibility. These details demonstrate to recruiters that you’re the right candidate for the job.
Limit Yourself to Six Highlighted Skills When including skills on your CV, it’s important not to overwhelm the reader. Career coaches recommend focusing on six key skills that truly highlight your abilities. Avoid listing too many general terms and ensure the skills you choose align with what employers’ value.
Julie Bauke, founder, and chief career strategist with The Bauke Group, suggests limiting the highlighted skills to “three or four top skills that are coveted by the employer.”
Also, remember to include your skills on your LinkedIn profile. Connect with recruiters and career coaches on social media platforms to gain insight into the skills and qualifications they seek.
By optimizing your LinkedIn profile with a professional photo, creative headline, and skills section, you increase your chances of being noticed by recruiters who search for specific skills.
Ultimately, the most crucial skill you need throughout this process is the ability to sell yourself effectively. Leverage your skills, tools, and network to convince recruiters that their search is over—they’ve found the perfect candidate.