The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) surveys employers to understand what they focus on when reviewing candidates’ resumes. NACE’s Job Outlook 2021 survey found that nearly 8 out of 10 employers look for problem-solving skills and the ability to work as part of a team as the most important attributes.
Knowing this, how can you communicate these attributes through your resume?
Use the Experience section of your resume to illustrate problem-solving skills. You wouldn’t list “problem-solving” skills but would list skills that showcase how you have solved problems through your experience. For example, analysis (once you identified a problem you want to solve, you need to analyze it and determine what course of action to take to solve the problem), evaluation (to be a good problem solver, you need to be capable of evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of pursuing a particular solution to a problem), and decision-making (once you or in working with others have identified solutions, you need to make a decision and implement a course of action) are relevant problem-solving skills to include on your resume.
Being able to effectively work with others is an essential skill employers seek in their candidates for a vast majority of positions. But how do you convey on a resume that you listen to other members of the team, taking into account everyone’s ideas and sharing responsibility? These are all process skills that can lead to better outcomes. In the Experience section of your resume, include specific examples of actions you took as a team and what the successful outcome was. For example, “Collaborated with three other fundraisers to exceed our $10,000 goal” or “Coordinated between two departments to deliver DEI training materials ahead of schedule.” With both of these examples, the emphasis is on outcomes accomplished in conjunction with others. It is during a group interview where teamwork skills can be better assessed, but you first need to get past the initial resume screening.
