The Seven New Resume Skills Employers Want To See

By Phil Baker

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy 

Because workplace technology is continually changing faster than a mouse click, there are new resume skills you must not overlook. Just a few years ago software skills like being proficient with MS Word, Excel, and the computer and being able to surf the Internet were regarded as extra value skills by many employers. Now most employers take for granted candidates have some familiarity with these programs regarded as elementary as, well, elementary school.

You can still state that you are capable with the established programs, especially if the job posting states they are required or beneficial. However, in addition to these basics and the specific skills you need for your profession, depending on the type of work you are seeking, there are seven new resume skills that can give you an edge:

Evidence of Successful Human Interaction: Social technology skills are not always enough for every job. Interaction with old-fashioned work systems called human beings is often required. Because so many people have been in cocoons in the last decade and have less in-person interaction with others many job candidates are lacking in personal social talents or team skills. If you have in person customer service, coaching, team membership, people management experience or have attended sales, communication, or team seminars, or have served on live committees by all means make some inclusion on your resume. Employers want people who can play well with others.

Bilingual Skills: Speaking a second language is now a plus for more jobs in the US than ever before and almost necessary for working overseas. Outsourcing and the global economy make breaking down language barriers vital for today's business. If you speak more than one language let potential employers know even if they are not asking. If you do not you can get language lesson software fairly inexpensively and start picking up a new language.

Social Networking: This is another skill you can learn fairly quickly. Letting potential employers know you are current with technology can be reflected by including links on your resume to your professional social networking accounts. Your personal Facebook page that has all your friends pics or your twitter account that tells us what you did at the bar last night is NOT what you want to include. Setting up professional social networking accounts and including those on your resume is wise. Professional Linked in, twitter, and Facebook accounts show you have been keeping up with the times and can provide additional beneficial information to employers about your talents and expertise.

Leadership Experience or Training: No matter what job you are seeking leadership skills can be favorable. Showing you have leadership skills or training is more important than ever. Many corporations are now operating on employee empowerment principles. This is when all employees are trained in leadership education. Candidates who understand leadership principles will have an advantage. Include any leadership training or positions on committees, teams, volunteer groups, church, clubs, or associations.

Bicultural Skills: If you are bicultural (have grown up or spent time in another culture and understand their social nuances) this can also be a desired skill. Learning another language is great but knowing the acceptable and practiced manners and laws of another culture can be critical in today's business.

Smart Skills: Many jobs require advanced communication skills. SEO, apps, and smart phone technology are booming. The jury is still out but the future might see diminished use of the PC even in business as more apps are developed and Internet access systems are morphed into smaller devices. Web conferencing iPhone, iPad, and Google apps for contacts, scheduling, calendars, web conferencing, meeting and event planning are becoming increasingly popular. Let potential employers know you are familiar with these.

Also now at the very least an understanding of SEO (Search Engine Marketing) is a plus for a growing number of jobs. Positions in marketing, and webmasters, salespeople, managers, computer graphic designers, website builders, writers, and more positions can benefit employers with an understanding of SEO. If you have SEO skills by all means fit them into your resume. If SEO knowledge can at all be relevant to the position you are seeking this can make you competitive.