Analyse your skills

You may find it surprising that the range of skills sought by employers is sometimes not very wide. Some of the more frequent skills asked for by employers are:

  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Team work
  • Time management
  • Research
  • Negotiation
  • Flexibility
  • Initiative
  • Organisation
  • Analysis
  • Work under pressure
  • Work with limited supervision
  • Attention to detail
  • Meet deadlines

Use the list below to identifying the skills you have learned or developed through work, study and life experience.

For each skill you select, make sure you note an example of when you demonstrated this skill. This gives your resume more impact.

This list is general, so don’t forget to include in your resume any additional skills specific to your training.

Communication

Writing skills – reports, essays, articles, resumes, letters, memos, agendas, websites etc.

Facilitating groups or teaching

Listening sensitively and accurately

Negotiating or debating skills

Able to simplify and present ideas

Public speaking

Presenting at a meeting

Running a meeting

Writing for different audiences

Interpersonal Skills

Managing conflict

Ability to build and maintain professional relationships

Relate well with management, staff and customers

Obtaining information and support from people

Empathising, tutoring, training or teaching, coaching or counselling

Professional dealings with people.

Ethical and productive

Persevering to complete a task and following up on outstanding details
Creative Skills

Drawing, painting, sculpture, design, etc

Playing an instrument

Dancing, sport or movement

Writing stories, plays or poetry

Writing articles

Designing

Problem solving

Critical analysis

Organising/Management Skills

Organising the work of others

Administration

Setting priorities

Guiding the activities of a team

Planning and preparing work

Budgeting

Delegating

Developing or implementing procedures, processes or systems

Project management, scheduling tasks in a project
Entrepreneurial Skills

Selling

Marketing

Creating a product

Sales ideas

Building relationships and networks

Forecasting trends

Managing Information

Researching

Processing information or data

Gathering data

Evaluating information

Managing information, systems or processes

Assessing quality

Coordinating/Planning

Event management

Following up details

Recording and reporting

Scheduling tasks

Monitoring budget and resources

Developing and implement plans

Determining key priorities

Reviewing and evaluating outcomes

Critically analysing situations and providing recommendations

Technical Skills

Computer skills

Designing systems

Creating webpages

Creating digital media

Engineering – specific skills or knowledge

Scientific research/techniques

Design – specific skills or knowledge

Programming

Manufacturing or Construction

Working in a group/team

Make constructive suggestions

Take part in group discussions

Produce results on time and within budget

Look for ways to improve the group’s performance

Produce accurate work and achieve your personal goals

Supervise and coach others

Complete tasks and follow up outstanding matters

Work with minimal supervision

Leading a group/team

Supervise and coach others

Provide leadership and direction

Revise the team’s work plan

Set objectives

Manage resources

Provide and encourage feedback

Build a participative and cooperative work environment

Manage conflict

Seek solutions

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