Key strengths to highlight on your resume (with 25 examples)

A well-crafted resume can catch your prospective employer’s eye. But you know what’s even more compelling? An excellent resume with a list of your strengths.

Highlighting your key strengths will boost your chances of getting called for an interview. Including your core competencies will give you an edge over other applicants. But it’s crucial to identify which strengths you should write on your resume. It’s important to choose the ones that show your fit for the job you’re vying for.

In this guide, we will discuss 25 strengths that you can put in your resume and how best to include them.
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⁠Also read: How to answer: What are your strengths and weaknesses? (with 14 examples)

• Identifying your key strengths
• Verbal communication
• Written communication
• Active listening
• Negotiation
• Public speaking
• Conflict resolution
• Cultural competence
• Networking
• Time management
• Detail-oriented
• Project management
• Multitasking
• Critical thinking skills
• Decision-making
• Analytical skills
• Innovation
• Delegation
• Mentorship
• Strategic planning
• Change management
• Computer literacy
• Data analysis
• Social media management
• Programming
• Graphic design
• How to best showcase your strengths
• Common mistakes to avoid while listing strengths
• Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Identifying your key strengths

Take some time to reflect on your key professional and personal strengths. These are qualities, skills, and competencies that show your mettle. They demonstrate your capability to perform a specific job role. They provide the employer with an overview of what you can do. And how your best strengths can benefit their company.

Understanding your personal strengths will help you build greater self-awareness. It will also help you in communicating them in your resume. You'll be able to share more about those strengths during your job interview.

Your personal strengths can affect job satisfaction, performance, and growth. Use them in your resume to find roles and organisations that value your hard and soft skills.

Besides personal strengths, also identify and analyse your professional strengths. These may come from education, training, and work experience. Highlighting strengths in your resume shows you're qualified for the job. Emphasise highly-valued strengths to show the hiring manager how you are a good fit.

Check out this list of examples that you can include in your resume. You’ll be sure to stand out!

1. Verbal communication

Effective verbal communication is crucial in conveying information and expressing ideas. It also helps you engage in productive conversations with colleagues, clients, or stakeholders.

Example:

Excellent at giving impactful presentations and explaining complex concepts to diverse audiences.

2. Written communication

Strong written communication skills are essential to convey information. These are important when writing emails, reports and other materials.

Example:

Demonstrated skills in writing compelling and error-free content. These include blog articles, reports, and client communications. My efforts have led to higher engagement and positive feedback.

3. Active listening

Active listening involves focusing on and understanding the speaker's message. This facilitates effective collaboration, builds positive relationships, and avoids miscommunication.

Example:

Skilled in active listening, clarifying questions, and providing thoughtful responses during meetings. This led to improved team dynamics in my current company.

4. Negotiation

Negotiation skills enable individuals to reach agreements that benefit the parties involved. This is important in resolving conflicts, and achieving successful outcomes in professional situations. These include contract negotiations or salary discussions.

Example:

Negotiated win-win agreements with clients. This has resulted in increased contract values, long-term partnerships, and positive work relationships.

5. Public Speaking

Public speaking is a valuable skill for many purposes. It allows individuals to deliver presentations and share ideas with confidence. This helps in influencing audiences in meetings, conferences, or client pitches.

Example:

Engaged audiences through dynamic public speaking and impactful presentations. These resulted in positive feedback, increased brand visibility, and successful partnerships.

6. Conflict resolution

Conflict resolution skills enable individuals to address and resolve conflicts or disagreements. This fosters  harmonious work environments and helps maintain productive relationships.

Example:

Mediated conflicts using effective communication and problem-solving skills, improving team dynamics and issue resolution.

7. Cultural competence

Cultural competence involves understanding and respecting diverse cultures, beliefs, and perspectives. It enables individuals to work and build meaningful relationships in multicultural environments. This builds inclusive teams, and establishes meaningful connections with various stakeholders.

Example:

Worked with diverse individuals to integrate perspectives with a growth mindset.

8. Networking

Networking skills involve building and nurturing professional relationships. An expanded professional network creates opportunities for career advancement, collaboration, and business growth.

Example:

Proactive networker skilled in building valuable connections and accessing new opportunities.

9. Time management

Effective time management allows individuals to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain productivity. It demonstrates your ability to organise your work in an efficient manner. It should also translate into how you maximise your productivity.

Example:

Proven track record in completing projects within or before the deadlines. This is achieved through effective time management, clear goal-setting, prioritising tasks, and strategic resource allocation.

10. Detail-oriented

Attention to detail ensures accuracy and precision in any task or project. This minimises errors and helps deliver high-quality results. Hiring managers will value this critical ability to notice small details.

Example:

Reputation for producing error-free work. Detail-oriented when reviewing documents, identifying potential issues, and enhancing quality.

11. Project management

Project management involves planning, organising, and overseeing projects. You may also need to use sector-specific hard skills to manage resources. 

Example:

Completed projects within budget and timeline using project management methodologies. Managed stakeholder expectations.

12. Multitasking

Multitasking involves handling many tasks or responsibilities at the same time. You have to prioritise and manage your time in an efficient manner. It demonstrates your ability to work in fast-paced environments and handle various demands.

Example:

Spearheaded many projects at a go and delivered high-quality outcomes within the deadlines.

13. Critical thinking skills

Critical thinking skills involve analysing information and evaluating different perspectives. This is important for making sound decisions based on logic and reasoning. It demonstrates your ability to assess situations from a neutral perspective. It also reflects your ability to make informed judgments.

Example:

Knows how to approach complex problems with a critical mindset to improve efficiency.

14. Decision-making

Strong decision-making skills involve assessing options, considering implications, and making informed choices. It showcases your ability to make sound judgments under pressure when solving problems.

Example:

Known for making well-informed decisions in fast-paced environments. This involves leveraging data and analysing risks to decide on the best course of action.

15. Analytical skills

Analytical skills involve gathering and interpreting data, identifying patterns, and drawing meaningful insights. It demonstrates your ability to analyse information and make data-driven decisions.

Example:

Known for utilising advanced data analysis techniques to interpret complex data sets. This includes deriving actionable insights that have improved business strategies and increased profitability.

16. Innovation

Innovation is generating new ideas, embracing change, and driving continuous improvement. It showcases your capacity to adapt to evolving environments and introduce creative solutions.

Example:

Recognised for contributing innovative ideas and solutions that have transformed business operations. Streamlined processes with strategies and enhanced efficiency and competitiveness.

17. Delegation

Delegation requires assigning tasks to suitable individuals. You empower them to take ownership and handle responsibility. It showcases trust in others, effective workload management, and focus on higher-level responsibilities.

Example:

Proven ability to delegate by matching team members' skills and strengths to tasks. This approach has optimised productivity, fostered professional growth, and achieved project goals.

18. Mentorship

Mentorship includes guiding others and developing their skills. It involves sharing knowledge and supporting others' growth and professional development. It fosters a supportive work environment and contributes to team success.

Example:

Mentored and coached team members. Provided guidance and constructive feedback. Facilitated professional development opportunities resulting in enhanced skills, improved performance, and career advancement.

19. Strategic planning

Strategic planning requires setting long-term goals and defining strategies. It involves aligning actions to achieve organisational objectives. It highlights strategic thinking, anticipation of future challenges, and contribution to organisational success.

Example:

Developed and implemented comprehensive strategic plans. Identified growth opportunities and executed initiatives. These strategies have increased market share, revenue growth, and competitive advantage.

20. Change management

Change management skills involve navigating and adapting to organisational changes. They include leading teams through transitions and maintaining productivity. They exhibit an ability to embrace change and maintain communication throughout the process. This will also enable you to handle smooth transitions between projects.

Example:

Led and supported teams through organisational changes. Managed resistance and implemented change strategies. These actions have increased employee engagement, improved processes, and yielded successful outcomes.

21. Computer literacy

Computer literacy is about using technology in an efficient manner. It's about navigating digital tools and software and adapting to emerging technologies. It proves your skill in using digital resources to enhance productivity and efficiency.

Example:

Expert in utilising various software and digital tools. Experienced in using project management platforms, data analysis software, and collaborative tools. This expertise involves streamlined processes, improved efficiency, and effective project delivery.

22. Data analysis

Data analysis involves collecting, interpreting, and drawing insights from data. It supports decision-making and drives business strategies. It shows an ability to extract valuable information and use data to meet objectives.

Example:

Utilised advanced data analysis techniques. Conducted statistical analysis and data visualisation. Identified trends, generated insights, and provided actionable recommendations. These actions have improved business strategies and informed decision-making.

23. Social media management

Social media management involves managing and leveraging social media platforms. It enhances brand visibility, helps brands engage with their audiences, and drives business results. It displays an ability to optimise social media presence with digital marketing strategies.

Example:

Developed and executed successful social media campaigns. Increased brand awareness, grew the follower base, and drove customer engagement. These strategies increased website traffic and business growth.

24. Programming

Programming skills involve writing and developing code. It includes creating software, applications, and websites. These computer skills exhibit technical expertise and problem-solving abilities, particularly in software development.

Example:

Proficient in programming languages like Python, Java, or JavaScript. Developed and delivered high-quality software solutions. Optimised performance and resolved technical issues.

25. Graphic design

Conceptualised and designed eye-catching graphics. It includes layouts and graphics to convey messages. It showcases creativity, aesthetic sense, and an ability to communicate through visual media.

Example:

Conceptualised and designed eye-catching graphics. Created marketing materials and user interfaces. These designs enhanced brand identity, improved user experience, and increased customer engagement.

How to best showcase your strengths

• Add strengths to your Professional Summary: Use your resume's summary to showcase strengths. Highlight strengths related to the job, and craft a concise, impactful statement. Example: "Results-driven project manager, delivering complex projects on time and within budget." instead of "Experienced project manager". 
• List strengths in a dedicated section: Add to your resume sections a list of key strengths. Organise this section with bullet points for readability. Use specific industry-related keywords to optimise for applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• Highlight strengths in your work experience: Focus on achievements and results. Use action verbs and data for impact. For example, "Led a team of 10, boosting productivity by 20% and surpassing project targets."

Common mistakes to avoid while listing strengths

• Don’t be too generic: Avoid generic phrases like "strong communicator". Be specific and use concrete examples to showcase strengths. For example, "Delivered presentations, resulting in a 20% increase in client conversions."
• Don’t overstate your abilities: Highlight your own strengths well, but don't exaggerate. Overstating can disappoint both you and potential employers. The negative effects can hurt your chances of landing a job. Provide genuine strengths with relevant examples.
• Support your strengths: Always give positive experiences to support your list of strengths. Employers like concrete evidence of your capabilities. Use specific examples or achievements to prove your strengths. This makes your resume more credible and convincing. As we mentioned before, study the job listing in-depth so that you have what the role requires.

Highlighting key strengths and transferable skills on your resume can help attract employers. Remember to personalise your resume and provide concrete examples that support your strengths. Whether for managerial positions or otherwise, your strengths will take you far.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Should I use the same list of strengths for every job application?
   ⁠You should adjust your list of strengths to fit the job's needs. Review the job description and identify crucial skills. Then, customise your strengths for each application. Emphasise the most relevant ones, and provide examples.
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2. How many strengths should I list on my resume?
   ⁠List 5 to 10 key strengths on your resume. Prioritise the ones most relevant to the job. Focus on impactful and relevant strengths and provide examples to support them. Avoid listing many strengths without evidence or context.
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3. Can I include personal strengths on my resume?
   ⁠Include personal strengths on your resume if they're relevant to the job. Showcase qualities like adaptability, resilience, creativity, and problem-solving. Provide examples of how these strengths have affected your professional performance.
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4. Where else can I showcase my key strengths besides the resume?
   ⁠You can also showcase your key strengths in a range of job application documents. These include cover letters, interviews, and other online profiles. In the cover letter, explain how your strengths match the job requirements. In job interviews, give examples of using strengths in previous roles. On your profiles in other relevant sites, highlight strengths in the summary and skills sections.