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11 Best Communication Skills for Your Resume (With Examples)

11 min read · Updated on February 13, 2024

Are you properly conveying communication skills in your resume?

When it comes to employment skills, few are more important than the ability to effectively communicate with others. No matter your profession, chances are that you'll need some level of communication skill to interact with co-workers, managers, subordinates, and customers. As a result, employers who are evaluating potential hires always want to see evidence of communication skills in a resume.

But which communication skills should you include in your resume to make the best possible impression on employers?

In this post, we'll explain why you need to highlight these skills in your resume, examine 11 of the top communication skills, and offer tips to help you demonstrate those abilities. We'll also provide examples that show you how to include this critical information.

Why should you include communication skills in your resume?

While your hard skills - specific, measurable, job-related abilities - typically form the core of any job description's required qualifications, soft skills cannot be overlooked in your resume. In fact, those interpersonal abilities can play a significant role in any hiring decision that involves two otherwise equally competent candidates. If you're competing for a job against someone with equivalent technical capabilities and experience, that difference in soft skills may determine who gets hired.

When you include communication skills in your resume, you're letting an employer know that you have interpersonal abilities that can make you a valuable member of their team. That's an important consideration for any employer, of course. Companies want new hires who can do more than just fulfill their duties; they want team players who fit well within their organization.

Related post : The Essential Steps of Your Communication Process

Types of communication skills

It's important to understand what we mean when we talk about communication skills. For our purposes, we can categorize these skills into three distinct types:

Verbal skills . These communication skills include everything from conveying information or persuading others to public speaking and dealing with customer complaints.

Written skills . Many jobs require the ability to write in a concise and informative manner. These skills can include everything from informal emails to professional briefs, client presentations, and detailed reports for superiors.

Interpersonal skills . The third type of communication skill involves all those abilities that you use to interact with others. They can include things like empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution.

  What are the top 11 communication skills employers want to see?

Below are 11 of the top communication skills for resumes. As you might expect, there are many others that you might want to consider as well. However, these 11 skills are among the most sought-after that employers are looking for in job candidates.

1.     Active listening

Active listening is a prized communication skill. This ability goes well beyond simply hearing what others say, and instead involves the ability to actively understand their message. People with these skills can connect with others, build trust, and participate in collaborative problem-solving efforts.

Active listening includes a host of other skills, including the ability to ask probing questions, provide nonverbal and verbal cues that show that you're paying attention, and paraphrase what you're hearing to confirm your understanding of the message.

Related post : What are the Types of Listening Skills? 8 Types Explained

2.     Empathy

Empathy is a vital interpersonal trait and one of the most important leadership communication skills. People with empathy tend to be more curious and open-minded, have a keener sense of self-awareness, and are less likely to be hostage to their own natural biases and preconceptions. They value other people's perspectives and are willing to entertain ideas that challenge their beliefs.

3.     Conflict management and resolution

Conflict is an inevitable feature of human interaction - including in the workplace. If you have excellent conflict resolution skills, it's important to highlight them in your resume. Employers will be interested in knowing that you're capable of resolving interpersonal conflict in your work setting, since that can have a direct and positive impact on productivity and workplace harmony.

4.     Presentation skills

There are many jobs that require the ability to make presentations to superiors, customers, shareholders, or even coworkers. Good presentation skills enable you to compellingly convey information to others, persuade them to consider your point of view, or simply keep your target audience apprised of relevant developments.

5.     Writing skills

Effective writing skills are important in virtually every industry and a wide variety of roles. Obviously, many jobs will require simple writing tasks like composing emails, but there are a whole host of other writing abilities that employers may be looking for. These can include everything from legal briefs or technical writing to advertising copy, marketing presentations, contract creation, and more. Depending on the job you're seeking, including these important communication skills in your resume could be vital.

6.     Team building

The ability to build and work with teams is another important leadership communication skill for your resume. Whether you're interested in a managerial or executive role, this skill set is something that you'll need to succeed in that leadership position. Effective team builders know how to work with others to solve problems, are skilled in delegating work to competent subordinates, and know how to help team members reach their full potential.

Related post : 20 Key Leadership Competencies for Success (Plus Tips!)

7.     Motivation

Employers also appreciate candidates who possess useful motivational skills. While the ability to set goals, maintain a positive attitude, and rally others to achieve a shared objective is essential for leadership, it can also be an invaluable skill for anyone who works in a collaborative setting. By including these communication skills in your resume, you can ensure that employers recognize your ability to inspire others and drive productivity in the workplace.

Related post : 6 Qualities of Managers Who Practice Inspiring Leadership

8.     Openness to feedback

Hiring managers also want to see that you're capable of receiving feedback, whether it's constructive criticism or praise. These skills reflect a commitment to teamwork and continual improvement, both of which are highly prized by today's employers. It's a bonus if you're also adept at providing feedback to others. That desire to develop as an employee and help others to reach their full potential can make you an attractive candidate for many jobs.

9.     Honesty

You might not think of honesty as a communication skill, but it is. Whether you're an entry-level worker or a manager, it's important for others to know that they can trust your words. Of course, honesty encompasses more than just being truthful. It also includes character traits like trustworthiness, responsibility, accountability, and reliability. Honest people are seen as authentic and confident, traits that all good leaders possess.

10.  Emotional intelligence

As the workplace has grown more complex in recent years, hiring managers have placed greater emphasis on employees' emotional intelligence. That's a fancy term that simply describes your ability to manage your own emotions, understand your own interactions with others, and use that knowledge and insight to control stress, relate to others, communicate in a clear and effective way, and manage conflict.

People with high emotional intelligence often excel at interpersonal relations in the workplace and tend to be competent leaders. Their ability to recognize their own emotions and the feelings of others around them can help them to make more informed decisions. Including examples of your use of emotional intelligence can help to highlight those critical interpersonal communication skills in your resume.

11.  Negotiating

Negotiation skills are also highly prized in most industries, so make sure that you highlight these abilities in your resume too. Successful negotiators are adept at problem-solving, persuasive communication, and conflict resolution - skills that are useful in nearly every industry. Include an achievement in your professional experience section that highlights your negotiation skills, demonstrating how those abilities provided measurable value to a previous employer. 

Tips you can use to highlight these skills in your resume

Of course, being familiar with these different communication skills is just the first step. You also need to know how to highlight them in your resume. The following tips can help you with that process.

Match your skills to keywords in the job posting

Always make sure that you review the job posting to identify specific communication-related skills that are listed as job requirements. Wherever possible, use those exact terms in your resume as you describe various communication skills that you've used in previous jobs. That will help to ensure that your resume is found by an applicant tracking system when an employer conducts a search.

Focus on measurable achievements

Don't just say that you have certain communication skills. Show that you have them by including them as achievements in your resume summary or professional experience section. Make sure that you describe how you used those skills to produce measurable value for your employer. Use real numbers to help the reader understand the type of value you can provide as a potential hire.

Always be brief and to the point

Brevity is important, since hiring managers often sift through dozens or even hundreds of resumes. Make sure that you highlight communication skills and other abilities as concisely as possible to optimize space in your resume. Remember also that your writing skills will be on full display as you create the resume, so you probably won't need to spend much time boasting about them.

Communication skills: resume examples you can use

As we noted, there are several ways that you can highlight communication skills in your resume. You can include mention of them in your resume summary, list several within your core competencies section, and highlight examples of their use in your professional experience section. Below are some examples to show you how this is done.

Communication skills in your resume summary

Detail-oriented Office Manager with 10 years of experience managing office operations and interdepartmental communications. Managed 21-person team responsible for accounts totaling $123 million a year. Researched, drafted, and implemented interoffice communication changes that reduced waste by 22%, expedited internal processing and increased departmental revenue by 19% in the first year.

Communication skills in your skills section

Including these communication skills in your core competencies, or skills, section is a simple matter. Pick the skills that most closely align with the job requirements, and list them in bullet point form alongside other key soft skills and your technical proficiencies. For example:

Copywriting

Email management

Media communications

Presentations

Team building

Training management

Office management

Organization

Time management

Decision-making

Communication skills in your work experience section

When it comes to including your communication skills in a work experience section, you again need to focus on notable achievements. Use real numbers that demonstrate value and create several bullet point accomplishment examples for each job listing in this section. You only need to include a couple of examples of how you used your communication skills, of course, since you'll likely also want to highlight other core job-related skills too. Here are some examples that show how to do this:

Reorganized office information flow to speed up client onboarding and account management, resulting in growth of 12% in client acquisition and an increase of 40% in retention

Created an innovative training program for new office transfers, focused on new skills and employee growth. Program resulted in 60% drop in employee attrition, contributing to a 13% increase in revenues in the first quarter of implementation

Negotiated resolution to client conflict that saved a $2 million project contract and led to a 30% expansion in business with the customer over the next two years

Related post : 47 Accomplishment Examples for Your Resume: Expert Picks

Achieve job search success by including communication skills in your resume

Much of your resume will be devoted to highlighting your job-related skills and experiences, but that's no reason to neglect these important soft skills. Conveying effective communication skills in your resume can be a terrific way to demonstrate that you're the best candidate for any job, and may be just what you need to differentiate yourself from your competition!

Are you still not sure if you've properly included your communication skills in your resume? Get a free resume review from our team of experts today!

Recommended reading:

Soft Skills Explained - and the Top 7 for Your Resume

What Are Skills? (With Examples and Tips on How to Improve Them)

These 14 Leadership Traits Can Fuel Your Career Success

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

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50 Inspiring Examples for 7 Communication Skills for a Resume

By Status.net Editorial Team on November 22, 2023 — 6 minutes to read

When crafting your resume, highlighting your strong communication skills is essential. Here are some top skills to consider and examples of how to showcase them on your resume.

• Active Listening: Demonstrate your ability to be receptive and engage in the conversation. For example: Successfully facilitated team meetings by actively listening to colleagues and providing constructive feedback.
• Verbal Communication: Showcase your ability to express ideas clearly and effectively. For example: Presented quarterly reports to the executive board, effectively communicating the sales team’s achievements.
• Written Communication: Emphasize your capacity to create clear, concise written documents. An example may be: Developed and maintained monthly newsletter for the marketing department, reaching over 500 employees.
• Empathy: Understanding others helps foster strong professional relationships. For example: Addressed customer concerns with compassion, resulting in significant improvements in client satisfaction.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Focus on moments where you contributed to successful team projects. For instance: Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and execute a new product launch, achieving a 30% increase in sales.
• Adaptability: Showcase your flexibility and ability to handle change effectively. Here’s an example: Adapted communication style to accommodate remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring a seamless transition for the team.
• Conflict Resolution: Resolving conflicts efficiently benefits everyone. For example: Mediated disagreements between team members, helping to create a more collaborative and harmonious work environment.

Verbal Communication Skills

Public speaking.

Mastering public speaking can be a game changer for your resume. Employers appreciate candidates who can confidently present information to groups. To showcase your public speaking skills, mention specific experiences where you have delivered presentations or speeches. For example:

• Delivered a presentation on sustainable business practices to a team of 30 colleagues
• Facilitated a workshop on effective communication for new employees

Foreign Language Proficiency

Being proficient in one or more foreign languages can set you apart from other candidates. It indicates your ability to communicate with a diverse range of people, which is valuable in a globalized workplace. To highlight your language skills, list the languages you’re proficient in along with your level of fluency. For instance:

• Fluent in Spanish and French
• Intermediate proficiency in Mandarin and German

Related: How to Include Language Skills on Your Resume (Examples)

Active Listening

Active listening is an essential verbal communication skill that demonstrates your ability to understand and engage with others effectively. Employers value employees who can listen attentively and respond thoughtfully in discussions. To emphasize your active listening skills, provide examples of situations where you’ve made a difference through attentive listening. Examples might include:

• Resolved a customer complaint by actively listening to their concerns and implementing a solution
• Improved team dynamics by being attentive during meetings and encouraging open communication among team members

Written Communication Skills

Professional writing.

In the professional world, written communication is a must-have skill. Your resume should showcase your ability to articulate thoughts and ideas with clarity and precision in different formats (reports, emails, proposals, etc.). To highlight this skill on your resume, use phrases like:

• Developed and edited company newsletters, enhancing employee engagement
• Created detailed project proposals, securing client approval and project funding
• Drafted and revised technical documentation, ensuring user-friendly clarity and accuracy

Business Correspondence

Effective business correspondence involves crafting clear and concise emails, memos, and letters tailored to various audiences. Showcasing this skill on your resume can demonstrate your expertise in professional etiquette and the ability to adapt your writing style to different scenarios. Here are some examples:

• Collaborated with international teams, sending clear and concise email correspondence to prevent miscommunications
• Generated persuasive sales emails that contributed to a 15% increase in client conversion rates
• Wrote concise and informative weekly memos to upper management, providing updates on project progress

Interpersonal Communication Skills

Conflict resolution.

When listing your conflict resolution skills on your resume, be specific about the techniques you employ:

• Skilled in using active listening to pinpoint underlying issues and complaints.
• Experienced in mediating disagreements between colleagues to find a mutual agreement.
• Proficient in providing constructive feedback and reinforcing positive communication behaviors.

Collaborative Teamwork

Highlight your ability to work effectively with others by showcasing the following abilities:

• Proven track record of successful group projects and team initiatives.
• Ability to adapt communication style based on team dynamics and members’ strengths.
• Skilled in brainstorming, group problem-solving, and co-creating ideas with diverse team members.

Showcase your ability to understand and relate to others’ feelings and emotions by including these skills in your resume:

• Empathetic and compassionate attitude to foster a positive work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to provide emotional support and encouragement to team members in stressful situations.

Digital Communication Skills

Social media.

Nowadays, social media plays an important role in promoting a company’s brand and engaging with customers. Highlight your experience in leveraging social media platforms to advocate brand values and enhance customer relationships. Include these skills in your resume with statements like:

• Managed corporate social media accounts to establish a consistent brand voice and engage with customers.
• Successfully increased follower count and engagement on various platforms by creating relevant content.

Online Meeting Management

Effectively managing online meetings is a skill that demonstrates your ability to keep participants engaged and ensure productive outcomes. Emphasize your ability to plan, host, and facilitate virtual meetings using platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Here are some examples of how to put those skills on your resume:

• Experienced in scheduling and hosting virtual meetings, ensuring timely starts and focused discussions.
• Skilled in facilitating online meetings with participants from diverse backgrounds, fostering collaboration and decision-making.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some strong examples of communication skills to include on a resume.

Consider showcasing a range of communication skills, such as active listening, clear writing, public speaking, and negotiation. For example:

• Active listening: “Consistently praised for effectively capturing project requirements through attentive listening in client meetings.”
• Clear writing: “Developed company-wide email guidelines to ensure clarity and professionalism in written communication.”
• Public speaking: “Delivered engaging and informative presentations at industry conferences, demonstrating strong public speaking skills.”
• Negotiation: “Successfully negotiated contracts with suppliers, resulting in a 12% reduction in supply chain costs.”

How can I effectively showcase teamwork and collaboration abilities on my resume?

To emphasize your teamwork and collaboration skills, think about the projects you’ve participated in and your role in those projects. Examples:

• Successfully worked on cross-functional teams to complete projects on time and under budget.
• Collaborated with colleagues to innovate and implement improvements, increasing department efficiency by 15%.
• Facilitated open and constructive conversations within a diverse team environment, fostering trust and accountability.

What are some tips for highlighting written communication skills in a resume?

When showcasing written communication skills, focus on the outcomes your writing has achieved. For example:

• Crafted client proposals that consistently resulted in increased contract value and successful project launches.
• Edited and proofread internal communications, ensuring consistent tone and style across departments.
• Authored monthly newsletter with a growing subscriber base, receiving positive feedback for engaging and informative content.

Which techniques can demonstrate strong verbal communication abilities on a resume?

To illustrate your verbal communication skills, highlight situations where your speaking abilities played a critical role. Examples:

• Delivered persuasive sales pitches, resulting in a 20% increase in closed deals.
• Articulated complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, facilitating successful project rollouts.
• Mediated conflicts between team members, fostering a positive work environment and promoting effective problem-solving.

How can one emphasize active listening skills when creating a professional resume?

To showcase your active listening skills, emphasize your ability to understand and respond to others’ ideas and concerns. Think about instances where your attentive listening has positively impacted projects. For example:

• Acted as a key liaison between departments, ensuring clear communication and understanding of project goals and tasks.
• Routinely sought input and feedback from team members, incorporating ideas into project plans and processes.
• Demonstrated a diplomatic approach in meetings and discussions, fostering open communication and maintaining team harmony.

What are some strategies to showcase problem-solving and leadership skills on a resume?

To highlight problem-solving and leadership skills, focus on examples where your actions led to positive outcomes. You might include:

• Successfully led a team through a challenging project turnaround, implementing targeted solutions to deliver on-time and within budget.
• Mentored junior employees, providing guidance and support that contributed to their successful progression within the company.
• Identified inefficiencies in work processes and implemented process improvements, resulting in a 25% increase in productivity.
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Communication Skills on a Resume (Examples + Tips)

13 min read

Communication skills are something that almost every employer is looking for – and for good reason. Most jobs require some level of human interaction with coworkers, supervisors, subordinates, customers, or other stakeholders. Employers need employees with these abilities to ensure that their operations run smoothly and productively. It is thus vital to include communication skills on your resume if you want to ensure that you capture an employer’s attention during any job search.

In this post, we will explain why you need to include communication skills on your resume, examine the top five skills you need to highlight and 10 others that you may want to consider, and provide a communications skills resume template you can use to showcase your abilities.

Why should you include communication skills on your resume?

While hard skills will help show that you have the right qualifications for most jobs, soft skills are just as important for success. And when it comes to soft skills, few are as vital as the ability to communicate in a skillful way. By including communication skills on your resume, you demonstrate to employers that you can not only interact with customers, colleagues, and supervisors but also work as part of a cohesive and effective team.

How to include communication skills on a resume

Of course, you need to know how to include communication skills in a resume if you want to effectively convey these abilities to employers. To do that, you need to illustrate these skills in various sections of the resume rather than simply claim that you possess them. The following tips can help you ensure that your inclusion of these skills is as compelling as possible:

Don’t just list “excellent communication skills” in your skill section and assume that you’re done. You’ll need to include examples of how you used those abilities to solve problems, create value, or otherwise benefit your previous employers.

Make sure that your resume includes all the key qualifications you find in the job posting, using those exact terms. If a skill like team leadership is cited as a qualification, use that term in one of the achievement examples that you include in your resume.

Use real numbers to quantify the results your achievements provided for those prior employers. For example, instead of just writing that you used negotiation skills to close multiple deals for your last employer, show real value by quantifying those results: “Successfully negotiated and closed new client deals valued at more than $27 million.”

Communication skills resume template

If you’re wondering how all this might look in your resume, it may be helpful to see a simple template for including communication skills on your resume. Below, we’ve provided an easy-to-follow template that you can use to organize your own resume.

[Your name, phone number, email, LinkedIn URL]

[Headline, including desired job title]

[Summary statement. This should be 3-5 sentences highlighting your key skills and achievements to demonstrate value. Think of it as an elevator pitch that sells your qualifications to employers.]

[Core competencies section. This section should include both hard and soft skills. You can list any required communication skills here but be prepared to also highlight them in achievements in other sections of the resume.]

[Professional experience. This section should list your previous jobs in reverse order, beginning with your current or most recent position. Include the company name, job title, and employment dates for each position. Below each job, include several bullet point achievements – including those that relied on your communication skills.]

[Education. Your educational section needs to include the schools you attended, the years of attendance, course of study, degrees earned, and any relevant coursework. ]

Communication skills resume example

We’ve also put together a sample resume that highlights communication skills that you can use for inspiration or as a customizable guide for your own resume.

John Johnson

555-555-5555 • [email protected] • https://www.linkedin.com/in/JohnJohnson

Lead Corporate Negotiator with 10 Years of Fortune 500 Experience

Proven corporate negotiator and deal-closer with 10 years of success in closing multimillion-dollar client deals in the finance and manufacturing sectors. Organized, managed, and led a 20-person acquisition and merger team that created more than $500 million in value for our clients. Personally negotiated ABCD Corp. merger with EFG Inc, increasing company value by 23% while saving more than 1300 jobs.

Core competencies

Motivational speaking

Team building

Presentation

Copywriting

Computer proficiency

Data analysis

Media relations

Negotiation

Professional experience

ABCD Corp, 2015-2023

Chief Negotiator, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Division

Led teams responsible for identifying M&A prospects to further company growth plans

Oversaw creation of M&A outreach, negotiation, and closure plans

Negotiated deals worth more than $400 million, with 72% M&A success rate

 Alpha, Inc., 2009-2015

Lead strategist, M&A

Created merger and acquisition strategies that successfully led to more than 35 completed deals in a 6-year period

Developed negotiation presentation plans that were used to achieve a 62% success rate by negotiation teams

Created and managed negotiator training program that boosted overall closure success rate for M&A by 29%

  Education

Bachelor of Communications, GoodSpeak College, 2008

Coursework: Digital Communications, Media Relations, Public Relations, Persuasive Speaking, Negotiation Theory

Different communication skills to highlight on your resume

When you’re evaluating your own communication skills, it’s important to remember that they all fall into two main categories. Those two forms of communication include verbal and nonverbal communication. Let’s consider each to get a better idea of how they can help you in your career.

Verbal communication

Most people are intimately familiar with verbal communication, which involves the use of words to convey ideas and messages. Verbal communication can occur person-to-person, in a phone call, during a video conference, or through text, email, and other forms of writing. This type of communication is an effective way to deliver information, share new concepts, and solve problems.

Nonverbal communication

While verbal communication is important, many experts believe that seventy percent or more of all human communication occurs without words. This nonverbal communication includes subtle things like facial expressions, body language, posture, and the tone of your voice. Even something as simple as maintaining or avoiding eye contact can impart useful information to other people.

Top 5 communication skills employers look for

Before you start listing communication skills in your resume, it can be helpful to ensure that you have a better idea of the type of abilities today’s employers are looking for. In the following sections of this post, we will examine some of those key communication skills, beginning with the top five communication skills that most employers always appreciate.

Emotional intelligence is more important than ever before. As the workplace grows ever more complex, employers need to know that each member of their team is cognizant of their colleagues’ emotions and points of view. This is especially true in environments where collaboration and workplace harmony are essential for success.

It is one thing to be able to communicate an idea. It is often quite another to do with the type of clarity that most people need if they are to fully understand your message. Whether you are giving directions or taking them, it is important to be able to do so in a direct and clear way. For example, if you not only provide instructions but offer an example that effectively illustrates those directions, you’re more likely to be understood by others.

Honesty and integrity in your communications are the most important keys to gaining others’ trust. Every employer wants to build a team made up of people who say what they mean and follow through on their word. Honest employees can be relied upon to be both responsible and accountable for their actions, transparent in their actions, and authentic in all their dealings.

Team building is a powerful skill that demonstrates an ability to communicate with others, collaborate as part of a group, and even motivate colleagues to reach new heights of success. Good team builders are adept at things like delegation, inspirational messaging, and problem-solving. This skill is one that is often associated with managers – but make no mistake: employers appreciate seeing it on the resume of any job candidate.

Active listening

Active listening is a skill prized by many employees because those who possess this ability can do more than just hear messages from others. They are also adept at understanding the true meaning of any message because they actively engage in conversations and know how to use questions and reflective listening to ensure clarity.

10 other communication skills to highlight in a resume

Of course, those five critical skills are just a small subset of the full range of abilities you can cite to demonstrate your communication skills. Below, we’ve compiled a list of 10 other communication-related skills that you can include in your resume to illustrate your ability to articulate information to others.

1.      Presentation

Are you experienced in giving presentations ? If so, then turn that skill into an accomplishment in your work experience section. For example:

Supplied superior customer service training and presentations to external and internal stakeholders, reducing training time and costs by 10% over 2 years.

2.     Negotiation

Negotiation skills will benefit you in many different industries including sales, business development, and law. Showing that you successfully negotiated a deal will display your great communication skills. Here is an example of how that might be conveyed in a resume:

Experienced in delivering high-quality work products in a variety of subject matter areas, building effective case strategies, and negotiating high-value, multimillion-dollar contracts for corporate clients.

3.     Coordinating human resources

It is impossible to manage or coordinate other people’s activities without effective communication skills. If you’ve ever managed people at any level of an organization, you can illustrate this ability in your resume through a well-constructed example of a quantifiable achievement.

Managed a team of 26 customer service employees, decreasing staff turnover by 20% with improved morale, and increasing customer satisfaction and retention by 15%.

4.     Written communication

Written communication is a vital skill for writers, marketers, office staff, and many other workers. While your whole resume serves as a testament to your writing ability, you can give more weight to your writing skills by mentioning how they've helped you succeed professionally. For example:

Created headlines, edited copy, and designed graphics and pages for both print and digital platforms.

5.     Conflict resolution

Whenever humans interact, there is always the potential for interpersonal conflict. If you’re adept at resolving these types of issues, you should demonstrate that by citing examples of your conflict resolution skills in your resume.

Regularly called upon to defuse conflicts within the team to reduce distraction and ensure that our combined attention remained 100% focused on our collective mission objective.

6.     Collaboration

As we mentioned earlier in the post, teamwork is essential in many different types of jobs. If your talents include the ability to collaborate effectively with others, then you should make sure that your resume includes that skill. Pick one or more jobs where you relied on this ability for success and include a bullet point example of how it benefited the company.

In collaboration with my team and other departments, successfully reorganized our sales process to increase lead generation by 22%, improve sales conversions by 18%, and increase profits by 19%.

7.     Persuasion

The ability to persuade others can be a vital communication skill that can help you supercharge your career. It is also one of those skills that most employers will prize, especially if you can demonstrate how your persuasiveness can add value to their bottom line. One way to illustrate that persuasive ability is to highlight instances where you’ve been able to persuade others in ways that benefited your employers. For example:

Led acquisition advance team tasked with persuading target company leaders to consider selling their enterprises. Utilized persuasive techniques to achieve more than 19% success rate on first attempts, 52% success rate on second contact.

8.     Open-mindedness

One of the most important communication skills these days involves the ability to maintain an open mind. Are you someone who values other people’s perspectives and ideas? Do you enjoy brainstorming with others to come up with new and creative solutions to problems? If so, then that open-minded approach to new information and points of view is a strength that you should share on your resume.

Led diverse team in collaborative effort to brainstorm new ideas and solutions for needed technological system changes, resulting in implementation of new systems that improved company logistical efficiency by 33%.

9.     Motivational speaking

Your ability to inspire others by using your voice to motivate them to new heights of success can also be an attractive communication skill for many employers. After all, motivational skills are essential for any management or leadership position. If you’ve ever been in any situation where you needed to motivate your colleagues to achieve a goal, be sure to include that as one of your achievements.

As team leader, incorporated daily stand-up meetings to motivate and focus team members, which helped increase productivity by 28% in just 6 months.

10.  Giving and receiving feedback

Employers also want to know that you’re capable of receiving feedback, and even providing it depending on your role. Are you someone who always wants to hear constructive criticism or even negative feedback? That desire to be accountable so that you can continue to improve is something that employers will be eager to know about you. They’ll also appreciate your ability to offer constructive advice to other members of your team.

This is one of those skills that you may want to highlight in your summary statement if you’re focused on receiving criticism. For example:

Dedicated team leader who seeks out constructive feedback to fuel consistent growth and improvement in performance metrics.

On the other hand, if you’re usually the one providing the feedback, you may want to mention that in one of your work history achievements.

Provided monthly, quarterly, and annual performance reviews for team members, as well as more frequent feedback designed to prevent performance issues before they became serious problems.

Your communication skills on a resume can make all the difference

Knowing which communication skills to put on a resume could help determine the type of impression you make on any prospective employer. That’s why it’s so important to understand which skills employers are looking for and make sure that your skills align with those needs. 

So, take the time to assess your key communication skills and pay careful attention to the qualifications cited in any job posting. If you can ensure that those cited skills align well with the communication skills on your resume, you can increase your chances of landing an interview.

Want to ensure that you have the right communication skills on your resume? Head on over to get your free resume review from our team of experts to learn whether your resume has what it takes to help you achieve your job search goals.

Recommended reading:

The Best 10 Skills to Put on Your Resume

Top 15 Skills Employers Are Hiring For in 2023

Interpersonal Skills Can Give You the Competitive Career Advantage You Need

Ken Chase, Freelance Writer

During Ken's two decades as a freelance writer, he has covered everything from banking and fintech to business management and the entertainment industry. His true passion, however, has always been focused on helping others achieve their career goals with timely job search and interview advice or the occasional resume consultation. When he's not working, Ken can usually be found adventuring with family and friends or playing fetch with his demanding German Shepherd. Read more resume advice from Ken on  ZipJob’s blog .

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16 Communications Resume Examples and Templates for Your Successful 2024’s Job Search

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• • Managed production of three newsletters each month, selecting stories, collaborating on graphics, and ensuring timely distribution to over 10,000 employees.
• • Drafted and edited over 100 internal communications per year, consistently meeting deadlines and maintaining high editorial standards.
• • Assisted director in responding to media inquiries leading to a 20% increase in positive media coverage.
• • Tracked all media mentions and produced monthly reports, highlighting key trends and opportunities for improvement.
• • Coordinated with product teams to develop media pitches, resulting in a 30% increase in media pickups.
• • Supported the digital media manager in overseeing social media, achieving a 25% rise in engagement on key platforms.
• • Tracked media inquiries and disseminated them to appropriate departments, ensuring prompt and accurate responses.
• • Wrote and edited content for company website, including news posts and FAQs, which improved website traffic by 15%.
• • Assisted in creating weekly media coverage reports that helped fine-tune future media strategies.
• • Conducted research and drafted content for various digital marketing materials to support multiple product launches.
• • Translated complex technical information into easy-to-understand copy, which improved internal communication clarity.
• • Collaborated with senior staff to develop press releases and media advisories, contributing to multiple successful PR campaigns.
• • Assisted in monitoring social media platforms, resulting in improved customer engagement and feedback.
• • Supported internal communication efforts by creating engaging content for the company's intranet.
• • Applied graphic design skills to enhance visual aspects of communication materials, receiving positive feedback from internal teams.

Communication professionals hold the key to connecting people, businesses, and ideas. They're the vital link that turns messages into meaningful interactions, driving collaboration and innovation. Without their expertise, countless voices would remain unheard and opportunities would be lost.

These specialists must possess exceptional writing and speaking skills, razor-sharp attention to detail, and the ability to analyze diverse situations quickly. They’re valued for their creativity, strategic thinking, and ability to manage multiple channels effectively. Your Communications resume should highlight these abilities to showcase just how indispensable you are in any organization. 

Communications Analyst Resume Example

Communications Analysts have a vital role in crafting and managing internal and external messaging for a company. You need to ensure your resume highlights experience in social media management, crafting press releases, coordinating media outreach, and analyzing communication metrics. Don't forget to emphasize your proficiency in tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Google Analytics, and CRM systems. Additionally, strong interpersonal skills, clarity in communication, and the ability to work in a team will set you apart. Remember, your resume is your chance to clearly showcase why you’re the ideal bridge between a company and its audience.

Internal Communications Manager Resume Example

An Internal Communications Manager plays a vital role in bridging the communication gap within various departments of a company. Your resume should detail your experience with drafting company-wide emails, organizing employee events, and managing the company intranet. Highlight your expertise with specific tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and intranet portals, along with proficiency in content management systems. Equally important are your people skills, including active listening, empathy, and the ability to motivate and lead teams effectively. Remember, your resume should be clear, quantifiable, and tailored to showcase how your communication strategies have made a tangible impact.

Director of Communications and Public Relations Resume Example

A Director of Communications and Public Relations has the crucial role of overseeing the way a company interacts with its audience, both externally and internally. Your resume should highlight responsibilities such as managing media relations, overseeing content creation, and crisis communication. Make sure to showcase your expertise in software such as Adobe Creative Suite, social media analytics tools, and CMS platforms like WordPress. You should also emphasize strong interpersonal skills, leadership abilities, and emotional intelligence. Remember to tailor your resume specifically to the job at hand, making sure it speaks directly to the unique needs of the company.

Communications Coordinator Resume Example

Communications Coordinators handle internal and external messaging, ensuring the company’s voice is consistent and effective. Your resume should list responsibilities like crafting press releases, managing social media accounts, and organizing events. Highlight hard skills such as proficiency in software like Adobe Creative Suite, social media analytics tools, and basic HTML. Soft skills such as strong verbal and written communication, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are just as important. Always remember that your resume should tell a compelling story about your achievements and how you drive results.

Communications Assistant Resume Example

Communications Assistants play a crucial role in a company by handling external communications, managing social media accounts, and creating content that boosts the brand's presence. It's important that their resumes include responsibilities like drafting press releases, assisting in event planning, and coordinating with different departments for promotional campaigns. Highlighting technical prowess with tools like Adobe Creative Suite, content management systems, and analytics software is key. Equally important are your interpersonal skills like effective collaboration, adaptability, and strong written and verbal communication. Remember, tailoring your resume to reflect specific job requirements and showcasing real-world accomplishments will make it stand out.

Corporate Communications Manager Resume Example

The Corporate Communications Manager at your company is responsible for crafting and delivering messages that foster a positive image and ensure consistent internal and external communication. Your resume should list responsibilities such as managing media relationships, overseeing internal communications, developing content strategies, and handling crisis communication. It's crucial to highlight skills in graphic design, content management systems, and social media analytics. Soft skills you'll want to showcase include strong verbal and written communication, leadership, and the ability to work well under pressure. Always remember that a well-crafted resume can set you apart by clearly demonstrating your unique contributions and specific value to potential employers.

Communications Manager Resume Example

Communications Managers in a company are responsible for managing the public image and messaging to both internal and external audiences. Your resume should highlight your experience in media relations, content creation, crisis communication, and social media strategy. Be sure to list hard skills like SEO, Adobe Creative Suite, and data analytics tools. Don't forget to include soft skills such as excellent verbal and written communication, leadership, and the ability to work well under pressure. Remember, your resume should clearly display measurable successes and relevant achievements.

Senior Communications Specialist Resume Example

Senior Communications Specialists oversee internal and external communications in a company, ensuring messaging aligns with corporate objectives. Your resume and responsibilities in this role should include content creation, media relations, crisis communications, and project management. Highlight your proficiency in software like Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and social media management platforms. Soft skills such as effective communication, team collaboration, and creativity are equally important to feature. Remember to quantify your achievements wherever possible to stand out.

Strategic Communications Manager Resume Example

In a company, a Strategic Communications Manager is responsible for crafting and delivering clear, compelling messages to internal and external audiences. When working on your resume, detail your experience in managing media relations, developing communication plans, and handling crisis communication. You should highlight hard skills like proficiency in content management systems (CMS), data analytics tools, and social media platforms. Don't forget to include your people skills such as strong verbal and written communication, teamwork, and the ability to influence others. Remember, your resume should make it easy for the reader to see the direct impact of your work on business outcomes.

Communications Consultant Resume Example

A Communications Consultant plays a key role in crafting and executing the communication strategies within a company. You should detail several responsibilities in your resume, such as developing branding initiatives, managing public relations efforts, and coordinating media outreach. Highlight your skills with tools like social media platforms, content management systems, and email marketing software. Don't forget to include your people skills like strong verbal communication, empathy, and the ability to work well in a team. Remember, your resume should reflect your capability to adapt to different communication styles and emergencies seamlessly.

Communications Specialist Resume Example

A Communications Specialist in a company handles the creation and distribution of information both internally and externally. On your resume, you should definitely list tasks such as managing social media, writing press releases, and coordinating public relations activities. Highlight your proficiency in tools like Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and social media management platforms. Make sure to showcase skills in teamwork, active listening, and maintaining positive relationships. Most importantly, keep your resume crisp and relevant to make a solid impression.

Communications Executive Resume Example

Communications Executives are in charge of shaping and directing a company's messaging and public image. When crafting your resume, include job roles such as overseeing public relations, creating communications strategies, managing social media accounts, and handling crisis communications. Highlight hard skills like proficiency in digital marketing tools, content management systems, and analytics software. People skills like strong writing, listening, empathy, and a knack for networking should be evident throughout your document. Always remember: your resume should tell a story that shows how you can elevate the company's brand and connect with its audience.

Digital Communications Manager Resume Example

As a Digital Communications Manager, you handle the online presence and digital strategy for your company. Your resume should list responsibilities like managing social media campaigns, creating digital content, and analyzing performance metrics. Highlight technical skills like proficiency in SEO, Google Analytics, and Adobe Creative Suite. Make sure to include people skills like effective communication, team collaboration, and the ability to manage deadlines. Always remember to align your resume to the specific requirements of the job you're applying for.

Communications Director Resume Example

A Communications Director in your company steers all aspects of internal and external communications, ensuring your brand’s message is clear and compelling. Make sure your resume highlights key responsibilities like managing media relations, overseeing social media strategies, and coordinating public relations efforts. You'll want to spotlight hard skills and software expertise, such as proficiency in PR tools, graphic design software, and analytics platforms. Don’t forget to mention people skills like leadership, problem-solving, and the ability to collaborate across departments seamlessly. Always tailor your communications resume to reflect experiences that showcase your ability to create a cohesive and dynamic message for your brand.

Vice President of Communications Resume Example

Vice Presidents of Communications are responsible for developing and implementing the company’s strategic communication plans. Your resume should showcase your leadership in media relations, crisis communication management, and content creation strategies. Highlight your proficiency with content management systems, SEO tools, and social media analytics platforms. Soft skills like strong interpersonal abilities, problem-solving, and team leadership are equally vital for your role. Remember, clarity and directness in your experience description can significantly impact its effectiveness.

Looking for more specific tips? Check all related jobs’ resume guides here:

• Communications Assistant resume
• Communications Specialist resume
• Communications Manager resume
• Communications Director resume
• Senior Communications Specialist resume
• Vice President of Communications resume
• Communications Coordinator resume
• Communications Consultant resume
• Internal Communications Manager resume
• Corporate Communications Manager resume
• Communications Analyst resume
• Digital Communications Manager resume
• Strategic Communications Manager resume
• Communications Executive resume
• Director of Communications and Public Relations resume

The most important tips for Communications resumes:

Craft a compelling summary: A strong summary at the top of your resume can catch a recruiter's eye and give them a quick idea of your top skills and experiences. This section should be a snapshot of your qualifications, highlighting your expertise in Communication. Keep it concise yet impactful, ideally within four to five sentences.

Showcase measurable achievements: Instead of listing job duties, focus on what you have accomplished in previous roles with real data. Provide specific examples that include quantifiable results, such as increased social media engagement or higher event attendance. This makes your contributions stand out and demonstrates your effectiveness.

Highlight relevant projects: Projects that showcase your skills in communication strategies, media relations, or content creation can be a focal point. Use bullet points to clearly describe your role, the project objectives, and the outcomes. Highlighting these projects shows your hands-on experience and practical skills.

Utilize a clean and professional format: A well-organized resume with a clear structure makes it easier for recruiters to find key information. Use headings, bullet points, and consistent formatting to enhance readability. Avoid overloading the resume with text and maintain plenty of white space.

Feature technical skills: Include any software or tools you are proficient with that are relevant to communication roles, such as Adobe Creative Suite, Hootsuite, or Google Analytics. Highlighting your familiarity with these tools shows that you can handle various aspects of modern communication tasks. Be specific about your level of proficiency.

Limit the length: Your resume should ideally be one to two pages. Focus on the most recent and relevant experiences, and avoid overloading with less significant details. This ensures that recruiters can quickly scan your resume and find the most pertinent information without being overwhelmed.

Must-Have Sections on a Communications Resume:

A resume for a Communications professional needs to contain specific sections that highlight key skills and experiences. Here are the main sections you should include:

• Contact information: Start with your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile. This allows potential employers to reach you. Your name is the first thing they see, and the contact information provides quick access for follow-ups.
• Summary statement: Write a concise paragraph that summarizes your years of experience, core skills, and career goals. It captures the employer's interest right away. This section serves as a quick snapshot of what you bring to the table.
• Work experience: List your previous job titles, employers, and dates of employment. Include bullet points with specific achievements and duties. This gives a detailed view of your hands-on skills and accomplishments.
• Education: Detail your educational background, including degrees earned and institutions attended. Mention relevant courses if they apply to the communications field. This shows you have the foundational knowledge necessary for the role.
• Skills: Create a bulleted list of key skills such as social media management, public speaking, and writing. Highlight both hard and soft skills relevant to communications. This section helps recruiters quickly assess your capabilities.
• Certifications: If you have any certifications, mention them here. They demonstrate specialized training and expertise. This can set you apart from other candidates with similar experiences.

In addition to these main sections, some additional sections can further enhance your resume:

• Professional affiliations: List any memberships in professional organizations. This shows you are committed to staying current in your field. It also indicates you are active within the professional community.
• Awards and honors: Mention any awards, recognitions, or honors you have received. These accolades add credibility and highlight your excellence. They further validate your professional accomplishments.
• Volunteer experience: Include any unpaid work that relates to communications. This shows you are passionate and engaged, even beyond your professional duties. It can also illustrate a diverse range of experiences.

How to Write Your Communications Resume Experience Section

Crafting a communications resume that resonates with potential employers is vital for landing your dream job. Highlighting your work experience effectively can set you apart from the competition. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, showcasing your skills and achievements is key. Below are practical tips you can use to strengthen your resume’s work experience section.

• Keep your job descriptions concise and focused on notable achievements, rather than just listing daily tasks. Mention specific projects you managed and the outcomes. This approach helps potential employers see the value you bring.
• Use relevant keywords from the job description to match your experiences with what the employer is looking for. Doing this can help your resume get past automated screening tools. It's especially useful for aligning your skills with the job requirements.
• Quantify your achievements whenever possible, as numbers attract attention and add credibility. For instance, stating that you "increased social media engagement by 45%" is more compelling than simply noting "increased social media engagement." It provides tangible evidence of your capabilities.
• Focus on action verbs like "coordinated," "directed," or "spearheaded" to start your bullet points. These verbs demonstrate leadership and initiative. They also make your resume more dynamic and engaging.
• Include specific examples of how you solved problems in your previous roles. Problem-solving skills are highly valued in the communications field. Showcasing these can give you a competitive edge.
• Emphasize collaborations and team projects, as communication often involves working with others. Highlight your role in these projects and the positive outcomes that resulted. This shows you're a team player.
• Tailor each resume submission to the specific job you're applying for. Customize your experience section to match the company’s needs and culture. Personalization can demonstrate that you're genuinely interested in that position.
• Avoid jargon that might be unfamiliar to someone outside your previous workplaces. Stick to language that's widely understood in the communications field. Clear and accessible language will make your resume more appealing.
• Don't forget to highlight any awards or recognitions you've received. These accolades can serve as an external validation of your skills and accomplishments. They add another layer of credibility to your profile.
• For entry-level positions, emphasize internships, volunteer work, coursework, and relevant projects. Lack of professional experience can be mitigated by showing initiative and eagerness to learn. Demonstrating your dedication through these activities can impress potential employers.

Moving forward, let's show examples of how to quantify your experience, outline the common responsibilities that HR managers look for in your resume, and provide guidance on tailoring it to job descriptions more effectively. For those at entry-level or internship positions, additional strategies will be discussed to help you present your best self on your resume.

Examples of How To Quantify Your Experience

• Orchestrated a comprehensive media campaign that resulted in a 35% increase in brand visibility within six months, leveraging social media, press releases, and blog posts.
• Led a team to enhance internal communications, resulting in a 50% reduction in employee turnover over a year by implementing regular newsletters, town hall meetings, and feedback forms.
• Managed public relations initiatives that secured 20 media placements in top-tier outlets, expanding the company's audience reach by 45% in one quarter.
• Developed a content strategy that boosted website traffic by 60%, through SEO optimization and targeted content creation, within a period of four months.
• Conducted audience analysis and tailored communication strategies that improved customer engagement rates by 40%, as evidenced by increased open and click-through rates in email campaigns.
• Successfully coordinated a year-long corporate rebranding effort that increased brand loyalty by 25%, based on post-rebranding customer surveys.
• Spearheaded crisis communication protocols that minimized potential damages, maintaining a 95% positive sentiment score on social media during critical incidents.
• Implemented training workshops that increased employee communication skills by 30%, as reflected by performance review scores and peer feedback.
• Created an internal knowledge base that saved the support team 200 hours annually, improving information accessibility and employee productivity.
• Launched a targeted influencer marketing campaign that generated a 50% increase in social media engagement and a 20% growth in follower count over a span of three months.
• Authored and distributed 15 press releases annually, garnering a 70% media pick-up rate and enriching the company's public profile.
• Directed a video marketing campaign that accumulated over 1 million views and increased product inquiries by 40%, significantly boosting lead generation efforts.
• Organized community outreach programs that increased local partnership opportunities by 30%, enhancing the company's community involvement and social responsibility image.
• Enhanced internal newsletters that achieved a 75% open rate, significantly improving employee awareness of company news and initiatives.
• Drove the creation of a redesigned intranet portal, which increased user engagement by 50% and improved overall employee satisfaction with internal communications tools.

Job Description Bullet Points on Communications Resumes:

• Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies to effectively deliver key organizational messages to diverse internal and external audiences.
• Draft, review, and edit content for press releases, newsletters, blog posts, social media, and corporate communications materials.
• Coordinate with marketing, sales, and other departments to ensure message alignment and effective dissemination of information across all platforms.
• Monitor media outlets and identify opportunities to enhance the organization’s public image and respond to potential reputational risks.
• Plan, organize, and execute high-profile events, including press conferences, media briefings, and community outreach activities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and manage relationships with journalists, influencers, and other key stakeholders.
• Analyze communication metrics and KPIs to assess the effectiveness of communication campaigns and make data-driven improvements.
• Create and manage content calendars to ensure timely and relevant content is consistently delivered across multiple channels.
• Develop crisis communication plans and serve as the lead in managing communication efforts during emergencies or organizational changes.
• Conduct research to stay informed on industry trends, competitor communications, and emerging technologies to innovate communication strategies.
• Prepare and deliver presentations and reports to senior management on communication efforts, outcomes, and recommendations for future initiatives.
• Facilitate internal communication and employee engagement by developing and distributing internal newsletters, bulletins, and announcements.
• Ensure all communication materials adhere to brand guidelines and maintain a consistent voice and tone reflective of the organization’s values.
• Train and support organizational spokespeople and leadership in effective communication techniques, media interaction, and public speaking.
• Manage communication budgets and resources, including the selection and oversight of external vendors and consultants.

How to Tailor Your Communications Resume To the Job Description:

• Identify key phrases mentioned in the job description and integrate them into your descriptions. Highlight this skill or experience in a project you led. Your goal is to mirror the language used by the employer.
• Show how you have effectively communicated within different teams to meet objectives. If the job requires working closely with senior management, emphasize instances where this was crucial. Your narrative should reflect their priorities and collaboration needs.
• Choose specific examples where your work had measurable impacts that align with the job’s objectives. Use quantifiable results to add value. Employers appreciate seeing direct outcomes from your efforts.
• Illustrate your adaptability in different communication scenarios that likely mirror those of the potential employer. An example could range from crisis communication to content creation. Demonstrating versatility can resonate with recruiters.
• Emphasize technical skills and software proficiencies that match what the job ad seeks. If the position calls for experience with specific tools, detail your expertise with those applications. Seamlessly interweave these into your overall experiences.
• Contextualize your achievements by mentioning the sectors or industries where you gained your most relevant experience. If you’re applying to a tech company, focus on your related experience. Relate how those backgrounds prepared you for similar challenges at their organization.

How to Write Your Resume Summary/Objective Section

Crafting a compelling resume objective for a Communications role is pivotal, especially for a position targeting low experience applicants. Your objective needs to highlight your enthusiasm, foundational knowledge, and readiness to grow within the company. Think of it as your concise pitch, selling your passion and potential to make meaningful contributions. It's your chance to outline how your skills align with the job requirements.

The resume summary and objective cater to different job seekers; a summary highlights your experience and qualifications, whereas an objective focuses on your career goals and what you aim to achieve in the role. For Communications positions requiring little experience, an objective is fitting to express your eagerness to learn and your aspirations. On the other hand, seasoned professionals in Communications might prefer a summary to showcase their extensive background. Understanding which to use can greatly enhance your resume's impact.

• Highlight your passion for communications by mentioning any relevant coursework or projects. This shows that you have a solid foundation and are eager to expand your knowledge. Be specific about the skills you've acquired and how they make you a good fit for the job.
• Mention any internships or volunteer work related to communications. Even if your experience is limited, this signals your proactive approach to gaining relevant experience. Share what you learned and how it prepared you for a professional role.
• Showcase your goal of contributing to the company’s communication strategies. Employers like to see that you’ve thought about how you can positively impact their organization. Frame it in a way that reflects your ambition and readiness to take on challenges.
• Emphasize your willingness to learn and adapt. Acknowledge that the role will offer a lot of learning opportunities. This displays humility and an understanding that you'll grow alongside the company.
• Connect any personal qualities that make you an excellent communicator. Traits like being articulate, a good listener, and empathetic can set you apart. Provide a brief example to make it more relatable.
• Refer to the company's values or specific projects to show that you've done your research. This personal touch can make your objective stand out. It indicates genuine interest in the position and the organization.

Next, we'll provide some actual examples to help you see these tips in action, giving you a better idea of how to shape your own resume objective.

Resume’s personal statement examples:

• Exceptionally skilled communication specialist with over 10 years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, and content development. Proven ability to drive brand awareness and engagement through innovative messaging strategies.
• Dynamic communications manager with a robust history in digital marketing, social media campaigns, and stakeholder engagement. Adept at crafting compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
• Results-oriented communications director with extensive experience in crisis communication, media relations, and internal communications. Demonstrated success in managing high-profile campaigns and leading cross-functional teams.
• Creative and analytical entry-level communications intern with a passion for storytelling and a comprehensive understanding of digital media trends. Eager to leverage academic knowledge and hands-on experiences to support organizational communication goals.
• Strategic communications analyst with expertise in research, data analysis, and performance metrics. Skilled in developing actionable insights to optimize communication strategies and enhance audience engagement.
• Enthusiastic communications assistant with strong organizational skills and a background in content creation and event planning. Committed to contributing to team success and providing exceptional support in all communication initiatives.

Top Resume Skills for Communications

In the dynamic field of Communications, professionals strive to excel in various core competencies. Being an effective communicator requires not only clarity in verbal and written skills but also an understanding of audience engagement. A strategic mindset, creative thinking, and media management expertise are pivotal. As the landscape of media continues to grow, these skills become increasingly valuable and interconnected.

Practical tips for your resume’s skills section

• Highlight your proficiency in various forms of communication such as public speaking, writing, and digital content creation. These skills demonstrate your versatility and capability to reach different audiences effectively. You should relate these skills to your past experiences to give them context.
• Emphasize your media management abilities by listing platforms you are familiar with, such as social media, blogs, and traditional media outlets. Providing examples of campaigns or projects you've handled successfully can make a significant impact. This shows your practical experience and adaptability to different media channels.
• Include any relevant technological skills, such as video editing software, graphic design tools, or content management systems. These skills illustrate your technical proficiency, which is invaluable in communications roles. Make sure to be specific about the software or tools to highlight your expertise.
• Detail your ability to perform audience research and analytics, which helps in crafting targeted messages. Mentioning tools or methods used for these tasks can provide insight into your analytical skills. This competency is critical for data-driven decision-making in communication strategies.
• Showcase your project management capabilities by mentioning any campaigns or initiatives you've led. Highlighting your organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines will add value to your resume. This aspect is crucial as it reflects your capability to manage comprehensive communication projects.
• Don't forget to list any language skills if you are multilingual, as this can be a significant asset in communications. It opens up possibilities for international communication and engagement. Be sure to note your level of proficiency in each language.

Now, let’s move forward to presenting a comprehensive list of skills tailored for a Communications professional.

Top Hard Skills for Communications Resumes

• Public Speaking
• Content Creation
• Media Relations
• Crisis Communication
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Press Release Writing
• Internal Communications
• Social Media Management
• Event Planning
• Data Analysis
• Copywriting
• Video Production
• Web Analytics
• Project Management

Top Soft Skills for Communications Resumes

• Adaptability
• Problem-Solving
• Time Management
• Emotional Intelligence
• Active Listening
• Conflict Resolution
• Attention to Detail
• Interpersonal Skills
• Collaboration
• Stress Management

Include a Communications Cover Letter for a Stand-Out Application

Cover Letter Writing Tips for Communications Applicants

Writing a solid cover letter for a Communications position is a critical step in your job search. This document acts as your personal marketing tool, showcasing skills and experiences directly to potential employers. A well-crafted cover letter not only complements your resume but also gives insight into your personality and suitability for the role. It's your opportunity to make that compelling first impression.

Practical advice for your cover letter:

• Start with a strong opening statement that grabs attention. Mention the job title and where you found the listing. Show enthusiasm for the opportunity and the company.
• Research the company thoroughly before writing. Highlight mutual goals and values in your letter. This demonstrates genuine interest and fits their culture.
• Use specific examples of your past achievements. Quantify results when possible, like improved engagement rates by 20%. Specificity makes your claims more credible.
• Acknowledge key industry trends or challenges. Explain how your skill set addresses these areas. Highlight your proactive approach to staying updated.
• Personalize each cover letter for the specific job and company. Avoid using a generic template. Tailoring shows you're detail-oriented and interested.
• Explain why you're the perfect fit for the role. Connect your background directly to the job description. Use keywords from the listing to strengthen your case.
• Keep the language professional yet engaging. Show some personality without being overly casual. It's about finding the right balance.
• Discuss your communication skills with examples. Mention successful campaigns, projects, or presentations. Demonstrate your ability to convey messages effectively.
• Wrap up your cover letter with a call to action. Express your interest in an interview. Make it clear you're looking forward to further discussing your fit for the role.
• Proofread your letter multiple times before sending it. Typos or grammatical errors can leave a negative impression. Consider asking someone else to review it.

Now, let's focus on aligning your cover letter with your resume, ensuring consistency and a strong narrative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should my communications resume be one page or longer.

Given your wealth of experience in communications, your resume can extend beyond one page. This allows you to showcase your diverse skill set, numerous roles, and significant accomplishments that one page can't adequately cover. However, it is vital to keep the content relevant and concise, ensuring that each section adds value and supports your candidacy for the job.

What is the best format for a Communications resume?

For a Communications Manager position, a reverse-chronological format is often the best choice. This format allows you to present your most recent experiences first, highlighting your career progression and the roles you've successfully undertaken. Employers can quickly identify your latest achievements and how your experience aligns with their needs, providing a clear and compelling narrative of your professional journey.

What should I highlight on my Communications resume to stand out?

Highlight your strategic communication planning, media relations expertise, and successful campaigns. Demonstrating how you've contributed to a company's branding or public relations efforts can set you apart. Include measurable outcomes of your initiatives, such as increased audience engagement or media coverage. Showcasing your writing, editing, and content creation skills will also make a strong impression.

What are some action verbs I should use on my Communications resume?

To convey your achievements effectively, use action verbs like produced, initiated, orchestrated, and developed. These terms frame your roles and responsibilities as proactive and impactful. Words like collaborated, led, and managed can demonstrate your ability to work in teams and lead projects. Highlighting your proactive stance will give potential employers confidence in your ability to take meaningful action.

For more inspiration, why not check out our free resource of job-focused resume examples?

Realtors are the lifeblood of the housing market, connecting people with their dream homes and investment opportunities. Their role goes beyond just selling properties; they build communities and create lifelong relationships. Without their dedication and expertise, finding the perfect home would be almost impossible. To excel in this field, one needs sharp negotiation skills and keen market insight. These professionals must be adept at assessing property values, understanding client needs, and maintaining clear communication. When you're crafting a Realtor resume, make sure it highlights your unique skills and experiences to show potential employers why you're the best fit for the job.

Digital Marketing Consultant

When creating a resume for a digital marketing consultant position in 2024, there are a few key aspects to consider: Length: Keep your resume concise and to the point. Aim for a maximum of two pages. Design: Opt for a clean and professional design that reflects your industry expertise. Format: Use a combination of headings, subheadings, ordered and unordered bullet points, bold, and italic to organize and emphasize your information. While the specific sections may vary based on your individual experience, there are several popular sections that are essential for a digital marketing consultant resume: Contact Information: Include your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. Summary Statement: Craft a concise summary highlighting your key skills and qualifications. Experience: Provide details about your relevant work experience, using the Context-Action-Result (CAR) framework. Education: Showcase your educational background, including degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework. Skills: List both technical and soft skills that are relevant to the digital marketing consultant role. Achievements: Highlight any notable achievements or accomplishments in your career. Projects: Include any relevant projects you have worked on, providing specific details and results. While these sections are crucial, there are also optional sections that can further enhance your resume, such as: Professional Certifications: If you have obtained any industry certifications, be sure to include them. Languages: If you are fluent in multiple languages, it can be beneficial to mention them. Publications: If you have authored or contributed to any relevant publications, include them to showcase your expertise. The Context-Action-Result (CAR) framework is an effective way to demonstrate your experience and achievements. Here are a few examples of bullet points using this framework for a digital marketing consultant: Context: Developed and implemented a comprehensive social media strategy for a startup company. Action: Created engaging content, managed social media accounts, and ran targeted ad campaigns. Result: Increased the company's social media following by 150% and generated a 50% boost in website traffic within six months. Context: Led a digital marketing campaign for a global e-commerce brand. Action: Conducted market research, optimized SEO strategies, and created compelling email marketing campaigns. Result: Achieved a 30% increase in online sales and a 20% improvement in email open rates, contributing to a record-breaking quarter for the company. By using the CAR framework, you can clearly showcase your contributions and the positive impact you have made in your previous roles. When creating your digital marketing consultant resume, keep these key takeaways in mind: Keep your resume concise and well-organized. Include essential sections such as contact information, summary statement, experience, education, skills, achievements, and projects. Consider optional sections such as professional certifications, languages, and publications to further enhance your resume. Use the Context-Action-Result (CAR) framework to effectively describe your experience and achievements. By following these guidelines, you can create a strong digital marketing consultant resume that highlights your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments, increasing your chances of landing your dream job in 2024.

Branch Sales Manager

When creating a resume for the role of a Branch Sales Manager in 2024, it's crucial to pay attention to certain formatting aspects. Here are some important considerations: Length: Keep your resume concise and focused by limiting it to one or two pages. Recruiters often spend only a few seconds scanning each resume, so make every word count. Design: Opt for a clean and professional design that enhances readability. Avoid excessive colors or font styles that may distract the reader. Remember, simplicity is key. Format: Use a chronological format to highlight your relevant work experience. Start with your most recent role and work backward. This format allows recruiters to easily track your career progression. When it comes to including sections in your Branch Sales Manager resume, there are a few essential ones that you should definitely include: Contact Information: This section should contain your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile link. Ensure that this information is accurate and up to date. Summary/Objective Statement: A well-crafted summary or objective statement can provide a snapshot of your qualifications and career goals. Tailor this section to highlight your specific skills and how they align with the company's needs. Work Experience: This section should showcase your relevant professional experience. Use the Context-Action-Result framework to effectively illustrate your achievements. For example: Context: Increased branch sales revenue by 30% in six months. Action: Developed and implemented a strategic sales plan targeting untapped markets. Result: Generated $500,000 in additional sales and exceeded quarterly targets. Education: Include your educational background, focusing on relevant degrees, certifications, and training. This section indicates your level of expertise and commitment to self-improvement. Skills: Highlight your key skills, such as sales management, team leadership, strategic planning, and customer relationship management. Use bullet points to provide a clear overview of your strengths. As a Branch Sales Manager, your resume should be concise, well-structured, and tailored to showcase your relevant experience and skills. Remember these key takeaways: Format your resume with a clean design and use a chronological format. Include sections such as contact information, summary/objective statement, work experience, education, and skills. Apply the Context-Action-Result framework to highlight your achievements and quantify your impact. Showcase your strengths and skills through bullet points in the skills section. Proofread your resume and ensure accuracy in all details. Following these guidelines will help you create a compelling Branch Sales Manager resume that stands out to potential employers and increases your chances of landing an interview.

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Communication skills: how to demonstrate them on your resume

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Communication Skills on Resume: What Do Recruiters Look For?

Need to demonstrate communication skills to land a job? Copy these examples and follow these practical tips for showing those skills on your resume.

3 years ago   •   8 min read

"This role requires excellent written and verbal communication skills."

If this line looks familiar, that’s because it’s on nearly every job description. It’s kind of a no-brainer — nearly every job requires some form of communication, so employers want to see evidence of those skills on your resume.

The question is, how do you convince a hiring manager you have what it takes based on your resume alone? How do you show you have great communication skills without simply stating that you’re “great at communication.”

In this article, we’ll discuss how to show your strong communication skills through detailed examples, the best competitive communication skills to highlight on your resume, and what recruiters are really looking for when they ask for good communication.

Why is communication so important

Communication is a hidden skill — you use it all the time, but rarely notice it. In some jobs, the need for clear communication is obvious, like if the position involves a lot of writing or public speaking . In others, it’s more subtle, but things like taking direction, working with clients, and conflict resolution are all clear forms of workplace communication. Every position, no matter the field, can benefit from good communication, hence why it’s a must-have for your resume.

How to demonstrate communication skills on your resume

Here are the top tips for listing communication skills on your resume:

• Remove vague words like “communication skills”, and instead, list detailed, specific examples of times you’ve communicated well.
• Review the job description to identify the kinds of communication skills the job is looking for, such as presenting, influencing, managing, and written communication, and detail your experience with these particular skills.
• Use strong action verbs and quantified results to create memorable statements. For example, instead of writing “Responsible for communication,” state that you “orchestrated a communication strategy that increased team efficiency by 30%.”
• Use bullet points to make your points easy to scan.
• Highlight relevant hard skills like languages that show your ability to communicate well.

Now, let’s dive into what skills recruiters are really looking for when they ask for “good communication” and the best examples of communication skills to include on your resume.

What recruiters mean by “good communication skills”

When recruiters ask for candidates with good communication skills, they’re not just looking for people who know how to chat around the office. They’re looking for candidates who can effectively communicate with colleagues and clients, discuss performance, resolve conflicts, and have experience communicating in their particular professional setting - be it a team environment, a remote workplace, social media, or delivering presentations.

The best way to determine what type of communication each particular role requires is to look at the job description. Here is a list of commonly sought-after communication skills you’ll likely see listed in a variety of job postings:

• Speaking and listening
• Negotiating
• Teamwork and relationship building
• Sales and pitching
• Business writing
• Social media
• Visual communication
• Marketing copy
• Giving and accepting feedback

If you’re looking to get more specific, check out our list of skills and keywords , broken down by your industry and job title.

Where to list communication skills on your resume

Communication is a soft skill, which means the do’s and don’ts of listing it on your resume are simple:

• Don’t list communication in your skills section or write that you have “excellent communication skills.” When it comes to communication, you need to show, not tell!
• Do describe accomplishments that involve good communication throughout your resume, in your work experience, resume summary, and education section.
• Do mention hard skills related to communication in your skills section, such as language proficiency and digital tools like Slack or Teams.
• Do use your resume itself as an example of good communication. This means proper grammar, no spelling mistakes, and good punctuation.

How to describe communication on your resume

The first step in highlighting good communication skills is to avoid repeating the same word or phrase over and over. When building your bullet points, try these action verbs instead:

• Interpreted
• Corresponded

Top communication skills to put on your resume - with examples

Here are the top communication skills to list on your resume that are relevant to almost all industries, with examples of how to showcase these skills through quantified bullet points.

Conflict resolution

Whether you're negotiating million-dollar contracts or resolving customer complaints, conflict resolution is a critical skill in any workplace. It involves handling disputes effectively, mediating between parties, and arriving at mutually beneficial solutions. On your resume, illustrate these skills by explaining an issue, how you resolved it, and what benefits your company gained. For example:

• Supported management with handling and resolving human resources issues, decreasing employee complaints by 70%.
• Resolve customer disputes and enhanced customer satisfaction ratings by 25%.

Digital tools and social media expertise

In today's digital environment, proficiency in modern communication tools like Slack, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams is essential, while social media expertise is increasingly in demand for marketing and customer-facing roles. Demonstrating your ability to effectively use these tools can set you apart in a competitive job market.

Describe your skills by detailing what particular tools you’re proficient with, and include results-based data, such as social media campaigns you’ve run or the number of teams you've collaborated with on Slack. For example:

• Efficiently managed team projects and communications across global time zones using Slack and Zoom, leading to a 40% increase in project delivery efficiency.
• Directed 10+ social media campaigns for RSP clients on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Leading meetings and team collaboration

Discussing leading meetings and team projects highlights your ability to convey ideas, engage with audiences, and facilitate group interaction. These skills reflect not only good communication but also leadership and management skills. To show this, describe an accomplishment demonstrating your ability to manage personnel, host meetings, or coordinate reports and other correspondence. For example:

• Managed international stakeholders in India, United Kingdom, and Hong Kong by hosting daily standups and coordinating weekly status reports.

Verbal and written communication skills

Highlight both your verbal and written communication skills by mentioning presentations, reports, emails, or projects. Include hard numbers — like the number of marketing emails you wrote, new leads generated, or major accounts you landed — to show the positive outcome of your involvement. For example:

• Wrote and produced 100+ client prospecting video emails, leading to 50+ leads and landing major accounts.

Delivering education and training

Training others is an invaluable skill that showcases leadership, communication, and conflict resolution. If you've led training, mentored new staff, or guided clients through a complicated process, highlight these accomplishments. For example:

• Directed and advised 10+ business partners through annual talent assessments, discussions, and proactively pipelining for future openings.

Communicating with clients

Building relationships with clients is another soft skill closely related to communication. Creating a positive atmosphere, maintaining client relationships, and reaching out to community partners are all valuable skills. Including metrics elevates your bullet points from subjective to objective. For example:

• Established and maintained positive internal and community relations through on-site recruitment and telecommunications, ensuring 93% community acceptance.

How to show communication skills in different sections of your resume

As mentioned above, you can showcase great communication skills throughout your resume, as well as in your cover letter, online profiles, and during any professional correspondence. Here is how to showcase different communication skills in various sections of your resume:

Under professional work experience

The work experience section of your resume is the best place to list communication skills. You don’t need to have worked in a communication-heavy role to do this — every job uses communication skills. Using the job description as a starting point, identify what kind of communication skills the position requires and address each one with a bullet point accomplishment.

Once you’ve done that, use the tool below to search for skills for the job you’re applying to. You also have the option of adding in your resume — the tool will quickly scan it and tell you which skills are missing and which you need to add.

Through education, projects, and activities

If you don’t have a lot of paid work experience, or you’re struggling to find examples of good communication, that’s okay. Personal or academic projects and extracurricular activities can be used to show excellent communication skills, especially if you’re a current student or recent graduate.Use action-focused bullet points for these, too, and include metrics wherever possible.

In your hard skills section

You shouldn’t list communication in the skills section of your resume, but you can list hard skills that demonstrate strong communication. Language proficiency , is a great skill to inclide here, as well as particualr digital communication tools, such as Slack, Zoom, Trello, or Microsoft Teams.

In your cover letter

Showing most soft skills on a resume is difficult because there’s no way for hiring managers to evaluate those skills for themselves. Communication is an exception to this rule — Your resume itself, and in particular your cover letter , is a direct example of your written communication skills. Make sure your application, and any other communications, are well-written, succinct, and error-free by always proofreading to catch any errors.

Common mistakes to avoid when showcasing communication skills

Here are some key pitfalls to watch out for when trying to showcase good communication skills on your resume:

• Overusing generic phrases : Avoid vague language and overused terms like "excellent communication skills" or "strong communicator." These phrases are too general and don't provide a clear picture of your actual abilities.
• Lacking specific examples : Failing to provide concrete examples where your communication skills made a positive impact is a common mistake. Employers want real-world examples that demonstrate your skills in action.
• Not tailoring your examples to the job : Not tailoring your communication skills to the specific job you're applying for can be a missed opportunity. Highlight aspects of your communication that align with the job description.
• Neglecting digital communication skills : In today's digital world, not showcasing your proficiency with modern communication tools like Slack, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams can be a significant oversight.
• Overstating your abilities : Be honest about your level of proficiency. Overstating your skills can lead to challenges if you're unable to meet the expectations set by your resume.

Top-Tip: Create personal branding through good communication

One crucial aspect often overlooked when showcasing communication skills is the role these skills play in personal branding. Personal branding is about how you present yourself to potential employers and the unique mix of skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate. Think of it as your USP, or unique selling point.

When you describe your communication skills, think about how these skills have helped you achieve results and how they reflect your professional brand. For instance, if your selling point is that you’re an effective team leader, highlight instances where your communication skills facilitated team success or resolved conflicts. Or if your brand is about being innovative, highlight how your communication skills have been pivotal in driving change or adopting new technologies in your previous roles.

Ensuring that this theme, or “personal branding”, is reflected throughout your resume can transform a list of job duties into a compelling narrative, painting a picture of a dynamic and capable professional.

Find out how well you score on communication skills

The most important thing to remember when listing communication skills on your resume is show don’t tell . An easy way to check if you’ve actually shown hiring managers your strong communication skills is to upload your resume to the tool below. It’ll tell you if your resume has shown enough communication skills, as well as other soft skills like leadership or problem-solving skills.

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100 Communication Skills for Your Resume

Find 100 good communication skills (verbal, written, interpersonal) you can use on your resume and how to list communication skills on your resume.

Effective communication skills are undoubtedly one of the most sought-after skills in today’s world of technology.

Communication is now multifaceted and multi-channel.

It doesn’t matter how good you are at the core skills of your job if you are not good at communicating with team members or stakeholders effectively. Work gets hindered and your career progress gets stalled.

The art of communication is of eminent importance not only in the world of sales and marketing but in all careers and in our day-to-day lives.

So it is quite obvious that your potential employer will be on the lookout for effective communications skills on your resume.

Here are 10 of the best communication skills for your resume:

• Collaborative Mindset
• Conflict Management
• Negotiation
• Presentation Skills
• Public Speaking
• Team Building

But let’s not stop here. There are so many other communication skills that are very useful for different career options.

What Are Communication Skills?

Communication skills are defined as the abilities needed to exchange information between you and others. These skills involve giving and receiving both verbal and non-verbal information.

When you are writing a resume, it’s important to note that there are three distinctly different types of communication skills.

Three Types of Communication Skills:

• Verbal communication skills are all the skills that help you with job speaking to colleagues or customers (i.e. phone kills, presentational skills, persuasion).
• Written communication skills include the skills you need to write anything in your job, from emails to presentations to legal briefs.
• Interpersonal communication skills are the skills that help you understand and work with other people effectively. These skills would be adaptability, empathy, flexibility, etc.

We’ve researched 100 communication skills for your resume and categorized them for your convenience. Check out the list and choose the skills that are relevant to the jobs you are applying for.

Read on to see these skills in action!

Verbal Communication Skills For Your Resume

Verbal communication is the most used and perhaps the most important mode of communication in our daily life.

Ask anyone with communication anxiety about the importance of using the right words with the right tone and voice in front of an audience.

A slight mispronunciation can throw you off-track during a presentation, as the presenter or audience member.

The same is true for our day-to-day office activities.

Use the following verbal communication skills on your resume to show that you are a pro at this.

Not required for most jobs other than the entertainment industry. But putting it on your resume can show that you are a good communicator.

2. Active Listening

If you don’t listen to others, how would you know what to say to them? Active listening is a must for effective verbal communication.

3. Articulation

Being able to speak clearly and present your ideas coherently and effectively is a skill that everyone would like to have.

4. Assertiveness

There are situations when we must be assertive to present an idea or opinion. But not everyone can do it in a polite manner. It’s a skill that you can master with practice.

Speaking with clarity and making sense to each and every person in your audience is one of the basics of effective verbal communication.

6. Conciseness

We want to know what we want to know quickly. Concision is a virtue.

7. Confidence

Speaking with confidence keeps your audience assured and engaged. A lack of confidence in you will sow doubts in others’ minds about your capabilities.

8. Conflict Management

Among colleagues, subordinates, or customers, conflicts must be handled. You can solve conflicts with your empathetic verbal communication and problem-solving skills.

9. Consensus Driving Skills

Having the ability to get multiple people on the same page is a difficult task that involves understanding different viewpoints, conveying ideas, and some persuasion.

10. Counseling Skills

If you have counseling skills, that means you know how to use words to soothe minds in distress. It’s also a great leadership trait to include on your resume.

11. Debating Skills

They may not be explicitly required for the job, but having this skill means you are a good speaker and critical thinker.

12. Eloquent Speaking

Fluent or eloquent oratory skills enable you to express your ideas, emotions, and incidents in an easy-to-follow and effective manner.

13. Expressing Complex Ideas

Verbal communication is about expressing facts, ideas, and emotions. Expressing complex ideas so that your audience understands them demonstrates your ability to process information and communicate it.

14. Imagination

The more imaginative you are, the more ways of problem-solving and expressing yourself are at your disposal.

15. Inquisition

Another element of active listening is being responsive and asking the right questions to gain insight. It lets you pinpoint the pain points of your audience and address them.

16. Literary Device Skills

Devices like similes, metaphors, analogies, and others help in expressing complex and abstract ideas in an easy-to-grasp manner.

17. Motivational Speaking

People need motivation every now and then and you know how to provide it. This could be one-on-one with a colleague or in front of an audience.

18. Multilingualism

If you know more than one language, you can show it off on your resume. It also indicates that you are ready to learn new things.

19. Open-Mindedness

You should not let your biases and judgments affect your communication. Open-mindedness is a much-needed communication skill in today’s world.

20. Persuasion

Persuasion is tricky. You always risk being too “salesy”. But there’s a sweet spot for being convincing without being pushy and it’s a highly sought-after skill.

21. Phone Skills

Knowing phone call etiquette and having stellar phone conversation skills are required for jobs involving phone calls with customers or other team members.

22. Presentation Skills

Presentation skills are very useful in an office setup. Not everyone can give an effective presentation, so if you have presentation skills, make it known on your resume.

23. Public Speaking Skills

Speaking effectively and clearly in front of an audience requires both verbal and non-verbal communication skills.

24. Quick Thinking

There are situations when we feel at a loss for words. You have to be a quick thinker to get out of these situations quickly.

25. Sense of Humor

A sense of humor can go a long way in more professions than you think. Customer-facing, marketing, and human resources roles can all benefit from someone who can crack a joke and a smile.

26. Storytelling

Who doesn’t love stories? Weaving storytelling techniques into verbal communication keeps your audience attentive and entertained.

27. Vocal Tone Sensitivity

Using vocal tones and pitch is an essential element of effective verbal communication. It enables your communication to be deeper and more powerful.

Written Communication Skills For Your Resume

Written communication skills are the core of many jobs and almost all jobs require you to have some kind of written communication skills.

Moreover, as a significant portion of office communication is happening online, written communication skills have assumed further importance.

Check out some of the most sought-after written communication skills below.

28. Blogging

Blogging is a great written communication skill. It denotes creativity and depth of understanding.

29. Business Analysis Writing

Similar to business writing, but more focused on comparative study between companies or business models. Add to your resume for any writing or business-related positions.

30. Business Writing

This is a great writing skill to add to your resume for any kind of job. Apart from writing, this also shows that you have business acumen.

31. Content Strategy

A must-have for marketing jobs today. It’s a huge skill consisting of many sub-skills like SEO. It denotes you are familiar with the new media landscape.

32. Content Writing

Adding content writing skills to your resume will show that you are good at writing as well as research.

33. Copywriting

Listing copywriting skills is a must for any digital marketing-related job. It is also useful for any job where you are required to do text-based work.

34. Correspondence

Effective office and business correspondence is a must-have skill for many jobs, especially office assistance and customer support professions.

35. Creative Writing

The ability to write creative pieces not only shows your writing ability but also your creativity. This skill is essential for artistic career fields.

36. Editing

A must-have skill for writing-heavy jobs. Include it whenever the job responsibilities include written communication.

37. Effective Message Writing

Essential for jobs in the communications field. Putting it on your resume will show you understand audience targeting.

38. Email Writing

Emailing is one of the essential written communication skills. You need to know what to say and how to say it correctly.

39. Financial Report Writing

If the job is related to finance, you should consider including this written communication skill on your resume. It also does well for any writing-related jobs or managerial positions.

Grammar Knowledge

We all know technology can do most of this for us in some jobs, but having a keen eye and a thorough understanding of grammar rules is essential for some roles.

40. Investigative Writing

Indicates your attention to detail, research skills, and critical thinking ability.

41. Legal Writing

A job-specific requirement. List it if the job descriptions hint at the ability to handle legal documents.

42. Pitch Deck Writing

Writing wonderful pitch decks will make you the boss’ favorite in no time. It also expresses your business acumen.

43. Playwriting

Not required in most cases, other than jobs in the entertainment industry. But having it means you are good with words and expressing ideas.

44. Poetry Writing

Writing poetry shows you are creative and imaginative. It can also show that you have a deeper level of sensitivity and emotional intelligence.

45. Presentation Writing

Writing a stellar presentation is almost 70% of the job of giving an impeccable presentation.

46. Press Release Writing

Often required for many positions in public relations, public affairs, and mass communications. Having this ability would prove you to be an asset to the team.

47. Proofreading

Having this skill means you will keep office correspondence and documents flawless.

48. Report Writing

Previous experience and your ability to describe and analyze all the crucial business updates for your office meetings will make you stand out among others.

49. Research

No writing is possible without research. Even creative writing requires it to some extent. So, add it to your resume as needed.

50. Screenwriting

Required for some specific jobs in the entertainment industry. Having this skill means you are creative.

51. Social Media Skills

Social media management and writing are popular skills sought after for digital marketing positions.

52. Speech Writing

Not always required. But having it would benefit you for certain jobs, like office assistant, personal assistant, etc.

53. Summarizing

The ability to summarize events or documents concisely and accurately can be an important communication skill to have.

54. Technical Writing

Applying to a tech company? Having this skill will denote that you are familiar with the technology landscape.

55. Translation

If you know more than one language, translation is a great written communication skill to show off on your resume.

56. Visual communication

Having this skill allows you to convey ideas through visual formats such as infographics, charts, animation, etc.

57. Web Communication

A must for jobs that require constant communication over the internet, i.e. customer support.

Interpersonal Communication Skills For Your Resume

Interpersonal communication skills are essential for our day-to-day operations.

These skills describe how you work with other people in a work environment. These skills are especially important for leadership roles in an organization.

Let’s have a look at some of the best interpersonal communications skills to put on your resume.

58. Adaptability

Having adaptability means you excel at change management and can read changing situations easily.

59. Approachability

Approachability indicates how easy you are to work with. It shows that you are open to discussions with your team.

60. Coaching and Training

Having the ability to teach and coach others is a great asset to have in any employee or leader.

61. Collaborative Mindset

Required for working on teams and building lasting client relationships. Effective collaboration makes work effortless.

62. Convergent Thinking

A problem-solving tool used to arrive at a concrete answer using logical reasoning. Show off your logic and problem-solving skills.

63. Courtesy

A basic skill that we all should have. But being courteous in the most difficult of situations is a great skill to master.

64. Creative Thinking

A must for creative fields. But having it on your resume for business-related jobs also fares well.

65. Cross-Cultural Communication

A much-needed skill in today’s world of globalization. You need to constantly engage with people from various cultures across the globe.

66. Diplomacy

Although required on a daily basis, it is essential for jobs involving international relations.

67. Divergent Thinking

A problem-solving tool that uses multiple possible solutions to come up with ideas or answers. Show that you are creative and open-minded.

68. Emotional Intelligence

An underrated interpersonal skill. Emotional intelligence plays a significant role in rapport building by forming an understanding of others at an emotional level.

69. Empathy

A must for your personal as well as professional life. Understanding the pains of your clients or audience is what makes you the best at what you do and say.

70. Flexibility

Flexibility is a must for creating a smooth workflow. Working with others and in certain situations can require a great amount of compromise.

71. Friendliness

A great skill to have for any kind of career that involves co-workers or customers.

72. Giving and Receiving Feedback

Being able to give and receive constructive feedback shows that you are open to improving yourself and helping others succeed.

73. Honesty

Another much-needed skill for any job. You should always be honest to keep you and your company out of trouble.

74. Identifying Personality Types

If you know how and what to say based on someone’s personality and values, you can get the desired result out of any interpersonal communicative situation.

75. Improvisation

Improvisation skill is a lifesaver in awkward situations. Shows that you are an out-of-the-box thinker.

76. Interviewing

An essential HR management skill. Indicates that you contribute to the recruitment process and can select the best candidates for a position.

77. Leadership

Leadership skills come with experience and practice. If you are applying to management roles, be sure to include leadership skills on your resume.

78. Logical Thinking

Logical thinking is a must for every job. But more so for jobs in business development, strategy, and planning.

79. Mediation Skills

Having this skill helps in day-to-day conflict management. It is also essential to work in corporate legal teams.

80. Mentoring

The same is true for mentoring. This skill is a leadership trait and enables you to set an example and keep your whole team in sync.

81. Motivating

Including this interpersonal communication skill on your resume indicates that you are optimistic and a team player.

82. Negative Reinforcement

An interpersonal skill for leadership and executive roles. It allows you to keep your team on the right track.

83. Negotiating

Stellar negotiation skills are a great advantage when it comes to interpersonal communication. It lets you create a win-win situation for all the parties involved.

84. Networking

Networking is a communication skill that is great to have for your own career growth as well as for your company’s progress.

85. Positive Reinforcement

This is a required skill for leadership and executive roles. It allows you to constantly improve your team.

86. Problem Sensitivity

The ability to sense the pain points and problems of your clients is a great skill, specifically in sales and marketing.

87. Psychology

Having a basic knowledge of psychology helps you to understand others better, and improves your interpersonal communication.

88. Rapport Building

Interpersonal communication is all about building lasting relationships. Rapport building is a must-have skill when you will be working directly with clients.

89. Reading Facial Expressions

A non-verbal communication skill that allows you to get the vibe of your audience and craft your message accordingly.

90. Respect

Every recruiter keeps an eye open to detect disrespectful behavior in potential employees.

91. Responsiveness

Responsiveness means that you are proactive and a team player. You are also able to take appropriate action quickly.

92. Social Skills

Social skills are great for networking events. Employees with stellar social skills can attract clients to their companies.

93. Strategic Thinking

A must-have skill for business development, planning, management, leadership, and executive roles.

94. Team Building

Teamwork is fine, but team building is even better. Team building is the ability of a leader.

95. Teamwork

Every employer wants a team player in their organization. The ability to selflessly work on a team is a trait that employers will be looking for.

96. Understanding Body Language

An often ignored, but very crucial part of interpersonal communications. A lot depends on reading and using body language signs.

97. Understanding Non-Verbal Cues

Reading non-verbal cues is essential for knowing how the other person is feeling and what you should say or do next.

98. Utilizing Non-Verbal Tools

Hand gestures, facial expressions, touch, and eye contact are important parts of interpersonal communication. Using them appropriately is an essential skill.

99. Versatility

Versatility means you are flexible, can communicate across mediums, and handle difficult situations with calmness and ease.

100. Visualizing

Be it with words or creative art forms, visualizing skills are often required for many jobs, i.e. customer experience manager and creative director.

(Check this article out for more hard and soft skills: Most Important Skills for a Resume .)

How to Add Communication Skills To Your Resume

How do you include your communication skills on your resume? Depending on the jobs you are targeting, you may need to list written, verbal, or interpersonal skills…or perhaps all three!

There are multiple ways you can put communication skills on your resume.

The first step is to take inventory of all of the communication skills that you possess. Use the list above to write down as many skills as you have.

Next, check the job description of the job that you are targeting. Look for any required or preferred skills the employer would like to see.

Compare the employer’s list to your list and any common skills will be the skills to add to your resume.

If your skills list falls a little short, double-check the job description for skills that may have been missed in your initial list. You can also research common skills for the role you are applying to.

The key is to list the communication skills on your resume that you possess, and  are relevant to the job you are applying for.

Resume Summary Section

Your resume summary, or professional summary, sits at the top of your resume and provides a summary of your highlights to your prospective employer.

It is only 4-6 sentences long, so you want to include your most impressive and relevant information.

Describe your skills using examples or experiences.

Here are some sample sentences from resume summaries that include communication skills:

Senior Marketing Leader with proven experience in driving the full scope of traditional, digital, social media, and content marketing for diverse organizations and Fortune 500 clients.

Cultivate team symmetry and drive adherence to industry best practices by effectively communicating with executives, teams, and stakeholders to ensure achievement of all financial goals.

Technical and business acumen with advanced knowledge of and experience with machine learning technologies, analytics solutions, and data warehouse tools.

Resume Skills Section

You can list your most relevant skills in the main “Skills”, “Core Competencies”, or “Area of Expertise” section of your resume.

This section of your resume quickly lists and highlights the skills you possess for the targetted job.

The main skills section of your resume is usually between your summary and your professional experience section.

List 12 -15 of the hard and soft skills you possess for the job. Use our list above to get started.

Professional Work Experience Section

You should also showcase the achievements that you have made possible using your verbal communication skills wherever suitable on your resume, i.e. in the previous job details, voluntary or extracurricular work.

In this section, you will write about any hard communication skills you have as well as soft skills.

Take a look at some example sentences from professional experience sections that include communication skills:

Recognized for consistently exceeding individual quotas by overcoming client objections, making appropriate product recommendations, and diffusing escalated client issues.

Mentored and coached resources in adopting Agile behaviors and principals, including 200 scrum masters, product owners, business owners, development teams and HR teams.

Drafted and edited legal documentation, including pleadings, appellate briefs, summonses, subpoenas, complaints, discovery and court filings, as well as transcribing dictation and drafting legal correspondence.

Consistently created viral content across several social media platforms in addition to playing a lead role within a team tasked with developing a $5MM financial presentation/analysis.

Educate providers on product portfolios, addressing their questions and concerns to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Sample Resume With Communication Skills

We’ve provided samples of adding good communication skills to your resume.

How does this look put together on one resume?

The communication skills used in this sample resume are underlined to show how these skills are used throughout a resume.

How your resume will look will depend on your own communication skills and what skills are required for the job you are applying for. Every job is different and every resume will be too.

Key Takeaways

The most important lessons from the article are worth repeating: 

• Having effective communication skills is a must in today’s world of business.
• Communication skills to include on your resume are skills related to verbal, non-verbal, interpersonal, and written communication.
• You must include only relevant communication skills on your resume to be seen as the perfect fit for your desired job.
• You can highlight your communication skills in various sections of your resume.
• Back up your skills with examples and achievements in your resume.

Follow these guidelines to list communication skills on your resume and rest assured that you will get noticed.

Of course, an effective resume is more than great communication skills on a mediocre resume. Your entire resume needs to shine!

If you’d rather have a professional take care of all of this for you, no problem! Professional resume writers create successful resumes with effective communication skills for clients every day. Check out how Find My Profession  can help you!

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Detail-Oriented: Meaning, Synonyms, Examples, and FAQs

How Should you Show That you Have Communication Skills on Your Resume?

Here are the top ways to show your Communication skills on your resume. Find out relevant Communication keywords and phrases and build your resume today.

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In This Guide:

What are communication skills, why are communication skills important on your resume, what skills, activities, and accomplishments help you highlight your communication skills, communication skills: key takeaways for your resume.

Did you know that around 85% of employees and executives believe that the lack of effective collaboration and communication is the main reason for workplace failures? Or that employees who communicate effectively could increase their productivity by 25%?

Effective communication is all about having your ideas and understandings heard and doing the same in return. That, plus the ability to convince people to act upon your ideas.

Having communication skills means that you are not just exchanging information with a partner, but rather understand the emotions and intentions behind everything you hear.

Yes, this sounds intrinsic, but it actually requires a lot of situational awareness and emotional intelligence. Being an effective and respectful communicator would save you the trouble of dealing with misunderstandings and frustration.

The reason why employees are after candidates who stand out as good communicators is that effective communication is directly related to business performance.

Just imagine having a team of impatient employees who are not able to listen and negotiate well, lack a sense of humor and cannot express their ideas and position with confidence.

Well, this is the ideal recipe for project failure. Usually, business tasks require the participation of more than one person. No matter how easy or complex such a task is, the successful implementation depends on the communication skills of the responsible team.

So, employees who have communication skills are not only preferred by the managers of a company. They are the preferred colleagues, mentors, and points of contact by clients.

It’s not enough to mention that you are an attentive listener, confident speaker, or team player. Instead, to showcase your communication skills, focus on highlighting specific situations where your excellent communication has played a crucial role.

Saying the right thing at the right time can really make the difference and turn the tide in your favor. Here are some examples of skills and personal qualities that would demonstrate that you are adept at having productive and meaningful conversations.

• Positive attitude & Confidence: being able to dominate a conversation does not mean that you have to be pushy and impatient. Instead, to reach your end goal, you can rely on your charisma, confidence, and friendly attitude.
• Focus & Control of emotions: staying present in the moment of the conversations and focused on your and your partner’s objectives is essential. In addition, you should be able to stay calm even if things don’t seem to go your way.
• Non-verbal communication & Body language: while in a conversation, you can improve the way you express your ideas and goals by relying on body language. This helps the other party connect with you better and understand your viewpoints.

How to demonstrate communication skills on your resume:

• Explain how your friendly and positive attitude has boosted the levels of teamwork and has helped increase organizational productivity.
• Give examples of times when you have sought feedback from your superiors and have given constructive feedback to colleagues and interns.
• Mention some occasions when you have kept an open mind during a brainstorming session, which resulted in a better group discussion.
• Explain how your negotiations skills and empathy have helped you reach a specific goal in your workplace.
• Mention some achievements connected to collaborating with colleagues from other departments and new employees.

As much as we might think that communication skills are a natural human trait, they are not. And that is why it is important to convince your future employer that you actually possess what it takes to work in a team or to be in charge of a team.

This can be done by taking this big and vague notion of “communication skills” and breaking it down into smaller and more specific abilities and situational examples.

If you need some inspiration, take a look at the following snippets from Enhancv users who found a way to demonstrate their effective communication skills.

Just make sure that you take the time to consider what it personally means to you to be a good communicator. From then on, the examples will follow intrinsically.

Example 1: Demonstrate communication skills in the experience section

Job situation: Junior Project Manager applies for the position of a Marketing Specialist

• • Collaborated with a team of 10 fellow Junior Project Managers and 5 Senior Managers.
• • Received a small promotion within six months due to positive feedback from the business clients that I was in communication with.
• • Was in charge of managing the relations with 40 business clients, understand their needs and translate that to deliverables for the marketing team.
• • Delivered monthly presentations in front of the Senior Management team to report on progress.

These examples demonstrate that the candidate for the position of Marketing Specialist is a very emotionally intelligent and confident person.

He/she is clearly not afraid to take a lead on some projects but is also open to receiving feedback.

The fact that the candidate mentions being in charge of leading the communication with clients speaks that he/she is well able to have up-to-the-point conversations while keeping an upbeat attitude.

Being the bridge between external and internal stakeholders, meaning clients and the team, the Junior Project Manager appears as a good listener and negotiator.

Example 2: Demonstrate communication skills in the resume summary section

Job situation: Financial Analyst applies for the position of Junior Portfolio Manager

This resume example communicates determination, hard work, and resourcefulness. The fact that the applicant has been working in a small startup team highlights that he/she has successfully gone through a lot of communication and organizational challenges.

Example 3: Show your communication skills in your achievements sections

Job situation - PR Specialist applies for the position of Head of Communication

Make sure you build yourself an image of a professional communicator. Not only one that communicates effectively in the office but one that is confident to speak under the spotlight and in front of big crowds.

Example 4: Demonstrate the skill through other sections of your resume

Effective communication is something that one learns through experiences. So, include in your resume examples of hobbies and group activities. Topple that with organizations that you have been part of as well as volunteering initiatives.

If you are the kind of a public speaking person, mention some of the occasions that you have presented in front of an audience.

Last, but not least, you can include any relevant courses and certifications that you have completed. For example, a soft skills training course or a negotiations class.

It’s all about the soft skills: show that you are empathetic, understanding, and open-minded, build an impression of a person that is pleasant to talk to. Don’t forget to stress how important feedback is to you and that you proactively seek it.

Balance out between confidence and compromise: effective communication requires that parties compromise, so you should demonstrate your readiness to step back if needed. On the other side, show that you are also confident in yourself and pursue your goals.

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Top 10 Communication Skills in 2024

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When writing a resume , most of us assume that employees only care about the hard skills . What software can we use? What processes do we know? What machines can we operate?

Believe it or not, though, 61 percent of employers consider soft skills to be equally important when making hiring decisions. 

Perhaps the most important soft skill is communication. Why? Because without strong interpersonal communication skills , you can’t build relationships. You also can’t resolve conflict or achieve common goals. 

Here’s the 101 on what communication skills are, how to include them on your resume, and which ones employers are looking for the most.

Top 10 best communication skills employers look for

1. active listening.

It’s not enough to simply hear what somebody is saying in the workplace – you need to be able to understand and process it too. Active listening involves taking in the whole message, not just the words, and responding accordingly.

• Listen to and understand what people are saying.
• Give your full attention to the speaker.
• Ask questions to clarify information.
• Summarize or repeat back what has been said.
• Show that you’re engaged in the conversation.

To show that you have active listening skills on your resume, try to include examples of times when you’ve used them in the workplace. This could be anything from leading a team meeting to resolving a conflict with a coworker. 

Employers are more eager than ever to find emotionally competent employees. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.  

• Being aware of other people’s feelings and perspectives.
• Listening with patience and understanding.
• Responding with sensitivity and compassion.
• Asking questions to clarify someone else’s experience.
• Avoiding making assumptions about others’ feelings.
• Never talking down to someone.

Want to highlight your empathy on your resume? Include examples of giving feedback or supporting a coworker. 

3. Confidence

A good communicator is someone who is confident in themselves and their abilities. This doesn’t mean being cocky or overbearing, but rather having a healthy sense of self-assurance. 

• Standing up for yourself and your beliefs.
• Speaking up in meetings and group discussions.
• Sharing your ideas and opinions openly.
• Being assertive without being aggressive.
• Accepting feedback gracefully.

To demonstrate your confidence on your resume, you might highlight a time when you gave a presentation or took charge of a project. 

4. Friendliness

This might seem overly simple for a resume soft skill, but you’d be surprised how many job applicants come across as cold or unapproachable.

Being friendly is important for building strong workplace relationships. Employers value it. 

• Greeting people warmly when you see them.
• Offering help or assistance when you can.
• Asking questions about others’ interests and hobbies.
• Taking an interest in new coworkers.
• Celebrating birthdays and workplace milestones.

Remember, employers want to see your humanity, not just your higher education or long list of talents. 

5. Clarity and directness

This is another soft skill that’s often overlooked but is very important in the workplace. Clear communication is vital at work. This is especially true for giving or getting instructions. 

• Speaking in a clear, concise manner.
• Using “I” statements.
• Avoiding ambiguity or vagueness in your language.
• Giving specific examples to illustrate your point.
• Asking for clarification if you’re unsure about something.
• Listening carefully to ensure you understand what’s being said.

Clear communication is a key part of any successful workplace, so make sure it’s included on your resume with the rest of your work related skills .

6. Choosing the right communication method

Choosing the appropriate method to convey your message is crucial for effective communication. Different situations require different communication methods to ensure the message is received correctly.

• Assess the situation to determine the best communication method.
• Use formal communication for professional settings.
• Utilize informal communication for casual interactions.
• Switch between email, phone calls, or face-to-face meetings as needed.
• Adapt your communication style to the audience.

To highlight this skill, mention times where you used different communication methods to achieve goals.

7. Sharing feedback

Providing and receiving feedback is an essential communication skill in the workplace. Constructive feedback helps improve performance and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.

• Offer feedback that is specific and actionable.
• Deliver feedback in a positive and constructive manner.
• Accept feedback with an open mind.
• Implement feedback to improve performance.
• Encourage a feedback-rich environment.

Show how you can give and get feedback. Share examples of how feedback helped your work or team.

8. Volume and tone

The volume and tone of your voice can significantly impact how your message is received. Speaking in an appropriate volume and tone ensures clarity and avoids misunderstandings.

• Adjust your volume to suit the setting and audience.
• Use a tone that matches the context of the conversation.
• Avoid speaking too loudly or too softly.
• Modulate your voice to maintain interest and engagement.
• Use tone to convey emotions and emphasis appropriately.

Show how you use volume and tone well. Do this by giving examples of good presentations and tough conversations.

Respect in communication involves valuing others’ viewpoints and maintaining a courteous demeanor. It is essential for building trust and fostering positive relationships in the workplace.

• Listen without interrupting.
• Show appreciation for others’ ideas and contributions.
• Communicate in a way that respects cultural and individual differences.
• Use polite and respectful language.
• Maintain a positive attitude even during disagreements.

Show respect by sharing examples. In them, you navigated diverse opinions and kept professional relationships.

10. Responsiveness

Being responsive in communication means addressing queries and concerns promptly. It shows reliability and a commitment to effective communication.

• Respond to emails and messages in a timely manner.
• Prioritize urgent communication needs.
• Keep others informed about the status of ongoing tasks.
• Follow up on requests and promises.
• Adapt your responsiveness to the expectations of your role and industry.

Show how you are responsive. Include examples. In these, quick communication led to success or fixed problems fast.

Our AI-powered resume score checker helps you write the perfect resume.

What are communication skills?

“Communication skills” is a broad term. It covers a wide range of abilities. They include both verbal and nonverbal communication.

Some of the most common communication skills include: 

• Active listening
• Clear and concise writing
• Public speaking
• Persuasion/negotiation
• Emotional intelligence

As you can see, there’s more to being a good communicator than first meets the eye. Employers want to know that you can share your ideas. They also want to know you can understand and respond to others’ ideas.  

Why you need communication skills

So, why are communication skills so important? Let’s take a look at some of the key reasons: 

• Communication is how we build relationships – Strong skills are essential for maintaining good relationships with co-workers, customers, and clients.
• Communication allows us to resolve conflict – Conflict will happen. Being able to talk with those involved is crucial for finding a resolution that everyone can live with.
• Communication lets teams achieve common goals – To work together, we must be able to communicate well.
• Communication is how we give and receive feedback – Feedback is a crucial part of growth, both professionally and personally. You need strong communication skills. They are required for giving feedback that is clear, short, and helpful. You also need them for receiving feedback gracefully.

Communication skills touch on all aspects of our professional and personal lives. They are key for building good relationships. They help in resolving conflict and working as a team. They also aid in growing and developing. 

Verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skills

Communication skills can be divided into two main categories: verbal and nonverbal communication. Let’s take a closer look at each one. 

Verbal communication skills

Verbal communication skills are those that involve using words to communicate. This could be communicating in the form of face-to-face conversation, over the phone, or even in writing. 

• Speaking clearly and concisely – Employers are looking for candidates who can communicate their ideas in a clear and concise manner.
• Listening actively – Active listening is a key communication skill that involves not only hearing what the other person is saying but also taking the time to understand and process it.
• Giving and receiving feedback – This is an important part of communication, and one that employers will be paying close attention to.

Verbal communication is often what people think of first when they think of communication skills. But remember, there’s a whole other side to the story! 

Nonverbal communication skills

Did you know that more than 70 percent of our communication takes place nonverbally? Some experts even estimate that as much as 93 percent of communication is nonverbal.

Nonverbal communication is any type of communication that doesn’t involve using words. This could be body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, or even the way we dress. 

• Reading body language – Being able to read and understand the nonverbal cues of those around us is a key part of effective communication.
• Using facial expressions – Our facial expressions can communicate a lot about how we’re feeling, even when we don’t say a word.
• Maintaining eye contact – Without eye contact, it can be difficult to build trust and rapport with others.

Written communication skills

Written communication involves expressing ideas clearly and concisely through written words. This can include emails, reports, memos, or any other written document.

• Clear and concise writing – Being able to convey your message in a straightforward manner is crucial.
• Grammar and spelling – Proper grammar and spelling are essential for professional communication.
• Editing and proofreading – Ensuring your written communication is error-free shows attention to detail.

But what specific skills or abilities are employers looking for in an interview? How can you explain your communication skills on your resume?

Who needs communication skills?

Just about everyone! Effective communication is a fundamental skill that transcends industries and job roles.

Skills such as clear and effective communication are vital for numerous professions. A software engineer’s skills should include it, just as much as it’s essential among nursing skills . It’s also a key teacher skill , since they have to be able to explain complex ideas to students. Similarly, financial analyst skills include the ability to clearly interpret and present data. Even a project manager’s skills are incomplete without effective communication.

Developing communication skills for future jobs

If you’re reading the communication skills examples listed above and feeling a little lost, don’t worry. These skills can be learned and developed over time. The key is to start practicing now so that you can be prepared for future opportunities. 

1. Join a Toastmasters club : This organization helps its members improve their public speaking and leadership skills.

2. Take a class : Many community colleges offer adult education classes on topics like effective communication, business writing, and public speaking.

3. Get a mentor : Ask a friend, family member, or trusted coworker to help you improve your communication skills. They can give you feedback and offer suggestions for improvement.

4. Self-Assessment and feedback : Seek feedback from colleagues. Use it to find areas to improve.

5. Practicing active listening : Focus on truly understanding the speaker’s message. You should ask clarifying questions and give feedback that shows you are engaged.

It’s never too late to start developing your people skills. By taking the time to improve these important abilities , you’ll be better prepared for success in your future career.

How to highlight communication skills on your resume

A well-written resume is itself a demonstration of strong communication skills. Making sure that your resume has an effective and professional structure and is free of spelling and grammatical errors. Also, you may want to include positive communication skills in your resume’s skills section. This is especially true if the job post calls for them.

• Be specific. For example, say when you successfully communicated.
• Tailor to the job description. Highlight the mentioned communication skills. For example: presenting, influencing, managing, and writing.
• Use strong action verbs . Words like “orchestrated,” “directed,” and “negotiated” show strong communication.
• Provide quantified results. For example, instead of writing “Responsible for communication,” say that you “led a plan that increased team efficiency by 30%.”
• Utilize bullet points: Make your accomplishments easy to scan.

It’s one thing to know the importance of adding communication skills on your resume, but it also helps to see it. Below are specific examples of great ways to showcase these communications skills to your resume. Using a Power Edit tool is the best way to make sure you’re adding the right skills in the right places.

• I managed international stakeholders in India, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong. I did this by hosting daily standups and coordinating weekly status reports.
• I managed team projects and communications across global time zones. I did it efficiently using Slack and Zoom. This led to a 40% increase in project delivery speed.
• Wrote and produced 100+ client prospecting video emails, leading to 50+ leads and landing major accounts.

Adding these skills to your resume will help you land more interviews. But if you want to take your job search to the next level, try a tool like Jobscan’s resume scanner . It uses the latest AI technology to analyze your resume and provide you with a score .

Communication skills FAQ page

1. Active listening 2. Empathy 3. Confidence 4. Friendliness 5. Clarity and directness

1. Active listening 2. Empathy 3. Confidence 4. Friendliness 5. Clarity and directness 6. Using the right communication method 7. Sharing feedback

Good communication skills involve the ability to convey information clearly and effectively, listen actively, empathize with others, and respond appropriately to different communication situations.

1. Be clear and concise 2. Listen actively 3. Use the right communication method 4. Be mindful of nonverbal cues 5. Give and receive feedback

1. Practice active listening 2. Develop emotional intelligence 3. Seek feedback 4. Engage in public speaking opportunities 5. Take communication courses or workshops

Effective communication is the ability to convey information to others in a clear and understandable manner while also being able to listen and understand others’ messages.

Highlight specific examples of your communication skills in action on your resume, cover letter , and during interviews. Use measurable results and concrete examples to demonstrate your abilities.

Communication skills are important because they enable you to build relationships, resolve conflicts, achieve goals, and give and receive feedback effectively.

Content Writer at Jobscan.

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45+ Best Communication Skills for Your Resume (Examples)

Discover the best communication skills for your resume. From verbal to written communication, learn how to list and describe them to make a lasting impression.

When adding communication skills to your resume, focus on tailoring them to the job ad and using specific terms from the job description. Highlight achievements showcasing your communication strengths, whether it's leading a project, resolving conflicts, or using digital tools like Slack and Zoom. This not only aligns you with what employers are seeking, but also boosts your chances with applicant tracking systems. Always back up your skills with examples to show you can deliver results and work well with others.

Soft skills often get a bad rap for being less important. But they hold serious value — these skills are innate and not always teachable. Yet, simply stating “communication skills” in your resume is too vague to show off your strengths to a recruiter.

Solid communication is key to building relationships, expressing needs, and sharing information — it’s everywhere, including the workplace. The trick is to show your communication skills in a way that highlights what you can achieve and the potential you bring to the company. 

And you can do this through your resume. This article will tell you: 

• All the top communication skills to include. 
• How to list your communication skills on a resume.
• The best ways to improve your abilities for future job opportunities. 

What Are Communication Skills and Why They Matter on a Resume?

Communication skills are how you share ideas, listen, and respond to others, whether verbal, non-verbal, visual, or written. We use these skills every day, so I’ll spare you the full textbook definition — it’s basically how you get your point across and understand others. 

Here’s how the main types of communication can translate into a resume: 

• Verbal communication. We all learn to talk early on, but clear and confident communication is a skill that takes practice. On your resume, you can highlight cases where you led a meeting, conducted a presentation, or explained complex ideas to a colleague.
• Non-verbal communication. This includes body language, eye contact, and facial expressions. Ever noticed how a smile can make someone more approachable? That’s non-verbal communication in action. Demonstrate this on your resume by mentioning roles where you engaged with clients face-to-face, showing approachability and confidence.
• Written communication. Writing emails, reports, or even messages in a chat all fall under written communication. If you’ve ever written a LinkedIn post, a persuasive email, or a detailed report, highlight these experiences on your resume. Show your impact with examples of increased engagement or positive feedback. 
• Visual communication. Using visuals like graphs, charts, or slides to communicate is a great way to get your message across. On your resume, you can mention creating PowerPoint presentations or designing infographics to convey complex ideas or data. 

Many communication skills are considered soft skills because they are personal traits that largely come from everyday experience—think active listening or body language. But many others are hard skills because they require specific knowledge and, usually, on-the-job training—for instance, negotiation techniques or even presentation skills.

With that said, all communication skills are precisely that: skills, not talents . And skills you can learn and improve. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a natural-born communicator, you can take steps to get better at both “hard” and “soft” types of communication skills.

Why do communication skills matter to employers?

Employers want candidates who can clearly express themselves and work well with others — would you really want a Dwight in your office? Good communication can prevent misunderstandings and frustration, making the workplace more productive. 

Communication skills are also crucial across many areas of professional life. You can apply them in business meetings, team projects, customer interactions, or those “networking” sessions in the office kitchen. Showing recruiters you’ve mastered the art of communication is showing them your versatility. 

Here’s a round-up of the top communication skills to include  on your resume: 

Top Communication Skills Examples 

Once your resume grabs the recruiter’s attention, be prepared to discuss all those impressive skills during the interview. Make sure you genuinely understand each skill you’ve listed and how it relates to your experience.

Here’s a rundown of the top communication skills and how they play out in the workplace:

Verbal communication

Verbal communication skills are basically about how good you are with the words and sounds that come out of your or other people’s mouths — about how well you articulate your thoughts and how well you understand what others say. These skills include expressing your ideas, dealing with customers, or persuading your boss to upgrade the office coffee machine. 

Strong verbal communication tells employers you can articulate information, suggestions, and feedback. For roles involving customer interactions or leadership, having solid speaking skills shows you can convey messages clearly and lead with confidence. But remember, verbal communication (like any other form of communication) is a two-way street. Active listening is just as important as speaking clearly.

Most of us can hold a conversation, so be specific on your resume. 

Here are some examples of how to list verbal communication on a resume: 

• Interpersonal communication
• Listening skills 
• Outbound calling 
• Body language
• Foreign languages
• Presenting skills 

Written communication

Written communication skills are about how well you convey information through messages, emails, reports, and notes. You don’t need to be a literary genius, but you should be clear and concise to avoid misunderstandings. 

One key thing to note: even if your job title doesn’t immediately bring “writing” to mind, strong writing skills can still be an asset on your resume.

When you write well, you can inform and persuade through your words, whether drafting reports, creating social media posts, or sending emails. And with so many of us working remotely, knowing how to communicate professionally (without overusing emojis or exclamation marks) is always a plus.

Check out these valuable writing skills for your resume: 

• Sending emails 
• Proposal and report writing 
• Spelling and grammar
• Editing skills
• Paraphrasing 
• Translation 

Giving and accepting feedback 

Giving and accepting feedback helps improve performance and productivity by showing employees and managers what’s working and what needs to change. 

Employers want to know you can handle constructive criticism without feeling like you’re under attack. Including this skill on your resume highlights that you’re committed to growth and can push others to do the same, making you a strong collaborator and proactive learner. 

Here’s how to frame those skills on a resume to show you’re dedicated to your development: 

• Constructive feedback
• Active listening
• Accountability
• Willingness to learn 
• Open-mindedness 

Team-building and collaboration

Team-building and collaboration involve working well with others to solve problems and achieve common goals. Effective team builders can delegate tasks, communicate clearly, and help team members grow. 

Teamwork makes the dream work, so being able to share ideas and listen to others tells employers you can work harmoniously in a group. Highlighting team-building and collaboration on your resume also shows you can motivate and support your team toward success. 

Here are some more skills to show you work well in a team: 

• Team communication
• Delegation 
• Goal setting 
• Adaptability
• Taking ownership 
• Inclusivity 

Leadership skills 

Leadership skills involve firing up your team, setting goals, training employees, and running operations. A successful leader can push their team to their full potential while making them feel valued and appreciated. 

Trust is key, and people work better for managers they believe in — so your ability to build rapport and guide teams in a positive working environment is a must. Nobody feels inspired by a micromanaging boss breathing down their neck, right?

Here are some phrases that will make your leadership abilities shine on a resume: 

• Management abilities 
• Employee training 
• Motivational feedback
• Planning and organization 
• Interviewing skills 
• Customer relationship management

Digital communication

Digital communication skills are essential in today’s remote and hybrid work environments. Knowing your way around Zoom, Slack, Asana and Microsoft Teams ensures easy collaboration and interaction.

Nobody wants to be the person who accidentally sends a private message to the entire team. Including this skill on your resume shows your ability to keep up with the times, especially handy for remote workers, or in areas like customer support or social media. 

Consider listing these skills on your resume to show your technical communication prowess: 

• Online meeting etiquette
• Remote collaboration
• Professional branding 
• Customer support 
• Digital messaging 
• Social media networking 

Conflict resolution 

Conflict resolution skills help navigate and settle any disputes to maintain a positive workplace. Whether you’re negotiating tough deals, dealing with customer complaints, or deciding on the office AC temperature, you can apply these skills to a range of situations. 

But it’s not just about settling disputes. Adding conflict resolution to your resume tells employers you value workplace harmony, which can boost productivity. It shows you have solid listening skills and that you consider others’ perspectives and respond thoughtfully. 

Check out these examples of how to frame conflict resolution on a resume: 

• Mediation skills 
• Trust building 
• Employee relations 
• Problem-solving 
• Emotional intelligence 
• Impartiality

Negotiating skills 

Negotiating skills are about reaching mutually beneficial agreements through formal contracts or verbal agreements. Skilled negotiators adapt their communication styles to fit the listener’s requests and avoid misunderstandings.

Pulling off a successful negotiation requires problem-solving, persuasive communication, and reading the room — all abilities that will make you an impressive candidate for future employers. 

Negotiation skills aren’t limited to the bargaining table, though. 

Take a look at some more specific ways to describe them on a resume: 

• Strategic thinking 
• Persuasive speaking 
• Assertive attitude
• Rapport-building 
• Contract negotiation 
• Business negotiation

How to Find the Best Communication Skills to Put on a Resume?

Googling “communication skills” and copy-pasting the first result won’t cut it. Recruiters have seen “listening skills” way too many times.

To make an impression, you need to be smart with your word choice, understand what the employer is looking for, and show exactly how your skills make a difference.

Check the job description

Tweaking your resume to match the job description might seem like extra effort — but it’s an easy way to get inspiration on what skills and experience the employer wants from you. 

Will you be working with a global team? Mention how your remote collaboration skills have helped you build connections. Are they looking for someone with growth potential? Outline your experiences in accepting and acting on feedback.

Using similar terms from the job description shows recruiters you’re the right fit for the role and boosts your chances with applicant tracking systems (ATS) when scanning resumes for keywords. 

Check out this job ad for a product manager position: 

This company’s looking for someone who can communicate in group discussions, so mention times you led projects or regularly contributed to meetings to show you’re a team player. They also emphasized data visualization, so include your knack for explaining complex ideas to non-technical clients. 

You don’t need to quote the job ad word for word — just outline your relevant experiences, and your skills will speak for themselves.

Research skills relevant to your industry

Every industry has its own communication style — whether it’s interviewing in recruitment, content creation in marketing, or interacting with customers in sales. Some working environments require online collaboration, while others have you mingling with your colleagues. 

Recruiters look for candidates who understand the core skills of your chosen industry and can show proficiency in those areas. Doing your homework on industry-specific communication tells employers you have the skills to address the unique challenges and needs of that field. 

Consider your achievements

If your skills list is still looking pretty thin, think about your accomplishments and how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. 

Look at your past achievements and identify the communication skills that played a key role. Have you successfully led a team project? Emphasize your abilities in team communication, delegation, and even conflict resolution. 

If you’re short on work experience, think about your days in education. Did you navigate a year of online learning during the pandemic? Perfect — you can list skills like remote collaboration, online messaging, and a great deal of patience on your resume.

Still stuck on inspiration? Check out our AI Skill Explorer to dig deeper into any key skills you may have missed.

How to Put Communication Skills on a Resume?

You’ve pinpointed your skills, but you can’t just list them on your resume and call it a day. Recruiters only spend a few seconds on each resume, so your skills must stand out and prove you’re a top-notch candidate. 

Let’s dig into where you should include your skills and how to use them to show off your accomplishments. 

Tailor to the job description

Job postings spell out exactly what they want — so use that to your advantage. 

Start by digging into the job ad and highlighting any specific communication skills listed as requirements. But avoid copying and pasting generic terms like “client support.” These phrases are bland and don’t tell the recruiter what you bring to the table. 

Focus on real wins — if they need someone to handle customer interactions, highlight your successes in customer service. You can also use action verbs, such as “presented” and “collaborated” to make your resume more dynamic and easier to scan by ATS systems.

You don’t need to overhaul your resume completely for each application. Just tweak your word choice and skill selection to match what each employer is looking for, and show how your skills translate into success.

Mention top skills in the resume summary

Your resume summary is your elevator pitch and how you’re going to grab a recruiter’s attention right off the bat. Make it concise, relevant, and interesting by focusing on the communication skills that make you a standout candidate. 

Include the communication skills that are most relevant to the position. If the job requires strong verbal skills, emphasize your expertise in delivering engaging presentations or negotiating with stakeholders. Always aim to link these communication skills to your achievements to show the impact of your abilities. 

Here’s an example of an eye-catching summary with a focus on communication skills: 

Customer service specialist with a knack for effective verbal communication and problem-solving. Skilled in handling customer inquiries, resolving complaints, and presenting product features. Recognized for maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and maintaining positive client relationships.

Showcase skills via your work experience

Listing skills in bullet points is neat for summarizing, but it’s just that — a summary. Recruiters need to see how you put those skills into action and how they benefit the company. Saying you’re great with phone calls doesn’t mean much if you prefer leaving long voice notes (guilty as charged)!

When describing your work experience , pick specific examples that show how you’ve used your communication skills. Think about times when your communication skills were pivotal and delivered real results. 

Did you lead a successful project meeting? Or negotiate a deal that brought in significant revenue? These are gold for showcasing your abilities. And you can add more weight to your accomplishments by using real numbers to back up your claims. 

Here’s how to show your skills in your work experience section with measurable outcomes:

Administrative Assistant | ABC Company March 2019 — Present • Managed office communications, including emails, phone calls, and scheduling meetings, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. • Coordinated travel arrangements and itineraries for executives, managing detailed records and expense reports. • Developed and maintained filing systems, boosting data retrieval efficiency by 30%. • Assisted in preparing presentations and translating complex data into clear, concise information for team meetings. • Acted as a liaison between departments, encouraging effective communication and collaboration across the organization. • Organized company events and meetings, ensuring all logistics were handled seamlessly and attendees were well-informed.

Through these experiences, the jobseeker is demonstrating key skills, like conveying complex information, teamwork, and leadership abilities. It's not about cramming “communication” into every sentence, but strategically emphasizing how strong communication skills helped you deliver results. 

Summarize with a list of skills

Once you’ve woven your abilities into your work experience, you can summarize them in your skills section. Including a bulleted list lets recruiters and ATS scanners quickly identify your strengths. 

Here’s an example of how to outline your skills: 

• Presenting data. Excellent at presenting complex information and ideas in meetings and client interactions. • Team Collaboration. Effective in working with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals. • Data Visualization. Adept at explaining data insights to non-technical stakeholders. • Analytical Skills. History of identifying issues and implementing practical solutions. • Project Management. Expertise in planning, executing, and overseeing projects to ensure successful completion. • Technical Knowledge. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project management software, like Asana and Trello.

But remember, recruiters will only glance over this section — they might even use it to determine if the rest of your resume is worth investigating. So make sure you tailor your skills to match keywords in the job description. 

While it’s handy to cover the basics, avoid using too many generic terms. Instead, opt for specific skills and tools, such as “Project Management,” “Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software,” or “Digital Marketing Campaigns.”

Spotlight skills using the right format

Many assume that a functional or combination format is the answer to drawing attention to your skills. However, using a functional or combination resume is a risky departure from the standard, recruiter-approved reverse-chronological resume format, which places your work experience front and center. 

Here’s a rundown of the main resume formats: 

• Reverse-chronological format . This widely used format highlights your work history, starting with your most recent position and working backward. Recruiters favor this layout because it clearly showcases your career progression and makes it easy to find key information. I highly recommend this structure to boost your chances of getting noticed. 
• Functional (skills-based) format . The functional format places your skills front and center, but can often lead recruiters to make the wrong assumptions and wonder what you have to hide. This outdated format also doesn’t perform well with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), so I wouldn’t recommend going down this route. 
• Hybrid (combination) format. Combining these two formats can be effective if you want to highlight your extensive skills upfront with extensive work experience. This format is a good choice if you have plenty of work experience, numerous accomplishments, or a diverse set of technical skills. 

My go-to choice would be the reverse chronological format or the hybrid structure, where you place your skills up top with specific examples or achievements that show how you’ve used these skills in real situations. 

Here’s an example from a combination resume: 

Customer Service:

• Resolved an average of 30 customer inquiries per day, with a 95% satisfaction rate. • Implemented a new customer feedback system that improved response times by 50%. • Improved retention rates by over 25% by designing and implementing customized cancellation surveys. • Trained and onboarded 22 Junior Customer Service Representatives.

Organizing your skills like this shows employers exactly what expertise you bring to the table. But you can demonstrate your skills just as effectively using a reverse chronological format — you just need to make sure that your descriptions of past jobs reflect whatever skills you listed in the skills section.

Focus on positive outcomes

You’ve got the gist by now — whenever you mention your skills or experiences, highlight the positive outcomes. So, you wrote social media posts for your company; did they boost engagement? Did your powers of persuasion close any deals?

Focusing on positive outcomes means you’re not just listing responsibilities — you’re showing employers the real impact of your communication skills and your ability to deliver results. Talk about how your clear communication helped finish a project ahead of schedule, or how your presentation skills secured a new client.

Use numbers and metrics whenever you can. Instead of saying you improved customer satisfaction, say you increased it by 20% through adaptable communication strategies.

If you’ve received awards or recognition tied to your communication skills, flaunt them. Mention specific achievements like winning a speech competition or receiving praise for a successful presentation.

Be clear and concise

You can’t claim to be a master communicator if your resume isn’t clear. Your grammar skills, writing style, and ability to tell your story will be under scrutiny — you don’t want to miss an opportunity because of a few typos. 

When crafting your resume, go through it with a fine-tooth comb and remove any unnecessary details or wordy phrases to keep it to the point. Remember, recruiters take less than ten seconds to scan your resume — you want them to focus on the good stuff. 

Space on your resume is precious real estate, so make every word count. Highlight your communication skills and other abilities concisely. Use bullet points to list achievements and skills — it’s easier to read and quickly grabs the recruiter’s attention. 

Ways to Improve Your Communication Skills

You’re probably itching to send out your resume and land that job, not spend more time tweaking your skills. But trust me, sharpening your communication skills is worth it. These skills are versatile and can open up all kinds of doors in any industry you choose. Plus, those improved skills will eventually shine on your resume.

Improving your communication skills is easy. It just takes a bit of self-reflection, a fresh perspective, and a genuine desire to get better. Simple steps that can lead to big results down the road.

Master active listening

The tech boom has made our attention spans shorter — how many times have you glanced at your phone mid-conversation? Start by putting away your phone, closing your laptop, and giving the person your full attention.

Resist the urge to jump in with questions or solutions prematurely. We’ve all been guilty of planning our response before the other person finishes — and people notice. Let them complete their thoughts to show you’re genuinely listening and understanding their message.

Once they’ve wrapped up, take a moment to summarize what you’ve heard. You might say, “So, what I’m hearing is…” This shows you’re paying attention while clarifying any potential misunderstandings.

Show interest and ask questions 

Small talk easily makes it on the list of things I prefer to avoid. You’re not exactly showcasing your communication skills if your go-to topic is the weather. 

Try asking open-ended questions in discussions that get people talking more. Skip the yes or no non-starters and go for open-ended questions like, “How did you tackle that problem?” or “What do you think about this plan?” It shows you’re genuinely curious about their perspective and opens the conversation.

Don't be afraid to dig deeper into topics that interest you or where you need more clarity. Asking follow-up questions shows you’re really processing what’s being said and want to learn more, leading to more engaging chats and stronger connections.

Go out of your comfort zone

Fun fact: Back in my early 20s, I moved to a foreign country by myself — no job, no friends, and no grasp of the language. Did it make me a more confident and self-assured person? Absolutely. 

There’s a reason people tell you to venture out of your comfort zone — and honestly, it’s never as scary as you imagine. 

Challenge yourself with new communication tasks regularly. It could mean stepping up to lead a meeting, speaking up in group discussions, or presenting ideas to a larger audience. Each challenge (whether big or small) adds to your confidence and broadens your skills, making future interactions less daunting.

And you don’t have to dive in headfirst. Let’s say you have a presentation coming up — take some time to outline your points, anticipate questions, and consider how best to get your message across. Practice and preparation are key to making you feel more at ease.

Build relationships

Good communication starts with getting along with the people around you. Take time to connect with your coworkers on a personal level. Ask about their weekend plans or what they do for fun outside of work. 

Approach conversations with a friendly and positive attitude. No one wants to talk to someone who looks like they just had a sour glass of milk. Smile, make eye contact, and use a polite tone to create a welcoming atmosphere where communication flows naturally.

As you build deeper relationships, your confidence will grow, giving you more room to improve your communication skills. Who knows? It might even lead to a promotion or an interesting networking opportunity.

Change your mindset 

Changing your perspective is easier said than done, right? When I first entered the professional world, I wasn’t great at taking feedback. I’d get frustrated and defensive whenever someone pointed out areas for improvement.

But then I realized, how does getting defensive serve me? It doesn't help me learn or grow; it only holds me back. So, I decided to shift my mindset. I started seeing feedback not as criticism, but as valuable insights to help me get better.

Surprise, surprise — once I started embracing feedback and thinking about how I could use it to improve, things got a lot smoother. Those negative feelings I used to have? They faded away.

Feedback is your golden opportunity to learn and grow. When someone gives you feedback, they are ultimately trying to help, so listen with an open mind. Everyone’s got their perspective, so take the time to understand where they’re coming from. And don’t be afraid to challenge your own beliefs — sometimes, our mindset can hold us back without us even realizing it. 

Learn from the experts

We all know someone who can stroll into any room and strike up a conversation with ease. Pay attention to how they talk — their tone, facial expressions, and body language. What makes their communication so smooth and engaging? Reflect on this and apply those techniques to your conversations and presentations.

If your job relies heavily on customer service or client interaction, you can even check out platforms like Coursera and Udemy, which offer a range of courses on communication skills. 

Here are some top recommendations: 

• Successful Negotiation: Essential Strategies and Skills (edX)
• Finding Your Professional Voice: Confidence & Impact (Coursera)
• The Complete Communication Skills Master Class for Life (Udemy)
• Winning Communication Skills for Telephone & Conference Calls (Udemy)
• Effective Communication: Writing, Design, and Presentation Specialization (Coursera)

Look for courses that align with your interests and career goals. Whether it’s nailing public speaking or polishing your writing chops, structured courses can dish out some great tips and techniques.

But I'd only recommend shelling out for a course if your job hinges on strong communication skills. If not, there are tons of freebies out there, like TED Talks and documentaries on communication styles and tricks. Take notes on how top-notch speakers grip their audience, organize their messages, and use language to get their point across.

Here’s a recap of all the tips and tricks you need to know when adding communication skills to your resume: 

• Don’t just say “excellent communication skills.” Instead, mention specific skills like “negotiation,” or “public speaking,” to add clarity and show recruiters what you can offer the company.
• Match your communication skills to those listed in the job description. If they value teamwork, emphasize specific collaborative skills or your experiences working on successful team projects. 
• Start bullet points with action verbs like “presented,” “collaborated,” “mediated,” or “negotiated” to show practical application and boost your chances with ATS scanners. 
• Include numbers to quantify your positive impact. For example, “increased customer satisfaction by 20% through effective communication strategies.”
• Mention specific situations where your communication skills made a difference, such as closing a deal or delivering a key presentation to clients.
• Focus on positive outcomes of your communication efforts, like “secured a new client” or “resolved conflicts efficiently,” to demonstrate results and achievements. 
• If you have many communication skills under your belt, consider a dedicated skills section to list them clearly — just avoid generic statements. 
• Be clear and concise in your descriptions to keep your resume easy to read and impactful, ensuring it grabs the recruiter's attention. 

How do you describe communication skills on a resume?

First, include your most important skills in the skills section. But don’t stop there. Describe your communication skills by outlining your experiences and any positive outcomes. For example, “Negotiated contracts with vendors, resulting in a 15% cost reduction.” By focusing on your accomplishments, you’re telling the recruiter how your skills have a tangible impact.

What is considered an extensive communication skill?

Extensive communication skills cover a broad spectrum of abilities, including verbal (public speaking, storytelling), written (emails, reports), listening (active listening, empathy), and non-verbal communication (body language, eye contact). Mastery in multiple areas, such as conflict resolution, persuasive communication, and digital communication tools, also falls under this category.

How to say you have good communication skills on a resume?

Simply saying you have “good communication skills” is generic and doesn’t tell recruiters what you can bring to the table. Instead, use specific skills to showcase your achievements. For example, “Authored and edited newsletters that increased readership by 40%.”

What is another word for communication?

“Interaction” or “dialogue” can serve as alternatives for communication. Depending on the context, terms like “correspondence” (for written communication) or “engagement” (for interactive communication) could also be appropriate.

Other synonyms for communication skills include “people skills”, “social intelligence”, and “interpersonal skills”. 

What is a good sentence for communication skills?

A good sentence demonstrating your communication skills should focus on specific abilities and how they contributed towards your accomplishments. You could say, “articulated complex ideas clearly, boosting team productivity through improved understanding and collaboration.

Lauren Bedford

Lauren Bedford is a seasoned writer with a track record of helping thousands of readers find practical solutions over the past five years. She's tackled a range of topics, always striving to simplify complex jargon. At Rezi, Lauren aims to craft genuine and actionable content that guides readers in creating standout resumes to land their dream jobs.

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Over 20 Effective Communication Skills (Good for a Resume)

Which Communication Skills Should You List on Your Resume?

Acing the interview: what to do before, during, and after, frequently asked questions about communication skills.

Employers understand good communication is key to increased productivity, effectiveness, and overall efficiency. Regardless of your occupation, demonstrating interpersonal skills on your resume will show that your qualifications extend beyond technical expertise. This guide provides expert tips and a list of over 20 communication skills you can use to build a well-rounded resume that presents you as a versatile candidate.

Employers are looking for candidates with soft skills . Emphasizing your effectiveness as a communicator is a great way to show hiring managers you have the emotional intelligence to succeed.

But what do employers mean when they require someone with “good communication,” and how do you list that on your resume? Let’s explore strategies you can employ to showcase your interpersonal skills in a compelling manner.

What are communication skills?

Communication is conveying knowledge of or information about something. We do this every day without thinking much of it. But communication skills allow you to convey information effectively in various contexts.

No matter the industry you work in, you’ll be required to communicate with others. However, the types of interpersonal skills you’ll need will vary. Interactions with patients, customers, colleagues, and leadership all require different abilities within the umbrella of communication. Let’s look at some of those skills below.

Which communication skills do you have?

The soft skills you’ll need to include on your resume will depend on the job description and function of your role. Below, we’ve compiled over 20 resume skills and their related abilities to give you a good idea of what you may need to demonstrate to potential employers.

How should you list communication skills on your resume?

When demonstrating communication skills on your resume, there are a few options to choose from, but it’s often best to do a combination of the following:

• Cover letter: Including a cover letter not only demonstrates your communication in action, but gives you more space to elaborate on your resume skills. The only caveat to this approach is that some hiring managers don’t read cover letters in-depth, if at all.
• Key skills list: Create a simple bulleted list of technical and soft skills that match those of the specific job you’re applying for. This makes it easy for the reader by providing a quick overview.
• Professional experience section: In the job descriptions of your past positions, describe how you applied your skills to provide hiring managers with a clear picture of your abilities. This is a great way to go in-depth on your soft skills, but may not be fully captured if readers only do a quick scan of your resume.

An interview is likely your first direct interaction with potential employers. This is the perfect place to prove your communication skills in real-time, as the interviewer will be taking note of what you say and how you say it. So, let’s discuss how you can come to the interview ready and able to communicate effectively.

Be prepared to back up your skills with your experience

If you list a skill on your resume, be ready to explain it further to employers. Before your interview, have a few examples prepared that demonstrate how you’ve used communication in the past. This gives the hiring manager confidence that you can transfer your skills seamlessly to the new position.

How do you showcase communication skills during your interview?

Whether you’re interviewing on Zoom, over the phone, or in person, here are a few communication skills you can intentionally demonstrate during an interview:

• Active listening: Engage in the conversation by being a good listener. Nod your head, paraphrase (restate their thoughts in your own words), and ask follow-up questions.
• Clarity and conciseness: Respect the interviewer’s time and show that you can stay focused on the topic at hand. Avoid unnecessary details and long explanations.
• Nonverbal communication: Be aware of your body when you’re speaking and listening. Make eye contact and sit up straight to convey your interest and professionalism.
• Positive tone and attitude: Be mindful of the way you’re speaking and how you describe past experiences. Keep things positive even when speaking about challenging subjects.
• Verbal communication: Speak clearly and confidently. Don’t talk too fast or too slow, and avoid filler words such as “um,” “uh,” and “like.”

Following up after the interview

Express your gratitude and reinforce your interest in the position by sending a thank you note after your interview. This also serves as another way you can highlight the soft skill of professionalism to hiring managers.

Aim to send this note by email 24 to 48 hours after the interview. If you’re not sure what to say, see our thank you note examples guide for inspiration.

How do you quantify communication skills? -

In your professional experience section, use numbers when describing how you used communication to achieve results. You can do this by including things such as:

• Customer satisfaction and patient satisfaction scores
• High client retention rates
• Increase in social media engagement
• Number of people trained, positive impact on team performance
• Revenue increase resulting from successful negotiations

Is communication the most important soft skill to put on a resume? -

According to a 2022 LinkedIn survey , employers agree that resume skills like communication are a top priority. However, always look at the job description of the position you’re applying for to determine which skills are most important for you to highlight. There is likely a select set of communication skill requirements listed in the job posting, so tailor your resume to include those keywords mentioned by the employer.

How do I develop my soft skills and communication skills? -

Identify the specific abilities you’d like to work on and create a few goals for yourself. If you’re not sure where to start, ask for feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors. People who interact with you regularly can provide great insight into what they’ve observed and experienced.

Once you have a clear picture of what to develop, start practicing. The only way to improve is to jump in and give it a try. Make a conscious effort to practice these skills at work, at home, and as you go about your day. If you need more help leveling up your interpersonal skills, look to books, training, and role-playing for extra insight and practice.

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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7 Communications Resume Examples to Land a Job in 2024

Communications Resume

• Communications Resumes by Experience
• Communications Resumes by Role
• Write Your Communications Resume

You’re the orchestrator of effective messaging and brand image. With strategic finesse, you shape and disseminate information, ensuring it resonates with the target audience. 

Navigating the intricate world of communication strategies, crisis management, and media relations is your forte. However, it can be a lot harder to communicate your strengths to a potential employer.

That’s where we come in. Our communications resume examples are expertly crafted and ready to help you shape your work experience into exactly what recruiters are looking for.

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• It’s advisable to include how you shortened response time and ensured reliable information flow during a crisis in your communications resume. It sets you apart from others who may have never handled communication in such a situation.

Communications Major Resume

• Think of a brief paragraph of about three sentences that serves as a sneak peek into your ambitions and why you’re itching to be part of the team. It can be downright magnetic. As for where to stash it? Right at the top of your communications major resume (below the header or in the side column) is a prime spot.

Communications Coordinator Resume

• If you’re proficient with must-haves like Slack, Asana, Hootsuite, Canva, and Google Analytics, give them a shoutout in the Skills and Work Experience sections. It’s like decking your communications coordinator resume in its Sunday best, and trust us, it will pop in a pile of blandness.

Communications Manager Resume

• And not just the collaboration, your communications manager resume should delve into the details of what was achieved through collective efforts such as increasing website traffic.

Communications Director Resume

• Ideally, summarize your responsibilities and wins for each role in four bullet points. But again, you don’t want your communications director resume to spill over one page, so keep these points snappy and punchy. For industry-unrelated experiences, strive to showcase yourself mastering or using proficiencies transferable to the open role.

Internal Communications Resume

• See how Jennifer’s internal communications resume talks about boosting brand mentions by 44% at Zimmerman Advertising. But don’t just focus on percentages. You could talk about increasing click-throughs by a particular number of clicks, reducing email response time by a certain number of minutes, or improving customer ratings by certain a margin on a scale of 0 to 5 or 0 to 10.

Communications Specialist Resume

• In your communications specialist resume, highlight the number of times you ensured the company reputation was intact and accompany it with the record of ensuring a positive brand image across media platforms.

Related resume examples

• Brand Ambassador
• Digital Marketing
• Social Media Manager
• Marketing Manager

Write a Communications Resume that Fits the Job Perfectly

Companies depend on you to craft compelling narratives and adapt your tone to various channels, be it social media or press releases, strengthening relationships and boosting organizational reputation. These abilities are the backbone of your resume, so aim for detailed and specific skills rather than generic terms like “good communicator.”

Given your role’s diverse demands, focus on a balance of technical and soft skills . Highlight software proficiencies, digital tools, and your ability to craft compelling content across many platforms. Don’t forget to mention your expertise in PR strategies, crisis communication, and stakeholder engagement.

Your resume should closely align with the job’s requirements, clearly showing recruiters your ability to enhance brand presence and execute effective communication strategies.

Need a few ideas?

15 top communications skills

• Media Relations
• Google Analytics 
• Content Creation
• Public Speaking
• Brand Management 
• Copywriting
• Project Management 
• Social Media
• Crisis Communication
• Managing Stakeholders 

Your communications work experience bullet points

Your resume’s work experience section is an opportunity to highlight significant achievements over mundane tasks. From devising intricate communication strategies to fostering brand growth and engagement, zone in on the things that really show off your impact.

This is because you’re responsible for the company’s reputation and cohesive messaging—both crucial to the health of any organization. You directly influence successful campaigns, audience engagement, and overall brand resonance.

Bolster each point with specific metrics to quantify your achievements in things like social media management and brand messaging. This ensures your accomplishments shine as the cornerstones of your professional journey.

• Showcase the effectiveness of your content strategy in capturing your audience’s attention and fostering engagement with social media engagement metrics.
• Talk about expanding media coverage in order to gain press visibility, boosting brand credibility and industry recognition
• Website traffic growth reflects the success of your online presence, content quality, and SEO efforts in attracting and retaining a larger audience.
• A high email campaign conversion rate proves that you’re a whiz at producing top-notch content in order to drive engagement and achieve campaign goals.

See what we mean?

• Collaborated with the marketing team on ClickUp to drive a 28% increase in website traffic through content optimization
• Grew Bloomberg’s social media presence and achieved a 53% increase in followers across platforms
• Led email marketing campaigns with Moosend, resulting in a 17% increase in email open rates
• Executed comprehensive communication plans for product launches, resulting in a 33% increase in media mentions

9 active verbs to start your communications work experience bullet points

• Collaborated

3 Tips for Crafting an Engaging Entry-Level Communications Resume

• Start your resume with a concise career objective highlighting your passion for effective communication and your desire to contribute to the company’s success. Tailor it to showcase your enthusiasm for utilizing your messaging, content creation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• If your professional experience is limited, it’s totally acceptable to focus on various projects and internships that demonstrate your practical skills. Describe how you managed social media campaigns, organized events, or contributed to content creation.
• Include coursework related to communication, marketing, or public relations. If you’ve achieved notable academic awards or honors, list them to showcase your dedication and excellence. 

3 Tips for Creating a Communications Resume as a Seasoned Pro

• To pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS), use relevant keywords from the job description . Doing so doesn’t just get you through AI resume checkers, but it also shows that you pay attention, which is crucial if you work in communications.
• Including various KPIs and metrics, such as increased social media engagement, expanded media coverage, or improved email campaign conversion rates, adds depth to your experience. Emphasize specific achievements that demonstrate your impact and prowess in strategic communication to really zone in on your expertise.
• Begin with a compelling summary, focusing on your unique value proposition and key skills. For mid-level roles, an objective can be replaced by a branding statement. Prioritize relevant experience, including internships and certifications that showcase your aptitude for effective communication.

Certifications like HubSpot Inbound Marketing, Google Analytics, or Social Media Marketing can reinforce your proficiency in strategic communication, data analysis, and digital marketing. This applies to most roles in communications, not just managerial positions.

If they’re relevant to the role or highlight communication-related skills—such as writing for a blog, volunteering in PR, or participating in public speaking— hobbies and interests can provide additional context to your profile, especially if you’re low on professional experience . Otherwise, it’s best to save the space for your work background.

Align your skills with the job description . Prioritize technical skills like social media management tools, SEO software, and content creation platforms. Your soft skills will get their time in the spotlight when creating a cover letter .

How to list communication skills and examples on a resumé

Good communication skills are essential to have – in your personal life and in the workplace. They’re a key ingredient for collaboration and teamwork, and essential if you work with customers or clients. 

Employers want team members who work well together and can support one another, which is impossible without good communication skills. No matter what type of job you’re applying for, including communication skills on your resumé is a good idea.

If you’re applying for your first job with no experience, it’s even more important to list communication skills and examples on your resumé. In this guide, we explore what communication skills are and help you pick the right skills to include in your resumé.

What are communication skills?

Communication skills involve the ability to clearly convey and understand information. Specific to work, it’s how effectively you:

• Collaborate with your teammates
• Interact with stakeholders
• Present data
• Send emails
• Solve problems
• Serve customers or clients 

Effective communication skills are helpful for career progression as they give you the ability to convey thoughts clearly and tactfully and help you build strong work relationships.

On your resumé, communication skills fall into the category of soft skills or transferable skills. They’re different from technical skills , which refer to specialised knowledge and specific areas of expertise. Depending on your profession, they are both highly beneficial to showcase in your resumé. Soft skills, for example, are especially important for roles in sales and hospitality.

Why should you include communication skills in a resumé?

Adding communication skills to your resumé helps give the employer a rounded impression of your abilities and what you can bring to a role. Even if your profession doesn’t involve interacting much with others, the hiring company probably still has expectations for communication. Communication skills can only benefit you at work and in your resumé. 

Quick examples of roles and communication skills in a resumé

There are many different types of communication skills and not all of them are common or required for every job. So how do you know which to add to your resumé? Here are a few examples of communication skills, to give you an idea of how to tailor yours to the role you’re applying for. 

• A manager may highlight their presentation skills, report-writing skills, active listening skills or empathetic communication skills
• A sales assistant may include their problem-solving and persuasion skills
• A designer would want to highlight their collaboration skills and visual communication skills

It’s all about selecting the communication skills that are most relevant and important to the job you’re applying for. Let the individual role and job description be your guide.

How to show communication skills in a resumé

There are a few different ways to showcase your communication skills in a resumé. You can highlight them in a career objective statement along with other key skills and work experience. You can list them in the skills section of your resumé or work them into the experience section. It’s up to you how you include them, but keep these best practices in mind. To best show off your communication skills:

• First assess your professional abilities and see which fall under the umbrella of communication skills.
• Choose two to five key communication skills that best align with the job.
• Show how your skills have helped you achieve an outcome in the workplace, like using effective communication to manage projects or meet deadlines.

The more specific your communication skills are to the job ad, the easier it will be for the hiring manager to align your abilities with what they need. 

Communication skills to include in your resumé

Communication skills come in many forms, like being able to write well, present engagingly or resolve conflicts in the workplace. Some of the top communication skills you can include in your resumé:

• Written communication: this could include creating reports, writing emails, liaising with clients, responding to customers, writing tenders or pitches, etc.
• Verbal communication: this could include delivering constructive feedback , public speaking, MCing events, chairing meetings, etc.
• Interpersonal communication: this could include day-to-day collaboration and teamwork, conflict resolution, serving customers, mediating, etc.
• Empathy, active listening and non-verbal communication: these could be important skills to list for roles in social and public services, teaching and healthcare, etc.

To ensure your skills support your application, choose the ones that best align with the job ad. This will ensure everything on your resumé makes a case for why you’re a great candidate for the job and why the hiring company should call you for an interview.

Communication skills – resumé phrases

Giving your communication skills some context in your resumé gives employers a better understanding of what you bring to the table. It helps them imagine your skills in practice in their workplace. Describe where you have used a specific skill and how it helped your past employer.

For example, include how a specific skill helped you exceed key performance indicators or how your skills help keep customers happy. Some different communication skills resumé phrases you could use include:

• Excellent written communication: wrote and edited my department’s quarterly reports
• Excellent verbal communication: increased average floor sales by 10%
• Presentation skills: required to present to senior leadership every quarter
• Empathetic manager: improved staff retention in 2023
• Public-speaking skills: moderated several industry panels
• Collaboration skills: work effectively with international teams 

Your resumé itself should also show off excellent written communication. Ensure it is concise and typo-free to give the hiring manager a good first impression of your skills.

Communication skills in a resumé – example

How you format your communication skills in your resumé depends on where you put them. If you put them in your skills section, you only need to list them as bullet points. If you include them in your work experience section, write them into the descriptions of your duties. You could also choose to highlight skills in your resumé summary . Here are some examples:

• Highly empathetic and compassionate nurse with a decade of experience in providing the highest level of patient care.
• Persuasive sales manager with strong closing abilities. Maintained a 72% close rate in the top 3% of sales managers in the state.
• Well-spoken student looking for a casual retail role with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Getting your resumé right is crucial if you want to effectively show off your skills. Choosing your most relevant communication skills can make all the difference when it comes to standing out against other job seekers. Even if your profession doesn’t involve a lot of communication, these skills are always valued in the workplace. They’re the foundations of a good workplace culture, which is something every employer – and employee – wants. 

How do you say good communication skills on a resumé?

A good way to talk about good communication skills on a resumé is to be specific about your particular skills. For example, you could mention or list:

• Good written and verbal skills 
• Strong presentation skills
• Public speaking experience

If your skills are advanced or you have a relevant qualification, you can list them as technical or advanced skills. 

How would you describe your written communication skills?

Some words to describe written communication skills on a resumé include: 

• Professional

You can also show off your written communication skills in your resumé and cover letter, or provide links to any professional writing samples. 

Can communication skills be listed in a separate section in my resumé?

Communication skills are often listed with other soft skills on a resumé or in the objective description. You can also use them in your work experience section to showcase how they helped you achieve specific results. If you are writing a resumé for a writing job or a role requiring formal communication, you should also include a portfolio of work or links to writing samples.

Are communication skills more important than technical skills in my resumé?

While technical skills will help you meet criteria for the role, communication skills help you stand out as a valuable team player. You should include both communication and technical skills on your resumé. 

Should I include communication skills in a cover letter as well?

Your cover letter is a good place to include examples of how you’ve used good communication skills, if they’re relevant for the job. For example, for a customer-facing role, you may highlight being commended for providing great customer service or being known for high satisfaction rates. 

How can I improve my communication skills for my resumé?

Some good ways to improve your communication skills for your resumé include:

• Working on active listening
• Practising speaking skills
• Asking for feedback
• Doing a course
• Joining a special interest group
• Getting a mentor

You can practise communication skills at home by reading more, watching instructional videos, taking online courses or role-playing work situations with family and friends. Communication skills are abilities that will evolve naturally over time through experience as you interact with different people in new situations.

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10 essential resume skills to showcase your value to employers

by YouScience | Apr 16, 2024 | Blog

Writing a compelling resume involves more than just listing your work history and education. You also need to highlight your skills effectively to stand out to employers. It can be difficult to know what skills to put on a resume, especially if you don’t have much work experience. Below, we discuss 10 essential resume skills and advice for proving your value to potential employers.

What are good skills to put on a resume?

The best skills to put on a resume include a mix of hard and soft skills. Focus on skills that are most relevant to the position you want. Here are some resume skill examples you could include:

Communication skills

Effective communication is a fundamental skill required for almost every type of job. Communication skills include being able to articulate your ideas clearly and listening to others while understanding their perspective.

Active listening skills

Active listening requires paying close attention, asking clarifying questions, and showing empathy to ensure you thoroughly understand what someone is trying to say.

• Interpersonal skills

These skills refer to how well you work with other people. They include collaboration, conflict resolution, and the ability to build connections with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.

Leadership skills

Even if you’re not in a leadership role, showcasing your leadership qualities on your resume can set you apart from other candidates. Examples can include taking initiative, motivating others, and showing accountability.

Problem-solving skills

Employers value candidates who can think quickly to solve problems. Include times when you’ve identified issues, developed solutions, and implemented effective strategies to overcome challenges.

Computer skills

Nearly every job will require the use of a computer, so experience with computers and software is essential. Make sure to include any specific programs or tools you’re proficient in, especially ones directly related to the job you’re applying for.

Customer service skills

Even if you’re not applying for a customer-facing role, including customer service skills on your resume can still be valuable . These skills demonstrate your positivity, adaptability, communication skills, and attention to detail.

Transferable skills

These are skills that can be used in several different positions and industries. Transferable skills may include teamwork, adaptability, organization, or any other qualities all employers are looking for.

Management skills

Highlighting your management skills is crucial if you’re applying for any management role overseeing projects or teams. Management skills can include examples of delegation, decision-making, and conflict resolution.

Time management skills

Efficient time management shows your ability to prioritize assignments, meet deadlines, and maximize productivity. Employers want to hire disciplined employees who can tune out distractions during work hours.

Hard resume skills vs. soft resume skills

Skills for resumes are either hard or soft skills. Employers typically look for both types of skills on candidates’ resumes.

• Hard skills are specific skills needed to perform the job. These can include technological skills, field-specific education, or credentials related to the job.
• Soft skills include your personality attributes and interpersonal skills. These may include communication skills, leadership qualities, stress management, and problem-solving abilities.

How to list skills on a resume per job type

Tailor your skills to the job you’re applying for to show employers you’re suitable for the job. Here are some hard and soft resume skills examples for different positions:

Digital marketing specialist

Hard skills

• Google Analytics
• Project management systems

Soft skills

• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Analytics thinking

Financial analyst

• Financial modeling
• Data analysis
• Attention to detail
• Creative thinking
• Collaboration

Data analyst

• Python and other statistical programming languages
• Data visualization
• Statistical analysis
• Machine learning
• Time management
• Adaptability

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6 Customer Success Associate Resume Examples for 2024

In this article, we show you how to write a resume for a customer success associate role. You'll see proven resume examples and get advice on structure, keywords, and skills. Learn how to highlight your experience and use industry terms effectively, making your resume strong and clear.

• 10 Sep 2024 - 5 new sections, including 'Placing your education section', added
• 10 Sep 2024 - 5 new resume templates, including Aspiring Customer Success Associate, added
• 08 Sep 2024 - Article published

  Next update scheduled for 18 Sep 2024

Here's what we see in the best resumes for customer success associates.

Show Impact Using Numbers : The best resumes use metrics to show impact, like reducing support tickets by 30% , increasing customer satisfaction to 95% , boosting upsell revenue by 20% , and improving customer retention to 85% .

Include Relevant Skills : Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are CRM tools , data analysis , technical support , customer onboarding , and product training . But don't include all of them, choose the ones you have and are mentioned in the JD.

Highlight Problem-solving Experience : Many top resumes show your ability to solve problems. Examples include solved customer issues or troubleshoot technical problems .

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Customer Success Associate Resume Sample

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Placing your education section

On your resume, the placement of the education section can help you make a strong impression. If you are new to the workforce or have recently completed a degree or special training that is relevant to being a customer success associate, place your education at the top. This will show employers your most recent and applicable credentials upfront.

For those with more experience in customer-related roles, list your work history first and then your education. When including your education, highlight any courses or projects that demonstrate your skills in customer service, communication, or problem-solving. Your goal is to draw a clear line between your academic achievements and their relevance to a role in supporting customers effectively.

Highlighting customer success skills

Focus on your experience with customer-facing roles. Make sure to include examples of how you helped customers solve problems or meet their needs.

If you have data to show your success, like customer satisfaction scores or retention rates, make sure to include that. This will help you stand out in the customer success field.

Junior Customer Success Associate Resume Sample

Showcasing communication skills.

Communication is key in customer success roles. Include any relevant experience where you had to explain things clearly and effectively to customers or clients.

If you have experience with tools commonly used in customer success, like CRMs or chat platforms, make sure to list these. This shows you are ready to hit the ground running in the role.

Customer Success Specialist with Product Focus Resume Sample

Aspiring customer success associate resume sample.

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