If your Mom isn’t Hiring, Relevant Skills Matter

Are you applying for jobs and don’t understand why you aren’t getting interviews? Employers consistently share that applicants fail to communicate relevant skills on resumes. While your mom may celebrate every accomplishment with equal vigor, employers don’t care unless they think a particular experience or skill is going to help them. Though tough to hear (or read in this case), a potential employer doesn’t care how wonderful YOU think an experience, job or internship was if you cannot communicate to them that you successfully mastered and used skills that matter to their organization/company.

So, if that convinces you to actually read a job description, not just the title, and try to tailor your resume, and not just send out the same one to every job, you are headed down a more productive path. But…I know, I know…what about those lousy job descriptions that consist of little more than a job title? Do your research. Find similar jobs posted on other sites. Call and ask. If nothing else, here are the top 10 skills employers across the country are seeking in candidates that should appear (if honest and true for you) on your resume:

1. Communication skills
2. Strong work ethic
3. Teamwork skills (works well with others)
4. Initiative
5. Analytical skills
6. Computer skills
7. Flexibility/adaptability
8. Interpersonal skills (relates well to others)
9. Problem-solving skills
10. Technical skills

(Resource: Job Outlook 2009, NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) (http://www.jobweb.com/studentarticles.aspx?id=2121)

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