6 Key Strengths on a Resume to Look For

In today’s job market, all businesses must navigate the task of evaluating numerous resumes and pinpointing the best candidates. Strengths on resumes have become “Excel,” “Team Player,” or “Hardworking.” Beyond the sheer volume of resumes, you grapple with identifying real strengths from embellished claims on a resume.

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In this series, we’ll cover 3 aspects of finding great talent for your team:

1. Six key resume strengths HR Professionals prioritize while reviewing resumes.
2. Provide a clear real-world example of each strength.
3. Discuss what it may look like on a candidate’s resume, or yours!

By finding these strengths, you can begin to identify top-tier candidates faster and quickly streamline your recruiting practices.

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6 Key Strengths on a Resume

1. Adaptability & Flexibility
   • Ability to quickly change environments or industries.
     • Highlights the capacity to navigate challenges and learn quickly.
2. Problem-Solving Abilities
   • Instances where the candidate identified and resolved challenges
     • Showcases problem-solving skills that align with your needs.
3. Relevant Technical Skills
   • Demonstrated ability in the specific technical skills essential for the role
     • Showcases an ability to contribute immediately.
4. Effective Communication
   • Clear examples of strong communication skills, written and verbal
     • Emphasizes the ability to convey complex information concisely and collaborate within a team.
5. Leadership Experience
   • Demonstrated leadership roles or responsibilities
     • Indicates the ability to motivate, guide, and influence others positively.
6. Achievements
   • Tangible accomplishments and results in previous roles
     • Provides measurable evidence of the candidate’s impact to their former employers.

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In this entry, we’ll be discussing the first Strength to look for: “Adaptability and Flexibility.”

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The significance of adaptability and flexibility can’t be overstated and should be at the forefront of your criteria. In an era where change is the only constant, employees who can navigate transitions seamlessly become invaluable assets to any organization.

Candidates with a track record of flexibility are not just more likely to handle new challenges and evolving responsibilities easily, but are more likely to challenge themselves and create new ways to streamline processes on their own.

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Resume Strength Example:

Consider a customer service rep who, despite only being trained for online chat support, took on a new responsibility of answering live calls when the call team was experiencing high call volume.

We’ve all had co-workers that would moan and groan, or jump to the excuse, “…but that’s not my job!” when asked to do anything to help another team out.

But the customer service rep’s adaptability was evident when they familiarized themselves with the call systems. They asked questions to find out what was different and what was the same when handling customer concerns, and adjusted their communication style to help out another team when they were needed.

This demonstration of flexibility not only ensured smooth customer interactions, but also showcased the employee’s willingness to step outside their comfort zone for the benefit of the team and the organization.

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What does the Strength “Adaptability and Flexibility” look like on a resume?

There are 3 things you can look out for on resumes:

1. Examples of Training and Development
   • Candidates who highlight certifications or receiving and/or delivering ongoing trainings show a proactive approach to staying in tune with business changes
     • Examples of Training and Development shows a commitment to their own and other’s personal growth
2. Diverse Experiences
   • Scan resumes that detail different roles within the same organization
     • Much like our Customer Service Rep in the example above
   • Scan resumes that detail a similar role, but in different industries
     • For example, someone who’s held a HR Specialist job in retail, and a HR Specialist job in manufacturing brings a experience and skills, unique to them, to your organization, even if they held the same job title in both industries
3. Achievements During Change
   • Look for examples of accomplishments during periods of company change
     • For example, achievements listed on a resume when the company was opening of a new location shows an ability to succeed when faced with changing circumstances

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Adaptability and flexibility are essential ingredients for organizational success.

When found, you are not just adding to a team, but constructing a forward-thinking force prepared to drive into the face of challenges.

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Employers of Reddit, what is the funniest, craziest or weirdest thing you’ve seen on a resume?
by inAskReddit

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