Soft skills on your resume show employers you can work well with others, solve problems, and adapt to challenges. While hard skills get you considered for a job, soft skills often determine who actually gets hired. Character traits and personality traits are foundational to soft skills, shaping how you interact, communicate, and perform in the workplace.
The best soft skills for your resume are: communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, and adaptability. Don’t just list them — demonstrate them with specific examples from your work experience. Here are some examples of soft skills that are in demand by employers. Tailor your soft skills to match what the job posting emphasizes.
Employers value soft skills because they often determine how well you collaborate and grow within a team or organization.
🎯 Quick Check: Want to see if your soft skills match the job? Our free resume scanner compares your resume to any job posting in 30 seconds.
Research indicates that the demand for soft skill-intensive jobs is expected to grow at 2.5 times the rate of other jobs.
Introduction to Soft Skills
In today’s rapidly changing job market, soft skills have become just as critical as technical expertise. While hard skills like data analysis or web development show what you can do, it’s your soft skills—such as communication, leadership, and problem solving—that reveal how you do it. Employers are increasingly seeking candidates who can collaborate, adapt, and think critically, especially as artificial intelligence and automation transform the workplace.
Soft skills are the human skills that help you build positive relationships, navigate group projects, and work effectively in cross functional teams. They include everything from strong communication skills and emotional intelligence to creative thinking and a positive attitude. These interpersonal skills are often the deciding factor in who gets hired, promoted, or trusted with leadership roles.
As the World Economic Forum and top employers highlight, the ability to communicate effectively, solve complex problems, and remain calm under pressure are now core skills for professional success. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming for career advancement, developing soft skills gives you a competitive edge that technical skills alone can’t match.
What Are Soft Skills?
Soft skills are personal attributes—including personality traits, character traits, and people skills—that affect how you work and interact with others. Unlike hard skills (measurable abilities or technical skills you learn), soft skills are harder to teach — which makes them highly valuable to employers.
| Soft Skills | Hard Skills |
|---|---|
| Communication | Excel formulas |
| Leadership | Programming languages |
| Problem-solving | Data analysis |
| Teamwork | Accounting software |
| Adaptability | Machine operation |
Why employers care: A LinkedIn survey found 92% of hiring managers say soft skills matter as much or more than hard skills. Bad soft skills are the #1 reason new hires fail within 18 months. In fact, 80% of employers consider adaptability and flexibility vital for employees.
50 Soft Skills for Your Resume
Communication Skills
Effective communication is a key soft skill for any resume, as it is essential for building trust, persuading others, managing conflicts, and delivering clear messages in various professional scenarios. Communication is the #1 desired skill, encompassing active listening, clear writing, and effective presentation.
- Verbal communication
- Written communication
- Active listening
- Public speaking
- Presentation skills
- Negotiation
- Persuasion
- Storytelling
- Feedback delivery
- Cross-cultural communication
For an in-depth look at communication abilities, see our communication skills for resume guide.
Teamwork & Collaboration
Teamwork skills are essential for professionals who want to be recognized as team players and who can build relationships within diverse groups. Employers highly value individuals who contribute positively to group efforts and foster collaboration through strong interpersonal abilities.
- Team collaboration
- Conflict resolution
- Cooperation
- Reliability
- Flexibility with team needs
- Supporting colleagues
- Building consensus
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Delegation
- Mentoring
Employers are increasingly shifting toward skills-based hiring, prioritizing candidates’ actual capabilities over job titles in 2026.
Problem-Solving Skills
Critical thinkers are highly valued in the workplace for their ability to solve problems, develop effective solutions, and demonstrate leadership qualities that drive career advancement.
- Critical thinking
- Analytical thinking
- Decision-making
- Creative problem-solving
- Research skills
- Troubleshooting
- Root cause analysis
- Strategic thinking
- Innovation
- Resourcefulness
Critical thinkers use evidence and thorough analysis to make informed decisions, ensuring logical and effective outcomes. Leadership in problem-solving also involves delivering results ahead of schedule while maintaining employee retention through mentorship.
Time Management & Organization
- Prioritization
- Meeting deadlines
- Multitasking
- Planning
- Goal-setting
- Self-management
- Attention to detail
- Project coordination
- Calendar management
- Efficiency optimization
Leadership & Interpersonal
Leadership skills are essential soft skills for a resume, as they demonstrate your ability to take initiative, work effectively in teams, and manage projects or people. These skills are often developed through life experiences, such as participating in community activities, professional development programs, or overcoming challenges in various settings.
- Leadership
- Motivation
- Coaching
- Emotional intelligence
- Empathy
- Accountability
- Initiative
- Confidence
- Adaptability
- Positive attitude
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is highly valued for leadership and team cohesion. Additionally, Cultural Intelligence (CQ) is important for inclusivity and respect for diverse perspectives in a globalized workplace.
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Top 10 Soft Skills Employers Want in 2024
These are the most in demand soft skills for 2024:
Based on job posting analysis and employer surveys:
| Rank | Soft Skill | Why Employers Want It |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Communication | Remote work, cross-team coordination |
| 2 | Problem-solving | Handle challenges independently |
| 3 | Teamwork | Collaboration across departments |
| 4 | Adaptability | Constant change in business |
| 5 | Time management | Productivity without micromanagement |
| 6 | Critical thinking | Make good decisions |
| 7 | Leadership | Take initiative, guide others |
| 8 | Creativity | Innovate and improve processes |
| 9 | Emotional intelligence | Navigate workplace relationships |
| 10 | Work ethic | Reliability and commitment |
Creativity and innovation are valued for improving processes that AI cannot fully replicate.
Other soft skills, such as attention to detail, flexibility, and interpersonal skills, can further complement the in demand skills listed above.
How to List Soft Skills on Your Resume
❌ Wrong Way: Just Listing Them
Skills: Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadershipThis tells employers nothing. Anyone can claim these skills.
✅ Right Way: Show Evidence
In your skills section, be specific:
Skills: Cross-functional team leadership, stakeholder communication, process improvement, deadline-driven project managementAccording to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), these are examples of key soft skills that are highly valued by employers.
In your work experience, prove it:
| Soft Skill | Weak Bullet | Strong Bullet |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | “Good communication skills” | “Presented quarterly reports to 50+ stakeholders, earning ‘most engaging presenter’ recognition” |
| Problem-solving | “Solved problems” | “Identified root cause of 30% cart abandonment, implemented fix that recovered $200K in annual revenue” |
| Leadership | “Led team” | “Mentored 5 junior developers, with 3 promoted to senior roles within 18 months” |
| Time management | “Managed time well” | “Delivered 12 projects on deadline while managing 40% higher workload during hiring freeze” |
Soft Skills Examples by Job Type
Customer Service Resume
People skills are crucial for customer service roles, as they enable professionals to effectively interact with customers and colleagues, ensuring positive experiences and successful outcomes.
- Active listening
- Patience
- Empathy
- Conflict resolution
- Clear communication
- Positive attitude
Example bullet: “Resolved 50+ customer complaints monthly with 98% satisfaction rating through patient, empathetic communication”
Management Resume
- Leadership
- Delegation
- Coaching
- Decision-making
- Conflict resolution
- Strategic thinking
Example bullet: “Led team of 12 through company restructuring, maintaining 95% retention through transparent communication and career development planning”
Entry-Level Resume
- Eagerness to learn
- Adaptability
- Teamwork
- Reliability
- Time management
- Positive attitude
Example bullet: “Adapted to 3 different role assignments during internship, receiving ‘exceeds expectations’ rating in each rotation”
If you’re just starting out, check our guide on writing a resume with no experience.
Remote Work Resume
- Self-motivation
- Written communication
- Time management
- Accountability
- Async collaboration
- Proactive communication
Example bullet: “Managed $500K project portfolio while working remotely across 4 time zones, delivering all milestones on schedule”
How Many Soft Skills Should You List?
Skills section: 3-5 soft skills maximum (mixed with hard skills)
Work experience: Demonstrate 2-3 soft skills per job with specific examples
Balance rule: Your resume should be roughly 60% hard skills, 40% soft skills. Technical roles lean more toward hard skills; people-focused roles can emphasize soft skills more.
For more guidance, see our article on how many skills to list on your resume.
Soft Skills to Avoid on Your Resume
Some soft skills are overused, vague, or can backfire:
| Skip This | Why | Better Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| “Hard worker” | Everyone claims this | Show results: “Delivered project 2 weeks early” |
| “Team player” | Too generic | “Cross-functional collaboration” with example |
| “Detail-oriented” | Overused | “Quality assurance” or show in error-free resume |
| “Self-starter” | Vague | “Initiative” with example of self-directed project |
| “People person” | Unprofessional | “Relationship building” or “client communication” |
| “Perfectionist” | Can sound negative | “Commitment to quality” |
Career Development and Job Search
Developing strong soft skills is a game-changer for career advancement and a successful job search. In a world where job roles and industries are constantly evolving, soft skills are your most valuable transferable skills—they move with you from one position or sector to another, making you adaptable and resilient in fast paced environments.
Employers look for candidates who can work effectively in cross functional teams, communicate in a respectful manner, and demonstrate self awareness. These personal attributes not only help you build strong relationships with colleagues and clients, but also enable you to overcome obstacles and solve problems creatively. Whether you’re leading a group project, managing conflict resolution, or supporting a team structure, your soft skills are what set you apart as a team player and a future leader.
When searching for a new job, it’s essential to highlight soft skills throughout your application process. Tailor your resume to showcase relevant soft skills in your dedicated skills section and work experience bullets. During interviews, use real-life examples to demonstrate your communication style, critical thinking skills, and ability to adapt. Networking is another opportunity to display your interpersonal skills and build connections that can open doors to new opportunities.
Investing in professional development to strengthen your soft skills not only boosts your confidence but also increases your value in the eyes of human resources and hiring managers. In a competitive job market, the right soft skills can make all the difference in landing your next role and achieving long-term career growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What soft skills should I put on my resume?
Focus on communication, problem-solving, teamwork, time management, and adaptability — these are universally valued. Then add 1-2 skills specifically mentioned in the job posting. Always back them up with examples.
How do you demonstrate soft skills on a resume?
Use the STAR method in your bullet points: describe the Situation, Task, Action, and Result. For example: “Resolved team conflict (situation) by facilitating mediation session (action), restoring collaboration and delivering project on deadline (result).”
Should I list soft skills separately on my resume?
You can include a few in your skills section, but the most effective approach is weaving them into your work experience bullets. Showing beats telling.
What’s the difference between soft skills and hard skills?
Hard skills are technical abilities learned through training (Excel, coding, accounting). Soft skills are interpersonal traits that affect how you work (communication, leadership, adaptability), and include personality traits and character traits that influence workplace interactions and professional success. Most jobs require both.
Can I include soft skills if I have no work experience?
Yes! Draw examples from school projects, volunteer work, sports teams, or personal projects. “Led 5-person group project, coordinating schedules and delegating tasks to deliver presentation on deadline” demonstrates leadership and time management.
✍️ About the Author
Alex Rivers is a resume coach and career advisor who has reviewed over 5,000 resumes and helped job seekers land roles at companies like Google, Amazon, and McKinsey. After years of seeing the same mistakes cost qualified candidates interviews, Alex built ratemy.cv to give everyone access to instant, actionable resume feedback — for free.
See How Your Soft Skills Stack Up
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Want more skills to add? Check out our complete guide to skills to put on your resume with 100+ examples.
Conclusion
Soft skills are no longer just “nice to have”—they’re essential for professional success and career growth in every industry. By understanding which soft skills employers value most and learning how to showcase them on your resume, you give yourself a real competitive edge. Remember, it’s the combination of hard and soft skills that makes you a standout candidate.
Take time to assess your own strengths, seek out opportunities for developing soft skills, and practice communicating them with confidence. Whether you’re aiming for your first job or your next promotion, the right mix of technical skills and human skills will help you build strong relationships, solve complex problems, and thrive in any team structure.
Ready to see how your soft skills stack up? Use our free resume scanner to get instant feedback and make sure you’re highlighting the top skills employers are looking for. Your next career move starts with the right skills—don’t leave them off your resume!
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