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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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Top 20 Communication Skills for Resume – How to Highlight with Examples

• Resume Format
• November 8, 2024
• Resume Skills

Communication Skills for Resume : In today’s competitive job market, effective communication skills are more crucial than ever. Employers consistently seek candidates who can articulate their thoughts clearly, collaborate with teams, and convey ideas persuasively. Highlighting these skills on your resume can significantly enhance your chances of landing that dream job. This article delves into the top 20 communication skills that can set you apart from the competition, providing you with actionable examples to showcase your abilities.

Understanding how to present your communication skills effectively is essential for making a lasting impression. From active listening to non-verbal communication, each skill plays a vital role in fostering strong professional relationships. By mastering the art of communication, you not only improve your employability but also enhance your overall career prospects.

Join us as we explore these key communication skills and learn how to incorporate them into your resume. With the right approach, you can demonstrate your value to potential employers and take a significant step toward career success.

What are Communication Skills

Communication skills encompass the ability to convey information effectively and clearly, both verbally and non-verbally. They involve active listening, empathy, and the capacity to adapt messages based on the audience. Strong communication fosters understanding, builds relationships, and enhances collaboration in personal and professional settings, ultimately leading to successful interactions.

Why Communication Skills Important

Effective communication skills are essential in both personal and professional settings. They enable individuals to express their thoughts clearly, foster relationships, and navigate complex social dynamics. Here are key reasons why communication skills hold significant importance:

• Clarity of Expression : Good communication helps articulate ideas and feelings clearly, reducing misunderstandings and confusion.
• Building Relationships : Strong communication fosters trust and rapport, essential for both personal connections and professional networks.
• Conflict Resolution : Effective communicators can address and resolve conflicts more efficiently, leading to healthier interactions.
• Persuasion and Influence : The ability to convey ideas persuasively can inspire action and motivate others, crucial in leadership and sales roles.
• Career Advancement : Employers highly value communication skills; they can be the deciding factor in promotions and job opportunities.
• Team Collaboration : Clear communication enhances teamwork, ensuring that all members are aligned and working towards common goals.
• Emotional Intelligence : Good communicators often possess high emotional intelligence, allowing them to read social cues and respond appropriately.
• Adaptability : Strong communication skills enable individuals to adjust their messaging based on the audience, ensuring effective interactions in diverse situations.

In a world where collaboration and connection are paramount, honing communication skills can lead to greater success and fulfillment in various aspects of life. Investing in these skills is not just beneficial; it’s essential for personal and professional growth.

List of 20 Communication Skills for Resume

• Active Listening
• Verbal Communication
• Nonverbal Communication
• Written Communication
• Presentation Skills
• Negotiation Skills
• Persuasion Skills
• Conflict Resolution
• Clarity and Conciseness
• Public Speaking
• Interpersonal Skills
• Feedback Delivery
• Cross-Cultural Communication
• Team Collaboration
• Storytelling
• Adaptability
• Emotional Intelligence
• Relationship Building
• Networking Skills

Top Required Communication Skills for Resume

• Active Listening Engaging fully in conversations by paying attention, understanding, and responding thoughtfully. This skill fosters better relationships, minimizes misunderstandings, and enhances collaboration, making it essential in both personal and professional settings.
• Verbal Communication The ability to convey information clearly and effectively through spoken words. Strong verbal communication ensures that ideas are articulated well, facilitating discussions, presentations, and negotiations in various environments.
• Nonverbal Communication Understanding and utilizing body language, facial expressions, and gestures to enhance messages. Nonverbal cues can reinforce verbal communication, convey emotions, and build rapport, making it a vital skill in interpersonal interactions.
• Written Communication Crafting clear, concise, and persuasive written messages. This skill is crucial for emails, reports, and proposals, ensuring that the intended message is understood and prompts the desired response from the audience.
• Empathy The ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Empathy fosters trust and connection, enabling effective communication by acknowledging diverse perspectives and emotional responses, which is essential in team dynamics.
• Clarity Expressing ideas in a straightforward and unambiguous manner. Clarity minimizes confusion and ensures that the audience comprehends the message, making it easier to achieve communication objectives and avoid misinterpretations.
• Persuasion The skill of influencing others’ thoughts, beliefs, or actions through compelling arguments and emotional appeals. Persuasive communication is vital in sales, marketing, and leadership, driving desired outcomes and fostering buy-in.
• Adaptability Adjusting communication style and approach based on the audience and context. This skill enhances effectiveness by ensuring that messages resonate with diverse groups, whether in formal presentations or casual conversations.
• Feedback Providing constructive criticism and positive reinforcement to others. Effective feedback promotes growth and improvement, fostering a culture of open communication and continuous development within teams and organizations.
• Conflict Resolution Navigating disagreements and finding mutually beneficial solutions. This skill involves active listening, empathy, and negotiation, ensuring that conflicts are resolved amicably and relationships are maintained.
• Public Speaking The ability to deliver engaging and informative presentations to an audience. Strong public speaking skills enhance credibility, influence, and the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and effectively.
• Networking Building and maintaining professional relationships through effective communication. Networking skills facilitate connections that can lead to opportunities, collaborations, and knowledge sharing, essential for career advancement.
• Interpersonal Skills The ability to interact effectively with others, fostering positive relationships. Strong interpersonal skills enhance teamwork, collaboration, and communication, contributing to a harmonious and productive work environment.
• Cultural Awareness Understanding and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds and communication styles. This skill promotes inclusivity and effective communication in multicultural environments, reducing misunderstandings and enhancing collaboration.
• Questioning Asking insightful questions to gather information and clarify understanding. Effective questioning encourages dialogue, stimulates critical thinking, and demonstrates engagement, leading to deeper conversations and better outcomes.
• Storytelling Using narratives to convey information and connect with the audience emotionally. Storytelling enhances engagement and retention, making complex ideas more relatable and memorable in presentations and discussions.
• Negotiation The ability to reach agreements through dialogue and compromise. Strong negotiation skills ensure that all parties feel heard and valued, leading to successful outcomes in business deals and conflict resolution.
• Presentation Skills Creating and delivering visually appealing and informative presentations. This skill involves organizing content effectively and using visual aids, ensuring that the audience remains engaged and informed throughout.
• Assertiveness Expressing thoughts, feelings, and needs confidently and respectfully. Assertiveness fosters open communication, encourages honesty, and helps establish boundaries, contributing to healthier interactions and relationships.
• Summarization The ability to distill complex information into concise summaries. Effective summarization ensures that key points are communicated clearly, aiding comprehension and retention for the audience during discussions or presentations.

How to Highlight Communication Skills on Resume

Highlighting communication skills on your resume is essential for standing out in today’s competitive job market. Effective communication skills demonstrate your ability to convey information clearly, collaborate with others, and build relationships. Here are some strategies to showcase your communication skills effectively:

• Tailor Your Resume : Customize your resume for each job application by incorporating keywords from the job description that emphasize communication skills.
• Use Action Verbs : Start bullet points with strong action verbs such as “articulated,” “negotiated,” or “facilitated” to illustrate your communication skills in action.
• Quantify Achievements : Include metrics that highlight your communication skills. For example, “Led a team of 10 in a project that improved client satisfaction by 30% through effective communication.”
• Include Relevant Experience : List roles that required strong communication skills, such as customer service, sales, or team leadership positions, to demonstrate your proficiency.
• Highlight Specific Skills : Mention specific communication skills, such as public speaking, writing, or active listening, in a dedicated skills section.
• Showcase Soft Skills : Emphasize soft skills related to communication, like empathy and teamwork, which are crucial for effective interaction in the workplace.
• Provide Examples : Use examples in your work experience section that illustrate how your communication skills contributed to successful outcomes.
• Incorporate Testimonials : If applicable, include brief quotes or feedback from supervisors or colleagues that highlight your communication skills.
• Utilize a Summary Statement : Craft a compelling summary at the top of your resume that emphasizes your communication skills and sets the tone for the rest of your application.

By strategically highlighting your communication skills, you can create a resume that captures attention and demonstrates your value to potential employers.

Sample Communication Skills for Resume

[your name].

[Your Address] [City, State, Zip] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [LinkedIn Profile URL]

Dynamic and results-oriented professional with exceptional communication skills seeking to leverage expertise in a challenging role that requires effective collaboration, negotiation, and presentation abilities.

Bachelor of Arts in Communication [University Name], [City, State] [Month, Year] – [Month, Year]

• Relevant Coursework: Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Media Relations, Persuasion Theory
• Verbal Communication : Proficient in delivering presentations and facilitating discussions with clarity and confidence.
• Written Communication : Skilled in crafting compelling content, including reports, proposals, and marketing materials.
• Active Listening : Strong ability to engage with others, understand their needs, and respond appropriately.
• Interpersonal Skills : Excellent at building relationships and fostering teamwork in diverse environments.
• Conflict Resolution : Experienced in mediating disputes and finding mutually beneficial solutions.
• Digital Communication : Proficient in using various digital platforms for effective communication (e.g., email, social media, video conferencing).

Professional Experience

Communication Specialist [Company Name], [City, State] [Month, Year] – Present

• Developed and implemented internal communication strategies that improved employee engagement by 30%.
• Created and delivered training sessions on effective communication techniques, enhancing team collaboration.
• Authored press releases and articles that increased media coverage by 25%.

Customer Service Representative [Company Name], [City, State] [Month, Year] – [Month, Year]

• Provided exceptional service to customers, resolving inquiries and complaints with a 95% satisfaction rate.
• Trained new staff on communication protocols and customer interaction best practices.
• Conducted surveys to gather customer feedback, leading to improved service offerings.

Certifications

• Certified Professional Communicator [Issuing Organization], [Month, Year]
• Conflict Resolution Certification [Issuing Organization], [Month, Year]

Volunteer Experience

Public Relations Volunteer [Nonprofit Organization Name], [City, State] [Month, Year] – Present

• Assisted in crafting press materials and managing social media campaigns to raise awareness for community initiatives.
• Engaged with stakeholders and community members to gather feedback and improve outreach efforts.

Available upon request.

How to Develop Communication Skills for Resume

Effective communication skills are essential in today’s job market, making it crucial to develop communication skills that stand out on your resume. Here are some strategies to help you enhance these skills:

• Practice Active Listening : Engage in conversations by focusing on the speaker, which helps in understanding and responding appropriately.
• Join Public Speaking Groups : Organizations like Toastmasters provide a supportive environment to develop communication skills through practice and feedback.
• Take Online Courses : Enroll in courses focused on communication skills, such as those offered on platforms like Coursera or Udemy.
• Seek Constructive Feedback : Ask colleagues or mentors for feedback on your communication style to identify areas for improvement.
• Read Widely : Exposure to different writing styles and perspectives can enhance your vocabulary and comprehension, aiding in the development of communication skills.
• Engage in Role-Playing : Simulate conversations or interviews to practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
• Utilize Social Media : Share insights and engage with others on platforms like LinkedIn to refine your written communication skills.

By consistently applying these strategies, you can effectively develop communication skills that will make your resume shine.

Also Read : How to Add Skills Section in Resume

FAQs about Communication Skills

How do i highlight my communication skills on a resume.

To effectively showcase your communication skills, use specific examples in your work experience section. Mention instances where you successfully conveyed ideas, collaborated with teams, or resolved conflicts. Incorporate relevant keywords like “verbal communication,” “written communication,” and “active listening” to catch the attention of hiring managers.

Why are Communication Skills important for my resume?

Communication skills are crucial as they demonstrate your ability to convey information clearly and effectively. Employers value candidates who can articulate ideas, collaborate with colleagues, and engage with clients. Highlighting these skills can set you apart from other applicants and increase your chances of landing an interview.

What types of Communication Skills should I include on my resume?

Include both verbal and written communication skills, as well as non-verbal cues like body language. Mention specific abilities such as public speaking, active listening, and persuasive writing. Tailor your skills to the job description, ensuring you emphasize those that are most relevant to the position you’re applying for.

How can I demonstrate my Communication Skills in a resume?

You can demonstrate your communication skills by providing concrete examples in your job descriptions. Use bullet points to describe situations where you effectively communicated with team members, led presentations, or wrote reports. Quantifying your achievements, such as “increased team efficiency by 20% through clear communication,” can further strengthen your case.

Should I include Communication Skills in my summary statement?

Yes, including communication skills in your summary statement can make a strong impression. This section is your chance to highlight your most relevant abilities and achievements. Use concise language to convey your proficiency in communication, emphasizing how it has positively impacted your previous roles and can benefit potential employers.

Resume Tips

Choose the right format.

Select a resume format that best showcases your skills and experience. Common formats include chronological, functional, and combination resumes.

Tailor Your Resume

Customize your resume for each job application by highlighting relevant skills and experiences that match the job description.

Focus on Key Sections

Include essential sections such as contact information, professional summary or objective, work experience, education, skills, and relevant certifications.

Use Clear and Concise Language

Be concise and use action verbs to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities in each job role.

Quantify Achievements

Whenever possible, quantify your achievements with numbers or percentages to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.

Highlight Transferable Skills

Emphasize transferable skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for, such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

Prioritize Readability

Ensure your resume is easy to read by using a clean and professional font, adequate white space, and bullet points for listing information.

Proofread Carefully

Avoid spelling and grammar errors by proofreading your resume multiple times or asking a trusted friend or colleague to review it.

Keep it Updated

Regularly update your resume with new experiences, skills, and accomplishments to reflect your most current qualifications.

Seek Feedback

Consider seeking feedback from career advisors, mentors, or professionals in your industry to improve your resume further.

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50 Inspiring Examples for 7 Communication Skills for a Resume

By Status.net Editorial Team on November 22, 2023 — 5 minutes to read

When crafting your resume, highlighting your strong communication skills is important. In this article, you will find examples of communication skills to help you craft your resume.

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, you can 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.

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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20 Communication Skills for Your Resume

Describing communication skills on your resume can boost your chances of getting a job interview.

Key Takeaways:

• Employers value communication skills since they foster collaboration, build trust and create solid client relationships.
• Communication skills to showcase on your resume include storytelling, persuasion and problem-solving.
• Improving your storytelling and active listening skills can make you more engaging and relatable at work and in interviews.

In the workplace, savvy employees understand how to use their communication skills to get things done. Whether it’s through public speaking, writing or nonverbal cues, good communication can help convey a message clearly and encourage effective collaboration with others.

In short, communication skills may be one of your greatest assets. They're easy to showcase in a job interview , but how can you highlight them on a resume? Here's what to know.

What Are Communication Skills?

Communication skills allow you to convey information and ideas effectively through written, verbal, nonverbal or visual mediums. People with strong communication skills in the workplace generally excel at the following:

• Crafting well-structured emails, reports or memos that convey an intended message clearly and concisely
• Confidently engaging in one-on-one conversations, meetings or telephone dialogue 
• Interpreting body language, facial expressions and gestures that often supplement or even supersede spoken word
• Effectively using visual aids like charts, diagrams, drawings or infographics to represent data and ideas

Communication skills are essential because they foster clear understanding among team members, ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding tasks and expectations. Good communication also improves team collaboration, builds relationships and trust among employees, reduces misunderstandings, and often leads to a more efficient workplace.

Key Communication Skills to Add to Your Resume

Communication skills go beyond being able to speak and write effectively. They also include active listening, problem-solving and accepting constructive feedback. Here are 20 must-have communication skills to highlight on your resume.

• Inclusivity
• Empathetic listening
• Remote collaboration
• Analytical skills
• Written communication
• Verbal communication
• Group communications
• Teaching skills
• Problem-solving
• Active questioning
• Open-mindedness
• Responsiveness
• Time management
• Accepting constructive feedback
• Friendliness
• Conflict resolution
• Negotiation 

1. Inclusivity

Inclusivity in the workplace means welcoming and supporting people with all kinds of backgrounds, identities and experiences. On your resume, highlight how you support and collaborate with others who are different from you. For example, how have you led productive meetings for customers across time zones, or unified business needs with others who have vastly different priorities, roles and even languages? Demonstrate your methods for including others.

Example: “Led a diverse team of 10 individuals spanning different divisions and backgrounds. Successfully implemented an inclusive team communication strategy that fostered open dialogue and mutual respect, which resulted in a 20% increase in project completion efficiency.”

2. Empathetic Listening

Empathetic listening is the ability to be attentive and responsive to others' input during conversations. This skill is highly valued in the workplace since it allows others to feel comfortable being themselves and expressing their ideas. It also lays the foundation for open and honest communication. On your resume, highlight examples of how you understand and incorporate perspectives and viewpoints that differ from your own.

Example: “As a customer service representative at X Company, I was praised for my ability to empathize with customers. This skill was reflected in my consistently high feedback scores, averaging 4.8 out of 5 for customer satisfaction.”

3. Remote Collaboration

If you’re applying for a position at a remote-friendly or hybrid company , showcasing your comfort with remote collaboration on your resume can help you stand out from the competition. For example, you can mention how you used communication tools such as Teams or Slack to stay connected with team members in different time zones while working from home.

Example: “Successfully led a team of six members in five different time zones at X Company. Implemented daily stand-up meetings and weekly progress reports using collaborative software, leading to a 30% increase in on-time delivery.”

4. Analytical Skills

Analytical skills mean you can interpret and analyze data to solve problems and make decisions. Your resume can be an excellent opportunity to show employers how you use data insights to influence or guide teams and decisions. Give examples of how you communicated your analysis through reports, meetings or using graphics or presentations. Show key questions you analyzed, how you shared your knowledge, and what benefits your company or clients gained.

Example: “Led a team of five in a market research project for a new product launch. Performed an in-depth analysis of customer feedback and buying patterns, then communicated the results in a concise report that significantly influenced the marketing strategy. Our efforts ultimately led to a 20% increase in sales upon product launch.”

5. Written Communication

Your resume is the first sample of your writing, so make sure it is well-written, concise and coherent. In addition to demonstrating excellent resume writing , look for opportunities to describe any written communication experience and the impact of your work.

Example: “As a content writer at X Company, I crafted over 100 well-researched articles and blogs, contributing to a 10% increase in website traffic.”

6. Verbal Communication

While the interview process will test your verbal communication, you can still weave these strengths into your resume. For example, you could describe how your everyday verbal communication with co-workers, managers, direct reports or customers made a positive difference in your workplace.

Example: “As a marketing coordinator, I presented marketing strategies and campaign results to stakeholders during weekly meetings and negotiated with over 50 vendors for event sponsorships, resulting in a 30% increase in the company's marketing reach.”

7. Group Communication

Effective group communication is the glue that holds a team together. Teams that work well together have a positive impact on company productivity and engagement. If you’ve had experience facilitating strong group communication as a leader or team member, include this skill on your resume. Highlight how your contributions fostered open dialogue, encouraged teamwork and led to the team’s success.

Example: “As a project manager, I led a cross-functional team of 15 members on a complex project that spanned six months. By facilitating weekly team meetings and developing clear group communication strategies, we completed the project one week before the deadline and stayed within budget.”

8. Teaching Skills

The ability to teach means you can explain processes or concepts clearly, show patience and adapt your approach to different learning styles. This soft skill can come in handy when you’re mentoring a colleague, leading a training session or sharing tips with your team. On your resume, call out instances where your teaching skills helped others understand new ideas or benefited the company.

Example: “As team lead at X Company, I developed and implemented a training program for recruits that improved the productivity of new hires by 30% and reduced their time to proficiency by 25%.”

9. Persuasion

Your resume is an ideal place to show how your skills of persuasion make you an asset. For example, were you able to change a practice or institute a new process that had a positive impact? Did you play a role in improving work culture or recruiting talented new employees? Did you convince management to invest in a new productivity tool?

Example: “Successfully negotiated a new contract with a key supplier, achieving a 20% reduction in costs while maintaining product quality.”

10. Problem-Solving

Use your resume to show how you approach problem-solving and how this skill helps you solve business problems. Include how you assess issues, collaborate with others, build consensus and ultimately get a result.

Example: “As a customer service representative at X Company, I initiated a detailed analysis of a client’s issue, identified its root cause and worked with the tech team to devise a solution. This resolved the client's immediate issue and led to the development of a troubleshooting protocol that reduced similar complaints by 30%."

11. Effective Questioning 

Mastering effective questioning not only spurs the exchange of ideas but also helps build rapport and trust among team members. You may spend much of your workday asking others for information, such as requesting status updates from team members or asking colleagues about their project ideas. So if you believe effective questioning is one of your strong suits, include it on your resume by explaining how this skill benefited your workplace.

Example: “In project kick-off meetings at X Company, I focused on asking the right questions to clarify goals and gather input from the team, which helped us reduce project revisions by 15%.”

12. Open-Mindedness

An open mindset allows you to be receptive to new ideas and information. Being open-minded in the workplace typically means being able to embrace change, learn new things and work collaboratively with others. Employers appreciate this quality in employees since it often leads to a more positive and respectful work environment. Elevate your resume with this soft skill by describing how your open-mindedness helped you adapt to changes, solve problems or contribute to team success.

Example: “Led brainstorming sessions where everyone was encouraged to share their ideas, no matter how unconventional. This open-mindedness led to a new feature that resulted in a 25% boost in positive customer feedback.”

13. Clarity

Clarity is an underrated soft skill in the workplace. It refers to the ability to communicate information, ideas and instructions clearly and understandably. Mastering clarity in your communication not only helps you collaborate better with others but also reduces misunderstandings. The simplest way to show future employers your ability to communicate clearly is by ensuring your resume reflects clarity. You could also provide concrete evidence of your clear communication in the workplace.

Example: “Created project documentation that made technical details easy for non-technical team members to understand. This clarity increased our project approval rates by 20%.”

14. Responsiveness

Responsiveness in the workplace refers to how quickly and efficiently you follow up with those seeking assistance or input. Prompt responses, especially in a fast-paced environment, are important since they keep communication flowing and strengthen collaboration. Plus, when you respond quickly to your manager's or colleagues’ questions or concerns, it shows you value their time and can lead to a more positive and harmonious work culture.

Example: “Quickly created a detailed project management system that helped streamline team processes after my manager suggested implementing a more structured workflow for our tasks."

15. Time Management

Time management skills allow you to allocate your time more effectively, complete your tasks and meet deadlines at work. Employers appreciate employees with great time management skills since they’re more productive and can help keep projects on track. Include this soft skill on your resume by sharing how you’ve prioritized tasks, organized your schedule or used techniques to manage your time better.

Example: “By using the Pomodoro technique, I managed a full workload of coding tasks while simultaneously leading team meetings and mentoring new hires during a peak season at X Company.”

16. Accepting Constructive Feedback 

Accepting constructive feedback gracefully is another underrated skill in the workplace. Handling feedback without becoming defensive shows employers that you possess emotional intelligence and professionalism.

Example: “Revamped slide designs based on feedback regarding visual clarity, which led to more professional and visually appealing presentations that captured the audience’s attention."

17. Friendliness

Having a warm and approachable personality is an invaluable soft skill, especially in customer-facing roles like sales representative or customer service representative . This quality not only improves customer satisfaction but also positively affects how you connect with your team members. To showcase your friendliness on your resume, describe examples of how your approachable demeanor helped build strong relationships or improved customer experience.

Example: “Welcomed new team members with warm introductions and organized informal gatherings, helping them feel valued and integrated into the team.”

18. Conflict Resolution

While it may be tempting to get defensive at the first sight of a conflict in the workplace , doing so can affect your reputation, the company’s reputation and your relationship with that person. This is why knowing how to resolve conflicts in a professional setting is important. Mastering conflict resolution fosters open dialogue and turns conflicts into opportunities for growth and stronger relationships.

Example: “Encouraged a focus on solutions rather than blame during conflicts, which helped my team navigate disagreements constructively and maintain a positive work atmosphere.”

19. Negotiating

The ability to negotiate is a soft skill that can come in handy in salary discussions , project management and working with clients or suppliers. It helps you advocate for yourself, find common ground with colleagues and secure better deals for your company. If you’re skilled at negotiation, be sure to highlight it on your resume by providing examples and quantifiable results.

Example: "Negotiated flexible pricing models with service providers, which helped my company save on costs 25% and better manage budgets for upcoming projects."

20. Mentoring 

Mentoring skills allow you to transfer your experience to mentees and guide their professional development. Employers often seek mentoring skills because employees value guidance and support, which raises morale and motivates them to succeed at work.

Example: “Mentored junior team members by providing regular one-on-one sessions to review their work, share feedback and discuss career development goals.”

Tips for Improving Your Communication Skills

Follow these tips to sharpen your communication skills and impress your future employer.

Use the Art of Storytelling  

Storytelling isn't just for bedtime tales or campfires. It can also be an effective tool for enhancing your communication skills at work. When you share a story, you paint a vivid picture with words, which makes your message more engaging, relatable and easy to understand.

“Stories are memorable and can create a deeper connection with the audience, making messages impactful,” says Maria Tomas-Keegan, CEO and career coach at Transition and Thrive With Maria. “Next time you're giving a presentation or explaining a concept, weave in a personal story or analogy. It can be as simple as comparing a work project to a personal experience or using a metaphor that paints a clearer picture."

Participate in a Lunch-and-Learn Series

Organize or participate in a lunch-and-learn series where you talk about the work you do. Not only will your colleagues gain a better understanding of your role within the company, you'll get an opportunity to polish your public speaking skills.

“You have expertise that others within the company may want to learn more about," says Neil Thompson, public speaking coach and founder of training platform Teach the Geek. "And if a lunch-and-learn event doesn’t exist at your workplace, create it and invite others to talk about what they do."

Adopt a Nondirective Approach

A nondirective approach can help you become a better communicator in the workplace, says William Sipling, director of engagement and operations at OutCenter Southwest Michigan, a resource for the local LGBTQ+ community.

Common in counseling and therapy, a nondirective communication approach focuses on information gathering and active listening. “It’s not heavy on advice-giving because it assumes the person you’re talking with is an expert on what they’re bringing to you,” he emphasizes.

“When I work with senior or experienced subject matter experts, I start from a nondirective standpoint. I help them use their experience to uncover a solution and take them out of functional fixedness into a new, potentially solutions-oriented environment,” Sipling says.

Be Proactive and Pay Attention to Patterns

In fast-paced workplaces like hospitals, tasks and responsibilities often vary from day to day, creating an element of unpredictability. But there’s generally a level of predictability in nonverbal cues and patterns in every workplace, says Jenny Morehead, CEO of Flex HR, a human resource outsourcing and consulting firm.

By recognizing and effectively communicating these patterns to team members, you can anticipate what lies ahead and prepare accordingly. Morehead suggests using phrases such as, “We’ve seen this pattern before, so here is how we’re going to handle it” to provide a clear plan of action.

Ask Clarifying Questions

Active listening doesn’t mean staying quiet while the other person is talking and jumping in as soon as they’re done, says Kristie Stocker, a success coach and leadership consultant. "It means digesting what they’re saying, focusing, pondering it and asking questions for more understanding,” she says.

If you’re confused about something the other person is saying, Stocker suggests using the sentence, “So what you’re saying is ...” to give them a chance to clarify their response. Doing so demonstrates you're fully invested in the conversation and not simply nodding along without genuinely understanding what's being said.

Best Workplace Based On Soft Skills

Jamela Adam Sept. 26, 2023

Tags: Applying , Interviewing , resumes , employment

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