7 College Skills That Really Matter on a Resume

There are some skills that you learn in college that will most certainly not come in handy when crafting your resume: keg standing, dragging break-ups out for more than a year, turning Ramen into a three-course meal. But some skills you pick up in college are serious signals to employers that you would be a great hire. Consider how you can demonstrate that you have these qualities when you start applying for jobs.

1. Communication skills:

   

   Communication comes in many forms, and you’ve been practicing them all since you started college. You talk to peers, as well as superiors, face to face; email with old friends, parents, and professors; and probably use texting, phones, and chat services to stay in touch with people. You’re an expert by now. In the workplace, this is an invaluable skill; you’ll have to communicate with team members and supervisors about projects, and use the appropriate level of formality and authority. On your resume, this skill should shine as you effectively communicate, both through the words and design of the document, that you’re the best fit for this job.

2. Software skills:

   

   We’re living in a technology-driven world, and there’s no doubt that your job will require some kind of technical skills. You may have learned some basics in high school, but college is where the software you use becomes more involved and specific to your particular field. On resumes, it’s often appropriate to include a technical skills section outlining the software you know. Just make sure you are actually proficient with the programs you list or note your skill level.

3. Writing skills:

   

   Finally, all those college papers are going to pay off! No matter your industry, writing is a critical part of success, and having solid writing skills can put you way ahead of the pack. Whether you’re crafting emails, reports, papers, or press releases, the importance of writing can’t be overemphasized. Every line of your resume is a chance to show off your writing skills. Be sure to use proper grammar, keep everything in the same tense, and double-check for any typos or misspellings.

4. Time management:

   

   College is easily the craziest time of a person’s life, schedule-wise. Many people juggle classes, jobs, internships, clubs, and dozens of relationships. Your parents aren’t around to help you keep your activities and assignments straight anymore and you really have to develop your time management skills. Hiring managers look for job candidates who will be able to handle multiple projects and deadlines with minimum supervision. You can show that you’re capable of this on your resume by listing several of your relevant college activities or including a list of duties you performed at a job or internship that required time management skills.  Continue reading . . .

Riley Merkel is a freelancer writer for Onlinedegreeprograms.com.