When seeking entry-level candidates, recruiters not only look at one’s experience and knowledge but their skill set. Your skills are the result of your knowledge and experience. It’s what sets you apart from your competition, making it imperative to list your soft and hard skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile. Because you are an entry-level candidate, employers don’t expect to see a long list of advanced abilities but, they do expect to see a handful of relevant, desired skills. To best portray how qualified you are, we are sharing our expert advice on what essential skills you need to illustrate to help you get found by recruiters!
Before typing a laundry list of skills, take some time to really think about what skills you have gained. Your skills need to align with your previous and present job responsibilities. Recruiters will notice if you are listing random skills that you don’t actually possess. A tip LinkedIn suggests is to list your skills in order of the strengths you want to be known for, that way endorsers will be targeted based on those top skills you’ve prioritized. This is an easy and quick way to help you get found on LinkedIn! Here are the top skills to include in your entry-level resume and profile:
Communication
Crucial for almost every job, strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills are key when developing relationships with managers, co-workers, clients, and more. Being able to effectively articulate your thoughts and ideas through writing, over the phone and face-to-face is what employers look for most in an entry-level candidate.
Skills: Public Speaking, Presentation skills, Editing, Customer Service, Nonverbal Communication
Analytical
In today’s digital world, technical jobs aren’t the only roles where analytical skills are required. Jobs in business, law, medicine, HR, marketing, etc. all expect employees to interpret information and understand how data is impacting the company. Do your research and find out what analytical skills are most relevant for the industry you’re applying to.
Skills: Critical Thinking, Research, Problem-Solving, Consulting, Data Analysis
Collaboration
Organizations are hiring you to join a team, not just the company. Being able to successfully work with others is a quality not everyone has. If you dreaded working in group projects in school you might be one of those people. To strengthen your collaborative skills, practice working with others and communicating your ideas within the group. Demonstrating you’re a team player is crucial for an entry-level candidate.
Skills: Conflict Resolution, Team Management, Adaptability, Motivation, Teamwork
Social Media
Most entry-level candidates are digital natives, therefore listing social media as a skill is a given. Even if you aren’t a social media guru, chances are you do have knowledge of social media and are aware of current events. You most likely use social media accounts for communicating but at the same time, you are learning how to research and utilize each platform, a skill other candidates don’t have.
Skills: Digital Marketing, SEO, Market Research, Content Strategy, Photoshop
Technical Skills
Technical skills are a bit more difficult to develop compared to the other skills mentioned. But with proper training and knowledge, any entry-level candidate can learn. Microsoft Office, a standard yet necessary skill, can be learned through online courses for free or through our in-house software tutorials. More organizations are actively seeking candidates who also have coding and programming skills, consider looking and learning more into these programs.
Skills: Project Management, Technical Writing, Coding & Programming, Microsoft Office
Quick Learner
In the world we live in, technology is constantly evolving. Substantiating that you have the abilities to keep up and adapt to these fast changes is extremely important. Employers are looking for candidates who are quick learners, are intellectually curious and versatile.
Skills: Open-Mindedness, Easily Adaptable, Goal-Oriented, Organized
As a professional entering into the workforce for the first time, it’s important to establish yourself as someone who possesses competitive hard and soft skills. Chances are you have a number of these desirable skills you didn’t even know you had! Include these recommended skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile to set yourself apart from the millions of other entry-level candidates just like you. Don’t be surprised when a recruiter reaches out to you for an incredible opportunity!
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