Top 10 Communication Skills for Resume

Updated on: February 18, 2024
Banner 1 for Page Communication Skills for Resume

Having the ability to communicate effectively is not just a desirable soft skill but a key component for success in any career.

Your resume is the prime opportunity to signal to potential employers that you are proficient in conveying your ideas, feelings, and intentions in a way that is both impactful and comprehensible; an ability that speaks volumes about your potential fit within a team or organization.

Whether it be through the written word, verbal dealings, or non-verbal expressions, showcasing your communication talents is crucial.

Below is a curated compilation of the “Top 10 Communication Skills for a Resume” that can make you stand out in a pile of candidates. These skills not only demonstrate that you can interact efficiently but also show your capability to build relationships, resolve conflicts, and lead with empathy and understanding.

Integrating these skills into your resume will put a spotlight on your ability to function effectively in a workplace and contribute positively to your work environment.

Recommended: Interpersonal Skills for Resume

10 Examples of Communication Skills for Resume

1. Active Listening

Demonstrate the ability to listen attentively and focus on the speaker, showing engagement and understanding through appropriate feedback.

2. Clarity and Conciseness

Possess the capacity to convey ideas and instructions clearly, avoiding misunderstanding, while respecting others’ time by being brief yet thorough.

3. Verbal Communication

Skilled in expressing ideas effectively in oral form, whether in person or over communication devices, tailoring the message to the audience.

4. Written Communication

Excel at crafting written content that is clear, grammatically correct, and appropriately formatted for various contexts, from emails to reports.

5. Non-Verbal Communication

Proficient in reading body language, utilizing gestures, and maintaining eye contact to complement verbal communication for enriched interactions.

6. Persuasion

The art of convincing others by presenting logical arguments, compelling storytelling, and demonstrating credibility to inspire action.

7. Public Speaking

Confident in addressing groups, from small meetings to large audience presentations, with poise and the ability to engage listeners.

8. Conflict Resolution

Trained in handling disputes constructively, employing empathy, problem-solving skills, and diplomacy to find mutually acceptable solutions.

9. Emotional Intelligence

Equipped to recognize, interpret, and respond to one’s own emotions and the emotions of others, fostering effective collaboration and workplace harmony.

10. Interpersonal Communication

Adapt at building rapport, nurturing relationships, and engaging with people from diverse backgrounds and hierarchical levels within an organization.

Banner for How to Mention Communication Skills in a Resume

How to Mention Communication Skills in a Resume?

When incorporating communication skills into your resume, ensure they are tailored to the job description and integrated seamlessly into your experience and qualifications. Here’s how to mention communication skills in a resume:

1. In the Summary or Objective

Start by setting the tone with a professional summary or objective that highlights your communication prowess.

**Example**:
Highly adaptable and dynamic professional with a solid foundation in effective communication. Excel at verbal and written interaction, active listening, and presenting complex information with clarity.

2. Within the Work Experience Section

Use concrete examples to demonstrate how you’ve applied communication skills in professional settings.

**Example**:
- Led team meetings and workshops, facilitating open dialogue and ensuring clear understanding of project goals and responsibilities.
- Authored comprehensive reports and proposals, effectively distilling intricate data into actionable insights for diverse audiences.

3. In the Skills Section

Dedicate part of your skills section to specific communication abilities you possess.

**Skills**
- Active Listening
- Persuasive and Concise Presentations
- Professional Writing (Reports, E-mails, Proposals)
- Conflict Resolution & Diplomacy
- Emotional Intelligence & Relationship Building

4. Incorporating Keywords

Reflect language from the job listing to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan for specific keywords.

**Example from a Job Listing**:
Seeking a candidate who excels in fostering team collaboration and streamlining communications across departments.

**On Your Resume**:
- Spearheaded cross-departmental initiatives, enhancing team collaboration and optimizing communication workflows.

5. Highlighting Achievements

Quantify achievements related to communication where possible.

**Example**:
- Increased customer satisfaction ratings by 30% through the implementation of a new active listening training program for client-facing staff.
- Successfully negotiated a critical contract with a key vendor, saving the company $50,000 annually.

6. Tailoring to the Job

Customize your resume for each application, emphasizing the communication skills that are most relevant to the job.

**Example for a Sales Position**:
- Demonstrated excellence in building customer relationships and conveying product value to increase sales and client retention.

When mentioning these skills, use action verbs and the past tense for previous roles to create a dynamic and effective resume.