How to highlight a list of strengths on your resumé (with 30 examples)

In the competitive arena of job hunting, your resumé is the first chance you get to stand out. Think of it as your personal sales pitch, showcasing your qualifications, experiences and strengths. 

It goes without saying that all your relevant work history should be listed on your resumé, but what you may not realise is that it can be just as important to highlight key strengths. In this article, we give you a list of key strengths for a resumé examples to help guide you in showcasing your skills to employers. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting out, highlighting your strong points will help you land the job you want.

Identifying your personal strengths for a resumé

Before sitting down to write your resumé (or update it), it pays to think about your personal and professional strengths. These qualities are the building blocks that underpin your past achievements and future potential. Personal strengths play an important role in your career development, showing a prospective employer what blend of qualities you bring to the workplace.

How to analyse your professional strengths 

It can be a tricky trying to pin down exactly what your strengths are. If you’re not sure, ask yourself a few questions: 

• When have you been successful in your career or personal life? 
• What tasks do you enjoy? 
• Have you received feedback from a co-worker, friend or family member on a particular part of your personality? 
• What do you naturally excel at? 

Remember that strengths can look different from person to person and industry to industry, so it’s important to take the time to reflect on your own personal qualities without comparing yourself to others. 

30 examples of strengths to include on your resumé

Now that we've covered the importance of identifying and highlighting your personal and professional strong points, here’s a list of key strengths examples that you can use on your resumé. These hard and soft skills reflect a wide range of abilities and qualities that are highly valued in the workplace. Read these 30 examples of strengths and see which ones apply to you. 

Communication skills

Effective communication skills are important, no matter what industry you’re in. Being able to get information across clearly and persuasively, whether through the spoken or written word, can make a huge difference in your professional success. These skills play a role in building relationships, resolving conflicts and achieving business objectives. Here we explore various types of communication skills and provide examples to help you highlight them on your resumé.

1. Verbal communication

Whether you’re pitching ideas to a client, providing instructions to trainees or engaging in meaningful conversations with colleagues, strong verbal communication ensures your message is clear.

Verbal communication strength example: During my time as a project manager at XYZ Company, I held weekly team meetings where I communicated project objectives, progress updates and key milestones. This contributed to the successful and timely completion of projects.

2. Written communication

If you work in an office or in education, written communication skills are just as important as verbal skills. You need them for putting together documents, emails, presentations, reoprts and more. Effective written communication ensures that your message is concise, well articulated and leaves no room for misinterpretation.

Written communication strength example: As an administrative officer at ABC Non-Profit, I liaised with government agencies and commercial partners across the APAC region. The role required a high standard of email communication in order to maintain effective working relationships with external stakeholders.

3. Active listening

Active listening involves fully engaging with the speaker, empathising with their feelings and understanding their point of view. It is essential when it comes to processing new information, resolving conflicts and encouraging collaboration within teams. Employers value workers who actively listen as it promotes better understanding and problem-solving.

Active listening strength example: In my role as an account manager at DEF Corporation, I practised active listening during all client meetings. By attentively listening to their concerns and needs, I not only resolved issues promptly but also identified opportunities to improve our products and services, resulting in increased client satisfaction.

4. Negotiation

Negotiation skills play an important role within the workplace, helping you reach mutually beneficial agreements while also resolving any conflicts that might arise. Whether it's negotiating contracts, salaries or project terms, expert negotiation skills contribute to business success and demonstrate your ability to handle difficult situations.

Negotiation strength example: As a sales manager at GHI Enterprises, I consistently negotiated large contracts with clients, resulting in a 20% increase in revenue. 

5. Public speaking

Public speaking is a valuable ability that extends beyond formal presentations. It includes the ability to confidently express ideas in meetings, seminars and even networking events. Public speaking skills boost your professional presence, your influence and your ability to persuade and inspire others. It’s also crucial to effective stakeholder management.

Public speaking strength example: In my previous role as a marketing executive, I was frequently called upon to represent the company at industry conferences. My engaging public speaking skills allowed me to effectively share our brand's message and establish connections with industry leaders, resulting in valuable partnerships and collaborations.

Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills are the glue that holds the workplace together. Your ability to interact, collaborate and build positive relationships with colleagues, clients and stakeholders is valuable to any workplace. Here we explore the significance of interpersonal skills and provide examples to help you showcase them on your resumé.

6. Teamwork

Teamwork makes the dream work! It might sound corny, but it’s true. The ability to work harmoniously with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, contribute your strengths and support the team's goals is highly valued by employers. Effective teamwork leads to improved problem-solving, innovation and overall productivity.

Teamwork strength example: As a software developer at PQR Solutions, I worked closely with a cross-functional team to deliver projects on time and within budget. My ability to work collaboratively and leverage the strengths of each team member led to successful project outcomes.

7. Empathy

Empathy is a valuable attribute to possess. It’s essential to be able to understand and share the feelings of others if you want to build trust, foster strong interpersonal relationships and enhance communication. Employers appreciate those who can connect with colleagues and clients on a deeper level, which can lead to improved teamwork and client satisfaction.

Empathy strength example: In my role as a healthcare professional at LMN Hospital, I demonstrated empathy when interacting with patients and their families. By actively listening to their concerns and showing understanding, I was able to improve patient experiences and overall satisfaction ratings.

8. Conflict resolution

Conflict is inevitable in any workplace, and the ability to effectively resolve disputes is highly valued. Conflict resolution skills involve addressing issues calmly, finding common ground and ensuring that disagreements do not escalate, helping to maintain a positive work environment.

Conflict resolution strength example: During my time as a project manager at STU Corporation, I dealt with various conflicts within my team. By using active listening and mediation techniques, I successfully resolved disputes, ensuring that projects stayed on track.

9. Cultural competence

Cultural competence is vital for encouraging inclusivity and understanding diverse perspectives – especially at companies with global operations. This skill involves respecting and valuing cultural differences, which can improve teamwork, communication and collaboration in multicultural workplaces.

Cultural competence strength example: Working for XYZ International, I frequently interacted with colleagues and clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. My cultural competence allowed me to build strong relationships, avoid misunderstandings and effectively negotiate international deals, contributing to business growth.

10. Networking

Networking can be fun, especially if you’re someone who loves to socialise. But it’s also a valuable skill that takes practice to finesse. It involves building and maintaining professional connections that can lead to opportunities, partnerships and collaborations. Strong networking skills can enhance your career prospects and contribute to your professional growth.

Networking strength example: As a sales representative at ABC Enterprises, I actively expanded our client base through networking events and industry conferences. My ability to establish rapport and build relationships with potential clients led to an increase in new contracts.

Organisational skills

Organisational skills come naturally to some, while others have to work on them a little harder. They determine how you manage your time, resources and tasks in a professional setting. Employers highly value these skills as they’re crucial to efficiency and productivity. Here we outline specific organisational skills and provide examples to help you demonstrate them on your resumé.

11. Time management

Time management is the art of using your working hours wisely to accomplish tasks and meet deadlines. This skill is especially important in fast-paced work environments as it prevents delays and ensures that projects are completed on time. It also determines how well you work in a team environment, where managing competing deadlines involves staying in sync with your colleagues.

Time management strength example: As a marketing coordinator at XYZ Agency, I planned and executed marketing campaigns, consistently meeting project deadlines. My time management skills allowed me to juggle multiple projects simultaneously.

12. Attention to detail

Do you know the difference between ‘their’ and ‘they’re’? Can you spot the tiniest mistakes? Attention to detail is important in any job, but even more so when the stakes are high. For example, when it comes to preparing business contracts, client presentations or printed materials, attention to detail is the hero. Employers value this skill as it contributes to accuracy, regulatory compliance and the overall integrity of work.

Attention to detail strength example: In my role as a financial analyst at ABC Investments, I conducted data analyses and audits, checking for discrepancies and errors. My attention to detail led to the identification of a costly financial discrepancy that was able to be resolved.

13. Project management

Project management skills include the ability to plan, execute and oversee projects from start to finish. Strong project management ensures that objectives are met, budgets are stuck to and resources are used effectively. These skills can be applied to a variety of different roles, whether you’re lesson planning for your Year 1 class or leading a multi-million-dollar project.

Project management strength example: As a project manager at PQR Solutions, I successfully managed a portfolio of IT projects, consistently delivering results on time and within budget. 

14. Multitasking

Multitasking is one of those personal skills that can take you far in your career. Being able to efficiently handle several duties or projects simultaneously is a huge asset to any business. In fast-paced work environments, it allows you to juggle various responsibilities without sacrificing quality or productivity.

Multitasking strength example: In my role as an executive assistant at DEF Corporation, I managed the diaries, travel arrangements and administrative tasks for multiple senior executives. My ability to multitask ensured that all responsibilities were handled effectively.

15. Planning

Do you love looking ahead? Do you always know what’s coming? Planning skills include the ability to set clear objectives, create roadmaps and establish strategies to achieve goals. Effective planning is important for ensuring that projects and initiatives are carried out efficiently and successfully.

Planning strength example: As a logistics manager at LMN Logistics, I developed and implemented a comprehensive supply chain plan that optimised inventory levels and reduced transportation costs by 10%. 

Problem-solving skills

Do you thrive under pressure? Are you good at coming up with creative solutions? If so, you want to let hiring managers know! Problem-solving skills are critical when it comes to progress and innovation. These skills allow you to identify issues, analyse situations and come up with effective solutions. Employers highly value problem-solving skills, as they are instrumental in overcoming challenges, improving processes and driving business success. Here are some problem-solving skills, with examples to help you showcase them on your resumé.

16. Critical thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to evaluate information, identify patterns and make logical judgments. Whether you’re working on a team project or dealing with a client, critical thinking skills help you address problems, assess risks and make informed decisions.

Critical thinking strength example: As a business analyst at ABC Corporation, I applied critical thinking to analyse market trends, identify opportunities and make data-driven recommendations. 

17. Decision-making

Strategy A or Strategy B? Some decisions are quick and easy, while others require a lot more deliberation. Effective decision-making involves taking a look at all the options available, considering the outcome of each one and then choosing the best course of action based on all the information you have. 

Decision-making strength example: In my role as a project manager at XYZ Projects, I consistently made timely and well-informed decisions regarding resource allocation and project prioritisation. My decisions led to the successful delivery of projects within budget and on schedule.

18. Creativity

There’s an art to thinking ‘outside the box’ and being able to come up with fresh ideas and unconventional perspectives. It’s a skill that will take you far in your career, as many companies are on the lookout for employees who can drive innovation and come up with unique solutions. 

Creativity strength example: As a strategist at DEF Marketing, I tapped into my creative side to design and implement unique marketing campaigns that captured the attention of our target audience. My ideas resulted in a 20% increase in customer engagement and a 10% increase in conversions.

19. Analytical skills

Analytical skills involve the ability to gather, interpret and analyse data and information to make informed decisions. These skills are crucial for identifying trends and coming up with effective problem-solving strategies.

Analytical skills strength example: In my role as a data analyst at LMN Analytics, I used my strong analytical skills to interpret complex datasets and identify areas for process improvement. My data-driven recommendations led to a 12% reduction in operating costs.

20. Innovation

Closely tied to creative thinking, innovation is the ability to ideate products or processes that drive progress and find a competitive advantage. Innovators are highly valued for their role in identifying opportunities for improvement and giving companies an edge against competitors.

Innovation strength example: As a product developer at GHI Innovations, I launched a new product line that resulted in a 30% increase in revenue and positioned the company as a market leader.

Leadership skills

Leadership skills are at the heart of effective management and team success. They include a range of qualities and abilities that enable you to guide, inspire and influence others to achieve common goals. Whether you're in a senior leadership role or supervising a small team, these skills are important for motivating colleagues, achieving goals and maintaining morale. We'll explore the significance of leadership skills and provide examples to help you demonstrate them on your resumé. 

21. Delegation

Delegation is the art of assigning tasks and responsibilities to team members based on their skills and capabilities. It isn’t about lightening your own workload – it’s about making the most of the resources you have available to you. Effective delegation empowers team members to contribute their skills while allowing leaders to focus on higher-level tasks.

Delegation strength example: As a team leader at XYZ Solutions, I delegated tasks for every project, assigning responsibilities based on team members' strengths. My approach improved team morale and productivity.

22. Motivation

We all know what it feels like to lack the motivation to carry out a particular task. That’s why being able to motivate a team is such an essential skill for a leader. Motivation involves inspiring and energising team members to give their best and achieve their full potential. Motivated teams are more productive, engaged and committed to achieving goals.

Motivation strength example: In my role as a sales manager at ABC Sales, I motivated my team by setting clear goals, providing regular feedback and recognising outstanding performance. My motivation strategies led to a 30% increase in team sales revenue.

23. Mentorship

Mentorship is the process of guiding and developing the skills and careers of team members. Effective mentorship fosters talent development, improves employee retention and creates a positive work culture.

Mentorship strength example: In my role as a senior engineer at DEF Technologies, I mentored junior engineers by providing technical guidance and offering career advice. My mentorship efforts resulted in improved staff performance and contributed to a 20% reduction in turnover among junior staff.

24. Strategic planning

Strategic planning involves setting long-term goals and coming up with strategies to achieve them. Leaders with strong strategic planning skills can steer their teams and organisations towards success by aligning efforts with a clear vision.

Strategic planning strength example: As a department head at LMN Corporation, I played a pivotal role in strategic planning by developing a five-year company growth strategy. This strategy guided our efforts and led to a 15% increase in profitability.

25. Change management

Change is a constant in today's business landscape, and effective change management is essential for navigating transitions smoothly. Leaders who excel in change management can ensure that teams adapt to new circumstances and embrace change positively. 

Change management strength example: During my time as a senior leader at GHI Projects, I assisted in a major organisational restructuring. Through effective change management, I successfully led employees through the transition to the new org structure.

Technical skills

As the digital world continues to influence our ways of working, technical skills are more important than ever. Having knowledge of tools, software and technologies that can be used in your industry gives you a great competitive advantage. Whether you work in IT, teaching, engineering or food service, technical skills are important to mention on your resumé.

26. Computer literacy

Computer literacy involves the ability to use computers and common software applications. In most professional roles, this is a minimum requirement expected for carrying out daily tasks efficiently.

Computer literacy strength example: Throughout my career, I have demonstrated strong computer literacy by effectively using Microsoft Office Suite to create reports, presentations and spreadsheets.

27. Data analysis

Data analysis involves collecting, interpreting and drawing insights from data. These skills are highly valued for making informed decisions, identifying trends and driving business strategies.

Data analysis strength example: As a market analyst at ABC Analytics, I used data analysis skills to extract meaningful insights from large datasets, allowing the company to make informed marketing decisions. 

28. Social media management

The world of social media has grown exponentially in the past decade. Being able to effectively use these various platforms as marketing channels is a huge bonus for companies. Knowing how to engage with audiences, promote brands and achieve marketing objectives is extremely valuable.

Social media management strength example: In my role as a social media manager at DEF Marketing, I was in charge of multiple social media accounts, creating and curating content that increased engagement and boosted brand visibility. 

29. Programming

Programming skills are essential in IT and software development roles. Proficiency in programming languages enables individuals to develop, maintain and troubleshoot software applications, websites and systems.

Programming strength example: As a software developer at LMN Software Solutions, I demonstrated expertise in multiple programming languages, including Java and Python. My programming skills were instrumental in developing and enhancing software applications, improving efficiency and functionality.

30. Graphic design

Graphic design skills are vital when it comes to creating visually appealing and engaging content in marketing, advertising and media. Being able to use graphic design tools offers a huge advantage in a competitive workplace – even if you’re not a designer yourself.

Graphic design strength example: In my role as a graphic designer at GHI Creative Studio, I produced eye-catching visuals for marketing campaigns and branding materials. My graphic design skills contributed to a 15% increase in click-through rates and customer engagement.

How to effectively showcase your personal strengths for a resumé

Now that you have worked out your personal and professional strengths, it’s important to learn how to effectively incorporate them into your resumé. On a resumé, key strengths can make a positive impression on potential employers. Here are some tips on how to strategically integrate your strengths into your resumé to make it stand out.

Integrating strengths into your resumé's professional summary

Your professional summary, also known as a personal statement, is the ideal place to introduce your key strengths.

• Begin your professional summary by briefly highlighting your most important strengths that are relevant to the job you're applying for.
• Keep it concise and focused on the skills and qualities that are appropriate for the specific role.

Listing strengths in a dedicated skills section

A dedicated skills section on your resumé is a great opportunity to showcase your strengths:

• Create a separate section for your skills, where you can list both technical and soft skills.
• Organise the skills in a clear and structured manner. You can use bullet points or columns to make them easy to scan.
• Tailor your list of skills to match the job requirements, ensuring that the strengths you highlight are relevant to the specific role.

Highlighting strengths in your work experience section

Your work experience section is where you demonstrate how you have applied your strengths in previous roles:

• Include examples of how you used your strengths to achieve specific results in your previous positions.
• Use the bullet points under each job description to emphasise your accomplishments.
• Provide specific details, such as numbers and percentages, to add impact.

Demonstrating strengths in your achievements

Your achievements section is another place to share your strengths, particularly in terms of the results you've achieved:

• State the challenges you faced, the actions you took, and the positive outcomes that resulted from your strengths.
• Focus on achievements that are directly related to the job you're applying for to make a stronger impression on potential employers.

Tailoring your strengths to different job types

No two jobs are the same, which means your approach to showcasing your strengths on your resumé should also change. Tailoring your strengths to match the specific requirements of different jobs can significantly increase your chances of securing the role.

How to customise your strengths for tech jobs

• Emphasise technical skills and certifications relevant to the job, such as programming languages, software proficiency and hardware knowledge.
• Highlight problem-solving abilities, adaptability and a willingness to learn, as the tech industry is constantly evolving.
• Showcase your analytical and attention-to-detail skills, which are important for debugging and troubleshooting.

Essential strengths for sales and marketing roles

• Highlight strong communication skills, as sales and marketing professionals need to engage and convince clients and customers.
• Emphasise your creativity and ability to think outside the box when developing marketing campaigns and strategies.

Presenting your strengths for healthcare positions

• Share your strong interpersonal skills, empathy and patient-centred approach.
• Highlight your problem-solving skills and the ability to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations.
• Mention any relevant certifications or training, such as CPR certification or specialised medical training.

Listing strengths for jobs in education

• Emphasise your passion for education, patience and adaptability in working with students of varying ages and abilities.
• Highlight your communication skills and ability to convey complex information in a clear and accessible manner.
• Showcase your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Showcasing strengths for creative professions

• Highlight your creative thinking skills and artistic abilities. 
• Attach or link to a portfolio of work.
• Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively and take constructive feedback.
• Mention any software or tools you are proficient in, such as Adobe Creative Suite for designers or specific writing software for writers.

Common mistakes to avoid while listing your strengths for a resumé

While showcasing your strengths on your resumé is essential, it's equally important to avoid common mistakes that can undermine your credibility. 

Listing generic strengths

One of the most common mistakes is relying on generic or overused strengths that don't provide meaningful insights into your abilities. Here's what to avoid:

• Using vague terms like ‘hard working,’ ‘team player,’ or ‘detail oriented’ without providing specific examples
• Clichés: overused phrases that lack originality
• Irrelevant strengths: including strengths that are not relevant to the job you're applying for

Overstating your abilities

While it's important to present your strengths positively, it's equally important to be honest and realistic about your abilities. Here's what to watch out for:

• Exaggeration: inflating your strengths to an unrealistic level can lead to disappointment when reality falls short.
• Misrepresentation: providing false information about your qualifications or skills can damage your credibility.

Not providing examples to support your strengths

If mentioning your strengths, you should provide evidence. Here's how to make sure you come across as credible:

• Provide context: give specific instances or experiences where you've demonstrated your strengths, to give your claims more clout.
• Strong statements: use clear statements to pinpoint your strengths, then tie them to actual accomplishments, to give employers more confidence in your abilities.

Your resumé is a powerful tool for showcasing your strengths and qualifications to potential employers. The best approach is to personalise the contents for each job you’re applying for, tailoring your strengths to meet their needs. Always include real-life examples to back your claims and add credibility to your achievements. Your resumé is your opportunity to make a strong first impression, so make the most of it by showcasing the strengths and qualifications that are unique to you.

FAQs

Should I use the same strengths for every job application?

You should avoid using exactly the same strengths for every job. Instead, tailor your strengths to match the specific job you're applying for. This shows that you've taken the time to understand the job requirements and are genuinely interested in the position.

How many strengths should I list on my resumé?

The number of strengths you list depends on your experience and the job you're applying for. As a general rule, include three to five key strengths that are directly relevant to the job. It’s more important to list quality key strengths that are a close match with the job description, rather than a high quantity of unrelated skills, so focus on the strengths that will have the biggest impact on your potential employer.

What if my strength isn't directly related to the job I'm applying for?

If your strength isn’t directly related to the job you’re applying for, consider how you can present it in a way that highlights how it can be beneficial to the role. For example, you may not have experience in presenting, but may have years of experience in customer service. Highlight strengths that are transferable, showing how they can contribute to your new role. 

How can I prove the strengths I list on my resumé?

To prove the strengths you list on your resumé, make sure to provide specific examples and achievements that demonstrate how you've applied those strengths in previous roles. 

Can my hobbies and interests indicate my strengths?

Yes, your hobbies and interests can sometimes indicate your strengths. For example, if you enjoy participating in team sports, it may suggest that you have strong teamwork and collaboration skills. Just be selective about the hobbies and interests you include.