When crafting a resume, you’re probably focusing on listing your technical skills. But what about your soft skills? These personal and professional traits can make all the difference in setting you apart from other candidates. In fact, the right soft skills for your resume can be just as critical as your technical expertise when it comes to landing the job.

But type: entry-hyperlink id: 5M5b5q8H89xWpCF3JHMXAr, be they soft or hard, and why do they matter? In this article, we’ll break down what soft skills are, why employers value them, and the ten most sought-after soft skills you should showcase to boost your chances of getting hired.

What are soft skills? How are they different from hard skills?

Soft skills are the social and interpersonal abilities that shape how you work with others and navigate daily tasks. They include key traits like communication, adaptability, and collaboration—helping you contribute effectively in any workplace. Unlike type: entry-hyperlink id: 4mjdNxaDzVGcm8MOrG8Jw2, those abilities are tied to your personality and work habits, influencing how you solve problems, manage responsibilities, and interact with colleagues.

One way to understand soft skills is by comparing them to hard skills. Hard skills are learned through education, training, or hands-on experience—like coding, accounting, or machine operation—and can usually be measured. Soft skills, on the other hand, are more natural and harder to quantify. They apply across industries and roles, making them just as necessary for long-term career success.

Are soft skills important? Is it good to list soft skills on a resume?

In most industries, many professionals share the same hard skills. For example, if you're a web developer, other devs likely use the same software and follow similar processes. The same goes for accountants, engineers, project managers, and countless other roles.

That’s why relying solely on technical skills in your resume can make it harder to stand out. Soft skills, on the other hand, highlight what makes you unique—showing employers how you work, communicate, and adapt in a professional setting.

Beyond helping you land a job, soft skills also play a key role in career growth. They can improve how you manage time, handle stress, resolve conflicts, and collaborate with others—making you more effective in any role. Including them on your resume shows employers that you bring more than just technical know-how to the table. Strong soft skills can also give you an edge in promotions and pay raises, proving you're capable and a valuable long-term investment.

How and where should you show soft skills on your resume?

The best way to highlight soft skills on your resume is by weaving them into different sections rather than simply listing them with no clear objective. In your summary, you can briefly mention key soft skills that define your work style—for example, “Adaptable marketing professional with strong communication and leadership skills.”

In your type: entry-hyperlink id: 3S9agOaCDnO8UNKcxkJRA9, show these skills in action. Instead of stating job duties, describe how your soft skills contributed to your success. For example: “Led a cross-functional team to streamline operations, improving efficiency by 20%” demonstrates leadership and collaboration.

Your skills section can include a mix of hard and soft skills, especially those that match the job description. If collaboration, problem-solving, or time management are emphasized in the job posting, ensure they’re reflected in this section of your resume.

In your achievements or projects, highlight type: entry-hyperlink id: 7uvySAFKCvbyrFQsmgMKR1 where soft skills played a key role—whether it was resolving a client issue, leading a project, or improving a process. Here, your goal is to show, not just tell, how your soft skills make you a strong candidate.

10 soft skills you want to add to your resume

Here are 10 key examples of soft skills for your resume. Recruiters and managers will almost certainly probe those keywords in your CV when you apply for a job. However, our intention here is not to exhaust the subject. If you notice any other soft skill in a job description that’s not listed here, do your research and see if it aligns with your expertise and aspirations—if it does, go for it and add it to your resume. Now, to our list of soft skills for resume success:

1. Leadership

Companies love hiring people who naturally take the lead—whether that means guiding a team, making confident decisions, or keeping projects on track. And if you’re someone who can inspire others and bring out the best in your colleagues, even better.

Leadership isn’t just about having a fancy title. It’s about authenticity, emotional intelligence, mentoring, problem-solving, and knowing how to handle tricky situations. If those type: entry-hyperlink id: 2NIZ8dc0iixvbLDJwIoi20 sound like your strengths, make sure they stand out on your resume.

2. Adaptability

Things change fast in the workplace—new technologies, shifting priorities, unexpected challenges. Employers want people who can roll with the punches, adjust quickly, and stay calm under pressure.

Being adaptable isn’t just about going with the flow. It’s about having a positive attitude, staying open to learning, and finding solutions when things don’t go as planned. Show that you can thrive in change, and employers will take notice.

3. Communication

Solid communication skills will give you a serious edge no matter what job you're after. Whether explaining an idea, writing a clear email, or simply listening well, being a great communicator makes everything smoother.

Think about the specific communication skills you use in your work—public speaking, negotiation, conflict resolution, or even keeping everyone on the same page. Pick the ones that best fit your role, and make sure they’re front and center on your resume.

4. Problem-solving

Every job comes with challenges. The real question is: how do you handle them? Employers want people who don’t just point out problems but actually find ways to fix them.

If you’re good at thinking critically, staying resourceful, and making smart decisions, highlight those skills. Maybe you saved a project from going off the rails or came up with a creative way to boost efficiency. Whatever the case, showing that you’re a natural problem-solver will make your resume stand out.

5. Collaboration

Great things happen when people work well together. That’s why teamwork and collaboration are high on every employer’s wish list. Being a team player isn’t just about getting along with coworkers—it’s about being reliable, communicative, and willing to pitch in when needed.

If you’ve worked on a project where teamwork made all the difference, mention it. Showing you know how to build trust and work toward shared goals will go a long way with hiring managers.

6. Time management

Deadlines, meetings, priorities—juggling everything at work isn’t easy, but if you can manage your time well, you’re already ahead of the game. Employers love people who can stay organized, focus on what matters, and know type: entry-hyperlink id: 1o8VyLYJy3o47eDSngOpi2.

Time management isn’t just about making to-do lists. It’s about knowing how to prioritize, staying on top of tasks, and keeping stress in check. If you’ve got a track record of handling multiple projects without missing a beat, let that shine on your resume.

7. Emotional intelligence

Why do some people seem to handle workplace challenges so smoothly? Emotional intelligence plays a significant role. It’s about being aware of your emotions, managing them effectively, and understanding others. This helps with teamwork, conflict resolution, and communication. Employers value it because it creates a more cooperative and professional work environment.

8. Critical thinking

How do you approach a tough decision? Critical thinking is about breaking problems down, assessing the facts, and making sound judgments. It’s not just about having ideas—it’s about evaluating them logically. Employers look for people who can anticipate challenges and find practical solutions. In a fast-paced workplace, this skill helps improve efficiency and decision-making.

9. Work ethic

What makes someone reliable at work? A strong work ethic comes down to being responsible, disciplined, and committed to getting things done well. It’s not just about putting in hours—it’s about consistency and integrity. Employers value employees who take initiative and maintain high standards, contributing directly to the company’s success.

10. Creativity

Creativity isn’t just about coming up with new ideas—it’s about finding better ways to solve problems. Whether improving a process or rethinking an approach, creative thinking helps businesses adapt and grow. Why does this matter? Because companies need people who can think differently and bring fresh perspectives to the table.

How can you develop soft skills?

While soft skills often feel like natural abilities, they can still be developed with intention and practice. A good starting point is to be more mindful of the skills you want to improve. If stress management is challenging, try pausing in high-pressure moments to breathe and reassess the situation. If organization is an area for growth, set aside time each day to declutter your workspace. Small, consistent actions help build self-awareness and reinforce positive habits.

Here are a few strategies to help you strengthen your soft skills:

• Ask trusted people for advice: Ask a manager, coworker, or friend for guidance on a particular skill. If you struggle with meeting deadlines, talk to a colleague who excels in time management and see if their strategies work for you.

• Upskill with online courses: If self-improvement feels overwhelming, structured learning can help. Learning platforms like Udemy offer courses on productivity, leadership, stress management, and more, guiding you to enhance your soft skills.

• Work with a mentor or coach: If seeking help from coworkers isn’t an option, consider finding an external mentor or coach. They can provide personalized feedback and strategies to help you grow professionally.

• Practice, practice, practice: Many soft skills improve with use. If leadership is your goal, look for opportunities to take on more responsibility. If creative problem-solving is an area you’d like to develop, tackle projects that require thinking outside the box. The more you apply these skills, the stronger they become.

Best soft skills for resume: The takeaways

It’s easy to focus on technical skills when writing a resume. After all, they’re usually objective and quantifiable. However, you must remember that other candidates probably have similar qualifications. So, how you work, communicate, and solve problems will truly set you apart—and that’s where soft skills come in.

By highlighting these ten essential soft skills, you can show employers that you’re not just qualified but also a great fit for their team. Now, are you ready to take your resume to the next level? Get a free resume review today and make sure your soft skills shine!