how to write personal skills in resume

12 Types of Personal Skills with 120 Examples for a Resume

By Status.net Editorial Team on March 7, 2024 — 11 minutes to read

Personal skills are the qualities and attributes you bring to the table that make you stand out as a candidate in the professional world. When compiling your resume, it’s important to include a mix of these soft skills alongside your technical abilities and experience. These are the traits that show potential employers how you interact with others, handle responsibilities, and adapt to new situations. They are essentially your personality strengths at work. By showcasing the right personal skills with concrete examples, such as leading a successful group project or managing tight deadlines, you increase your chances of catching an employer’s eye.

Related: What Are Soft Skills? (and How to Showcase Them)

Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills (with Examples)

Technical Skills Examples for Resume

Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills are the tools you use to interact and communicate with fellow employees, customers, and managers in an organization. These are integral for creating a positive work environment and achieving effective teamwork and collaboration.

Communication Skills

Effective communication means you are capable of sharing your ideas clearly and listening to others with an open mind. You adapt your language and tone depending on who you’re speaking to and always aim to be clear and concise.

• “Facilitated open and effective communication between cross-functional teams.”
• “Drafted comprehensive reports that simplified complex information for stakeholders.”
• “Designed and delivered engaging presentations that captivated diverse audiences.”
• “Streamlined interdepartmental emails to improve company-wide clarity and efficiency.”
• “Mediated discussions to foster understanding and mutual respect among team members.”
• “Tailored communication style to the needs of clients, enhancing customer satisfaction.”
• “Translated technical jargon into easily understandable language for end-users.”
• “Utilized active listening skills to accurately respond to client inquiries and concerns.”
• “Collaborated with international partners, navigating cultural and linguistic barriers.”
• “Maintained open lines of communication during high-stress situations, ensuring team cohesion.”

Your ability to work within a team to achieve shared goals is indispensable. You show adaptability, emotional intelligence, and a willingness to learn from your colleagues.

• “Coordinated with team members to successfully complete project milestones ahead of deadlines.”
• “Leveraged the strengths of diverse team members to enhance project outcomes.”
• “Participated in shaping a collaborative team culture that values everyone’s input.”
• “Supported team members, providing constructive feedback and assistance when necessary.”
• “Actively engaged in team brainstorming sessions, contributing innovative ideas.”
• “Assisted in aligning team objectives with company goals for increased productivity.”
• “Promoted teamwork by organizing team-building activities that fostered trust and collaboration.”
• “Participated in a cross-functional team that improved processes, saving the company time and money.”
• “Helped to create a supportive environment that encouraged risk-taking and creativity.”
• “Played a key role in a team recognized for exceeding service delivery expectations.”

Conflict Resolution

Your competence in resolving disputes demonstrates your ability to manage emotions and negotiate effectively. You work to find common ground and aim for solutions that satisfy all parties involved. On your resume, you might describe your conflict resolution skills like this:

• “Resolved conflicts among team members, facilitating compromise and collaborative solutions.”
• “Implemented a step-by-step mediation strategy to de-escalate client disputes.”
• “Negotiated between conflicting parties to reach mutually beneficial agreements.”
• “Applied emotional intelligence to understand different perspectives in workplace conflicts.”
• “Devised conflict-resolution protocols that reduced tensions and improved morale.”
• “Arbitrated a major client conflict that resulted in a renewed service contract.”
• “Managed sensitive employee relations issues with discretion and fairness.”
• “Fostered an inclusive culture that minimized conflicts through proactive communication.”
• “Trained team members in conflict resolution techniques, contributing to a more harmonious workplace.”
• “Addressed customer complaints swiftly, restoring trust and preventing potential churn.”

Possessing empathy means you have the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. This skill can lead to better teamwork and more effective leadership.

• “Provided empathetic customer service that increased repeat business.”
• “Recognized by management for consistently empathizing with team members and addressing personal concerns.”
• “Incorporated client feedback into service delivery, enhancing client satisfaction and engagement.”
• “Mentored new hires by attentively understanding their challenges and guiding them through their transition.”
• “Cultivated a customer-centric approach that improved client retention rates.”
• “Adapted services to meet the needs of individuals from various cultural backgrounds.”
• “Demonstrated ability to connect with dissatisfied customers, turning negative experiences into positive outcomes.”
• “Leveraged empathy to diffuse emotional client situations, resulting in positive resolutions.”
• “Championed diversity initiatives, fostering an environment of understanding and respect.”
• “Applied an empathetic listening approach to better address employee suggestions and concerns.”

Organizational Skills

Organizational skills demonstrate your ability to plan, prioritize, and achieve goals efficiently. These skills are highly valued across various professions because they help you to maintain productivity and manage responsibilities effectively.

Time Management

Managing your time effectively means you prioritize tasks and work on the most important ones first. It’s important to know how to structure your day to maximize efficiency.

Time Management Examples for Your Resume:

• “Prioritized tasks to meet project deadlines consistently”
• “Scheduled weekly planning sessions to outline tasks and goals”
• “Balanced multiple projects without sacrificing attention to detail”
• “Implemented time tracking tools to monitor task durations”
• “Developed daily to-do lists and updated them throughout the day”
• “Organized work calendar with color-coded priorities”
• “Streamlined workflow by identifying and eliminating time-wasters”
• “Allocated break times to enhance focus and productivity”
• “Monitored deadlines and adjusted schedules proactively”
• “Utilized planning apps to manage team schedules and appointments”

Decision Making

Decision making is about choosing the best course of action. It’s important to show that you can assess situations, consider various perspectives, and decide on the right move forward for the benefit of the team or project.

Decision Making Examples for Your Resume:

• “Evaluated and selected vendors that cut costs by 15%”
• “Analyzed client feedback to drive product improvements”
• “Identified risks to prevent potential issues down the line”
• “Chose effective marketing strategies that improved brand awareness”
• “Led team meetings to decide on project directions”
• “Made timely decisions under pressure to meet client needs”
• “Weighed pros and cons before implementing new company procedures”
• “Collaborated on budget allocation for department resources”
• “Negotiated contracts to secure the best terms for the company”
• “Decided on staffing assignments based on skill levels and workload distribution”

Problem-Solving Skills

Being adept at problem-solving is highly valued in any job market. This section will give you insight into demonstrating your skills in critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and analytical abilities on your resume.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking means making reasoned judgments that are logical and well-thought-out. It is a way of thinking in which you don’t simply accept all arguments and conclusions you are exposed to but rather have an attitude involving questioning such arguments and conclusions. You might demonstrate your critical thinking abilities by taking complex projects and breaking them down into manageable steps.

• “Evaluated multiple vendors to optimize supply chain efficiency”
• “Assessed client needs to develop a more focused marketing strategy”
• “Determined the root cause of repetitive issues to prevent recurrence”
• “Orchestrated a workflow redesign, increasing team productivity by 20%”
• “Led a task force to resolve a persistent quality control problem”
• “Implemented a new testing protocol to improve product reliability”
• “Analyzed customer feedback to enhance service delivery models”
• “Conducted a comprehensive review to decrease budget expenditures”
• “Critiqued project proposals to ensure alignment with company goals”
• “Appraised competing technology solutions to aid strategic planning”

Creative Problem-Solving

Creative problem-solving means using innovation or lateral thinking to find solutions to complex issues. You can display your ability in this area by highlighting instances where you thought outside the box or proposed unique solutions to challenges.

• “Devised a novel customer loyalty program that increased repeat business”
• “Crafted a new interface design that enhanced user experience and satisfaction”
• “Initiated a recycling program that cut down waste and operational costs”
• “Invented a time-saving tool that streamlined the team’s data entry process”
• “Formulated an alternative sales strategy that captured a new market segment”
• “Piloted a social media campaign that doubled online engagement”
• “Revamped an outdated filing system, increasing retrieval efficiency”
• “Launched a cross-training program that maximized staff versatility”
• “Executed a creative workflow that accelerated project completion times”
• “Engineered a cost-saving solution that also improved customer service”

Analytical Abilities

Your analytical abilities are showcased when you systematically examine and interpret data patterns to gain an understanding and drive decision making. In your resume, you can focus on situations where your data analysis skills directly contributed to better decisions or enhanced outcomes.

• “Interpreted sales data to redirect marketing efforts and boost revenue”
• “Condensed complex data sets into clear, actionable reports”
• “Mapped out user experience trends to guide product development plans”
• “Correlated customer service metrics to implement targeted improvements”
• “Utilized analytics to optimize website content for search engine ranking”
• “Discerned patterns in user behavior to tailor the e-commerce platform”
• “Leveraged analytics tools to track and report on social media performance”
• “Segmented market data to identify and pursue untapped customer bases”
• “Quantified production metrics to pinpoint areas for process enhancement”
• “Applied statistical methods to refine inventory management strategies”

Leadership Skills

When you showcase leadership skills on your resume, you’re demonstrating your ability to guide a team towards a common goal. It’s important to articulate how you can inspire and influence others through specific actions and strategies.

Delegation means entrusting tasks to team members based on their strengths and skills. You help the team progress efficiently while developing individual capabilities.

• “Managed a team of 10 and effectively distributed tasks to align with individual strengths”
• “Entrusted junior staff with key projects to foster skills development and career growth”
• “Defined clear roles and responsibilities within the team to streamline project execution”
• “Oversaw a successful delegation system that boosted team productivity by 25%”
• “Appointed team leaders to oversee segments of projects, strengthening leadership pipeline”
• “Matched tasks with expertise, resulting in improved quality of work and staff satisfaction”
• “Delegated administrative duties to appropriate staff, maximizing time for strategic tasks”
• “Fostered a culture of trust by delegating critical tasks to capable team members”
• “Implemented a task rotation program to enhance cross-functional team expertise”
• “Coordinated the delegation of work during high-stake projects, ensuring timely completion”

Motivational Techniques

Motivational techniques are strategies you use to encourage and energize your team so they remain engaged and committed to their work.

• “Implemented an employee recognition program that increased team morale and productivity”
• “Organized team-building retreats that enhanced collaboration and cohesiveness”
• “Championed a mentorship program that motivated employees to achieve personal and professional goals”
• “Conducted regular progress meetings to celebrate milestones and motivate continuous effort”
• “Introduced flexible work options to maintain high levels of team motivation and well-being”
• “Established a system of constructive feedback that motivated employees to excel and innovate”
• “Led by example to inspire and motivate team members during challenging periods”
• “Developed incentive programs aligned with team and individual performance goals”
• “Used positive communication to boost team spirit and maintain high motivation”
• “Encouraged skill development through workshops, benefiting both employees and project outcomes”

Strategic Planning

Strategic planning means outlining a long-term vision and breaking it down into actionable steps. Your ability to anticipate future trends and adapt plans accordingly is key.

• “Formulated a 5-year strategic plan that resulted in a 40% growth in company market share”
• “Led cross-departmental teams in the development of a strategic product launch roadmap”
• “Analyzed market trends to inform long-term business strategies and competitive positioning”
• “Orchestrated the strategic shift of business focus which increased customer acquisition by 30%”
• “Designed and supervised a risk management strategy that safeguarded the company during economic downturns”
• “Hosted strategy workshops to align team objectives with company goals”
• “Constructed a resource allocation plan to support strategic initiatives without disrupting operations”
• “Set measurable goals to track the success of strategic endeavours and pivot when necessary”
• “Facilitated the reorganization of company structure to improve operational efficiency and meet strategic aims”
• “Collaborated with key stakeholders to ensure strategic plans were robust and achievable”

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some examples of personal skills to list on a resume.

When listing personal skills on your resume, consider including effective communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, and time management. These soft skills can demonstrate your ability to work well in various environments and with different teams.

How can you describe personal skills in a sentence for a CV?

You can describe personal skills on a CV with a sentence like: “Adept at conflict resolution and negotiation, with a strong ability to communicate effectively with diverse teams.” This showcases specific skills and provides context for how you use them.

Can you give examples of unique personal skills that stand out on a resume?

Unique personal skills that could make your resume stand out include emotional intelligence, cross-cultural literacy, and advanced problem-solving abilities. Including innovative thinking or the ability to learn and apply new technologies quickly can also be advantageous.

In what way should you present personal interests and hobbies on your resume?

Present your personal interests and hobbies on your resume in a concise manner, linking them to job-related skills whenever possible. For instance, if you’re an avid chess player, you could note that it hones your strategic thinking and decision-making skills.

What are the top personal skills employers look for in fresh graduates?

Employers typically seek fresh graduates with strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work under pressure, and enthusiasm for learning and professional development. Demonstrating that you’re results-oriented and have a proactive approach can be particularly effective.

What are some professional skills that can enhance your resume?

Professional skills that can enhance your resume include project management, technical skills relevant to your industry, foreign language proficiency, and proficiency with specific software tools. Highlighting these skills shows you possess both the soft and hard skills required for the job.

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30 Best Personal Skills for Your Resume [Examples]

3 key takeaways

• Personal skills are often referred to as soft skills.
• Soft skills include qualities like leadership, teamwork, and time management.
• Build a resume with AI to create a better skills section using Teal.

You've spent hours crafting the perfect resume, highlighting your professional and personal skills. But the interview invites just aren’t coming. While technical skills and experience are necessary, personal skills are equally important for standing out in a crowded market.

Personal skills for a resume showcase your ability to work effectively with others, communicate clearly, and adapt to new challenges. They demonstrate to employers that you're not just qualified on paper but will also work well within a team.

You could be overqualified in terms of experience and technical skills and still not get the job due to lacking people skills . Ultimately, the hiring manager will hire someone that complements the current team.

In this guide, you'll learn:

• Top personal skills to add to a resume
• How to decide which personal skills to add to your resume
• How to format and write personal skills on a resume

Want to turn your personal skills into interviews? Build a free resume with Teal that aligns with the most important ones for every job.

What are personal skills?

Personal skills, also known as soft skills , are transferable abilities that show how you interact with colleagues and contribute to a positive work environment. Imagine a team brainstorming session—your communication skills help you exchange ideas, while teamwork lets you build on each other's contributions. Both competencies rely on personal skills.

Personal skills are used in everyday situations at work, from managing projects to effectively resolving conflicts with teammates or clients.

In one survey by Business Name Generator , 84 percent of employees and managers thought soft skills were important for new hires. By highlighting strong personal skills on your resume, you show employers you're a well-rounded professional who can integrate into their team.

Personal skills vs professional skills

Professional skills, also known as hard skills , are the technical abilities specific to your job or industry. Think coding languages for a programmer, design software for a graphic designer, or financial knowledge for an accountant. If you’re applying for an open role, these skills demonstrate your proficiency in tasks directly related to the position.

The main difference between personal and professional skills lies in their focus. Personal skills highlight how you work with others and navigate challenges as well as your own innate qualities. Professional skills, on the other hand, demonstrate your technical expertise specific to the job or industry, like knowledge of a particular software program or financial analysis.

Here are a few different personal and professional skill examples:

Personal skills examples for resume

• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Time management

Professional skills examples for resume

• Programming languages
• Graphic design
• Cybersecurity
• Data analysis
• Writing skills

Some skills are both personal and professional, for example:

• Critical thinking bridges the gap between analyzing a problem (personal) and building a solution (professional). 
• Decision-making has aspects of choosing a deadline for a project (personal) or deciding what software to use (professional).
• Problem-solving requires both the ability to come up with creative solutions (personal) and have technical or professional expertise (professional).

A well-crafted resume balances both soft and hard skills, proving you're a well-rounded professional with the technical chops and collaborative spirit to excel.

Imagine two equally qualified candidates on paper. Both have the technical skills and experience listed in the job description. But one candidate stands out. Their resume highlights strong personal skills throughout the bullet points, showing off their ability to collaborate effectively, communicate clearly, and adapt to new challenges. This gives the hiring manager confidence the candidate will fit long-term. This is the importance of personal skills in a resume.

From communication and teamwork to problem-solving and adaptability, highlighting strong personal skills creates a more compelling resume, so you stand out as a job seeker.

Top list of personal skills for a resume

Of course, you should only include personal skills you really possess on your resume. At the same time, a resume is your sales pitch. Demonstrate your strongest personal skills rather than listing every single trait.

Here is a comprehensive list of in-demand skills to consider when writing your resume.

1. Communication

Communication skills refer to the ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. This allows everyone involved in a project to understand the situation, ask insightful questions, and contribute their expertise.

2. Teamwork

Teamwork as a skill involves collaborating with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and valuing their strengths. According to a survey from NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers), nearly 80 percent of employers are looking for candidates with teamwork skills, especially for new graduates.

3. Interpersonal

Interpersonal skills let individuals connect with people from all walks of life, building a harmonious teamwork atmosphere. This skill allows people to connect with others and demonstrate empathy and understanding.

4. Active listening

Active listening is a valuable workplace skill. It's the act of listening with the intent to understand someone else's perspective and needs. With active listening, individuals ensure clear communication and effective collaboration so everyone feels heard and valued.

5. Negotiation

Strong negotiation skills allow individuals to navigate challenging conversations with diplomacy and respect. Negotiation uses compromise and creative problem-solving to find mutually beneficial solutions that satisfy all parties.

6. Conflict resolution

Conflict resolution skills involve effectively addressing disagreements by facilitating open communication and listening to all perspectives. In addition to a useful team skills, this is one of many valuable customer service skills.

7. Leadership

 Leadership skills allow someone to motivate and guide their team toward a common goal, setting a clear vision and providing ongoing support and encouragement. True leaders don't just tell people what to do, they inspire them to achieve more, resulting in greater business results.

8. Project management

Project management skills allow individuals to excel at organizing tasks, prioritizing effectively, and managing timelines. By keeping team members aligned and focused on project goals, they ensure a smooth workflow and successful project outcomes.

9. Analytical

Individuals with strong analytical skills can dissect data, identify trends and patterns, and uncover the root causes of problems. Having an analytical mind, coupled with critical thinking skills, allows someone to develop effective solutions and make informed decisions.

10. Problem-solving

Problem-solving skills include the ability to actively identify, analyze, and overcome obstacles, both independently and as part of a team. While challenges are inevitable in any workplace, with the right problem-solving skills, they can promote opportunities for growth. 

11. Decision-making

Effective decision-making skills separate good performers from great ones. This skill gives an individual a keen ability to weigh options, assess risks and benefits, and make sound choices in a timely manner, ensuring progress and avoiding costly mistakes.

12. Initiative

Having initiative allows people to proactively identify tasks that need to be done and take ownership of them without needing constant direction. This quality is highly valued in fast-paced work environments.

13. Resourcefulness

Resourcefulness refers to the ability to find creative solutions even when faced with limited resources. Resourceful individuals excel at thinking outside the box, brainstorming unconventional approaches, and leveraging existing tools in innovative ways.

14. Adaptability

Adaptability involves adjusting to new situations, learning new skills quickly, and navigating changes in processes, technologies, or even company culture. This flexibility allows people to integrate into new teams, adopt updated workflows, and contribute effectively in any environment.

15. Time management

Time management skills allow someone to prioritize tasks effectively, manage their schedule meticulously, and meet deadlines consistently. This skill allows someone to juggle multiple responsibilities, allocate time efficiently, and make sure every task receives the attention it needs without sacrificing quality.

16. Organization

Organization skills are about managing information efficiently and prioritizing tasks well, demonstrating strong planning and task management skills. A detail-oriented approach lets someone move deftly between projects while maintaining a productive workflow.

17. Empathy

Empathy refers to connecting with others on an emotional level, understanding their feelings, and sharing their perspectives. Having emotional intelligence creates a supportive and understanding work environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

18. Integrity

Integrity is about demonstrating honest and ethical behavior in all actions. This skill builds trust and respect with both colleagues and clients. Honesty and integrity are the foundation of strong relationships, and people with integrity act with transparency and fairness in all their interactions.

19. Attention to detail

Attention to detail means a keen eye for accuracy and making sure tasks are completed meticulously, with a commitment to quality and precision. People who value attention to detail take pride in their work and go the extra mile to make sure every deliverable meets high standards.

20. Work ethic

Work ethic is evident in dedication, reliability, and an unwavering commitment to delivering quality work. Individuals with a strong work ethic consistently go above and beyond the minimum requirements, taking initiative and putting in the extra effort to achieve outstanding results.

21. Accountability

Accountability means always delivering on promises, which builds trust and reliability within a team. Accountable individuals can admit mistakes, learn from them, and take steps to improve themselves.

22. Positive attitude:

Maintaining a positive and optimistic outlook creates a supportive and motivating work environment. These individuals inspire those around them, encouraging and empowering everyone to do their best. While challenges happen, people with a positive attitude focus on solutions and maintain a "can-do" spirit.

23. Emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is a skill that allows individuals to understand and manage their own emotions, as well as recognize and respond to the emotions of others. This creates a healthy workplace culture by letting people build strong and positive relationships with colleagues.

24. Level-headed

Being level-headed is about remaining calm and collected under pressure. Deadlines and demanding situations aren’t a problem. Level-headed individuals cope with stress and maintain their composure in challenging situations, prioritizing tasks effectively, thinking clearly under pressure, and making sound decisions even when faced with tight deadlines.

25. Delegation

Delegation skills are about providing clear instructions, ongoing support, and opportunities for independent problem-solving. Delegation allows someone to effectively assign tasks to others based on their strengths and development needs.

26. Reliability

Reliability involves consistently delivering on commitments, exceeding expectations, and earning the trust of colleagues. People know they can count on these individuals to dependably complete tasks on time and to a high standard.

27. Creativity

Creativity as a skill is the ability to develop innovative solutions to problems. Creative individuals excel at brainstorming unconventional approaches, challenging assumptions, and finding new and improved ways of doing things.

Pro tip: Explore Teal's creative cover letter templates to help you highlight your skills.

28. Motivation

Motivation means being driven to achieve goals and go above and beyond at work. Highly motivated individuals have a genuine passion for their work, creating a more positive and productive work environment.

29. Curious

Curiosity is about having a continuous desire to learn new skills and knowledge. Curious individuals are proactive in seeking out training opportunities, embracing new technologies, and staying up-to-date on industry trends.

30. Flexible

Flexibility is the ability to adapt based on changing circumstances. Flexible people are great at thinking on their feet, adjusting their work style to new situations, and finding creative solutions to unexpected problems.

For more examples of skills that you can include in your resume, download our free skills workbook .

How to write personal skills on a resume

Relevant experience is a must when it comes to landing the right job. But what truly sets you apart are your personal skills, the qualities that demonstrate how you function within a team and contribute to a positive work environment. Follow these tips to best showcase your skills on a resume.

Step 1: Identify relevant personal skills

First, carefully read the job description. Analyze it to identify key personal skills and qualities that the employer is looking for.

Look for opportunities to showcase the skills the company values most in your resume skills section . You can do this faster with Teal’s Matching mode!

Within Matching Mode in the Resume Builder, you can select a job from your job tracker to match against your resume. You’ll automatically get a list of highly relevant keyword recommendations that you can add to your resume.

Step 2: Choose powerful verbs

Replace bland words like "skilled" or "helped" with action verbs that showcase initiative and achievement, such as "spearheaded," "implemented," or "directed."

“Orchestrated the adoption of a new payroll software company-wide, leading to a 40% time savings.”

Pro Tip: Use Teal's AI Bullet feature to write impressive resume bullet points in seconds.

Step 3: Quantify your impact

Quantify your resume by adding results. Did your communication skills lead to a 20% increase in project efficiency? Highlight measurable achievements in your bullet points to strengthen your claims.

“Increased website conversion rate by 12% through A/B testing and website optimization strategies.”

Step 4: Tailor to the job

Don't overwhelm your resume by randomly stuffing words into your experience section. Aim to highlight the top skills that best represent your strengths and align with the job requirements.

According to Teal’s Director of Talent Mike Peditto , “While there isn't a magic number of skills, a long list can become overwhelming and take focus away from the top skills needed for a job. Focus on the skills that appear early and often throughout the job description. Here, you'll likely find the top five to eight skills the job is asking for, above all else.”

Try to personalize your skills section for each job application, emphasizing the skills most relevant to the specific role.

Step 5: Craft compelling descriptions

Structure your skill descriptions using action verbs followed by a specific example of how you used that skill to achieve a positive outcome. Don't just list responsibilities—show what you accomplished or what results you achieved.

"Built rapport with a diverse clientele, resulting in a 15% increase in client retention rate.”

Tips for using personal skills on your resume to attract recruiters

Follow these tips to use your personal skills to stand out to recruiters and hiring managers:

• Include relevant personal skills from the job description throughout your resume, but avoid keyword stuffing.
• Identify existing personal skills that overlap with the job description so you can demonstrate a strong fit for the role. You can use Teal’s Matching Mode in the Resume Builder to choose a job and automatically analyze the job description to find the skills the company values the most.
• Provide specific examples from your work experience. Instead of listing "problem-solving skills," describe a challenge you tackled successfully and its impact on the business.
• Highlight skills consistently throughout the application process, from your resume, cover letter, and interviews. Your resume is only one part of the job search process.

Teal's Matching Mode feature makes it easy to surface relevant hard and soft skills within a job description to add to your resume. It will also help you identify where the overlap lies, so you can quickly add the ones you really possess.

The best way to add personal skills to your resume

Using an AI Resume Builder like Teal can speed up the process of adding the right personal skills to your resume.

From the Resume Skills Management feature within the Resume Builder, you can add skills to your resume, or even group them together by adding a category. Drag and drop the skills to rearrange them or toggle a button to sort them from A-Z automatically.

If you’re not sure what personal skills to highlight on your resume, head over to the Matching tab at the top of the screen, then choose a job from your job tracker.

From here, Teal’s AI-powered Matching Mode will suggest what skills and keywords you should add to your resume based on the job description. Aim for an 80 percent match score.

Personal Skills Examples for Your Resume

Beyond specific job skills or technical expertise, job seekers also need to bring personal skills to the table. Here are some examples of how professionals can showcase personal skills in their resume, whether you’re a new graduate or a seasoned professional.

‍ For an experienced professional

One common personal skill to highlight as an experienced professional is leadership. Experienced professionals are expected to guide and support others, so it’s important to demonstrate leadership skills, especially when applying to management-level roles.

For example, a bullet point on your resume could look like this: 

“Successfully mentored and coached junior team members, contributing to their professional development and increasing team productivity by 20%."

For a new graduate

As a new grad, your work history might be lighter, but you can still highlight personal skills like teamwork. Teamwork is an important skill in just about any job. As a new grad, whether you’ve completed internships or group projects in class, this is a skill you can highlight in your resume.

For example, you could write a bullet point for a past internship like this: 

“Collaborated effectively with a team of five to develop an Instagram strategy that increased engagement by 40%.”

For a professional targeting a technical role

Be sure to highlight personal skills that complement your hard skills when applying to technical positions. Whether you’re applying for a job as a data analyst, a software engineer, or something else, highlighting your analytical skills demonstrates your ability to approach challenges logically and strategically.

For example, you might want to demonstrate that you have a strong analytical mind. A bullet point on your resume could look like this: 

“Analyzed customer data to identify trends and inform strategic decision-making, resulting in a 10% improvement in customer satisfaction.”

To further improve soft skills for your career, read our guide on interpersonal skills .

Yes, you should add personal skills to your resume

Work experience might be the foundation of your resume, but strong personal skills are key to landing your next job. However, crafting a resume that effectively showcases these skills can be tricky.

That’s where Teal makes your life easier. With Teal’s AI Resume Builder , you can not only create a detailed skills section, but also use AI to generate powerful work bullet points that demonstrate your personal skills and accomplishments in context for greater impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of a personal skill.

Personal skills are strengths like communication and teamwork. You use these skills daily in the workplace, from brainstorming sessions to resolving conflicts.

What are personal skills and examples?

Personal skills, also known as soft skills, are transferable abilities that show how you interact with colleagues and contribute to a positive work environment. For example, leadership could look like motivating a team to complete a project that exceeds expectations, while initiative might involve identifying an inefficiency and creating a solution that saves the company money.

What is an example of personality on a resume?

Focus on showing, not telling, your skills on a resume. For instance, instead of listing "outgoing," highlight your communication skills by describing presentations you've led or teams you’ve managed.

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Top 10 Personal Skills You Should List on Your Resume

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October 20, 2024

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What makes a resume stand out? Is it the flashy fonts, the extensive list of educational qualifications, or the fancy formatting elements? The answer is—none of it! While details and aesthetics are extremely important, the skills section plays a crucial role in getting an interview. For hiring managers, it shows how closely a candidate matches the job requirements.

Did you know? 41% of recruiters look for skills on a resume first! 🔍

But skills aren’t just about technical expertise—many applicants overlook this. To excel in any role, you need both personal and technical aptitudes. This is why candidates who effectively showcase both are more likely to make the cut.

So, in today’s blog, let’s discuss the best personal skills examples for a resume and how you can showcase them to land an interview. Let’s go!🚀

What Are Personal Skills?

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Personal skills are the soft skills you list under the skills section of your resume. These transferable skills demonstrate your ability to perform tasks efficiently and collaborate effectively with others. 

📌 Imagine this: You’re a creative writer, and the new project assigned to you requires you to document personal experiences from people’s lives. 📖

In this case, you will set aside your usual research methods (typically considered a technical skill) and rely on your communication skills (a crucial personal skill) to craft the content. 

This is just one of many instances that illustrate the value and importance of personal skills.

Here are 10 of the most essential personal skills examples for your resume. The next time you fill out a job application, pick the most relevant ones from this list to increase your chances of securing the job! 🏆

1. Communication skills

Effective communication is key to success in any role, which is why it’s consistently ranked among the top essential skills for any job. Strong communication means you confidently express your thoughts, listen attentively, share accurate information, and engage meaningfully in conversations. It’s about making sure your message is clear and fostering genuine understanding with those around you.

📌 Example : A sales representative presents a new product to potential clients. They create a compelling presentation that clearly outlines the product’s benefits and addresses common customer pain points.

Their confident delivery and ability to answer questions on the spot led to a successful sale, increasing the company’s revenue.

Strong communication skills help you collaborate more efficiently with coworkers, contributing to a positive work environment. Customer service skills also ensure that you’re adept at interacting with external stakeholders such as clients. Examples include active listening, verbal communication, written communication, and public speaking.

✅ Ideal for: Roles in marketing, client management, product management, public relations, teaching, and any position requiring strong verbal and written communication.

2. Teamwork skills

Teamwork is the ability to collaborate with others toward a common goal. Strong teamwork skills show that you can work harmoniously, divide responsibilities fairly, and contribute meaningfully to the group’s success. Common teamwork skills include dependability, conflict resolution, flexibility, and trust. 🤝

📌 Example: Consider a product marketing campaign: One team member researches market trends while another creates engaging social media content. Together, they effectively spread the word about the product.

✅ Ideal for: Positions in project management, event planning, and any collaborative work environment.

Read More : 10 Career Map Templates to Empower Your Team’s Growth Plan

3. Problem-solving skills

Problem-solving refers to your ability to identify challenges and develop effective resolutions. If you have sharp problem-solving skills, you can tackle challenges efficiently and work well even under pressure. It’s considered one of the most important personal skills examples for your resume.

📌 Example: A marketing coordinator faced the challenge of promoting a new product launch on a limited budget. Instead of traditional advertising, they organized a social media contest encouraging user-generated content. This innovative approach increased engagement and generated buzz, leading to a 30% increase in pre-orders.

Core components of problem-solving skills include analytical thinking, creativity, research, and critical thinking. 🧠

✅ Ideal for: Jobs in IT, engineering , consulting, project management, and any role requiring analytical thinking.

4. Time management skills

If you excel at handling multiple tasks within deadlines, time management should feature on your resume. Again, this is one of the most basic yet essential skills required for any job. ✅

📌 Example: A project coordinator is responsible for multiple projects with tight deadlines. They create a detailed schedule that outlines key milestones, prioritize tasks based on urgency, and allocate specific time blocks for each project. Using tools like Gantt charts and ClickUp Reminders , they successfully complete all projects on time, demonstrating efficiency and productivity.

Good time management skills demonstrate that you are productive, efficient, and capable of multitasking. They also reflect strong organizational skills , such as goal setting, prioritization, scheduling, and delegation.

✅ Ideal for: Positions in administration, project management, and any role that requires multitasking.

5. Adaptability skills

Imagine this: you are creating a product when you realize one of its key elements is too expensive for your budget. You quickly find an alternative within your budget, and the product is launched according to plan. This is called adaptability—your ability to adjust and overcome challenges in evolving situations.

People with exceptional adaptability skills demonstrate flexibility, resilience, and willingness to learn. They are also open to feedback and are good at stress management.  

📌 Example: A marketing specialist is working on a campaign when they discover that the original advertising platform is no longer available.

Instead of panicking, they quickly research alternative platforms that fit the budget. They adjust the campaign strategy accordingly, ensuring it launches on schedule and showcasing flexibility and resilience.

✅ Ideal for: Roles in fast-paced, constantly-evolving environments like startups and marketing.

6. Critical thinking skills

Critical thinking is one of today’s most relevant personal skills examples for a resume. It refers to an individual’s ability to objectively analyze information, assess arguments, and make well-reasoned judgments based on facts and logic. This skill is essential in decision-making processes, as it involves weighing different perspectives and identifying the most effective solutions.

📌 Example: A data analyst encounters discrepancies in sales reports. Instead of accepting the data at face value, they analyze the figures, evaluate possible causes for the errors, and synthesize information from multiple sources to identify the root cause.

This careful evaluation leads to corrective actions that improve future reporting accuracy, highlighting strong analytical abilities.

Solid critical thinking empowers people to overcome crises and make the right decisions. Its key components include analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and synthesis. 🧐

✅ Ideal for: Jobs in research, data analysis, consulting, and positions requiring strategic planning.

7. Decision-making skills

Suppose you have an urgent deadline to meet, so you must choose between reallocating resources or requesting an extension. This is where strong decision-making skills come into play. It involves selecting the best course of action to ensure the most favorable outcome for the situation. 

📌 Example: A product manager faces an urgent deadline and must decide whether to allocate resources to complete a feature or request an extension. They weigh the pros and cons of each option, considering team capacity and the impact on stakeholders.

After analyzing the risks, they reallocate resources, enabling timely delivery without compromising quality.

Good decision-making skills help in many ways—they minimize risks, maximize efficiency, and increase productivity. Additionally, any individual with this aptitude has a talent for risk assessment, judgment, strategic thinking, and analytical skills.

✅ Ideal for: Leadership roles, management positions, and any job description that involves strategic planning.

8. Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills are all about how you interact with others. When you listen to your colleagues’ ideas, respond with empathy, and encourage open conversations, you’re showing strong interpersonal skills. These traits help build better relationships and create a positive, collaborative work environment.

📌 Example: A human resources representative conducts interviews and actively listens to candidates’ responses. They provide empathetic feedback and encourage open dialogue, creating a comfortable atmosphere. Their ability to connect with candidates helps build trust and fosters positive relationships, which is essential for a successful hiring process.

Effective interpersonal skills are crucial in the workplace, enabling you to work with others and resolve problems. Some of their core components include empathy, patience, and active listening.

✅ Ideal for: Roles in sales customer service , human resources, and any position requiring strong relationship-building skills.

9. Leadership skills

Leadership is about guiding and motivating a team toward a common goal. This could be something as immediate as meeting a deadline or as significant as driving long-term business growth. Effective leaders inspire their teams, provide direction, and help ensure everyone stays aligned and focused on the objectives, whether short-term or long-term.

📌 Example: A team lead guides a group through a challenging project. They set a clear vision, motivate team members by recognizing their contributions, and delegate tasks based on individual strengths. By providing mentorship and maintaining open lines of communication, they create a collaborative environment that drives the team toward achieving their goal.

Strong leadership skills enable you to achieve these goals through combined team efforts and create a collaborative, positive work environment. Its components include vision setting, motivation, delegation, mentoring, and other organizational skills.

✅ Ideal for: Management positions, team lead roles, and any job overseeing others.

10. Collaboration skills

Collaboration skills involve working with others across various teams and departments to attain a shared goal. This skill is vital in the corporate world as it ensures an individual is a team player and can smoothly cooperate with other organization members to create the best possible output.

📌 Example: A product developer collaborates with marketing and sales teams to launch a new product. They actively participate in cross-department meetings, share insights from their team, and seek input from others to ensure all perspectives are considered. By fostering teamwork and communication, they contribute to a successful product launch that meets customer needs.

Key aspects of solid collaboration skills include teamwork, strong communication, and meaningful contribution.

✅ Ideal for: Positions in project management , product development, and any job that requires teamwork across departments.

The way you present your skills section can be a critical factor in a hiring manager’s decision to interview you.

Here are a few tips to highlight some of the personal skills examples on your resume and make a lasting impression on potential employers:

Tip #1: Tailor your personal skills to job descriptions

Many job seekers overlook the importance of aligning their skills with the job description. Instead, they often list generic in-demand skills without much thought. This approach can be a mistake, as it misses the opportunity to match relevant skills that could increase your chances of landing an interview.

Personal skills, just like technical ones, must align with the job’s requirements. If they don’t, your resume might not make it past the initial screening. 📝

Rather than listing popular or trendy skills, take the time to analyze the job description and highlight the most relevant ones. For example, if a role emphasizes being a “team player,” adding skills like collaboration, teamwork, and communication can position you as a better fit for the role.

To help you in this process, ClickUp offers a powerful AI tool called ClickUp Brain . This powerful AI assistant can help you develop the personal skills section of your resume and personalize it for a job role. Just enter your prompt, hit send, and see the magic unfold!

Here’s an example:

That’s not all. Once ClickUp Brain has generated the best personal skills for your resume, you can use ClickUp Docs to document how you manage the skills and then fine tune your resume. Here’s an example:

Add/remove skills as per your expertise, insert background intel, or share it with your peers for review—there’s no end to what you can do with your real-time, updatable resume on ClickUp Docs.

Tip #2: Highlight how your skills led to achievements

If you’re at a very early stage in your career, simply listing your personal skills might do the trick. But if you’re an experienced pro looking for a career shift or a bigger opportunity, it’s time to step up your game. Show how you’ve applied those skills and the impact they’ve made. 🎯

Don’t just mention your strong personal skills examples in your resume—highlight achievements you have attained by implementing them. Also, make the impact measurable by adding numbers, percentages, etc. 

For instance, instead of saying, “Great at managing time,” add value by demonstrating how your time management skill benefited your team/organization.

📌 For example, you can say, “Led a 20-member project management team to prioritize tasks effectively, delivering [XYZ] projects 10% ahead of deadlines,” or “Efficiently managed time and resources, resulting in the completion of a high-volume project that saved the company 15% in costs.” 

As you enhance the skills section of your resume, simplify and streamline your job search with the ClickUp Job Search Template . Customizable and beginner-friendly, this template lets you keep track of your progress and goals so you can easily match a personal skill with an achievement.

Read More : Best Resume Format: Tips + Examples

Tip #3: Use action verbs to craft compelling personal skills statements

One candidate writes “communication skills” on their resume, while another says, “Led high-impact weekly client meetings, resulting in a 20% boost in project approval rates.” The second one is much harder to ignore.

That’s the difference. Don’t just list your skills—make them shine by using action verbs, data points, and crafting concise, engaging statements that show real impact.

The most effective way to do this is by transforming your skills into compact, compelling statements that highlight both your abilities and results.

📌 For instance, don’t write, “I worked as part of a team to help improve communication between departments”. Instead, say, “Facilitated team communication, boosting collaboration by 20%”—this is shorter, actionable, and demonstrates your ability in a more measurable, concrete way.

Tip #4: Use bullet points to make your resume concise

The more text-heavy your resume is, the less likely it is to be viewed by an HR member—and it makes sense why. 

Going through each application to find the ideal candidate would take a lifetime, especially if the resumes are lengthy. This is precisely why seasoned experts advocate that job applicants create resumes that are easy to skim.

While it’s not possible to trim everything, bullet points can make your skills section concise and to the point.

📌 For example, instead of writing your skills in a paragraph, use bullet points to list them under your resume skills section. It should look something like this:

• Improved team efficiency, achieving a 25% increase in output
• Enhanced customer satisfaction, increasing retention rates by 30%
• Streamlined project workflows, reducing completion time by 15%

💡 Pro Tip : You can implement the same technique to enlist your core competencies in your resume . 

A quality resume consists of hard and soft skills, AKA technical and personal skills. Let’s discuss their differences to understand them better:

The importance of balancing personal and technical skills on a resume

Now that you have a fair idea of both personal and technical skills, let’s find out why it is essential to balance both on a resume:

• Comprehensively addresses job requirements: Enlisting both personal and technical skills on a resume enables you to showcase your entire range of capabilities, comprehensively addressing every aspect of the job description
• Demonstrates versatility: Creating a technical resume to apply for a technical role is important, but not enough. Employers judge your competency for any role—irrespective of how technical it is—based on your ability to demonstrate hard and soft skills. This is why you should mention both on your resume
• Enhances employability: Having excellent technical know-how. However, employers may reject your application on the very first go if you don’t possess strong personal skills like communication, teamwork, and time management. So, striking a balance between both these types of skills is important as it improves your chances of getting the job

As such, there are many other reasons why balancing personal and technical skills is crucial. However, doing this without a robust tool can be difficult. 🛠️

This is where ClickUp comes in. An all-in-one work management suite, ClickUp makes integrating and tracking personal and technical skills a breeze. ✨

Suppose you have to manage a project. Here are the top ClickUp features that can come in handy:

• Use ClickUp Docs to create skill matrices or knowledge bases that outline the project management skills needed for the project
• Create fields for personal and technical skills relevant to tasks or team members with ClickUp Custom Fields
• Use ClickUp Tasks to assign tasks to team members based on their specific skills, ensuring the right person is working on the right task
• Monitor the time spent on tasks to evaluate efficiency and skill application with ClickUp Time Tracking
• Use ClickUp Dashboards to visualize the utilization of all project management skills, performance metrics, and progress toward goals

Read More : 50+ Hobbies and Interests Examples For Your Resume

Let’s say you have created a (seemingly) perfect resume—with personal and technical skills appropriately tailored to the job description. But can that alone secure you the position? Possibly not.

While examples of personal skills on your resume can get you that interview call, hiring managers also cross-check your overall aptitude and suitability for the role. Here’s how:

• Group discussions: They may ask you to discuss a topic with other group members. This enables them to gauge your interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills, particularly in team settings
• Behavioral interviews: You may be asked specific situational questions by your hiring manager. This helps them assess how you handled past experiences by implementing essential skills like critical thinking and problem-solving
• Personality assessments: For technical roles, employers often gauge the personal skills of a candidate with the help of tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) . This allows them to evaluate key personality traits for the role systematically

Tips to prepare for interviews (with examples of personal skills!)

Let us now examine some tips for both early career folks and experienced professionals on effectively preparing for an interview. Additionally, we’ve highlighted the key personal skills you should aim to showcase during your interview:

For early career job seekers

• Demonstrate curiosity : Learn about the company’s culture, values, etc. 
• Showcase your communication skills : Prepare solid answers for basic questions like “Tell me about yourself” and “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
• Highlight your teamwork abilities : Talk about any internship/apprenticeship you worked on with a team

For experienced professionals:

• Establish strong communication skills : S hare instances where you effectively conveyed complex information to different stakeholders, ensuring everyone was aligned on project goals
• Highlight your critical thinking skills : Use examples to demonstrate how you navigated a challenging situation at work
• Show your leadership skills : Discuss instances where you successfully led a team to attain a business goal
• Demonstrate adaptability : Describe a situation where you successfully adjusted to a significant change in project scope
• Showcase your collaboration skills: Give examples of how you worked with cross-functional teams to execute a project

Keywords matter: Get noticed by ATS and employers! 👀 Integrate keywords related to personal skills throughout your resume. This is especially important for applicant tracking systems (ATS). Research common terms used in your industry and ensure they appear in your skills section and experience descriptions. 💼

Here’s how to go about adding new skills to your resume to stand out to a hiring manager:

Set clear goals

Identify the personal skills you want to develop and set measurable goals to keep track of your progress. Use tools like the SMART criteria to ensure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Challenge yourself 

The best way to learn something is to do it practically. So, if you have a personal skill in mind that you want to cultivate within yourself, engage in roles and opportunities based around it. For instance, if you want to hone your communication skills, spend more time in customer-facing situations. 

Practice active listening skills

Communication is one of the most important transferable skills, and one of its main aspects is listening. Practice active listening as much as possible. Focus on genuinely hearing what others have to say instead of coming up with a reply just for the sake of it.

💡 Pro Tip: During conversations, try to paraphrase what the other person has said before responding. This shows that you are engaged and helps reinforce your active listening practice. 🤝`

Join professional development communities

Participate in workshops, groups, and professional meetups. You can also engage in online platforms or professional grooming communities to learn personal skills from seasoned industry experts.

Leverage ClickUp for enhanced collaboration and skill-building sessions

If you want to foster collaboration and conduct skill-building sessions in your team, here are a few ClickUp features you can utilize:

ClickUp Whiteboards

ClickUp Whiteboards can enable your team to visualize skill ideas and collaborate in real time. They are perfect for brainstorming sessions and mapping out strategies.

As a team member, you can use this feature to organize ideas visually, outline key skills, and create interactive exercises focusing on communication, leadership, and teamwork.

ClickUp Docs

ClickUp Docs empowers teams to collaborate on shared documents in real time, making it an ideal platform for skill-building sessions. During these sessions, teams can co-create comprehensive documents that outline personal development strategies, ensuring everyone is aligned on their learning objectives. Additionally, you can share relevant articles, insights, and resources that enhance specific skills like problem-solving, adaptability, and communication. This collaborative approach not only fosters a culture of continuous learning but also enables people to effectively support each other’s growth.

ClickUp Chat

ClickUp Chat facilitates instant communication among team members, making it easy to share ideas and insights related to skill development. Whether discussing strategies for improving collaboration, providing feedback on personal growth initiatives, or brainstorming ways to enhance specific competencies, team members can maintain an ongoing dialogue and even create tasks right from Chat.

This continuous interaction fosters a supportive environment where individuals can refine their skill sets and receive and act upon feedback throughout their development process.

Showcasing your personal skills examples on your resume can be the X factor in landing an interview. It’s not just about what you know technically; your personal skills can set you apart and show a prospective employer why you’re the perfect fit. 🌟

That’s because personal skills—unlike technical abilities—extend beyond the job’s core function. They reflect what it’s like to work with you as a team member and whether you’ll adapt well to the company’s culture.

So, start building a resume that does justice to your candidature. Leverage ClickUp’s advanced tools and features to showcase your best personal skills on your resume, and build the career of your dreams.

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