Top 15 Communication Skills to Add to Your Resume
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Great communication skills are vital to succeed in any industry, cultivating creativity, innovation and teamwork. Companies rely on effective communicators for overall operational success.
Whether listening, writing or speaking, these skills help build trust, promote ideas and increase productivity. In this article, you’ll learn the top communication skills to list in your resume and find tips to make your job application stand out.
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What Are Communication Skills?
Communication skills are the tools you possess to give or receive different types of information. A message can be relayed verbally, in writing or through body language. Good communication skills will help you understand and respond appropriately to that message.
Even if you are not searching for a client-facing role, you will need effective communication skills to stay in touch with your manager, coworkers and team members. Being a great communicator helps ensure a productive work environment.
Types of communication skills
- Verbal communication: Verbal communication is what you say and how you say it out loud — ranging from the tone of your voice to what you say, how brief you keep your answers and how you respond to others. However, the success of verbal communication relies heavily on being a good listener.
- Nonverbal communication: Nonverbal communication is the message you transmit with your body. Your facial expressions, gestures and posture can put people at ease or cause tension. It’s important to be intentional and notice how your emotions feel physically.
- Written communication: Written communication uses handwritten or typed text to transmit a message. To write effectively, keep it simple. Stay on topic and avoid information that is not relevant. The key is to write in a way that is organized and easy to follow.
7 Additional Communication Skills
Basic communication skills are vital to achieve career and life success. Here are a few extra you can add to your resume:
- Clarity
- Conciseness
- Friendliness
- Volume
- Tone
- Word choice
- Vocabulary
Communication Skills FAQ
How do I list communication skills on a resume?
There are two best places to feature communication skills in your resume. The first is to have a skills section, list six to eight total skills, and ensure they include a balance of hard, soft and technical skills. The other option is to include them in your work experience section with specific and quantifiable examples.
How do you describe communication skills in a cover letter?
Your cover letter is the ideal platform to show how well you communicate in writing. Use this opportunity to describe a specific situation where your communication skills were crucial to your job. Frame it in a problem-action-resolution framework.
How do I showcase my communication skills in an interview?
There's no better place to showcase your mastery of communication skills than during your interview. Be an active listener and be mindful of your body language. Flex your interpersonal communication skills by speaking in an empathetic and friendly manner.
Why are communication skills important?
Communication skills are vital in almost every aspect of life. In your professional life, being an effective communicator helps you express your ideas calmly and clearly. These skills are important to build customer connections and enhance your professional image. Being a talented communicator can boost workspace productivity and even advance your career.
How to improve communication skills?
Improving your communication skills should be an ongoing commitment. Let’s take a look at five ways you can improve your communication.
- Listen: Knowing when to talk and listen is the key to a productive conversation. Don’t be distracted by thinking about what you want to say next. Instead, take the time to pay attention. By doing so, you are communicating respect.
- Engage: Great communicators ask questions, explore others’ ideas, and try to understand different viewpoints. Avoid monologues or one-sided conversations. Make your audience part of the information flow by asking questions or obtaining feedback. By doing so, you give people an opportunity to share their knowledge and express their opinions. This makes people feel valued and appreciated.
- Body language: Don’t let your guard down. Body language is equally important. Maintain eye contact and good posture. Use your hands to emphasize key points, but don’t overuse them or flail your arms –– you may come off as too intense. Being mindful of your body language will help build credibility and demonstrate complete confidence.
- Observe and absorb: Identify colleagues, family members or public figures who consistently shine in communicating their ideas and take notes to apply to yourself.
- Communication skills training: Seek out virtual or in-person workshops to help you communicate better. We recommend this beginner online course offered by the University of Pennsylvania to start honing your communication skills.