Hi, Pam!
That's an excellent question, and I'm glad you brought it up.
I'll apologize in advance for my incoming, long-winded response, but I don't think it's a short answer if we really want to get this right. haha, I hope you'll bear with me! :)
As you mentioned, they may not have extensive work experience, but they often possess a wealth of soft skills developed through academics, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, home life, study, friends, and life experiences. These skills are highly valuable to employers, especially for entry-level positions.
Here's how they might leverage their soft skills to enhance their resumes and improve their chances of landing that first job.
1. Leadership
Leadership isn't a job title or reserved for the elite. Leadership is taking initiative, bringing others along for the journey, guiding them, and making decisions that contribute to a team's success.
How they might add it to their resume:
- Led a team of five in a semester-long marketing project, resulting in the highest grade in the class
- Organized fundraising events for a student organization, exceeding fundraising goals by 30%
- Mentored underclassmen through a peer tutoring program, improving their academic performance
2. Teamwork
Working well with others is crucial in any project, or workplace. Employers look for individuals who can collaborate effectively to achieve common goals. College-aged 20-somethings have likely honed this skill and can add it.
How they might add it to their resume:
- Collaborated with a diverse team on a capstone project, integrating different perspectives to create a comprehensive research paper
- Participated in intramural sports where teamwork and communication skills were needed
- Volunteered with a community service group, working together to organize neighborhood clean-ups
3. Communication skills
Clear and effective communication reduces misunderstandings and enhances the shared understanding of an audience. This is one we all have to practice in all stages of life.
How they might add it to their resume:
- Presented research findings at a university symposium to an audience of over 100 attendees
- Wrote articles for the college newspaper, improving campus-wide communication
- Delivered persuasive speeches in a public speaking course, receiving positive feedback from peers and instructors
4. Problem-solving
Again, a highly sought-after skill and one they've likely trained over the years. Employers value individuals who can think critically and develop effective solutions to challenges.
How they might add it to their resume:
- Analyzed data for a statistics project to identify trends and propose actionable insights
- Resolved conflicts within a group project by facilitating open discussions and finding common ground
- Developed a new system for organizing club activities, improving efficiency by 25%
5. Time management
Managing time effectively shows they can meet deadlines and complete tasks efficiently.
How they might add it to their resume:
- Balanced a full course load while working part-time, graduating with honors
- Managed multiple assignments simultaneously, consistently submitting all work on time
- Scheduled and coordinated events for a student organization, ensuring smooth execution
6. Adaptability
Adapting to new situations and technologies is crucial in school or a constantly changing work load.
How they might add it to their resume:
- Adjusted to remote learning environments quickly, maintaining high academic performance
- Studied abroad, adapting to new cultures and learning environments
- Took on different roles in group projects as needed, demonstrating flexibility
7. Initiative
Showing initiative indicates a proactive attitude and a willingness to go beyond what's required.
How they might add it to their resume:
- Started a campus club to address environmental issues, recruiting over 50 members
- Proposed and implemented a recycling program in the dormitories
- Sought out additional coursework to enhance skills relevant to the desired industry
8. Attention to detail
Accuracy and thoroughness can prevent costly mistakes and improve the quality of work.
How they might add it to their resume:
- Maintained meticulous lab notes in biology courses, contributing to successful experiments
- Proofread and edited peers' essays, helping them improve their grades
- Developed detailed project plans that guided team activities effectively
9. Customer service and/or people skills
Even entry-level roles may involve interacting with clients or customers. Excellent customer service skills are a plus and many college-aged 20-somethings often get customer service jobs to get through school.
How they might add it to their resume:
- Worked part-time as a (cashier, call center agent, bank teller), consistently receiving positive customer feedback
- Volunteered at university events, assisting attendees and providing information
- Handled inquiries during campus tours, enhancing visitors' experiences
10. Technical proficiency
Familiarity with relevant tools and technology sets a candidate apart. They're exposed to these early in school and will need them for years to come.
How they might add it to their resume:
- Proficient in the latest AI tools for writing and brainstorming; proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Cloud applications
- Completed coursework involving statistical software like SPSS or R
- Developed a robust personal website or portfolio showcasing projects and skills
Some final thoughts:
I could add more, but I would say, encourage them to consider ALL aspects of their college, 20-something life—projects, part-time jobs, volunteer work, clubs, sports, and hobbies. They have so much to offer and their skills are exactly what the workforce needs!
Have them use action verbs when they write these into their resumes. This helps make their achievements stand out.
If possible, have them include numbers or percentages to provide context, impact, and outcomes (e.g., "Increased club membership by 40%").
Have them tailor what they write to the Job description. Encourage them to analyze the job posting and incorporate keywords and skills that match their experiences.
Remind them to think about and showcase relevant coursework; it's more impactful than they might realize. Highlight specific classes or projects relevant to the job they're applying for.
I like to get a proofreader too; another set of eyes on it to ensure the resume is well-formatted, free of errors, and uses a professional tone.
Have them focus on the soft skills they've developed throughout their college years. In my experience, this is how they bridge the gap between no formal work experience and the needs of potential employers. These skills are often just as valuable as technical abilities, especially when they're presented effectively.
Encourage them to be honest and authentic, providing concrete examples demonstrating their strengths. With a well-crafted resume highlighting their soft skills, they'll be better positioned to make a strong impression on hiring managers.
Finally, have them get this same information to their LinkedIn profile as many employers might see that first before they see the resume.
Okay... you made it this far haha! Great question, Pam!
Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to discuss or you have other questions! I love talking about this!
