The job market is tight right now, and hiring managers are flooded with a string of very competitive resumes. They’re looking for anything to differentiate between candidates. They’re looking for what’s not on your resume—those little intangibles that distinguish one really qualified candidate from another. Think about those life experiences—volunteer work, courses you’ve taken, sports teams you’ve play on that might set you apart from other candidates. Here are five very valuable job skills you didn’t even know you had.
Being flexible
A lot of employers like to hear when you’ve had a lot of experience traveling, particularly overseas. That usually brings a greater sense of awareness about the world. It shows you have the ability to move confidently and curiously through a new space and function within a totally foreign environment. You’re comfortable with uncertain situations and can adjust to unexpected circumstances.
Demonstrating teamwork
Participation on a sports team is always looks good on a resume. It shows you know how to work hard, that you have the self-discipline to accomplish very challenging tasks. And you have experience receiving instruction and constructive criticism from a coach. You know how to cooperate, share responsibility, and collaborate for success. Believe it or not, video games can have the same effect. Team oriented video games actually have the same effect, suggesting you’ve had experience with failure, that you’ve been able to redeem yourself, and try again to achieve eventual success.
Writing ability
If you have any experience writing—working on the school paper, advanced creative composition classes—find a way to bring that up in your interview. If you can write well enough to communicate effectively and keep your reader’s attention, you’ll add a lot of value to your employer. Managers always seem to be seeking quality writers. They need someone who can communicate their message to clients, customers, and the general public.
Working under pressure
Playing sports at a highly competitive level is a great way to develop your ability to handle pressure situations. Golf, tennis, swimming, track. Even shooting free throws in basketball or penalty kicks in soccer. These intense situations force you to control 
your emotions, your nerves, your frustration, clear your mind and execute.
Commitment
Show off your hobbies and creative outlets! Do you have any hands-on, long-term hobbies—gardening, painting, knitting, distance running? These suggest an ability to commit to something and keep learning more and improving. You start something, see it progress as you keep working on it. Eventually you see the fruits of your efforts! Just as a potential employer would want to see you commit to a project or task, and follow it to completion.
For more information on how to land your dream job, check out our website at https://www.chiefofstaffkc.com/jobseekers.
Blog written by Erin Greenhalgh