It’s a competitive job market for students and standing out from the crowd is crucial. Employers receive countless resumes for each open position. So this makes it challenging for students to capture their attention. For students, the struggle is real.
Indeed, as a student, your resume is fairly thin. Relying solely on academic achievements may not be enough, especially when employers are looking for experienced professionals. Your resume may fall short of highlighting the skills that modern employers seek.
Networking plays a significant role in job hunting, yet many students find themselves at a disadvantage due to limited connections in the professional world. Additionally, employers increasingly value practical experience over academic qualifications alone. This can leave students feeling stuck, wondering how to bridge the gap between their academic achievements and the real-world skills employers desire.
However, all hope is not lost. Students can take proactive steps to enhance their resumes and increase their chances of landing their dream job. By adding a diverse range of skills that resonate with the needs of businesses, you can demonstrate your value to the business.
In this article, we’ll explore unique extra skills that students can incorporate into their resumes to make them more competitive and appealing to employers. Ultimately, you can’t lie about your business skills. But some of the things you have been doing outside of your studies may be relevant to the business world too.
CPR and first aid skills
CPR and first aid skills are not only valuable in emergency situations but they are also highly attractive to employers across various industries. So, if you can demonstrate your proficiency in lifesaving techniques, your resume could land on top of the pile. Indeed, this showcases your ability to remain calm under pressure and take decisive action in critical situations. Employers prefer candidates who prioritize safety and well-being in the workplace, making CPR and first aid certification a significant asset on any resume.
Fortunately, acquiring the certification is both affordable and accessible. Online courses are available for free and the certification will cost you as little as $12.95, allowing students to obtain these essential skills without breaking the bank. This is definitely a wise investment for any aspiring professional.
Merch design
Many students engage in designing merchandise, such as stickers or T-shirts, for campus clubs or as side hustles on platforms like Etsy. While this may seem like a casual endeavor, it holds significant value when included in a resume. Employers, particularly those interested in branding and marketing, recognize the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit demonstrated through such experiences.
Sharing this information with potential employers showcases not only design skills but also entrepreneurial initiative and a knack for understanding market trends. Whether designing merchandise for a campus event or managing a small online shop, these experiences highlight a candidate’s ability to conceptualize and execute creative projects, making them an asset to any team. As more and more businesses are looking to create their own branded merchandise, your experience can be an asset for them!
Blogging skills
Blogging has become a popular platform for students to express themselves, share their passions, and showcase their expertise. If you have a blog, whether it’s focused on personal reflections, academic insights, or niche interests, it’s definitely worth sharing on your resume.
Blogging skills are highly valuable for businesses in various industries. Effective blogging requires not only the ability to write engaging content but also skills in research and content marketing. So when you share your student blog, you signal to employers your ability to communicate effectively, engage with online audiences, and drive traffic to digital platforms.
These skills are increasingly sought after as businesses strive to establish their online presence and connect with consumers in a meaningful way. So whether you’re a seasoned blogger or just starting out, don’t underestimate the value of your blogging skills in the eyes of potential employers.
Foreign language
Learning a foreign language is a valuable asset that can significantly enhance a candidate’s appeal to employers. In today’s globalized economy, businesses are increasingly operating on an international scale, requiring employees who can effectively communicate with diverse audiences.
It may seem weird that employers value these skills, especially if they are not yet targeting an international audience. However even local businesses need to know how to manage multicultural environments or serve diverse customer bases. People in the USA use more than 350 languages, so there is no need to go abroad to flex your skills.
Moreover, employees who speak multiple languages can facilitate collaboration, communication, and cultural understanding. Whether it’s Spanish for a customer service role or Mandarin for a business development position, fluency in a foreign language can open doors to exciting career opportunities and set candidates apart in a competitive job market.
Social media savvy
Everyone has a social media profile. But not everyone knows how to make the most of it. Social media proficiency is a highly desirable skill that can greatly benefit job seekers. Whether you have a large following or simply a knack for crafting engaging content, sharing your social media profiles on your resume can provide employers with valuable insights into your online presence and digital marketing abilities.
Businesses recognize the power of social media in building brand awareness, engaging with customers, and driving sales. Candidates who understand how to navigate various social media platforms, analyze metrics, and create compelling content can bring significant value to companies looking to enhance their online presence.
Individuals with a strong social media presence often possess excellent communication skills, creativity, and an understanding of audience demographics—all of which are crucial for effective marketing campaigns. By showcasing your social media expertise, you demonstrate your ability to contribute to the company’s growth and success in the digital age.
Presentation design
Do you have experience running PPT presentations? Then you know that presentation design is a highly sought-after skill. A lot of employees are unaware of the many tips and tricks to create stunning visuals in PPT. In today’s fast-paced corporate environment, the ability to create visually stunning and engaging PowerPoint presentations is essential.
Businesses rely on presentations to communicate key messages, showcase products or services, and drive decision-making processes. A well-designed presentation not only captures the audience’s attention but also enhances comprehension and retention of information.
Candidates who excel in presentation design are extremely valuable to businesses. So, if you have a pretty PPT somewhere, it’s worth sharing a link to it.
A DIY AI project
Nowadays everything is about AI. But did you know that as a student, you can also showcase how you use AI for automation projects? This not only demonstrates technical prowess but also showcases innovative problem-solving skills. Whether you’ve developed a home DIY project like a fake news detector or a simple AI translation application, sharing information and providing a link to your project can be immensely beneficial.
Businesses are increasingly looking to integrate AI technologies into their operations to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and gain competitive advantage. However, many organizations may lack the expertise or resources to embark on AI initiatives.
SEO
For students who maintain a blog, mastering Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques can significantly enhance their online visibility and attract a larger audience. By strategically optimizing content for relevant keywords, improving website structure, and cultivating quality backlinks, students can boost their blog’s ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs).
Businesses recognize the importance of SEO in driving organic traffic to their websites and increasing brand visibility online. Candidates who demonstrate proficiency in SEO showcase their digital marketing skills.
The bottom line: You don’t need to have worked in a business to have experience that is relevant to employers. So, it is worth experimenting with your interests and considering how they translate into professional skills!
