Despite the specific requirements and preferences listed in a job ad, it's typically not the case that someone checks off every single box. However, something that tends to be forgotten by job applicants is that often, one's skills can be more important than their actual lived experience because they show potential. An employer wants to know that a candidate is capable of doing the job at hand, and even if they haven't done that specific job before, they have the skills necessary to excel. 

Indeed released an article that highlights the top 10 skills to put on a resume. While hard skills tend to be what most focus on, soft skills can speak much more to your ability to actually do the job. For instance, some soft skills can reflect one's ability to learn new processes or software, communicate with clients, or fundraise. A few of the 10 skills identified by Indeed include:

Active listening. This is the ability to truly listen and hear what the person you're communicating with is saying. This can include nonverbal techniques like nodding or verbal techniques like asking for clarification or further detail. This is a great way show engagement and can be great for sales, customer service, and even fundraising. 

Interpersonal skills. This describes your ability to connect with others and interact. Interpersonal skills can contribute to the ability to problem solve, lead projects/teams, and ultimately work well with others. 

Problem-solving skills. Are you quick on your feet? Able to stay calm under pressure to be able to assess a situation and identify how to solve it? This type of skill can be critical for any work environment or industry.

Communication skills. Similar to interpersonal skills, this can also apply to written communication and how one is able to disseminate information. Such skills include listening, talking, observing and empathizing. Communication skills are integral regardless of seniority level or industry. 

While the above skills are certainly important, they are not the only skills that can be worth identifying and emphasizing for a potential employer. The beauty of a resume is the ability to craft the narrative you want an employer to know about you. This means being selective about how you present you work experience, as well as how you present your professional self. 

CAC understands that the resume is a time tested tool and it's important to spend the time making yours effective. Creating an effective resume can be a process, so CAC offers a free Resume Review Service for patients and survivors - the ability to have a resume reviewed and critiques by a professional career coach. Additionally, we offer a number of resources that focus on the job search, one of which is our most recently held webinar, First Impressions: Resumes and LinkedIn. Additionally we have an entire section on our website devoted to Resumes and Cover Letters. Finally, our Job Search Toolkit provides tips and techniques for writing compelling resumes, as well as some sample resumes to help spark ideas. 

As with anything related to balancing work and a cancer diagnosis, feel free to reach out to Cancer and Careers at cancerandcareers@cew.org for more information and resources on writing an effective resume!