Do you feel like your summer job has nothing to do with your major or field of interest? While your summer job might not be in the field you ultimately want to work in, you are most likely gaining important skills that are transferable to positions within your field. In almost all positions you will be required to communicate with others, work on teams, and find effective solutions by using problem solving skills. These skills can be gained through any job, regardless of its relation to your particular field of interest. While employers value technical skills that are position specific, they also find general skills to be very important.
Top 10 Skills and Qualities Employers Look for in Candidates
1) Communication Skills (verbal)
2) Strong Work Ethic
3) Teamwork Skills (works well with others)
4) Analytical Skills
5) Initiative
6) Problem Solving Skills
7) Communications Skills (written)
8) Interpersonal Skills (relates well to others)
9) Computer Skills
10) Flexibility/adaptability
Source: Job Outlook 2011, National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
Marketing Your Transferable Skills
When you begin updating your resume, writing cover letters, and preparing for interviews take time to reflect on the transferable skills you gained throughout the summer. Below are sample descriptive lines for a few of the Top 10 Skills and Qualities employers look for in candidates.
Communication Skills (verbal)
- Developed strong communication skills by training new staff members
Teamwork Skills (works well with others)
- Worked on a team to design the pool procedures for weather emergency situations
Initiative and Analytical Skills
- Initiated opportunity to develop a process to streamline customer ordering process, which increased the restaurant’s overall efficiency
Interpersonal Skills (relates well to others)
- Cultivated customer service skills by interacting with diverse clientele on a daily basis
I didn’t think about it like that. I’ve been not wanting to put a lot of my jobs on my resume simply because they seem to have little to do with the jobs I’m applying for. But you’re right that learning workplace communication, work ethic, and good efficiency practices are common to all jobs. I’m going to think about it awhile from that perspective and see if I can’t turn those oddball jobs into things I’ll be proud to put on a resume.