Honestly, a few months back I was so scared that I was lagging behind, because with the rise of AI. The spotlight has been shining on technical skills like coding, data analysis, and machine learning. And coming from a non-technical background I was even considering if I should start applying for courses to stay ahead. But that’s when I realized that in no time almost all the technical stuff AI will know how to do it. And it’s not technical skills I should be focusing on right now. While reading a few articles on the internet I came across a research from Harvard Business School, which shows that the real career differentiators might be the soft skills for resume. And I couldn’t agree more! These are human-centric abilities that will make you and me standout.
Soft Skills for Resume: The Hidden Career Foundation
Harvard Business School Assistant Professor Letian Zhang and his colleagues reveal in their study “Skill Dependencies Uncover Nested Human Capital” that that foundational human skills are just as crucial as technical skills.
If I had to break down the importance of skills I’d do it this way- human soft skills are the trunk of the career tree while technical skills on the other hand are branches. So, without having a strong trunk, the branches cannot thrive.
“Highly specific, advanced technical skills are obviously important, but fundamental skills are actually really important too, if not more important,” – Letian Zhang
At this point of time, where there’s so much competition in the job sector, soft skills for your resume are no longer just a filler. It’s your foundation which will demonstrates to your employers or the team that’s hiring that you have the capabilities to grow, adapt, and succeed in complex, AI-enhanced workplaces.
Understanding Nested Skills and Career Growth
The study talks about a very interesting topic called ‘nested skills’, which is a framework borrowed from ecology. Picture a sapling growing into a towering tree: the trunk provides the foundation, and branches sprout from branches. Similarly, when it comes to careers, general skills form the base, and then specialized skills help you grow more.
Here’s what analysis of 70 million job transactions across 20 million resumes revealed about clear skill sequences:
- General skills: Skills such as communicating clearly, reading, verbal comprehension, and collaborating with the team.
- Intermediate skills: Mathematics, negotiation and structured problem-solving come under intermediate skills.
- Specific skills: Usually when it comes specific skills it includes the technical skills you have. Such as programming, advanced biology, technical problem-solving.
The key insight I gathered from the study was that Foundational skills underpin nearly 80% of the wage premium which are linked to advanced skills. So basically, having strong basics like communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving. These can can be added as soft skills for resume, can significantly help you grow in your career.
AI as a Career Game-Changer
AI is taking over the workspace, they are transforming the way people work and are making soft skills more valuable. Because what will make you stand out is if you’re able to communicate clearly, collaborate with your team efficiently and also think critically. These are the 3C’s that you need to do better in your role.
“Technology is intensifying nested structures. AI is a definite disruptor,” – Letian Zhang
How to Highlight Soft Skills for Resume
Here’s a tip for you can use when you’re about to add soft skills for resume. Make sure you pick those which demonstrate adaptability, leadership, and communication:
- Leadership: When it comes to leadership as a skill instead of just adding leadership as a skill, you can add something like this- I guide teams with confidence, mentor others, make decisive choices, and drive projects to success.
- Communication: Instead of just communication as a word you can add- I express ideas clearly, listen actively, and present information in ways that inspire and engage.
- Teamwork: Similarly, for teamwork- I collaborate effectively, resolve conflicts constructively, and bring empathy to every interaction.
Start building your soft skills today and transform your resume into a career growth engine. Explore our tips and resources to stay ahead in the AI era! Learn how to focus better at work to sharpen your skills and maximize productivity.
