Applying for a graduate role or internship soon? Don’t forget to add value to your CV by detailing what you learned during your work experience over the summer. Here are some of the skills you may have honed, and how to talk about them
Verbal communication
Almost all work experience involves verbal communication – whether with your line manager, team, or customers and clients. This may seem obvious, but strong verbal communication skills are invaluable to employers, so ensure you reference them in your application in some form – touching on who you’ve liaised with, reported or delegated to, and collaboratively worked with.
Working under pressure
Did your work experience involve some level of working in a pressurised environment, to deadline? Indicating this in your application, and pulling out a particular project or task which involved this, could help you stand out from the competition.
Persuasion and negotiation
If you picked up any persuasion or negotiation skills in your role this summer, and these skills are applicable to the role you’re applying for, be sure to reference them in your application, with a strong example if appropriate. Ensure you clearly state how your persuasion or negotiation resulted in positive change or progress for your organisation or project.
Leadership and teamwork
Detailing experience in leading a group or working well within a team will add a personable edge to your CV. Ensure your application makes reference to the team you worked in if relevant, to demonstrate that you are a team player and are mindful of the power of working collaboratively.
Written communication
Did your work experience require some level of written communication skills – be this via email, letter-writing or social media posting? If your ability to write well is important to the role you’re applying for, ensure you give an example of your written communication proficiency in your application, and that your CV and cover letter is carefully crafted and edited to back this up!
Adaptability and flexibility
Did your role require you to think on your feet and to be flexible in varied circumstances? These are valuable skills, and are well worth gesturing to in your application. Draw on examples of times during your work experience that you had to quickly adapt, change how you were approaching something, or be flexible within a team environment.