What do you do if your resume lacks evidence of fostering a collaborative work environment?

1 Identify your transferable skills

The first step is to identify the skills and competencies that are relevant to collaboration and teamwork. These may include communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, adaptability, creativity, and leadership. Think of examples from your past work, education, or volunteer experiences where you demonstrated these skills, even if they were not in a formal team setting. For instance, you may have communicated effectively with clients, solved a complex issue with a colleague, resolved a disagreement with a supervisor, adapted to changing circumstances, or led a project or initiative.

2 Use action verbs and keywords

The next step is to use action verbs and keywords that convey your collaborative skills on your resume. Action verbs are words that describe what you did, such as coordinated, collaborated, facilitated, supported, or contributed. Keywords are words or phrases that match the requirements and expectations of the job you are applying for. You can find them in the job description, the company website, or the industry standards. For example, if the job description mentions teamwork, cooperation, or collaboration as essential skills, you should use those words or synonyms on your resume.

3 Quantify your achievements

The third step is to quantify your achievements and results that involved collaboration and teamwork. Quantifying means using numbers, percentages, or other metrics to show the impact and value of your work. This can help you stand out from other candidates and demonstrate your effectiveness and efficiency. For example, you can mention how many people you worked with, how much time or money you saved, how much revenue or profit you generated, or how much customer satisfaction or quality you improved.

4 Showcase your personality and culture fit

The final step is to showcase your personality and culture fit on your resume. This means highlighting your values, interests, and passions that align with the company and the role you are applying for. You can do this by using a personal statement, a summary of qualifications, or a skills section on your resume. You can also include relevant hobbies, extracurricular activities, or awards that demonstrate your collaborative skills and attitude. For example, you can mention if you are a member of a professional association, a volunteer for a social cause, or a recipient of a teamwork award.

By following these tips, you can create a resume that showcases your collaborative skills and makes a positive impression on potential employers. Remember to tailor your resume to each job and use specific examples and numbers to back up your claims. Collaboration and teamwork are not only skills, but also mindsets that can help you succeed in any career.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?