Make Money Jobs & Careers

16 Recession-Proof Skills That Always Look Good on Your Resume

If you’re updating your resume, think about ways you can highlight these skills to potentially land your next job.

human resources recruitment
Updated May 28, 2024
Fact checked

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

Americans are looking for new opportunities as workers apply for jobs that allow them to work from home or offer better pay so they can stop living paycheck to paycheck.

However, it can be difficult to stand out in a crowded field of potential candidates for the job you have your heart set on. Maybe you’re concerned about your previous experience or education and certifications.

Fortunately, there are some skills you probably have that will make your resume shine compared to other applicants. As you update your resume, make sure these skills are listed on the page.

Leadership

Jacob Lund/Adobe manager giving a presentation to her team

An important part of some positions may be leading a team of people or working with others on projects. Include examples of your successes on projects you led to show examples of your leadership skills.

Flexibility

Jose/Adobe focused woman teleworking

Things can change regularly depending on issues that may arise at your job. Highlight instances in your previous work when you were able to easily manage any changes or a crisis with a good outcome.

Communication skills

Studio Romantic/Adobe employees applaud thanking businessman for presentation at meeting

Being able to discuss your thoughts and ideas coherently is a good way to keep your projects on track and work with others to reach your particular goals. You also may want to include articles or other media you may have appeared in as part of your job to highlight your excellent communication skills.

Teamwork

NDABCREATIVITY/Adobe business team brainstorming

Working with others with positive outcomes shows your ability to fit in with new co-workers. Add examples to your resume of successes you had working with a team to meet your objectives.

11 Legit Ways to Make Extra Cash

Project management

Gorodenkoff/Adobe project manager makes a presentation for a team

Projects can be complicated with different moving pieces or parts that need to work together. Include instances when you were able to juggle different parts of projects and follow them to completion.

Time management

Brian Jackson/Adobe hourglass on laptop

Highlight instances when you’ve been able to meet deadlines that have been set for the completion of a job or project. You also may want to include examples of times when you finished an assignment ahead of schedule.

Budget management

wutzkoh/Adobe coworkers using a tablet to analyze a graph

If you’ve had to work with a budget for projects, you should include details of how you finished a task on or even under budget. You also may want to mention how much you were given for a particular task as an example of how much cash you have been able to handle responsibly.

Multitasking

Andrey Popov/Adobe multitasking businessman in office

Sometimes you may be required to do work on more than one project at once. Add examples of different projects you were required to balance on a regular basis to show you can manage multiple assignments at once.

6 Legit Ways To Help You Pay Your Rent (2 Ways You Haven't Heard of Before)

Problem solving

peopleimages.com/Adobe woman having a brainstorming session with sticky notes

Have you been faced with a challenge that has thrown a project off track? Add examples of how you may have been able to steer a plan back to success and any additional ways you were able to solve the issue.

Dealing with clients

bnenin/Adobe business partners entered into a contract

A potential new position may include working on projects or products for your company’s customers. Call attention to examples of these good relationships you developed with clients over your career.

Attention to detail

Vergani Fotografia/Adobe entrepreneur with pen explaining project details inside coworking office

A small detail could have a big effect on a plan if it’s ignored or forgotten. Use your resume to show how paying attention to those little details led to the successful completion of a goal or project.

Creativity

Rawpixel.com/Adobe graphic designer computer monitor keyboard design pad

Show ways that you were able to come up with unique solutions for a project. Also include samples of your creative work if you’re applying for a position that requires special artistic skills like graphic design or advertising.

Paying More For Groceries? 8 Ways To Fight Inflation

Self-motivation

Тетяна Шустик/Adobe Woman planning working schedule

Think about examples in which you decided to take on a task without being asked. Perhaps you talked to your boss about adding work or a special project to your job. You may have also completed a task that required little guidance from co-workers or a supervisor to get it finished.

Computer skills

Gorodenkoff/Adobe system administrator saves backup data in dark evening room

Even jobs that aren’t in computer or technology companies may require computer skills. Include any proficiency in skills like communication and project management platforms, word processing programs, or other computer skills that you may need as part of your day-to-day work.

Research skills

JackF/Adobe women gaining new skills at public library

Any project may need a base to start with, which could include researching different issues or information to build a foundation for a new plan. It may help to give examples of how you can focus on important research and filter out the extra pieces.

Positive attitude

Studio Romantic/Adobe woman giving thumbs-up together with diverse multiracial people

Staying positive under any type of circumstance you face could be a good sign that you’re a good employee and co-worker. It also shows you can handle different issues that might pop up and deal with them well.

Bottom line

H_Ko/Adobe female fashion designer sit at her office

It’s always a good idea to update your resume if you’re thinking about changing jobs. Check your budget to see if you have money to take classes or certifications to update your resume.

You also may want to review your resume if you get a new position to figure out how your updated salary can fit with managing your money and reducing your financial stress.

Find Paying Caregiver Jobs in Your Area

Connect with families looking for child care, pet care, housekeeping, and more.

Join today
Earn Up to $75/Hour Working From Home

Free 3-class intro teaches you how to launch a bookkeeping business — avg. hourly rate for this skill is $75/hour.

Access the training
Earn Money Online by Taking Surveys

Get your share of $55,000 paid out daily to Survey Junkie users.

Sign up for free