Core Competencies for Your Resume: Examples & How to List Them

30 Essential Core Competencies for Your Resume (+ Examples)

Here are some key points to remember:

• Identify your top 5 core competencies by evaluating your strengths, gathering feedback, and aligning with job description keywords. Maintain a master list and customize it for each application using Minova's Matching Mode.
• Include a dedicated "Core Competencies" section near the top of your resume, using concise terms (e.g., Communication | Strategic Planning | Adaptability). Only include strengths you can demonstrably prove through your experience.
• Optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and quick reviews by mirroring the employer's language and established frameworks. Reinforce each competency with quantifiable achievements throughout your resume to showcase your impact.

When recruiters review your resume, they're assessing more than just your GPA, education, or prior roles. Many employers are shifting towards skills-based hiring, which emphasizes your core competencies. In fact, a recent Salesforce study indicated that a significant majority of leaders consider skills the most crucial factor when evaluating candidates.

Your core competencies encompass your hard skills, soft skills, abilities, and personal attributes. When the competencies listed on your resume align with the key qualifications in the job description, you significantly increase your chances of capturing the attention of the hiring manager.

Strategically showcasing your core competencies in the skills section of your resume demonstrates that you possess the necessary skills and characteristics for the position. When these competencies align with the job's requirements, they become powerful assets that strengthen your resume.

This guide provides instructions on how to identify your core competencies and effectively present them on your resume.

Need help highlighting the right core competencies on your resume? Explore Minova's AI Resume Builder for free.

Defining Core Competencies

Core competencies represent the attributes that demonstrate your proficiency in specific skills or abilities. They generally combine your unique personality traits, professional background, and essential skills. These are typically broad, one- or two-word terms that emphasize what you bring to the table. For instance, a manager might list "Leadership," an event coordinator might include "Problem-solving," and a sales professional could highlight "Persuasion." When done effectively, these brief keywords enable hiring teams to quickly understand your value.

Core Competencies on a Resume: What They Mean

Core competencies encompass your personal strengths, certifications, and areas of expertise. They represent your key strengths and attributes that demonstrate your value to the role.

Consider this section of your resume as a quick overview of your professional value. While you may possess a wide array of core competencies, it's best to include only those that are most relevant to the specific position.

Other terms for this section of your resume include core capabilities, qualifications, strengths, or areas of expertise.

Core Competencies vs. Skills on a Resume

While similar, core competencies differ from skills. According to Alexandria Agresta, a leadership development expert, "Core competencies encompass a broader range of attributes, including attitudes and behaviors, that are essential for organizational success, often known as the ‘soft skills’."

In comparison, she describes skills as: "Specific abilities or expertise that are often technical or task-oriented, such as proficiency in software, languages, or processes."

Although core competencies share similarities with skills, they are distinct.

The Importance of Core Competencies on a Resume

Core competencies distill your professional attributes and strengths into concise terms. When a hiring manager quickly scans resumes, your core capabilities can stand out and differentiate you from other candidates.

Including a list of your top strengths can also help you get noticed. Many companies use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) as part of their hiring process. ATS software can identify specific keywords. Therefore, if your resume contains competencies that match those in the job posting, you may have a better chance of progressing to the next stage.

Understanding what to include depends on understanding the job description. Minova's Matching Mode can help you achieve this quickly by scanning the job description and identifying relevant keywords to incorporate.

Examples of Core Competencies

There are various types of professional strengths, and each company may seek different qualities. However, there are certain competencies that most recruiters and hiring managers generally look for in candidates.

Here are some highly valued strengths that employers seek on resumes:

• Communication: Demonstrates your ability to clearly convey ideas and information in various formats (written, spoken) to diverse audiences (managers, customers, stakeholders).
• Adaptability: Highlights your capacity to quickly adjust and make changes in a dynamic environment.
• Problem-solving: Shows your ability to identify solutions to challenges as they arise.
• Strategic planning: Demonstrates your ability to identify a company's long-term objectives and develop strategies to achieve them.
• Leadership: Encompasses the skills needed to inspire, motivate, and effectively manage a team.
• Teamwork: Highlights your ability to collaborate effectively with others to achieve common goals and objectives.
• Decision-making: Shows your ability to navigate complex situations and make informed decisions on important matters.
• Initiative: Demonstrates your intrinsic motivation to pursue or complete tasks and projects without direct supervision.
• Empathy: Shows your ability to understand and consider the perspectives and feelings of others.
• Conflict resolution: Highlights your ability to diplomatically and empathetically resolve disputes between conflicting parties.
• Customer-centered: Demonstrates your commitment to prioritizing customer satisfaction to build long-term relationships and achieve company objectives.
• Relationship building: Shows your ability to connect with others and develop genuine relationships with customers, staff, stakeholders, and the community.
• Analytical: Highlights your use of critical thinking to analyze data and evaluate challenges and potential solutions.
• Results-driven: Demonstrates your ability to maintain focus and motivation to achieve excellent results.
• Integrity: Shows your commitment to upholding moral and ethical principles in your work and behavior, demonstrating honesty and discretion.
• Diversity: Demonstrates your appreciation and promotion of diverse communities and experiences in the workplace.
• Flexibility: Highlights your ability to adapt to changing circumstances and remain open to different approaches and outcomes.
• Creativity: Shows your ability to generate innovative ideas and solutions, potentially including artistic skills such as design, writing, or photography.
• Time management: Demonstrates your ability to establish timelines and meet deadlines.
• Detail-oriented: Shows your ability to focus on the specifics and ensure accuracy in your work.

If you're looking for core competencies to include on your resume, this list serves as a helpful starting point. Feel free to add your own or select from this list, ensuring that your professional experience and abilities support your stated competencies.

30 Core Competency Examples by Position

The list above provides inspiration, and the examples below demonstrate key capabilities for various positions:

1. Web Designer: Communication, Detail-oriented, Creativity, Customer-centered, Results-driven
2. Marketing Professional: Time Management, Flexibility, Teamwork, Problem-solving, Decision-making
3. Nonprofit Program Director: Leadership, Empathy, Diversity, Strategic Planning, Communication
4. Sales Executive: Results-driven, Relationship Building, Communication, Problem-solving, Adaptability
5. Human Resources Manager: Integrity, Diversity, Empathy, Teamwork, Communication
6. Project Manager: Time Management, Analytical, Detail-oriented, Adaptability, Strategic Planning
7. Medical Assistant: Communication, Empathy, Relationship Building, Integrity, Problem-solving
8. Construction Worker: Initiative, Decision-making, Detail-oriented, Adaptability, Time Management
9. Music Teacher: Communication, Empathy, Diversity, Leadership, Integrity
10. Customer Service Representative: Flexibility, Communication, Empathy, Initiative, Problem-solving
11. Engineer: Analytical, Adaptability, Decision-making, Problem-solving, Time Management
12. Accountant: Detail-oriented, Communication, Results-driven, Problem-solving, Analytical
13. Hair Stylist: Customer-centered, Empathy, Communication, Detail-oriented, Relationship Building
14. Journalist: Communication, Detail-oriented, Empathy, Time Management, Flexibility
15. Business Manager: Conflict Resolution, Leadership, Relationship Building, Integrity, Results-driven
16. Actor: Empathy, Communication, Detail-oriented, Relationship Building, Teamwork
17. EMT: Adaptability, Teamwork, Empathy, Initiative, Integrity
18. Editor: Detail-oriented, Results-driven, Communication, Teamwork, Flexibility
19. Banker: Relationship Building, Customer-centered, Analytical, Results-driven, Problem-solving
20. Administrative Assistant: Communication, Detail-oriented, Time Management, Teamwork, Initiative
21. Lawyer: Conflict Resolution, Results-driven, Decision-making, Problem-solving, Customer-centered
22. Pharmacist: Empathy, Detail-oriented, Communication, Diversity, Flexibility
23. Psychologist: Conflict Resolution, Empathy, Problem-solving, Relationship Building, Adaptability
24. IT Manager: Problem-solving, Strategic Planning, Analytical, Time Management, Communication
25. Real Estate Agent: Communication, Problem-solving, Adaptability, Decision-making, Detail-oriented
26. Librarian: Communication, Adaptability, Diversity, Detail-oriented, Problem-solving
27. Food Service Worker: Customer-centered, Problem-solving, Time Management, Communication, Decision-making
28. Career Counselor: Communication, Empathy, Relationship Building, Problem-solving, Leadership
29. Financial Advisor: Analytical, Detail-oriented, Customer-centered, Strategic Planning, Adaptability
30. Massage Therapist: Communication, Time Management, Empathy, Initiative, Integrity

These positions represent a wide variety of industries, each requiring a distinct set of core strengths. If your specific role isn't listed, you can use a similar position to help you identify your key competencies.

How to Identify Your Core Competencies

Identifying your soft and hard skills or achievements may be easier, as they often appear more specific and tangible. Core competencies, being more overarching and broader, can be more challenging to pinpoint. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you identify your core strengths for your resume:

Step 1: Take an Inventory

Begin by taking stock of your personal traits that contribute to your success in the workplace. Consider your unique skills and capabilities and how you apply them at work.

To identify your key competencies, consider these tips:

1. Self-Assessment: Reflect on your strengths, accomplishments, and feedback received from colleagues and supervisors. Consider the aspects of your work that you consistently excel in and find most engaging.
2. Feedback: Seek input from colleagues, mentors, and supervisors who can provide insights into your strengths and areas of excellence.
3. Professional Development: Participate in training, workshops, and educational opportunities to enhance and recognize your core competencies.

Using these tips, you can combine internal reflection and external feedback to create your own list.

Step 2: Create a List

After taking an inventory, create a list of all your core competencies. These are typically one or two words, not full sentences or explanations. Examples include:

• Collaboration
• Communication
• Team-building
• Cultural competency
• Technical skills
• Conceptual thinking

Listing your core capabilities provides you with a selection to choose from and refer back to for future job applications.

Step 3: Narrow Down Options

This is the challenging part. Once your list is complete, narrow down your options. Due to the limited space on your resume, it's generally recommended to include a maximum of five core competencies.

Experts recommend incorporating core competencies that are highly sought after by prospective employers. For example, communication is a key competency that employers seek, and it encompasses skills such as writing and public speaking.

Data supports this as well. According to a recent report, communication was rated the most important of eight career readiness competencies, followed by teamwork and critical thinking.

Therefore, as you narrow down your options, consider which core competencies are most in demand.

Step 4: Compare Competencies to Job Descriptions

Once you have your short list of five core competencies, compare them to the job requirements and the qualities that the company seeks in a candidate. These may be listed in the job description or on the company website.

If your competencies don't align, you may want to replace some with options from your comprehensive list that are a better fit.

What if your core competencies don't match at all? This may indicate that the position or company culture isn't the right fit for you at this time.

In addition to identifying relevant hard and soft skills, Minova's resume builder can assist you in managing your best competencies and grouping them by job family, saving you time and effort for each application.

How to List Core Competencies on Your Resume

After identifying your competencies, narrow them down to the ones most relevant to the position. Once your list is finalized, here's how to present them on your resume:

Create a Dedicated Core Competencies Section

Many people wonder where to place key competencies on a resume. The most logical place is in a dedicated section beneath your name and contact information. This ensures they are prominently displayed for potential employers to see immediately.

Choose a Format

Remember that your list of capabilities should be concise. When adding them, choose a format and maintain consistency. You can use either bullet points or vertical lines to separate them.

Example #1

Communication Leadership Strategic Planning

Example #2

Communication | Leadership | Strategic Planning

Add Them to Your Resume

The final step is to add your competencies to your resume. Double-check the spelling and formatting. Review the job description again to ensure you're including the most relevant ones.

Some organizations actually publish the key competencies they seek. This ensures that everyone understands the qualities needed to succeed in the role. Of course, only list skills that align with your strengths to maintain honesty and avoid awkward situations.

For example, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) outlines the top eight core competencies required for special agents:

• Collaboration
• Communication
• Flexibility and Adaptability
• Interpersonal Ability
• Initiative
• Leadership
• Problem Solving and Judgment
• Organizing and Planning

Therefore, if you were applying for a special agent role with the FBI, you would identify the items on the list that match your core strengths and create a key competencies section on your resume.

It could appear as:

Communication Planning Adaptability Leadership

Alternatively, you could use vertical bars to keep the list on one line:

Collaboration | Initiative | Problem Solving | Flexibility

To gather more information, search the company name and "core competencies."

Core competencies are not limited to companies. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) publishes the 15 key attributes for medical students:

• Service orientation
• Social skills
• Cultural competence
• Teamwork
• Oral communication
• Ethical responsibility to self and others
• Reliability and dependability
• Resilience and adaptability
• Capacity for improvement
• Critical thinking
• Quantitative reasoning
• Scientific inquiry
• Written communication
• Living systems
• Human behavior

Upon graduation, doctors assume a public-facing role that requires quick thinking and adaptability. They interact with diverse individuals and handle sensitive information. The AAMC clearly communicates the core competencies needed to excel in this profession.

You don't need to work for the FBI or become a doctor for competencies to be relevant. Every organization values them, whether they publish them or not.

Why You Need to Add Core Competencies to Your Resume

Including a competencies section on your resume simplifies the process for hiring managers to assess your strengths and determine your suitability for the role. Customize your resume to align your highlighted skills with the specific needs of each role and company.

Companies seek candidates who can address gaps and drive results. Your objective is to clearly communicate how and why you are the best person to achieve this.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's another word for core competencies on a resume?

Core competencies are included in a resume, but you may not call them that. Another word for core competencies on your resume could be “strengths,” “capabilities,” or “proficiencies.”

What are the seven core competencies?

Core competencies can be used in business. The seven core competencies for business are business acumen, agile frameworks, organizational ability, efficient processes, continuous learning, product and technology development, and customer focus.

What are the four common competencies?

Four common competencies desired by employers include communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and professionalism, according to The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Job Outlook 2024 report.

What are three core competencies?

There are a variety of core competencies, but some of the top three are communication, creativity, and collaboration. Communication can include writing and speaking, creativity is the potential for ideas, and collaboration is the ability to work together with others on a project or toward shared goals.

What are the three levels of competence?

There are different levels of competence and ways they are described. In one example, the three levels of competence can illustrate skill and expertise levels. These include working, journey, and expert.