Further Questions: How can a resume/CV show subjective skills or qualities?

This week we asked people who hire librarians

Let’s talk about resumes and CVs. Many skills and qualities listed in articles targeted for job seekers include traits that are fairly subjective: leadership, written communication, presentations, problem solving, work ethic, motivation, etc. How can a resume or CV be used to demonstrate those skills, or is it more appropriate to leave it to examples in cover letters and/or recommendation letters? Additionally, how do employers recognize those skills?

Including specific projects or instances in which you’ve actively demonstrated those qualities is the key. Personally, I have no preference as to whether they show up in the cover letter or on the resume. I think the best plan is to pick one or two instances and really go into detail about those in the cover letter; the other instances can be listed as bullet points in your employment history on your resume. Maybe you saw a need for a change and took the lead in creating a new metric in your department — that could be a way to show leadership and problem solving. Listing a committee on which you’ve served could display motivation and leadership. Taking the time to go in-depth and illustrate HOW you display these skills also would help me see your level of commitment and motivation.

– Marleah Augustine, Adult Department Librarian at Hays Public Library