Leadership is a skill learned through experience; every leader is different. It is key to take the time to understand your personal leadership style and which skills come naturally to you so that you are able to highlight these strengths.
Each position you apply for is unique and has its own nuances, which is why we always recommend tailoring your CV for specific roles. A tailored CV allows you to directly address the requirements they are looking for, showing that you are the best candidate for the job.
Identify the key skills required
When recruiters or companies are looking to hire for leadership roles, they take a slightly different stance as they are not only on the lookout for experience but for a predefined set of attributes or skills.
One of the great things about job descriptions is they tell you exactly what the company is looking for. In other words, your prospective employer is telling you exactly what they need! An effective way of promoting yourself as the candidate of choice is to include these leadership skills in both your resume and cover letter.
Once you have identified the particular skill set they require, it’s time to weave them into your CV (and no, we are not recommending including skills you don’t have!) You may be surprised to know that including your leadership skills under your skills section is not your best idea – save that for those hard technical skills. The best place to include them is in your summary and employment history sections, especially regarding your achievements.
Leaders and their skills
Effective communication is crucial! - All leaders need to be proficient in both oral and written communication. It doesn’t matter how incredible you and your ideas are if you are unable to translate your vision and communicate it effectively to your team.
Prospective employers are looking for leaders who are analytical decision-makers and critical thinkers, have superior people management skills, and are strategic planners. Other traits like adaptability, creativity, innovation, and the ability to influence others are also considered valuable.
On a final note
The internet has endless resources on effective leadership, and brushing up on your knowledge, specifically regarding the latest trends is always worthwhile. As you prepare for your interview, think of practical examples of your leadership traits and how you implemented them, from motivating your team and improving performance to implementing new innovative processes. Every trait should have a story you can tell; leadership is a journey filled with stories.
