Communication skills on a resume show employers you can collaborate, present ideas, and work well with teams. Hiring managers rank communication as the #1 soft skill they look for — and listing the right examples can make your resume stand out instantly.

According to a career coach, job seekers should focus on highlighting strong communication skills throughout their job search, as these abilities are essential for making a strong impression and advancing in the hiring process.

The best communication skills for your resume include: active listening, written communication, public speaking, negotiation, and conflict resolution. It’s important to choose the right communication skills for your resume—select those most relevant to the job and your experience. List 3-5 specific skills in your skills section and demonstrate them with examples in your work experience.

Demonstrating strong communication skills on your resume can help you stand out to your future employer and increase your chances of job search success.

🎯 Quick Check: Not sure if your communication skills are coming through? Our free resume scanner compares your resume to any job posting and shows what’s missing.

What Are Communication Skills?

Communication skills are abilities that help you share information, understand others, and build relationships at work. These skills are essential for effective workplace communication and fall into four main categories:

Verbal Communication — Presentations, meetings, phone calls. Used for explaining ideas and persuading others.

Written Communication — Emails, reports, documentation. Used for clear communication and effective information sharing.

Non-verbal Communication Skills — Body language, eye contact, facial expressions, and tone. Non verbal communication skills are important for conveying confidence, understanding, and building trust in interviews.

Listening Skills — Active listening skills, feedback, empathy. Active listening skills involve techniques like paraphrasing, displaying empathy, recalling information, and asking open-ended questions, all of which are crucial for effective workplace communication, understanding, and collaboration.

Employers want all four types — but different jobs emphasize different skills. A sales role needs strong verbal skills. A remote position needs excellent written communication.

45 Communication Skills to Put on Your Resume

Verbal Communication Skills

  1. Public speaking
  2. Presentation delivery
  3. Meeting facilitation
  4. Phone etiquette
  5. Client communication
  6. Explaining complex topics simply
  7. Persuasion
  8. Negotiation
  9. Interviewing
  10. Training and mentoring
  11. Successfully implemented new team communication protocols

Written Communication Skills

  1. Business writing
  2. Email communication
  3. Report writing
  4. Technical documentation
  5. Editing and proofreading
  6. Proposal writing
  7. Content creation
  8. Social media communication
  9. Grant writing
  10. Policy documentation

Listening Skills

  1. Active listening
  2. Giving constructive feedback
  3. Receiving feedback gracefully
  4. Empathy
  5. Asking clarifying questions
  6. Note-taking
  7. Summarizing discussions
  8. Understanding non-verbal cues
  9. Patience
  10. Open-mindedness
  11. Understanding and respecting someone’s point of view
  12. Finding common ground during discussions

Interpersonal Communication Skills

  1. Conflict resolution
  2. Team collaboration
  3. Cross-department communication
  4. Stakeholder management
  5. Customer service
  6. Relationship building
  7. Diplomacy
  8. Cultural sensitivity
  9. Emotional intelligence
  10. Networking
  11. Addressing client concerns effectively.
  12. Practicing honest communication to build trust.

Digital Communication Skills

  1. Video conferencing (Zoom, Teams)
  2. Slack/messaging platforms
  3. Virtual presentation tools
  4. Email management
  5. Remote collaboration

For more examples across all skill types, check out our guide on skills to put on your resume.

Public Speaking and Presentation

Public speaking and presentation skills are among the most valuable skills you can showcase on your resume. In today’s fast-paced environment, the ability to communicate ideas clearly and confidently in front of a group is essential for team success and building strong relationships in the workplace. Whether you’re a project manager guiding teams through complex updates or a team member pitching new ideas, effective public speaking can set you apart.

Mastering public speaking involves more than just the spoken word. It’s about using body language—such as purposeful gestures and eye contact—to engage your audience and reinforce your message. Visual aids, like slides or charts, can help clarify technical details and keep everyone on the same page. Adapting your communication style to suit different audiences, from internal teams to external clients, ensures your message resonates and drives action.

For example, a project manager who delivers a compelling presentation to stakeholders not only communicates project goals but also inspires confidence and buy-in, directly impacting project outcomes. By honing your public speaking and presentation skills, you’ll be better equipped to guide teams, foster strong relationships, and advance your career in any workplace.

Conflict Resolution and Management

Conflict resolution and management are critical communication skills that every professional should develop. In any workplace, differing ideas and perspectives can sometimes lead to disagreements. The ability to address these situations with active listening and empathy is key to maintaining strong relationships and ensuring team productivity.

Effective conflict resolution starts with actively listening to all parties involved, understanding their concerns, and communicating with honesty and respect. This approach helps uncover the root of the issue and paves the way for constructive feedback and mutually beneficial solutions. By remaining calm and objective, you demonstrate the ability to handle pressure and guide your team through challenging moments.

For instance, a team leader who can mediate a disagreement between colleagues not only resolves the immediate conflict but also sets a positive example for open communication and collaboration. Strong conflict management skills contribute to a healthier work environment, increased productivity, and a culture where everyone feels heard and valued.

Problem Solving and Analytical Skills

Problem-solving and analytical skills go hand-in-hand with strong communication skills in the workplace. When faced with challenges, the ability to analyze information, identify solutions, and communicate your findings clearly is invaluable. These skills are especially important in roles that require quick thinking and effective communication, such as project management or marketing strategies.

A great communicator doesn’t just solve problems—they explain their reasoning, present solutions in a way that’s easy to understand, and encourage team input. For example, a marketing strategist who gathers client feedback, analyzes trends, and communicates actionable insights to the development team can help create products that better meet customer needs.

By combining problem-solving abilities with effective communication, you can drive team success, foster innovation, and demonstrate to potential employers that you’re equipped to handle complex workplace challenges.

Inclusivity and Empathy in Communication

Inclusivity and empathy are at the heart of effective communication and team success. In today’s diverse workplaces, the ability to foster open dialogue and make every team member feel valued is a powerful communication skill. Inclusive communication means being mindful of different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and adapting your approach to ensure everyone’s voice is heard.

Empathy—the ability to understand and share someone’s point of view—builds trust and strong relationships within teams. When you listen intently and respond with understanding, you create an environment where new ideas can flourish and everyone feels respected. This not only improves team morale but also drives better results.

For example, a manager who practices inclusive and empathetic communication can identify and address unique challenges faced by team members, leading to higher job satisfaction and increased productivity. By prioritizing inclusivity and empathy, you help create a workplace where open dialogue and effective communication are the norm, paving the way for innovation and team success.

How to List Communication Skills on Your Resume

Method 1: Skills Section

Add a dedicated skills section with your strongest communication abilities:

Example:

SKILLSCommunication: Public speaking, technical writing, cross-functional collaborationSoftware: MS Office, Slack, Zoom, Google WorkspaceLanguages: English (native), Spanish (conversational)

Method 2: Work Experience Bullets

Show communication skills in action with specific examples:

Weak: “Good communication skills”

Strong: “Presented quarterly reports to 50+ stakeholders, translating complex data into actionable insights”

Strong: “Wrote documentation that reduced customer support tickets by 35%”

Strong: “Facilitated weekly team meetings with remote colleagues across 4 time zones”

Strong: “Provided positive feedback to team members, boosting morale and productivity”

Method 3: Summary Statement

Lead with communication if it’s central to the role:

Example:

Marketing coordinator with 5 years of experience crafting compelling brand messaging. Skilled in presenting campaign strategies to C-level executives and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver projects on deadline.

Need help with your summary? See our professional summary examples.

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Communication Skills Examples by Job Type

Customer Service Resume

  • Active listening to identify customer needs
  • De-escalation and conflict resolution
  • Clear explanation of policies and procedures
  • Empathetic communication
  • Written follow-up correspondence

Sales Resume

  • Persuasive presentation skills
  • Negotiation and closing
  • Building rapport with prospects
  • Objection handling
  • CRM documentation

Manager/Leadership Resume

  • Meeting facilitation
  • Performance feedback delivery
  • Cross-department coordination
  • Executive presentations
  • Change communication

Remote/Hybrid Roles

  • Async communication (Slack, email)
  • Video conferencing presence
  • Written documentation
  • Virtual collaboration
  • Proactive status updates

How to Demonstrate Communication Skills (Not Just List Them)

Anyone can write “excellent communication skills.” Here’s how to prove it:

Use Numbers

  • “Delivered presentations to audiences of 200+”
  • “Wrote email campaigns with 45% open rates”
  • “Reduced miscommunication errors by 60% through new documentation process”

Show Results

  • “Negotiated contracts saving $50K annually”
  • “Created training materials adopted by 3 regional offices”
  • “Resolved customer complaints with 95% satisfaction rating”

Be Specific

  • Instead of: “Communicated with clients”
  • Write: “Conducted weekly video calls with 15 enterprise clients to review project milestones”

Tips for Improving Communication Skills

Improving your communication skills is an ongoing journey that can transform your professional and personal relationships. Start by practicing active listening—focus on truly understanding what others are saying before responding. This not only shows respect but also helps you gather valuable insights and feedback.

Pay attention to non verbal communication, such as body language and facial expressions, as these often convey more than words alone. Whether you’re engaging in verbal communication or written communication, strive for clarity and conciseness to ensure your ideas are understood. Don’t hesitate to seek feedback from colleagues or mentors; constructive feedback can highlight areas for growth and help you become a more effective communicator.

Take opportunities to practice public speaking, whether in meetings, presentations, or informal settings. The more you practice, the more confident and persuasive you’ll become. Remember, strong communication skills are built over time—by actively listening, refining your verbal and non verbal cues, and embracing feedback, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a powerful communicator in any workplace.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Listing “good communication skills” without examples — Generic phrases mean nothing. Show specific abilities.

❌ Overloading your resume with soft skills — Balance communication skills with technical/hard skills relevant to the job.

❌ Using the same skills for every application — Tailor your communication skills to match the job description.

❌ Forgetting written communication — Your resume IS a writing sample. Typos and unclear language hurt your credibility.

❌ Ignoring the job posting — If they ask for “client-facing communication,” use that exact phrase.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many communication skills should I list on my resume?

List 3-5 communication skills in your skills section. More importantly, demonstrate 2-3 of them with specific examples in your work experience bullets. Quality beats quantity.

Should I put “excellent communication skills” on my resume?

No. It’s vague and overused. Instead, list specific skills like “public speaking,” “technical writing,” or “stakeholder management” — and prove them with examples.

What’s the best communication skill for a resume?

It depends on the job. For customer-facing roles: active listening and conflict resolution. For leadership: presentation skills and feedback delivery. For remote work: written communication and async collaboration.

How do I prove communication skills without work experience?

Use examples from school, volunteering, or personal projects:

  • “Presented senior thesis to panel of 5 professors”
  • “Wrote newsletter for student organization with 500 subscribers”
  • “Coordinated volunteer team of 10 for community events”

See our guide on writing a resume with no experience for more tips.

✍️ About the Author

Alex Rivers is a resume coach and career advisor who has reviewed over 5,000 resumes and helped job seekers land roles at companies like Google, Amazon, and McKinsey. After years of seeing the same mistakes cost qualified candidates interviews, Alex built ratemy.cv to give everyone access to instant, actionable resume feedback — for free.

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Want to expand your skills section? Check out our guides on soft skills for resume and how many skills to list.