Marsha Hebert 
Job interviews have changed and so have the skills recruiters ask about.
Did you know that recruiters look at more than experience when sourcing new candidates? They're also looking for specific strengths, skills, and traits. What's more, it doesn't matter if you're applying to roles in tech, marketing, healthcare, finance, or other, the skills recruiters look for tend to follow the same patterns.
It's true that many recruiters have started favoring virtual interviews, so being adept at handling a Zoom job interview format is critical. Above that though, they are looking at everything from soft skills like communication and adaptability to job-specific tools and problem-solving. The bottom line is that hiring managers want to know you can handle challenges and get results.
Here's what they're looking for and how you can prove you've got what they need.
Top skills recruiters look for in a candidate
Recruiters are asking more skills-based questions and want to know you've continued to grow and pick up new skills as your career moves along. This might mean adapting to the virtual work environment, adding online certifications to your resume, or learning new in-demand skills online.
These are the top skills recruiters look for when scanning resumes and asking interview questions. You don't need all of them but you should be ready to show how you've used the ones that apply to your role.
1. Adaptability
Recruiters still ask the common questions you expect but they also want to know how you handle change. Whether it's learning new tools, switching teams, or shifting priorities, adaptability is one of the key skills jobs look for on a resume.
The best thing you can do is share examples of how you stayed flexible and still delivered results.
2. Communication
Clear writing, active listening, and professional tone matter in every role. Recruiters are looking for people who can communicate with teammates, clients, and leadership. Highlight this by showing how you handled feedback, led meetings, or kept projects on track.
3. Problem-solving
You can expect recruiters to ask about specific challenges you've encountered while in past roles. Perhaps the most universal challenge is that every job comes with roadblocks. This is why problem-solving is one of the skills employers look for on a resume.
Whatever issue you've dealt with, the odds are you were able to find a solution. Recruiters love to hear stories, especially stories with metrics, that prove you're able to solve problems at work.
4. Initiative
Let's say that you're working from home and are in a meeting when your Internet cuts out. Are you the type of person to sit there and hope it's an outage or do you take initiative to get up and proactively remedy the problem?
The question you'll hear will likely come in the form of a behavioral interview question, e.g., “Tell me about a time when…” Basically, your recruiter wants to know that you can overcome challenges. So, talk about your ability to act fast and adapt.
5. Tech Savvy
You don't have to be looking for a job in IT to need tech skills. In fact, pretty much every job out there requires you to use some form of software for things like tracking orders, managing projects, and overseeing client relations. You should expect to be asked about how comfortable you are with common tools, including CRM platforms, spreadsheets, or scheduling software.
Not only should you mention the tech you work with regularly but also how it supports your role and makes you better at what you do.
6. Teamwork
Even if you work remotely, chances are great that you're a member of a team. In fact, the last few years have had people working with others all over the globe. You have to be ready to prove you can work well with others, even across time zones or departments.
Use examples of cross-functional work, shared wins, or times you helped bring a team together.
7. Critical thinking
If you're able to think through problems, weigh different options, and make smart decisions, then you possess the skill of critical thinking and it's a biggie! Logic and reasoning are highly-valuable traits employers look for in job seekers.
You can demonstrate your ability to work in high-pressure and fast-paced environments to troubleshoot issues and make quick calls by talking about outcomes in your previous roles. As always, try to use numbers to support your success.
How to highlight these skills during the hiring process
Knowing the skills recruiters look for is one thing, showing them is another. When you align your resume, interview answers, and online presence around the skills recruiters are looking for, you make it easier for them to say yes.
Here's how to make sure your strengths come through at every step.
On your resume:
Don't just list soft skills like “problem-solving” or “teamwork.” Show them in action. Use bullet points to highlight specific results. For example:
“Resolved client issue that saved $15K in contract renewal.”
In your interview:
Recruiters will ask questions that test your skills. Be ready with short stories that show how you've used them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to stay clear and focused.
Online profiles:
Your LinkedIn summary and featured sections are great places to reinforce these skills. Share a quick project win or client story that proves your value. Even a strong headline can help signal what you're great at.
Show the skills recruiters actually want
You don't need to have every skill on the list, but you do need to show the ones you have clearly and confidently. When your resume and interview answers reflect the skills recruiters look for, you'll stand out in all the right ways.
If you want even more of a leg up going into your next job interview, chat with the interviewing pros at TopInterview.
This article was originally written by Carson Kohler. It's been updated by Marsha Hebert.