Two ways to show communication skills

Almost every job I have ever applied for has wanted someone with
Excellent Communication Skills. The trouble is, how do you show communication skills in a cover letter or on a resume?

Here are two ideas

Highlight accomplishments that demonstrate your communication skills

-Created and implemented a conflict management training ( or process)
-Facilitated a coalition through the strategic planning process including developing a mission, vision and work plan.
-Led a work group that crafted our coalitions' communication plan.

The idea is to show potential employees what you have done with your communication skills.

Another idea is to use the credibility of quotes( which is basically testimony). So for instance, in a cover letter, I might say

My supervisors consistently rate my communication skills as excellent.

" Julie has established excellent working relationships with staff and partners"
(Supervisor at the Cancer Information Service)

Look for quotes in your performance appraisals, in evaluations, partner or coalition member surveys, and in your praise folders.  If you are not getting good quotes, consider changing how you ask your questions or at least adding one question that asks for quotes.

Google to the Rescue

I really like this. Google has a one page template to help you prepare for an interview. Check it out!
 Hat tip to Sarah Apple for keeping an eye on Google

Your most powerful six words

This is a "reflect on what you do well" post.

Taking the time for reflection on what your unique skills and contributions are can help you: maximize your impact at your current job, direct a future job search and help you market yourself effectively.

In the article "Sum up your Leadership in Six Words" from Harvard Business School, we are challenged to sum up (briefly)our most important, unique contribution. 

Reflecting on what is most unique and influential about your contribution can be helpful in two ways.

In my current position: What parts of my job do I love and look forward to?  What do I do really well? ( better than others?)

How do I make sure that I use my most effective skills?  How do I communicate the unique contributions that I make to my supervisor?  What influence do I have over my work to include more of what I do well?

If I am looking for work, how do I best communicate: How is my organization ( or coalition or community) better off because of my contributions? And how can I communicate my unique contribution in a brief but powerful way?

What are your six most powerful words?

Resume Tip: Action Verbs

Struggling to find the right action verb to describe what you did? 
Find yourself using the word "developed" for the third time?

Here are some lists of action words to help you accurately describe what you did

• Action Verbs from WriteExpress
• Resume Action Verbs from Boston College
• Action Verb Lists Morraine Valley Community College

Photo credit: flickr.oxfam