What To Know
- Whether you’re aiming for a sales role, a management position, or even a creative field, the ability to effectively negotiate and reach mutually beneficial agreements is a valuable asset.
- This blog post will delve into the art of describing negotiation skills on your resume, providing you with actionable tips and strategies to highlight your abilities in a compelling and impactful way.
- If the job description emphasizes “strong negotiation skills with suppliers,” focus on your experience negotiating contracts with vendors and highlight your ability to drive down costs and secure favorable terms.
Negotiation skills are highly sought-after in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re aiming for a sales role, a management position, or even a creative field, the ability to effectively negotiate and reach mutually beneficial agreements is a valuable asset. But how do you showcase your negotiation prowess on your resume, making it stand out to potential employers?
This blog post will delve into the art of describing negotiation skills on your resume, providing you with actionable tips and strategies to highlight your abilities in a compelling and impactful way.
1. Quantify Your Successes: Let Numbers Speak for Themselves
When it comes to negotiation, quantifying your achievements is crucial. Instead of simply stating “strong negotiation skills,” provide concrete examples that demonstrate your ability to achieve tangible results.
- Example: Instead of “Negotiated favorable contracts with clients,” try “Negotiated 15% lower pricing on a key contract, resulting in $50,000 in cost savings for the company.”
This approach allows you to showcase your impact and demonstrate the value you bring to the table.
2. Focus on the “How”: Explain Your Negotiation Strategy
Don’t just state that you’re a skilled negotiator; explain your approach. Highlight your negotiation techniques and the strategies you employ to achieve successful outcomes.
- Example: Instead of “Successfully negotiated a salary increase,” try “Utilized active listening and persuasive communication techniques to negotiate a 10% salary increase, demonstrating my ability to effectively advocate for my value.”
This approach provides a glimpse into your thought process and negotiation style, showcasing your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
3. Showcase Your Adaptability: Highlight Your Flexibility in Negotiation
Negotiations aren’t always straightforward. Demonstrate your ability to adapt to different situations and perspectives.
- Example: Instead of “Negotiated complex deals with stakeholders,” try “Successfully navigated a complex negotiation with multiple stakeholders, adapting my approach to address their diverse needs and priorities, ultimately securing a mutually beneficial agreement.”
This example emphasizes your ability to navigate complex situations, tailor your approach, and find common ground.
4. Leverage Action Verbs: Make Your Resume Dynamic
Using strong action verbs adds life and energy to your resume, showcasing your active role in negotiation situations.
- Example: Instead of “Responsible for negotiating contracts,” try “Negotiated and secured contracts with key clients, maximizing profitability and ensuring long-term partnerships.”
These action verbs paint a vivid picture of your involvement and highlight your proactive approach to negotiation.
5. Highlight Your Soft Skills: Emphasize the Human Element
Negotiation involves more than just technical skills; it requires strong interpersonal abilities. Emphasize your soft skills such as active listening, empathy, and persuasive communication.
- Example: Instead of “Excellent communication skills,” try “Utilized active listening and empathy to understand client needs, building rapport and trust to secure favorable agreements.”
This approach showcases your ability to connect with others, understand their perspectives, and build relationships that foster successful negotiations.
6. Tailor Your Skills to the Job Description: Align Your Abilities with the Role
Before you start writing your resume, carefully analyze the job description and identify the specific negotiation skills required for the role. Tailor your examples to align with the employer’s needs.
- Example: If the job description emphasizes “strong negotiation skills with suppliers,” focus on your experience negotiating contracts with vendors and highlight your ability to drive down costs and secure favorable terms.
This targeted approach demonstrates your understanding of the role and your ability to contribute immediately.
7. Beyond the Resume: Prepare for the Interview
While your resume is the first step in showcasing your negotiation skills, the interview is where you truly demonstrate your abilities. Prepare for questions about your negotiation experience and be ready to provide specific examples of your success.
- Example: “Tell me about a time you had to negotiate a difficult situation.” Be prepared to answer this question with a detailed story that highlights your negotiation process, your approach, and the positive outcome.
A Final Thought: Negotiation is a Skill, Not a Trait
Remember, negotiation is a skill that can be developed and honed over time. Don’t be afraid to highlight your experience, even if it’s not in a traditional negotiation setting. Every situation where you’ve advocated for yourself or others, compromised, and reached an agreement can be valuable evidence of your negotiation abilities.
Basics You Wanted To Know
1. What if I don’t have much experience in formal negotiation settings?
Don’t worry! Think about your everyday life. Have you negotiated with a landlord about rent, a car dealership about a price, or a vendor about a service? Even seemingly simple negotiations can showcase your skills and ability to find common ground.
2. Can I use the same negotiation examples for different jobs?
While you can reuse examples, make sure to tailor them to the specific requirements of each job. Focus on the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role.
3. What are some common negotiation skills employers look for?
Employers often seek candidates with strong communication, active listening, problem-solving, and persuasion skills. They also value individuals who are adaptable, creative, and able to build rapport and trust.
4. How can I improve my negotiation skills?
Practice makes perfect! Seek out opportunities to negotiate in your personal and professional life. Read books and articles on negotiation techniques, and consider attending workshops or training programs.
5. Should I mention my salary expectations on my resume?
It’s generally not recommended to include salary expectations on your resume. Save that discussion for the interview stage.
