7 How to Assess Communication Skills On a Technical Resume
When assessing communication skills on a technical resume, it's crucial to go beyond the usual technical jargon and coding expertise. This blog post begins by exploring the importance of client interaction examples and concludes with insights on reviewing detailed project descriptions. Including a total of seven key insights, this post offers a comprehensive guide to evaluating communication skills effectively. Each point is designed to help identify candidates who not only excel technically but also communicate their ideas clearly and effectively.
- Look for Client Interaction Examples
- Assess Communication During Interviews
- Check for Concise, Well-Organized Writing
- Evaluate Technical Documentation Examples
- Prioritize Relevant Achievements Upfront
- Gauge Clarity in Technical Explanations
- Review Detailed Project Descriptions
Look for Client Interaction Examples
In my local SEO agency, I often review resumes from candidates applying for technical roles related to optimizing Google Business Profiles. While technical skills are crucial, communication abilities can significantly impact how effectively a candidate can convey complex concepts to clients.
When assessing resumes, I look for specific indicators of strong communication skills. For instance, I pay attention to how candidates describe their previous experiences. Those who include examples of client interactions, training sessions, or presentations demonstrate their ability to engage with non-technical audiences. I also look for details on how they collaborated with cross-functional teams. This indicates they can communicate effectively with individuals from various backgrounds.
Another aspect I consider is the clarity of their résumé itself. A well-organized, concise, and error-free document reflects attention to detail and the ability to present information clearly. I appreciate candidates who articulate their accomplishments in a way that connects technical achievements to tangible business outcomes, showcasing their understanding of how SEO impacts a company's success.
Assess Communication During Interviews
I've spent the last 20 years hiring CTOs, VPs of Engineering, and other technical roles into technology companies. To answer your question: Communication skills are undoubtedly very important for technical roles at all levels. However, I think it's very difficult to judge communication skills from a resume alone. For me, this is something you have to assess during an interview. In this sense, the resume helps to qualify the more technical skills and experiences you are looking for—but it's the interview that helps you to assess the communication skills of a candidate. I think it's quite dangerous to read too much into a resume—it's a pretty shallow guide to the personality and style of the writer.
Check for Concise, Well-Organized Writing
Examine the resume for concise and well-organized writing, as this indicates the applicant can convey ideas clearly. A resume that is free of jargon and buzzwords showcases the ability to communicate effectively to a broad audience. Clear section headings and a logical flow from one topic to the next reveal strong structuring skills. Readability is key, and the absence of errors can reflect attention to detail.
Be sure to prioritize applicants who keep their resume focused and to the point. Let this guide you to find candidates who can articulate their thoughts with precision. Take this approach seriously when evaluating technical resumes.
Evaluate Technical Documentation Examples
Consider the presence of technical documentation examples within the resume, as they can serve as concrete proofs of communication abilities. Detailed, well-explained documents such as user manuals or code comments suggest that the candidate can convey complex ideas in an understandable way. This indicates their potential to write clear, concise, and useful documentation in a work setting. Assessing their ability to answer 'why' along with 'how' they performed tasks is crucial for evaluating comprehension.
Clear documentation reflects clarity of thought and attention to audience needs. Remember to prioritize candidates who demonstrate strong documentation skills. Start implementing this method today.
Prioritize Relevant Achievements Upfront
Look at how information is prioritized throughout the resume to get an idea of the candidate’s clarity in communication. Applicants who place the most relevant and impactful achievements upfront demonstrate an understanding of importance and relevance. This helps ensure that critical information is not buried in less significant details. Prioritizing shows a clear thought process and an ability to communicate what matters most.
Such skills are fundamental for any technical role where clear communication is essential. Therefore, evaluate how well candidates emphasize the most important information. Adopt this strategy for better hiring decisions.
Gauge Clarity in Technical Explanations
Pay attention to how technical processes are concisely explained in the resume to gauge the candidate's understanding. Applicants who can break down complex procedures into simple steps reveal their ability to communicate technical details effectively. Such clarity in description suggests they can impart knowledge efficiently to both technical and non-technical readers.
This is especially important in team settings where clear instructions and explanations are necessary for smooth project execution. Evaluating concise technical explanations can highlight candidates with strong communication skills. Prioritize this method in your assessment process.
Review Detailed Project Descriptions
Review clear project descriptions to understand how well the candidate communicates in collaborative settings. Detailed yet succinct explanations of team roles and contributions show their ability to engage with others and clearly delineate their responsibilities. This often involves not just what was done, but how it was done and why, providing insight into their problem-solving and communication strategies.
Look for evidence that the candidate can articulate their thoughts while working with others. Effective project descriptions can highlight a candidate’s interpersonal communication strengths. Use this as a metric when screening technical resumes.