4 Resume Phrases That Communicate Leadership Skills

I met with a coaching client recently. At first glance of his résumé, I didn’t think he was ready for a manager role.

But once we talked, a different story came out.

I learned he had also led cross-functional project teams, participated in hiring panels, represented the organization at career fairs, and mentored junior staff. He was already doing the work of a leader. But none of that showed up on his résumé, so he likely missed out on great opportunities where he would’ve thrived.

This is why so many strong candidates get overlooked. I don’t want that to happen to you. Instead:

• Start by reading the job description and pulling out the desirable skills

• Highlight what’s transferable from your past experience

• Learn the language of the new field and reflect it back in your materials

• Clearly spell it out - you can’t assume the hiring manager will make the connection

Here are a few résumé lines I’ve helped coaching clients use. Do any of these inspire a rewrite for you?

• “Led a cross-functional team of 8 to launch a community pilot ahead of schedule”

• “Served on internal hiring panels to select values-aligned team members”

• “Mentored 3 junior colleagues and led peer trainings on data storytelling”

• “Represented the organization at 6+ recruiting events to support early talent outreach”

If you’re pivoting roles or sectors, you can’t rely on your title to do the talking. Leadership is a transferable skill, even if it’s not in your title.

Make sure your application tells the full story.