The GCC boasts a unique demographic. Unlike most of the world, the vast majority of the region’s population are expatriates. Thus, its local market is competitive, and peopled by talented workers from around the world. When it comes to job hunting, you have to bring your A game. Thus, your resume matters.
A resume is more than just a summary of past roles. It’s a strategic document designed to showcase what you bring to the table. Obviously, your industry qualifications and experience matter. However, the right mix of skills often determines whether you stand out or get lost in the CV pile. This article breaks down what we consider to be the most valuable and transferable skills in your resume.
So, Why Are Skills So Important on a Resume?
Skills tell employers what you’re capable of doing, beyond your technical competency. While job titles and degrees show your background, your skills indicate how well you’ll perform. In today’s job market, both technical and interpersonal skills are crucial. Especially in a post AI era, employees are expected to offer skills outside its scope to add value. Overall, regional employers aren’t just hiring to get work done. They’re hiring problem solvers, collaborators, leaders, and thinkers. That’s what we had in mind when we crafted this list.
Top 11 Transferable Skills to Include on Your Resume
Communication
We invite you to think on this. Why do you think we have listed communication first, among resume skills? The simple answer is: it’s an essential skill, regardless of industry or role. It is vital to be able to convey ideas clearly and effectively. This is doubly so for those applying for leadership positions. Thus, good communicators also tend to be better team players and leaders. A classic example of strong communication skills in a resume would be any reports you wrote or presented internally.
Teamwork
In almost every industry and workspace, collaboration is a necessary extension of working. A LinkedIn article about future proofing your role in the GCC highlights the value of teamwork. It emphasises that AI’s sweeping dominance in white collar roles demands that professionals learn skills that complement its existence. Once again, being able to work harmoniously and collaboratively is a valuable skill that transcends industry or role limitations. We suggest you highlight projects on which you worked as part of a team, and yielded results.
Problem Solving
You probably know this already, but this is the skill that sets high performers apart. Employers want people who can identify issues, think critically, and implement solutions independently. However, it’s not just employers who report wanting them. Problem solving as a skill has been acknowledged in academia, too. Regional universities have begun to offer courses that cover the same due to the sheer demand for this skill. So, how can you express your problem solving skills in your resume? We would suggest listing achievements like identifying an issue and implementing a solution, which resulted in a positive result.
Analytical Thinking
AT LSM, we pay attention to regional trends in employment for one reason: to improve learner experience. We take what we notice and implement it in the courses we offer. And something we have been aware of for a long time is that data? It’s the new currency.
Data processing and analytics have boomed in demand. Can you guess why that is? If you guessed that it promotes analytical thinking, you’re right. Today’s and tomorrow’s employers need individuals who can interpret data, see trends, and make smart decisions based on facts. If you’re able to do that, we strongly suggest adding it to your resume.
Critical Thinking
Analytical thinking is interpreting the information available to respond effectively. But critical thinking is what gets you to smart decisions. It’s the ability to make good decisions without bias. More than just analysis, critical thinking helps you make informed decisions and manage risk. Perhaps the best example of your critical thinking ability is to list a solution you implemented or a decision you made that greatly benefited your organisation. But then, you knew that, didn’t you?
Adaptability
With all the recent technological disruptions in the modern market, adaptability has risen up in the ranks of valuable skills. Today’s workplace is in a constant state of flux. With the advent of new tools, apps, AI and remote working, professionals who can adjust quickly add stability and resilience to teams. If you’ve faced off against one of these disruptors, we suggest adding it to your resume. This can look like new courses you’ve taken, or transitions you have made at work without compromising on deliverables.
Project Management
White collar work has transformed. With technology stepping in to execute many technical roles, human employees have to meet different needs. Thus, being able to plan, execute, and close a project within deadline and budget is valuable across industries. This is especially true in industries that have shown promising growth in the region; tech, healthcare and retail. If you’re based in the GCC, project management experts are sought after. As Zoe Talent Solutions shares, there is a strong increase in the need for people with project management skills in the GCC region today. This could boost your resume’s value.
Technical Skills
We couldn’t make a list of skills to add to a CV in the UAE without mentioning technical skills. Employers want people who are already familiar with the tools of the trade. What this looks like will vary depending on your industry. It may include industry specific software, programming languages, analytics platforms, or design tools. When you list it, we suggest mentioning how you used them to improve company performance.
Creativity
More than just artistic ability, creativity means thinking outside the box to solve problems, craft messages, or reimagine processes. In the same LinkedIn article we mentioned above, author Alex Rattray writes that “The GCC’s future growth sectors… flourish with fresh ideas… Gulf talent will need the creative spark.” Mention this skill in your resume by listing an example of how your creative solution improved business for the organisation.
Time Management
We don’t think that time management being a worthwhile mention in your CV is surprising. If you were an employer, would you prefer an employee able to budget their time and energies according to task urgency or not? It’s not about being busy; it’s about being productive. The truth is that effective delivery is dependent on being able to prioritise tasks and set boundaries. In your CV, you could accentuate this by mentioning a time when you managed numerous projects or juggled multiple clients. The key, however, is to also highlight that you still completed your work on time.
Leadership
As a skill, leadership depends on the role you’re aiming for. If you’re applying for a role in management or higher, leadership begins to come into play. For resume purposes, leadership includes initiative, influencing others, resolving conflicts, and strategic thinking. These are important for those eyeing future senior positions. When creating your resume, you could mention leading projects and teams. However, you can also mention mentoring or training that you have delivered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I include both hard and soft skills?
Yes. Hard skills show you can do the job. Soft skills show you’ll do it well. It showcases that you will collaborate with others, perform under pressure, and with professionalism.
How many skills should I put on my resume?
Quality over quantity. Be authentic. List out 6–10 relevant skills that you genuinely have that will best suit the job description.
What if I don’t have enough experience?
Transferable skills can be gained through internships, volunteer work, personal projects, or coursework. If you’re short on actual work experience, focus on outcomes and actions from any of the above.
Can I include skills I’m still learning?
If you’re actively developing a skill (e.g., through a certification or course), you can include it. For full transparency, we do suggest that you’re honest about your proficiency and when you expect to earn the credential.
Final Thoughts
As educators, LSM has over 10 years of experience in guiding our students to the best career paths in the region. Part of that is honing your resume writing skills to achieve excellence. No matter where you are in your career, the right skills can tell your story. They bridge the gap between what you’ve done and what you can do next. Our students consistently report over 95% satisfaction, thanks in large part to the practical, skill focused approach we offer. If you’re interested in learning more or improving your credentials, reach out to our experts.