You know that section near the bottom of the skill requirements for a job application — the PLUS section? For example advanced Microsoft Excel skills a plus.
Well I strongly believe you should continue developing PLUS skills within your current job; not just when you need to be unique in an interview. Since one of my three New Year’s resolution words was develop, I am going to focus on opportunities to develop those skills.
One of my PLUS skills is photo editing To really develop this skill I need a new computer and Photoshop/Illustrator. In the meantime, I am also pretty crafty with any free photo editing software out there.
Just yesterday, I was able to do quick edits on a Save the Date graphic with old PowerPoint and new Paint to create an impromptu event flyer for a client. I was ecstatic when my boss liked the turn out.
What kind of PLUS skills do you have that help you stand out from the crowd?
Below are a few that are easy to learn and use to impress:
- Stay on top of Microsoft Office updates. Especially learn how to do mailings and Excel functions. The capabilities will blow your mind and improve efficiency.
- Be a part-time spontaneous photographer. Learn how to take the best shots with you iphone, ipad or mobile device. Especially with event work you never know when that skill will be needed.
- Learn basic coding. We live in a digital world, so why should you be taken off guard by a simple anchor (hyperlink) code. Here is a good resource.
- Don’t be naive about social media. We are the generation who first used Facebook, but that is no excuse to have a knowledge base that starts and ends with uploading selfies. In the very least know your social media guidelines at work and how you can contribute to the strategy.
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January 18, 2013 at 9:37 PM
thebrokegirl
I like this. My PLUS skills are things like Office, Brightcove, and Oracle. I’ve picked them up from internships, and all are useful (and different). The only thing I would add to this is to try to keep your skills a little varied. I’ve seen girls put ten “PLUS” skills on a resume, five or so of which could have been condensed by saying “Adobe CS5.” You know? Condense where possible, and try to cover a wide range of expertise with just a little bit of textual space.
January 19, 2013 at 11:42 AM
Brianna Wagenbrenner
I completely agree. Be concise on a resume.