Multitasking on your resume

Why multitasking skills are important

For most employees, having multiple responsibilities is part of the job. Multitasking is a crucial skill that helps employees manage differing responsibilities, as it helps build mental agility to quickly adapt to changing tasks, requirements, and circumstances.

Additionally, multitasking can help employees meet tight project deadlines by working on multiple things at once, reducing the amount of time they need to get it all done. In fast-paced environments, this ensures employees are able to stay productive and avoid falling behind.

Important multitasking skills to add

As you are trying to convey your experience with multitasking, resumes should specify which specific skill you have used or developed. Here are several skills many employers want to see when reading your cover letter and resume.

Prioritization

Prioritization is simply the ability to know which tasks are most urgent and which can wait until later. When an employee understands how to prioritize their work, they’re able to get the most important things done first to keep the project moving along.

Task switching

Task switching involves being able to move your focus and attention quickly from one task to another without losing momentum. It is one of the most important among your office skills and requires a great deal of flexibility. However, it allows you to get two or more tasks done without taking extra time to complete them.

Time management

Time management is the ability to use your time in the most effective or productive manner possible. It involves a lot of conscious planning about how much time you should be spending on tasks, which tasks should have priority over others, and the sequence in which tasks should be completed.

Adaptability

Adaptability is all about knowing how to quickly adjust to changing conditions. This is essential for successful multitasking, as it allows you to move between tasks with different requirements without dropping your focus. You’ll be able to take on unexpected challenges while still remaining effective in your role.

Stress management

Stress management is the ability to do your job without becoming frustrated. Building up your ability to effectively manage stress is important for multitasking, as experiencing symptoms of stress can impact your ability to focus, adapt to changing environments or circumstances, and solve any problems you may encounter along the way.

How to list multitasking skills on your resume (with examples)

You have a number of options when showcasing multitasking on resumes. Whether you want to use a dedicated section or incorporate them throughout multiple sections of your document, here are a few of the ways you can show your ability to multitask, complete with specific templates you can use as resume examples.

Skills section

One option for using a dedicated section to showcase your multitasking skills would be to place them in the skills section of your resume. Keep in mind that you’ll rarely include the term “multitasking.” Instead, try to incorporate another word for multitasking on resumes.

Example skills section:

Projects section

There are a number of ways to show multitasking abilities in a dedicated projects section for your resume. The first is to include projects with simultaneous dates to show you can handle multiple projects at once. The second is to include multitasking skills in the description below each project title, highlighting how you delivered the final product within the specified time frame. 

Example projects section:

Within job description

Among the ways to showcase multitasking, resume formats that incorporate these skills in the work history or job description section are the most popular. Similar to the projects section, you’ll use the bullet points below each job to highlight how your skills helped you stay productive and accomplish goals.

Example job description section:

When deciding how to say “multitasking” on resumes, be aware that your language matters. Don’t forget to use action verbs in your project and job descriptions, as this improves tone, makes your resume more memorable, and clearly highlights your abilities and accomplishments.

Employer expectations and tailoring your multitasking skills

When highlighting your multitasking skills, your resume template should be tailored specifically to the job you’re applying for. 

One way to do this is to read through the job description and incorporate any multitasking-related keywords you find. Not only will this ensure relevance, but it can also help your resume make it through electronic applicant tracking systems.

When highlighting multitasking skills, resumes should include them in the places employers expect to see them. Many employers expect these skills to show up in your skills section as well as your job description section, so make sure to place them there. 

If you include a separate project section, this also gives you an additional avenue to incorporate those skills.

Finally, when mentioning multitasking, resumes should show that you can handle a fast-paced environment. 

For example, those in customer service roles should be able to take on high call volume while they are talking to customers, taking notes, and searching for answers to their queries. Project managers need the leadership skills to prioritize tasks, follow up, and manage time to meet deadlines.

Tips and mistakes to avoid

Being able to properly position yourself as a multitasker on resumes comes down to how you present your skills. Make sure to keep the following tips in mind as you build your resume:

• Be specific about your skills and how you have used them to help your team accomplish goals
• Place multitasking skills in your soft skills section, as employers are starting to prioritize them more (1)
• Quantify your achievements so employers can see the impact your skills have made on business outcomes
• Don’t make it your goal to create a “multitasking resume,” as employers will want to see communication skills, leadership, and other abilities as well
• Avoid listing irrelevant skills by considering which ones are most valued in your industry
• Scan the job description and include related keywords to keep your resume relevant

Finally, ensure you fully customize any resume or cover letter templates you are using to include the skills that are specific to you. Though these resources often include example phrases and sections, they should still be tailored to your professional background.

"Multitasking is a crucial skill that helps employees manage differing responsibilities, as it builds mental agility to quickly adapt to changing tasks, requirements, and circumstances."

Positioning yourself as a skilled multitasker can help you get noticed

Multitasking skills are valued by employers because they help employees stay productive and meet deadlines. When highlighting your multitasking abilities in your resume, be specific about your skills and quantify them to highlight your professional accomplishments.

When using resume or cover letter examples, don’t forget to tailor them to your industry and the job you’re applying for. When you position yourself and your skills in the right way, you’re much more likely to have success in landing interviews and securing the job you need to take your career to the next level.

Sources:
(1) Forbes: Employers Want - And Will Pay For - Soft Skills. Are You Focusing On Them Enough?