How to List Multitasking Skills on a Resume

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One of the most universally desired skills companies want to see in their employees is the ability to multitask. Because your resume is the first impression an employer has of you, it’s a good place to describe your multitasking skills. Learn how to list multitasking skills on your resume and ways to improve them.

Why employers want to see multitasking skills on your resume

Just about any job requires multitasking skills because almost every role needs employees who can efficiently switch between tasks productively, making multitasking important in any industry. The ability to focus on tasks and handle interruptions and changes in priorities shows that an employee has great time management. Employers seek this skill because it shows you can complete tasks in a fast-paced environment. 

How to list multitasking skills on a resume

Here are some steps you can follow to list multitasking skills on your resume:

1. First, emphasize your abilities in your resume objective or summary

A resume objective or summary is a brief paragraph toward the top of a resume that summarizes who you are, your skills and your accomplishments. This introduction can be written as a qualifications summary, objective statement, professional profile or resume summary. Whichever way you choose to introduce your resume, you should include a reference to your ability to multitask. Try to show your ability by using phrases that demonstrate multitasking, rather than using the word ‘multitasking’ itself. 

For example, an objective statement may begin with, ‘Dedicated marketer with five years of experience leading marketing campaigns while managing social media accounts and overseeing team projects daily.’ This objective statement shows the ability to control multiple projects at once. 

2. Second, include examples under the work experience section

In the work experience section of your resume, you can briefly describe the responsibilities of current and past jobs. To demonstrate your multitasking abilities in this section, you should also try to use specific examples.

For example, if you worked in sales, you might write the following description: ‘Successfully marketing company products by closing 30% of qualified leads during two years of employment while simultaneously helping the director run sales meetings and keeping accurate, organized meeting minutes.’ This description clearly explains your most important duties, but also displays your ability to successfully manage them all at once.

3. Third, add details under the skills section

The next place to add details about your multitasking skills is under the skills section of your resume. It’s a good idea to include phrases that show outcomes rather than efforts. Phrases like ‘identify problems quickly’ and ‘motivate others’ shows how your skills create positive outcomes.

Examples of phrases that demonstrate multitasking skills:

  • Manages multiple projects effectively
  • Meets multiple daily deadlines
  • Prioritizes and organizes tasks
  • Handles distractions well
  • Great focus and attention to detail
  • Adaptable to new responsibilities

These skills explain your multitasking abilities and give employers more details about you.

4. Lastly, show multitasking abilities in the interests section

If you have a number of extracurricular activities, volunteer work or other interests related directly to the job you are applying for, you could list them in a separate section at the bottom of your resume. This indirectly shows you can handle multiple ongoing activities in your daily life along with your career.

Examples of multitasking skills to add to a resume

The following list includes examples of ways to show your multitasking skills in your work experience:

  • Answering the phone and greeting customers in a busy lobby
  • Managing four different marketing projects at varying stages of completion
  • Cooking five different food orders at one time
  • Managing three social media accounts while working on email marketing campaigns
  • Taking information from walk-ins and fielding emergency phone calls in an ER reception area
  • Serving drinks, taking orders, delivering hot food and taking payments
  • Completing a press release while calling vendors to finalize details for an event
  • Processing apartment applications while giving apartment tours
  • Scheduling appointments while greeting patients and answering the phone in a doctor’s office

Think of the ways you have multitasked in previous jobs or during school, then include the descriptions in your resume. Examples give employers a much better idea of what type of tasks you handled at one time, helping them to assess your skill level. 

How to improve multitasking skills

If you’re looking to improve your multitasking skills, follow these steps:

1. First, make a list of your tasks

One of the most important steps for multitasking more efficiently is knowing exactly what tasks you need to complete. To-do lists are powerful organizational tools that help you work less and focus more. Writing down your daily tasks can keep your mind more clear, leading to better time management and an increase in productivity. You could use an app to keep track of your task, or write them down on a notepad as a physical reminder.

2. Second, prioritize your tasks

Once you know what tasks you have for the day, prioritize them from most important to least. This will help you decide how much time to spend on each task, which makes multitasking easier. It also helps you manage a good work-life balance, which can lead to an increase in multitasking abilities.

3. Third, work on similar tasks

After you have prioritized your tasks, begin working on the most important one, along with any duties that could contribute to your main task. Grouping common duties together can keep you more engaged and focused instead of trying to switch between unrelated tasks.

4. Next, remain focused

Once you have begun working on similar tasks, you want to reduce distractions as much as possible. Interruptions often happen, so it’s important to have a routine that can get you right back into your work with little effort. Some people find listening to music helpful, while others need complete silence. Use whichever working style you prefer to remain focused.

5. Then, ask for help when needed

Multitasking also includes knowing when the best time is to ask for help. Sometimes you may need to ask others for help when you’re working on a large project or difficult task. If you feel like you won’t be able to complete all of your duties for the day, ask your coworkers for help. 

6. After that, take a break to review

Once you have spent time working on your to-do list, take a break to refresh. Effective multitasking relies heavily on your ability to remember details and take in information. If you had a busy day and spent some time reviewing important documents, go back to them later on in the day to double-check for accuracy.

7. Last, revisit your list of priorities as needed

Multitasking also involves reevaluating your priorities as the day unfolds. You will likely receive unexpected work or need to resolve issues, which will take up some of your time working on tasks. As the day goes on, remain flexible in what tasks need attention over others. Find stopping points in your work so you’re prepared for any side tasks you may need to complete quickly.