Do you have school-aged children? Are you trying to find the school districts in the U.S. where they will get the absolute best education possible? If it seems like your kids aren’t getting everything they should from their schools, there are districts where they will not only get the best education, but where they can also get into sports, community-based activities, and other family-friendly activities. Here are the 15 best school districts in the U.S. based on 2015 Niche Rankings.

1. Edgemont Union Free School District, Greenburgh Town, New York

• This school district ranks among the top in academics, and the teachers work with the students to ensure that they receive a top education.
• When it comes to activities, kids can participate in a variety of clubs, music, art, community groups, and much more.
• The sporting program is one of the best around, and students can take part in all of their favorite sports, from volleyball to football and more.

2. Jericho Union Free School District, Oyster Bay Town, New York

• Parents and pupils surveyed on their experiences in this school district gave it a ranking of 4.4 out of 5.
• The education offered in this district is second-to-none, and students graduate fully prepared for university or the work force.
• This district is rich in family-friendly activities for learners and parents, and there are many school-based extra-curricular activities to take part in.

3. Tredyffrin-Easttown School District, Tredyffrin Township, Pennsylvania

• Ranked 4.3 out of 5 by parents and students, this school district provides kids with the education they deserve, as well as other activities to help them grow into well-rounded adults.
• The teachers in this school district are among the best in the country, and receive high grades from students and their parents.
• Extracurricular activities are highly encouraged, as well as fitness, and there are plenty of sporting activities learners can take part in.

4. Lower Merion School District, Lower Merion, Pennsylvania

• If you are looking for a school district that is welcoming to pupils of all cultures and backgrounds, this district has what you want, with plenty of student culture and diversity.
• Resources for learners and parents are numerous, and each school has resources and facilities to meet the needs of all students.
• Health and safety of all pupils is a priority in this district, and the teachers and school administration staff take this aspect of education very seriously.

5. Scarsdale Union Free School District, Scarsdale, New York

• Pupils receive the highest level of education, and the teachers are always willing to go that extra mile for their students.
• There are plenty of resources for students who need tutoring, counseling, and other important services.
• This is not a district that is rich in sports, although there are plenty of activities students can take part in.

6. Great Neck Union Free School District, North Hempstead Town, New York

• Parents who want their children to study in schools where academics are on the highest end of the scale should consider this district.
• The teachers were given a high score for their knowledge, sensitivity, and ability to relate to the students on their level.
• Extra-curricular activities, sports, and community service are highly encouraged by district teachers and administration staff.

7. Pittsford Central School District, Pittsford Town, New York

• Parents and students gave the district a ranking of 4.4 out of 5.
• This school district provides learners with the education they need to get into the best universities in the U.S. and around the world.
• Culture and diversity are encouraged, and you will find kids from many cultures studying side-by-side.

8. Rye City School District, Rye, New York

• This district gets one of the best rankings from kids and parents, with 4.6 out of a possible 5 points.
• You will find many resources to cater to all pupils, as well as numerous facilities for sports, recreation, and more.
• There is not as much student diversity and culture as with other school districts, but it more than makes up for this with the high level of student activities that are open to all students.

9. North Allegheny School District, McCandless Township, Pennsylvania

• Ranked 4.3 out of 5, the district offers students an educational atmosphere that is challenging yet fulfilling.
• Kids graduate knowing that they have received one of the best educations in the country, and they are prepared for their lives as adults.
• This school district receives an A+ in just about all categories, from academics to extracurricular activities.

10. Chappaqua Central School District, New Castle Town, New York

• Students are fully prepared for their SAT examinations, and often get some of the highest marks.
• Enjoy a rich variety of sports, clubs, and other activities that are geared to make all pupils feel welcome.

11. Dresden School District, Hanover Town, New Hampshire

• Not only does this school district offer the highest standards for education, it is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the U.S.
• Parents and learners can expect to find teachers who want to see their students succeed, and go above and beyond to make sure that they do.
• Outdoor activities such as skiing in the winter and swimming in the summer are popular in this area, and New England is known for its amazing school sports teams.

12. Adlai E. Stevenson High School District No. 125, Vernon Township, Illinois

• This district receives straight A’s all the way around, with some of the best resources for students and parents in the state.
• This district offers a great blend of academics, sports, and other activities so kids are well-rounded and learn many skills.
• Students enjoy a huge variety of extra-curricular activities, including sports (as players and spectators), student council, and more.

13. Manhasset Union Free School District, North Hamstead Town, New York

• Teachers and administrators go out of their way to provide the best educational services possible, including tutoring and counseling.
• The health and well-being of students and teachers is of utmost concern, and you can be sure that any and all accommodations will be met for particular health needs.
• If the U.S. is a melting pot, then NYC is its capitol, and pupils in this district enjoy plenty of cultural diversity, and acceptance for all cultures, religions, etc.

14. San Marino Unified School District, San Marino, California

• This isn’t an inner-city school district, and teachers are there to really work with your kids to ensure that they are fully prepared for life after high school.
• Sports and fitness are a priority, and there are plenty of sporting teams to join, as well as events to watch.
• If you are worried about the dangers of sending your kids to California schools, you should take a look at all this district has to offer, including a safe area to live and attend school.

15. Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, West Marlborough Township, Pennsylvania

• This district offers a good blend of academia and activities, and kids and parents alike give this district a 4.2 out of 5 overall ranking.
• As far as academics go, your kids will have the highest level of learning possible when they attend schools in this district.
• Resources for pupils are abundant, and students can enjoy tutoring sessions, life counseling, career counseling, and much more.

Featured photo credit: Tom via flickr.com

Most jobs require specialized skills. At the same time, there are a lot of resume skills that apply across the board.

If you’re on the hunt for a new job, give your resume a refresh. Employers want to know: Can you communicate effectively? Are you easy to get along with? Can you manage your time effectively?

Remember, you may not get a second look. Use your resume to make a great first impression.

Holistic ability is what employers want to see when hiring. These resume skills can make you a top pick regardless of what role you’re applying for.

Communication

Being properly understood is critical. On any team, you must be able to relay and interpret messages with speed and precision. How you describe yourself, the concision of your phrasings, and the layout of your resume are great ways to showcase these skills.

1. Writing

Whether it’s emails or official documents, writing skills are essential for candidates in any industry. Clear, concise phrasings minimize misunderstandings and save the recipient time. This is probably one of the most important resume skills.

2. Verbal Communication

Speaking clearly and eloquently is one of the first things a hiring manager will note in an interview. Communicating over the phone is commonplace in business. Outline this skill on your resume, and they’ll invite you in to listen for themselves. This is easily one of the most important resume skills in most industries.

3. Presentation

Sales pitches and company meetings may include presentations, which require special communication skills. Being able to spearhead and properly carry out a presentation shows organization and resolve.

4. Multilingualism

Knowing more than one language can open doors for you and the business you represent.^[1] Being able to speak another language allows your company to serve a whole new demographic.

5. Reading Comprehension

At any job, employee handbooks, company newsletters, and emails will come your way. Being able to decipher them quickly and effectively is an important resume skill. This goes hand in hand with having excellent writing skills.

Tech Savvy

Technology is evolving rapidly, especially in the business world. Be sure to mention the technologies you’re familiar with on your resume, even if you don’t expect to use them daily.

6. Social Media

Almost everyone has some form of social media these days. Companies use platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook to reach new audiences, provide customer service, and build brand loyalty.

7. Operating Systems

Can you use a Mac? What about a PC? Most jobs today require the use of a computer. Prior experience navigating common operating systems will help you acclimate much more quickly. This has become an important resume skill ever since the start of the information age.

8. Microsoft Office

Of all the software in the world, Microsoft’s Office suite might be the most popular. Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Outlook are widely used in the business world. Having this as part of your resume skills is very helpful especially in certain industries.

9. Job-Specific Programs

Did you get the hang of HubSpot in your last role? Is Slack something you’ve mastered? Be sure to mention them on your list of resume skills. These demonstrate that you can pick up new tools quickly.

Interpersonal Skills

Despite the rise in technology, businesses are run by people. Working with and for people means you need to be able to handle yourself with poise in different social settings. Highlight roles and situations on your resume that involved tricky conversations.

10. Customer Service

No company can succeed without its customers. Being able to treat customers with respect and attention is an absolute must for any applicant. Specific industries regard this as the most important resume skill their prospective employees should have.

11. Active Listening

Listening is an underrated skill, especially for leaders.^[2] If you can’t listen to other people, you’ll struggle to work as part of a team.

12. Sense of Humor

You might wonder why having a sense of humor is a part of your resume skills. Humor is important for building rapport, but getting it right in the workplace can be tough. Everyone loves someone who is entertaining and can lighten the mood. On the other hand, people are turned off by immaturity and inappropriate jokes.

13. Conflict Resolution

A customer stomps up to your desk and starts yelling about a problem he or she is having – how do you handle this situation? The right approach is to work to resolve the situation, not to escalate or avoid it.

Teamwork

One of the best parts of any job is the bonds you build with your co-workers. Fostering healthy relationships can make the workspace more enjoyable for everyone.

14. Collaboration

Whatever your line of work, chances are good that you’ll be working with others. Being able to collaborate effectively with them is critical if the whole team is to hit its goals. You can use various apps and tools available to help you collaborate with your team.

15. Leadership

Even if the title of the job you’re applying to isn’t “manager” or “executive,” there will still be moments when it’s your turn to lead. Prove that you’re up to the challenge, and you’ll be looked at as a long-term asset. Listing this as one of your resume skills is certainly an eye-catcher for most.

16. Reliability

Work isn’t always easy or fun. You have to be willing to pull your weight, even when times are hard. Otherwise, your co-workers won’t feel as if they can count on you. Reliability is important in maintaining the cohesion of a team. You should let people know that they can rely on you.

17. Transparency

To work as a team, members must be willing to share information with each other. Are you willing to own up to your mistakes, share your challenges, and accept consequences like an adult? Let them know that you’re transparent and reliable.

Personal Traits

Your resume is about selling yourself, not just your education and work history. The good news is, your “soft” skills are a great opportunity to differentiate yourself. Use bullets beneath your past experiences to prove you have them.

18. Adaptability

In any role, you’ll need to adjust to new procedures, rules, and work environments. Remember, these are always subject to change. Being able to adapt ensures every transition goes smoothly.

19. Proactivity

An autonomous employee can get work done without being instructed every step of the way. Orientation is one thing; taking on challenges of your own accord is another. Being proactive is an essential resume skill, especially if you’re eyeing for managerial roles in the future.

20. Problem-Solving

When problems arise, can you come up with appropriate solutions? Being able to address your own problems makes your manager’s life easier and minimizes micro-management. Problem-solving is an important yet often overlooked resume skill.

21. Creativity

Can you think outside of the box? Even roles that aren’t “creative,” strictly speaking, require creative thinking. Creativity also helps in your ability to solve problems.

22. Organization

Staying organized makes you more efficient and reduces the risk of mistakes. Organization skills make life easier not just for you, but also for other members of your team. This makes it an important skill to put in your list of resume skills.

23. Work Ethic

Every company wants hard workers on its team. You’re applying for employment after all, not a place to lounge around. Putting this on your list of resume skills is just as important as actually exhibiting it in the workplace once you’re hired.

24. Stress Management

How well do you work under stress? If you’ll be required to meet tight deadlines, you’ll have to prove you can handle the heat.

25. Attention Management

Whether you’re developing a partnership or writing a blog post, attention to detail makes all the difference. People who sweat the details do better work and tend to spot problems before they arise. Use Maura Thomas’s 4 Quadrants of Attention Management as a guide to managing attention.^[3]

26. Time Management

Time is money. The better you are at using company time, the more valuable you’ll be. Show that you can make every second count. Managing your time also means being punctual. No employer wants to deal with a team member who’s constantly tardy. This is commonly included in most people’s resume skills, but not everyone lives up to it.

27. Patience

Things won’t always go your way. Can you calmly work through tough situations? If not, you’ll struggle with everything from sales to customer service to engineering.

28. Gratitude

When things do go your way, are you gracious? Simply being grateful can help you build real relationships.^[4] This also helps foster a better team atmosphere.

29. Learning

Employers want to invest in people who are looking to grow. Whether you love to take online courses, read, or experiment with hobbies, make sure you show you’re willing to try new things.

30. Physical Capability

Many job postings have the classic line, “must be able to lift X amount of pounds” or “must be able to stand for X hours per day.” Play up past positions that required you to do physical labor.

31. Research

How easily can you dig up new details about a concept? Research skills are critical for marketing, business analysis, writing, account management, and more.

32. Money Handling

Being able to count bills quickly and accurately is important at any company with a brick-and-mortar storefront. Integrity and honesty are key when you’re running the cash register or reconciling bank statements.

Commitment

To employers, every new hire represents an investment. Are you worth investing in? Prove it. Employers need to see signs of commitment before they bring you on board.

33. Longevity

Hiring managers love to see long tenures on your resume. This suggests that you’re in it for the long haul, not just passing through for a quick buck.

34. Fidelity

For an employer-employee relationship to work, there has to be trust. Employers tend to find out when someone is hiding side gig or sharing information they shouldn’t be. References from past employers can prove that you’re loyal to companies that hire you.

35. Obedience

You won’t agree with every choice your employer makes. With that said, you have to respect your role as an employee. Obedience is about doing what your leader decides is best, even if you have a different perspective.

36. Flexibility

Life is full of surprises. A month into your new job, your role could change entirely. Flexible people can roll with the punches.

Final Words

Perform a self-audit: Which of these skills will your potential employer want to see? Add them to your resume strategically, and you’ll be that much closer to your dream job.

Tips on How to Create a Great Resume

• 10 Common Resume Problems You Probably Have
• 7 Creative Ways to Greatly Improve Your Resume
• 10 Tips On How To Craft A Perfect Resume

Featured photo credit: Van Tay Media via unsplash.com