The Most Important Physical Strength And Dexterity Skills (With Examples)

Physical strength and dexterity are vital in a surprising number of jobs. While you’re probably used to seeing skills such as communication and problem-solving on job descriptions, some jobs have physical strength and dexterity skill requirements as well.

So, if you’re a job seeker with brains as well as brawn, you’re in luck. In this article, you’ll learn what physical strength and dexterity skills are, what jobs often require them, and how to put them on a resume. You’ll also learn how to answer interview questions about these types of skills and how to improve your physical strength and dexterity.

Key Takeaways

• Physical strength skills include lifting and carrying heavy objects, continuously standing for long periods of time, and enduring long shifts.

• Dexterity skills include hand-eye coordination, performing precision surgeries or electrical installations, or handling kitchen knives.

• Many jobs in the trades, health and medical, performing arts, and food industries require physical strength and dexterity skills.

What are physical strength and dexterity skills?

Physical strength and dexterity are two different and distinct skills in the workplace. Physical strength refers to a candidate’s fitness level and ability to complete physically challenging tasks.

Some common physical strength tasks in a professional environment include:

• Lifting and carrying heavy objects

• Standing on feet continuously for hours at a time

• Endurance during long shift hours

Dexterity, on the other hand, usually refers to agility, grace, and fine motor skills. Alternatively, an applicant’s dexterity can also be described as their capacity to use tools of their trade effectively and correctly. The tools you use differ depending on the industry you’re involved in.

In the workplace, dexterity skills can include:

• Hand-eye coordination

• Coordination and agility while performing duties

• Performing surgery and giving sutures

• Handling tiny electronic parts

• Kitchen knife skills

• Installing electrical wiring

Many jobs require both physical strength and dexterity skills, while others require one or the other.

What jobs require physical strength and dexterity skills?

Physical strength and dexterity skills are required for many jobs, in addition to basic knowledge for completing the job adequately. Positions that demand physical capabilities and familiarity with tools of the trade often ask for these qualities because the job deals with these skills daily.

The candidate they hire to fill a spot will need to lift heavy boxes for half their shift or perform activities with swift coordination.

Below are a few jobs that heavily rely on an employee’s physical strength and dexterity skills:

• Trade jobs (plumber, auto mechanic, electrician)

• Performing arts (dance, acting, theatre)

• Health-based positions (yoga teacher, fitness trainer, nutritionist)

• Medical careers (licensed practical nurse, physician, surgeon)

• Chef or food service industry

• Landscaping jobs (gardening, lawn care, mason)

How to mention physical strength and dexterity skills on a resume

Since having physical strength and dexterity skills can be so crucial to attaining a position in your field of choice, you’re probably wondering how you can most effectively mention these abilities on your resume. There are a few ways that you can go about listing physical attributes on a resume to capture a hiring manager and receive a call for an interview.

Below are a few tips to get you started on creating an amazing resume that accounts for physical capabilities:

1. Look back at the job posting for physical requirements. One smart strategy for listing physical strength and dexterity skills on a resume is to look back at the original posting for the job you’re applying for.

   A company’s human resources team often includes the most necessary skills for a position in the posting to make sure that they’re only hearing from applicants who fit the mold. After reading through the job’s physical requirements once more, pick out the qualities that apply to your fitness level and dexterity skills to include.

   Listing skills that were directly asked for in the job posting helps your resume get past an Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

2. Use your former experience to explain physical skills. If you’ve worked in physically demanding positions before, you probably have a history that speaks to your fitness and dexterity skills. Think back to your former jobs and what daily physical tasks you took part in.

   Try to be as specific as possible when listing these duties. For example, state that you “carried boxes of 30+ pounds” instead of saying you lifted heavy boxes.

3. Mention any physical fitness activities you do in the interests section. Another way to cleverly push your physical fitness skills into the forefront of your resume is by including an interests section.

   If you’re the type of person who uses your free time to improve your fitness by going to the gym, or participating in a team sport during the weekends, make mention of it. Not only does this highlight your fitness and dexterity capabilities, but it also demonstrates your soft skills in other areas.

Example resume mentioning physical strength and dexterity

Physical strength and dexterity skills can be more tangible when you can see them on a resume. Luckily, we’ve provided a physical strength and dexterity skills resume for you:

Interview questions about physical strength dexterity

Physical strength and dexterity interview questions will inevitably come up when you’re applying for certain jobs. Even if you’ve covered this information on your resume, an interviewer will bring it up to clarify the details and ensure that you can handle the challenges of the position.

Take into consideration the following common interview questions about physical strength and dexterity.

1. This position will require you to stand on your feet for eight hours at a time. Do you think you’d be able to do this on a full-time schedule? Perhaps the most straightforward way of assessing physical strength, this question asks the applicant to reflect on their capabilities and determine if they’d be able to complete the job requirements. The question might also vary depending on the types of tasks that will be required of you.

   When answering this question, be honest with the hiring manager. Claiming to be physically fit enough to fulfill all the job’s tasks without having the strength to back it up creates a stressful situation for you and the employer.

2. What activities do you enjoy in your spare time? While this inquisition doesn’t directly ask about your physical strength or dexterity, it opens the door to discuss these qualities more.

   When you’re hoping to highlight your fitness abilities in an interview, use this question to talk about the physical activities that you enjoy in your spare time. This shows the interviewer that you’re fit enough to stand on your feet or lift heavy items.

3. Are you familiar and experienced with the tools of the job? When you’re interviewing for a job that makes use of specialized tools, the hiring manager will probably ask this question to evaluate your familiarity and dexterity.

   Mention the tools that you have experience using on the job, and if your skills are lacking explain that you’re up for additional training in these areas.

4 tips for improving your physical strength and dexterity

Getting your physical fitness in check helps land a job in particular fields, but it also enriches your life in general. If you’re thinking about ways that you can improve your physical strength and dexterity, review the tips below:

1. Start running in the morning. Most people groan at the idea of adding an extra activity to their morning routine. However, running in the early hours before you get your day started is an excellent way to stay in shape and keep your mind sharp.

   Additionally, running in the morning improves your physical strength without requiring a lot of equipment.

   Just grab a pair of running shoes and get going.

2. Lift weights. When preparing for positions that require you to lift heavy items daily, try lifting weights in your free time. Starting small and slowly increasing the weight amount that you take on. Before you know it you’ll be lifting 80+ pounds like it’s nothing and you’ll be well-prepared for any tasks at a physically demanding job.

3. Consider your diet. A person’s physical strength and dexterity are affected by the foods that they’re putting into their body. After all, food is fuel. If you’re constantly piling fast food burgers down your throat and chugging soda then you can’t expect your body to carry you very far.

   Don’t neglect your diet when you’re looking for ways to improve your physical fitness.

4. Find a workout buddy. Having a person to lean on when you’re in the process of getting in shape makes the endeavor much easier. They act as someone to hold you accountable when you don’t feel like working out and keep you motivated when you’re exhausted.

   Beginning a workout routine with a friend, family, or even co-worker is a great way to upgrade your physical fitness.

5. Do dexterity exercises. If you have a job that requires steadiness and precision, find exercises to do that will improve your fine motor skills.

   Just as athletes do a variety of exercises to improve their performance in their sport, doing dexterity exercises will improve your ability to complete your tasks as well.

Physical strength and dexterity skills FAQ

1. How do you say you are physically fit on a resume?

   The best way to say you’re physically fit on a resume is to provide specific, work related examples. For instance, if you worked at a job where you lifted heavy boxes, including that information on your resume will inform the hiring manager of your physical capabilities.

   Do remember that it’s always best to add details when possible. Instead of saying “lifted heavy boxes and other packages”, say “Lifted boxes and packages of 25+ pounds.”

2. Why is physical strength important at work?

   Physical strength is important at work because many jobs require it, and would be unsafe without. Here are some examples of why being physically fit at work can be important:

   • Someone lifting heavy objects on a daily basis could seriously injure themselves or others if they lack physical fitness

   • A landscaper could suffer from heat exhaustion or fall unconscious if not physically prepared for the job

   • A cook could cause a serious health violation if they’re not physically fit enough to prepare the food

Author

Sky Ariella

Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.