Skills to put on CV
Key skills for CV play a crucial role in effectively demonstrating your suitability for the role and significantly increasing your chances of progressing in the recruitment process. Discover a complete list of skills to put on a CV tailored to your profession.
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An effective CV should contain around 10-15 skills, strategically placed throughout the document.
A balanced mix of hard and soft skills demonstrates the range of your abilities and matches what recruiters, particularly those using ATS software, are looking for. The right combination of skills can set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of securing an interview.
Make your CV stand out. We’ve gathered examples of relevant skills tailored for your industry and current market needs. Browse our CV examples tailored to your job to see more skills relevant to your profession.
Our intelligent CV builder ensures your CV meets the needs of the market by creating a tailored list of skills specific to your job title. Discover which CV skills employers value most in your profession and make your application stand out!
Key Skills For a CV
When writing your CV, the key skills section should be carefully constructed to effectively communicate your strengths to potential employers.
Focus on both technical (hard) skills that are job-specific, such as a mechanic’s ability to use specialist tools, and soft skills, such as communication and teamwork, that are transferable across roles and industries.
Communication skills – demonstrate your ability to communicate information in a clear way and effectively. Include written and verbal communication. This skill demonstrates your ability to engage with colleagues, clients and stakeholders, ensuring smooth communication and fostering collaboration.
Interpersonal skills – also known as people skills, reflect your ability to work well in a team to achieve common goals. It shows employers that you can contribute positively to group efforts, respect diverse perspectives and help build a collaborative workplace culture.
Problem solving – highlights your ability to deal with challenges, think critically and find practical solutions. This skill shows employers that you are proactive, resourceful and able to navigate complex situations to achieve successful outcomes.
Time management – demonstrates your ability to prioritise tasks, manage your workload efficiently and meet deadlines. Time management skills tell employers that you are organised, reliable and able to maintain productivity under pressure.
Adaptability – shows your flexibility in adjusting to new tasks, environments or changes in the workplace. Employers see this as a sign that you can thrive in dynamic situations and deal effectively with unexpected challenges.
These top 5 skills to put on a CV show employers that you are not only technically proficient but also adaptable, collaborative and versatile. See what else to include in a CV!
Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills
When writing your job application, you should strategically include both hard and soft skills to present yourself as a well-rounded candidate. First, let’s discuss the two types of skills.
Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities that demonstrate your technical proficiency. List them in the skills section and refer to your work experience to demonstrate how you’ve applied them in real-life situations.
Soft skills, such as communication and teamwork, reflect your ability to adapt and collaborate effectively. They are also very useful iduring the job interview and day to day work situations. Highlight these in the skills section, personal statement and throughout your work experience to illustrate their impact on your performance.
This balanced approach ensures that employers see both your technical competence and your interpersonal strengths.
Top Hard Skills For Your Profession
When listing your hard, technical skills, make sure they match the employer’s needs by carefully reading the job advert to confirm you’re a good match. Communicate your hard skills in two sections of your CV:
- Skills section: Briefly list 3-5 relevant hard skills.
- Work experience section: Describe your duties and responsibilities using bullet points to show how you applied these important skills. For example, if you’re an accountant, one task might be “Prepared periodic reports comparing budgeted and actual costs”.
Top Hard Skills For Graphic Designers CVs
- Proficiency in design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite)
- Specific IT skills like User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) Design
- Typography and layout design
- Digital illustration
- Knowledge of web design standards and HTML/CSS basics
Related jobs with skills list:
Top Hard Skills For Retail CV
- Point of Sale (POS) system operation
- Inventory management
- Merchandising and product display
- Sales techniques and upselling
- Cash handling and transaction processing
Related jobs with skills list:
Top Hard Skills For Lawyers CV
- Legal research and analysis
- Contract drafting and negotiation
- Litigation and case management
- Understanding of legal compliance and regulations
- Courtroom procedure and advocacy
Related jobs with skills list:
Top Hard Skills For HR CV
- Talent acquisition and recruitment
- Employee relations and conflict resolution
- Computer skills and HR software proficiency (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
- Compensation and benefits administration
- Performance management and appraisal
Related jobs with skills list:
Top Hard Skills For Accountants CVs
- Financial reporting and analysis
- Tax preparation and compliance
- Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP, Excel)
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Auditing and internal controls
Related jobs with skills list:
Top Hard Skills For Customer Service CVs
- Technical know-how including CRM software proficiency (e.g., Salesforce)
- Active listening and effective communication
- Customer service skills including issue resolution and conflict management
- Product knowledge and training
- Data entry and documentation accuracy
Related jobs with skills list:
Top Soft Skills For CV
Soft skills are transferable and valuable in many roles, especially teamwork, management, customer service or caring roles. You can highlight soft skills in three key CV sections:
- Personal statement: A good place to mention that you are organised, empathetic or reliable.
- Skills section: Supplement your job-specific skills with 2-3 relevant soft skills.
- Work experience: Use bullet points to show how you used these top skills, e.g. as a nurse, “established a positive rapport with patients and families through active listening and compassionate care”.
Top Soft Skills for Software Engineers
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Adaptability
- Teamwork
- Attention to detail
Top Soft Skills for Managers
- Leadership
- Decision-making
- Emotional intelligence
- Conflict resolution
- Delegation
Top Soft Skills for Data Analysts
- Critical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Communication
- Analytical mindset
- Presentation skills
Top Soft Skills for Project Managers
- Organisation
- Communication
- Risk management
- Negotiation
- Multitasking
Top Soft Skills for Graphic Designers
- Creativity
- Communication
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Open-mindedness
Key CV Skills Examples For Your Industry
Some skills, such as attention to detail and communication, are universal and valuable in both professional and personal life. Others are specific to certain jobs or industries. For example, a wedding photographer’s skill set will be very different from that of a mechanical engineer.
To help you tailor your application effectively, let’s explore key CV skill examples categorised by industry.
5 Key Skills For CV in Finance
- Financial Modelling
- Analytical Skills and Data Analysis
- Accounting Software (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP)
- Financial Analysis Software (e.g., Bloomberg Terminal, FactSet)
- Risk Management
5 Key Skills For CV in Administration
- Data entry and database management
- Teleconferencing and video conferencing platforms (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams)
- Typing speed and accuracy
- Calendar management and scheduling software (e.g., Microsoft Outlook, Google Calendar)
- Spreadsheet creation and data analysis
5 Key Skills For CV in Human Resources
- Payroll Management
- Employee Benefits Administration
- Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
- Talent Acquisition
- Compensation Analysis
5 Key Skills For CV in Retail
- Point of Sale (POS) Systems
- Inventory Management Systems
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software
- Scheduling and Workforce Management Tools
- Customer Service Technology
5 Key Skills For CV in Manufacturing
- Machine operation
- Lean manufacturing
- Quality control
- Blueprint reading
- Maintenance and repair
How To Add CV Skills
When writing your CV, focus on the skills that best demonstrate your suitability for the role.
If you are an entry-level candidate, highlight transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving and teamwork to show potential, adaptability and a willingness to learn. On the other hand, if you are an experienced professional, highlight advanced skills, leadership and industry-specific expertise to demonstrate your experience and strategic value.
Tailor your skills to the job description, ensuring they reflect both your strengths and what the employer is looking for.
Here are the steps that will help you add the right skills to your CV
Understand the value of your skills
Your skills should match both your strengths and the specific requirements of the role. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing role, skills such as ‘SEO optimisation’ and ‘content strategy’ will be particularly valuable.
Use the job description to identify the skills most sought after by the employer, and tailor your CV to highlight these key competencies, ensuring that it directly addresses their needs and expectations.
Be selective with buzzwords
While popular terms such as ‘agile’ or ‘innovative’ are often used, their impact is diminished by overuse. Instead, emphasise specific, job-relevant skills that provide context and demonstrate practical application.
For example, instead of simply stating “agile”, state “agile project management”, which clearly communicates your experience in managing projects using agile methodologies, making your skills more meaningful and relevant to employers.
Select skills based on the job description
To tailor your CV effectively, start by carefully reviewing the job description to identify the key skills and competencies required. Highlight those skills on your CV that directly relate to the essential requirements or responsibilities.
For example, if a receptionist position requires ‘strong knowledge of computer applications’, go beyond generic terms and provide specific examples such as ‘proficient in MS Office’ or ‘experienced in database administration’. This approach demonstrates that you have the exact skills the employer is looking for, increasing your chances of making a strong impression.
Demonstrate your skills with examples
Don’t just list your skills in one section – use your work experience to show how you’ve applied them in real situations. For example, if you highlight ‘problem solving skills’, back it up with a concrete example, such as resolving a client issue that improved customer satisfaction by 20% or creating a strategy that reduced project costs by 15%. In this way, you’re not just stating your skills, you’re demonstrating their value by showing real results, giving employers a clearer picture of what you bring to the table.
Use a balanced mix of skills
Aim for a mix of 10-12 skills across your CV, with a balance of hard and soft skills. For technical roles, prioritise hard skills such as ‘data analysis’ or ‘software development’. For roles that require significant interpersonal interaction, focus on soft skills such as ‘communication’ and ‘leadership’. This approach ensures that you present a well-rounded skill set tailored to the specific needs of the role, making your CV more attractive to employers.
Add a tailored cover letter
To make a strong impression on a hiring manager, include a tailored cover letter with your application. This allows you to elaborate on your skills and qualifications and provide specific, tangible examples of your achievements. Use the cover letter to highlight how your skills have delivered results, similar to your work experience section, but with more detail. For example, rather than just mentioning “project management”, describe how you led a team to complete a project ahead of schedule, improving efficiency by 20%.
FAQ: Common Questions About CV Skills
What are good skills to put on a CV?
Good skills to include in a CV should be relevant to the job you’re applying for. In general, it’s best to include a mix of hard skills (such as data analysis, project management or technical skills) and soft skills (such as communication, teamwork and problem solving). This combination provides a well-rounded view of your skills. However, always tailor the skills you list to the specific job description to better meet the employer’s needs and highlight the most relevant qualifications.
What is a skills-based CV?
A skills-based CV, also known as a functional CV format, focuses on highlighting your skills and competencies rather than your work history. It is ideal for candidates with gaps in employment, career changers or those with a wide range of skills from different roles. Unlike a traditional reverse-chronological CV, a skills-based CV includes a more detailed skills section prominently placed after your personal statement or professional summary. This format allows you to highlight your skills and demonstrate how they match job requirements, even if your work experience is less relevant or consistent.
What are the soft skills for CV?
Soft skills are interpersonal skills and personal attributes that are transferable across roles and industries, such as communication, leadership, adaptability, time management and conflict resolution. These skills demonstrate how effectively you work with others, deal with challenges and adapt to different work environments. Employers value soft skills because they reflect your ability to build relationships, manage responsibilities and make a positive contribution to the dynamics of a team, making you a well-rounded and adaptable candidate in any professional environment.
Key Takeaways About CV Skills
- Balance hard and soft skills. A strong CV should have a mix of hard and soft skills tailored to the job you’re applying for, demonstrating both technical and interpersonal skills.
- Tailor your skills to the job. Carefully review the job description and highlight skills that match the employer’s needs to make your CV more relevant and attractive.
- Use examples to demonstrate skills. In your work experience section, provide concrete examples of how you used your skills to achieve specific results.
- Use skills for different roles. Highlight skills relevant to the industry or profession to show how your skills align with specific job requirements.
- Include a tailored cover letter. Pair your CV with a cover letter that expands on your skills and accomplishments to make a strong, detailed case for your candidacy.
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