The best skills to include in your CV (with examples)
7 min read. Updated on April 28, 2024
Your guide to showcasing key skills on your CV
Skills are a vital part of your CV. They are crucial to showing an employer that you are qualified to do the job and they're also a ticket to being ranked highly by the applicant tracking system.
However, incorporating skills into your CV is more complex than it sounds. There are different categories of skills to understand, for instance. Plus, it's essential to select the right skills and include them in your CV in an organic and recognisable way.
Here, we break down what you need to know about CV skills and offer master lists of the skills that could land you your next role.
Soft skills vs hard skills on your CV
We can break skills into two categories: soft and hard skills.
Soft skills are personal attributes and qualities that affect how you do the job. They are often the people skills that help us to read our colleagues, manage situations, and perform well in a workplace environment.
Soft skills are essential. These types of proficiencies are hard to teach, but the good news is that we develop these skills daily in domestic and professional settings.
Some examples of soft skills to add to your CV include:
Organisation
Time management
Motivation
Adaptability
Active listening
Flexibility
Attention to detail
Communication
On the other hand, hard skills are part of the essential skill set needed to do a job successfully and, as a result, are job-specific. They are sometimes called technical skills, which are often learnt through formal courses and training.
Hard skills are necessary because they prove to an HR Manager that you have the abilities required to execute the job. For example, if a role calls for proficiency with Google Analytics, that specific knowledge base is a hard skill that determines whether or not you can perform the necessary tasks of the job.
Some examples of hard skills include:
STEM skills
Software proficiencies
Analytics
Database management
Design tool use
Social media platforms
Data visualisation
Research
Bookkeeping
How to identify the best CV skills
Before you consider what and how to add key skills to your CV, you need to decide which skills to add by identifying and evaluating your competencies. This step is particularly important if you're a seasoned professional with a broad skill set. Follow this step-by-step approach:
1. Conduct a self-assessment
Your first task is to braindump all the skills you possess. If nothing comes to mind, reflect on your past professional experiences, including the roles you've had and the projects you were part of. Consider the tasks you performed, any challenges you faced and overcame, and your responsibilities.
Once you have a task list, consider specific achievements tied to your responsibilities. Did you achieve any goals or contribute to the success of a team or project? You could also reflect on any feedback you've received recently from performance evaluations, to help identify your strengths and weaknesses.
2. Review the job description
Your next task is to review the job description of your target role. Alternatively, if you haven't found a vacancy you like yet, collate a handful of job descriptions related to the types of positions you're interested in. Read the job description carefully and identify the key skills and qualifications employers seek. Cross-reference your list with your self-assessment and see which skills you can add to your pool.
3. Consult online resources
For more skills inspiration, use online resources within the careers space and skills databases to build up a comprehensive list of industry and role-specific skills. You could also conduct research on LinkedIn, by researching the skills listed by professionals in similar roles or industries.
4. Categorise your skills
By now, you should have a chunky list of skills. Categorise them by skill type, such as hard and soft skills, to cleanse your list. It will make the next step easier!
5. Finalise your list
Based on your self-assessment and industry research, narrow down your list to the most relevant and impactful skills. Ensure you have a balance of technical and transferable skills to show you're a well-rounded professional.
How to add skills to your CV
Including skills on your CV correctly is just as important as possessing a strong skill set. Here are a few ways to approach adding skills to your CV:
List your skills in a Core Competencies section
You can zoom in on your hard and soft skills in a designated Key Skills or Core Competencies section. This highlights your skills at an early stage and in a format that recruiters can scan at a glance.
A designated skills section will communicate your abilities to the employer loud and clear. Therefore, it's important to be strategic when choosing which abilities to highlight. Use the job description to determine the specific skills that are required for the job and give special attention to any that overlap with your own skill set.
Reference your skills in your employment history
You can also sneak mentions of skills into your employment history. Instead of stating the name of the skill itself, provide an example of when you used it and its impact. Writing your skills this way doesn't just state what you think you can do, it demonstrates your prowess.
For instance, a customer service professional could showcase their communication skills with a bullet point like this:
Generated a 5-star service rating thanks to an ability to clearly communicate information to customers in a friendly, confident manner
List your skills on a functional CV
If you're changing careers or have no professional experience, you may opt for a functional CV format rather than a traditional chronological CV. On a functional CV, you can create a skills section that lists achievements related to each skill. Your professional experience goes underneath this.
200+ example CV skills
To help you choose the best CV skills, here is an extensive list of hard and soft skills, along with examples of how to phrase them in your work experience on your CV:
Communication skills
Written communication
Verbal communication
Presentation
Negotiation
Cross-cultural communication
Conflict resolution
Client communication
Adaptability in communication style
Networking
Feedback management
Giving constructive criticism
Examples of communication skills on a CV
Established and maintained strong client relationships through regular communication, resulting in a 25% increase in customer satisfaction
Successfully negotiated contracts with vendors, achieving a 15% cost reduction while maintaining quality standards
Led weekly team meetings, fostering open dialogue and ensuring project goal and objective alignment
Computer / IT skills
Microsoft 365
Google Suite
Proficiency in programming languages
Computer networking
Systems administration
Security
Troubleshooting
Front-end and back-end development
Cloud computing
DevOps practices
Automation
Example of computer skills on a CV
Proficient in using Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) for document creation, data analysis, presentations, and email management
Implemented and managed cybersecurity measures to safeguard systems and data from potential threats and unauthorised access
Implemented and managed cloud computing solutions, leveraging AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud platforms for scalable and flexible infrastructure
Active listening skills
Empathy
Adaptability
Note-taking
Employee concerns resolution
Stakeholder engagement
Examples of active listening skills on a CV
Displayed empathy in client interactions, improving customer satisfaction scores and positive online reviews
Engaged with stakeholders to understand their perspectives, ensuring alignment of project goals with organisational objectives
Resolved conflict within the team by listening to both sides and finding common ground
Interpersonal skills
Relationship building
Empathy
Flexibility
Conflict resolution
Cultural sensitivity
Emotional intelligence
Trust building
Diplomacy
Patience
Examples of interpersonal skills on a CV
Cultivated and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in a 30% increase in repeat business
Navigated and respected cultural differences within the team, promoting inclusivity and understanding
Built trust among team members through consistent communication and reliability, improving team cohesion
Teamwork skills
Contributing ideas
Delegation
Cross-functional collaboration
Group decision-making
Team motivation
Open communication
Recognition of contribution
Building rapport
Tolerance
Examples of teamwork skills on a CV
Motivated team members during challenging project phases, fostering a positive, high-performance team culture
Collaboratively solved complex problems within the team, leveraging the diverse skill sets of team members
Recognised and acknowledged team members' contributions, fostering a sense of accomplishment and motivation
Problem solving skills
Critical thinking
Developing innovative solutions
Attention to detail
Research
Data-driven decision making
Continuous improvement
Decision-making under pressure
Problem prevention
Examples of problem solving skills on a CV
Applied critical thinking to analyse complex problems, leading to successful resolution of challenges within tight deadlines
Developed creative solutions to streamline workflow processes, resulting in a 15% increase in overall efficiency
Successfully navigated and adapted to changes in project scope, ensuring continued success in dynamic environments
Time management skills
Time tracking and reporting
Project prioritisation
Goal setting
Efficient task execution
Deadline and schedule adherence
Productive use of time
Delegation
Organisation
Meeting management
Examples of time management skills on a CV
Implemented time-tracking systems, providing accurate reports for project timelines and resource allocation
Conducted efficient and focused meetings, optimising time utilisation and ensuring clear communication of objectives
Effectively prioritised tasks, ensuring timely completion of critical projects and exceeding stakeholder expectations
Organisational skills
Physical organisation
Mental organisation
Planning
Document management
Delegation
Time management
Prioritising
Resource management
Examples of organisational skills on a CV
Established an efficient document management system, ensuring easy access to critical information and enhancing team collaboration
Implemented task-tracking systems, providing real-time updates on project progress and identifying areas for improvement
Oversaw logistical planning for projects, coordinating activities to ensure seamless execution
Transferable skills
Leadership
Creativity
Empathy
Ambition
Attention to detail
Time management
Critical thinking
Examples of transferable skills on a CV
Displayed leadership potential by taking initiative in challenging situations and motivating team members
Demonstrated strong time-management skills, consistently meeting deadlines and achieving project milestones
Applied critical thinking to evaluate situations from different perspectives, leading to well-informed decision-making
Leadership skills
Strategic planning
Emotional intelligence
Delegation
Stakeholder management
Empathy
Vision
Confidence
Empowerment and motivation
Active listening
Examples of leadership skills on a CV
Guided the team through the strategic decision-making processes, contributing to the successful implementation of key initiatives
Empowered team members by delegating responsibilities and fostering a sense of ownership in project outcomes
Set clear and achievable goals for the team, providing direction and purpose in daily tasks
Management skills
Budget management
Performance evaluation
Strategic planning
Talent acquisition
Coaching
Coordination
Public speaking
Decision making
Examples of management skills on a CV
Made informed decisions based on data analysis and team input, contributing to successful project outcomes
Provided coaching and mentoring, fostering professional growth and development within the team
Developed and executed strategic plans, aligning departmental objectives with overall organisational goals
Analytical skills
Data analysis
Forecasting
Data mining
Problem-solving
Research
Analytical reasoning
Cost-benefit analysis
Risk assessment
Examples of analytical skills on a CV
Used statistical models to forecast market trends, enabling proactive business planning
Analysed complex data sets to extract meaningful insights, informing strategic business decisions
Conducted risk assessments to identify potential challenges and implemented mitigation strategies
Sales skills
Product knowledge
Rapport building
Active listening
Conflict management and resolution
Salesforce software
Negotiation skills
Sales forecasting
Pipeline management
Presentation skills
Examples of sales skills on a CV
Negotiated contracts with clients and vendors, achieving favourable terms and fostering positive relationships
Developed and delivered persuasive sales presentations, contributing to profitable client acquisition
Managed and maintained a robust sales pipeline, ensuring consistent business growth
Customer service skills
Problem-solving
Product knowledge
Clear communication
Customer retention
Customer satisfaction
Proactivity
Positivity
Empathy
Patience
Examples of customer service skills on a CV
Addressed customer issues with empathy, leading to swift and satisfactory problem resolution
Anticipated customer needs and proactively provided solutions, exceeding customer expectations
Demonstrated patience in handling challenging customer situations, ensuring positive outcomes and customer satisfaction
Administration skills
Office management
Document control
Organisation
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 or Google Suite
Data entry
Email management
Enquiry resolution
Attention to detail
Travel coordination
Examples of administration skills on a CV
Coordinated travel arrangements for executives and team members, ensuring smooth business operations
Efficiently managed and organised a high volume of emails, enabling timely responses and prioritising critical communication
Implemented a document control system to improve accuracy and accessibility of critical information
Business skills
Financial literacy
Strategic planning
Market analysis
SWOT analysis
Strategic partnership building
Goal setting
Leadership
Critical thinking
Examples of business skills on a CV
Demonstrated strong financial literacy, effectively managing departmental budgets and optimising resource allocation for financial sustainability
Conducted in-depth SWOT analyses, identifying internal strengths and weaknesses and external opportunities and threats to inform strategic decision-making
Identified, cultivated, and established strategic partnerships, expanding business opportunities and fostering collaborative growth
Marketing skills
Copywriting
Data analysis
Google Analytics
Creative thinking
SEO (search engine optimisation)
Content creation
Campaign management
Social media
Market positioning
Market segmentation
Examples of marketing skills on a CV
Successfully managed marketing campaigns from conception to execution, achieving measurable increases in brand awareness
Developed and implemented effective social media strategies, increasing brand visibility and engagement
Used data analytics to refine marketing strategies, ensuring targeted and effective campaigns
Finance skills
Accounting and bookkeeping
Cash flow management
Maths
Financial modelling
Financial analysis
Budget planning
Sage, Xero and QuickBooks
Audit preparedness
Invoicing and purchase orders
Examples of finance skills on a CV
Demonstrated proficiency in using accounting software such as Sage, Xero, and QuickBooks, ensuring accurate and efficient financial management
Managed invoicing processes and purchase orders efficiently, resulting in timely and accurate financial transactions
Effectively managed cash flow to ensure liquidity and meet financial obligations, optimising financial stability
Retail skills
Resilience
Sales
Ability to work under pressure
Product rotation
Cash handling
Point-of-sale (POS) system
Loss prevention
Customer engagement
Inventory control
Visual merchandising
Examples of retail skills on a CV
Thrived in fast-paced retail environments, effectively managing tasks and delivering exceptional customer service under pressure
Implemented measures to prevent loss through theft or damages, ensuring the profitability and security of the retail operation
Designed and maintained visually appealing displays, attracting customer attention and positively impacting sales
Teaching skills
Curriculum development
Activity planning
Educational software use
Classroom management
Assessment and feedback
Adaptability
Patience
Communication
Cultural understanding
Classroom innovation
Special needs differentiation
Examples of teaching skills on a CV
Developed engaging and age-appropriate activities aligned with curriculum objectives, fostering interactive and participatory learning experiences
Effectively integrated educational software into lessons, leveraging technology to enhance student understanding and engagement
Developed and implemented effective classroom management strategies, promoting a positive and focused learning environment
Creative skills
Open-mindedness
Problem-solving
Artistic creativity (music, art, design, writing)
Adaptability
Visualisation
Storytelling
Innovative thinking
Examples of creative skills on a CV
Applied innovative thinking to projects, challenging conventional ideas and introducing fresh perspectives for creative breakthroughs
Mastered the art of storytelling, weaving narratives that captivated and engaged audiences across various media
Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, approaching challenges with creativity to find innovative solutions
Whether soft or hard, CV skills are how you can show an employer that you can execute (and excel in) a job. Therefore, choosing the right skills and strategically highlighting them on your CV will be key to impressing and landing your next interview. You've developed a respectable toolbox of proficiencies throughout your career; make sure you put it to good use in your job search.
We can make sure you're including your key skills the right way. Request a free CV review today!
This article was originally written by Lauren Settembrino and has been updated by Laura Slingo.
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