What Skills to Write on a CV
Short answer
When writing CV skills, include a balanced mix of relevant hard and soft skills tailored to the job description. Clearly describe these skills with specific examples or context showing how you applied them. This approach helps your CV stand out and convinces employers you have the abilities they need for the role.
What Are CV Skills and Why Are They Important?
CV skills are the specific abilities and qualifications that you include on your curriculum vitae to demonstrate your suitability for a particular job. These skills can be either hard skills—technical, teachable abilities like proficiency in software, machinery operation, or foreign languages—or soft skills, like communication, teamwork, or problem-solving. Hiring managers use these skills as key factors to quickly assess whether you fit the role.
Listing the right skills is important because employers often scan CVs for keywords that match the job description. For example, if a posting emphasizes “project management” and “data analysis,” your CV should highlight those skills if you have them. Including relevant skills improves your chances of passing automated applicant tracking systems (ATS) and grabs the recruiter’s attention. CV skills essentially act as evidence that you can perform the essential tasks the job demands.
How Do You Identify Which Skills to Include on Your CV?
Start by carefully reviewing the job advertisement for the position you want. Highlight or note down the skills mentioned in the “requirements,” “qualifications,” or “preferred skills” sections. These are the skills employers prioritize. If the job calls for “customer relationship management” or “budget forecasting,” make sure these appear on your CV if applicable.
Next, list your own skills separately. Divide them into two categories: hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills might include things like “Java programming,” “CRM software,” or “bilingual in Spanish.” Soft skills cover abilities like “time management,” “conflict resolution,” or “adaptability.” Focus on matching your strongest and most relevant skills to the job posting.
For example, if you are applying for a marketing role and the employer requests “digital marketing” and “content creation,” you could write:
- Experienced in digital marketing campaigns using Google Ads and social media platforms.
- Skilled in creating engaging blog posts and multimedia content to increase brand awareness.
Prioritize skills where you can also provide examples or measurable results.
How Should You Write CV Skills to Make Them Stand Out?
Simply listing skills as single words or phrases is less effective than showing how you use them. Employers want proof that you can apply your skills to produce results. Instead of writing “Good communication skills,” write a bullet point like:
- Delivered presentations to teams of 20+ to explain project updates and improve collaboration.
This provides context and impact. When possible, quantify outcomes. For instance:
- Managed social media accounts, increasing followers by 30% in six months through targeted campaigns.
Use bullet points under your work experience section to connect skills to job duties and achievements. You can also create a dedicated “Skills” section to list key abilities, but always link them to real experiences elsewhere on your CV.
Example of an Effective Skills Section:
| Skill Type | Specific Skills & Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Technical Skills | Proficient in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, macros) and Salesforce CRM for managing customer data. |
| Language Skills | Fluent in English and conversational in French. |
| Interpersonal Skills | Strong leadership demonstrated by leading a team of 5 on a successful product launch. |
This format clearly organizes your skills and provides brief explanations.
What Is the Difference Between Soft Skills and Hard Skills on a CV?
Soft skills are personal traits and interpersonal abilities that help you interact well with others and manage your work. These include qualities like communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving. Hard skills are technical or practical abilities you can learn and measure, such as coding, graphic design, typing speed, or certification in first aid.
Both are important on a CV. Hard skills show you can do specific tasks, and soft skills show you can work effectively in a team or handle challenges. For example, a software developer needs strong coding skills (hard skills) but also good collaboration skills (soft skills) to work with other developers and stakeholders.
When deciding what to include, align your hard and soft skills with what the job description requests. If the job stresses “attention to detail” and “data entry,” these should appear on your CV. Balancing soft and hard skills helps employers picture you as a well-rounded candidate.
What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid When Writing CV Skills?
One common mistake is listing irrelevant skills that don’t relate to the job. For instance, including “basic cooking” on a CV for an office job does not help your application and wastes space. Another mistake is exaggerating or claiming skills you don’t truly have, which can be exposed during interviews or tests.
Avoid vague adjectives alone like “hardworking” or “team player” without any proof or examples. Instead, demonstrate these traits through your experience descriptions. Also, don’t copy entire job descriptions word-for-word—it’s better to tailor your skills to your actual qualifications.
Spelling or formatting errors in your skills section can make a poor impression. Double-check proper names of software, tools, or certifications. Finally, don’t overcrowd your CV with too many skills; focus on relevance and clarity.
How Can You Organize Your CV Skills for Maximum Impact?
Organizing your skills well makes them easier for recruiters to scan and understand. Use a separate “Skills” section near the top or side of your CV to highlight key abilities. You can group skills into categories such as:
- Technical Skills: List software, hardware, languages, or certifications.
- Language Skills: Specify proficiency levels (basic, conversational, fluent).
- Interpersonal Skills: Highlight communication, leadership, or teamwork abilities.
Use bullet points for readability and limit each category to a few important skills. If space allows, add short examples or achievements next to skills to show how you use them.
Here’s an example of a well-organized skills section:
Skills
- Technical: Advanced Excel (pivot tables, macros), Adobe Photoshop, SQL database queries
- Languages: Fluent in English and Spanish, basic French
- Interpersonal: Strong problem-solving skills demonstrated by reducing client complaints by 15% in one year
This structure helps employers quickly understand your strengths.
What Steps Should You Take After Writing Your CV Skills?
After drafting your skills section, review it carefully to ensure it matches the job description. Customize your CV for each application by emphasizing different skills depending on that employer’s needs. Ask a trusted friend, mentor, or career counselor to review your CV and provide feedback on clarity and impact.
Pair your skills with measurable achievements in your work experience section. For example, instead of “Team leadership,” write:
- Led a team of six to complete a client project two weeks ahead of schedule, improving customer satisfaction.
Keep your CV updated regularly as you acquire new skills or certifications. If you’re missing key skills for jobs you want, consider taking courses or gaining experience to fill those gaps.
Remember, your CV is your personal marketing tool, and well-written skills sections show employers why you are the best fit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I include generic skills like “Microsoft Office” if I only know basic functions?
It’s better to be specific. Instead of listing “Microsoft Office,” say “Proficient in Microsoft Excel for creating spreadsheets and charts.” If your knowledge is basic, clarify that or focus on other stronger skills.
Should I put soft skills in the skills section or only in experience descriptions?
Both are useful. You can list key soft skills in the skills section and reinforce them with examples in your experience bullets to demonstrate how you apply them.
How can I tailor my skills for different job applications?
Compare each job posting and adjust your skills list to highlight the skills most relevant to that role. For example, emphasize “customer service” skills for retail jobs and “data analysis” for finance roles.
What if I have few work experiences but many skills from school or volunteering?
Include those skills and explain their context. For example, “Organized fundraising event for local charity, demonstrating project management and teamwork.” This shows transferable skills even without paid work experience.
Are certifications important to list in the skills section?
Yes. Certifications like CPR training, IT certifications, or language proficiency exams can strengthen your CV and provide clear proof of your skills.