Whether the job is landscape gardening or data science, you’ll need the right skills on your CV to get hired.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about hard skills, including the top hard skills for different occupations and the most effective ways to highlight hard skills when you write your CV.
What are hard skills?
Hard skills are abilities and areas of knowledge you learn through training or hands-on experience. They can be transferable (useful in various jobs or industries) or technical (specific to a particular occupation).
Speaking French and coding are two examples of hard skills.
Every job requires hard skills of some kind. Therefore, it’s important to know which hard skills specific employers are looking for and how to present them on your CV.
Hard skills vs soft skills
Different from hard skills, soft skills are more like personality traits that influence your approach to work and how you interact with others. People skills are a good example — you can’t learn charisma or active listening in a classroom.
Here are a few examples that demonstrate the difference between hard skills and soft skills:
Hard skills | Soft skills |
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High-demand hard skills examples by field
The best hard skills for your CV will vary significantly depending on the job you are applying for. However, certain skills enjoy consistently high demand in specific fields.
To help your application stand out, we’ve listed the most sought-after hard skills by occupation:
Administration
Though soft skills like time management remain essential to administrative work, digital skills are becoming increasingly important too. In fact, embracing digital transformation will be key to a successful HR career.
The following hard skills will make you stand out if you’re pursuing a career in admin:
- Virtual meeting platforms (Zoom, Microsoft Teams)
- Data entry and analysis (Excel, Google Sheets)
- Project management software (Asana, Monday)
- Collaboration tools (Slack, Trello)
- Basic understanding of cybersecurity practices (e.g., two-factor authentication)
- Digital filing systems (SharePoint)
- Customer relationship management (CRM) software
- AI tools (Microsoft Power Automate, Tableau)
Business and finance
Accountants, investment managers, and other business and finance professionals need a range of hard skills to do their jobs properly.
The rising demand for green finance professionals makes sustainability, ESG, and carbon markets extremely valuable areas to specialise in that can help you accelerate your professional development.
Developing the following hard skills will make your business or finance CV really stand out:
- Green, sustainable, and responsible finance (sustainability and climate risk)
- Wealth management tools (Morningstar Direct or Empower)
- Big data & data analysis (e.g., Python for analysing financial data)
- FinTech skills (e.g., familiarity with digital payment technologies)
- Blockchain and cryptocurrency skills
- Bookkeeping software (QuickBooks, FreeAgent, and Xero)
- Financial modelling
- Risk management software (MATLAB)
Computing and tech
The tech sector is forecasted to have strong growth throughout 2025. However, it’s also suffering from a worsening talent shortage, meaning that digital hard skills can be a valuable addition to your CV.
Here are some of the most important emerging IT hard skills:
- Programming languages (Python, JavaScript, and Swift)
- Cloud computing services (AWS, Google Cloud Platform)
- Cybersecurity measures (firewalls, penetration testing)
- Machine learning and artificial intelligence
- Network and information security
- Mobile and web development frameworks (Express.js, Django)
- DevOps tools (Docker, Kubernetes)
- Data visualisation tools (Tableau, Power BI)
Creative and media
The global entertainment and media market is projected to grow to over $5279.3 billion by 2031, with increasing career opportunities for creatives who invest in relevant technical skills.
In addition to core skills, such as storytelling, specialised writing, and material knowledge, UK employers are looking for creative professionals with the following hard skills on their CVs:
- Digital content creation (Adobe Creative Suite)
- Video editing and production (Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere)
- Graphic design and web design (e.g., UX/UI principles)
- Social media management and analytics tools (Loomly, Hootsuite)
- SEO and SEM strategies
- Photography and videography techniques
- Animation software (Blender, Maya)
- Podcast production
Health care
Given the global shortage of health care workers, a wide range of medical jobs are in high demand. Many of the hard skills health care employers look for are developed as part of your training.
However, a growing need for digital literacy and certain core health care skills means that the following hard skills can significantly boost your CV’s appeal to employers:
- Clinical skills (patient assessment, clinical diagnosis)
- Medical coding and billing software (AthenaHealth)
- Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems
- Telehealth software (Cliniko)
- Up-to-date knowledge of healthcare regulations (e.g., transition from European Union CE marking to UKCA mark)
- Pharmaceutical expertise
- Laboratory information systems (LIS)
Engineering
Sustainable practices and advances in technology are motivating demand growth behind some of the most popular engineering hard skills. Knowledge in the following areas will look great on any engineering CV:
- CAD and CAM software proficiency (SolidWorks)
- Project management tools (Microsoft Project)
- Updated knowledge of manufacturing processes (Lean Engineering)
- Sustainable design and energy efficiency
- Robotics and automation (e.g., familiarity with ROS or Cobots)
- Material science
- Understanding of IOT and smart infrastructure
- Finite element analysis (FEA) software
- Industrial IoT (IIoT) solutions
Manufacturing
Manufacturing skills are in high demand as labour shortages continue, with thousands of hard-to-fill vacancies remaining open. Manufacturing professionals with knowledge of tech-oriented hard skills such as robotics and 3D printing are, in particular, highly sought-after.
These manufacturing hard skills are particularly likely to capture employer interest:
- Operational knowledge of manufacturing machinery and tools
- Lean manufacturing principles
- Quality control and safety standards
- Supply chain management software
- 3D printing and CAD design
- Robotics and PLC programming
- Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems
- Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software
Retail
While customer service skills remain key to most retail jobs, a shift towards online shopping and contactless payments has increased the value of relevant hard skills, such as those listed below:
- E-commerce platforms (Shopify, Adobe Commerce)
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems
- Inventory management software (Sortly)
- Digital marketing and social media
- Visual merchandising
- Data analysis for sales trends
- Point of sale (POS) systems
- Customer analytics
Science and research
Science and research are crucial fields for keeping pace with technological advancement and innovation. If you’re interested in forging the future, these hard skills will strengthen your science or research CV:
- Statistical analysis and software (R, SPSS)
- Laboratory techniques and safety protocols
- Scientific writing and grant writing
- Data visualisation tools
- Research methodology and ethics
- Biotechnology techniques
- Bioinformatics tools
Travel and tourism
There’s strong demand for professionals who can blend traditional hospitality skills with new technology. In particular, these skills make for a strong tourism CV:
- Booking and reservation systems (Amadeus, Sabre)
- Customer service skills
- Sustainable travel practices
- Digital marketing and social media for tourism
- Language skills
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity
- Travel management software (Concur)
Identifying the best hard skills for your CV
Start by carefully reviewing the job description. Take note of any software, tools, or specific practices that are mentioned. Hard skills are normally listed under sections like ‘Responsibilities,’ ‘Requirements,’ or ‘Preferred Qualifications’ — often in order of importance.

Next, make a full list of your relevant skills. Your list should include:
- Technical skills that directly relate to the job requirements
- Transferable skills that give you a unique ability to do the job well
If you need more ideas of skills to add to your CV, check other job descriptions with the same title. Doing so can reveal additional hard skills that can set you apart from the competition.
Skip the writer’s block and make a CV in minutes with our AI software.
How to highlight hard skills for employers
It’s not enough to pepper your CV with professional keywords. You must also provide compelling examples of your skills to win over the employer and land the job.
Here’s how to demonstrate your skills effectively throughout your job application.
1. Show how you’ve used your skills in previous roles
Your CV’s work experience section is vital to proving your expertise. Describe your previous jobs in bullet points by focusing on the skills you’ve used and the achievements you’ve accomplished.
A good rule is one skill per bullet point. Use the XYZ formula (‘Accomplished X by doing Y, resulting in Z’) so the employer can clearly see how you’ve applied your skills effectively in the past.
Here’s a good example of hard skills in a CV’s work experience section:
Improved customer retention rates by 15% by analysing and streamlining user behaviour data, resulting in a 20% increase in annual revenue
2. List important technical skills in a separate CV section
Including a short bulleted list of your hard skills helps employers get a quick overview of what you know.
This is especially useful for roles that require a strong command of specific tools or expertise, such as coding or modern languages.
To make this section, specify your skill levels and any relevant certifications that back up your hard skills, just like the applicant in this example:
- Python (Advanced, PCAP)
- Java (Intermediate, Oracle Certified Associate)
- C++ (Intermediate)
- Testing and Version Control (Unit testing, Git)
3. Explain how you plan to apply your skills in the new job in your cover letter
Highlighting hard skills when you write your cover letter will allow you to emphasise their value to the employer.
Choose some skills that relate closely to the job you’re applying for and prepare specific examples showing how you’ve applied them in previous jobs. One or two examples are plenty — you don’t want your cover letter to be too long.
For example, if you want to highlight your knowledge of JavaScript, you could mention a specific project you executed using that language and then highlight the positive results the project achieved, like this:
During my previous role at TechUK, I led the development of a new internal tool using JavaScript. The tool was designed to automate data entry processes, significantly reducing manual workload. I implemented advanced JavaScript features to enhance the tool’s efficiency and user interface. As a result, we achieved a 20% reduction in data entry errors and saved the team approximately 20 hours of work per week. This project not only improved operational efficiency but also demonstrated my ability to leverage JavaScript to deliver tangible business outcomes.
This approach works best if you emphasise hard skills that closely relate to the employer’s needs, so consider what knowledge they are asking for before you start describing your skills in detail. A well-aligned cover letter will show an intimate understanding of the job, inspiring confidence in the employer.
4. Come to the interview with compelling examples
Interview questions like ‘Tell me about yourself‘ and ‘What are your biggest strengths?‘ are great opportunities to emphasise your top hard skills to employers.
Prepare a few detailed examples of how you’ve used key skills in previous roles. Relating these examples in the job interview will show the employer that you have practical experience backing up the contents of your CV.
For truly persuasive answers, use a storytelling approach, like the STAR method, that explains the specific actions you took and the benefits that those actions delivered to your previous employer. Here’s an example:
One of the biggest strengths I could bring to this role is my advanced knowledge of JavaScript, which I can leverage to deliver notable improvements to customer-facing applications like your own. In my last position, I used JavaScript to optimise backend code and implement better data caching strategies. In doing so, I managed to reduce the load time by 50%, significantly enhancing user satisfaction.
Frequently asked questions about hard skills
Here are some of the most common questions about hard skills:
What are some good examples of hard skills for students?
If you’re applying for a job after leaving school or university, here are some hard skills you’ve likely developed during your studies:
- Research skills (methodologies, techniques, databases)
- Data analysis (statistical tools and software, interpreting and presenting data, spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets)
- Writing (essay and report writing, thesis writing)
- Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides)
- Programming languages (Python, Java, C++)
- Digital literacy (digital tools and platforms like Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, etc.)
- Project management tools (Trello, Asana)
- Graphic design (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva)
- Foreign language proficiency
- Social media literacy
What are hard skills everyone should have?
Here are hard skills everyone should have:
- Computer skills
- Internet research
- Digital communication
- Device setup and maintenance
- Familiarity with AI technology (ChatGPT, communicating with AI customer service)
The hard skills listed above are essential to living and working in the UK. For instance, no matter what job you work in, you should be able to operate a computer and find basic information on the internet.
Which hard skill is best for the future?
Any skill related to AI is best for the future. With the launch of practical AI applications like ChatGPT, more and more jobs are being impacted by automation.
If you’re looking to future-proof your skill set, learn all you can about AI — such as what prompts to use, how to code AI programs, and how to work with AI hardware.
How do you improve your hard skills?
To improve your hard skills, start by identifying the skills you want to enhance and set clear, achievable goals for each.
Then, sign up for online courses and workshops and practise consistently. You can gain hands-on experience with real projects and seek feedback from your workmates or friends to find areas for improvement.
In addition, it’s important to stay updated with industry developments (you can even follow a relevant work-related subreddit — examples include the UK policing subreddit, teaching subreddit, and Tesco subreddit), network with people in the same job, and tackle challenging tasks to refine your skills further.