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Writing a great CV is all about knowing how to sell your strengths to employers.

To make a strong case for yourself, you’ll need to pick the right skills for your CV — and present them memorably on paper.

Hard skills vs soft skills

To get any job, you’ll need the right combination of hard and soft skills.

Hard skills are skills you learn through education, on-the-job training, or other life experiences. Some examples include coding, working a cash register, and graphic design.

Meanwhile, soft skills are personal strengths you have because of your personality. Being a good communicator, having empathy, or working well under pressure are all good examples of soft skills.

An infographic showing the difference between hard and soft skills.
You should put both hard and soft skills on your CV.

7 soft skills for any CV

Soft skills are widely transferable between jobs and industries. These are seven of the most sought-after soft skills for a CV:

Adaptability

Adaptability (or having a growth mindset) is the ability to adjust to changes and challenges in the workplace quickly.

In a professional setting, adaptability is a valuable trait for learning new tools and methodologies, handling high volumes of work under pressure, or maintaining composure during a challenge.

Example of adaptability on a CV

Swiftly adapted communications in response to a PR emergency, ensuring continued positive media coverage and client satisfaction

Analytical skills

Analytical skills involve the ability to collect, interpret, and analyse information to solve problems and make decisions effectively.

Some workplace achievements that require analytical skills (and similar critical thinking skills) include market research and data analysis:

Example of analytical skills on a CV

Conducted comprehensive blockchain analysis to identify key market trends that helped increase revenues by 15% in Q1 of 20XX

Interpersonal skills

Also known as ‘people skills’, interpersonal skills are traits that make it easy to build positive relationships with others.

Empathy, conflict resolution, and active listening are important types of interpersonal skills. Here’s how you could talk about your interpersonal skills on a customer service CV:

Example of interpersonal stills on a CV

Praised for demonstrating an excellent telephone manner, listening closely to customer problems and guide them toward satisfactory solutions

Communication skills

Written and verbal communication skills are essential for conveying information clearly and effectively to both customers and fellow team members.

Communication can mean different things depending on the job you’re applying for. Strong writing skills, public speaking, and negotiation skills are some types of communication skills that employers often ask for.

Example of communication skills on a CV

Presented compelling weekly marketing reports to department heads, synthesising key information into memorable bites that kept stakeholders up-to-speed with key developments

Time management skills

Time management skills are essential for jobs that feature tight deadlines, working under pressure, or handling multiple projects at once.

Demonstrating an ability to plan, prioritise, and finish tasks efficiently will help you prove your time management skills to employers.

Example of time management skills on a CV

Efficiently manage multiple project timelines, ensuring all deliverables were completed ahead of schedule and under budget, resulting in a 25% increase in client satisfaction

Teamwork skills

Teamwork skills are a valuable addition to any business. The ability to work well with others is a sign you’ll grow quickly with the company.

You can’t measure teamwork in hard numbers, but you can describe your collaborative strengths by specifying how you’ve contributed to team goals, worked well in a fast-paced environment, or handled group deadlines.

This bullet point from a retail CV demonstrates strong teamwork skills:

Example of teamwork skills on a CV

Worked closely with a team of 30 retail assistants to manage one of Parka’s busiest UK stores, with an average daily footfall of approximately 30,000 visitors

Leadership skills

Leadership skills are essential for guiding, motivating, and inspiring individuals to achieve their goals and drive team success.

Examples of leadership skills in a professional setting include mentoring, decision-making, and strategic planning.

Example of leadership skills on a CV

Led a sales team to exceed quarterly targets by 25% through strategic planning and motivational coaching, resulting in increased revenue and team cohesion

130 hard skills for different jobs

Including the right hard skills on your CV emphasises your technical skills and demonstrates that you’re a good fit for the job.

These hard skills are specific to certain occupations and industries, so we’ve organised them as such.

Finance skills

 

  1. Financial modeling
  2. Accounting (ACCA, CIMA)
  3. Financial valuation
  4. Investment analysis
  5. Data analysis (Python)
  6. Understanding of financial regulations
  7. Financial statement analysis
  8. Budgeting & forecasting
  9. Risk management (GARP)
  10. Taxation

 

Finance skills on CVs

Financial analystDeveloped a comprehensive financial model using advanced Excel techniques, leading to a 15% increase in forecast accuracy for the next fiscal year
Junior accountant (ACCA)Assisted in implementing new accounting standards and reconciled financial statements, reducing discrepancies by 20% and improving audit readiness
Investment analystConducted thorough investment analysis resulting in the identification of a high-yield portfolio that outperformed the market by 10% over a 12-month period

Engineering skills

 

  1. Mathematics (e.g., algebra, statistics)
  2. Computer-aided design (e.g., AutoCAD)
  3. Programming (e.g., MATLAB)
  4. Circuit design
  5. Finite element analysis (e.g., ANSYS)
  6. Quality assurance
  7. Embedded systems
  8. 3D printing
  9. Hydraulics
  10. Robotics

 

Engineering skills on CVs

Mechanical engineerUtilised advanced statistics to optimise manufacturing processes, resulting in a 12% increase in production efficiency
CAD designerDesigned a complex mechanical component using AutoCAD, reducing material waste by 18% and production time by 25%
Electrical engineerDeveloped an embedded system for a new consumer electronic device, leading to a successful product launch and 20% market penetration within six months

Design skills

 

  1. Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
  2. UI/UX design tools (Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD)
  3. HTML/CSS
  4. JavaScript
  5. Typography
  6. Color theory
  7. Wireframing
  8. 3D modeling tools (e.g., Blender)
  9. Motion graphics (e.g., After Effects)
  10. Branding and visual identity

 

Design skills on CVs

Graphic designerCreated a visually compelling marketing campaign using Adobe Creative Suite, resulting in a 30% increase in user engagement
UI/UX designerDesigned and prototyped an intuitive mobile app interface using Figma, leading to a 25% increase in user retention rates
Print designerDesigned an award-winning annual report using InDesign, which effectively communicated the company's financial performance and strategic vision, leading to a 15% increase in shareholder satisfaction

Project management skills

 

  1. Microsoft project
  2. Budget forecasting
  3. Risk assessment matrix
  4. Critical Path Method (CPM)
  5. Earned Value Management (EVM)
  6. PERT Analysis
  7. Agile methodology (e.g., Scrum, Kanban)
  8. Waterfall methodology
  9. Business analysis
  10. JIRA

 

Project management skills on CVs

Project managerSuccessfully utilised Microsoft Project to manage a complex project, resulting in on-time delivery and a 5% reduction in overall costs
Product managerImplemented Agile methodology, specifically Scrum, to streamline the product development process, resulting in a 25% increase in team productivity and a 15% faster time-to-market
Scrum managerLeveraged JIRA to effectively manage Scrum sprints, leading to a 20% improvement in team efficiency and on-time delivery of project milestones

Marketing skills

 

  1. Account management
  2. Affiliate marketing
  3. Content management systems (e.g., WordPress)
  4. Copywriting
  5. Event management
  6. Email marketing (Mailchimp)
  7. Market research
  8. Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
  9. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
  10. Social media tools

 

Marketing skills on CVs

Digital marketing specialistImplemented an effective affiliate marketing strategy that increased referral traffic by 40% and boosted overall sales by 15%
SEO specialistOptimised website content and structure, resulting in a 50% increase in organic search traffic and a 20% rise in conversion rates within six months
Content specialistDeveloped and managed a content calendar on WordPress, resulting in a 35% increase in website engagement and a 25% growth in monthly blog subscribers

Administration & office support skills

 

  1. Microsoft 365 (e.g., Excel, Word)
  2. HR software (e.g., Workday)
  3. Data entry
  4. Payroll administration
  5. Recruitment
  6. Understanding of employment laws
  7. Project management
  8. Time and attendance systems
  9. Event planning
  10. Presentation skills

 

Administration skills on CVs

Administrative assistantMastered Microsoft Excel to create a dynamic dashboard that streamlined monthly reporting, reducing preparation time by 30%
HR coordinatorImplemented Workday HR software to automate the recruitment process, decreasing time-to-hire by 25% and improving candidate experience
Payroll administratorManaged payroll administration for a 500-employee company, ensuring 100% compliance with employment laws and timely payroll processing

Hospitality and food skills

 

  1. Food safety and hygiene
  2. Cooking techniques
  3. Driving licence and delivery skills
  4. Event planning
  5. Inventory
  6. Customer service
  7. Menu planning
  8. Housekeeping
  9. Conflict resolution
  10. Mixology

 

Hospitality and food skills on CVs

Restaurant managerRevamped the menu planning process to focus on locally sourced ingredients, leading to a 25% increase in customer satisfaction and a 10% boost in revenue
Front-of-house managerImproved customer service training programs, resulting in a 30% increase in positive customer feedback and a 15% rise in repeat patronage
Sous chefEnhanced inventory management systems, reducing food waste by 20% and cutting costs by 10% without compromising quality

Retail skills

 

  1. Point of sale (POS) systems
  2. Customer service
  3. Visual merchandising
  4. Sales techniques
  5. Cash handling
  6. Stock control
  7. Loss prevention
  8. Product knowledge
  9. Market analysis
  10. Digital marketing

 

Retail skills on CVs

Retail associateImplemented a new point of sale (POS) system that reduced checkout times by 30% and improved transaction accuracy
Store managerLed a customer service training program that increased customer satisfaction scores by 25% and boosted repeat customer rates by 15%
Visual merchandiserDesigned and executed a new visual merchandising strategy that increased foot traffic by 20% and boosted sales of featured products by 35%

Care skills

 

  1. Bedside manner
  2. Medical terminology
  3. First aid and CPR
  4. Medication administration
  5. Health and safety protocols
  6. Record keeping
  7. Assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs)
  8. Diet planning and monitoring
  9. Mobility assistance
  10. Techniques for rehabilitation exercises

 

Care skills on CVs

Medical assistantAccurately maintained patient records and medical terminology, reducing administrative errors by 30% and improving overall clinic efficiency
CaregiverAssisted with activities of daily living (ADLs), enabling 90% of clients to achieve greater independence and improve their quality of life
Early years practitionerCreated engaging and educational activities that promoted motor skills and cognitive development, resulting in a 30% improvement in early childhood milestones

Teaching skills

 

  1. Curriculum development
  2. Classroom management
  3. Lesson planning
  4. Digital learning tools (e.g., Canvas)
  5. Subject expertise
  6. Assessment and evaluation
  7. Individualized Education Program (IEP) development
  8. Safeguarding
  9. Differentiated instruction
  10. Inclusive education practices

 

Teaching skills on CVs

Curriculum developerDesigned a new curriculum for the math department that improved student test scores by 15% over two academic years
Classroom teacherImplemented effective classroom management strategies, reducing disruptive incidents by 30% and improving overall student engagement
Classroom teacherDeveloped and executed Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with special needs, resulting in a 25% increase in student progress toward their educational goals

Information Technology skills

Here are some key computer skills for your CV:

 

  1. Coding skills (e.g., Python, Java)
  2. Database management
  3. Networking protocols and configuration
  4. Cloud computing (e.g., AWS, Azure)
  5. Cybersecurity skills (e.g., encryption)
  6. Version control systems (e.g., GitHub)
  7. Data analysis (e.g., Excel, R, Python)
  8. Machine learning (e.g., TensorFlow)
  9. Scripting languages (e.g., Bash)
  10. Web development (e.g., JavaScript, Node.js)

 

IT skills on CVs

Software developerDeveloped a web application using Python and Django, improving user engagement by 30% through enhanced functionality and performance
Data scientistImplemented machine learning algorithms using TensorFlow to develop a predictive model, increasing forecast accuracy by 20%
IT support specialistAnalysed large datasets using Python and Pandas to identify system performance bottlenecks, leading to a 15% reduction in downtime

Creative arts skills

 

  1. Music theory
  2. Vocal techniques
  3. Acting techniques (e.g., Stanislavski)
  4. Choreography
  5. Photography and photo editing
  6. Scriptwriting
  7. Music production tools (e.g., Ableton Live)
  8. Fundraising
  9. Exhibition design
  10. Literary analysis

 

Creative arts skills on CVs

Acting coachTrained actors using the Stanislavski method, helping them develop complex characters in five theatrical productions
Theatre managerSuccessfully secured £50,000 in funding through grant writing and sponsorships, and curated 3 community theatre events
Theatre managerDesigned and executed four major art exhibitions, utilising innovative exhibition design principles, resulting in a 25% increase in visitor attendance and engagement

Journalism and media skills

 

  1. Investigative reporting
  2. AP Style
  3. Fact-checking
  4. Content management systems (CMS)
  5. Headline writing
  6. Video editing
  7. Live broadcasting
  8. Audio editing
  9. Project management
  10. Social media management

 

Journalism and media skills on CVs

Copy EditorEnsured all articles adhered to AP Style guidelines, resulting in a 99% accuracy rate in published content and increased reader trust
JournalistConducted thorough fact-checking for a major news outlet, reducing errors and misinformation by 20% across published articles
ProducerSuccessfully produced live broadcasts for major events, reaching an audience of over 5 million viewers and receiving high viewer ratings

How to put skills on your CV

Highlight relevant skills throughout your CV by giving specific examples of your responsibilities and achievements. Employers like seeing proof that you have the skills you say you do.

According to our recent CV and Cover Letter Trends Survey, 61% of hiring managers believe that specific examples of achievements are the most important part of a CV.

Identify what the employer is looking for

Check the job description to identify the key skills you need to include on your CV. Most employers list the most important skills first.

Here’s a job description that highlights some of the skills the employer is looking for:

A job advert for a senior software engineer role with hard skills underlined in green and an image of a job hunter in the background.
Matching the skills in the job description is a key part of making your CV stand out.

List hard skills in your CV skills section

Write any relevant tools or technical skills that you can offer the employer in a short bulleted list:

Key Skills
  • Adobe Photoshop and Indesign
  • Typography
  • Brand development
  • Market research
  • Animation skills

If the job requires a specific level of ability (e.g., fluent foreign language skills), you can describe the relevant skill in one or two words:

Spanish (Bilingual)

Remember to back up your skills with relevant achievements either in your work experience section or when you write your cover letter. A list of your skills will catch an employer’s attention, but you need to provide evidence as well if you really want to impress them.

Illustrate soft skills with specific examples

Soft skills look vague on paper. For example, listing ‘Great communication skills’ in your skills section doesn’t say tell the employer how you communicate or whether you’re a good writer.

The best place on your CV to show your soft skills is in your work experience section.

Include achievements or responsibilities that illustrate how you’ve applied your soft skills in previous roles.

For example, this bullet point demonstrates empathy, customer service, and the ability to work under pressure by specifying the number of inquiries the applicant handles daily:

Resolved 15+ returns, complaints, and general inquiries per day, taking time to understand customer issues and provide personalised solutions in a fast-paced environment

Highlight key skills in your personal statement

Your personal statement is a brief 3–5 line summary of your skills and experience.

Because it’s so brief, only include the most important skills you can bring to the role. Keep mentions to a few words in length so employers can quickly scan your introduction:

Personal Statement

Senior graphic designer with 5 years of agency experience in branding, UI/UX design, and motion graphics. Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop and can handle multiple projects under pressure. Strive to create impactful, cohesive visuals that resonate across all media platforms.

Frequently asked questions

Here are four additional questions you might have about CV skills:

What are the best skills for a student CV?

Highlight your transferable skills when you’re writing a student CV:

  • Research skills that you’ve used to familiarise yourself with topics, prepare reports, and test theories
  • Written communication skills that you’ve developed through essay writing, blogs, and creative writing projects
  • Public speaking skills that you may have practised online or in person
  • Organisational skills, whether you’ve handled admin as a volunteer or a member of a student organisation

Where should you put your skills section on a CV?

Put your skills section where it will make the most impact.

If you’re writing a CV without much work experience, consider putting your skills section near the top of the first page can quickly tell what you know.

Placing your skills section near the top of your CV is also a good idea if you work in a field that requires a highly technical skill set, such as software development.

On the other hand, if you already have relevant experience, you should put your skills section after your job history because the employer will be more interested in your previous roles.

How do I talk about my skills in an interview?

The STAR method is one of the best ways to talk about your skills in a job interview.

STAR stands for:

  • Situation: a situation or problem you dealt with
  • Task: your role or responsibility in the situation
  • Action: the actions you took to address the situation
  • Result: the results of your actions

Here’s how you might use the STAR method when answering a question about your strengths and weaknesses:

Using the STAR Method to talk about your skills

In my previous role at a digital marketing agency, we had a major client who was launching a new product line. (Situation). I was responsible for leading the design team to develop engaging and cohesive visual content for the product launch, including social media graphics, display ads, and promotional videos. (Task). To meet the deadline, I delegated more specific tasks to junior designers and leveraged my design expertise to ensure the outputs were high-quality while taking care of the project’s wider objectives. (Action). We were able to quickly produce the requested assets, leading to a successful campaign that saw a 25% increase in customer engagement in the lead-up to the launch. (Result).

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Seb Morgan
Written by

Seb Morgan

Seb Morgan is a Career Counsellor for CV Genius, where he helps job seekers and professionals get more out of their careers. With over 7 years of experience in business and lifestyle journalism, he's written for a stack of careers-focused publications, including Oxbridge Home Learning, Study International, theHRDirector, and Employee Benefit News, and his expertise includes skill development, interview preparation, and CV and cover letter writing. West Midlands born and raised, Seb has since lived, worked, and studied in 4 countries across 2 continents. He speaks 4 languages and has survived job interviews in 3 of them. He currently also freelances as a travel and culture writer. Reach him at [sebastian] @ [cvgenius.com] or via LinkedIn.