Technical Skills: Definition & 240 Examples for Your CV

When you’re writing your CV, highlighting your relevant technical skills is one of the best ways to quickly show employers you’re qualified for the role.

What are technical skills?

Technical skills (a subcategory of hard skills) are the skills needed to effectively use specific tools, systems, technology, and techniques. They require training and practical experience to master and are often needed in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

For example, If you work in AI, one of your technical skills might be proficiency in using open-source libraries for building and training machine learning models, like TensorFlow or PyTorch. If you’re an electrician, you need to be able to install a switchboard. If you’re an animator, you probably know how to use 3D modelling software.

Below, we discuss the best technical strengths to highlight on your CV for any industry, and go over how to include them.

240+ technical skills examples for your CV

We’ve collected the top technical skills from a variety of industries, putting them into these nine basic categories:

1. Data analysis

Knowing how to collect, analyse, and interpret data is a valuable skill if you’re applying for technical positions in data analysis, finance, or management.

Companies and businesses make major decisions based on data and current trends, so highlighting your technical skills in this field increases your chances of getting an interview.

Employers value these data-related skills:

• Statistical analysis (R, SAS)
• Data mining (SQL, Apache Hadoop, Weka)
• Algorithms (Python, C++)
• Quantitative research (SPSS, STATA)
• Data modelling (ER/Studio, IBM InfoSphere Data Architect)
• Machine learning (Scikit-learn, XGBoost)
• Data visualisation (Tableau, Power BI)
• MATLAB
• Amazon Web Services
• SQL
• Microsoft Excel
• Google BigQuery
• Cloudera
• Commvault

Here’s an example of a well-written CV work experience entry that showcases data analytics ability:

2. Design

Designers pick up industry-specific skills by receiving training and gaining practical experience in the field.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a budding designer, mention these essential skills to show you’d be a valuable asset to a company:

• Adobe Creative Cloud (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Interactive media (Adobe Animate, Unity)
• User modelling (Microsoft Clarity, Hotjar)
• UI/UX (Figma, Adobe XD)
• Responsive design (Front-end frameworks like Bootstrap and Foundation)
• AI art tools (like OpenAI’s DALL·E)

If you’re unsure how to explain your design skills to employers, here’s a good example from a CV personal statement to follow:

Dynamic UI/UX designer with 5+ years’ experience in creating user-centred designs for mobile and web applications. Strong track record of enhancing user satisfaction and engagement through intuitive interfaces and user-friendly workflows. Highly skilled in leveraging user research, wireframing, and the latest design software to deliver aesthetically pleasing and functional products that meet business goals and user needs.

3. Project management

Companies hire project managers to lead their teams by managing project timeframes, delegating tasks, and measuring each project’s success. So list the technical skills that show you can perform those duties on your CV for a project manager role, such as:

• Risk management (RiskWatch, @RISK)
• Scrum and Agile proficiency (Jira, Trello, Scrumwise)
• Project management tools (e.g., Trello, Basecamp, Zoho Projects, Microsoft Sharepoint, Hive, Asana)
• Contract management and procurement (SAP Ariba, Oracle Procurement Cloud)
• Monitoring and evaluating performance metrics (Mixpanel)
• Scheduling, budgeting, and cost control (Microsoft Project, Primavera P6)

This is a CV work experience bullet that does a great job of emphasising technical project management skills:

4. Coding and programming

Tech industry employers look for applicants who understand multiple programming languages and use them to create impressive digital tools and products.

Here are several programming skills for your CV:

This personal statement from a computer programmer’s CV does an excellent job of showcasing the applicant’s technical skills:

Fast-working Computer Programmer with extensive experience in developing robust code for high-volume businesses. Combine Python, Java, and C# with a strong foundation in algorithms, data structures, and software engineering principles to innovate and solve complex problems, leading to significant improvements in system efficiency and productivity. Eager to optimise [Company Name]’s code as a Lead Programmer.

5. Engineering

Engineering encompasses a wide range of work, including designing infrastructure, constructing buildings, or brainstorming new concepts for software products.

So use these engineering technical skills to draw employers’ attention to your CV:

• CAD software (AutoCAD, Civil 3D)
• Building Information Modeling (Revit, Navisworks)
• Structural analysis (SAP2000)
• Project management (Primavera P6)
• Cost estimation and budgeting (ProEst)
• Computer hardware skills (CPU-Z, HWMonitor)
• Technical documentation (Confluence, Doxygen)
• Systems design and analysis (Lucidchart, Microsoft Visio, Unified Modeling Language)
• Materials science (Materials Studio, MatWeb)
• Health and safety compliance (ISO 45001 software like SafetyCulture, SHEQX)
• IT skills

Here’s how one engineer effectively described their technical skills on their CV:

6. Social media

With 84.4% of the UK population using social media in 2023, maintaining a digital presence has become the norm. And if you work in marketing or tech, understanding how to use social media is important for boosting sales and growing your business.

Employers prefer applicants who stay up-to-date with modern technology, so ensure you list these social media skills on your CV:

• Social media platforms: (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn)
• AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude
• Graphic design (CorelDRAW, Affinity Designer)
• Search engine optimisation (Google Analytics 4, Google Search Console, Ahrefs, Semrush)
• Video editing (Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro)
• Social media advertising (Facebook Ads Manager, LinkedIn Campaign Manager)
• Influencer marketing (AspireIQ, Traackr)
• Social media analytics (Hootsuite, Sprout Social)
• Community management (Discord, Slack)
• Trend analysis (Google Trends, TrendWatchers)
• Cross-posting strategies (Buffer)
• Content management systems (WordPress, Drupal)

Even if you’re still a student, you can demonstrate job-relevant social media skills on your CV, like so:

Undergraduate student working towards a BA in Marketing with 3 years’ experience growing social media accounts for my family’s pickle business. Well-versed in engaging with users on Instagram and X, growing fan base from 0 to 50K+ and running successful advert campaigns that increased revenue by 15% on average. Ready to apply this experience on a larger scale as a Social Media Intern at Mondelez.

7. Administration

Administrative skills involve effectively using office equipment and computer software to organise your work.

Here are examples of administrative skills to emphasise on your CV:

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Google Drive
• Email (Outlook, Gmail)
• Windows or Mac operating systems
• Productivity software (Evernote, Engross)
• Communication tools (Slack)
• Presentation software (Prezi)
• Inventory tracking (SAP Inventory Management, Fishbowl Inventory)
• Data entry (Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets)
• Organising and filing records (M-Files, DocuWare)
• Scheduling appointments and maintaining calendars (Microsoft Outlook, Google Calendar)
• Writing and transcribing memos (Otter.ai, Express Scribe)
• Conference calling software (Zoom, Skype, Webex)
• Accounting software (Xero, Quickbooks)

This is an example of how you should describe your administrative skills on your CV:

8. Medicine and healthcare

Healthcare specialisations include emergency medicine, dermatology, paediatrics, surgery, and ophthalmology — each of which requires a specialised set of technical skills.

Highlight medical abilities like these on your CV to prove you’re a qualified healthcare specialist:

• Electronic health records systems (System C, Cerner, EMIS Health)
• Medical imaging software (Sectra PACS, Carestream PACS)
• Laboratory Information Management Systems (CliniSys, StarLIMS)
• Clinical Decision Support Systems (UpToDate, BMJ Best Practice, VisualDx)
• Medical billing and coding software (Medisoft, CareAlign)
• Patient monitoring systems (Philips IntelliVue, Mindray)
• Telemedicine platforms (Attend Anywhere, accuRx, DrDoctor)
• Health information exchange systems (Health and Social Care Network)
• Pharmacy management software (Cegedim Rx)
• Medical device operation (ventilators, infusion pumps, dialysis machines, etc.)
• Healthcare scheduling software (QGenda, Allocate)
• Medical research software (REDCap, OpenClinica)

This personal statement is a good example of how to mention your healthcare-related technical skills on your CV:

Dedicated registered nurse, proficient in employing venipuncture, ECG interpretation, and ventilators, to provide exemplary patient care. Expertise in managing IV drips, administering medication through advanced infusion pumps, and using electronic health records (EHR) for accurate patient data management. Looking forward to enhancing healthcare outcomes and supporting your team in delivering high-quality care at Charing Cross Hospital.

9. Technical skills examples for students

As a student entering the job market, showcasing your technical skills is essential to stand out to potential employers. Even if you are still in uni or just starting your career, highlighting relevant technical abilities on your CV can demonstrate your preparedness and enthusiasm for the field. Here are some technical skills for students to emphasise:

• Programming and coding
• Data analysis (OpenRefine, Alteryx)
• Statistical analysis
• Conducting experiments
• Using laboratory equipment
• Graphic design (Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva)
• Social media management tools (Hootsuite, Buffer)
• Research (EndNote, Mendeley)
• Academic writing (Zotero, RefWorks)
• Public speaking (Microsoft PowerPoint, Prezi)
• Presenting (Google Slides, Keynote)
• IT skills

Here’s how to demonstrate data analysis skills on a CV example for a student:

Conducted a comprehensive data analysis project using Excel for a university research study, involving data cleaning, statistical analysis, and visualization, which identified key trends and insights that contributed to a 20-page final report.

How to list technical skills on your CV

Now that you have a good idea of what technical skills you can add to your CV, let’s go over how you can integrate them into different sections of your CV:

1. Mention key skills in your personal statement

Your personal statement is the first thing employers read, so get their attention by highlighting your most relevant technical skills for the role here. This will give employers a quick overview of your capabilities and entice them to keep reading.

Here’s an example of a student CV that highlights the candidate’s web development skills:

As a recent Computer Science graduate with proficiency in Python, JavaScript, and SQL, I have developed robust data analysis and web development skills through various academic projects and internships. My strong analytical abilities, coupled with hands-on experience in software development, make me a well-rounded candidate for the Junior Developer position at your company.

2. Expand on your technical skills in the work experience section

In the work experience section of your CV, provide detailed examples of how you applied each technical skill in real-world scenarios, and use numbers to communicate the impact your skills delivered.

Here’s an example of how to effectively showcase the value of your technical skills, with technical skills highlighted in bold:

Intern, Super Software Solutions
June 20XX – August 20XX

• Developed a web-based application using JavaScript and React, resulting in a 20% increase in user engagement and satisfaction.
• Conducted data analysis using SQL to identify key performance indicators, which helped streamline operations and save 10 hours of work weekly.
• Collaborated with the development team to implement automated testing procedures, catching 50 critical bugs before deployment, significantly improving overall system stability.

3. Highlight additional skills in the skills section

Your CV’s skills section is an opportunity to list your technical abilities clearly and concisely, drawing attention to your most important skills and highlighting any additional skills.

If you have a large set of technical skills, group similar skills together and use bullet points for clarity, like this:

Technical Skills:

Programming Languages: Python, Java, C++, JavaScript
Web Development: HTML, CSS, React, Angular, Node.js
Data Analysis: SQL, Excel, R, Tableau
Software Tools: Git, GitHub, Docker, Jenkins

4. Add additional CV sections

Adding additional CV sections can help you showcase technical skills or achievements that don’t fit neatly into other sections.

Here are some extra sections you can put on your CV to show off your technical expertise:

• certifications
• continuing education
• projects
• publications
• professional memberships
• extracurricular activities and clubs
• hobbies and interests

Here’s an example of a certifications section on a CV:

Certifications

• Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, Google, May 20XX
• Certified JavaScript Developer, W3Schools, June 20XX

Example of how to list technical skills on a CV

Here’s an example that shows you how to put your technical skills together into one perfect job-winning CV:

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to four common questions about technical skills:

1. How do you improve your technical skills?

You can improve your technical skills by:

• going to school, university, or college
• taking online courses
• keeping up-to-date with the latest trends in your industry
• attending relevant conferences and exhibitions
• finding a mentor
• teaching others
• participating in related competitions (e.g., hackathons)

2. How do you describe your technical skills in an interview?

To describe your technical skills in an interview, provide detailed examples of times you’ve used them to achieve positive results and solve problems. For instance:

‘When I was working at a financial firm, we started experiencing issues with our reporting system. The reports were taking a long time to run and were often filled with errors that had to be manually resolved, causing delays for our clients.

I analysed the code for the reporting system and found a number of inefficiencies and outdated functions. I then worked with the team to update the code, including optimising queries and introducing new libraries that could handle large datasets more efficiently.

After implementing these changes, we significantly improved the system’s speed and reliability, saving time for our clients and increasing our overall efficiency as a company.’

3. What are technical skills in a job description?

Technical skills in a job description are the specific abilities and knowledge required to perform particular tasks and duties associated with the role. They’re often specialised and vary widely depending on the industry and job function.

Unlike soft skills, which are more about interpersonal abilities and traits, technical skills are often measurable and acquired through training, education, or hands-on experience.

Here are examples of technical skills you’re likely to see in a job description:

• Programming languages: Proficiency in languages like Python, Java, or C++.
• Software proficiency: Experience with tools like Adobe Photoshop, or Microsoft Excel.
• Machine operation: Competence in operating specific machinery or equipment relevant to the job.

Employers list these technical skills in job descriptions so they can find candidates with the expertise needed to do the job effectively. When applying for a role, it’s important to highlight the technical skills listed in your CV and cover letter to show employers that you meet the job requirements.

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Additional resources

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