How to Write Skills in a CV: Your Ultimate Guide to Standing Out
When applying for a job, your experience and education might get your foot in the door, but it’s your skills that prove you’re the right fit for the role. In a world where hiring decisions happen in seconds and CVs are often filtered by applicant tracking systems (ATS), knowing how to write skills in a CV can make the difference between being ignored and getting a call back.
So, what exactly are the most important skills in a CV? How do you choose the right ones? And how can you present them in a way that grabs attention, both human and digital?
Let’s dive into the world of CV skills and give you a complete, easy-to-follow guide.
What Are Skills in a CV?
Before we explore formatting and strategy, we need to answer the question: What are skills in a CV?
In simple terms, skills are your demonstrated abilities — what you can do and how well you can do it. They go beyond education and past job titles to show your real value. Whether it’s managing a team, mastering a software tool, or communicating clearly under pressure, these are the strengths that employers care about.
There are two main categories of skills:
1. Hard Skills (Technical Skills)
These are teachable, measurable abilities specific to a job or industry. Think of:
- Data analysis
- Coding in Python or Java
- Operating accounting software
- SEO strategy
- Graphic design with Adobe tools
These skills usually come from formal training or hands-on experience and can often be certified or tested.
2. Personal Skills (Soft Skills)
Personal skills in a CV are traits that reflect how you work and interact with others. They are difficult to define yet highly desired by companies. Examples include:
- Leadership
- Time management
- Adaptability
- Critical thinking
- Collaboration
- Communication skills
In many roles, personal skills in a CV are what separate a good candidate from a great one.
Why Skills Matter More Than Ever
In today’s competitive job market, employers receive hundreds of applications for every role. To manage this, many use ATS software to filter candidates based on keywords, and that includes skills.
If your CV doesn’t include the right skill keywords, it may not even reach a recruiter. That’s why knowing how to write skills in a CV is essential ,not just for impressing recruiters but for being seen at all.
But skills don’t just help you pass the first filter they tell your story. They show how you work, how you solve problems, and how you’ll fit into the team. They bring your CV to life.
The Most Important Skills in a CV Today
While the top skills may vary depending on the industry, some are universally valued. Here are the most important skills in a CV in 2024 across most industries:
Hard Skills:
- Data literacy and analysis
- Digital marketing tools (Google Analytics, Meta Ads)
- Coding languages (Python, JavaScript)
- CRM software (Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Project management (Agile, Scrum)
- Bilingual or multilingual communication
Personal Skills:
- Adaptability to fast-changing environments
- Clear and persuasive communication
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Leadership and conflict resolution
- Time and priority management
Matching your own strengths to a selection from these lists can help you craft a focused and powerful skills section.
How to Write Skills in a CV (Step by Step)
Knowing how to write skills in a CV the right way means understanding relevance, clarity, and impact. Follow this step-by-step process to build a skills section that works:
1. Analyze the Job Description
Consider the exact talents listed in the job posting. Recruiters are usually very clear about what they want. These are your target keywords.
2. Choose the Right Mix
Include both hard and soft skills that reflect your strengths. Don’t just choose skills that sound good — choose ones you’ve actually used.
3. Create a “Key Skills” Section
Place this section near the top of your CV, right after your personal profile or summary. This makes it easy to spot.
Example:
Key Skills:
- Data analysis using Excel & Power BI
- Strong verbal and written communication
- Cross-functional team collaboration
- Time management & deadline control
- Customer relationship management
4. Prove Your Skills in Your Work Experience
Don’t stop at listing your skills. In your job experience, demonstrate how you applied those skills to achieve success. This is where your claims gain credibility.
Example: “Led a cross-functional team of 5 members to complete a marketing campaign ahead of schedule, increasing engagement by 25%.”
5. Customize for Every Job
A resume that is “one-size-fits-all” does not exist. Update your skills section for every application to reflect what’s most relevant for that job.
Where Else Can You Highlight Skills?
Aside from the designated “Skills” section, smart candidates also highlight their abilities in other parts of the CV:
Summary Statement
Open your CV with a short paragraph that includes 2-3 strong skills tailored to the role.
Work Experience
Show how your skills helped you accomplish specific tasks. Use action verbs like “managed,” “developed,” or “resolved” to start each bullet point.
Education and Certifications
List any academic or professional training that supports the skills you’ve listed.
Cover Letter
Reinforce your top skills with short examples that match the company’s needs. A well-written cover letter gives context to your technical and personal strengths.
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Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Skills Section
Even if you know what skills are in a CV, writing them well is not just about listing buzzwords. Here’s what to avoid:
- Being too vague: Saying “good at communication” is not enough. Be specific: “Presented weekly reports to the executive team with clear insights.”
- Overloading your list: More than 10 skills may feel like overkill. Choose the best, not the most.
- Not matching the job: Tailor your skills to the job ad every time. Generic CVs don’t get interviews.
- Repeating the same skills: If you mention a skill in your summary and work experience, make sure each reference adds new value.
Final Thoughts: Skills Can Make or Break Your CV
Whether you’re starting your career or switching paths, knowing how to write skills in a CV is one of the most powerful tools you have.
Don’t underestimate the impact of a strong, tailored, and well-placed skills section. It’s your personal pitch to a recruiter — a short but meaningful promise of what you bring to the table.
At ApplyRight, we help job seekers not only craft the perfect CV but also understand how to write skills in a CV that truly match their goals and the job market. From identifying your strongest hard and personal skills in a CV, to passing ATS systems and preparing for interviews, we support you at every step of your job search journey.
Need help showcasing the most important skills in a CV for your industry? Let our team guide you with expert support and professional CV reviews.
