Guide · CV writing
Skills to Put on a CV (And How to Present Them)
Which skills to put on a CV, how to choose them from the job ad, hard vs soft skills, examples by industry, and how to prove skills in your experience.
Put 6 to 10 skills on your CV that appear in the job ad and that your experience can prove. Combine hard skills (software, methods, certifications, languages) with a few soft skills, list them near the top in a simple format, and back them up with achievements in your work experience. Avoid rating bars and generic words that every candidate uses.
How to choose your skills
- Highlight skills and requirements in the job ad.
- Match them with skills you genuinely have.
- Prioritize the ones mentioned most or listed first.
- Add one or two strengths that set you apart.
Hard vs soft skills
| Hard skills | Soft skills |
|---|---|
| Excel modelling, SQL, Python | Communication |
| Patient assessment, IV therapy | Leadership |
| Adobe Creative Suite | Problem-solving |
| CRM systems, forecasting | Negotiation |
| Food safety certification | Teamwork |
Recruiters value hard skills they can verify. Show soft skills through results: "Led a team of 8" says more than "leadership".
Examples by industry
- Admin: diary management, minute-taking, Microsoft 365, records management.
- Healthcare: patient care, medication administration, clinical documentation.
- Tech: languages, frameworks, cloud platforms, testing, version control.
- Marketing: SEO, paid social, analytics, copywriting, email automation.
- Sales: prospecting, pipeline management, CRM, negotiation, account growth.
- Hospitality: guest service, POS systems, stock control, team scheduling.
Presenting the section
Example
Key skills: Financial modelling, Forecasting and budgeting, Management reporting, Power BI, Variance analysis, Stakeholder communication
Keep it simple text so applicant tracking systems can read it. See ATS-friendly CVs.
Prove your skills
Every key skill should appear in at least one achievement bullet. See work experience bullets, and the full guide on how to write a CV.
Frequently asked questions
How many skills should I list on a CV?
Usually 6 to 10 key skills that match the job and that you can prove in your experience.
Should I include soft skills on my CV?
Yes, but sparingly, and show them through achievements rather than just listing them.
Where should the skills section go?
Near the top, after your personal statement, so recruiters see your fit quickly.
Should I rate my skills with bars or stars?
Avoid rating graphics. They are vague and can confuse applicant tracking systems.
Keep reading
- How to Write a CV That Gets Interviews: The Complete Guide
- LinkedIn Profile Tips: How to Optimize Your Headline, About and Banner
- How to Write a Cover Letter in 4 Paragraphs (Template and Example)
- The Best CV Format: Chronological, Skills-Based or Hybrid?
- CV Personal Statement: How to Write One (With 10 Examples)
- CV Achievements Examples: How to Write Work Experience Bullets That Stand Out
- ATS-Friendly CV: How to Get Past Applicant Tracking Systems
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