When crafting a curriculum vitae (CV), every section matters — but few sections carry as much weight as the skills list. It’s the part employers glance at first to decide whether you’re worth a closer look. Understanding what to put in skills in CV is essential for standing out in today’s competitive job market.
Your skills section isn’t just a checklist. It’s a strategic summary of what you bring to the table — proof of your professional capability and relevance to the job.
At Resume Advisor, Jonathan works closely with clients to help them identify, refine, and present their skills effectively. Through personalized coaching, Resume Advisor ensures that your CV highlights both your technical expertise and soft skills in a way that appeals to hiring managers and passes through applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Why the Skills Section Matters in a CV
Employers often receive hundreds of CVs for a single position. In that stack, your skills section acts as a snapshot of your professional value.
Here’s why it’s so important to know what to put in skills in CV:
- Immediate Impact – Recruiters scan CVs quickly. The skills section immediately signals whether you fit the role.
- Keyword Optimization – Many companies use ATS software that filters CVs based on keywords. Relevant skills ensure your CV is seen by human eyes.
- Balance of Hard and Soft Skills – Employers want to see both technical proficiency and interpersonal competence.
- Evidence of Growth – The right skills show your adaptability and progression within your field.
Strategically listing your skills increases the likelihood of being shortlisted for interviews.
What to Put in Skills in CV: The Essential Categories
When deciding what to put in skills in CV, think of three key categories — hard skills, soft skills, and transferable skills. Together, they create a complete picture of your capabilities.
1. Hard Skills
Hard skills are the measurable, job-specific abilities you’ve acquired through training, education, or experience. They’re usually easy to quantify and prove.
Examples of hard skills to put in your CV include:
- Data Analysis
- Financial Reporting
- Project Management
- Digital Marketing
- Programming Languages (Python, Java, C++)
- Technical Writing
- SEO Optimization
- Machine Learning
- CAD Design
- Legal Research
These skills show that you can perform specific tasks required for the role. For example, an engineer might emphasize “AutoCAD proficiency,” while a marketer highlights “Google Analytics” or “content strategy.”
2. Soft Skills
Soft skills define how you work — your communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. They’re harder to measure but equally important.
Examples of soft skills to put in your CV:
- Communication
- Adaptability
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Emotional Intelligence
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Critical Thinking
- Creativity
- Attention to Detail
Employers value candidates with strong soft skills because they integrate smoothly into teams, adapt to change, and contribute to positive work environments.
3. Transferable Skills
Transferable skills are versatile abilities that apply across multiple industries or job functions. These are essential if you’re switching careers or seeking growth opportunities.
Examples of transferable skills:
- Project Coordination
- Negotiation
- Strategic Planning
- Customer Relationship Management
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- Analytical Thinking
When deciding what to put in skills in CV, including transferable skills shows your flexibility and readiness to handle diverse responsibilities.
How to Choose the Right Skills for Your CV?
Selecting what to put in skills in CV requires more than listing everything you can do. You must tailor your skills to match the job description.
Here’s a step-by-step approach recommended by Resume Advisor:
Step 1: Analyze the Job Description
Highlight the keywords and required qualifications mentioned in the job posting. These give clues to what the employer values most.
Step 2: Match Your Skills to the Role
Identify where your abilities overlap with the company’s needs. These are the skills you should feature prominently.
Step 3: Prioritize Relevance
Even if you have dozens of skills, limit your list to 8–12 key ones that align with the job.
Step 4: Include Both Hard and Soft Skills
Balance technical expertise with interpersonal strengths for a well-rounded presentation.
Step 5: Use Industry Language
Employers appreciate familiarity with their terminology. Use phrasing that matches the job ad for better ATS recognition.
Jonathan often tells clients: “Your CV should read like an answer key to the job description — not a generic list of everything you’ve ever done.”
How to Format the Skills Section in Your CV?
The layout of your skills section affects how easily recruiters can scan it. Here’s how to format it effectively:
- Use Bullet Points: Short, clean lists improve readability.
- Group Similar Skills: Separate technical and soft skills for clarity.
- Use Bold for Emphasis: Highlight key words to draw attention.
- Avoid Long Paragraphs: Stick to concise entries that are easy to skim.
- Place Strategically: Most professionals include the skills section near the top or after their experience summary.
Example format:
Key Skills:
- Project Management | Budgeting | Strategic Planning
- Leadership | Collaboration | Decision-Making
- Microsoft Excel | Data Visualization | Reporting
This layout makes it simple for employers to find what they’re looking for.
Common Mistakes When Listing Skills
Even with good intentions, many job seekers make errors when deciding what to put in skills in CV. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Being Too Vague: “Good communication skills” sounds generic — add context where possible.
- Listing Irrelevant Skills: Exclude abilities that don’t relate to the target job.
- Overstuffing the Section: Quality over quantity. More than 12 skills can look unfocused.
- Not Updating Regularly: Keep your skills current with evolving trends in your field.
- Copying Job Descriptions Word-for-Word: Use authentic examples to avoid sounding robotic.
Resume Advisor helps clients avoid these mistakes by reviewing their CVs line by line, ensuring every skill supports their overall career narrative.
How Resume Advisor Helps You Showcase the Right Skills
Identifying what to put in skills in CV can feel overwhelming. That’s where Resume Advisor comes in.
Jonathan provides one-on-one career coaching to help professionals:
- Identify Core Strengths: Recognize key skills that align with long-term goals.
- Refine Skill Descriptions: Write them in clear, results-driven language.
- Optimize for ATS: Use keywords strategically for digital screening.
- Create Balanced Resumes: Highlight both technical and interpersonal strengths.
- Enhance LinkedIn Profiles: Ensure consistency across all professional platforms.
Resume Advisor’s approach is personalized — no generic templates, just strategic, authentic representation of your professional skillset.
Examples of Industry-Specific Skills
Knowing what to put in skills in CV often depends on your industry. Here are some examples tailored to different fields:
Business and Management
- Strategic Planning
- Budget Management
- Performance Analysis
- Leadership Development
Information Technology
- Cloud Computing
- Cybersecurity
- Network Administration
- Software Development
Marketing and Communications
- SEO & Content Strategy
- Brand Development
- Social Media Analytics
- Public Relations
Healthcare
- Patient Care
- Clinical Research
- Medical Record Management
- Regulatory Compliance
Education
- Curriculum Design
- Classroom Management
- Student Assessment
- Online Learning Tools
Each of these demonstrates specialized knowledge that enhances employability.
How to Prove Your Skills on Your CV?
Simply listing skills isn’t enough — you need to demonstrate them. Here’s how:
- Integrate Skills into Work Experience: Use real-world examples that show impact.
- Add Metrics: Quantify results (e.g., “Improved team productivity by 20%”).
- Include Certifications: Validate your hard skills through training or credentials.
- Mention Achievements: Link skills to tangible successes.
Jonathan advises clients to weave their skills throughout the document rather than isolate them in one section. This creates a cohesive, evidence-based narrative.
Final Thoughts
Your skills section is the heart of your CV. Understanding what to put in skills in CV can make all the difference between being overlooked and being shortlisted. Employers look for clarity, relevance, and authenticity — qualities that reflect your ability to perform and adapt.
With Resume Advisor, you can ensure your CV showcases your skills effectively. Jonathan’s personalized guidance helps professionals identify what truly sets them apart, optimize their resumes for both human and digital readers, and approach job applications with confidence.
In today’s market, it’s not just about having the skills — it’s about presenting them the right way. And that’s exactly what Resume Advisor helps you do.