When it comes to crafting the perfect CV, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I remember the first time I sat down to put mine together. I had the experience, the education, but I wasn’t sure how to communicate my skills in a way that would catch an employer’s eye. That’s when I realized that the key to standing out is not just listing your skills but demonstrating them effectively. In this article, I’ll walk you through the 10 best skills to include on a CV, using examples to illustrate how you can make your CV shine.
1. Communication Skills
Communication is one of those foundational skills that every employer looks for, no matter the industry. When I mention communication skills, I’m not just talking about the ability to speak or write well. It’s about how effectively you can convey ideas, listen to others, and engage in meaningful dialogues.
For example, on my CV, I highlighted a project where I led a team meeting, ensuring that every member’s voice was heard and that we reached a consensus on our next steps. This wasn’t just about speaking; it was about active listening, mediating conflicts, and summarizing discussions in a way that everyone understood.
When you include communication skills on your CV, make sure you give specific examples like this one. It could be a time when you resolved a customer complaint, delivered a presentation, or collaborated on a project. Whatever it is, make it clear that your communication skills go beyond the basics.
2. Problem-Solving Abilities
Every job comes with its own set of challenges, and employers want to know that you can handle whatever comes your way. I always make sure to highlight my problem-solving abilities because they show that I’m resourceful, creative, and can think on my feet.
For instance, there was a time when a key component of a project I was working on fell through at the last minute. Instead of panicking, I quickly identified alternative solutions, analyzed their feasibility, and implemented a new plan that ultimately saved the project. On my CV, I described this situation briefly, emphasizing the steps I took to solve the problem and the positive outcome that resulted.
When you’re writing about your problem-solving skills, don’t just say that you’re good at solving problems. Use an example that shows the process you went through, the decisions you made, and how your actions benefited the project or team.
3. Teamwork and Collaboration
I can’t stress enough how important teamwork is in today’s work environment. Even if you’re applying for a role where you’ll be working independently most of the time, employers still want to see that you can collaborate effectively when needed. On my CV, I always make sure to include examples that demonstrate my ability to work well with others.
One of the best skills to include on a CV is teamwork. For example, during a major project, I was part of a cross-functional team that included members from different departments. My role was to coordinate between the teams, ensuring that we stayed on track and that everyone was aligned with our goals. The project was a success, and my ability to collaborate was a big part of that.
When you talk about teamwork on your CV, focus on your specific contributions to the team. Did you take on a leadership role? Did you help resolve a conflict? Did you bring new ideas to the table? Make it clear that you’re not just a team player but someone who can drive a team to success.
4. Adaptability
In today’s fast-paced work environment, adaptability is more important than ever. Employers want to know that you can handle change, whether it’s a new technology, a shift in strategy, or a sudden change in your job role.
On my CV, I highlight my adaptability by mentioning a time when my company underwent a major restructuring. My role changed significantly, and I had to learn new skills quickly to keep up. Instead of resisting the change, I embraced it and ended up excelling in my new role.
When you include adaptability on your CV, give an example that shows how you’ve successfully navigated change. It could be a time when you learned a new software program, took on new responsibilities, or adapted to a new work environment. The key is to show that you’re flexible and can thrive in any situation.
5. Leadership Skills
Even if you’re not applying for a management position, leadership skills is still one of the best to include on a CV. Employers value candidates who can take initiative, motivate others, and drive results.
For example, I once led a project where the team was struggling to meet deadlines. I stepped up, took charge of organizing our efforts, and motivated the team to push through the challenges. In the end, we completed the project on time, and it was a huge success.
When you write about leadership on your CV, focus on specific instances where you took the lead. It could be a formal leadership role or a situation where you stepped up and made a difference. The important thing is to show that you have the ability to lead others effectively.
See; How To Improve Leadership Skills
6. Technical Skills
Technical skills are crucial, especially in today’s job market. Whether you’re in IT, marketing, healthcare, or any other field, employers want to know that you have the technical expertise to do the job.
On my CV, I always include the specific software programs, tools, and technologies I’m proficient in. For instance, in my previous role as a digital marketer, I highlighted my experience with tools like Google Analytics, SEO software, and social media platforms. I didn’t just list them; I provided examples of how I used these tools to achieve specific results.
When you’re listing technical skills, be specific. Don’t just say you’re good with computers; mention the exact programs or technologies you’re skilled in and how you’ve used them in your previous roles.
7. Time Management
Time management is one of those skills that every employer values. They want to know that you can prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage your workload effectively.
On my CV, I highlight a time when I was juggling multiple projects with tight deadlines. I developed a detailed schedule, prioritized tasks based on their urgency, and made sure to communicate any potential delays to my team. As a result, I was able to complete all the projects on time without sacrificing quality.
When you include time management on your CV, give an example that shows how you’ve successfully managed your time. It could be a project where you had to meet a tight deadline, a situation where you had to balance multiple tasks, or a time when you had to prioritize your workload. The key is to show that you’re organized and can handle pressure.
8. Creativity Skills
Creativity isn’t just for artists or designers; it’s a valuable skill in almost any field. Employers want to see that you can think outside the box, come up with innovative solutions, and bring fresh ideas to the table.
On my CV, I mention a time when I developed a new marketing campaign that was unlike anything the company had done before. It was risky, but it paid off, leading to a significant increase in customer engagement and sales.
When you talk about creativity on your CV, give an example that shows how you’ve used your creativity to achieve results. It could be a new process you developed, a unique solution to a problem, or a successful project that was driven by your innovative thinking. Make it clear that you’re not just creative, but that your creativity leads to tangible results.
9. Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is one of those skills that can make or break your success in any job. Employers want to know that you can catch mistakes, follow procedures, and deliver high-quality work.
On my CV, I highlight a time when my attention to detail caught a major error in a report before it was sent to a client. By catching the mistake early, I saved the company from potential embarrassment and ensured that the client received accurate information.
When you include attention to detail on your CV, give an example that shows how your meticulousness has benefited your employer. It could be a time when you caught an error, ensured compliance with regulations, or delivered a project with flawless execution. The goal is to show that you have a keen eye for detail and take pride in your work.
10. Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. It’s a crucial skill for building strong relationships, managing stress, and navigating workplace dynamics.
On my CV, I mention a time when I successfully mediated a conflict between two team members. By understanding their perspectives and emotions, I was able to facilitate a resolution that satisfied both parties and kept the project on track.
When you include emotional intelligence on your CV, give an example that shows how you’ve used this skill in a real-world situation. It could be a time when you resolved a conflict, provided support to a colleague, or managed your own emotions in a challenging situation. The key is to show that you’re not just emotionally intelligent but that this skill has a positive impact on your work and relationships.
Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills
When putting together your CV, it’s essential to strike the right balance between hard skills and soft skills. I remember struggling with this balance myself, not fully understanding which types of skills were more important. The truth is, both are crucial, and each serves a different purpose in demonstrating your qualifications to potential employers.
What Are Hard Skills?
Hard skills are the technical, job-specific abilities that you learn through education, training, or on-the-job experience. These are the skills that you can measure or quantify. For instance, when I was working as a digital marketer, my proficiency in tools like Google Analytics and SEO software were considered hard skills. Employers often look for these skills on your CV because they indicate whether you have the technical expertise required for the role.
Examples of hard skills include:
- Programming languages (e.g., Python, Java)
- Technical certifications (e.g., Certified Public Accountant, Project Management Professional)
- Foreign languages
- Software proficiency (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Adobe Creative Suite)
- Data analysis
Including hard skills on your CV is straightforward. You can often list them in a skills section, but it’s even better to weave them into your job descriptions with specific examples of how you used these skills to achieve results.
What Are Soft Skills?
Soft skills, on the other hand, are more about how you work rather than what you know. These are interpersonal skills, character traits, and behaviors that make you an effective and collaborative team member. Unlike hard skills, soft skills are often harder to measure, but they are equally important to employers.
For example, I’ve always emphasized my communication skills on my CV, not just as a standalone skill but in the context of how it helped me lead a team meeting or resolve a customer complaint. Soft skills are what make you adaptable, resilient, and capable of thriving in a team environment.
Examples of soft skills include:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Adaptability
- Leadership
When including soft skills on your CV, it’s vital to back them up with specific examples, as I did with communication and problem-solving in the earlier sections of this article. Employers appreciate seeing how these skills have played a role in your past successes.
Why Both Are Important
Balancing hard skills and soft skills on your CV is crucial because employers are looking for well-rounded candidates. Hard skills show that you have the technical ability to do the job, while soft skills demonstrate that you can do it effectively within a team or organizational context.
I always make sure to highlight both types of skills on my CV because it provides a comprehensive picture of my qualifications. For instance, while my ability to analyze data (a hard skill) is essential, my ability to communicate those findings clearly to non-technical stakeholders (a soft skill) is what sets me apart.
When you’re crafting your CV, consider how your hard and soft skills complement each other. Employers want to see that you not only have the expertise to do the job but also the interpersonal and organizational skills to thrive in their workplace.
Conclusion
Crafting a CV is about more than just listing your job history; it’s about showcasing the skills that make you the best candidate for the job. The best skills to include on a CV are those that demonstrate your ability to communicate, solve problems, work with others, adapt to change, lead, manage your time, be creative, pay attention to detail, and understand emotions.
By including specific examples for each skill, you can show employers not just what you’re capable of, but how you’ve successfully applied these skills in real-world situations. This approach not only makes your CV more compelling but also sets you apart from other candidates.
Remember, your CV is a reflection of you. By highlighting these 10 best skills, you can ensure that it showcases your strengths and makes a strong impression on potential employers.