A CV is a personal marketing document that should clearly show how you can solve problems and add value from day one. With recruiters receiving thousands of applications for a single role, the skills section has become one of the most important parts of a CV. Choosing the right skills can be the difference between getting shortlisted and being overlooked.

When applying for a job, your resume skills section can be the difference between getting shortlisted or overlooked. Hiring managers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan resumes quickly, often focusing on skills before reading the full experience section.

Resume skills generally fall into several categories, each highlighting a different aspect of your professional capability. Below are the main types of skills you can put on a resume, along with brief descriptions and practical examples.

1. Hard Skills: These skills are specific, measurable abilities learned through education, training, or hands-on experience. They are directly related to performing job tasks. Examples of hard skills: Data analysis, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Financial reporting, Graphic design, Accounting, Coding (Python, SQL, JavaScript)
2. Soft Skills: These skills describe how you work, communicate, and interact with others. They reflect your attitude, behavior, and approach to problem-solving. Examples of soft skills: Communication, teamwork, time management, adaptability, problem-solving and emotional intelligence. 
3. Technical Skills: Technical skills focus on your ability to use specific tools, software, or systems required for a role. They are a specialized form of hard skills. Examples of technical skills: Microsoft Excel (Advanced), Google Analytics, CRM systems (Salesforce, HubSpot), Content Management Systems (WordPress, Shopify), POS and ERP systems, Power BI or Tableau
4. Transferable Skills: Transferable skills are abilities that can be applied across different roles and industries. They are especially useful when switching careers or entering a new field. Examples of transferable skills: Project management, customer service, research and analysis, presentation skills, stakeholder management and budget planning
5. Leadership Skills: These skills show your ability to guide teams, make decisions, and take responsibility. These skills apply even if you haven’t held a formal leadership title. Examples of leadership skills: Team leadership, decision-making, coaching and mentoring, delegation, conflict management and strategic planning

How to Choose the Right Skills for Your CV

Choosing the right skills for your CV is not about listing everything you know. It’s about showing employers that you have exactly what they’re looking for. Hiring managers and ATS systems scan CVs quickly, so the skills you include must be relevant, specific, and aligned with the role.

Here’s how to select the right skills that improve your chances of getting shortlisted.

Choosing the right skills for your CV starts with understanding what the employer is actually looking for. Before listing any skills, carefully review the job description and identify the abilities, tools, and competencies that are mentioned repeatedly. These are the skills the hiring manager and Applicant Tracking System will be scanning for first. Aligning your CV skills with the job requirements helps position you as a strong match for the role and increases your chances of getting shortlisted.

Once you’ve identified the required skills, focus on relevance rather than quantity. Include only the skills you genuinely have and can demonstrate through your work experience, projects, or achievements. Prioritize hard and technical skills that directly relate to the job, then balance them with a few relevant soft skills that show how you work with others. Being specific, such as naming tools, systems, or methods, makes your skills more credible and impactful.

Finally, tailor your skills section for each job application instead of using a one-size-fits-all CV. Reorder or adjust your skills to match the role’s priorities and remove anything that doesn’t add value. Keep your skills updated as industries and technologies evolve, and avoid listing outdated or generic abilities. A well-chosen skills section doesn’t just list what you can do—it clearly shows why you are the right candidate for the role.

Where to Put Skills on Your CV

Resume Summary / Profile:

• Highlight 2–3 core skills that define your professional identity
• Gives hiring managers a quick snapshot of your expertise

Dedicated Skills Section:

• Usually placed after your summary or work experience
• Lists hard, technical, and soft skills clearly
• Can be grouped into categories (e.g., Technical Skills, Tools, Core Competencies) for easier scanning

Work Experience Section:

• Integrate skills into achievement-based bullet points

• Shows how you applied the skill in real situations

• Adds credibility to your claims

• Certifications, Training, or Projects Section:

• Reinforce specialized or technical skills
• Demonstrates practical knowledge and continuous learning