What is Skills? — Definition & Guide

Skills on a CV are the specific abilities, knowledge, and competencies you possess that are relevant to the job you're applying for. They demonstrate what you can do and how you can add value to an employer.

What is Skills?

CV skills encompass both hard skills (technical abilities like programming or accounting) and soft skills (interpersonal qualities like communication or leadership). They can be gained through education, work experience, volunteering, or personal projects. Skills should be tailored to match the requirements listed in each job posting.

Why it matters

Employers use the skills section to quickly assess if you're qualified for the role and can perform the required tasks. A well-crafted skills section helps you pass applicant tracking systems (ATS) that scan for relevant keywords. It also gives hiring managers an immediate snapshot of your capabilities before they read your work experience.

How to use it

Create a dedicated skills section on your CV and list 8-12 relevant skills using keywords from the job description. Organize them by category (technical, language, or industry-specific) and back them up with examples in your work experience section. Always prioritize skills that directly relate to the position you're seeking.

Skills in practice

Software Developer CV

A software developer might list technical skills like 'Python programming,' 'React.js,' and 'SQL database management' alongside soft skills like 'problem-solving' and 'teamwork.' These directly match what employers seek for coding positions.

Marketing Manager CV

A marketing professional could showcase skills such as 'Google Analytics,' 'content strategy,' 'social media management,' and 'project management.' They might also include soft skills like 'creative thinking' and 'data analysis' to demonstrate well-rounded capabilities.

Customer Service Representative CV

Someone in customer service might emphasize 'active listening,' 'conflict resolution,' 'CRM software proficiency,' and 'multilingual communication.' These skills directly relate to helping customers and using relevant tools in the role.

Common mistakes

⚠Listing generic skills like 'Microsoft Office' or 'communication' without context or specificity
⚠Including outdated or irrelevant skills that don't match the job requirements
⚠Claiming skills you don't actually possess, which can be exposed during interviews or on the job

Skills and Cowrite

Cowrite helps you identify and articulate the right skills for each job application by analyzing job descriptions and suggesting relevant abilities that align with your experience.

FAQ

How many skills should I put on my CV?+

Include 8-12 relevant skills that directly relate to the job you're applying for. Focus on quality over quantity and ensure each skill adds value to your application rather than filling space.

Should I separate hard skills and soft skills on my CV?+

You can organize skills by category if it improves readability, but it's not mandatory. Consider grouping by 'Technical Skills,' 'Language Skills,' or 'Core Competencies' based on what makes most sense for your industry and role.

What's the difference between skills and qualifications?+

Skills are abilities you can perform, while qualifications are formal credentials like degrees or certifications. Skills demonstrate what you can do, whereas qualifications show what you've studied or been certified in.

How do I prove my skills on a CV?+

Back up your listed skills with specific examples in your work experience section, quantify achievements where possible, and mention relevant projects or certifications. This provides evidence rather than just claims about your abilities.

Write better applications

CV and cover letter with AI. Professional wording in minutes.

Get started free →

No credit card required