Unlock the next step in your career by crafting a CV that captivates potential employers with unique insights and accomplishments. Employers are inundated with applications, making it crucial to highlight the skills that set you apart.
Whether you're applying for tech roles, administrative positions, or creative jobs, understanding which skills matter most in your field can significantly enhance your employability.
Jump to the example skills list
Hard skills vs soft skills
Hard skills, like data analysis, language fluency, financial forecasting or computer skills demonstrate your technical expertise and proficiency in specific tasks.
They're often industry-specific, proving you have the know-how to meet the job's demands. For example, having proficiency in software like QuickBooks can be pivotal for finance roles, while knowledge of graphic design tools might be essential for creative positions.
Conversely, soft skills—such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—are equally vital. These skills reflect your ability to work well with others, adapt to changing environments, and contribute positively to company culture.
Strong interpersonal skills can enhance your relationships with colleagues and clients, making you a more attractive candidate.
Understanding which skills are necessary for each career path and effectively integrating them into your CV can make all the difference.
Tailoring your CV to feature these desired skills helps potential employers quickly identify your suitability for the role, aligning your capabilities with the needs of their organisation.
When highlighting hard and soft skills in your CV, provide specific examples of how you've applied these skills in past roles. Use quantifiable accomplishments for hard skills, such as "increased sales by 20% using data analysis skills," and concrete outcomes for soft skills, like "led a team of five to improve project efficiency by 30%."
Good Skills for CVs
When putting together a CV, it is crucial to showcase valuable skills across different industries and job roles. Employers frequently seek candidates with technical proficiency and strong interpersonal skills.
Consider highlighting some of these vital skills where relevant:
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CV skills for various professions
Regardless of your industry, customising your CV with pertinent skills is crucial for standing out to potential employers. Highlighting relevant abilities shows that you understand the job requirements and demonstrates your suitability for the role.
Employers often value skills like problem-solving, adaptability, and effective communication, which can give you a competitive edge in your job search.
By aligning your skill set with the needs of the position, you enhance your chances of making a memorable impression and securing an interview.
Healthcare Sector Skills
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Related jobs: Caregiver, Dentist, Doctor, Healthcare Assistant, Nurse, Pharmacist, Physical Therapist.
Education Sector Skills
Education is an essential sector that influences every generation's growth and development. Whether as a teacher, professor, or educational administrator, your role is to inspire and foster learning environments. Skills in curriculum design, classroom management, and educational technology are vital for effectively engaging students and promoting lifelong learning.
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Related jobs: Academic, Graduate, Educator, Teacher
Technology sector skills
The technology sector is a fast-paced and innovative industry that drives the modern world. As a professional in this field, you’ll be on the cutting edge of developing and implementing technologies that transform how we live and work.
Skills in this sector often include computer skills such as programming, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, which are essential for roles ranging from software development to IT support.
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Related jobs: Front-End Developer, Graphic Designer, IT Manager, Software Developer, Programmer
Retail and Customer Service Sector Skills
The retail and customer service sector revolves around providing excellent consumer experiences and impactful merchandising. Professionals here are adept at communication, problem-solving, and using point-of-sale technologies, all crucial for ensuring customer satisfaction and driving sales in dynamic environments.
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Related jobs: Customer Service Representative, Part Time Job, Sales Assistant, Supermarket Job, Tesco Job
Construction and Trades Sector Skills
The construction and trades industries, which focus on building and infrastructure, are crucial to urban development and maintenance. Skills like carpentry, masonry, and blueprint reading are essential, as are teamwork and safety awareness.
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Related jobs: Carpenter, Cleaner, Farm Worker, Housekeeper, Mechanic
Transportation and Logistics
This sector is the backbone of global trade and commerce, involving the movement and coordination of goods and services. From vehicle operation to logistics strategy planning, skills in this industry ensure products are delivered on time and efficiently, maintaining the flow of supply chains worldwide.
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Related jobs: Driver, Truck Driver
Office and Administrative Support
Office and administrative support professionals are essential cogs in any organisation. They keep operations running smoothly by mastering office software, data entry, and organisational skills.
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Related jobs: Administrative, Administrative Assistant, Customer Service Representative, Receptionist
Hospitality and Food Service
Focused on customer care and culinary excellence, the hospitality and food service industry thrives on creating memorable customer experiences. Skills in event planning, food safety, and customer service are crucial in helping establishments deliver high-quality service offerings in hotels, restaurants, and events.
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Related jobs: Barista, Bartender, Cook, Kitchen Porter, Waiter
Accounting & Finance
The accounting and finance sector is pivotal for managing an organisation’s financial health. From auditing to financial forecasting, professionals in this sector rely on analytical skills and attention to detail to ensure sound financial practices, assisting in strategic decision-making and compliance.
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Related jobs: Accountant
Law Enforcement and Security
Dedicated to ensuring public safety and security, this sector encompasses a wide array of responsibilities, including crime prevention and legal enforcement. Proficiency in surveillance, defensive tactics, and understanding legal frameworks are crucial to maintaining law and order, safeguarding communities, and delivering justice.
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Related jobs: Lawyer
Student
As a student, you’re in a dynamic and formative stage, acquiring knowledge and developing skills for future careers. Balancing academic writing, research, and collaboration, students build a foundation that prepares them for the workforce, internships, or further education in various fields.
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Related jobs: Graduate, Internship, Student, Teen
Business and Management
Business executives and professionals guide organisational direction and strive for growth and efficiency. Strategic thinking, leadership, and financial acumen are key skills for a CV that enable managers to make informed decisions, lead teams, and drive innovation and profitability across industries.
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Related jobs: Executive, Project Manager, Team Lead
How to find relevant skills to list in your CV skills
Identifying the right skills to include in your CV is a critical step in crafting an effective CV. Knowing how to pinpoint these skills can significantly enhance the relevance and impact of your CV, tailoring it to fit the expectations of potential employers.
Let's examine the steps to determine which skills to list, starting with a thorough review of the job description.
1. Review the job description
The job description is your starting point and primary resource for identifying the skills needed for a particular position. It's a blueprint outlining what a company is looking for in a candidate, spelling out explicit requirements and implied competencies.
Begin by thoroughly reading through the entire job description. Identify the core responsibilities associated with the role and highlight any skills or qualifications. Companies often categorise skills into 'must-haves' and 'nice-to-haves,' allowing you to prioritise which skills to emphasise on your CV.
For instance, if you're applying for an IT project management position, you might find requirements such as "experience with Agile methodologies," "proficiency in project management software," and "strong leadership skills." Such descriptions provide clear guidance on which technical and soft skills are essential for the job.
Furthermore, job descriptions often contain industry-specific jargon or keywords critical for optimising your CV for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Many companies use these systems to filter candidates before conducting a human review.
Look for repeated words or phrases in the job posting, as these are likely keywords. Implementing these into your CV naturally and authentically—especially within your skills, experience, and summary sections—can improve your chances of passing through the ATS.
When reviewing a job description, create a checklist of the required skills and qualifications, then map each one to your experiences. Next to each skill or requirement mentioned in the job description, note a specific instance from your past roles or projects where you used that skill.
This exercise helps you tailor your CV and cover letter to address each point directly, showing employers that you are not only qualified but also attentive and proactive in presenting your suitability for the position.
2. Choose a CV format that outlines your skills
Choosing the correct CV format is critical for effectively presenting your skills and qualifications. The format should highlight your strengths and meet industry norms.
There are three main formats to consider: chronological, functional, and combination.
The chronological CV is ideal if you have a stable career path in a specific field, as it lists your work experience in reverse order, allowing employers to see your career progression.
The functional CV is best for career changers, recent graduates, or those with employment gaps. This format highlights skills over work history, allowing you to showcase transferable competencies without focusing on specific job titles or timelines.
A combination CV merges both elements by spotlighting skills while providing a chronological work history. This CV format is effective if you have a diverse skill set spanning various industries, allowing you to showcase your abilities and career trajectory.
Regardless of format, it is essential to integrate your skills effectively throughout your CV. To capture attention quickly, start with a compelling personal statement or objective highlighting your most relevant skills.
By carefully selecting a format and tailoring your CV content, you enhance your ability to engage employers and present your career narrative effectively.
Tailor your CV format to match the job you're applying for. If the role highlights specific skills, consider using a functional or combination format to highlight those competencies effectively.
Use a one-size-fits-all approach. Sending the same CV to every job without considering the differences in job requirements and industry standards can make your application appear generic and less appealing to employers.
3. Use a skills section
Creating a dedicated skills section in your CV is an effective strategy for clearly showcasing your competencies and ensuring they align with the job requirements. Begin by identifying the hard and soft skills most relevant to the job description.
List each skill individually and consider adding context to your proficiency. For example, next to your skill, mention experiences or accomplishments that demonstrate your expertise. For instance, instead of simply stating "communication," you might write “communication–developed and delivered presentations that improved client understanding by 30%.”
Another helpful method to enhance this section is to indicate your level of proficiency, such as "beginner," "intermediate," or "advanced." Additionally, if specific skills are particularly relevant to the job, consider using self-assessment ratings or brief descriptions to highlight those strengths.
While organising this section, focus on clarity and ease of reading; bullet points work well to maintain a clean look. Keep this section concise, ideally fitting with your other crucial information on one page, but feel free to include as many relevant skills as needed.
Additional parts of the job search
To kickstart your job search, showcasing your skills across multiple platforms is crucial, ensuring a consistent and professional image. Start with your cover letter, where you should elaborate on the skills from your CV.
Provide concrete examples of how you’ve applied these skills effectively in previous roles or projects, highlighting specific achievements and outcomes.
When preparing for interviews, consider your skills in the context of structured stories that outline your accomplishments.
Use frameworks like the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to give detailed responses that clearly and compellingly demonstrate your expertise. Be prepared to answer questions such as “why do you want to work here?” or requests such as “sell me this pen.” The STAR framework is a great way to prepare for these interview scenarios.
On LinkedIn, keep your skills section up-to-date and seek endorsements from colleagues or clients who can vouch for your abilities. These endorsements add credibility to your profile and can significantly impact potential employers who review your page.
How do you gain skills you don't yet have?
Acquiring new skills is crucial to career development, especially in today's job market. Whether you're looking to advance in your current field or pivot to a new industry, learning how to gain skills you don't yet have can open doors to new opportunities and enhance your professional value, particularly in Ireland's evolving economy.
Begin with a thorough self-assessment to identify and compare your current skills with those needed in your desired role or industry. Reviewing your skills helps pinpoint skill gaps and prioritise what to learn next. Understanding your strengths and areas needing development allows you to focus your efforts effectively.
Online learning platforms offer a flexible way to acquire new skills. Popular options include LinkedIn Learning and Coursera.
These platforms offer a wide range of courses, from technical skills like coding to soft skills like communication and leadership. Certifications from these platforms enhance your CV and demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning.
Consider attending workshops and seminars that provide hands-on experience and networking opportunities. Organisations like Skillnet Ireland offer training programs and workshops tailored to various industries.
These programs are often subsidised and focus on skills in high demand. Participating in these events allows you to learn from experts and engage in interactive sessions while building connections that could assist you professionally.
Finding a mentor who excels in the skills you wish to acquire can expedite your learning process. A mentor provides personalised advice and feedback. Engage with professional networks such as the Irish Management Institute, which offers access to a community of professionals who can guide and support you.
Gaining practical experience is one of the most effective ways to learn new skills. Volunteering for projects that require these skills is beneficial. Many nonprofit organisations look for volunteers, providing a platform to apply and hone new abilities in real-world scenarios.
Similarly, freelancing can be a great way to gain exposure and build a portfolio. Platforms like Upwork offer numerous opportunities to tackle various projects, allowing you to earn and learn simultaneously.
Remember, learning new skills requires time and dedication. Set achievable goals and celebrate your progress. Regular practice solidifies new skills and boosts confidence. Be patient as you learn; mistakes are valuable learning experiences.
Finally, staying informed about the latest industry developments is crucial. Embracing lifelong learning is key to maintaining competence in any professional arena.
By leveraging these strategies and remaining proactive, you can successfully acquire new skills and advance your career. Whether through online courses, workshops, mentorship, volunteering, or industry networking, there are numerous pathways to developing the knowledge and competencies you need to excel.
How to identify skill gaps
Identifying skill gaps is an essential step in personal and professional development. It allows you to target areas for improvement and enhance your marketability.
To get started, conduct a robust self-assessment of your current competencies. Review your past experiences, projects, and roles to understand your strengths and weaknesses.
Next, research the skills in demand within your industry. Examine job descriptions for positions you aspire to and note the skills and qualifications mentioned.
Consulting with recruitment agencies or leveraging platforms like LinkedIn to observe job postings can provide insights into what employers are looking for in candidates.
Another effective approach is to seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, or supervisors. They can offer an external perspective on areas where you excel and those that need improvement.
Professional networks and associations, like those facilitated by Network Ireland, can also be valuable resources for understanding the skills valued in your field.
Industry publications and reports, such as those produced by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), can also highlight emerging trends and future skill demands, helping you anticipate and prepare for market changes.
Attending conferences or seminars in your industry can further inform you about new developments and required expertise.
Ultimately, staying curious and open to learning is vital. Updating your skills in response to identified gaps ensures that you remain competitive and adaptable in a fast-evolving job market.
By actively seeking knowledge and growth opportunities, you can effectively close your skills gaps and align your capabilities with industry expectations.
CV Skills FAQs
What are some special skills I can list?
Special skills are unique abilities that differentiate you from other candidates, particularly in competitive fields. These skills often demonstrate a blend of technical expertise and personal qualities that add value and drive impact in an organisation.
For instance, language fluency is a highly valuable skill, especially in global markets or multicultural environments. Similarly, proficiency in niche software or specific computer skills, such as data visualisation tools like Tableau or specialised CAD software, can also be considered valuable and unique to the workplace.
Creative problem-solving is another valued skill, especially in industries like design or marketing, where innovation drives success. Approaching challenges with fresh perspectives and implementing practical solutions can showcase your capacity to contribute significantly to team and project advancement.
Additionally, skills related to emerging trends, such as knowledge of sustainability practices or data analytics, can demonstrate your awareness of and adaptability to evolving industry standards. The ability to lead in virtual environments or expertise in remote collaboration tools also adds immense value in modern, flexible workplaces.
While it's not illegal to include a photo on your CV, it is generally not recommended to include a photo in your CV. Including a photo can lead to unconscious bias and detract from your skills and qualifications. Instead, focus on crafting a CV that clearly outlines your experience, skills, and achievements relevant to the role you're applying for.
How many skills should I list?
When it comes to putting good skills on a CV, a well-crafted skills section should feature between 5-10 key skills. This range allows you to highlight your core competencies without overwhelming the reader or diluting the impact of your most relevant abilities.
Start by reviewing the job description to identify the most pertinent skills to the role.
While it may be tempting to list every skill you possess, be selective. Focusing on the most relevant skills keeps your CV concise and demonstrates your understanding of what is most important for the role.
Beyond relevance, consider your level of expertise for each skill. Use clear and honest language to describe your proficiency—terms like "expert," "proficient," or "familiar with" can help manage employer expectations and provide a clearer understanding of your skill set.
Remember, quality trumps quantity. A more focused list of skills, supported by examples or achievements demonstrating your expertise, can significantly enhance your CV’s impact.
Can I add hobbies as skills?
Including hobbies and interests as skills on your CV can be a strategic way to highlight personal traits and experiences that contribute to your professional life, especially if you lack formal work experience or are transitioning careers. However, it is crucial to approach this selectively and thoughtfully.
First, consider whether the hobby or interest has fostered skills transferable to the workplace. Hobbies that demonstrate commitment, leadership, or creativity can be particularly valuable.
For example, participation in a community theatre group could illustrate your strong teamwork and communication skills. Team sports participation can also highlight your leadership, teamwork, and strategic thinking abilities.
Moreover, digital hobbies, such as running a personal blog or managing social media accounts, can underscore skills relevant to digital communication and content creation.
These are particularly appealing in marketing, communications, or media roles. Similarly, hobbies such as coding in personal projects can reflect technical acumen for IT roles.
Additionally, certain hobbies may align directly with your industry. A hobby in photography, for instance, can be beneficial if you’re applying for a creative role or a position within a company that values aesthetic skills.
Nevertheless, avoid filling your CV with leisure activities unrelated to the job. Select hobbies strategically and focus on those that have helped you develop skills relevant to your career goals.
When listed thoughtfully, hobbies can add personality and depth to your CV, offering recruiters a glimpse into your character and potential as a team member. Consider how each hobby might enhance your professional image and align this with the role you wish to secure.
When adding hobbies as skills, focus on quantifiable achievements demonstrating the value these activities bring to your professional life. Frame your hobbies in terms of their relevance to the job.
For instance, if you've organised events for a volunteer group, highlight your project management and organisational skills by mentioning specific outcomes, such as "coordinated a charity event that raised €10,000."
This approach provides concrete examples of your competencies, making your hobbies more than just personal interests—they become evidence of your capabilities.
What are the most essential skills to include in my CV?
It is crucial to include a well-curated selection of essential skills in your CV to enhance your chances of getting hired. These skills should reflect your abilities and experiences and align with the specific requirements of the job you’re applying for. Typically, employers look for a balance of hard and soft skills that demonstrate technical prowess and interpersonal effectiveness.
These skills include proficiency in software applications, such as Microsoft Excel for data analysis, Adobe Photoshop for graphic design, or language fluencies for roles in hospitality.
Additionally, consider including skills that reflect modern workplace trends, such as digital literacy or remote teamwork capabilities. These show that you can thrive in contemporary work settings that rely on technology and virtual collaboration.
Always review the job description carefully to determine which skills to highlight. Look for frequently mentioned skills or qualifications and ensure you list them prominently, assuming they align with your expertise.
Finally, always be honest and realistic about your proficiency levels. It’s better to demonstrate a solid command of fewer skills than to exaggerate expertise and risk being unprepared in practice.
Strategically selecting skills essential for the role strengthens your CV, providing a compelling picture of what you bring to the table as a potential hire.
Your CV template style should align with the industry of the role you are applying for. Creative templates are great for portfolio presentations or marketing proposals, where visual impact is paramount.
Modern templates, characterised by clean lines and contemporary layouts, are ideal for tech and IT roles. Professional templates, with their structured formats and conservative design, are best suited for formal professions such as law or accounting.
Simple templates are invaluable for internal positions, administrative roles, or any position where clarity and efficiency are prioritised, ensuring that information is easily digestible and the focus remains on the content rather than the design.
How can I make my skills stand out?
To make your skills stand out on your CV and during your job search, you must go beyond simply listing them.
Instead, provide context and depth that highlight the impact of your expertise and show potential employers exactly how your skills can benefit their organisation. One effective method to highlight your skills is by attaching them to specific achievements.
For example, instead of merely stating "strong communication skills," illustrate this by describing how you "led a cross-departmental team to successfully complete a project that resulted in a 15% increase in productivity."
Another way to enhance your skills' visibility is through quantification. Numbers speak volumes, so use statistics, percentages, or figures to contextualise your accomplishments whenever possible. If you improved a process, note how much time was saved. If you managed budgets, mention the amounts involved.
Using a skills matrix can also be an effective strategy, particularly in technical roles. This approach allows you to visually represent your proficiency levels across various skills, which can quickly communicate your strengths to employers.
Another strategy for making your skills stand out is to highlight continuous learning. Mention any recent certifications, workshops, or courses related to your field. Furthermore, customising your CV for each job application is paramount.
Tailor your skills section to resonate with each job description, showcasing the most relevant skills to the role. Incorporating keywords from the job posting will also improve your CV's chances of clearing the ATS.
Lastly, ensure consistency across all professional platforms, including LinkedIn. A coherent presentation of your skills across various channels reinforces your professional image and can increase the likelihood of being noticed by recruiters.
Important CV do’s and don’ts
A compelling CV is crucial for making a memorable impression on potential employers.
Here are some final essential do's and don'ts to guide you through this process:
- Customise your CV for each job application to align with the specific skills and experiences requested in the job description.
- Highlight your accomplishments rather than just listing responsibilities. Use quantifiable metrics to make your claims, such as "increased sales by 20%."
- Use clear headings, bullet points, and a professional font to ensure your CV is easy to read. A well-structured layout enables recruiters to find key information quickly.
- Integrate keywords from the job description to pass through applicant tracking systems and ensure your CV reaches a human reviewer.
- Mention any ongoing education or certifications to show your commitment to professional growth.
- Start sentences with action verbs like "developed," "managed," or "orchestrated" to convey a sense of initiative and achievement.
- Review your CV for spelling and grammatical errors. Consider having someone else read it to catch mistakes you might overlook.
- Ensure your phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile are easy to find in the header of your CV.
- Include personal details like age, marital status, or PPS number. Focus on relevant professional qualifications instead.
- Lie or exaggerate. Be truthful about your experience and skills. Dishonesty can be discovered and might disqualify you from the job.
- Make it too flashy. While creative roles allow for some design flair, standard roles benefit from a professional and straightforward design layout.
- Forget to update your CV to reflect new roles, skills, and accomplishments to ensure it's always ready for a potential opportunity.
- Include irrelevant information. Avoid cluttering your CV with details that do not pertain to the job you're applying for. Keep it concise, ideally no longer than one or two pages.
- Use vague language. Steer clear of generic phrases like "team player" or "hard worker" without context. Instead, provide specific examples that demonstrate these attributes.
- Ignore formatting consistency. Maintain a consistent style throughout your CV. Inconsistent fonts, sizes, or bullet styles can distract from your content and appear unprofessional.
