What are the relevant skills to add to a CV?

When you are applying for a job, your CV is what leaves the first impression. Undoubtedly, one of the most important sections is your skills section. The survey conducted by LinkedIn in 2024 shows that around 92% of hiring managers say that soft skills are equally important as hard skills. Another real report by Indeed indicates that CVs with a list of definite skills have a higher chance of being shortlisted.

Still, many job seekers are not sure which skills to add. Some use unclear terms. Others fill up the section with skills that don’t match the job. That’s a big mistake.

In this blog, we’ll make it super easy for you. We’ll explain what relevant skills are, why they matter, and how to choose the best ones. We’ll also give you a list of the top 10 best skills to add to any CV. Whether you’re writing your own or opting for professional CV help near me, this guide will help you get it right.

Why Are Skills Important on a CV?

Skills show what you can do. They tell the employer if you’re a good fit for the job. Even if you have experience, your skills explain how you work and what you bring to the team.

Mainly, there are two types of skills you must know about. Furthermore, you can ask any professional CV writer to help you write your skills on a resume in the best way possible.

➢   Hard Skills

These are technical skills you need to learn after training or your education.

➢   Soft Skills

These are personal qualities or people skills.

Both types are important. The right mix helps you stand out.

How to Choose Relevant Skills for Your CV

Not all skills belong on every CV. Relevant skills are the only ones that match the job you are applying for. If you are applying for a writing job, skills like fluent English and strong sentence structure matter. Likewise, for an IT job, debugging or coding is more important.

Here’s how to find the right ones:

➔ Read the job description carefully. Look for words like “required skills” or “preferred skills.”

➔ Match your skills to those keywords.

➔ Be honest. Only add skills you truly have.

➔ Keep it short and clear. Aim for 8–10 key skills.

Top 10 Best Relevant Skills to Add to a CV

These 10 skills are useful in most industries and job roles. They are often seen on successful CVs:

1.     Communication

Speaking and writing clearly.

2.     Teamwork

Working well with others.

3.     Problem-solving

Finding smart ways to fix issues.

4.     Time Management

Using your time well to meet deadlines.

5.     Adaptability

Handling change and new tasks easily.

6.     Leadership

Leading teams or projects.

7.     Technical Skills

Job-specific tools or software knowledge.

8. Attention to Detail

Eliminating all the errors and paying attention to the quality.

9. Customer Service

Supporting and helping customers and clients.

10. Creativity

Thinking of new ideas and better ways to work.

You don’t need to include all of these. Pick the ones that fit your role and your strengths.

Where to Place Skills on Your CV

Adding skills in the right place helps employers find them fast.

 You can list them in two main sections:

➢   Skills Section

Make a short bullet list.

Group soft and hard skills separately if needed.

➢   Work Experience Section

Show how you’ve used your skills in real jobs.

Example: “Managed a team of 4 to complete a project before the deadline.”

This helps prove your skills instead of just naming them.

Examples of Soft and Hard Skills

Here is a quick table that will help you better understand the difference between soft and hard skills. These are just the examples, you can also add some others that perfectly fit your role.

Mistakes to Avoid When Listing Skills

Even if you have great skills, how you write them matters. Avoid these common mistakes:

1.     Adding too many skills

This can make your CV look messy. Stick to the most relevant ones.

2.     Using unclear words

Avoid vague terms like “people person” or “hard worker.” Be specific.

3.     Copying others

Don’t copy skills from someone else’s CV. Your CV should reflect your own strengths.

4.     Forgetting to update

Always update your skills to include recent tools, technologies, or experiences.

How Professional Writers Can Help

If writing a CV feels hard, don’t worry. Many professionals use CV writers or resume experts to help them. These experts:

➔ Know what hiring managers look for.

➔ Can choose the right keywords.

➔ Make your CV clean and easy to read.

They also help you smartly highlight your best skills. So, if you’re not confident in writing, hiring a CV writer can be a good step.

Final Tips to Make Your Skills Stand Out

➔ Use simple language. Write so anyone can understand.

➔ Show proof of your skills with real examples.

➔ Keep your CV short, usually 1 to 2 pages.

➔ Update it often to stay current.

Good vs. Poor Skill Statements

Let’s have a look at some of the statements. This table will help you differentiate between poor and good examples.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are relevant skills?

Relevant skills are those that matches the job you are applying for. For example, of you are applying to a sales job, then you can write skills like customer service, and communication.

2. How many skills should I mention on my CV?

You should add about 8 to 10 skills.

Pick the ones that match the job and show what you’re good at.

3. Where do I put skills on my CV?

You can list your skills in a separate “Skills” section.

Also, show how you used those skills in your past jobs under “Work Experience”.

Conclusion

Adding the right relevant skills on a CV can help you get noticed and hired faster. Make sure your skills match the job. Use real examples. Keep your language clear and simple. And don’t forget, if you’re unsure, professional writers can offer you professional help.

 The skills section may be small, but it makes a big impact. Choose wisely and write simply because this is what matters.