Whether you are applying for your first job, an entry-level role, a trainee job, an apprenticeship or a career change opportunity, your skills section can help you stand out. The key is choosing relevant skills and backing them up with evidence where possible.
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Why skills matter on a CV
Employers often scan a CV quickly before deciding whether to read it properly. A clear skills section can help them understand what you can offer within seconds.
Your skills section can show:
- What you are good at
- How you match the job advert
- What kind of work you may be suited to
- Whether you have transferable skills
- Whether you understand what the employer needs
This is especially useful if you have limited work experience. When your employment history is short, your skills, attitude and potential become even more important.
Hard skills vs soft skills
Most CV skills fall into two main groups: hard skills and soft skills.
Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities. These might include data entry, Microsoft Excel, customer service systems, forklift operation, cash handling, first aid, social media scheduling, stock control or using particular software.
Soft skills are personal qualities and behaviours. These might include communication, teamwork, reliability, patience, organisation, problem-solving and adaptability.
A strong CV often includes both. Hard skills show what you can do. Soft skills show how you work.
How to choose the best skills for your CV
The best skills depend on the job. Before writing your CV, read the job advert carefully and look for repeated words or requirements.
Ask yourself:
- What duties does this job involve?
- What skills does the employer mention?
- What qualities would help someone succeed in this role?
- Which of those skills do I genuinely have?
- Can I give examples of using them?
If the advert mentions customers, communication and patience may be important. If it mentions stock, orders or accuracy, attention to detail may matter. If it mentions deadlines, time management and organisation could be useful.
Quick example
If a job advert says the role involves helping customers, handling queries and working in a busy team, your CV could include communication, customer service, teamwork, problem-solving and reliability.
Best general skills to put on a CV
Some skills are useful across many jobs, especially for entry-level and beginner-friendly roles.
Good general CV skills include:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Reliability
- Organisation
- Timekeeping
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Willingness to learn
- Adaptability
- Following instructions
These skills are useful, but they become stronger when you connect them to the job. Do not include every skill just because it sounds good. Choose the most relevant ones.
Best skills for a CV with no experience
If you have no work experience, focus on transferable skills. These are skills you may have developed through education, volunteering, hobbies, responsibilities, sports, clubs, coursework or personal projects.
Useful skills for a no-experience CV include:
- Reliability
- Timekeeping
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Organisation
- Positive attitude
- Willingness to learn
- Basic computer skills
- Problem-solving
- Following instructions
No-experience CV example
Key skills: Reliable and punctual, comfortable working with others, willing to learn new tasks, organised with coursework and deadlines, confident following instructions and asking questions when needed.
For more help, read our guide on how to write a CV with no experience.
Best skills for a first job CV
For a first job CV, employers usually want signs that you will turn up, learn, listen and take the role seriously.
Good first job skills include:
- Reliability
- Good timekeeping
- Polite communication
- Teamwork
- Willingness to learn
- Taking feedback
- Organisation
- Basic IT skills
- Customer awareness
First job CV wording
I am reliable, willing to learn and comfortable working as part of a team. I have developed organisation and timekeeping skills through education and personal responsibilities, and I am keen to build real workplace experience.
Best skills for retail jobs
Retail jobs often involve customers, stock, teamwork and busy periods. Your CV should show that you can be helpful, reliable and calm when things get busy.
Good retail CV skills include:
- Customer service
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Cash handling if relevant
- Stock replenishment
- Problem-solving
- Patience
- Reliability
- Working under pressure
- Product awareness
Retail CV example
Skills: Friendly communication, customer service, teamwork, handling busy periods, staying calm under pressure, reliability and willingness to learn store processes.
Best skills for customer service jobs
Customer service roles need clear communication, patience and the ability to handle questions or problems professionally.
Good customer service CV skills include:
- Listening skills
- Clear communication
- Patience
- Problem-solving
- Empathy
- Complaint handling
- Professional tone
- Computer or CRM skills if relevant
- Accuracy when recording information
Customer service CV wording
Good communication skills with the ability to listen carefully, respond politely and stay calm when helping people with questions or problems.
Best skills for admin jobs
Admin jobs usually require organisation, accuracy and the ability to keep information or tasks moving smoothly.
Good admin CV skills include:
- Organisation
- Attention to detail
- Data entry
- Email communication
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Filing and record keeping
- Diary management if relevant
- Time management
- Confidentiality
Admin CV example
Skills: Organised and accurate with good written communication, basic Microsoft Office skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage tasks in a clear and structured way.
Best skills for warehouse jobs
Warehouse jobs often need reliability, accuracy, teamwork and practical focus. Some roles may also require physical stamina or specific licences.
Good warehouse CV skills include:
- Picking and packing
- Stock control
- Following instructions
- Teamwork
- Reliability
- Timekeeping
- Health and safety awareness
- Attention to detail
- Physical stamina
- Forklift licence if you have one
Warehouse CV wording
Reliable and practical, with good timekeeping, attention to detail and the ability to follow instructions carefully in a busy working environment.
Best skills for hospitality jobs
Hospitality jobs can include cafés, restaurants, hotels, bars, kitchens and events. These roles often need energy, customer awareness and teamwork.
Good hospitality CV skills include:
- Customer service
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Staying calm during busy periods
- Food hygiene awareness if relevant
- Timekeeping
- Problem-solving
- Positive attitude
- Attention to detail
Best skills for care jobs
Care roles require responsibility, patience and respect. Your CV should show that you understand the importance of supporting people properly.
Good care CV skills include:
- Empathy
- Patience
- Reliability
- Communication
- Respect and dignity
- Safeguarding awareness if relevant
- Teamwork
- Observation skills
- Calmness under pressure
Care CV wording
Patient, reliable and respectful, with good communication skills and a genuine interest in supporting people in a caring and responsible way.
Best skills for apprenticeships
For apprenticeships, employers are usually looking for potential. You do not need to know everything already, but you should show that you are committed to learning.
Good apprenticeship CV skills include:
- Willingness to learn
- Commitment
- Listening skills
- Following instructions
- Asking sensible questions
- Timekeeping
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Resilience
Apprenticeship CV example
Motivated and willing to learn, with good timekeeping, teamwork and communication skills. Interested in developing practical skills through work-based training.
Best computer skills to put on a CV
Computer skills can help with many office, admin, customer service, retail and remote roles. Only include software or tools you can genuinely use.
Useful computer skills include:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Google Docs
- Google Sheets
- Email communication
- Data entry
- CRM systems if relevant
- Calendar management
- Basic online research
If you are a beginner, you can write “basic Microsoft Office skills” or “confident using email and online systems” if that is accurate.
How to prove your skills on a CV
Skills are stronger when you can show evidence. Instead of only listing “teamwork”, mention where you used teamwork. Instead of only saying “organised”, show how you managed tasks, deadlines or responsibilities.
You can prove skills through:
- Previous jobs
- Volunteering
- Education
- Projects
- Sports or clubs
- Coursework
- Family responsibilities
- Personal achievements
Weak vs stronger wording
Weak: Good teamwork skills.
Stronger: Worked as part of a group project at college, helping organise tasks and complete the presentation by the deadline.
Where to put skills on your CV
Most CVs include a skills section near the top, below the personal statement. This helps employers quickly see your strengths before reading the rest of the CV.
You can also show skills in other sections, such as:
- Your personal statement
- Work experience descriptions
- Education achievements
- Volunteering sections
- Courses and certificates
Avoid repeating the same skills too many times. Use the skills section as a quick summary, then support the most important skills elsewhere.
How many skills should you include?
For most CVs, around 6 to 10 key skills is enough. Too many skills can make the section look unfocused.
Choose the strongest and most relevant skills for the job. A short, targeted list is better than a long list of generic words.
Skills to avoid putting on a CV
Some skills are too vague or too basic unless they are relevant to the role.
Be careful with:
- Hardworking, without evidence
- Motivated, without context
- Friendly, unless linked to customer service
- Good at computers, without saying which tools
- Team player, without an example
- Fast learner, unless you can explain it
These are not banned, but they need context. Try to make your skills specific and useful.
CV skills checklist
Before sending your CV, check:
- Your skills match the job advert
- You have not listed too many skills
- You can explain each skill if asked
- You have included both practical and personal skills where useful
- You have removed irrelevant skills
- You have not exaggerated your ability
Ready to use your skills in your next role?
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Final thoughts
The best skills to put on a CV are relevant, honest and matched to the role. Do not fill your CV with random buzzwords just to sound impressive.
Choose skills that help the employer understand why you could do the job well. Then support those skills with examples from work, education, volunteering, responsibilities or projects wherever possible.
FAQs
What are the best skills to put on a CV?
The best skills depend on the job, but common useful skills include communication, teamwork, reliability, organisation, problem-solving, attention to detail and willingness to learn.
How many skills should I list on my CV?
Around 6 to 10 relevant skills is usually enough. Focus on quality and relevance rather than listing everything.
What skills should I put on a CV with no experience?
Use transferable skills such as reliability, timekeeping, teamwork, communication, organisation, willingness to learn and following instructions.
Should I include computer skills on my CV?
Yes, if they are relevant. Include specific tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Google Docs, Google Sheets, data entry or CRM systems if you can use them.
Should I change my CV skills for each job?
Yes. Adjust your skills section so it matches the job advert and highlights the skills most relevant to that employer.
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