What to Put in the Skills Section of a CV (2026 Guide + 100 Examples)
What to put in the skills section of a CV? Learn 100+ hard and soft skills, how to choose them, and how to tailor your CV skills section for ATS in 2026.
What to Put in the Skills Section of a CV (2026 Guide + 100 Examples)
According to Jobscan, 75% of CVs are rejected by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) before a human ever reads them. According to Indeed:
> "Recruiters spend an average of 6-7 seconds on an initial resume scan."
That means your skills section has seconds to prove you're a fit. According to CV Library:
> "Your CV skills section is the perfect way to showcase your in-demand skills and ensure they get noticed by recruiters."
But most job seekers get it wrong. They list generic traits ("hardworking," "team player") instead of the specific, keyword-rich skills that ATS software and recruiters are actually searching for.
This guide shows you exactly what to put in the skills section of your CV — with 100+ examples, a step-by-step selection process, and ATS optimization tips.
“What to Put in a CV Skills Section: Key Takeaways
- Include 8-12 skills maximum — quality over quantity
- Split 60% hard skills, 40% soft skills
- Every skill should match the job description
- Be specific: 'Python' not 'coding'
- Use exact language from the job posting for ATS
- Avoid generic traits like 'hardworking'
- Place the section near the top of your CV
- Never use skill bars or graphics”
What You'll Learn in This Guide
- The difference between hard skills and soft skills
- 100+ skills you can put on your CV
- How to choose the right skills for each job
- Skills by career stage (fresher, mid-career, senior)
- Skills by industry
- What NOT to put in your skills section
- ATS optimization tips for the skills section
First: Hard Skills vs Soft Skills
Before choosing what to put in your CV skills section, you need to understand the two categories. According to Indeed:
> "Hard skills are teachable and measurable abilities, while soft skills are interpersonal traits that are harder to quantify."
| Category | Definition | Examples | ATS Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard Skills | Teachable, measurable technical abilities | Python, Excel, SEO, CPA, project management | Heavily weighted — ATS matches these as keywords |
| Soft Skills | Interpersonal traits and behaviors | Communication, leadership, adaptability, teamwork | Lower ATS weight — value shown through achievements |
According to LinkedIn's 2025 Skills-First Report:
> "92% of hiring managers say soft skills matter as much or more than hard skills."
The 60/40 Rule: For every 10 skills on your CV, aim for 6 hard skills and 4 soft skills. Hard skills get you past ATS. Soft skills win over human reviewers.
According to Harvard Business Review:
> "The most effective CVs show skills in both a dedicated list and demonstrated through achievements."
How to Choose Skills for Your CV (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Extract Skills from the Job Description
According to CV Library:
> "Use the job description to guide you. Read through and highlight any skills you possess that the employer has deemed to be the most important."
The Extraction Method:
1. Copy the job description into a separate document
2. Highlight every noun that describes a skill, tool, or ability
3. Separate into hard skills and soft skills
4. Cross out any you don't have
5. The remaining list is your starting point
Step 2: Match Your Skills to Each Requirement
Not every skill you have belongs on your CV. According to Indeed:
> "Only include skills you can demonstrate with a specific example or proof."
Match Each Skill to Evidence:
| Skill from Job Post | Your Evidence | Include on CV? |
|---|---|---|
| Project Management | Led a 6-month project with 12 stakeholders | ✅ Yes |
| Salesforce | 3 years of daily Salesforce use | ✅ Yes |
| Python | Completed online course, no work experience | ⚠️ Only if you can discuss it in an interview |
| Video Editing | Edited one Instagram Reel in 2021 | ❌ No — unless the role requires it |
Step 3: Prioritize the Most Relevant 8-12
According to CV Library:
> "It's best to limit yourself to no more than 10 skills in your key skills section. This should give a really high-level overview."
Prioritization Rules:
- Skills mentioned first in the job description = highest priority
- Skills repeated across multiple job postings = high priority
- Skills that are unique to your profile = moderate priority
- Skills that are generic = low priority or cut
Final split:
- 5-7 hard skills (matching the job description)
- 3-5 soft skills (backed by your experience section)
- Total: 8-12 skills maximum
Step 4: Write Them Specifically
According to CV Library:
> "Be as specific as possible where you can. For example, don't just say 'coding' but give specific languages such as Python and JavaScript."
Weak vs Strong Skills:
| ❌ Weak | ✅ Strong |
|---|---|
| "Good with computers" | "Advanced Excel (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables), Python, SQL" |
| "Marketing" | "SEO, Google Analytics (GA4), HubSpot, Paid Social" |
| "Communication skills" | "Client presentations, cross-functional collaboration, technical writing" |
| "Leadership" | "Team leadership (12+ reports), cross-departmental project management" |
| "Accounting" | "Financial reporting, GAAP compliance, SAP, CPA-certified" |
| "Problem-solving" | "Root cause analysis, process improvement, cost reduction" |
100+ Skills to Put on Your CV (By Category)
Technical / Hard Skills
| Category | Skills |
|---|---|
| Programming & Development | Python, JavaScript, Java, C++, C#, PHP, Ruby, Go, SQL, TypeScript, HTML/CSS |
| Cloud & DevOps | AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, CI/CD, Jenkins |
| Data & Analytics | SQL, Excel (Advanced), Tableau, Power BI, Google Analytics, Python (Pandas, NumPy), R, Machine Learning |
| Design & Creative | Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Figma, Sketch, Canva, After Effects, Premiere Pro |
| Marketing & SEO | SEO, SEM, Google Ads, Meta Ads, HubSpot, Mailchimp, Content Strategy, Copywriting |
| Project Management | Agile, Scrum, Kanban, Jira, Asana, Monday.com, Trello, MS Project, PMP |
| Finance & Accounting | GAAP, IFRS, Financial Modeling, Forecasting, QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle, Excel (Advanced) |
| Sales & CRM | Salesforce, HubSpot CRM, Lead Generation, Negotiation, Cold Calling, Pipeline Management |
| HR & People Ops | Workday, BambooHR, Recruitment, Onboarding, Performance Management, HRIS |
| Healthcare | Electronic Health Records (EHR), Epic, Cerner, Patient Care, HIPAA Compliance, BLS/ACLS |
| Engineering | AutoCAD, SolidWorks, MATLAB, Finite Element Analysis, Blueprint Reading, OSHA Compliance |
| Languages | Spanish, French, German, Mandarin, Arabic, Hindi, Portuguese (specify proficiency level) |
Soft Skills (With Context)
Soft skills should never appear alone — they should be supported by context in your experience section.
| Soft Skill | How to Strengthen It |
|---|---|
| Communication | Client-facing communication, executive presentations, technical writing |
| Leadership | Team leadership, mentoring, cross-functional coordination |
| Problem-Solving | Root cause analysis, process improvement, conflict resolution |
| Adaptability | Rapid tool adoption, cross-functional collaboration, change management |
| Time Management | Deadline-driven delivery, multi-project coordination, prioritization |
| Collaboration | Cross-departmental projects, remote team coordination, stakeholder alignment |
| Critical Thinking | Data-driven decision-making, strategic analysis, risk assessment |
| Emotional Intelligence | Team mediation, client relations, mentoring junior staff |
| Creativity | Campaign ideation, product innovation, problem reframing |
| Attention to Detail | Quality assurance, compliance documentation, financial accuracy |
Skills by Career Stage
Fresher / School Leaver Skills
According to Indeed:
> "If you have limited work experience, focus on transferable skills and technical skills learned through education, volunteering, or personal projects."
Best skills to include:
- IT Proficiency (Microsoft Office, Google Suite)
- Written & Verbal Communication
- Research Skills
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Time Management
- Problem-Solving
- Foreign Languages (specify level)
- Any certifications or course completions
- Volunteer Coordination
- Academic Awards
Mid-Career Skills (4-10 Years)
Best skills to include:
- Industry-specific technical skills
- Project management (Agile, Scrum, tools)
- Team leadership & mentoring
- Budget management
- Stakeholder communication
- Strategic planning
- Data analysis
- Software and platform proficiency
- Client relationship management
- Cross-functional collaboration
Senior / Executive Skills
Best skills to include:
- Strategic leadership
- P&L management
- Organizational change
- Executive communication
- Board-level reporting
- Mergers & acquisitions (if relevant)
- Talent development
- Market expansion
- Governance & compliance
- Industry thought leadership
Skills for Career Changers
According to Indeed:
> "Transferable skills are abilities that can be applied across different roles and industries."
High-value transferable skills:
| Transferable Skill | Where It Applies |
|---|---|
| Communication | Every role in every industry |
| Project Management | Business, tech, operations, marketing |
| Data Analysis | Marketing, finance, HR, operations |
| Leadership | Any management or team-lead track |
| Problem-Solving | Every role — especially consulting, ops, tech |
| Client Relations | Sales, account management, customer success |
| Budgeting | Any role with financial responsibility |
| Training & Mentoring | HR, L&D, management, education |
What NOT to Put in Your CV Skills Section
According to Indeed and Jobscan, avoid these:
| ❌ Don't Include | Why It Hurts | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Generic traits ("hardworking", "team player") | Says nothing specific, wastes space | Replace with contextual soft skills + evidence |
| Skills you can't demonstrate | Damages trust in interviews | Only list skills you can discuss with examples |
| Unrelated hobbies | Distracts from your professional profile | Keep hobbies out unless relevant to the role |
| Outdated technologies | Signals you haven't kept up with the field | Remove anything 10+ years out of date |
| Skill bars or graphics | ATS cannot read them | Use plain text bullets with skill names |
| Every skill you've ever had | Signals you don't know what matters | Cut to 8-12 most relevant skills |
| Microsoft Word / Email (for professionals) | Assumed baseline — not a differentiator | Only include if the job specifically asks |
ATS Optimization for Your Skills Section
According to Jobscan, 75% of CVs are rejected by ATS before reaching a human recruiter. Here's how to make sure yours passes:
| ATS Rule | How to Comply |
|---|---|
| Use standard section heading | Label it 'Skills' or 'Key Skills' — not 'Proficiencies' |
| Avoid tables and columns | Use a simple bulleted list |
| Use standard fonts | Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman |
| Include exact keyword matches | Mirror the job description's language |
| Both acronyms and full forms | "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)" |
| Avoid graphics and icons | Plain text only |
According to Indeed:
> "Use standard section headings like 'Skills' — ATS software is designed to recognize these and may not parse creative alternatives."
Before and After: Skills Section Rewrite
Before (Weak)
“Skills
• Hardworking
• Team player
• Good communication
• Microsoft Office
• Leadership
• Problem-solving
• Flexible
• Reliable
• Motivated
• Fast learner”
After (Strong)
“Skills
• Project Management (Agile, Scrum, Jira)
• Stakeholder Communication (executive-level reporting, cross-departmental collaboration)
• Data Analysis (Advanced Excel, SQL, Tableau)
• Process Improvement (documented 22% efficiency gain)
• Team Leadership (managed 8-person cross-functional team)
• CRM Platforms (Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Google Workspace & Microsoft Office Suite
• Vendor Negotiation (achieved 15% cost reduction)
• Budget Management ($500K+ portfolio)
• Technical Writing (SOPs, user guides, documentation)”
Expert Quotes to Remember
“"Your CV skills section is the perfect way to showcase your in-demand skills and ensure they get noticed by recruiters."”
“"Use the job description to guide you. Read through and highlight any skills you possess that the employer has deemed to be the most important."”
“"Be as specific as possible where you can. For example, don't just say 'coding' but give specific languages such as Python and JavaScript."”
“"92% of hiring managers say soft skills matter as much or more than hard skills."”
“"Tailoring your CV to the job description can increase your match rate by up to 40%."”
Sources & References
- Jobscan — ATS rejection rates and keyword matching
- Indeed — Skills section guidance and resume scanning data
- LinkedIn Skills-First Report — Skills-based hiring trends
- National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) — Employer skills preferences
- CV Library — Skills section examples and formatting tips
- Harvard Business Review — Resume effectiveness research
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) — Occupational skills data
Conclusion: Choose Skills That Match the Job
According to Jobscan, 75% of CVs are rejected by ATS before a human sees them. According to CV Library:
> "Use the job description to guide you. Read through and highlight any skills you possess that the employer has deemed to be the most important."
Key Takeaways:
- Include 8-12 skills maximum
- Aim for 60% hard skills and 40% soft skills
- Every skill should match something in the job description
- Be specific — name tools, languages, and certifications
- Mirror the exact language of the job post for ATS
- Avoid generic traits and skill bars
- Tailor for every application
Action Steps for Today:
1. Copy a job description for a role you're targeting
2. Highlight every skill the employer wants
3. Match your abilities against that list
4. Write 8-12 specific skills (60% hard, 40% soft)
5. Place the section near the top of your CV
6. Build your ATS-optimized CV with our ATS CV Maker
What should I put in the skills section of my CV?
Put 8-12 skills that directly match the job description, split between hard skills (specific tools, technologies, and technical abilities) and soft skills (interpersonal traits like communication and leadership). According to Jobscan, tailoring your skills to the job description increases your ATS match rate by up to 40%.
What are the best skills to put on a CV?
The best skills are the ones the employer explicitly asks for in the job description. According to NACE, the top attributes employers seek are problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. Pair these with role-specific hard skills like programming languages, certifications, or software proficiency.
How many skills should I put in my CV skills section?
List 8-12 skills maximum. According to Indeed, 'recruiters spend an average of 6-7 seconds on an initial resume scan,' so focusing on your most relevant and impressive skills is more effective than listing everything. Quality always beats quantity.
Should I put soft skills in my CV skills section?
Yes, but balance them with hard skills. According to LinkedIn's 2025 Skills-First Report, '92% of hiring managers say soft skills matter as much or more than hard skills.' Aim for roughly 60% hard skills and 40% soft skills.
What should I not put in my CV skills section?
Avoid generic traits like 'hardworking' or 'team player' without evidence, skills you cannot demonstrate in an interview, unrelated hobbies, outdated technologies, or graphics and skill bars (which ATS systems cannot read).
About the Author
Ash is a resume expert and career strategist who has helped thousands of candidates land interviews through ATS-optimized resumes. Ash's work has been cited in leading career publications and trusted by job seekers worldwide.
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