Resume & CV
Expert CV Writing (7 Valuable Skills You Should Love to Boast About)
There are valuable skills to put on a CV to make the right first impression. What are these skills? This article explores seven valuable skills for your CV and how they can help you get hired. Make no mistake, writing a powerhouse CV or resume is an art. In today’s competitive job market, savvy job seekers must master this art to impress recruiters.
Written By Ita John
Founder, CVJury
Published 31 March 2024Updated 12 October 20264 min read
Viewing a CV or resume as a simple profile document is a common mistake. Many overlook the importance of including the right skills in their CV. However, it's crucial to remember that recruiters and hiring managers actively seek these valuable skills. So, what are these valuable skills for your CV? The seven valuable skills are:
- Adaptability
- Core technical skills
- Influencing
- Organisation, management & leadership
- People & relationship building
- Problem-solving
- Self-confidence
The Need To Stand Out
Your CV is the most crucial item in your job search tool kit.
You need to craft an impactful CV or resume. One that will get you job interviews and get you hired by an employer.
It must be compelling. So, the recruiter can't wait to meet you. That is the ultimate purpose of a good CV or resume.
The current job search marketplace is fiercely competitive. A single job advert gets an average of 200 job applications. That's many other people like you vying for the same role.
Only candidates with an outstanding profile get interviewed; employers want to hire only the best candidate.
In the battle to stand out, your CV or resume is critical.
Your Qualifications Are Not Unique
It doesn't matter how qualified you think you are. There are tons of other applicants just as qualified, or maybe more so. But don't be intimidated.
There are other ways to stand out in a pool of equally qualified job candidates and make your CV unique. It's your uniqueness that will get the attention of recruiters.
Your CV or resume is one of the first documents to influence whether you get picked or ignored in the job race. Your best bet is to make sure your CV slays.
CV Tips
Your success in the job search market begins with the very first step. And creating your CV or resumé is that step.
We will show you 7 Critical Skills to incorporate into your CV or resumé to make it stand out.
Before we discuss them, you should know that there are two types of skills: soft skills and hard skills.
Soft skills are part of a person’s character.
Hard skills are abilities you acquired through learning.
Examples of soft, valuable skills
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Decision-making
- Organisational
- Problem-solving
- Stress management
- Teamwork
- Time management
Examples of hard, valuable skills
- Analytical Skills
- Computer Skills
- Management Skills
- Marketing Skills
- Presentation Skills
- Project Management Skills
- Technical Skills (IT, Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, etc.)
Having the right skill sets and presenting them the right way will add value to your CV or resume. Doing so will boost your chances of the recruiter selecting you for an interview.
So, make sure to include in your CV or resume the skills you have that match the job description requirements. Then, focus on your soft skills, as most employers are interested in a candidate’s soft skills.
Many employers look for problem-solving, leadership, self-reliance, and team-building skills. These are some top skills hiring managers want to see in a CV and explore further in the interview.
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KEY SKILLS
7 Valuable Skills to Put On a CV or Resume
Here are the skills to include that will add value to your CV or resume:
1
Interpersonal Skills
Let your CV show you are good at organising and communicating with others in a way that achieves results. Most employers prefer an affable employee to a ‘lone ranger’ who does their work alone.
2
Leadership
Your resume should be compelling. It must show how your leadership abilities improve results and get better outcomes.
3
Problem-Solving
Every organisation exists to solve a given problem. Can you simplify complex challenges and solve them? Can you explain how you solve problems? Your CV or resume needs to show your ability to come up with solutions to challenges.
4
Technical Know-How
Most job postings will state specific skill requirements. Your CV or resumé must include these core skills and any relevant work experience.
5
Versatility
The business landscape is more dynamic now than ever. Show how flexible and adaptable you are, especially in an unforeseen event.
6
Organisation Skills
No employer likes disorganised employees. Your CV or resume should show your ability to set goals and achieve them. Doing so will prove your ability to design, plan, and carry out tasks and projects within a schedule.
7
Self-Confidence
Yes, it's a skill. Many qualified job candidates miss out on hiring opportunities because of a lack of confidence. Your CV should show that you are a confident person. You must believe in yourself and your unique skills, education, and abilities. If you don't, why would a prospective employer? In your CV, show what you have to offer the employer so that the recruiter is immediately interested in you.
CV Tip
One of the top tips for writing an interview-winning CV is to be honest about your job application skills.
Avoid just listing your skills. Instead, give the context in which your skills allowed you to achieve a positive result.
Do you need to develop some specific job skills? Then focus on learning them to enhance your employability.
Further Reading: Skills to Put on CV
- 268 soft skills to put on CV (in 24 categories)
- Resume builder plus 45 templates
About the author
Ita John
Founder, CVJuryDr John founded CVJury in 2022. He previously worked as an IT recruiter in the London market for nearly seven years at Star Jobs Recruitment and founded the NECareersConnect careers platform. He brings experience in recruitment, practical project management, and business development. Earlier in his career, he taught business and economics at Oxford Brookes University and in Nigeria for over a decade. He lives in England with his wife and three sons. He earned a PhD in Entrepreneurship, International Business, and Economics from Oxford Brookes University. See how his background shapes the work he does for you. Read his story..
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