How to Boost Your CV: Skills to Highlight
When employers review your CV, they are not just looking at your job titles or dates of employment. What really grabs their attention are the skills that show you are the perfect fit for the role and the team. Highlighting the right skills on your CV can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview and ultimately securing the job.
A great way to start is by including a dedicated skills section near the top of your CV. This allows recruiters to quickly see your relevant abilities before diving into your work history. Be sure to include a well balanced mix of hard and soft skills tailored specifically to the job you are applying for. Hard skills might include technical expertise, software proficiency, industry certifications, or specialised knowledge essential for the role. For example, skills such as proficiency in Microsoft Office, project management software, or qualifications in your trade can be very valuable.
Equally important are your soft skills, which reveal how you work with others and approach your responsibilities. Employers highly value candidates who demonstrate excellent communication, strong organisation, friendliness, adaptability, enthusiasm, and a solid work ethic. These qualities show you are flexible and ready to contribute positively to the team dynamic.
To really boost your CV’s effectiveness, tailor your skills section for every job application. Carefully read the job description and mirror the exact keywords they use. This is important because many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan CVs for these keywords before a human even looks at them. Including these keywords ensures your CV gets noticed and passes the initial screening.
Don’t stop at simply listing skills; provide clear examples of how you’ve used them in your past roles. Instead of just stating “communication skills,” describe situations such as “led team meetings and liaised with clients to ensure successful project delivery.” Concrete examples help hiring managers visualise your capabilities in action.
If you’re feeling unsure about how to highlight the skills that will make your CV stand out, Karen’s Job Services specialises in professional resume writing to help you showcase your strengths confidently and clearly. Book a session today to get a CV tailored to your unique experience and career goals that will capture employer attention and support your job search success.