Top Skills to Include on a CV in 2025 - Best CV Skills for Every Job

Skills are an integral part of any curriculum vitae (CV). They tell potential employers whether you are an ideal candidate for the job, and not only that, they are also key to passing the dreaded applicant tracking system (ATS) increasingly used by many companies today to screen applicants. So, what are the best skills to put on a CV? Employers usually give interested applicants all the information they need in the job posting, so make sure you comb over the company advertisement carefully. With that in mind, below are the skills that employers deem most important to have.

Industry-specific skills

Every job in every industry calls for a particular set of skills. For instance, an IT job will require proficiency in computers and programming languages, while customer service necessitates communication, persuasive speaking, and so on. Industry-specific skills, also known as hard or technical skills, must always be part of your skills to put on a CV because they prove to recruiters that you have the qualifications and abilities required to perform the position’s inherent tasks and responsibilities. Some of the most in-demand industry-specific skills today include computer programming, accounting, data analysis, and SEO.

When listing industry-specific or hard skills on your CV, it’s crucial to present them in a way that is clear, concise, and directly relevant to the job you’re applying for. Here are some best practices:

Communication

Inarguably the most indispensable skills for a CV to have, the ability to communicate effectively means you'll get on well with co-workers, supervisors, and customers. Good communicators are also good listeners who can convey and share their ideas convincingly and assertively while being respectful of other people's perspectives. Don't just list it off in a Soft Skills section. Actually, don't create that block at all, as it holds zero valuable information for a recruiter. Anyone can claim they are good at communicating or are a team player. Instead, pepper it across your professional experience content in ways that hint at your communication abilities subtly yet elegantly. Whenever possible, always add measurable data, like accomplishments, team size, budgets, etc. Whatever information you can share under your NDA should be included in your CV to serve as proof of your soft skills. 

Problem-Solving

A knack for solving problems and making fast decisions is a huge asset in a modern employee’s skillset, whether they are in academia, transitioning to the private sector from the military, or seeking an executive role. Employers across industries value this skill, as it demonstrates an individual’s capacity to navigate modern market challenges, adapt to unexpected situations (which are many, considering the technical progress, advancement of AI, and how whole industries are getting affected), and contribute to a company’s success. In today’s environment, problems are inevitable, if anything - they will come no matter what, and they often require extreme out-of-the-box thinking, along with the ability to tread carefully and navigate these obstacles with grace. More than ever, companies actively seek employees who can think critically, remain calm under pressure, and find elegant yet simple solutions to problems. 

That being said, simply listing "problem-solving" as a skill on your CV is not a good idea. To truly make a point to a recruiter that you are indeed a problem solver, you should integrate it naturally into your professional experience section. Instead of typing "problem-solving," describe how you identified an issue, took action, and achieved a successful outcome. This approach provides concrete evidence of problem-solving skills rather than just mentioning the term.

Keep in mind that employers nowadays tend to evaluate problem-solving skills during the hiring process through behavioral interview questions, situational judgment tests, and even real-world case studies. Some companies also use assessment centers where applicants must collaborate on a problem-solving exercise or complete logic-based tests that evaluate their decision-making abilities.

Beyond the CV, candidates can use their cover letter to reinforce their problem-solving expertise. A well-crafted cover letter can highlight a specific challenge they overcame in a previous role, demonstrating how their skills led to measurable results. 

Flexibility

Circumstances at work and role requirements can change rapidly in the current work climate. This includes adapting to new technologies faster, learning new apps and software, or adjusting to shifting team dynamics. Whichever the case, employers are looking for people who are embracing change and not shunning it.

How to showcase flexibility on a CV:

Example 1: If you transitioned to a new role or department, mention how you successfully adapted.
"Promoted from Sales Associate to Team Lead within six months, adapting quickly to leadership responsibilities and exceeding team sales targets by 20%."

Example 2: If you've learned a new tool or software on the job, highlight it.
"Mastered [New Software] in just three weeks, streamlining reporting processes and improving efficiency by 30%."

Example 3: If you've worked in different industries or projects, emphasize your adaptability.
"Successfully transitioned from retail to customer service, leveraging communication skills to improve customer satisfaction ratings by 25%."

Main mistakes to avoid:

Creativity

Companies nowadays need innovative, creative thinkers who can solve problems in unique, often cheaper and faster, ways. Practical application of creativity and out-of-the-box thinking can set you apart and be a deciding factor between a call-back and silence from a recruiter.

How to showcase creativity on a CV

Example 1: If you improved a process or developed a new strategy, mention the impact.
"Developed a new customer feedback system that increased survey response rates by 40%, leading to actionable product improvements."

Example 2: If you designed something innovative, highlight it.
"Created an engaging social media campaign that boosted engagement by 300% and led to a 25% increase in brand awareness."

Example 3: If you solved a major challenge in a unique way, describe it.
"Redesigned the company's onboarding process, reducing new hire training time by 50% while increasing employee retention."

As with communication, problem-solving, and flexibility, do not simply list creativity in your Skills section - rather, show how you applied it using practical examples from your professional experience.

By quantifying your impact and using specific examples, you make your soft skills stand out, making you a stronger candidate in the eyes of recruiters.

How to Describe Skills on Your CV

These days, being highly skilled means very little unless you can convey those skills on your CV in the best way possible. Here’s how to ensure the quality of your skills for CV is noticed.

1. Show how you put your skills to good use – cite examples of your previous work where your skills helped the company achieve desired results. It helps if you can convey your accomplishments in a quantifiable manner.

Example: Communication skills – encouraged the team to start using automated systems, resulting in a 50% productivity increase.

2. Use strong, descriptive words – passive phrases such as “responsible for” or “duties included” make an applicant come off as inexperienced or lacking the drive to succeed. Use action verbs and resume power words for a stronger, more convincing impression.

Example: Flexibility – self-taught use of new office software to begin company projects up and running.

Let Resumeble take care of your CV for you

Hiring a professional CV writing service is worth its weight in gold. A CV written by an expert will possess everything that will entice an employer to make that call and schedule that interview. With Resumeble in charge, you wouldn’t have to worry about your list of skills for a CV. Take advantage of Resumeble’s 60-day interview guarantee. 

Three Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About CV Writing