CV Skills Examples — What to Put in Your Skills Section

The skills section is one of the most misused parts of any CV. Here is what actually belongs there — with examples across industries, levels, and the skills that hiring managers and ATS systems actually look for.

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What Actually Belongs in a CV Skills Section

The skills section should contain verifiable, specific, relevant skills — things a hiring manager or ATS can check, match against the job description, or ask you about in an interview.

What does NOT belong:

  • "Good communicator" — show this in your bullet points, not as a skill
  • "Team player" — meaningless without context
  • "Microsoft Office" — assumed for almost every role in 2026
  • "Hard working" — a character trait, not a skill
  • "Attention to detail" — ironic when listed without evidence

Types of Skills to Include

Technical / Hard Skills

Specific, learnable abilities: software proficiency, programming languages, machinery operation, data analysis methods, financial modelling, medical procedures, legal knowledge. These are the skills ATS systems are specifically looking for.

Tools and Platforms

Software and systems you use daily or regularly: CRMs, ERPs, design tools, project management software, analytics platforms. Be specific — "Salesforce" not "CRM software".

Certifications and Qualifications

Formal credentials that verify a skill: AWS Certified Solutions Architect, PMP, ACCA, PRINCE2, Google Analytics Certified. These can be listed in skills or in a separate certifications section.

Languages

State language and proficiency level: Native, Fluent, Professional Working Proficiency, Conversational, Basic.

CV Skills Examples by Industry

Technology / Software Engineering

  • Languages: Python, TypeScript, Java, Go, Rust, SQL
  • Frameworks: React, Node.js, Django, Spring Boot, FastAPI
  • Cloud: AWS (EC2, S3, Lambda, RDS), Google Cloud, Azure
  • DevOps: Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, GitHub Actions, CircleCI
  • Databases: PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis, Elasticsearch
  • Tools: Git, JIRA, Confluence, Datadog, Sentry

Finance and Accounting

  • ERP systems: SAP S/4HANA, Oracle Financials, NetSuite, Sage 200, Xero
  • Standards: IFRS, UK GAAP, FRS 102, US GAAP
  • Analytical: Financial modelling, DCF valuation, budget variance analysis, scenario planning
  • Qualifications: ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CFA, CPA
  • Tools: Advanced Excel, Power BI, Tableau, Bloomberg Terminal

Marketing

  • Digital: SEO, PPC, email marketing, marketing automation, CRO
  • Platforms: HubSpot, Salesforce, Marketo, Google Ads, Meta Ads Manager
  • Analytics: Google Analytics 4, Semrush, Ahrefs, Tableau, Looker
  • Content: Copywriting, content strategy, brand management, PR
  • Social: LinkedIn Campaign Manager, TikTok Ads, Instagram, X (Twitter)

Project Management

  • Methodologies: Agile, Scrum, PRINCE2, Waterfall, SAFe, Kanban
  • Certifications: PMP, PRINCE2 Practitioner, AgilePM, MSP, CAPM
  • Tools: JIRA, MS Project, Smartsheet, Monday.com, Asana, Confluence
  • Competencies: Risk management, stakeholder management, RAID log, change control

Human Resources

  • HRIS systems: Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, ADP, BambooHR, Oracle HCM
  • Qualifications: CIPD Level 5/7, SHRM-CP, PHR, CHRP
  • Competencies: ER case management, talent acquisition, L&D, organisational design, TUPE
  • Tools: Greenhouse, Lever, Taleo, LinkedIn Recruiter

Healthcare (Nursing / Allied Health)

  • Clinical: IV cannulation, phlebotomy, wound care, medication management
  • Certifications: BLS, ACLS, ALS, ILS, PMVA
  • Systems: EMIS Web, SystmOne, Lorenzo, Meditech
  • Regulatory: NMC registration, CQC compliance, NICE guidelines

Data and Analytics

  • Languages: SQL, Python (pandas, NumPy, matplotlib), R
  • BI tools: Tableau, Power BI, Looker, Google Data Studio
  • Cloud/data platforms: Snowflake, BigQuery, Redshift, Databricks, dbt
  • Methods: A/B testing, regression analysis, cohort analysis, forecasting

Legal

  • Areas of law: Corporate, M&A, employment, commercial litigation, IP, real estate
  • Jurisdiction: England and Wales (solicitor), Scottish Law, New York Bar, Barrister (Inner Temple)
  • Tools: Westlaw, LexisNexis, iManage, Relativity
  • Drafting: Share purchase agreements, employment contracts, licensing agreements, due diligence reports

How to Format the Skills Section

For most roles, group skills by category for scannability:

Languages: Python, SQL, TypeScript

Frameworks: React, Node.js, FastAPI

Cloud: AWS (EC2, Lambda, S3, RDS), Docker, Kubernetes

Tools: Git, JIRA, GitHub Actions, Datadog

For non-technical roles, a simple bullet list or comma-separated list works well. Do not use skill bars or percentage ratings — they are meaningless and often break ATS parsers.

How Many Skills to List

Quality over quantity. 8–15 genuinely relevant skills are ideal. A skills section with 40 items is as bad as one with 3 — it signals that the candidate has not filtered for relevance. Only list skills you are comfortable being interviewed on.

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Related guides

Resume Summary Examples →How to Write a CV →ATS CV Checker →