A strong CV skills section lists 6 to 12 skills that match the job: hard skills (specific, measurable abilities like Excel, AutoCAD, accounting software or a programming language) and a few soft skills (like communication, teamwork or problem solving) backed up by examples elsewhere in your CV. Group skills into categories, add a level where it helps (for example “Excel: advanced, pivot tables and VLOOKUP”), use the same words as the job ad when they’re true for you, and leave out basic skills that every applicant has.
- Hard skills prove you can do the job. Soft skills show how you work.
- Match your skills to the job ad, honestly.
- Group skills and add levels or tools for clarity.
- Prove soft skills with examples in your experience section.
- Add your skills to a clean template in the free CV, Resume and Biodata Maker.
“MS Word, MS Excel, Internet browsing”
Imagine a recruiter reviewing applications for a data entry and reporting role. Almost every CV lists the same skills: “MS Word, MS Excel, Internet browsing, Email”. None of them stand out.
One CV says: “Excel (advanced): pivot tables, VLOOKUP and XLOOKUP, conditional formatting, monthly sales dashboards. Google Sheets. Power BI (basic). Typing speed 45 words per minute.” It describes the same software, but with real detail. That candidate is the one the recruiter wants to talk to.
Hard skills vs soft skills
| Hard skills | Soft skills | |
|---|---|---|
| What they are | Specific, teachable, measurable abilities | Personal and interpersonal qualities |
| Examples | Excel, accounting software, AutoCAD, Python, SEO, graphic design, data entry | Communication, teamwork, leadership, problem solving, time management |
| How to show them | List with tools and levels, certificates | Prove with examples in experience bullet points |
Skills by job type
How to write your skills section
- List everything you can doBrainstorm freely first.
- Read the job adHighlight the skills they ask for.
- Keep the overlapPrioritise skills that are both true for you and requested.
- Group themTechnical, software, languages, other.
- Add detailTools, levels or certificates: “English: fluent (IELTS 7.0)”.
- Prove soft skills elsewhereShow teamwork or leadership in your experience bullets instead of just listing the word.
Example skills section
Technical: Financial reporting, bank reconciliation, VAT return preparation
Software: Excel (advanced: pivot tables, XLOOKUP), Tally ERP, Google Sheets
Languages: Bangla (native), English (fluent, IELTS 7.0)
Other: Typing 40 wpm, Driving licence
Skills to leave out
- Basic skills everyone has, like “internet browsing” or “email”.
- Skills you can’t actually demonstrate in an interview.
- Outdated software nobody uses anymore.
- Long lists of buzzwords without proof.
Finish your CV
Add your skills to the free CV, Resume and Biodata Maker, then write a matching resume summary and make sure your CV works with applicant tracking systems.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
How many skills should I put on my CV?
Usually 6 to 12 relevant skills, grouped into categories such as technical, software and languages.
What is the difference between hard and soft skills?
Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities like Excel or accounting software. Soft skills are personal qualities like communication and teamwork.
Should I use skill bars or percentages on my CV?
It is better to use clear words like advanced or intermediate, or name the tools and certificates. Skill bars are vague and some systems cannot read them.
How do I show soft skills on a CV?
Give examples in your experience section, for example “led a team of 5 volunteers to organise a 300-person event”.
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Guides for this tool
Guide · 3 min readHow to Write a CV in Bangladesh: Format, Sections and Examples
Guide · 3 min readMarriage Biodata Format: What to Include (With Sample)
Guide · 3 min readHow to Write a CV With No Experience (Fresh Graduate Guide)
Guide · 4 min readResume Summary Examples: How to Write a Profile That Gets ReadWant a tool, website or app like this for your business?
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