Skills and qualities for a CV play a crucial role in how recruiters assess candidates. When they read your CV, they’re not only checking whether you meet the technical requirements of the job. They’re also trying to figure out who you are as a person — whether you can work well with colleagues, adapt to challenges, and contribute positively to their team. This is where your personal skills and qualities become so important. While qualifications and work history are crucial, it’s often your professional strengths and soft skills that make the difference between two candidates with similar experience. They reveal how you approach tasks, how you deal with people, and how you handle pressure. In many cases, employers see these abilities as stronger indicators of long-term potential than hard skills, which can usually be taught on the job. So, what are personal skills? These include traits like empathy, resilience, time management, adaptability, and teamwork — all of which influence how you perform and interact in the workplace. On the other hand, what are professional skills? These refer to more specific competencies tied to your industry or role, such as project management, data analysis, or proficiency in particular tools or software. Together, your skills and qualities CV should present a complete picture of both. The challenge is that many CVs fall short when it comes to presenting these skills and qualities effectively. Candidates often throw in vague phrases like “team player” or “good communicator” without any evidence to back them up. Recruiters see these words so often that they’ve lost impact. What really catches attention is when your skills and qualities CV describes personal traits with clear examples and measurable outcomes. In this blog, we’ll break down what personal skills and qualities are, why they’re important for every job, and how to showcase them effectively. We’ll also provide a skills and qualities list, skills and qualities examples, and practical tips to ensure your CV stands out for all the right reasons. Understanding Personal Skills and Qualities Personal skills and qualities are the traits and behaviours that shape how you work, communicate, and interact with others in a professional environment. When it comes to building a strong skills and qualities for a CV, understanding these differences is essential. What Are Personal Skills? Personal skills are the abilities and behaviours that influence how you work and interact with others. They’re often called soft skills or transferable skills because they aren’t tied to a specific job or industry. Unlike professional skills — such as coding, accounting, or machine operation — personal skills are broader and apply across every role and profession. For example: A software engineer may need technical knowledge of programming, but it’s their problem-solving and communication skills that allow them to work effectively with teams and clients. A healthcare worker may have the medical expertise to treat patients, but their empathy and resilience ensure they can provide compassionate care even under pressure. These are great personal skills examples that demonstrate how human qualities enhance professional impact. In short, personal skills for CVs show how your technical abilities come to life in real-world workplaces. What Are Personal Qualities? While personal skills are things you do, personal qualities are the traits you have. They reflect your character and approach to work and relationships. For example: Being reliable is a quality. Using good time management to meet deadlines is a skill. Both are essential skills and attributes for any job. A strong CV doesn’t just list what you can do — it reflects who you are as a professional. Skills vs Qualities: Why Both Belong on a CV Many candidates make the mistake of focusing only on one side. They either load their CV with technical skills or only describe themselves in vague, personality-based terms. But the truth is, employers are looking for a balance of both. Skills show you can complete tasks effectively. Qualities show that you’ll approach those tasks with the right mindset. For instance, a manager wants to know that you have the skill to organise schedules — but also the quality of being dependable enough to follow through. This is where a well-crafted skills and qualities for a CV section can make a major difference. Why Personal Skills Matter in Recruitment Employers in the UK and globally are placing personal skills at the top of their priority lists. Surveys from organisations like the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) show that communication, teamwork, and problem-solving often outrank technical knowledge when it comes to hiring decisions. Why? Hard skills can be taught: A company can train you to use its systems or software, but it’s much harder to teach resilience, adaptability, or empathy. They reflect workplace readiness: Personal skills prove you’re prepared for real-world work environments. They predict long-term success: Employees with strong personal skills tend to advance more quickly, take on leadership roles, and adapt to change. For graduates and those new to the workforce, personal skills for CVs can be a powerful way to demonstrate employability. Whether it’s teamwork from university projects, adaptability from volunteering, or communication from part-time jobs — these are all strong personal skills examples to showcase. Common Mistakes Candidates Make 1. Using Clichés Without Evidence Terms like “team player” or “hard worker” are too generic. Without proof, they don’t carry weight. Recruiters want to see these skills and qualities in action. 2. Listing Irrelevant Skills Including unrelated traits wastes space and can confuse recruiters. For instance, writing “creative thinker” for a highly regulated compliance role may feel out of place — unless you support it with relevant context. 3. Not Tailoring to the Job Description Every role has unique demands. A customer service role prioritises empathy and communication, while a project management role values organisation and leadership. Tailoring your skills and attributes to the job is essential. 4. Overloading the CV Listing 15+ personal skills may look unrealistic. Focus on 5–7 key skills and qualities that are most relevant, and back them up with evidence. Personal Skills in Action: A Quick Example Imagine two candidates applying for the same job: Candidate A writes: “Excellent communicator, strong team player, hardworking.” Candidate B writes: “Delivered weekly presentations to 20+ peers and lecturers, praised for clarity (communication). Collaborated in a five-member group to submit a research project early, achieving first-class marks (teamwork). Balanced part-time work alongside full-time study, demonstrating resilience and time management.” Candidate B stands out immediately because they don’t just list skills and qualities — they demonstrate them. Why This Matters for Every Job Whether you’re applying for roles in retail, healthcare, IT, education, or finance, your personal skills and qualities are always relevant. They’re what make you adaptable, capable, and hireable across industries. A CV that includes a strong list of skills and qualities, backed by examples, will always have more impact than one that only lists technical know-how. At this stage, we’ve covered the essentials:You now understand what personal skills and professional skills are, how they differ, why they’re both crucial in recruitment, and how to avoid common mistakes. Up next, we’ll look at a curated list of skills and qualities with real-world examples — including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, leadership, and adaptability — to help you build a winning CV. Examples of Great Personal Skills for a CV Here are key personal skills and qualities that employers value most — with real-world examples to help you showcase them effectively on your personal resume or CV. 1. Communication Communication is the ability to share ideas clearly — whether through speaking, writing, or digital platforms. It also includes listening actively and adapting your tone for different audiences. Why it matters: Every role depends on communication. Employers want candidates who can explain ideas, follow instructions, and minimise misunderstandings. Poor communication can lead to inefficiency and conflict. Examples of skills and qualities in action: Delivering presentations at university Handling customer queries in retail Writing clear reports in an internship How to phrase it on a CV: ❌ Weak: “Good communication skills.”✅ Strong: “Delivered weekly presentations to 20+ peers and lecturers, praised for clarity and confidence.” This is one of the most essential CV personal skills and should be clearly backed by evidence in your CV skills and qualities section. 2. Teamwork and Collaboration Teamwork means contributing fairly, supporting colleagues, and working towards shared goals. Why it matters: Most modern roles require collaboration. Employers seek people who can work well with others, respect diverse views, and help teams succeed. Skills and attributes examples in action: Collaborating on a group research project Volunteering to organise a charity fundraiser Coordinating with coworkers during busy shifts How to phrase it on a CV: ❌ Weak: “Team player.”✅ Strong: “Collaborated with a five-member group to organise a university fundraiser, exceeding donation targets by 25%.” Teamwork is a classic example of personal qualities for CVs that demonstrates both interpersonal skill and commitment. 3. Adaptability and Flexibility Adaptability is your ability to adjust to changes in environment, technology, or expectations. Why it matters: Workplaces evolve constantly — from systems and tools to strategy and structure. Adaptable individuals remain effective despite uncertainty. Personal skills for resume examples: Learning new software to meet a deadline Switching to online learning during the COVID-19 lockdown Taking on new duties at short notice How to phrase it on a CV: ❌ Weak: “Adaptable and flexible.”✅ Strong: “Adapted quickly to online collaboration tools during remote internship, ensuring project deadlines were met.” This is a standout among skills and qualities for a CV in fast-paced or tech-driven industries. Take this Online Communication Skills Course Now→ 4. Problem-Solving Problem-solving means analysing situations, identifying options, and implementing solutions. Why it matters: Challenges are common at work. Employers want people who can stay calm, think logically, and resolve issues proactively. Examples of skills and qualities in action: Finding alternative tools for a group project Resolving customer complaints Reworking a plan when data doesn’t match expectations How to phrase it on a CV: ❌ Weak: “Good at problem-solving.”✅ Strong: “Resolved customer complaints in-store, achieving a 90% satisfaction rate.” 5. Time Management and Organisation Time management is prioritising tasks efficiently; organisation ensures a structured and effective workflow. Why it matters: Employers need reliable, organised staff who can meet deadlines and handle workloads without stress. Skills and attributes examples: Balancing part-time work and full-time studies Meeting multiple coursework deadlines Planning society events How to phrase it on a CV: ❌ Weak: “Good time management.”✅ Strong: “Balanced 20-hour part-time job alongside full-time degree, consistently meeting coursework deadlines.” This is one of the top professional skills for CV sections that recruiters look for in entry-level and experienced candidates alike. 6. Leadership and Initiative Leadership is motivating and guiding others; initiative is taking charge without needing instruction. Why it matters: Employers look for potential leaders — people who can manage projects, inspire teams, and solve problems without being told what to do. Personal resumes examples: Chairing a student society or team Delegating in a group project Volunteering for responsibility at work How to phrase it on a CV: ❌ Weak: “Leadership skills.”✅ Strong: “Led a five-person team to deliver a marketing project two weeks ahead of schedule.” Leadership is a strong example of personal and professional skills in action. 7. Emotional Intelligence and Empathy Emotional intelligence (EQ) is recognising and managing emotions — your own and others'. Empathy underpins EQ by allowing deeper connection and understanding. Why it matters: Teams function best when members understand each other. EQ helps reduce conflict, improve morale, and build trust. Personal attributes for CV examples: Supporting stressed colleagues Mediating group disagreements Responding empathetically to customers How to phrase it on a CV: ❌ Weak: “Empathetic team member.”✅ Strong: “Provided peer support as part of a student mentoring scheme, helping three mentees improve their academic performance.” This is a vital part of modern personal qualities for CV content, especially in client-facing roles. 8. Resilience and Stress Management Resilience is bouncing back from setbacks; stress management means staying calm and productive under pressure. Why it matters: Work comes with challenges. Employers value candidates who stay composed and deliver results — no matter the circumstances. Examples in action: Reapplying for internships after rejection Meeting tight deadlines Managing heavy workloads How to phrase it on a CV: ❌ Weak: “Can work under pressure.”✅ Strong: “Delivered accurate financial reports within 24-hour deadlines, praised for composure and accuracy.” These traits are top CV skills and qualities for demanding roles. 9. Professionalism and Work Ethic Professionalism means being respectful and dependable. Work ethic reflects your discipline and consistency. Why it matters: Employers need trustworthy team members who behave with integrity, meet expectations, and take their roles seriously. Examples of skills and qualities: Maintaining perfect attendance Being trusted with sensitive tasks Receiving recognition for reliability How to phrase it on a CV: ❌ Weak: “Hard-working.”✅ Strong: “Recognised as ‘Employee of the Month’ for consistent reliability and quality service.” This is one of the most foundational personal skills and qualities you can offer. 10. Creativity and Innovation Creativity is generating ideas; innovation is putting those ideas into practice. Why it matters: Fresh thinking helps companies evolve, improve services, and solve problems. Examples in action: Designing a successful social media campaign Improving a workflow Proposing fundraising strategies How to phrase it on a CV: ❌ Weak: “Creative thinker.”✅ Strong: “Created a digital content strategy that increased social media engagement by 40% in three months.” Great for marketing, design, and strategic roles — this is a strong personal skills for resume example. 11. Critical Thinking Critical thinking is analysing information, evaluating options, and making informed decisions. Why it matters: Employers value staff who don’t just follow — they question, assess, and contribute to smarter outcomes. Examples in action: Interpreting data in research Evaluating software options Offering constructive feedback How to phrase it on a CV: ❌ Weak: “Strong analytical thinker.”✅ Strong: “Analysed survey data from 200 respondents, providing recommendations that shaped departmental planning.” A must-have in professional skills for CV writing. 12. Learning Agility (Continuous Development) Learning agility is the ability to quickly acquire and apply new knowledge. Why it matters: In rapidly evolving industries, learning is constant. Employers need adaptable learners who grow with the role. Examples in action: Self-teaching software for a project Taking online courses Adapting to new systems quickly How to phrase it on a CV: ❌ Weak: “Willing to learn.”✅ Strong: “Completed two professional certifications during employment, applying new skills to improve project outcomes.” This rounds out your list of skills and qualities and shows clear motivation and potential. How to Showcase Personal Skills on a CV Knowing which personal skills to include is one thing — presenting them in a way that convinces employers is another. Recruiters often skim through CVs in just a few seconds, so your skills and qualities for a CV must be both visible and credible. Here’s how to do it effectively. 1. Where to Include Personal Skills a. Personal Profile (Summary at the Top) The short paragraph at the beginning of your CV is prime space. Use it to highlight 2–3 of your strongest personal attributes for a job, especially those that align with the job description. Example: “Motivated graduate with strong communication and teamwork skills, experienced in managing group projects and presenting research findings.” This is a perfect spot to integrate good personal skills that define your working style and personality. b. Skills Section (Concise List) A dedicated section for work skills for CV makes it easy for recruiters to spot your strengths quickly. Instead of vague single words, give a little context. Example: “Communication – delivered presentations to 50+ attendees.” Include a mix from your personal skills list and list of professional skills, depending on the role. c. Work Experience Section (Evidence-Based) This section carries the most weight. Use bullet points to demonstrate each personal skill through actions and outcomes. Weak: “Responsible for customer service.”Strong: “Handled 30+ customer queries per day, praised for clarity and empathy.” Showcasing examples of personal skills in real scenarios makes them far more persuasive. d. Education and Volunteering (for Freshers) If you’re early in your career or have limited work experience, draw from university projects, part-time jobs, or volunteering. These are great opportunities to highlight personality skills and examples of professional skills that are transferable. Example: “Collaborated with four peers to deliver a research project two weeks early, demonstrating teamwork and organisation.” 2. How to Phrase Personal Skills Employers respond best to phrasing that shows initiative and results. Generic statements don’t work — action and evidence do. Weak: “Good communicator.”Strong: “Presented weekly updates to cross-functional team, simplifying complex data for non-technical colleagues.” Use powerful action verbs such as:Led, delivered, organised, managed, improved, designed, implemented, supported. These verbs help reinforce your professional skills for resume writing and ensure your personal qualities CV content feels authentic and specific. 3. Use the STAR Method When describing your experiences, structure them using STAR: Situation: The context Task: What you had to do Action: What you did Result: What the outcome was Example: “As team lead (Situation), I coordinated a five-person group (Task), set weekly targets and organised meetings (Action), which resulted in submitting our project one week early with top marks (Result).” This is a clear example of skills of a person being demonstrated through action. 4. Tailor Skills to Each Job Every job role requires different skills and qualities for a CV. Always align your CV to the job description. Customer-facing roles: Emphasise communication, empathy, resilience, and other good personal skills. Technical roles: Focus on problem-solving, critical thinking, adaptability, and relevant examples of professional skills. Leadership roles: Highlight initiative, decision-making, teamwork, and strong personal attributes for a job. Tailoring your personal and professional skills like this shows you understand what the employer values most. 5. Mistakes to Avoid ❌ Being Too Generic Phrases like “hard-working” or “team player” are overused. Without evidence, they weaken your CV skills and qualities. ❌ Listing Too Many Skills Stick to 5–7 of the most relevant skills and qualities for a CV. A long list can make you seem unfocused. ❌ Inconsistency If you claim “attention to detail” but your CV has typos, recruiters will notice the contradiction. ❌ Using the Same CV for Every Job A generic CV rarely succeeds. Tailoring your personal skills list and phrasing to the job shows attention and care. Tips for Showcasing Personal Skills ✅ Quantify Achievements Use numbers where possible — they stand out.Example: “Boosted engagement by 30% through revised content strategy.” ✅ Show a Balance of Skills Mix interpersonal skills (e.g. empathy, teamwork) with practical skills (e.g. time management, organisation). This creates a rounded image of your personality skills and professional skills for resume value. ✅ Be Honest Only list examples of personal skills that you can back up in an interview. ✅ Use Multiple Sections Reinforce important skills and attributes examples in different areas — your personal profile, skills section, work history, and volunteering experience. Conclusion Personal skills and qualities are what turn a competent CV into a standout one. They show employers not only what you can do, but also how you’ll behave in the workplace and contribute to their team culture. That’s why highlighting the right skills and qualities for a CV is essential if you want to make a strong impression. In this blog, we defined what personal qualities and skills are, explained the difference between the two, highlighted 12 key examples, and gave practical tips on how to present them effectively. The key takeaway is simple: don’t just list personal skills in CV sections — prove them with clear examples and measurable results. Whether you’re a fresher or an experienced professional, tailoring your skills and personal attributes to each job application will give you a real competitive edge. Start by identifying your strongest qualities, gathering examples from work, education, or volunteering, and rewriting your CV using action-led language. Remember, employers aren’t just hiring qualifications — they’re hiring people. Make sure your CV reflects not only your technical strengths but also the qualities for resume success: adaptability, communication, teamwork, and more. Use your list of key skills for a CV strategically to show that you're ready to thrive in any role. Take this Online Communication Skills Course Now→
