Personal skills play a vital role in helping you stand out in today’s competitive job market. When dozens of candidates apply for the same position, how do you get noticed? While skills and experience help you get recognised, there’s an important truth many job candidates overlook — employers are hiring people, not just qualifications or experience. That’s why employers are increasingly interested in personal skills. As of 2025, with job functions continuing to shift towards AI and automation, employers are placing a premium on personal skills such as empathy, communication, and flexibility. These are the qualities that take an employee from simply competent to truly outstanding. Whether you’re a new graduate, seasoned expert, or career switcher, it pays to highlight the right personal skills for CV success. Doing so shows not only what you can do but also how you think around problems, engage in teamwork, and get the job done effectively. In this post, you’ll explore the full spectrum of what you need to know — including what personal skills are and why they matter, the 2025 top 25 in-demand personal skills examples, and how to present them effectively on your CV. Quick OverviewPersonal skills are essential to make your CV stand out in a competitive job market. They show employers how you think, communicate, and interact with others, going beyond technical qualifications. Highlighting your personal skills demonstrates adaptability, leadership, empathy, and problem-solving abilities that make you a valuable candidate.Whether you’re a graduate, career switcher, or experienced professional, this guide walks you through:✅ Identifying your personal skills using self-reflection, feedback, and job description analysis.✅ Developing and improving personal skills through practice, online courses, volunteering, and mentorship.✅ Showcasing personal skills on your CV using examples, results, and the STAR method.✅ Understanding personal vs professional skills to create a balanced and effective CV. By the end, you’ll have a CV that reflects personality, professionalism, and balance — aligning your strengths with the needs of the job market and what employers in the UK value most. What Are Personal Skills? (Definition & Meaning) Personal skills meaning refers to the behavioural traits, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal abilities that define how you act, think, and communicate in a professional environment. Personal skills (also known as “soft skills”) describe how your personality, conduct, and attitude manifest in the workplace. Unlike technical skills, which are measurable and specific to the job one is performing, personal skills are more abstract and pertain to how one engages, thinks, and reacts in different work situations. These attributes include communication, leadership, adaptability, time management, and cooperation. Personal skills are vital in determining one’s capacity to function effectively in a team, cope with stress, and maintain positive relationships in the workplace. Think of it this way: Professional skills describe what one is able to do, while personal skills explain how one does it — and how one’s actions affect others. Personal Skills Definition Personal skills are the behavioural and emotional abilities that influence how a person performs work-related tasks, interacts, and communicates with others within a professional setting. These skills contribute greatly to success in both personal and professional life. Personal skills meaning also extends beyond the workplace — they are universal, transferable, and always in demand across different industries. While software, tools, and job roles may change, personal skills remain constant — from the boardroom to the service counter. Examples of Personal Skills in Everyday Work Real-life personal skills examples include the following: A teacher who encourages everyone in the classroom and calmly helps students through problems demonstrates patience and empathy. A nurse who quickly assesses patients’ needs in a crisis showcases decision-making and resilience. A software developer who adapts their explanation of complex code for non-technical coworkers shows communication and teamwork. A customer service representative who helps a dissatisfied client understand the service demonstrates emotional intelligence and problem-solving. These personal skills examples show that such qualities are not limited to a single sector — they are valuable in every profession and contribute to better teamwork and productivity. Personal Skills vs Hard Skills Personal Skills (Soft Skills)Professional / Hard SkillsInterpersonal and emotional traitsTechnical, job-specific abilitiesHarder to measure but easy to observeEasier to quantify through tests or credentialsExamples: empathy, teamwork, creativityExamples: accounting, coding, plumbingDeveloped through experience and reflectionDeveloped through study and practiceTransferable across any careerOften limited to specific fields While hard skills might get your CV noticed, personal skills for CV impact your hiring success. Employers know that technical expertise can be taught — but attitude, adaptability, and character cannot. The Importance of Personal Skills in 2025 Today’s employers are interested in much more than job titles. They want professionals who can adjust, communicate, and collaborate in fast-evolving environments. Research by LinkedIn and CIPD reveals that over 80% of long-term job success can be attributed to soft skills. This means that when two candidates share similar qualifications, the one with stronger personal skills will almost always be chosen. These skills: Enhance collaboration and communication Minimise conflict and staff turnover Strengthen leadership potential Increase resilience during change or uncertainty Whether you’re working remotely, managing hybrid teams, or integrating AI-powered tools, it’s your personal skills — your human touch — that truly sets you apart. The Importance of Personal Skills (How They Influence Your Career) Personal skills are the invisible threads that weave together the tapestry of your professional life. They shape how you work, how you lead, and how you relate to people. When employers say they are looking for the “right fit,” they are often referring to your personal skills. If you’ve ever wondered what are personal skills, they are the behaviours, attitudes, and emotional traits that define how effectively you interact with others and handle different situations. Understanding this personal skills definition can help you identify and develop the qualities that make you stand out in the workplace. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), based in the UK, reports that most employers place a higher value on personal skills than on formal qualifications. Businesses thrive because these skills influence countless aspects of performance — from productivity and profit to innovation, cooperation, and customer satisfaction. Why Are Personal Skills the Biggest Driving Force? 1️⃣ In the Workplace Personal skills determine how a team operates and how productive it can be. A company may have cutting-edge technology, modern business methods, and new strategies, but without communication, empathy, and adaptability, the staff will struggle — and even simple tasks can become frustratingly complex. Consider the following examples: A manager who listens carefully and resolves conflicts improves morale and trust. A customer service representative who remains patient can turn a complaint into a loyal customer relationship. A team member who shows initiative and positivity helps everyone perform better. In short, personal skills are vital for maintaining a productive and positive organisational culture. They make teamwork smoother and communication clearer. If you are looking to improve your professional effectiveness, reviewing a personal skills list can help identify where your strengths and growth areas lie. 2️⃣ For Career Advancement Technical abilities may help you get a job, but personal skills are what move you up the corporate ladder. Promotions and leadership opportunities are often awarded based on decision-making, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal communication. People skills, composure under pressure, and empathy are the traits that get you promoted. The higher you progress in your career, the greater the emphasis on your personal skills, because leadership is about influence and understanding people — not simply giving instructions. Those entering management or client-facing roles need to cultivate the highest level of personal skills to succeed. 3️⃣ For Personal Development Outside of work, personal skills play a major role in personal growth. They determine how you cope with stress, accept feedback, and balance your personal and professional life. Qualities such as self-awareness, empathy, and critical thinking enhance your communication, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities. These skills benefit not only your career but also your personal relationships and overall wellbeing. Strong personal skills make you adaptable — a trait that’s increasingly vital in a world where technology, industries, and job roles are constantly evolving. By understanding what are personal skills, using a practical personal skills list, and recognising their value, you can build a stronger professional identity that helps you grow, lead, and thrive in any career. Personal Skills vs. Professional Skills Many people often confuse personal skills with professional (or hard) skills. Understanding the difference between the two helps you build a stronger, more balanced CV. Let’s clarify the distinction and see how they complement one another. What Are Professional Skills? Professional skills refer to the technical, job-specific abilities that an employee can measure, evaluate, or demonstrate. For instance, an accountant uses Excel or QuickBooks, while a web developer codes in Python. In another example, a nurse demonstrates professional skills through clinical procedures. These abilities are typically learned through study, training, or on-the-job experience and are directly tied to specific roles or industries. Professional skills tend to be quantifiable and easier to assess, forming the practical foundation of any career. What Are Personal Skills? If you’ve ever wondered what are personal skills, they are the interpersonal, emotional, and behavioural abilities that allow you to function effectively within any organisation — regardless of your job description. According to the broader personal skills definition, these include traits that influence how you communicate, solve problems, and build relationships at work. They form the human side of your professional identity. Common personal skills examples include: Communication Teamwork Adaptability Empathy Leadership A well-developed personal skills list demonstrates emotional intelligence, flexibility, and collaboration — qualities employers increasingly prioritise in 2025 and beyond. How They Complement Each Other Professional skills and personal skills are two sides of the same coin. Having one without the other can limit your potential and effectiveness in the workplace. For example: A software engineer might be an excellent coder, but without communication skills, they may struggle to work as part of a team. A project manager might understand every process, but without empathy and leadership, motivating their team can become difficult. A teacher may have deep knowledge of pedagogy, but without patience and adaptability, their lessons won’t achieve their full impact. Modern employers seek candidates who combine technical ability with strong personal skills. They want individuals who can deliver results and build positive relationships while doing so. In summary: Professional skills get the job done — personal skills ensure the job gets done well. Evaluating Personal Skills Employers evaluate personal skills through your CV, cover letter, and during interviews. They observe how you express yourself, your tone of voice, how you describe teamwork, and even your body language. During the interview process, expect questions such as: “Describe a time you had a challenging coworker.” “What steps do you take when you have to meet a tight deadline?” “Give an example of a time you showed leadership.” These questions assess how you handled the situation and which personal skills you demonstrated in doing so. By understanding what are personal skills, exploring a personal skills list, and applying the right personal skills definition, you can showcase the qualities that make you stand out — both on your CV and in person. 25 Personal Skills You’ll Need in 2025 The 2025 job market in the UK is more competitive than ever, but it rewards professionals who have more than just technical expertise. Employers are now seeking flexible, emotionally intelligent individuals who can communicate, think critically, and collaborate effectively. Below is a comprehensive personal skills list — 25 of the best personal skills you can develop and highlight on your CV or résumé. Each example demonstrates how these good personal skills can make a real difference in your professional success. 1. Communication In today’s world, clear communication is a cornerstone of success. Professionals need to listen actively, express ideas clearly, and engage confidently. Example: Conveys complex information in simple, easy-to-understand language and writes concise, error-free emails to clients. 2. Teamwork Strong collaboration remains one of the most important personal skills in hybrid and remote workplaces. Team players help others, share ideas, and create harmony. Example: Assisting a colleague to meet a tight deadline or contributing fresh ideas during a team brainstorming session. 3. Problem-Solving Problem-solvers are proactive, analytical, and creative — a combination that makes them indispensable. Example: Adjusts client requirements and project deadlines while maintaining work quality and satisfaction. 4. Adaptability Adaptability shows your ability to stay calm and positive in a changing environment. It’s a key personal skill for CV success in 2025. Example: Quickly learning a new project management tool after a system upgrade. 5. Creativity Creative thinkers drive innovation and bring fresh perspectives to routine tasks. Example: Designing a new workflow that cuts project completion time by 20%. 6. Time Management Time management is one of the good personal skills that demonstrate reliability and professionalism. Example: Consistently submitting deliverables ahead of schedule and managing multiple tasks effectively. 7. Emotional Intelligence Emotional intelligence (EQ) is about understanding and managing your emotions — and responding thoughtfully to others. Example: Calming an upset client by first acknowledging their feelings and then offering a practical solution. 8. Critical Thinking Critical thinking helps you analyse information objectively and make better decisions. Example: Reviewing a proposal and identifying a critical error that could lead to financial loss. 9. Leadership Leadership isn’t limited to management roles — it’s about influence, initiative, and accountability. Example: Taking the lead on a small project and motivating the team to complete it ahead of deadline. 10. Decision-Making Decision-making shows confidence, logic, and responsibility. Example: Comparing cost, reliability, and value before selecting the best supplier. 11. Interpersonal Skills Strong interpersonal skills build trust and collaboration. They are crucial when creating lasting client or team relationships. Example: Mediating between two teammates to resolve disagreements and maintain harmony. 12. Attention to Detail Being detail-oriented helps you avoid errors and produce high-quality work. Example: Spotting a small typo in a client contract before it’s finalised. 13. Empathy Empathy demonstrates compassion and understanding — vital for teamwork, teaching, and customer care. Example: Noticing when a colleague is overwhelmed and offering to assist. 14. Resilience Resilience allows you to stay focused, calm, and motivated during difficult times. Example: Missing a sales target but using feedback to refine your pitch and achieve success the following month. 15. Motivation Motivated employees are self-driven and proactive. Example: Completing an online digital marketing course to improve job performance, even without being asked.16. Willingness to Learn The importance of personal skills like learning agility continues to grow. Continuous learning ensures long-term employability. Example: Attending webinars or earning new certifications in your field to stay current. 17. Initiative Initiative means taking action without waiting for direction — a highly sought-after personal skill for resume success. Example: Suggesting a new workflow that improves customer response times by 30%. 18. Confidence Confidence boosts credibility and helps you communicate assertively. Example: Presenting a project proposal to senior management for the first time with clarity and assurance. 19. Negotiation Negotiation requires empathy, communication, and fairness to reach mutually beneficial outcomes. Example: Securing a supplier discount while maintaining a positive long-term partnership. 20. Cultural Awareness Cultural sensitivity is vital in global or multicultural teams. Example: Adapting your communication style to collaborate effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. 21. Professionalism Professionalism combines respect, reliability, and ethical conduct — key components of personal skills in CV sections. Example: Building trust with clients through integrity and consistent delivery. 22. Conflict Resolution The ability to manage disagreements calmly and fairly is essential in leadership and teamwork. Example: Mediating between colleagues to find a fair compromise in a scheduling conflict. 23. Organisation Being organised helps you manage time, resources, and responsibilities effectively. Example: Using project management software to track progress and ensure no task is missed. 24. Analytical Thinking Analytical thinkers interpret data, identify patterns, and make informed decisions. Example: Analysing customer feedback to uncover the top three causes of dissatisfaction and improving service delivery. 25. Integrity Integrity is the foundation of trust and authenticity in the workplace. Example: Admitting a mistake early and correcting it promptly instead of concealing it. Why These Personal Skills Matter These 25 personal skills CV examples represent your professional DNA — the qualities that define how you work, lead, and grow. You don’t need to master all of them, but identifying your strongest few and learning how to showcase them in your CV or résumé can dramatically improve your career prospects. Understanding personal vs professional skills helps you strike the right balance between technical expertise and human connection — and that balance is exactly what employers in 2025 are looking for. How to Identify, Develop, and Showcase Personal Skills on Your CV Now that you know what personal skills are and which ones matter most, the next step is applying this knowledge — learning how to recognise your own strengths, improve them, and display them strategically to catch an employer’s eye. Let’s go step by step. How To Assess Your Skills Especially when you are working on a CV, you may undervalue your personal skills. Most people focus more on what they do (the task) and less on how they do it (their personal approach). To assess your personal skills in CV preparation, consider following these steps. Going to the Next Level To take your self-awareness further, focus on understanding the balance between personal vs professional skills. Technical or professional abilities get the job done, but your personal skills determine how effectively and harmoniously you achieve results. Knowing this distinction helps you reflect more accurately on your strengths. Feedback on Contributions Think about the skills and the most appropriate actions you have taken to accomplish a specific group task. Write them down — the more relevant your actions, the clearer your strongest personal skills will be. Comments and Contributions Fellow colleagues, mentors, and friends can help you recognise the personal and professional skills you may undervalue. Ask them directly and be specific: “What is one trait you think I perform competently within a collaborative setting?” Their responses can provide insights into how to improve personal skills that you might not have considered. Analyse Job Descriptions Check job descriptions in your industry. You’ll often see the same words appear — communication, initiative, problem-solving, adaptability. Compare these skills with your own experience to see where your personal skills align and where you can develop further. Get a Self-Assessment Tool Self-assessment tools such as the UK’s National Career Service, or personality assessments like 16Personalities and StrengthsFinder, can help you identify your personal skills and areas for growth. These tools are particularly useful when deciding how to improve personal skills that are relevant to your career path. Improving and Developing Personal Skills Personal skills can be improved through consistent practice, self-reflection, and gaining new experiences. Whether you’re aiming to advance in your current role or move into a new industry, developing these abilities is key to long-term success. Strengthening the top personal skills for jobs will also make your application stand out when highlighting personal skills to put on CV sections. 1. Engage in Active Communication Speak up in meetings, especially if you tend to be the quiet type. Challenge yourself to share at least one idea during discussions. This helps you build confidence, communication, and teamwork — all of which are essential personal skills employers look for. 2. Learn from Failures Setbacks at work offer valuable opportunities to strengthen resilience, adaptability, and patience. Reflect on what happened and how you handled the situation to promote genuine personal growth. Each mistake provides insight into which personal skills you can refine and develop further. 3. Take Initiative to Learn There are plenty of free or affordable short online courses available on UK learning platforms covering emotional intelligence, leadership, and communication. Actively seeking learning opportunities shows self-motivation — one of the top personal skills for jobs that recruiters value highly. 4. Take on New Roles If you’re building skills for a new career path, volunteering is an excellent way to develop personal skills such as teamwork, empathy, and problem-solving. These experiences not only enhance your confidence but also provide strong examples of personal skills to put on CV when applying for future roles. 5. Learn from Role Models Observe how respected leaders or colleagues communicate, manage challenges, and make decisions. Analyse their methods of negotiation and conflict resolution, but remember to maintain your own authenticity. Personal development goes beyond technical expertise — it’s about self-awareness and understanding how you operate. The more conscious you are of your strengths and areas for growth, the more deliberate and effective you can be in improving your personal skills. Showing Personal Skills in Your CV A skills list is only valuable if your CV provides clear evidence to support it. Your CV should demonstrate your personal skills and qualities through tone, examples, and measurable results that validate your strengths. 1. Key SkillsCreate a dedicated section that highlights 6 to 8 of your strongest personal skills. You can title it Key Personal Skills or Core Competencies, depending on your style. For example: Communication | Leadership | Problem-Solving | Flexibility | Time Management | Collaboration This layout makes it easier for recruiters to immediately identify your unique value and see how your personal skills to put on CV align with the job requirements. 2. Personal Skills in Action Avoid vague or overused phrases like “customer service skills.” Instead, provide evidence of how your personal skills and qualities have made a measurable impact. For example: Instead of writing “Excellent customer service,” say:“Resolved client issues with empathy, contributing to a customer satisfaction score of 95%.” This phrasing not only sounds more credible but also demonstrates your results-oriented approach. 3. Include Them in Your Summary or Profile Statement Your personal skills can also be integrated into your personal profile at the top of your CV. This gives recruiters an immediate sense of your strengths and working style. For example: “Motivated and adaptable professional with strong communication and leadership skills, experienced in project management and driving team success.” Including your personal skills and qualities in your profile statement helps create a well-rounded impression of both your abilities and your professional attitude. 4. Apply the STAR Method in Interviews When interviewing, use the STAR method to highlight your personal skills through real examples. This structure helps you communicate achievements clearly and confidently: S – Situation: What was the context? T – Task: What needed to be done? A – Action: What did you do? R – Result: What was the outcome? Example: “When our project deadline was brought forward, I reorganised our workflow and delegated tasks efficiently. As a result, we completed the project two days ahead of schedule.” This short story demonstrates several personal skills and qualities, including leadership, time management, adaptability, and problem-solving — all highly valuable personal skills to put on CV. Mistakes to Avoid Even the best candidates make common mistakes when writing about their personal skills, as outlined below: Being too generic: You cannot simply state, “good communication skills,” and expect the reader to be convinced. Always follow it up with proof, such as a concrete example or achievement. Listing too many: From your top strengths, focus on 6–8 personal skills that are most relevant to the role. Ignoring context: Ensure that the personal skills you mention align closely with the job’s requirements and responsibilities. Overstating abilities: Confidence is important, but honesty is essential, especially for personal skills that may be evaluated later. Final Thoughts: The Importance of Personal Skills Your personal skills are what give your CV a human touch. They demonstrate your thinking, your interpersonal skills, how you lead, and how you stand out from a multitude of peers with similar credentials. As industries evolve, certain personal skills remain especially valuable: communication, adaptability, empathy, and resilience. If you haven’t updated your CV or résumé in a while, this is your sign to do so. Take a few minutes to reflect on your personal best, identify areas for improvement, and document them confidently. Remember, employers are hiring people—not just qualifications—and your personal skills showcase your character. To further enhance your personal skills, consider enrolling in an accredited online course or workshop focused on communication, leadership, or emotional intelligence. This not only helps you grow professionally but also strengthens your CV.
