Blog - Compete High

When it comes to showcasing the right skills and qualities for a CV, it’s important to remember that your CV isn’t just a record of your work history — it’s your personal marketing tool. Employers receive dozens (if not hundreds) of applications for a single position, and the first impression they get comes from a quick scan of your CV. In that short window, you need to make it clear that you’re not just qualified — you’re the right person for the role. One of the most effective ways to stand out is by showcasing the right combination of professional strengths, core competencies, and personal attributes. Yet many jobseekers either focus too much on one or ignore both altogether, instead listing responsibilities with little reflection on what they actually bring to the table. That’s why it’s essential to include a balanced list of skills and qualities that truly represent your value. This includes understanding what are personal skills — such as communication, adaptability, and teamwork — and what are professional skills, like project management, data analysis, or strategic planning. When presented effectively, these can make a powerful impact. In this blog, we’ll explore the 10 most important skills and qualities to include on your CV, especially if you're applying for roles in the UK. More importantly, we’ll guide you on how to present them in a way that’s relevant and compelling, using specific language that demonstrates your value to employers. You’ll also find practical skills and qualities examples to help you tailor your CV to your strengths. Whether you’re updating your CV or creating one from scratch, this guide will help you present yourself with clarity, confidence, and relevance. What Are Skills and Qualities — and Why Both Matter? Before diving into specific examples, it’s crucial to understand what we actually mean by “skills” and “qualities”. They may sound similar, but they serve different purposes on your CV, and employers look for both. Knowing how to present the right skills and qualities for a CV can make a significant difference in how you're perceived. Skills: What You Can Do Skills refer to your capabilities. These can be technical or non-technical, and they’re usually: Learned or developed through training, education, or experience Specific and measurable Often aligned with tasks, tools, or systems For example: Copywriting Data analysis Microsoft Excel Foreign language proficiency These profess ional skills tell employers that you have the practical ability to perform effectively in a role. Qualities: How You Work and Behave Qualities refer to your personal traits or attributes — often considered personality skills. They describe how you behave in certain situations and how you interact with others. These are often: More behavioural or character-based Innate or developed through life experience Harder to measure but easier to observe For example (examples of personal skills): Adaptability Resilience Work ethic Team spirit These are all good personal skills that help employers assess whether you’d be a strong cultural fit and whether you’ll perform well in collaborative or high-pressure environments. Why Including Both on Your CV is Essential Many candidates make the mistake of focusing only on technical or professional skills — especially those applying to more specialised or senior roles. Others try to pack their CVs with soft traits like “hard-working” or “good listener” without offering any proof or context. The ideal CV strikes a balance. It clearly demonstrates that: You have the skills and qualities to do the job You possess the skills and attributes that make you easy to work with and likely to succeed in the long term Recruiters want to see both. A highly skilled worker who lacks team spirit can become a liability. A kind and dependable person with no job-specific ability won’t be hired either. Combine the two — and you’ve got a winning CV that truly showcases the right skills and qualities for a CV. How Recruiters Interpret Skills and Qualities on a CV According to research from UK-based recruitment firms, hiring managers typically scan a CV for just 6 to 10 seconds on first glance. In that time, they look for: Keywords that match the job description Clear proof of relevant experience Professional skills that align with the role Personal skills that suggest a good cultural fit This means your CV must not only list skills and qualities, but also show how you’ve applied them in real-world scenarios. For example: Instead of writing:“Good communicator” Try:“Presented weekly progress updates to 12-person team, improving clarity and reducing delays” See the difference? That small shift shows the practical value of your personal skills for CV purposes, making your application more persuasive. Soft Skills Are Increasingly Valued In recent years — especially with the rise of remote and hybrid working models — employers in the UK have placed greater emphasis on soft skills and interpersonal traits. Reports from LinkedIn, the CBI, and the British Chambers of Commerce show a growing demand for people who can: Communicate clearly Solve problems Work independently Adapt to change In other words, your personal skills may be the deciding factor that gets you the job — even if another candidate has more technical expertise. By including strong personal skills examples and showing how they’ve made an impact, you can present a well-rounded, compelling profile that stands out. Top 5 Hard Skills to Put on a CV When employers review your CV, one of the first things they assess is whether you possess the technical and practical skills needed to do the job. These form a key part of the skills and qualities for a CV and can vary by industry, but some are universally valued — especially in today’s fast-paced and digital work environments. Let’s explore five of the most important hard skills to include on your CV, along with examples of how to present them effectively. Whether you're building your list of CV skills and qualities or refreshing your application, these are essential. 1. Communication Skills What it is:The ability to express ideas clearly and confidently in both verbal and written formats — including emails, meetings, presentations, and reports. Why it matters:Whether you’re working in customer service, project management, education, or IT, effective communication is key to avoiding misunderstandings, resolving problems, and building strong working relationships. How to include it on your CV:Rather than just writing "Good communication skills," show how you've used them in action. Example: “Delivered weekly reports and presentations to stakeholders, improving transparency and reducing project delays by 20%.” Tip:Use this skill in your cover letter too — your writing there is direct evidence of your communication ability and strengthens your CV personal skills section. 2. Digital Literacy / IT Skills What it is:Competence in using digital tools and platforms — from word processors and spreadsheets to social media management tools and cloud-based systems. Why it matters:In the UK, even traditional jobs now involve some level of tech. Employers expect you to be comfortable with widely-used tools like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Zoom, or Slack — and in some roles, more advanced platforms like CRMs, CMS systems, or data tools. How to include it on your CV: List the platforms you’re confident in and describe how you’ve used them to achieve results. Example: “Managed project timelines and team collaboration through Trello and Google Workspace, resulting in 100% deadline compliance for six consecutive projects.” Tip: Tailor your IT skills to the role — don’t include tools unrelated to the job you’re applying for. Relevance is key in your skills and qualities CV section. 3. Problem-Solving What it is:Your ability to identify challenges, think critically, and develop effective solutions — independently or within a team. Why it matters:No workplace is perfect. Employers need people who won’t just raise problems but will take ownership in solving them. This is particularly valued in operations, administration, engineering, and business development roles. How to include it on your CV: Frame your experience in terms of the issue you faced and how you solved it. Example: “Identified and resolved a billing system error that was causing monthly discrepancies, saving the department £3,500 annually.” Tip: Use numbers or clear outcomes when possible — this adds credibility to your CV skills and qualities. 4. Organisation and Time Management What it is:Your ability to prioritise tasks, manage workload, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy under pressure. Why it matters:Time management is essential in every industry — whether you’re coordinating a marketing campaign, delivering teaching plans, or managing client accounts. Recruiters look for signs that you can handle responsibility and structure your work effectively. How to include it on your CV:Describe how you plan and execute tasks efficiently. Example:“Scheduled and managed a social media content calendar three months in advance, increasing consistency and engagement by 35%.” Tip:Mention any tools you use for time and task management (e.g. Outlook, Notion, Asana). This strengthens your skills and qualities for a CV by providing practical context. 5. Project or Task Management What it is:The ability to plan, execute, monitor, and complete projects or recurring tasks on time and within budget. Why it matters:Even if your job isn’t formally titled “project manager,” most roles involve managing time-sensitive tasks with multiple stakeholders involved. How to include it on your CV:Show how you’ve contributed to or led a project from start to finish. Example:“Coordinated a two-month internal audit, managing documentation, liaising with five departments, and delivering final reports on schedule.” Tip:Demonstrate initiative and leadership — especially when describing team projects. These attributes boost the strength of your skills and qualities CV section. 6. Reliability What it is:Being dependable and consistent in your work. You meet deadlines, show up on time, and follow through with commitments — no matter the circumstance. This is one of the most important personal attributes for CV effectiveness. Why it matters:Every manager wants to know they can count on their team. Reliability is a foundational trait that builds trust and ensures projects stay on track, making it one of the key personal skills and qualities employers seek. How to include it on your CV:Instead of saying “I’m reliable,” show examples of consistent performance or long-term accountability. Take this Online Personal Development – Strategies and Tricks Course Now→ Example:“Entrusted with managing key client accounts for 2+ years due to consistent performance and strong client relationships.” Tip: If you've had long tenures at previous jobs or been given increasing responsibility, that’s a strong indicator of your reliability, and it reinforces the skills and qualities for a CV that employers are looking for. 7. Adaptability What it is:Your ability to remain flexible in changing circumstances, whether it’s a new process, shifting priorities, or unexpected problems. Why it matters:Modern workplaces — especially post-pandemic — are evolving rapidly. Employers value candidates who can pivot quickly and remain effective despite change. Adaptability is one of the most in-demand personal skills and qualities. How to include it on your CV:Share a moment where you had to adjust your workflow, role, or strategy. Example:“Adapted quickly to a fully remote work environment during lockdown, maintaining project continuity and cross-team communication without disruption.” Tip:If you've switched careers, industries, or roles, these transitions can also be framed as evidence of adaptability — a key personal attribute for CV impact. 8. Teamwork and Collaboration What it is:The ability to work well with others, whether in your department, across teams, or with external stakeholders. Why it matters:No matter the industry, collaboration is key. Even roles that seem solitary still require input from or alignment with others. Teamwork is one of the top professional skills for CV inclusion. How to include it on your CV:Show how you’ve contributed to team efforts and worked across different groups. Example:“Worked closely with the marketing, design, and product teams to launch a new campaign that increased lead generation by 28%.” Tip:Avoid clichés like “I’m a team player” — always back up with real contributions and results that enhance your skills and qualities for CV presentation. 9. Initiative and Motivation What it is:Taking action without being prompted. It includes proactively spotting issues, volunteering for tasks, or proposing improvements. Why it matters:Employers want self-starters — people who don’t wait to be told what to do and are driven by purpose and responsibility. This is one of the most valued skills and qualities for a CV in today’s job market. How to include it on your CV:Mention a time when you went above your role or launched something new. Example:“Identified inefficiencies in internal reporting and created a new dashboard template, reducing monthly reporting time by 50%.” Tip:Even side projects, training you’ve taken on your own, or volunteering experiences can showcase initiative — making them ideal for your personal skills and qualities section. 10. Attention to Detail What it is:The ability to spot errors, inconsistencies, or areas for improvement — and take steps to address them. Why it matters:Whether you're proofreading documents, entering data, or conducting audits, this quality prevents mistakes and boosts professionalism. It’s one of the most sought-after professional skills for CV relevance. How to include it on your CV:Show that your work leads to accuracy, quality, or compliance. Example:“Processed 500+ financial transactions per month with zero reconciliation errors over a 12-month period.” Tip:Avoid grammatical or formatting errors on your CV — it’s a direct contradiction to this trait and often a red flag to employers. Precision in language reinforces your skills and qualities CV credibility. By highlighting both professional skills for CV effectiveness and personal skills and qualities that reflect your character, you present a balanced, well-rounded profile. Tailoring these skills and qualities for a CV to the job you’re applying for will significantly improve your chances of landing an interview. How to Choose and Present the Right Skills and Qualities on Your CV Now that you’ve seen the top 10 skills and qualities for a CV, the next question is: how do you choose the right ones for your specific application? And just as importantly — how do you present them in a way that grabs attention and feels authentic? This section will walk you through the practical techniques that help your CV rise above the rest by tailoring it to the role and company you're applying to. Tailoring for Each Job Application One CV doesn’t fit all. One of the biggest mistakes jobseekers make is sending out the same CV to every employer. Even if you’re applying for similar roles, each company may prioritise different skills and qualities or use different language in their job adverts. To maximise your chances, tailor your CV to show only the most relevant personal attributes for a job and align them with the employer's expectations. Here’s how to tailor yours effectively: Step 1: Analyse the job description Read it line by line and underline keywords — both skills (e.g. “data analysis,” “problem-solving”) and qualities (e.g. “reliable,” “flexible,” “self-motivated”). These keywords give you insight into what matters most to that employer. These may include examples of professional skills like project management or proficiency with specific tools, as well as personal qualities for CV such as adaptability, initiative, or emotional intelligence. Step 2: Match your CV accordingly Select the most relevant 5–7 skills and qualities for a CV from your own experience that closely align with the job posting. Don’t list everything — focus on what’s most important to that specific role and company. For example, if you're applying for a client-facing role, highlight communication and relationship-building — classic examples of professional skills that employers seek. Step 3: Mirror the language If the job advert says “stakeholder communication,” don’t just write “client communication” — mirror the employer’s exact language where appropriate. This helps your CV pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and makes it easier for recruiters to spot a strong match. You can take your cues from both hard and soft skill mentions in the ad — including any example of skills of a person they’re looking for, whether it’s attention to detail, negotiation, or teamwork. By following these steps, you can build a CV that speaks directly to the employer’s needs — balancing both your list of professional skills and the personal qualities for CV that showcase your unique value. This approach gives you a competitive edge and shows that you're not just qualified — you're the right fit. Where to List Your Skills and Qualities There are several places on your CV where you can naturally showcase your skills and qualities for a CV — in ways that feel authentic and relevant to the job you’re targeting. Strategic placement is key to helping recruiters quickly recognise your strengths. 1. Profile Summary (Top of CV) This short paragraph should immediately demonstrate that you’re aligned with the role. Blend both personal and professional skills to give a strong first impression. Example: “Reliable and proactive marketing executive with 3+ years’ experience in campaign planning, social media analytics, and cross-functional team coordination.” This approach is ideal for personal resumes where you need to quickly showcase both ability and character. 2. Key Skills Section Include 6–8 bullet points highlighting your core competencies. These should be specific and job-relevant — offering clear examples of skills and qualities the employer is seeking. Example: Social Media Strategy Content Writing Adobe Photoshop Time Management Data Analysis CRM (HubSpot) You can include soft skills here — such as adaptability or communication — but only if you demonstrate them later in your experience section. Clear skills and attributes examples make your claims more believable and impactful. 3. Work Experience Descriptions This is where the real power of your CV lies. Don’t just describe what you did — show how you did it and what results you achieved. This helps reinforce your skills and qualities for a CV with real-world evidence. Weak example: “Worked on marketing campaigns.” Strong example: “Led a team of 3 to plan and launch a seasonal campaign, increasing engagement by 42% while consistently meeting tight deadlines.” This clearly integrates both technical competence and soft personal and professional skills, such as leadership and time management. 4. Education / Volunteering / Side Projects If you’re early in your career or transitioning roles, don’t underestimate the power of unpaid experience. This section is a great place to highlight personal attributes for a job such as initiative, adaptability, and commitment — key skills and qualities for a CV when formal experience is limited. Include skills and attributes examples such as: “Co-created a student-led podcast, managing guest bookings and editing episodes, developing both communication and project management skills.” Whether your experience is professional or personal, the way you present it can make all the difference. These placements allow you to reinforce the most important examples of skills and qualities throughout your CV in a natural and persuasive way. Using Action Verbs and Results-Driven Language Ditch vague or passive phrases. Use action verbs and frame your contributions around impact. Passive / WeakImproved VersionResponsible for managing clientsManaged 10+ client accounts with 95% retentionWorked on reportsCompiled weekly reports, reducing reporting errors by 30%Good communication skillsPresented to cross-functional teams and led weekly status meetings Combining Skills and Qualities for Maximum Effect You don’t always have to separate skills and qualities for a CV. Often, you can blend them naturally into a single sentence that demonstrates both. Example: “Organised and proactive HR assistant with excellent attention to detail and hands-on experience using HR software for onboarding, training, and payroll.” Here you’ve mixed personal skills (organised, proactive) with hard or professional skills for resume (HR software, onboarding, payroll), showing a balanced combination that appeals to employers. UK-Specific CV Tips Stick to UK English spellings (e.g. “organised” not “organized”). Avoid overhyping your skills — British employers value modest confidence over aggressive self-promotion, especially when presenting your personal skills CV and professionalism skills. Keep your CV concise (ideally 2 pages) but not stripped of personality. Make sure your CV has a clear, easy-to-read format without unnecessary graphics or colour splashes that distract from content. Understanding the difference between your personal skills definition and professional abilities is essential when crafting your personal skills list or list of personal skills to include. Presenting both clearly and cohesively will make your CV stand out to UK employers. Conclusion A strong CV doesn’t just say what you’ve done — it paints a compelling picture of who you are and what you bring to the table. By combining the right skills and qualities for a CV with the right personal qualities and skills, and by presenting them clearly and confidently, you drastically improve your chances of landing interviews. Remember: Use real examples and achievements. Tailor your content for each job. Be strategic — but also authentic. These steps help showcase the qualities for resume that employers value most, including both technical expertise and skills and personal attributes that demonstrate your fit for the role and company culture. Now’s the time to review your own CV. Are you showing what employers truly want to see, including your good personal skills and key personality skills? If not, it’s never too late to revise, refresh, and refocus your personal brand. Take this Online Personal Development – Strategies and Tricks Course Now→

Wayne Manyangadze Gumbo

Biography

Important Links

Resources