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Soft skills are a combination of people skills, communication, character traits, and more. They help individuals navigate their environment, work with others, do the job effectively, and achieve career goals. These skills go beyond technical expertise, playing a key role in creating a positive work environment and successful teamwork. They also help you navigate different work environments and collaborate effectively with others.
In this step-by-step guide, we cover:
Top 10 in-demand soft skills to include on your CV.
How to strategically highlight soft skills in different CV sections.
Expert tips on how to write an ATS-friendly CV.
Examples of how to showcase soft skills in work experience.
Advice on integrating soft skills for various career stages.
If you want to update or create a new CV, explore our diverse collection of CV templates to help you streamline your application
What are soft skills?
Soft skills complement hard and technical skills on your CV and enhance your chances of securing a job interview. They show your ability to interact effectively and adapt to various situations. See how they fit into a broader skills categories outlined below:
Soft skills: Applicable in industries like healthcare, teaching, and customer service, where effective communication, teamwork, and adaptability are key to collaborating with others and managing tasks in various environments.
Hard skills: Essential in technical fields such as engineering, finance, and IT, where specific knowledge, like programming or financial analysis, is required to perform job-specific tasks.
Transferable skills: Valuable for roles as a sales manager, consultant, or project manager, where leadership, problem-solving, and project management are needed across various sectors.
Technical skills: Best suited for roles related to computer science, factory work, and construction where specialised knowledge of tools, software, or machinery is essential to the job.
For more information about different types of skills, refer to the blog on what skills to put on a CV in 2024.
Should you include soft skills on a CV?
Yes, definitely. Instead of listing a long string of soft skills, you should strategically mention them strategically throughout your CV. For more guidance, follow our step-by-step guide to writing a good CV. Whether you're a student, a seasoned professional, or eyeing a career change, knowing how to weave and integrate soft skills into a CV is crucial.
Top 10 soft skills to include on a CV
Soft skills are what make a workplace run smoothly. Good communication, teamwork, and leadership help teams work well and handle challenges with confidence. Ultimately, employers value employees who have strong soft skills. They are looking for qualities like cross-team collaboration, problem-solving, and effective decision-making.
1. Communication
The ability to express ideas clearly and concisely fosters effective team dynamics. Employers appreciate job seekers who can convey complex ideas with precision.
2. Teamwork
Collaborating seamlessly with diverse teams to enhance collective problem-solving and achieve shared goals. Employers value team players who proactively contribute to the work culture.
3. Adaptability
Navigating change effortlessly, showcasing resilience and a proactive approach to challenges. Employers seek candidates who can thrive in dynamic work environments.
4. Time Management
Prioritising tasks efficiently, demonstrating reliability, and a commitment to meeting deadlines. Employers value those who can manage their time effectively to maximise productivity.
5. Problem Solving
Approaching challenges with a solution-orientated mindset, showcasing critical thinking abilities. Employers seek individuals who can tackle issues independently, contributing to a smoother workflow.
6. Leadership
Inspiring and guiding others, taking initiative, and driving projects forward. Employers appreciate leaders who can motivate teams and take charge when needed.
7. Creativity
Bringing innovative ideas to the table, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement. Employers value creative thinkers who can offer fresh perspectives.
8. Emotional Intelligence
Navigating social complexities, showing empathy and understanding. Employers recognise the importance of emotionally intelligent candidates in fostering constructive workplace relationships.
9. Conflict Resolution
Communicating and resolving conflicts diplomatically contributes to a harmonious work environment. Employers value job seekers who can handle conflicts professionally, minimising disruptions.
10. Continuous Learning
Being open to learning and embracing new skills, showcasing a commitment to personal and professional growth. Employers appreciate applicants who are continually enhancing their skill set.
For more tips, refer to our related blog article on the top skills employers look for in your CV.
How to list soft skills on a CV
Incorporate soft skills strategically throughout your CV. Emphasise them in the personal profile, work experience, and skills sections. Clearly articulate their relevance to your career goals, demonstrating how they have impacted your persona and previous experience.
Here are three effective ways to integrate soft skills throughout your CV:
1. Personal profile section
The professional profile, or personal statement, is usually the first impression employers have of your CV. It is a perfect place to highlight your soft skills and main areas of expertise. Incorporate them as adjectives that describe your persona. You can also tie them directly to the key aspects of the specific role or as a complement to a hard skill.
See the article on how to write a personal profile on a CV for more details.
Project manager CV personal profile example with soft skills
Accomplished project manager with 5 years of experience working for financial corporations. Exceptional leadership and communication skills with a proven track record of motivating cross-functional teams to deliver successful projects on time and within budget. Adept at project scoping, scheduling, finance, risk mitigation, quality control, and resource management.
Refer to the project manager CV example with a guide to learn more.
2. Work experience section
Under the experience section, leverage soft skills to describe your performance in various roles. Enhance job descriptions with action verbs and soft skills to catch recruiters' attention and make them stand out.
See how to write work experience on a CV for more information on how to successfully incorporate soft skills.
Soft skills in the work experience section example:
Project Manager, Nexus Consultancy, London, UK | 2020 – Present
Developed detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets for six high-profile financial services clients. Managed a cross-functional team of 15 engineers, designers, and analysts, ensuring efficient task execution across departments. Built and maintained strong relationships with key stakeholders, providing fortnightly progress updates and aligning deliverables with client objectives.
Negotiated a 15% reduction in project costs by securing favourable terms with two key software vendors, saving £25K while maintaining project quality.
Successfully led a £100K digital transformation project for a major retail client, delivering the new e-commerce platform four weeks ahead of schedule.
Increased client retention to 96% by introducing a transparent reporting system, allowing for early identification and resolution of project challenges.
Refer to our project manager CV example for more examples and tips.
Soft skills in the work experience section example:
English Teacher, Newcastle High School, UK 2018
Create lesson plans that meet standards and match students' strengths and learning styles. Use Universal Design for Learning framework. Integrate technology into the curriculum and assess student progress based on workload and classroom behaviour. Partner with other teachers to stay aligned. Lead parent-teacher evenings, and offer extra onsite and remote tutoring.
Successfully utilised a hybrid learning model by combining face-to-face and online teaching.
Inspired students to excel by applying strategies to engage learners with a broad range of learning styles, prioritising one-on-one learning plans, and taking a whole-child approach.
See the teacher CV example with a guide for more information.
3. Skills section
The separate skills section is an opportunity to present a comprehensive list of both hard and soft skills. Utilise this space to include skills that may not find a place elsewhere on your CV. Opt for a clean, horizontally listed format with separators like commas or vertical bars. Please remember to include only hard skills in your skills section. Choose carefully and always check the job requirements.
| Skills |
|---|
| Teamwork |
| Collaboration |
| Critical Thinking |
| Flexibility |
| Networking |
| Problem Solving |
| Time Management |
| Leadership |
| Negotiation |
| Decision-making |
Including soft skills in various sections of your CV shows that you can present yourself clearly. It also highlights your abilities and your proactive approach. This demonstrates your effective communication with others. It also provides a comprehensive overview of your work abilities.
If you are fluent in more than one language, mention them in a separate CV section called 'Languages'.
For more insights, see the article on how to list language skills on a CV.
Key takeaways
Highlighting in-demand soft skills on your CV can enhance your chances of securing job interviews and make your CV more ATS-friendly.
The above skills create a dynamic work environment, foster collaboration, and help drive the organisation’s success. Take proactive steps to enhance your soft skills. Seek feedback from colleagues and continuously invest in your personal and professional development. Your next job opportunity is just around the corner!
Include soft skills: Incorporate soft skills in crucial parts of your CV, like the summary, work history, and skills sections.
Highlight key skills: Focus on soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership that employers value.
Make your CV ATS-friendly: Use relevant soft skills and provide clear examples to ensure your CV meets all the criteria
Tailor to your level of experience: Show your soft skills in a way that fits whether you’re a student, an experienced worker, or changing careers.
Provide examples: Show how your soft skills have benefited your previous roles with specific examples and action words.
Next steps?
We can help you create a CV and cover letter for a specific job through our professional CV Writing Service. It is especially useful if you have the necessary skills but are unsure where to start. Our built-in builder lets you make as many CVs as you want.
Use our professional CV templates or choose from our extensive library of CV example guides and samples. To get help, check out our cover letter templates or CV templates.
FAQ
How do I list soft skills in a CV?
We suggest including soft skills with specific examples, demonstrating how they have benefited your work experience. Incorporate soft skills strategically throughout your CV. Align them with relevant experiences and achievements, providing context for each skill. Use short and concise language to convey your proficiency in each skill. Lastly, utilise data and facts to prove you’re proficient in a specific field.
If you want to upskill yourself, check out our article on how to add courses and certificates to a CV to learn how to acquire and show off your skills gained from additional training.
What are 5 soft skills?
Five soft skills include communication, teamwork, adaptability, time management, and problem-solving. These skills form the foundation for a well-rounded and effective professional.
Should I put soft skills in my CV?
Absolutely. Soft skills complement your technical expertise and demonstrate your suitability for a role. They provide employers with insights into your personality and how you interact with others in a professional setting.
See the article on the difference between a job-specific and a master CV for more insights.
How do you write soft and hard skills on a CV?
Distinguish between hard and soft skills. Create separate sections, ensuring clarity for recruiters. Clearly label each section, such as 'Technical Skills' and 'Soft Skills,' to make it easy for employers to identify your strengths.
Are soft skills and transferable skills the same thing?
While closely related, transferable skills often include both hard and soft skills. Soft skills specifically refer to interpersonal skills and personal qualities. Transferable skills are skills that individuals can apply across various roles and industries.
How can I improve my soft skills?
Boost your soft skills by actively joining training sessions and seeking advice from colleagues. Practice communication in different situations and consider attending workshops, which provide hands-on learning experiences, practical insights, and networking opportunities to enhance your skills.
Refer to the article on finding seasonal work in the UK if you wish to gain new skills through part-time jobs or short-term placements.
What soft skills to avoid on a CV?
While transparency is crucial in a CV, avoid using terms that might not add value or are overly subjective. Commonly used soft skills, such as "hard worker" or "self-motivated", might not clearly represent your capabilities. Instead, focus on specific examples or achievements that demonstrate these qualities.
Examples of generic skills to avoid for your CV:
Hardworking
Strong Work Ethics
English Speaker
Flexible Worker
Punctual.
See how to list achievements on a CV to learn more about how to effectively demonstrate soft skills.
