Hard Skills: Why They Matter for Your CV
Hard skills are vital to your CV, helping employers understand your technical abilities and suitability for a job. In this article, we’ll explore hard skills and their importance, give examples of common hard skills for various industries, and explain how to show them on your CV.
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What are hard skills?
Hard skills are the technical abilities required to perform specific tasks within your job. These are skills that you can acquire through formal education, training, or practical experience, such as programming, data analysis, or machine operation. Unlike soft skills (which are personal qualities), hard skills are measurable and can be clearly demonstrated through tests, certifications, or examples of past work.
In many cases, hard skills are a prerequisite for securing a job in fields such as technology, engineering, healthcare, or finance.
In this article, we’ll explain what hard skills are and why they’re essential for your CV. We’ll also provide a list of the top 50 hard skills that you can include on your CV to stand out to employers across various industries.
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Top 50 CV hard skills examples
From analysing over 1,000 CV examples, we’ve identified the most commonly requested hard skills that employers look for. These skills span a wide range of industries, from technical expertise in IT and engineering to proficiency in tools used for design, data analysis, and project management. Whether you’re in a creative field or a more technical industry, including the right hard skills on your CV can make all the difference in getting noticed by recruiters and hiring managers.
- Programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, C++)
- Software proficiency (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Adobe Photoshop)
- Web development (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
- Database management (e.g., SQL, MySQL)
- Cybersecurity (e.g., firewalls, encryption)
- Patient care techniques
- Medical terminology
- Knowledge of medical software (e.g., EHR/EMR systems)
- Clinical procedures (e.g., blood pressure measurement, CPR)
- Laboratory skills (e.g., PCR, microscopy)
- Financial analysis
- Bookkeeping software (e.g., QuickBooks)
- Tax preparation
- Data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Tableau)
- Budgeting and forecasting
Marketing & Design:
- Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
- Graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Canva)
- SEO & SEM
- Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Joomla)
- Email marketing (e.g., MailChimp)
Sales & Customer Service:
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce)
- Lead generation techniques
- Market research
- Negotiation skills
- Product knowledge
- Recruiting software (e.g., Workday)
- Payroll systems (e.g., ADP, Paychex)
- Employee training and development
- Labour laws and compliance
- Performance management systems
- Photography (e.g., Adobe Lightroom)
- Video editing software (e.g., Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro)
- Copywriting
- Audio editing (e.g., Audacity)
- Animation (e.g., Blender, After Effects)
- Curriculum development
- Classroom management
- Educational software (e.g., Google Classroom)
- Lesson planning
- E-learning tools (e.g., Moodle)
- CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks)
- Product design
- Lean manufacturing techniques
- Project management (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Electrical engineering principles
- Inventory management (e.g., SAP)
- Shipping and receiving
- Supply chain optimisation
- Warehouse management systems (e.g., Oracle WMS)
- Demand forecasting
How to highlight hard skills on your CV
When you write your CV, it’s essential to showcase your hard skills in the most effective way. Here’s how:
- Create a dedicated skills section: Make a separate section on your CV specifically for hard skills. This allows recruiters to quickly identify your technical expertise. Be sure to include a mix of tools, software, and certifications relevant to the job.
- Provide context in work experience: Don’t just list your hard skills, show how you’ve used them in your previous roles. For instance, rather than just stating “SQL,” say “Used SQL to manage and analyse data, leading to a 20% improvement in reporting efficiency.”
- Use metrics: When possible, quantify the impact of your hard skills. For example, instead of just listing “project management,” write “Managed 10+ projects simultaneously, delivering all on time and within budget.”
- Tailor to the role: Customise your CV for each job application. Highlight the hard skills that are most relevant to the specific role you’re applying for. For example, a job in digital marketing may require SEO skills, while a data analyst role would need proficiency in tools like Excel.
Below, we’ve provided two CV examples showcasing how to effectively highlight hard skills. Take a look at how these skills are incorporated to create a well-rounded, professional CV.
Example 1: CV for an Engineer
Please note that the skills section focuses solely on hard skills. Other skills, such as soft skills like mentoring or communication, are highlighted within the work experience section and are listed under each job role on the CV.
Skills
- Technical consultancy
- Mining production plans
- Environmental legislative compliance
- Sample testing
- Extraction proposals
- Safety reporting
- Mine production reporting
- AutoCAD
Example 2: CV for a Sales Manager
This CV highlights both technical and soft skills, with technical skills like account development and B2B sales marked in yellow. These skills are essential for optimising sales processes, while soft skills such as networking and problem solving are showcased within the work experience section to demonstrate how they contribute to team and client success.
Skills
- Strategic account development
- Analytical problem solver
- Extensive personal network
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Goal-orientated
- Trained in consumer marketing
- Positive and upbeat
- B2B sales
- Compelling sales proposal writer
- Review of contracts
Why are hard skills for CVs important?
- Industry-specific requirements: Different industries require different hard skills. For example, a web developer needs to be proficient in programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and possess general IT skills. Meanwhile, a nurse must have expertise in patient care techniques and medical terminology.
- Employers’ expectations: Employers use hard skills to assess whether you can perform the job’s main tasks. They often rely on hard skills to shortlist candidates, especially in technical or specialised roles.
- Measurability: Hard skills are easier to measure than soft skills, as they can be quantified. For example, a project manager may have hard skills in using tools like Microsoft Project or Trello, and these tools can be tested directly through a practical task or interview question.
- Competitive edge: With the right hard skills, you can demonstrate expertise and proficiency, making you a competitive candidate. Having in-demand hard skills on your CV can make a significant difference in a crowded job market.
Having a strong balance of soft and hard skills is especially important when passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS). Many ATS are designed to scan CVs for relevant keywords.
FAQs about hard skills for CVs
How do I know which hard skills to include on my CV?
Can soft skills be included in the skills section?
How do I identify my hard skills for my CV?
Can I learn hard skills on my own?
Should I include certifications on my CV?
Should I list my hard skills even if I’m not fully proficient in them?
Key takeaways
- Hard skills are technical abilities that are learned through education, training, or experience. They are often measurable and directly relevant to the tasks required in a job.
- Tailor your CV by including 4-6 hard skills that match the specific job you’re applying for. Highlight the skills most relevant to the role to stand out to employers.
- Quantify your hard skills whenever possible. Use metrics and examples to show how your technical expertise has delivered tangible results in previous roles.
- Only list hard skills that you are confident in. If you’re still learning a skill, be transparent about your level of expertise. Remember, recruiters can test your skills during the interview process!
Create your cv today
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Andrew Smith
Senior Content Writer
Andrew Smith – an accomplished English copywriter with a strong background in SEO optimisation. Passionate about producing engaging content, Andrew has written across various fields, including health and fitness, security, travel, and tourism.
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