Interpersonal Skills: Why They Matter

Interpersonal skills are the abilities you use to interact with others in the workplace and beyond. These skills include communication, empathy, teamwork, and conflict resolution, and they are vital for your CV. 

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By Andrew Smith, Senior Content WriterLast Updated: July 15, 2025
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interpersonal skills definition

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Your skills are the cornerstone of any successful job application. You’ll need to highlight them on your CV and back them up in your interview. Interpersonal skills are essential in nearly every role, as they’re all about connecting with people, communicating, and collaborating. Without strong interpersonal skills, it would be difficult to work effectively with others, manage tasks, or maintain a productive environment. Simply put, they’re the glue that holds everything together!

What is an interpersonal skill?

Interpersonal skills, also known as people skills, are the abilities that help you interact, communicate, and build relationships with others. Whether it’s chatting with a colleague, leading a team, or negotiating with clients, these skills are essential for navigating all social aspects of work. 

Interpersonal skills include everything from active listening and conflict resolution to teamwork and empathy. In the workplace, they can make all the difference in creating a positive and productive environment. That’s why recruiters seek out candidates with good interpersonal skills.

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Why are interpersonal skills important?

A person with strong interpersonal skills can seamlessly integrate into a team, making others feel comfortable and valued. This leads to smoother interactions and better collaboration, helping you to work more efficiently. After all, would you prefer to work with a friendly, professional colleague who knows when to be serious and when to lighten the mood, or someone who’s distant and takes everything personally?

A positive workplace atmosphere is largely shaped by the individuals within it, and strong interpersonal skills are key to cultivating that environment. Effective communication, empathy, and the ability to resolve conflicts help improve morale, build trust, and foster a culture of collaboration. The better the interpersonal skills, the stronger the team dynamics, ultimately promoting growth and success for everyone involved.

These skills are also essential during the job application process. Your CV and cover letter are the first place to showcase your communication, problem-solving, and persuasion skills. Once you’re in the interview, it’s your opportunity to demonstrate these skills in real-time through body language, building rapport, and providing thoughtful answers to common interview questions. Whether applying for a new role or working within your current team, interpersonal skills are vital to professional success.

Having the right organisational skills on your CV is especially important when passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS). Many ATS are designed to scan CVs for relevant keywords.

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Interpersonal skills examples to include on your CV

Here are some examples of interpersonal skills that can help you stand out:

Communication skills

This includes all the skills that facilitate good interactions with others and the ability to convey and receive information clearly. It includes oral and written communication, creating reports, drafting professional emails, and making phone calls.

Team management

It involves managing a group of people in such a way as to achieve a set objective effectively and qualitatively while maintaining good relations and morale among team members.

Problem and conflict solving

An umbrella term for a combination of soft skills to help ease tension between two or more parties. The process of problem-solving consists of listening, analysis and decision.

Decision-making

An essential skill at work is independence, assessment of situations and the ability to make independent decisions. This enables a much faster and more efficient workflow.

Teamwork

Many jobs require working with other team members. People who have well-developed teamwork skills will ensure the effective and smooth progress of work in a good atmosphere.

Assertiveness

Sometimes you need to know how to say “no” or to stand up for yourself. Standing one's ground with good arguments is a great trait for a responsible, confident employee.

Persuasion

Ability to persuade and influence others. This interpersonal skill is especially sought after in professions related to e.g. sales.

Networking

Easily meeting new people and maintaining good relations with them helps a lot both in everyday life and in business. You can network face-to-face, for example, at business conferences, or online, for example, on LinkedIn.

Negotiation

Negotiation is a specific art of communication in which the skills of quick analysis, persuasion and assertiveness are combined to achieve the most favourable result.

Empathy

Ability to recognise the reactions and feelings or emotions of other people. It helps to better understand the people around you, empathise with them, and react appropriately to the situation.

Responsibility

Characteristic of mature, responsible people. At work, people with a well-developed sense of responsibility understand that they’re accountable for the results of their work, so they approach it with seriousness and dedication.

Body language

Includes gestures and body movements such as posture or direction, facial expressions, gaze, or management of personal space. Body language can say a lot about a person, so it is worth paying attention to it, for example, when preparing for a job interview.

Handling criticism

The way we react to bad news is also important in the workplace. Responding to constructive criticism in a mature way allows you to learn and grow.

Giving feedback

The ability to give constructive feedback, especially negative feedback, is crucial to helping the recipient understand and learn from their mistakes. This, in turn, reduces the likelihood of future mistakes.
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How to showcase interpersonal skills on your CV

Step 1:

Include a dedicated interpersonal skills section

Ensure your CV includes a section dedicated to showcasing your skills. This should feature a clear list of 6-10 key skills that represent your strengths. Along with technical abilities, you should highlight your interpersonal skills, such as communication, teamwork, empathy, and conflict resolution. These qualities are vital in almost every job, so be sure to include any relevant examples, particularly those that reflect your ability to connect with colleagues and clients alike.

Step 2:

Provide evidence of your interpersonal skills in your work experience

Simply listing your interpersonal skills isn’t enough; you need to back them up with examples. In your work experience section, highlight specific instances where your people skills played a key role in achieving success. For example, rather than just stating you’re a "good communicator," you might say, "Facilitated weekly team meetings, fostering open communication and improving collaboration, resulting in a 15% increase in team productivity". This shows how you actively use your interpersonal skills to make an impact.

Step 3:

Mention your interpersonal skills in your personal statement

Your personal statement is your chance to make a strong first impression, so it’s worth mentioning your interpersonal skills early on. Use this section to briefly highlight your ability to work well with others, build relationships, and resolve issues. If these skills are particularly relevant to the role, consider providing a specific example. For instance, for a customer-facing role, you might say, "Experienced in building rapport with clients, ensuring high satisfaction levels and repeat business." This helps recruiters quickly understand the value you bring to the table.

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Interpersonal skills CV examples

Below, we’ve provided two CV examples showcasing how to effectively include some interpersonal skills in the skills section of a CV. Take a look at how these skills are incorporated to create a well-rounded CV.

Interpersonal skills on CV - case study

Interpersonal Skills On A Resume

Skills

  • Skilled negotiator
  • Self-motivated
  • Organised and detail-orientated
  • Strong analytival skills
  • Project managment
  • Budget management
  • Strategic planning

In the CV above for a purchasing manager, you can see the following interpersonal skills highlighted: Skilled negotiator, self-motivated, and organised & detail-oriented. These are important to mention because:

  • Skilled negotiator: Purchasing managers need to negotiate favourable terms with suppliers to secure cost-effective deals. This skill ensures they can drive down costs while maintaining strong relationships with vendors, which is crucial for budget management.
  • Self-motivated: The role often requires managing multiple tasks and tight deadlines without constant supervision. Being self-motivated allows a purchasing manager to take the initiative, stay on top of tasks, and ensure the smooth running of procurement operations.
  • Organised & detail-oriented: Effective organisation and attention to detail are essential for handling complex purchase orders, tracking deliveries, and maintaining accurate inventory records. These skills help prevent errors and delays, ensuring the procurement process runs efficiently.
Interpersonal Skills Definition

Skills

  • Massage therapy
  • Aroma therapy
  • Holistic therapies
  • Reflexology
  • Face and body therapies
  • Excellent customer care
  • Cross-selling strategies
  • Excellent communication
  • Postive work ethic

In the CV above for a spa therapist position, you can see the following interpersonal skills highlighted: Excellent customer care, good communication, and positive work ethic. These are important to mention because:

  • Excellent customer care: As a spa therapist, providing exceptional customer service ensures client satisfaction and repeat business. This skill shows the therapist’s ability to make clients feel comfortable, relaxed, and valued during their treatments.
  • Good communication: Spa therapists must communicate effectively with clients to understand their needs and explain treatment options. Good communication also helps with other staff members to ensure smooth operations and a pleasant environment for clients.
  • Positive work ethic: A positive work ethic is key in the spa industry, where therapists are expected to maintain high standards of service and professionalism, even during busy periods. 
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Cover letter interpersonal skills

A cover letter is a document that accompanies your CV when applying for a job. It’s your chance to introduce yourself, express your interest in the role, and highlight why you’re the perfect fit for the position. While your CV lists your qualifications and experience, your cover letter provides a more personal touch and allows you to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.

When it comes to interpersonal skills, your cover letter is an excellent place to showcase how your ability to work with others can add value to the team. Highlighting skills such as communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution helps employers see that you’re capable of performing the technical aspects of the job but can also thrive in a collaborative and dynamic environment.

Cover letter example

Interpersonal Skills Description

In the example cover letter above for a shop assistant role, you can see a range of important interpersonal skills highlighted throughout. The letter naturally incorporates their skills such as communication, being people-centred, being extroverted, and the ability to learn and grow, just to name a few. These skills are essential in a customer-facing role, as they demonstrate the candidate’s ability to interact with customers, work within a team, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.

By showcasing these skills within the cover letter, the candidate demonstrates to the employer that they possess the right blend of personal qualities and practical experience, making them a strong contender for the role. Employers highly value these interpersonal skills as they create a positive store environment, ensure high customer satisfaction, and support team success. Including them in the cover letter strengthens the job application and sets the candidate apart from others who may focus solely on their work experience.

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FAQs about CV interpersonal skills

What are interpersonal skills?

Interpersonal skills, also known as "people skills," are the abilities that enable you to communicate, interact, and build relationships with others. They include qualities like active listening, empathy, teamwork, and effective communication. These skills are essential in almost every job role, particularly those that involve direct interaction with colleagues, clients, or customers.

How do I highlight interpersonal skills on my CV?

To highlight interpersonal skills on your CV, you can create a dedicated skills section, where you list key abilities such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Be sure to also showcase these skills in your work experience section by providing specific examples of when you’ve successfully applied them in previous roles. Additionally, including interpersonal skills in your personal statement can help reinforce your suitability for the role.

Are interpersonal skills important for all jobs?

Yes, interpersonal skills are important for almost every job, regardless of the industry. While technical skills are crucial for specific tasks, interpersonal skills ensure you can collaborate effectively, manage relationships, and navigate the social dynamics of the workplace. Employers value candidates who can contribute to a positive, productive environment, and interpersonal skills play a big part in that.

Can I mention interpersonal skills in my cover letter?

Absolutely! Your cover letter is a great place to highlight interpersonal skills, as it allows you to demonstrate how these qualities will benefit the company. You can incorporate skills like communication, teamwork, and empathy into real-life examples of how you've used them in previous roles. This adds depth to your CV and helps show the employer why you're the right fit for the role.

Should I include interpersonal skills even if they are not listed in the job description?

Yes, including interpersonal skills on your CV is still valuable, even if they aren't explicitly mentioned in the job description. Many employers look for these qualities in all candidates, as they are fundamental for building a positive work culture and contributing to team success. Just make sure to tailor the skills you highlight to the role you're applying for and provide examples that showcase their relevance.

How can I improve my interpersonal skills for my CV?

Improving interpersonal skills can be done through practice and self-awareness. Consider attending communication workshops, volunteering, or taking part in team activities to build skills like active listening, conflict resolution, and empathy. Seeking feedback from colleagues and mentors can also help you identify areas for improvement. Once you’ve honed these skills, you can confidently showcase them on your CV.

Are interpersonal skills more important than technical skills on my CV?

Interpersonal skills and technical skills each play a distinct role on your CV. Interpersonal skills are key to demonstrating your ability to work well with others, communicate effectively, and contribute to a positive workplace culture. Technical skills, on the other hand, highlight your expertise in specific tools, processes, or methodologies. A strong CV will showcase both types of skills to present a well-rounded profile to potential employers.
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Andrew Smith

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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