Skills for a CV: what to include

Choose skills you can demonstrate

Create a working list before editing the CV. Mark each skill as essential for this vacancy, useful or unrelated. Keep the essential items first, then include useful ones that fit your experience. Describe proficiency with observable tasks instead of decorative percentage bars. Distinguish tools used at work from tools introduced in a course. Group related skills so the reader can scan them: analysis, design tools or customer support systems, for example. Check spelling against the vacancy, and update the list when the position changes.

For US and Canadian applications, focus on skills and experience, keep personal details limited and follow the employer’s document instructions.

Data Analyst

For Data Analyst, the evidence should focus on SQL, Python (pandas), Tableau. The sample tools are SQL, Python, Power BI; keep only the ones you have used. Treat the sample action below as a structure to study, not an achievement to copy. Notice how it identifies a task and an output. In your own version, clarify the scope, the people you worked with and what changed because of your contribution. If the outcome belongs to a team, say which part you completed. If the data is confidential, describe the method and deliverable without exposing customer records or internal figures.

Build and maintain Tableau dashboards for 40 store managers. Write SQL in Snowflake to analyze sales, promotions and inventory. Automated weekly reporting with Python and dbt and ran an A/B pricing test that increased margin by 2.1 points.

Apply “Skills for a CV: what to include” to this example by writing a fresh paragraph in your own words. Start with SQL, Python (pandas), Tableau, pick a relevant action and identify the evidence you can show. Compare the result with the vacancy and remove details that do not help the reader judge your fit. Ask whether each sentence answers a useful question about responsibility, tools or outcome. Keep the wording natural and specific; a recruiter should be able to ask you about the example in an interview. Record any facts you need to confirm before the application, rather than leaving an uncertain claim in the final version.

• Put SQL, your BI tool (Tableau, Power BI or Looker) and Python or R in the first line of your skills.
• Describe each project as question, analysis, decision and result.
• Quantify efficiency gains, such as hours of manual reporting you automated.
• Link to a portfolio or GitHub with one or two well-documented case studies.

Graphic Designer

For Graphic Designer, the evidence should focus on Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Figma. The sample tools are Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator; keep only the ones you have used. Treat the sample action below as a structure to study, not an achievement to copy. Notice how it identifies a task and an output. In your own version, clarify the scope, the people you worked with and what changed because of your contribution. If the outcome belongs to a team, say which part you completed. If the data is confidential, describe the method and deliverable without exposing customer records or internal figures.

Designing brand identity systems for major clients including packaging, digital assets, and print collateral. Leading creative direction for multi-channel campaigns. Managing junior designers and freelancers.

Apply “Skills for a CV: what to include” to this example by writing a fresh paragraph in your own words. Start with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Figma, pick a relevant action and identify the evidence you can show. Compare the result with the vacancy and remove details that do not help the reader judge your fit. Ask whether each sentence answers a useful question about responsibility, tools or outcome. Keep the wording natural and specific; a recruiter should be able to ask you about the example in an interview. Record any facts you need to confirm before the application, rather than leaving an uncertain claim in the final version.

• Put your portfolio link at the top next to your contact details and check that it works on mobile.
• Name the kind of work and the results: campaigns launched, rebrands delivered, engagement or conversion uplifts.
• Group your tools: Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, Blender or After Effects.
• Show restraint in the design itself — a clean, well-aligned CV demonstrates skill better than heavy decoration.

Administrative Assistant

For Administrative Assistant, the evidence should focus on Calendar Management, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace. The sample tools are Microsoft 365, Google Workspace; keep only the ones you have used. Treat the sample action below as a structure to study, not an achievement to copy. Notice how it identifies a task and an output. In your own version, clarify the scope, the people you worked with and what changed because of your contribution. If the outcome belongs to a team, say which part you completed. If the data is confidential, describe the method and deliverable without exposing customer records or internal figures.

Support the CEO and two directors with calendar management, travel booking, meeting minutes and board packs. Process 120+ expense reports per month in Concur and coordinate office moves and vendor contracts.

Apply “Skills for a CV: what to include” to this example by writing a fresh paragraph in your own words. Start with Calendar Management, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, pick a relevant action and identify the evidence you can show. Compare the result with the vacancy and remove details that do not help the reader judge your fit. Ask whether each sentence answers a useful question about responsibility, tools or outcome. Keep the wording natural and specific; a recruiter should be able to ask you about the example in an interview. Record any facts you need to confirm before the application, rather than leaving an uncertain claim in the final version.

• Say who you support: a CEO, a department of 20 people or a busy front desk.
• List software precisely: Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Concur, SAP or scheduling tools.
• Quantify where possible: meetings scheduled per week, expense reports processed or costs saved.
• Show discretion with an example of handling confidential information, without revealing details.

Put this advice into practice

Read the completed application as if you were seeing it for the first time. Verify names, dates and contact details. Open every portfolio link and inspect the exported file on a small screen. Follow the vacancy’s requested file type and naming convention. Save a copy of the version you sent so you can prepare for an interview with the same evidence.