Why highlight your skills on a CV?

In today’s competitive job market, especially in tech roles, showcasing your skills is crucial. According to Hays’ Global Cyber Security Report, 61% of employers struggle to attract trained professionals. This has led to a rise in skills-based hiring, where businesses focus on potential rather than experience.

Step-by-step guide to writing a skills-based CV

1. Identify key skills

Start by identifying the key skills relevant to the job you’re applying for. Review the job description and pick out keywords such as “organisational skills” or other specific abilities required for the role.

2. Write a unique personal statement

Craft a personal statement tailored to each job application. Highlight your relevant skills and explain how the role will help you develop further and achieve your career goals.

3. Add skills and employment history

In a skills-based CV, categorize your career by skills rather than past roles. For each skill, provide examples of how and where you developed it, whether through volunteering, courses, or extra-curricular activities. Include metrics to quantify your success.

Example: Technical skill - coding and web development

• Course A, 2023: Completed with distinction, learning X, Y, and Z.
• Employer A, 2024: Used X CMS platform to create webpages, leading to a 40% growth in clicks per session.
• Extra-curricular project A: Developed coding skills on the X platform, participating in hackathons.

Example: Soft skill - learning mindset

• Employer A, 2024: Ran training sessions on X platform, resulting in a 20% increase in project delivery.
• Employer B, 2022-23: Created in-depth reports that led to a 15% increase in site visits.

4. Remove irrelevant information

Avoid including skills without examples, irrelevant achievements, clichés like “hard working” or “team player,” and non-relevant education grades.

5. Supplement your CV with a cover letter

If possible, include a cover letter that emphasizes your skills and how they make you a strong candidate. Focus on what you bring to the table rather than what you lack in experience.

Download our free Hays CV Guide. It goes into more details on every section.