Writing · 6 min read · 2026-03-25
How to List Skills on a CV (With Examples)
Hard skills, soft skills, technical skills — what to include, what to leave off, and how to format the skills section so ATS systems read it.
Two types of skills - **Hard skills** are teachable and measurable: Python, SEO, financial modeling, Spanish (C1). - **Soft skills** are interpersonal: communication, leadership, adaptability.
List hard skills explicitly. Demonstrate soft skills through your experience bullets, not by listing them.
Format that ATS reads cleanly Use a simple heading "Skills" and a comma-separated or bullet list. Avoid skill bars / star ratings — ATS systems can't parse them.
**Example:**
Skills Python · SQL · dbt · Snowflake · Tableau · Git · Agile · Stakeholder management
Tailor to the job ad List every skill from the job description that you genuinely have. The ATS scores you on keyword overlap.
Don't list these - "Microsoft Office" (assumed) - "Email" (please) - Skills you can't back up in an interview
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