The best skills to put on your CV in 2025

The skills section of your CV is one of the most scanned sections by recruiters and ATS systems. Get it right and you pass the filter. Get it wrong and a strong experience section won't save you.

Hard skills vs soft skills — what's the difference?

Hard skills are specific, measurable and teachable: Python, Excel, Photoshop, French (C1), Google Analytics, data analysis. They can be verified and tested.

Soft skills are interpersonal and behavioural: communication, leadership, adaptability, problem-solving. They're harder to quantify but increasingly important to employers.

The most in-demand hard skills for 2025

Technology & digital

• AI tools (ChatGPT, Copilot, Midjourney) — any hands-on use is now valued
• Data analysis (Excel, SQL, Tableau, Power BI)
• Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
• Programming (Python, JavaScript, R)
• CRM systems (Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Digital marketing (SEO, Google Analytics, Meta Ads)
• Cybersecurity fundamentals

Languages

English remains essential globally. In the UK job market, Mandarin, Spanish, Arabic and German are highly valued depending on the industry. Always state your level: CEFR (A1-C2) or equivalent qualification (IELTS, DELF, Goethe-Zertifikat).

The most valued soft skills in 2025

• Adaptability — the post-pandemic world rewards people who can pivot quickly
• Critical thinking — especially valued in an age of AI-generated content
• Communication — written and verbal, including remote communication
• Collaboration — cross-functional teamwork in hybrid environments
• Resilience — the ability to perform under pressure

How to present skills on your CV

Don't just list skills — add context. "Microsoft Excel" is weak. "Microsoft Excel (advanced: pivot tables, VLOOKUP, Power Query)" tells the recruiter exactly what you can do. For languages, always add the level. For technical tools, mention how you've applied them if space allows.

Skills to avoid listing

Some skills are so basic they're assumed: Microsoft Word, email, internet browsing. Listing these wastes space and makes your profile look junior. Also avoid clichés like "proactive", "results-driven" or "passionate" — these are overused to the point of meaninglessness.