
Soft Skills in CV: Why They Matter More Than You Think
As you settle down to draft your CV, it's most probably the initial things that come to your mind are your degrees, certifications, and work experience. And yes, they are a must-list, but there's one aspect too many job seekers miss out on: soft skills.
Consider this—hard skills will make them notice you, but soft skills will get them to hire you. They don't necessarily need someone who can code, design, or do numbers; they need someone who can manage a team, communicate, and adjust when things do not go as planned.
In today's competitive job market, adding soft skills to your resume can mean the difference between fading into the background and being hired as the top candidate.
What Are Soft Skills, Really?
Soft skills are often called "people skills" or "interpersonal skills," but they are not just being a nice guy at work. They are the characteristics that determine how you approach challenges, collaborate with others, and grow in your role.
Unlike hard skills (which can be measured through tests or certifications), soft skills are more about your personality, habits, and mindset.
Examples of Soft Skills
- Communication (both written and verbal)
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Leadership
- Problem-solving
- Adaptability
- Emotional intelligence
- Time management
- Critical thinking
Notice something? These aren’t tied to one specific career path. Whether you’re a software developer, teacher, marketer, or nurse, these traits matter everywhere.
Why Soft Skills in Your CV Are Non-Negotiable
**Let's be real—**anyone can list "Proficient in Excel" or "Certified in Project Management" on their resume. What recruiters would actually love to know is: how do you work with others, manage stress, and think on your feet when things are crazy?
Reasons Why Recruiters Value Soft Skills
- They are highly valued: A LinkedIn survey found that 92% of hiring managers consider soft skills to be important—or even more important—than technical skills.
- They show potential: Your soft skills signal how well you will grow into the job and fit into the company culture.
- They set you apart: If 20 candidates have the same technical skills, your soft skills make the difference.
How to Add Soft Skills to Your CV (Without Sounding Cliché)
1. Weave Soft Skills into Your Work Experience
Rather than listing soft skills, demonstrate them through achievements.
✅ Example:
"Led a team of 5 developers to complete a project two weeks ahead of schedule, improving team performance and collaboration."
Notice how this subtly highlights leadership, teamwork, and time management—without having to list them explicitly.
2. Employ Action Verbs
Start your bullet points with strong verbs that show soft skills in action:
- Coordinated
- Facilitated
- Guided
- Negotiated
- Mentored
- Resolved
Example:
"Facilitated weekly client meetings to maintain open communication and efficient project delivery."
3. Customize Your CV to the Job Description
If "flexibility" and "problem-solving" are emphasized in the job posting, highlight experiences where you coped with unanticipated change or solved tough problems.
4. Put Them in Your Profile Summary
The top section of your CV—your summary or personal statement—is a great spot to naturally note significant soft skills.
Example:
"Results-driven marketing professional with a proven track record for assembling cross-functional teams, meeting tight deadlines, and developing innovative campaigns to engage diverse groups."
Best Soft Skills to Use in Your CV
It depends on your industry, but here are some that are good for almost anyone:
- Communication: Selling ideas, writing reports, or collaborating with coworkers.
- Teamwork: Employers want a team player. Mention group projects or cross-functional collaborations.
- Leadership: Not just managers—can mean leading projects or supporting others.
- Problem-Solving: Thinking critically and providing solutions under pressure.
- Adaptability: Ability to learn and adjust quickly in changing environments.
- Time Management: Meeting deadlines and managing multiple tasks effectively.
- Emotional Intelligence: Understanding your own emotions—and others’—to communicate effectively.
Common Errors to Steer Clear Of
Even with the best intentions, job seekers have a tendency to fall short when listing soft skills on their resume. Avoid:
- Listing too many soft skills (4–6 is best).
- Using overused words like "hardworking" and "motivated."
- Lacking proof to back up claims.
- Copy-pasting buzzwords directly from job ads.
Sample CV Example (Soft Skills in Action)
Project Coordinator, BrightTech Solutions (2021–Present)
- Coordinated a cross-functional team of 10 to deliver software upgrades, improving client satisfaction scores by 25%.
- Facilitated weekly meetings and maintained clear communication channels, reducing project delays by 15%.
- Adapted project timelines to meet unexpected client demands, ensuring deadlines were met without sacrificing quality.
See the difference? Instead of listing “leadership, communication, adaptability,” you’re proving them with real results.
Final Thoughts
Soft skills have no certificates or formal training, but they're typically what seals a job application—or sends it crashing to the floor. By weaving them naturally into your CV, you don't just tell employers about you—you show them.
Before you post your next job application, ask yourself: Does my CV show how I work, not just what I know?
Call to Action
If you're having trouble emphasizing your strengths in a way that truly matters, don't worry—you're not alone. Creating a CV that bridges hard skills and soft skills takes strategy.
Visit CVReviewExpert.com today, get your CV tuned up, and land more interviews!