Excited to make your mark in New Zealand's dynamic job market? Think of your CV as a snapshot of your professional story, crafted to capture the attention of potential employers. It's a chance to highlight your strengths, open doors to new opportunities, and shape the direction of your career journey.
Capturing the attention of employers requires highlighting the skills that set you apart from the competition. Ready to transform your CV into a powerful tool that opens doors? Jump to the example skills list to start crafting your standout CV today, or check out our essential top tips below!
Jump to the example skills list
Hard skills vs soft skills
In career development, understanding what skills to put on a CV is essential. Both types of skills play a vital role in making your CV shine, yet they serve different functions and appeal to employers in unique ways.
Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities that can be defined and measured. Hard skills are often technical skills gained through education, training programs, certifications, and on-the-job training. Essentially, they are the technical skills necessary to perform particular job functions.
Soft skills, on the other hand, are less tangible and often interlinked with personal attributes. These skills enable you to interact effectively with others and adapt to changing environments. These interpersonal skills are just as important as hard skills in today’s collaborative work settings.
Highlight the technical abilities that qualify you for the role while also showcasing the interpersonal skills that make you a well-rounded candidate. Tailor these sections to align with the job description, focusing on the skills most relevant to the position you’re applying for.
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Good Skills for CVs
When crafting a CV, it's important to include skills that are universally valued across industries and roles. Employers consistently seek candidates who demonstrate a mix of technical ability and interpersonal aptitude.
Here are some key skills to consider:
- Adaptability
- Communication
- Computer skills
- Leadership skills
- Teamwork skills
CV skills for various professions
Healthcare Sector Skills
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Related jobs: Dentist, Doctor, Nurse, Pharmacist, Physical Therapist, Psychologist
Education Sector Skills
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Related jobs: Academic, Educator, Teacher
Technology sector skills
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Related jobs: Graphic Designer, Information Technology (IT) Professionals, Programmer, Software Developer, Technician
Retail and Customer Service Sector Skills
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Related jobs: Cashier, Retail Worker, Sales
Construction and Trades Sector Skills
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Related jobs: Carpenter, Electrician, Farm Worker
Transportation and Logistics
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Related jobs: Driver, Transport & Logistics, Truck Driver
Office and Administrative Support
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Related jobs: Administrators, Administrative Assistant, Customer Service Representative, Receptionist
Hospitality and Food Service
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Related jobs: Barista, Chef, Cook, Hospitality and Catering, McDonald’s Job, Waiter
Accounting & Finance
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Related jobs: Accountant
Law Enforcement and Security
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Related jobs: Lawyer, Military, Security Guard
Student
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Related jobs: Graduate, Internship, High School Student, Student
Business and Management
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Related jobs: Executive, Human Resources (HR) Professionals, Manager, Project Manager, Team Leader
How to find relevant skills to list in your CV skills
Identifying and effectively listing the skills on your CV is crucial for aligning with job requirements and catching the attention of hiring managers.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to choose relevant skills to put on a CV and effectively incorporate them into your CV and broader job search strategy:
1. Review the job description
Begin by thoroughly reading the job description for the position you're interested in. The job description usually outlines the specific skills and qualifications required for the role. For example, if you're applying for a marketing position at a company like Fonterra, they may highlight skills such as "data analysis," "SEO," and "content strategy."
Once you've identified these key areas, match them with your experience and qualifications.
This strategy of mirroring the job description strengthens your CV and optimises it for passing through Applicant Tracking Systems, which scan for specific keywords.
2. Choose a CV format that outlines your skills
Selecting an appropriate CV format is crucial for highlighting your skills. A functional CV format, which highlights skills over chronological work history, can be particularly effective if you’re changing careers or have gaps in your employment history.
On the other hand, a combination CV format allows you to interweave your skills with work experience, showcasing how you applied your abilities in real-world scenarios.
When incorporating skills into your CV, ensure they feature prominently in your CV personal statement or CV objective and throughout your work history section.
A strong CV builder can assist in structuring these sections seamlessly, allowing you to focus your narrative around your skills.
Use a functional or combination CV to spotlight your skills and real-world applications, especially for career changes or job gaps.
Use overly decorative or hard-to-read fonts that can distract from the content of your CV; stick to clean, professional styles.
3. Use a skills section
Including a dedicated skills section in your CV allows you to articulate your hard and soft skills clearly. This section should list technical and interpersonal skills directly relevant to the job.
For instance, if you're applying for a Software Developer position, you might include skills like "Java programming," "team collaboration," and "problem-solving."
It's best to assess your proficiency in each skill, ranking them from beginner to advanced. Highlighting your proficiency levels offers employers a glance at your abilities.
Additionally, ensure that your skills section complements other parts of your CV. In this section, you can provide examples of how you've applied these skills in your work history or education.
Additional parts of the job search
To enhance your job search, integrate your skills across several platforms. In your cover letter, expand on skills from your CV by providing specific examples of how you’ve used them successfully. In interviews, prepare to discuss your skills using structured stories that highlight your achievements.
On LinkedIn, ensure your skills are up-to-date and endorsed by colleagues or clients to boost your credibility.
Consistently showcasing your skills across these areas strengthens your professional image and aligns your profile with job opportunities, increasing your chances of landing a role.
How do you gain skills you don't yet have?
Acquiring new skills can seem daunting, especially when you're starting from scratch, but there are plenty of avenues available to bridge the gap! Online courses like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy offer flexible courses that can be tailored to fit your schedule, covering many topics, from data analysis to digital marketing.
In New Zealand, organisations such as local libraries and community centres often host workshops that provide hands-on learning and the chance to network with like-minded individuals.
If you have no work experience in a particular field, consider internships or volunteer positions that can offer practical insights and bolster your CV. Joining professional groups or attending industry meet-ups can also give you invaluable real-world exposure and connect you with mentors willing to share their expertise.
For example, for IT professionals and tech enthusiasts, organisations like the New Zealand Tech Alliance host events and meet-ups that bring together professionals from various tech sectors. If you're more into creative fields, the New Zealand Institute of Architects offers networking events and seminars for aspiring architects. The Sustainable Business Network is another excellent option for those interested in sustainability and eco-conscious careers, providing a platform for collaboration and innovation.
By embracing both digital and in-person opportunities, you can quickly broaden your skill set and open up new career possibilities.
How to identify skills gaps
Identifying your skill gaps begins with a strong self-assessment of your current competencies compared to industry requirements. Look at job descriptions in your field to see what employers value and compare these to your existing skills.
For example, if you’re looking for a job as a local tour guide, you might find that employers highly value skills like fluency in multiple languages to cater to international tourists, comprehensive knowledge of New Zealand’s geography and Maori culture, and expertise in digital marketing to promote tours online.
Staying informed about trending skills in your industry is crucial. Artificial intelligence (AI), like ChatGPT, is reshaping many industries and sectors. Monitoring industry news and attending professional development events can help you identify good skills to include on your CV!
Remember: as technological advancements continue to grow and the world embraces innovation, it’s essential to stay curious and proactive in seeking learning opportunities that align with local and global trends.
Skills for CV FAQs
How many skills should I list?
While it might be tempting to list every skill you’ve ever acquired, focusing on the most relevant ones to the job you’re applying for is generally more effective. Typically, listing 5 to 10 key skills is ideal.
Being concise with the skills you list ensures your CV remains focused and concise, making it easier for hiring managers and the ATS to assess your qualifications quickly.
Additionally, the ATS will prioritise a well-formatted CV, and a cluttered CV might dilute the impact of your strongest skills. Choose your skills wisely!
What are some special skills I can list?
Special skills, or those unique, personal skills you possess that set you apart from the competition, can vary widely depending on your industry.
Some examples include proficiency in niche software, fluency in a foreign language, or expertise in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence or blockchain. Graphic design skills or video editing can be particularly valuable in creative roles.
Additionally, skills that demonstrate your ability to adapt to new trends, such as sustainability practices or digital transformation, can make a significant impact in the workplace.
Consider tailoring your CV to highlight these unique skills in a way that aligns with your career objectives.
How long should my CV be?
When it comes to CV length, a CV should be one to two pages. If you're a recent graduate or applying for an entry-level role, a one-page CV often does the trick, keeping your profile sharp and to the point.
For seasoned professionals with a wealth of experience to showcase, a two-page CV provides the room needed to flesh out your skills and achievements without losing focus. Focus on the most relevant information that aligns with the role, ensuring every detail you include punches above its weight.
Do I add hobbies as skills?
While it’s not common to list hobbies directly as skills, they can be included if they demonstrate relevant capabilities or attributes. For example, volunteering at a local marae could highlight leadership, teamwork, and community engagement skills.
Similarly, hobbies such as blogging or running a YouTube channel can showcase content creation and digital communication skills.
When considering whether to include hobbies, consider whether they provide additional context to your professional qualifications or reflect qualities valued in the role you’re applying for.
Should I add a photo to my CV?
Generally speaking, it’s best to avoid adding a photo to your CV for most professions. However, while adding a photo in New Zealand is not typically required, it’s not unheard of, especially in creative fields or roles where personal presentation is essential.
Including a professional photo can make your CV more personable and memorable, but it's crucial to ensure that the image is polished and fits the tone of your profession.
Remember, your focus should always be on showcasing your skills and experience. A photo should complement your CV, not overshadow it. Always tailor your use of photos to the company culture and the nature of the job.
Should my CV have references?
Whether to include references on your CV often depends on personal preference and the specific job requirements. In many cases, it's becoming more common to leave references off your CV and instead provide them upon request.
This approach helps you maintain control over who is contacted and when, allowing you to alert your references beforehand. By avoiding listing references directly, you also save precious space for showcasing your skills and achievements.
However, if a job application explicitly requests references, include them, ensuring each reference is relevant to the position and prepared to speak on your behalf. It's always good to have a separate document ready with your reference details should an employer request it.
