5 everyday skills to strengthen your CV

1. Clear communication

Practise writing concise messages and explaining information in a way your audience can use. On your CV, show where you handled enquiries, prepared reports or explained a process, rather than simply listing “communication skills.”

2. Digital organisation

Learn to manage files, calendars and shared documents reliably. Build confidence with the tools used in your chosen role. A useful example could be keeping records accurate or making information easier for colleagues to find.

3. Working with numbers

Practise checking calculations, reading tables and making simple spreadsheets. Connect this to real tasks such as tracking stock, preparing a budget or comparing weekly figures. Describe your actual level of experience.

4. Problem-solving

Break a problem into smaller parts, check the facts and compare possible solutions. Keep examples of a process you improved or an issue you resolved. Explain the action you took and the outcome without claiming credit for other people’s work.

5. Collaboration

Build the habits of sharing progress, asking useful questions and delivering on commitments. Examples from work, study, community activities or volunteering can all be relevant when they are clearly described and honestly labelled.