10 Skills to Highlight on Your CV (With Practical Examples)

“Your CV is more than just a list of jobs – it’s your hype reel.” If you’re hunting for remote gigs, easy freelancing for students, or job opportunities, you need to flex the right skills. But here’s the kicker: listing “communication” or “teamwork” won’t cut it unless you show how you’ve actually used them. The goal is to make your CV not just a piece of paper, but a highlight reel that makes employers or clients think, “This person can actually do the job.”

1. Adaptability: Show You Can Roll With the Punches

We live in a world that’s constantly changing, and the workplace is no exception. Employers want someone who can adapt to new challenges and learn quickly, especially in remote jobs where you’re often left to figure things out on your own. Whether it’s managing sudden changes in a project or learning new tools on the fly, adaptability is crucial.

Example: “Adapted to a fully remote work environment during lockdown, quickly learning to use Zoom, Slack, and Trello for efficient communication and project management.”

You can also highlight any experience where you had to pivot unexpectedly – like switching from in-person classes to online learning. It shows you can roll with the punches without skipping a beat.

2. Time Management: Mastering the Student-Life Hustle

Balancing classes, a social life, and work? That’s an art, and it’s one you should definitely showcase. Employers want someone who can juggle multiple tasks without dropping the ball. If you’re freelancing on the side, remote employers especially value those who can meet deadlines without being constantly micromanaged.

Example: “Managed academic deadlines, part-time freelancing, and extracurricular activities by prioritizing tasks and utilizing time-blocking strategies.”

Time management isn’t just about meeting deadlines. It’s also about balancing priorities and knowing when to delegate or say no to tasks that aren’t essential. Highlighting how you handle a busy schedule can set you apart from other candidates.

3. Communication: Flex Your Digital Etiquette

It’s more than just talking or typing. Remote jobs require you to be clear and concise, whether it’s in emails, Slack messages, or video calls. Showing you’re comfortable communicating across different channels is key. But good communication isn’t just about words – it’s about making sure your message lands in the right way.

Example: “Led a group project remotely by coordinating weekly Zoom meetings and providing clear written updates in Slack, ensuring all members stayed aligned.”

Another key aspect of communication is listening. If you can demonstrate that you understand how to give and receive feedback effectively, you’re already ahead of the curve. Consider sharing examples of how you’ve handled constructive criticism or facilitated discussions to drive projects forward.

4. Self-Motivation: Prove You Don’t Need a Boss Hovering Over You

When you’re freelancing or working remotely, no one’s there to push you. Highlighting your self-motivation shows you can take initiative and deliver results without constant supervision. This is especially important for students who are just starting out – employers want to know you can manage your workload independently.

Example: “Proactively learned graphic design through online courses, building a portfolio that landed three freelance clients within six months.”

Self-motivation can also mean going above and beyond – like taking the initiative to learn new skills, seeking out additional resources, or taking on extra responsibilities to improve a project’s outcome. These examples showcase your drive and willingness to grow.

5. Problem-Solving: Make Yourself the Go-To Fixer

Employers love problem-solvers, especially those who can think creatively under pressure. Whether it’s troubleshooting a tech issue or finding a way to complete a project with limited resources, problem-solving skills are essential. The key here is to highlight how you’ve overcome obstacles in a way that adds value.

Example: “Resolved content management issues by reorganizing a cluttered Google Drive, improving file accessibility and reducing time spent searching for documents by 50%.”

Problem-solving is also about anticipating potential issues before they arise. If you’ve ever identified a risk and took steps to prevent it from becoming a full-blown problem, that’s a skill worth showcasing. Employers appreciate candidates who think critically and proactively manage challenges.

6. Digital Literacy: More Than Just ‘Knowing Computers’

In today’s world, saying you’re “good with computers” is too vague. Be specific about the tools and software you know how to use, especially if you’re aiming for remote or freelance gigs. Employers want to see you’re tech-savvy enough to navigate the digital workspace with ease.

Example: “Skilled in using Canva for designing social media graphics, WordPress for content management, and Google Analytics for tracking website performance.”

Beyond just knowing specific tools, digital literacy also means understanding how to troubleshoot minor tech issues, navigate various software platforms, and stay up-to-date with the latest digital trends. Mention any certifications or self-taught skills that make you stand out in a tech-driven world.

7. Teamwork: Collaborating Across Screens

Even if you’re working from home, you’re not always alone. Teamwork in a digital environment looks different – it’s about being responsive, cooperative, and contributing value without needing constant in-person check-ins. Highlight how you’ve worked effectively with others, even if it’s remotely.

Example: “Collaborated with an international team on a marketing campaign, using Trello to track tasks and Google Docs for seamless content collaboration.”

Teamwork also involves conflict resolution and maintaining a positive group dynamic. If you’ve ever mediated disputes in a group setting, or found ways to keep everyone motivated, those experiences can be great examples to include.

8. Creativity: Bringing Fresh Ideas, Even to Routine Tasks

Whether you’re crafting a unique pitch or coming up with a new way to approach an old problem, creativity is a skill that sets you apart. It’s not just for artists; creativity is about thinking outside the box in any situation. Employers love candidates who can inject fresh ideas into projects and think beyond the obvious solutions.

Example: “Developed a new content strategy for a student blog that increased readership by 40% in three months, by introducing interactive polls and story-driven posts.”

Creativity also extends to problem-solving and innovation. Even if you’re applying for a job that seems rigid or technical, showing how you’ve applied creative thinking to streamline processes or boost efficiency can make your application stand out.

9. Attention to Detail: Show You Sweat the Small Stuff

Being detail-oriented isn’t just about catching typos. It’s about catching potential errors, refining processes, and ensuring that whatever you produce is polished and professional. This skill is particularly important in freelancing where the smallest mistake could cost you a client.

Example: “Edited and proofread multiple academic essays, consistently catching and correcting over 95% of grammatical errors, leading to improved grades for classmates.”

Attention to detail can also be about consistency, quality control, and accuracy in any task. If you’ve managed data entry, coding, or even planning events, focusing on how your precision contributed to the success of a project can be a strong selling point.

10. Customer Service: Being the Person People Can Rely On

Even if you’re not in a typical “customer service” role, being able to handle inquiries, feedback, and even complaints is a skill that’s valued across industries. This is especially true in freelancing where clients appreciate a responsive and empathetic approach.

Example: “Managed communications for a freelance project, promptly addressing client feedback and revising work to meet expectations, resulting in a 5-star rating on Fiverr.”