{"id":112859,"date":"2024-03-15T12:42:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-15T12:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.futurelearn.com\/info\/?p=112859"},"modified":"2025-07-07T07:43:31","modified_gmt":"2025-07-07T06:43:31","slug":"what-to-include-in-a-cv-key-skills-interests","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.futurelearn.com\/info\/blog\/what-to-include-in-a-cv-key-skills-interests","title":{"rendered":"What to include in a CV: key skills and interests"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In previous CV articles, we’ve explored basic CV skills<\/a> and adding employment history and education to your CV<\/a>. Now, in this article, we’ll take a look at key skills and interests.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some CV sections can be tricky, and, depending on the type of CV you\u2019re creating, may take different forms. However, understanding the purpose of each and how to structure them can give your application the edge. Let’s explore each section in more detail.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should I include key skills and interests in my CV?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

People often question whether or not they need to have specific sections for key skills and interests. In reality, there\u2019s no straightforward answer. Whether or not you include them, how you structure them, and where you add them can vary significantly. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It all depends on the type of role you\u2019re applying for, the role requirements, and the style of CV you\u2019re aiming for. It also depends on each section:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key skills<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019re going to need to highlight your skills one way or another. We\u2019ll explore the finer details of how to do this further down. However, you may want to emphasise them more with their own section if you\u2019re creating a skills-based CV<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternatively, they could be included as a separate list of bullet points to one side of your document. In other cases, you might want to incorporate your skills into your professional experience section. Think about the role you\u2019re applying for, and consider which format hiring managers are likely going to respond to best.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interests<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some recruiters feel that your hobbies and interests play an important role in showing you\u2019re a well-rounded individual. Others think that they\u2019re only relevant for things like determining cultural fit or if it\u2019s a close decision between candidates. Whether or not you include this section again depends on whether or not you think it’s relevant when <\/span>writing your application<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

Including key skills on your CV<\/b><\/h2>\n

Your CV is a document that\u2019s designed to showcase your skills and experience. Highlighting your abilities shows employers that you\u2019re the right fit for a particular role. As such, it\u2019s vital for you to approach them in a way that\u2019s going to impress those who are reading your CV. Here are some points to keep in mind:<\/span><\/p>\n

Hard and soft skills<\/b><\/h3>\n

Employers often look for candidates who have a mix of hard and soft skills, so it\u2019s worthwhile making sure you highlight both:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n