When employers look at your CV, the skills you list will usually be at the very top of their checklist. Depending on the career path you choose, some jobs may require very specific technical skills.

Alongside those, there are general abilities and behaviours that every successful employee needs. These are known as employability skills – the transferable skills that make you effective at work, whatever your role. They are called transferable because you build them over time and take them with you as your career progresses. Think of them as your passport to career success.

When writing applications or your CV, you’ll need to provide examples from your work, study or extracurricular activities to show evidence of these skills.

The ten most important skills for your CV

1. Commercial awareness (business acumen)
Understand how an organisation or industry works, what its goals are, and how it competes in the market. Showing this insight proves you know how businesses succeed.

2. Communication
This covers speaking, writing and listening. Employers value people who can explain things clearly, adapt their message to different audiences, and listen to others’ perspectives.

3. Teamwork
You need to show that you can work well with others, but also take responsibility, delegate when necessary, and build positive relationships that help achieve shared goals.

4. Negotiation and persuasion
It’s not only about putting forward what you want, but also about understanding the other side so that both parties feel satisfied with the outcome.

5. Problem solving
Employers want graduates who can think logically, analyse issues, and come up with solutions from different angles.

6. Leadership
You may not start as a manager, but employers look for signs that you can motivate others, delegate tasks effectively, set deadlines and lead by example.

7. Organisation
This is about time management, prioritising tasks, and working productively. Show that you can decide what matters most and meet deadlines.

8. Perseverance and motivation
Employers want people with determination and energy – those who push through challenges and stay positive even when things get tough.

9. Ability to work under pressure
Staying calm in stressful situations, handling crises without panic, and continuing to perform well are highly valued skills.

10. Confidence
Strike the right balance: be self-assured but not arrogant. Have faith in yourself, your colleagues, and the organisation you work for.