How To Write A Good CV. Key Skills To Include

By Florence Mukunya

As an active job seeker you already know that a good CV is a must for you to be noticed by employers. And what does a good CV entail? A good Kenyan CV should have 8 major sections which include your name and contacts at the top, profile summary, key skills, education, work experience, key achievements, hobbies/interests and referees. So today I am going to address the key skills section on a CV.

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What are key skills that you should include when writing a good CV?

These are competencies that are either dependent on your work experience or training in a particular industry, others are your character as an individual. There are 3 types of skills that employers are looking for from candidates.
Here are 3 types of key skills that you should include on a CV

1. Job related Key skills

These skills are specific to a certain line of employment which you either gain from work experience or may have received from training. Here are examples of key skills for an Accountant:

Accounting Budget: Experienced in providing data required for budgetary planning, assisting senior management in the preparation of the budget and budget management.

Accounting skills: Well versed in accounting and bookkeeping procedures- Accounts payable/ receivable, Final Accounts and reporting.

Finance Reports: Highly knowledgeable in management accounts, P&L, balance sheet, cash flow statement, audited accounts, stocks and internal checks including generally accepted accounting principles.

Tax and statutory: Well versed in filing (VAT, income tax and withholding) taxes using the I-tax system and expertise in the preparation of statutory payments i.e. PAYE, NSSF and NHIF

2. Transferable Key skills

These are general skills which have been acquired in one setting but can be used in any other department. Below are examples of such skills:

Computer skills: Proficiency in the use of personal computers and advanced Microsoft Office skills, in particular database and spreadsheet software for management of data for reporting purposes.

Organization skills: An organized individual with thorough approach to work, with the ability to see projects through from start to finish

Communication Skills: Proven ability to communicate in a professional and efficient manner with staff and clients by listening and providing feedback

3. Adaptive Key skills

These are skills that are hard to quantify because they rely on personality rather than learning. An example of such skills include:

Team work: Ability to work as part of a team and obtain results

Integrity: Honest, acts with integrity and takes responsibility

Adaptability: Flexible with the ability to accept new roles, show calm and confidence

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The writer is a Communications Officer at Corporate Staffing Services, a leading Recruitment firm that offers CV Writing, Job Placement & Career Advice. Email florence@corporatestaffing.co.ke