Posted On: 2026-03-25
Posted By: Lery

IT Skills for Your CV: Meaning, Where to List Them & 35+ Examples

IT skills can be the difference between a CV that gets skimmed and one that gets shortlisted. Employers increasingly assume you can work confidently with everyday digital tools, from email and calendars to spreadsheets, video calls, and internal systems. When your CV clearly shows you’re comfortable with the tech used in modern workplaces, you come across as more efficient, easier to train, and ready to contribute from day one.

The tricky part is knowing what to include and how to present it. Many candidates either list generic phrases like “computer literate” that don’t prove anything, or they cram in a long software list that doesn’t match the job. If you’re applying for office, retail, healthcare, education, marketing, or entry-level roles, you need a practical mix of basic IT skills and role-relevant tools. If you’re aiming for a technical position, you also need to show credible, specific technical IT skills without overstating your level.

What are IT skills? IT skills are your ability to use computers, software, and digital systems to complete work tasks accurately and efficiently. They range from basic IT skills like typing, file management, email, Microsoft Office, and online research, to technical IT skills like coding, database management, cybersecurity, automation, and data visualisation. On a CV, IT skills matter because they signal digital competence, help you match job requirements, and can improve your chances of passing Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan for keywords such as “Excel”, “CRM”, “Teams”, or “data entry”.

This matters more than ever because most workplaces have moved to cloud-based documents, collaboration platforms, and specialised software, even in roles that aren’t “IT jobs”. Recruiters also have less time to interpret vague claims, so they look for recognisable tools and clear evidence of how you’ve used them. If you can show, for example, that you created Excel reports, managed a shared calendar in Outlook, updated records in a CRM, or used Teams for cross-department communication, you’re answering the real question behind the job ad: “Can you handle our systems without slowing the team down?”

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what IT skills mean in a CV context, where to list them for maximum impact (personal statement, skills section, work experience, and education), and how to describe them in a way that sounds credible and job-relevant. You’ll also get 35+ concrete IT skills examples, covering everything from Microsoft Word and Google Workspace to Zoom, task management tools, CRMs, and more advanced skills like SEO, HTML/CSS, and Power BI. By the end, you’ll be able to choose the right skills for your target role and present them in a way that helps you get interviews.

IT Skills for Your CV: Quick Takeaways

IT skills on a CV are the computer and digital tool abilities you use to complete work efficiently, communicate clearly, manage information, and adapt to modern workplace systems. They range from basic computer literacy, such as email, file management, and Microsoft Office, to more technical skills like SQL, cybersecurity, automation, and data visualisation. The best IT skills to list are the ones you can genuinely use and that match the job description, because recruiters and ATS software scan for specific tools (for example, Excel, Teams, Salesforce, or Power BI) and expect you to apply them in real tasks.

If you are unsure what to include, start with the tools you use weekly, then add one or two role-relevant platforms that show you can work in today’s digital workplace. In most non-technical jobs, strong basic IT skills and productivity tools matter more than advanced coding. In technical roles, your CV should still include core workplace tools, but your technical stack should take priority.

Definition (quick): IT skills are your ability to use computers, software, and digital systems to complete workplace tasks accurately, securely, and efficiently.
Include both types where relevant: basic IT skills (email, Word, Excel, file management) and technical IT skills (SQL, Python, networking, cybersecurity) depending on the role.
Prioritise what the employer asks for: mirror the job advert’s wording (for example, “Microsoft Excel” rather than “spreadsheets”) to improve ATS match.
Be specific, not vague: list tools and platforms (Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, Salesforce, Trello) instead of generic phrases like “computer skills.”
Show skill level or scope when helpful: “Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP)” is stronger than “Excel.”
Prove skills in your experience section: add a result, such as “built weekly Excel reports, cutting reporting time by 30%.”
Place IT skills in multiple sections: mention top tools in your personal statement, list them in a skills section, and demonstrate them in work experience.
Use a balanced skills list: aim for 8 to 10 total skills, mixing IT tools with role-relevant strengths like accuracy, organisation, or stakeholder communication.
Don’t overclaim: only include software you can use confidently, because interview questions often test “everyday” tools like Excel and CRM systems.
Common, widely valued examples: Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, email and calendars, cloud storage, video conferencing, basic troubleshooting, data entry, and collaboration tools.

What IT Skills Mean on a CV (Basic vs Technical)

On a CV, IT skills (also called computer skills or digital skills) describe how confidently you can use technology to get work done. That can mean everyday workplace tasks such as writing documents, sending professional emails, managing files, joining video calls, and updating records. It can also mean specialist, job-specific capabilities like coding, managing networks, analysing data, or securing systems.

The key is that employers read “IT skills” as proof of productivity and independence. If your CV shows the right level of digital competence, they’re more likely to assume you can hit the ground running with their tools, adapt to new systems, and avoid needing constant support for routine tasks.

Most CVs benefit from separating IT skills into two buckets: basic IT skills and technical IT skills. Choosing which to emphasise is a decision, not a formality, because it affects how you’re screened by recruiters and ATS software.

Below is a practical way to understand the difference and decide what belongs on your CV.

What IT Skills Mean on a CV (Basic vs Technical) Details

Basic IT skills are the digital essentials expected in most modern jobs, including admin, retail, healthcare, education, and customer service. They’re often described as PC literacy or computer literacy. Think: using Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, handling email and calendars, organising files, entering data accurately, and communicating through tools like Teams or Zoom.

Technical IT skills are advanced, role-specific capabilities typically associated with IT, data, engineering, and digital roles. These include programming languages, databases, networking, cybersecurity, automation, and specialist platforms. They’re usually assessed more strictly, sometimes with tests or technical interviews, so accuracy matters more than breadth.

When deciding what to list, use this rule: basic IT skills show you can operate effectively in a digital workplace, while technical IT skills show you can build, manage, analyse, or secure technology.

How to choose the right type of IT skills for your CV

Use the job description as your filter. If the role is non-technical, you’ll usually get more value from showing strong basics with real workplace relevance, rather than listing advanced skills that won’t be used. If the role is technical, basics are still assumed, but you’ll be judged primarily on technical depth.

If you’re applying for non-IT roles: prioritise tools you’ll use daily (email, spreadsheets, scheduling, file management, CRM/ticketing systems). Recruiters want confidence you can handle the workflow without extra training.
If you’re applying for IT or data roles: prioritise technical skills that match the stack in the advert (for example SQL, Python, Power BI, networking, cloud platforms). Add basics only if they’re unusually relevant (for example advanced Excel for finance-heavy analyst roles).
If you’re early-career or changing careers: include a balanced mix, but only claim technical skills you can explain or demonstrate. A smaller, truthful list beats a long, vague one.

Tradeoffs recruiters consider (and how to avoid common mistakes)

Specificity vs. credibility: “Microsoft Office” is broad and easy to ignore. “Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, charts)” is specific and more believable. The tradeoff is that specificity invites scrutiny, so only include detail you can back up.

Quantity vs. relevance: listing too many tools can look unfocused, especially if they aren’t tied to the role. A targeted set of IT skills aligned to the job advert is more likely to pass ATS screening and feel convincing to a hiring manager.

Tools vs. outcomes: naming software is helpful, but employers ultimately care about results. Wherever possible, pair an IT skill with how you used it, such as improving reporting time in Excel, managing customer queries in a CRM, or coordinating schedules in Outlook.

Quick self-check: is this a “basic” or “technical” IT skill?

Basic IT skill: commonly used across many jobs, learned quickly, and supports everyday tasks (documents, email, spreadsheets, collaboration tools).
Technical IT skill: specialised, often requires training or experience, and is used to build, configure, analyse, or secure systems (coding, databases, networking, automation, cybersecurity).

If you’re unsure where a skill fits, ask: Would most office workers be expected to do this? If yes, it’s basic. If it’s typically handled by IT, data, or engineering teams, it’s technical. This distinction helps you present the right level of IT proficiency on your CV without overselling or underselling your ability.

Why IT Skills Boost Hiring Odds and ATS Matches

IT skills on your CV do more than “look good.” They signal that you can operate confidently in a modern workplace where most tasks are digital, from booking meetings and updating records to collaborating in shared documents. For many employers, basic computer literacy is no longer a bonus. It is a baseline requirement, and your CV needs to make that clear quickly.

The timing matters because hiring teams are dealing with higher application volumes and faster hiring cycles. That means they scan for evidence you can be productive from day one, without extra hand-holding on everyday tools like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Teams, Zoom, or a company CRM. Even in non-technical roles, the ability to manage files, work with spreadsheets, and communicate professionally by email can directly affect speed, accuracy, and customer experience.

IT skills also improve your odds with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Many companies use ATS software to filter CVs before a recruiter reads them. If the job description mentions “Excel,” “data entry,” “CRM,” “Power BI,” “SharePoint,” or “ticketing systems,” the ATS may rank CVs higher when those exact terms appear in relevant sections. This is why vague phrases like “good with computers” often underperform compared to specific tools and tasks.

In real-world hiring, IT skills become proof of adaptability. Employers know tools change quickly, so they look for candidates who can learn new systems, follow digital processes, and troubleshoot minor issues without losing momentum. Showing the right IT skills helps you compete even if your work history is short, because it demonstrates readiness for how work actually gets done today.

Why IT Skills Boost Hiring Odds and ATS Matches Details

Including relevant IT and computer skills on your CV increases your chances of getting shortlisted because it answers two immediate employer questions: “Can this person do the day to day work efficiently?” and “Will they fit into our systems without slowing the team down?” In most roles, technology is the workflow. Scheduling happens in Outlook or Google Calendar, reporting happens in Excel or Sheets, communication happens in Teams or Slack, and records live in a CRM, HR system, or shared drive.

From an ATS perspective, IT skills are often treated like hard requirements. Applicant Tracking Systems scan for keywords tied to the job description, and digital skills are among the easiest for employers to standardise. If a role asks for “Excel (pivot tables),” “Salesforce,” or “Microsoft Teams,” a CV that lists those tools clearly, and backs them up in your work experience, is more likely to pass automated screening. This is especially important in competitive roles where small differences in keyword matching can decide who gets seen by a human recruiter.

IT skills also help hiring managers predict performance. Someone who can manage spreadsheets, maintain accurate data entry, use cloud storage properly, and follow cybersecurity basics is less likely to create avoidable errors, lose files, or mishandle sensitive information. In practical terms, that can mean fewer customer complaints, faster reporting cycles, smoother onboarding, and better collaboration across departments.

To get the full benefit, be specific and job-aligned. Listing “Microsoft Excel” is good, but “Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, dashboards)” is stronger. “CRM systems” is fine, but “HubSpot CRM (pipeline updates, activity logging)” is clearer. The more your IT skills match the tools and tasks in the job ad, the more your CV reads as immediately relevant, to both ATS software and the person making the hiring decision.

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Where to List IT Skills on a CV (Summary, Skills, Experience, Education)

If you want your IT skills to actually help you get interviews, placement matters as much as the skills themselves. Recruiters and ATS software scan CVs quickly, so your goal is to surface the right tools in the right places, then back them up with proof. Use the four key areas below in order, so your CV reads like a clear story: what you’re good at, what tools you use, where you used them, and how you learned them.

Before you start, do a 2-minute check of the job description and highlight the IT keywords it repeats (for example: “Excel”, “CRM”, “Teams”, “data entry”, “Power BI”, “SQL”, “ticketing system”). Those exact terms should appear in at least two places on your CV, as long as you genuinely have the skill.

Step 1: Add your most relevant IT skills to your professional summary (personal statement)
Your summary sits at the top of the page, so it’s the best place to “confirm fit” fast. Mention 2-4 IT skills that are central to the role, plus the context you use them in. Keep it specific: name the software, platform, or system rather than using vague phrases like “computer literate.”

How to do it: Choose the skills that match the job’s core tasks (for example, reporting, scheduling, customer support, content updates). Then write one line that connects the tool to outcomes.

Example: “Detail-oriented administrator with 3+ years’ experience using Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, filtering), Outlook calendar management, and SharePoint file organisation to support busy teams and keep records accurate.”
Step 2: Create a dedicated Skills section that is easy to scan
This is where you list your IT and computer skills in a clean, ATS-friendly format. Focus on tools employers search for, and keep it tailored. A strong skills section usually includes 8-12 total skills, with a mix of IT skills and role-relevant strengths (for example, “data entry accuracy” alongside “Salesforce”).

How to do it: Group skills by type if you have space, or keep one bullet list if you don’t. Add a short qualifier when it helps (for example, “Excel: VLOOKUP, pivot tables” or “WordPress: posting and editing pages”). Avoid rating yourself with bars or percentages, as they don’t help ATS and often look subjective.
- Productivity: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs/Sheets
- Communication: Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack, Outlook/Gmail
- Systems: CRM (Salesforce/HubSpot), ticketing (Zendesk), databases (record updates)
- Data: Excel reporting, Power BI/Tableau (if relevant), basic data cleaning
Step 3: Prove your IT skills in the Work Experience section with results
Listing tools is good, but showing how you used them is what makes your CV credible. In your experience bullets, include the software and the outcome in the same line. This turns “I know Excel” into evidence that you can do the job.

How to do it: For each role, add 2-3 bullets that include (1) the tool, (2) what you did, and (3) the impact. Use numbers where you can: time saved, volume handled, accuracy improved, response time reduced.
- “Created weekly sales trackers in Excel using pivot tables and charts, cutting reporting time by 30%.”
- “Logged and updated 200+ customer records per week in Salesforce CRM, maintaining 99% data accuracy.”
- “Coordinated cross-team meetings using Outlook and Teams, improving attendance and reducing scheduling conflicts.”
- “Resolved basic IT issues (password resets, printer errors, connectivity checks) to minimise downtime during peak hours.”
If you’re early-career and don’t have much paid experience, use the same approach with internships, volunteering, university projects, or coursework. The key is still “tool + task + result.”
Step 4: Use Education and training to support skills you can’t yet prove at work
Your education section is ideal for showing IT knowledge gained through courses, certifications, modules, or practical projects. This is especially useful for students, recent graduates, career changers, and anyone building technical IT skills like SQL, Python, cybersecurity, or data visualisation.

How to do it: List the course or module name, the provider, and the year (or “in progress”). Add a short detail that shows what you can do with the tool, not just that you studied it.
- Excel Skills for Business (Intermediate) formulas, pivot tables, data validation (2024)
- Google Digital Garage: Fundamentals of Digital Marketing analytics basics, SEO principles (2024)
- Intro to SQL querying and updating datasets; joins and filtering (In progress)
- Cybersecurity Awareness Training phishing detection, password hygiene, secure data handling (2023)
As a final check, make sure your most important IT skills appear in at least two places: once in your summary or skills list, and once as proof in experience or education. That combination is what helps both ATS screening and human decision-making.

35+ IT Skills Examples to Copy into Your CV

If you want a quick, ATS-friendly way to show digital competence, list specific IT tools and computer skills employers recognise. “IT skills” on a CV simply means the software, systems, and digital tasks you can use confidently to get work done, from everyday office tools to more technical platforms.

Below are 40 copy-ready IT skills examples. Use the ones that match the job description, and add a short detail in brackets to show your level or how you used it (for example, “pivot tables” or “weekly reporting”).

Microsoft Word (formatting reports, styles, templates, track changes)
Microsoft Excel (formulas, pivot tables, charts, data cleaning)
Microsoft PowerPoint (client decks, training slides, visual storytelling)
Microsoft Outlook (email rules, shared calendars, meeting scheduling)
Google Docs (real-time collaboration, comments, version history)
Google Sheets (filters, conditional formatting, basic analysis)
Google Slides (presentations for updates, lessons, or pitches)
Google Drive (shared folders, permissions, file organisation)
OneDrive (cloud syncing, document sharing, version control)
Dropbox (file sharing, folder structures, collaboration workflows)
Windows file management (folders, shortcuts, search, permissions basics)
macOS file management (Finder organisation, tags, Spotlight search)
Email etiquette and inbox management (folders/labels, prioritisation, follow-ups)
Typing and data accuracy (touch typing, fast and error-checked entry)
Internet research (source checking, advanced search operators, summarising)
Online forms and portals (submitting applications, updating records, uploads)
Basic troubleshooting (printer issues, frozen apps, reconnecting peripherals)
Video conferencing: Zoom (screen share, breakout rooms, meeting setup)
Video conferencing: Microsoft Teams (channels, calls, file sharing, meetings)
Team messaging: Slack (channels, threads, integrations, etiquette)
Calendar management (Outlook/Google Calendar, invites, scheduling across teams)
Task management: Trello (boards, lists, due dates, workflow tracking)
Task management: Asana (projects, dependencies, assignments, timelines)
Workspace organisation: Notion (wikis, task databases, templates)
PDF tools (creating, merging, compressing, filling and signing forms)
Digital note-taking (OneNote/Evernote, searchable notes, meeting minutes)
Data entry (updating records quickly with high attention to detail)
CRM systems (Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho; logging calls and updating pipelines)
Ticketing/helpdesk systems (Zendesk, Freshdesk; categorising and resolving queries)
Database navigation (searching, updating fields, exporting reports safely)
Basic reporting and dashboards (creating weekly/monthly summaries from data)
Cybersecurity awareness (phishing spotting, MFA, secure passwords, safe sharing)
GDPR and data handling basics (access control, minimising data, secure storage)
Social media platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook; posting and community basics)
Social scheduling tools (Buffer, Hootsuite; planning content calendars)
Canva (simple marketing assets, internal comms visuals, resizing for platforms)
Content management systems (WordPress, Wix; updating pages, uploading content)
SEO basics (keywords, meta titles, headings, internal content structure)
Data visualisation tools (Power BI or Tableau; charts, filters, sharing insights)

If you want to make these stronger, pair the skill with a proof line in your experience section. For example: “Built weekly Excel reports (pivot tables + charts) to track KPIs and cut manual reporting time by 30%.” That one sentence shows the tool, the level, and the outcome.

Tip: avoid vague phrases like “computer literate” on their own. Recruiters and ATS systems respond better to specific software names and practical tasks, especially for common requirements like Excel, email, Teams/Zoom, data entry, and file management.

Common IT Skills CV Mistakes That Weaken Your Application

Even strong candidates lose interviews because their IT skills section is vague, inflated, or disconnected from the job. Recruiters want proof of digital competence, not a long list of software names. The good news is that most problems are easy to fix once you know what hiring managers and ATS systems are looking for.

Below are the most common IT and computer skills CV mistakes, plus practical ways to avoid them so your application reads as credible, relevant, and job-ready.

Listing generic phrases instead of specific tools

“Computer literate” and “good with IT” don’t help an employer understand what you can actually do. They also don’t match the keywords employers use in job descriptions, which can reduce your chances of passing ATS screening.

Do this instead: name the tool and the level. For example: “Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, charts)” or “Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, shared drives).”

Including too many skills that aren’t relevant to the role

A long, unfocused list can make you look like you’re sending the same CV everywhere. If you’re applying for an admin role, listing Python, Kubernetes, and penetration testing can distract from what the employer actually needs.

Do this instead: prioritise 8 to 12 skills that match the job advert. Keep advanced technical IT skills for roles that genuinely require them.

Overstating proficiency (and getting caught)

Claiming “advanced Excel” when you can only do basic sums is a common mistake. Many employers test skills informally in interviews or with short tasks, and exaggeration can damage trust quickly.

Do this instead: be honest and add context. Use levels like “basic,” “intermediate,” or “advanced,” or describe what you can do: “Excel (data cleaning, filters, conditional formatting).”

Failing to show IT skills in action

A skills list without evidence looks unproven. Employers want to know how your IT skills improved accuracy, speed, customer service, reporting, or teamwork.

Do this instead: back up key tools in your work experience with outcomes. For example: “Created weekly Excel reports using pivot tables, cutting reporting time by 30%,” or “Managed customer queries in Zendesk, maintaining 95% SLA compliance.”

Not tailoring keywords for ATS and UK job descriptions

If the job advert says “Microsoft Teams,” but your CV only says “video conferencing,” you may miss keyword matches. The same goes for “CRM (Salesforce)” versus “customer database.”

Do this instead: mirror the employer’s wording where it’s accurate. Include both the category and the tool when helpful, such as “CRM systems (Salesforce)” or “ticketing software (Zendesk).”

Mixing soft skills into the IT skills list without clarity

Skills like “communication” and “teamwork” matter, but they aren’t IT skills. Blending them into one list can make your technical ability look weaker and harder to scan.

Do this instead: separate sections or group clearly. For instance, “IT Skills” for tools and “Core Skills” for soft skills, or use grouped bullets like “Productivity tools,” “Data handling,” and “Collaboration.”

Using outdated or unnecessary software claims

Listing obsolete tools or very basic items can date your CV. In many office roles, “Internet” or “Windows” alone doesn’t add value unless the role is entry-level or specifically requests it.

Do this instead: focus on current workplace tools and practical capabilities, such as cloud storage (OneDrive/Google Drive), Teams/Zoom, Excel reporting, CRM use, or basic troubleshooting.

Forgetting to include training, certifications, or recent upskilling

If you learned Excel, Power BI, or cybersecurity awareness through a course, leaving it off wastes an easy credibility boost, especially for graduates, career changers, or candidates with limited experience.

Do this instead: add relevant courses under Education or Certifications, including the provider and level (for example, “Excel Skills for Business, Intermediate”).

Quick checklist to fix your IT skills section

Be specific: name software, platforms, and features you actually use.
Match the job: prioritise the tools mentioned in the job description.
Prove it: show at least 2 to 3 IT skills in your work experience with results.
Stay credible: avoid inflated proficiency claims; add context instead.
Keep it readable: group skills logically and avoid clutter.

Additional illustration for article content

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Expert Tips: Prove IT Skills with Results, Tools, and Keywords

Recruiters see “Microsoft Office” and “good with computers” on almost every CV. What makes yours stand out is proof. The fastest way to add credibility is to show what you did with the tool, how well you did it, and why it mattered. Think of IT skills as evidence of productivity, accuracy, and modern workplace readiness, not just software you’ve heard of.

A simple formula helps: Action + Tool + Task + Result. For example, “Built a weekly Excel dashboard” is fine, but “Built a weekly Excel dashboard (pivot tables, XLOOKUP) that cut reporting time from 3 hours to 45 minutes” is memorable. Even if you don’t have exact numbers, you can still quantify with ranges (e.g., “50+ tickets/week”), frequency (“daily”), or quality (“99% accuracy”).

Be specific about features, not just platforms. “Excel” can mean basic data entry or advanced analysis. Add a short qualifier that matches the job: formulas, pivot tables, conditional formatting, data validation, Power Query, or charting. The same goes for other tools: “Teams” could mean “running meetings,” “managing channels,” or “sharing files and permissions.” This small detail signals real competence and helps your CV pass ATS scans for IT keywords.

Use the job description as your keyword map. If the employer says “Google Workspace,” mirror that phrasing instead of only writing “Docs/Sheets.” If they mention “CRM,” name the system you used (Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho) and the task (pipeline updates, logging calls, segmentation, reporting). Matching terminology is not keyword stuffing. It’s showing alignment.

Where possible, add context and constraints to prove you can operate in real environments. Mention secure handling of customer data, working to SLAs, using shared drives with version control, or maintaining clean records. For many non-technical roles, “cybersecurity awareness” becomes more believable when you show behaviours: using MFA, spotting phishing, managing permissions, and following GDPR-friendly processes.

Upgrade vague skill bullets: Replace “Proficient in Excel” with “Excel (pivot tables, IF statements, charts) for weekly stock and sales reporting.”
Show outcomes in experience: “Resolved 20+ weekly support queries using Zendesk, improving first-response time by 25%.”
Prove collaboration skills: “Co-authored SOPs in Google Docs with tracked changes and version history to reduce process errors.”
Demonstrate automation: “Automated appointment reminders using Outlook rules and templates, cutting no-shows by 10%.”
Back up claims with training: Add a short course line like “Excel Intermediate (pivot tables, lookups), 2025” to strengthen credibility.

Finally, keep your IT skills section tight and targeted. List the tools you can use confidently on day one, then reinforce the most important ones in your personal statement and work experience. Repetition with purpose is powerful: it shows the skill is central to your impact, not just a box you ticked.

IT Skills for CVs: FAQs and Key Takeaways

IT and computer skills on a CV show employers you can work efficiently with modern tools, adapt to new systems, and contribute with minimal training. For most roles, a strong mix of basic IT skills (email, spreadsheets, file management) and job-specific tools (CRM systems, collaboration platforms, reporting software) is enough to stand out.

Use this final section to sanity-check what to include, where to place it, and how to describe your digital competence in a way that feels credible and relevant. If you’re ever unsure, the rule is simple: list the tools you can genuinely use, and back them up with evidence in your work experience.

FAQs about IT skills on a CV

What are the most common IT skills for CVs in the UK?
The most frequently requested computer skills across UK job ads tend to be Microsoft Excel and Word, email (Outlook or Gmail), Google Docs/Sheets, video calls (Zoom or Microsoft Teams), and basic troubleshooting. For office roles, employers also expect file management and calendar scheduling as standard.
Where should I list IT skills on my CV?
Use a dedicated Skills section for quick scanning and ATS matching, then reinforce your strongest IT skills in your personal statement and work experience. The work experience section is where your skills become believable, for example: “Created weekly Excel reports using pivot tables to support stock decisions.”
Do I need to include IT skills if I’m not applying for a tech job?
Yes. Most non-technical roles still rely on digital tools for communication, scheduling, reporting, and record-keeping. If you leave IT skills off entirely, some employers may assume you lack PC literacy, even if you’re strong in other areas.
Can I list soft skills as IT skills?
Keep them separate. Soft skills like communication and teamwork support how you use technology, but they are not IT skills by themselves. A stronger approach is pairing them: “Used Microsoft Teams to coordinate stakeholders and keep project updates clear and consistent.”
Should I mention IT skills in my cover letter too?
Only if they’re important for the role or help explain a result. Mention one or two relevant tools and connect them to outcomes, such as improving response times with a CRM or producing accurate reports in Excel. Avoid repeating a long list that’s already on your CV.
How do I know what IT skills to list for a specific role?
Start with the job description and highlight the tools mentioned (for example, Excel, CRM software, Teams, Google Workspace, CMS platforms). Then match them to your real experience and use the same wording where appropriate. If the advert says “Salesforce,” don’t write only “CRM” if Salesforce is what you used.
What computer skills should be in a CV for IT graduates?
Include a balance of fundamentals and role direction. Fundamentals might include Git, basic command line use, troubleshooting, and documentation. Role direction depends on your target: for development, add languages like Python/JavaScript and SQL; for data, add Excel, SQL, and Power BI/Tableau; for support, add ticketing tools and hardware/software diagnostics. Only list what you can explain or demonstrate in an interview.
How many IT skills should I put on my CV?
For most candidates, aim for around 8 to 12 skills in a dedicated skills section, prioritising relevance over volume. If you have many tools (for example, marketing platforms, CMS, analytics), group them logically and keep the list scannable.

Key takeaways and next steps

IT skills are no longer “nice to have.” They’re a baseline requirement in most modern workplaces, and the right computer skills can help you pass ATS screening, look more job-ready, and prove you can contribute quickly. The best CVs do two things: they name the right tools and show those tools in action with clear tasks and results.

Prioritise relevance: choose IT skills that match the job description and your target industry.
Prove proficiency: add evidence in your work experience (metrics, outputs, time saved, accuracy improved).
Balance basic and advanced: include core PC literacy plus role-specific platforms like CRM systems, CMS tools, or data visualisation.
Use clear naming: write specific tools (Microsoft Excel, Google Workspace, Teams, Salesforce) rather than vague labels.
Stay honest: only list skills you can comfortably use and explain in an interview.

Next step: pick the 10 or so IT skills most aligned with the roles you’re applying for, add two to your personal statement, and rewrite 2 to 4 work experience bullets to show measurable impact using those tools. That small update often makes a CV feel sharper, more current, and more convincing to recruiters.

IT Skills for Your CV: Meaning, Where to List Them & 35+ Examples