A strong communication skills CV is essential in today’s competitive job market, where technical ability alone is no longer enough. Employers consistently rank communication skills as one of the most important traits they look for in candidates across all industries. Whether you’re applying for an entry-level role, a managerial position, or a specialised technical job, your ability to communicate effectively can be the deciding factor.
Quick Overview
A strong communication skills CV is essential in today’s competitive job market, where employers value candidates who can convey ideas clearly, collaborate effectively, and adapt their communication to different audiences. This guide shows how to create a CV that demonstrates real-world communication skills, boosts credibility, and improves interview chances.
Whether you’re applying for an entry-level role, a professional position, or a leadership role, this guide walks you through:
✅ Understanding and showcasing different types of communication skills (verbal, written, non-verbal, interpersonal, digital).
✅ Writing and structuring a CV with real examples, action verbs, and measurable results.
✅ Tailoring your communication skills CV to job descriptions and industry requirements.
✅ Avoiding common mistakes like vague claims, buzzwords, or poor formatting.
✅ Using ATS-friendly layouts and templates to increase visibility with recruiters.
This is why creating a strong communication skills CV is so important.
However, many job seekers struggle to showcase communication skills effectively on a CV. Simply listing “good communication skills” is vague, overused, and unlikely to impress recruiters or Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). What employers really want is evidence — clear, concise examples that demonstrate how you communicate in real-world situations.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about writing a powerful communication skills CV, including:
By the end of this article, you’ll have both the strategy and templates needed to create a CV that clearly communicates your value to employers.
Before we dive into CV writing, it’s important to understand what communication skills actually include.
Communication skills are the abilities that allow you to convey information clearly, effectively, and appropriately in different contexts. These skills apply to written, verbal, and non-verbal communication, as well as digital and interpersonal interactions. Understanding these areas is key to building a strong communication skills CV.
Communication skills generally fall into the following categories:
A strong communication skills CV should highlight the types of communication most relevant to the role you are applying for, using clear examples that demonstrate how these skills are applied in real workplace situations.
Employers across industries consistently identify communication as one of the most important soft skills. According to numerous employer surveys, poor communication is one of the most common reasons employees fail or underperform in their roles.
Recruiters value communication skills because they demonstrate:
Even in highly technical roles such as software development, engineering, or data analysis, communication remains critical for:
This is why a well-written communication skills CV is a key selling tool, not just an optional extra. It shows employers how you contribute, collaborate, and add value beyond technical expertise.
One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is isolating communication skills in a single bullet point. Instead, communication should be woven throughout your CV. This approach creates a far stronger communication skills CV and gives recruiters real evidence of your abilities.
Here are the key sections where communication skills should appear:
Your opening profile is the first thing recruiters read, making it the ideal place to highlight your communication strengths at a high level.
Example:
“Detail-oriented marketing professional with strong written and verbal communication skills, experienced in creating persuasive content, managing client relationships, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.”
This section allows you to list communication skills in a concise, scannable format.
Example Communication Skills List:
Avoid generic phrases such as “excellent communication skills” unless they are clearly supported by examples elsewhere in your CV.
This is where communication skills should be demonstrated, not just stated. For a strong communication skills CV, focus on measurable outcomes and real workplace scenarios.
Examples:
Where relevant, highlight communication-related coursework, presentations, or group projects.
Examples:
Not all communication skills carry equal weight. Below are some of the most valuable communication skills employers look for, depending on the role and industry. Selecting the right mix is essential for building an effective communication skills CV.
Your communication skills CV should prioritise the skills most relevant to the job description, ensuring they are supported by examples elsewhere in your CV.
Practical, proven tips to help you showcase communication skills on your CV with real impact.
Start bullet points with strong action verbs to emphasise the impact of your communication.
Examples:
Wherever possible, use numbers to demonstrate the impact of your communication skills.
Example:
Presented monthly performance reports to senior management, contributing to a 15% increase in operational efficiency.
A customer service role and a software engineering role require different communication strengths. Tailor each communication skills CV to closely match the requirements outlined in the job description.
Phrases such as “excellent communicator” add little value without supporting examples. Always back up claims with real experience.
Applicant Tracking Systems scan CVs for keywords such as “communication skills”. Use clear headings, bullet points, and standard fonts to ensure your communication skills CV is easy to read and ATS compliant.
Below are three communication skills CV templates designed to showcase communication abilities effectively. These are content templates (not visual layouts) and can be adapted for Word documents, PDFs, or online CV builders.
Personal Profile
Motivated graduate with strong written and verbal communication skills, developed through academic projects, presentations, and teamwork. Confident in conveying ideas clearly and collaborating effectively in professional environments.
Key Skills
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in [Subject]
Experience
Customer Assistant
Profile
Experienced professional with proven communication skills, including stakeholder engagement, report writing, and cross-team collaboration. Adept at translating complex information into clear, actionable insights.
Core Skills
Work Experience
Project Coordinator
Professional Summary
Results-driven manager with advanced communication skills, including negotiation, team leadership, and strategic presentation delivery. Experienced in influencing stakeholders and driving organisational alignment.
Leadership Communication Skills
Experience
Operations Manager
Different industries value different communication strengths. Tailoring your communication skills CV to your sector helps recruiters quickly see your relevance.
Before submitting your CV, ask yourself:
✔ Have I demonstrated communication skills with real examples?
✔ Are my skills relevant to the role I am applying for?
✔ Is my CV clearly structured and easy to read?
✔ Have I avoided vague or unsupported claims?
✔ Does my CV itself demonstrate strong communication?
If the answer is yes, your communication skills CV is already ahead of most applicants.
A well-written communication skills CV is more than just a list of abilities — it is evidence of how effectively you can convey ideas, collaborate with others, and contribute in a professional environment. Employers want candidates who can communicate clearly, confidently, and appropriately, regardless of industry.
By using targeted examples, structured templates, and role-specific communication skills, you can transform your CV into a powerful personal marketing document. Remember, your CV is itself a communication tool. If it is clear, concise, and compelling, it already demonstrates the very skill employers are looking for.
Take the time to refine your communication skills CV, and you will significantly improve your chances of securing interviews and advancing your career.
