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Skill-related words and phrases
If you are using our article on ‘Knowing your skills’, or even if you’re not, you might find the following lists helpful when you are writing a CV, filling in an application form or preparing a letter of application. There are three lists: skill-related words, personal qualities and skill-related phrases.
Skill-related words
Sometimes it’s hard to find the right word. Here are a few that might help.
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Adapting (to change, new situations) |
Negotiating |
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Assessing (situations, staff) |
Operating (equipment) |
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Being (assertive, creative, diplomatic) |
Organizing |
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Coaching |
Persuading |
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Communicating |
Planning |
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Coordinating |
Preparing (accounts, reports) |
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Coping |
Presenting (ideas, information) |
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Delegating |
Prioritising |
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Designing (and drawing) |
Problem-solving |
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Explaining |
Processing (data, orders) |
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Expressing (views,opinions, concepts) |
Promoting (ideas, products, services) |
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Finding (information, solutions) |
Providing (services, solutions) |
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Fixing |
Recording |
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Following instructions |
Reporting |
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Giving (advice, support, instructions) |
Setting (priorities, targets) |
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Handling (money, difficult customers) |
Supervising |
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Instructing |
Supporting |
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Leading |
Taking (decisions, notes) |
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Learning |
Teaching |
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Listening |
Team (building, working) |
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Making (decisions, plans, things) |
Understanding (how other people feel, maps, diagrams) |
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Managing (people, time, change) |
Updating |
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Measuring |
Using (computers, keyboards, computer programs, initiative) |
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Meeting (deadlines, targets, people) |
Working (independently, in a team) |
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Motivating (myself, others, teams) |
Writing (reports, letters, presentations) |
Personal qualities
Remember that employers will look for specific personal qualities, as well as skills. Your personal qualities are the parts of your personality that help you to use your skills effectively. Make sure that you also let the employer know that you have the right personal qualities for the job.
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adaptable |
inquisitive |
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adventurous |
loyal |
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ambitious |
motivated |
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articulate |
observant |
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assertive |
optimistic |
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calm |
organised |
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capable |
out-going |
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competent |
patient |
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confident |
persistent |
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conscientious |
polite |
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creative |
positive |
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decisive |
practical |
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dependable |
punctual |
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determined |
reliable |
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disciplined
easy-going |
resourceful
responsible |
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efficient |
sensible |
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energetic |
sensitive |
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enthusiastic |
sociable |
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flexible |
sympathetic |
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friendly |
tactful |
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hard-working |
thorough |
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helpful |
thoughtful |
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honest |
tidy |
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imaginative |
trustworthy |
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intelligent |
versatile |
Skill-related phrases
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I developed problem solving skills … |
I am capable of working well as an individual and as part of a team … |
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I developed leadership skills through …
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I can organise and deliver work on time |
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I have experience of analysing and planning |
I can use a range of hand and power tools including … |
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I have a good sense of humour
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I successfully completed a project or investigation in … |
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I am learning to drive, or I can drive
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I can solve problems in a resourceful way |
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I am used to working to a budget because … |
I can encourage and influence others …
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I am learning, or can speak a foreign language |
I can use new technology such as …
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I can use a variety of word processing packages |
I can communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing |
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I have learned to keep calm under pressure |
I have excellent keyboard skills
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I have experience of working with the public in … |
I enjoy working with figures
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I opened, sorted and distributed the office mail |
I responded to customer requests for …
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I gained experience of cash handling procedures |
I gained experience of working with elderly people |
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I performed reception duties |
I answered the telephone and took messages |
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I gained experience of operating a till
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I gained experience of working with children |
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