Top 10 Software Skills to Add to your CV

A good CV and cover letter helps employers see at a glance whether you’ve kept up with the digital tools that make modern work faster, smoother, and more creative. 

Whether you’re applying for admin positions, creative roles, tech support or anything in between, software skills say a lot about how easily you can fit into a team. They demonstrate confidence, flexibility and a commitment to learning — all the qualities every hiring manager values.

Here are ten software skills worth adding to your CV, especially if you want to stand out in a competitive job market.

1. Adobe PhotoshopPhotoshop has always been a must-know skill for anyone in creative industries, and it’s no different today. In fact, its newest features make it useful for far more than just design work now. If you know how to use Photoshop’s AI photo tools, you can clean up images, remove unwanted objects, create marketing assets, and polish presentations without relying on someone else to do it for you. It shows that you’re up to date with the latest tools and able to adapt quickly.These AI features don’t replace creativity, they just remove the tedious bits so you can concentrate on clarity and quality. Simple tasks like resizing, colour-correcting, or removing distractions can go a long way in office jobs, social media roles and any profession where visuals are important.
2. Microsoft ExcelIt might not be the most fun, but Microsoft Excel is still one of the most useful software skills you can learn. Being able to work with formulas, filters, conditional formatting and pivot tables demonstrates that you’re comfortable navigating data and making sense of it. Even if you’re not in a number-crunching role, you’ll still use Excel more often than you think.Having Excel on your CV tells employers you can keep information organised, track progress, and spot small issues before they snowball into bigger problems. It’s also one of those tools that scales with your career. The more you learn, the more capable you become, and workplaces really notice that level of competence.
3. Google WorkspaceGoogle Workspace has become the go-to office suite for many businesses. Docs, Sheets, Slides and Drive allow you to collaborate without clogging up email inboxes with countless attachments. If you’re able to navigate shared documents, manage permissions, and set up folders correctly, then you’re ahead of most candidates.It’s also a valuable skill because it demonstrates your ability to work in fast paced online environments. The ability to track changes, comment or collaborate in real time shows confidence with remote-friendly software. It’s an especially helpful skill to have if you’re applying for hybrid or fully remote roles where teamwork happens online.
4. CRM PlatformsCRM systems record and store customer interactions, so knowing how to use them can open up a lot of opportunities. These platforms help you keep track of data, follow up on leads, schedule communication,  and stay organised as a team. Even basic experience is helpful because most CRM tools function the same way.Employers favour CRM experience because it demonstrates your ability to manage relationships while paying attention to details. It’s also a sign that you know how companies work behind the scenes. If you’re pursuing administrative, customer service, or even sales roles, this skill can push your application higher on the list.
5. Project Management ToolsProject management software is an indispensable tool in collaborative workspaces. Platforms like Asana, Trello and Monday enable teams to assign tasks, track progress and set deadlines. If you’re confident using these tools, it shows you know how to work in an organised and accountable way.Listing project management software on your CV lets employers know you can stay organised amid tight deadlines and keep work flowing. It’s also a way to let employers know that you’re comfortable working in transparent systems where everyone can see updates in real time. And since this skill can be applied to creative teams, startups, corporate work and even non-profit organisations, it’s absolutely invaluable.
6. Video Editing SoftwareVideo content is literally everywhere these days, so if you’re able to handle basic edits, you’ll definitely add an edge to your CV. Being able to trim footage, add audio, write captions or even create short clips for social media is a valuable skill across marketing, education, retail, and community services. You don’t need to be a pro filmmaker to benefit from knowing the basics.It’s a good idea to include the video/editing software you’re familiar with in your CV to demonstrate creativity and adaptability. It also shows that you’re comfortable with modern forms of communication, which many businesses are now zeroing in on. If you’ve ever edited reels, TikToks or event footage, that experience counts.
7. Social Media Management ToolsSocial media isn’t just for sharing photos anymore. Management tools help schedule content, track analytics and monitor engagement, which saves heaps of time behind the scenes. If you’re able to master tools like Meta Business Suite or Later, then congratulations — you already understand the planning side of social media.These are especially helpful skills for small businesses and marketing teams looking for someone organised and proactive. It shows employers that you can run a content calendar and measure what’s working (or what’s not), and support a brand’s online presence without needing constant direction.
8. Cloud Storage PlatformsKnowing how to effectively use cloud storage makes teamwork simpler. It’s not just about file uploads. It’s naming things clearly, setting up the right permissions, and keeping everything accessible for the people who need it.This is a skill that’s more important than most people even realise. When workplaces depend on shared files, one person who knows how to configure things properly can prevent the entire team from getting confused or lost. It also demonstrates that you understand digital organisation and can adapt to different systems without fuss.
9. Generative AI ToolsAI has undoubtedly become a bit of a buzzword across virtually all industries, but there’s no denying that AI skills are in-demand today. In fact, in much the same way that more organisations are using Google Workspace, it’s safe to assume that prospective employers are already using some of the top-rated AI tools in their own business workflows. As a result, employers are actively looking at CVs for evidence of AI knowledge-building, and even including questions revolving around generative AI tool integration in their interview phase with candidates.You can help ensure AI knowledge is included in your CV by including applications of AI tools in your previous roles, and preparing answers to AI-related questions for when you do proceed to the interview phase. This can include answering questions like how you’ve sustainably integrated AI into your daily workflows to support productivity and quality of output, and what types of tasks you’ve been able to complete by using generative AI tools.
10. Basic Coding or Automation ToolsThe other side of the AI code to generation is automation, so this should also be included in your CV. Thankfully, you don’t need to be a developer to benefit from light coding or automation skills. Even basic knowledge of scripts or tools such as Zapier can allow you to automate routine activities and streamline processes. It’s a handy skill that shows you’re willing to learn and experiment.Including this information on your CV demonstrates problem solving skills, initiative and the ability to simplify messy processes. Those are qualities employers definitely notice, particularly for roles in admin, operations and customer-facing positions where time-saving tools can make a huge difference. 

Elevate your CV by including these Software Skills

Software skills are way more than just something to fluff up your CV. They demonstrate that you’re curious, flexible and willing to grow with the job. You don’t have to master every single tool on this list, even familiarising yourself with just two or three can make a big difference to how confident employers feel when they read your application. 

Start with what you’re comfortable with, build from there, and keep the momentum going. The more confident you are with modern software, the more opportunities open up.