How to bring your competencies to life in your CV and cover letter
You know the drill: strong communicator, flexible, results-oriented. Everyone lists them somewhere. But what do those words actually say about you? And more importantly: how do you show it? Many applicants fill their CV and cover letter with nice words, but forget to prove why those competencies are true. And that’s a shame, because that’s exactly what separates a standard application from one that sticks. In this article, you’ll learn how to present your competencies in a concrete, credible, and convincing way. One that fits who you are.
What Are Competencies, Really?
Let’s start at the beginning. A competency is a combination of knowledge, skills, and behaviour that you use to perform effectively at work. In short: it says something about how you approach things. We’ve written a full blog about this topic, but here’s the essence:
Competencies go beyond simple skills. Where “using Excel” is a skill, “analytical thinking” describes how you use Excel and what you achieve with it.
There are two main types of competencies:
Hard skills – such as project management, data analysis, or language proficiency.
Soft skills – such as teamwork, leadership, or resilience.
A strong professional profile usually combines both. The key is to translate those words into real-life examples — because that’s what convinces a recruiter.
Competencies on Your CV: From Words to Proof
Your CV isn’t a word list. It’s a summary of what you can prove. A recruiter wants to see your added value within seconds. Avoid long lists without context, and choose short, result-driven descriptions instead.
Example:
❌ Team player, stress-resistant, and creative.
✅ Worked under high pressure on creative marketing campaigns with a multidisciplinary team of five colleagues.
See the difference? The second one shows when and how you used your skills. That makes it believable and much more interesting to read. The competencies in the first example may be true, but they don’t say much. Competencies depend heavily on context. What’s considered “stress-resistant” in my job might look completely different in yours. By showing the situation, you make it real.
Extra tips for your CV:
Analyse the job description and choose 3–5 key competencies that truly fit the role.
Use action verbs like lead, develop, improve, or deliver.
Include measurable results wherever possible (e.g. “increased efficiency by 20%”).
Let your personality subtly shine through in your tone.
That’s how you create a CV that not only states what you can do, but also shows why it’s true. And it helps you avoid the classic “list of tasks” that could belong to anyone with a similar job. As mentioned — context is everything.
Competencies in Your Cover Letter: Show, Don’t Tell
Your cover letter gives you space to add context. It’s where you can show why these competencies suit you and how they fit the position. A helpful way to do this is through the STARR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result, Reflection. It gives structure to your example without making it sound like homework. We’ve also written a full blog about this method.
Example: In my previous role at [company], I noticed our internal communication often missed the mark. I took the initiative to organize a weekly team meeting, which led to 30% fewer client file errors within two months. That experience showed me the importance of clear communication. Something I’d love to bring to this role.
See what happens here? You’re not just saying you’re a strong communicator, you’re proving it. You show what “strong communication” means to you in practice.
Three more tips for your cover letter:
Focus on one or two competencies that truly matter for this specific role.
Use examples from recent work or study experience.
End each paragraph with how it benefits the employer.
This turns your cover letter from a list of traits into a story that shows who you are in action. By sticking to one or two competencies, you can go deeper and make a stronger impression.
The Right Tone and Balance
Competencies only convince when they sound authentic. Avoid exaggeration or clichés like “people person” or “real go-getter.”
Or, in the Rotterdam spirit: less talk, more action. That means:
Be concrete: “I plan projects in Notion and actively track deadlines.”
Be down-to-earth: “I like structure, so I always make a plan before I start.”
Be yourself: use words you’d actually say in a conversation.
You can also show competencies indirectly. A well-structured letter already proves you’re organised. A clear, concise sentence shows you communicate well. Sometimes, you don’t need to say it. You can simply do it.
Checklist: Do Your Competencies Come Across Well?
Before you hit send, double-check:
Have you chosen 3–5 competencies that match the job?
Does each competency appear in a clear example?
Are your examples recent and believable?
Does your tone fit the company culture?
Does it still sound like you?
If you can say “yes” to all of these, you’re set. If not, tweak a sentence or two. Don’t just throw in more competencies.
In Conclusion
Your competencies are more than words on a page. They show how you work, learn, and collaborate. In short, who you are as a professional. Whether it’s your CV or your cover letter, the goal is to show what you do with what you can. That’s what gets an employer’s attention. If you’re still struggling to express your competencies clearly or unsure which ones matter most, book a free intake or sign up for one of our training sessions.
