Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities or knowledge sets that are required for particular jobs. Often gained through education and experience, hard skills are essential for crafting an impressive resume that will catch the eye of prospective employers.
Unlike hard skills, soft skills revolve around interpersonal traits and behaviors. For instance, proficiency in a second language is a hard skill, whereas working well in a team exemplifies a soft skill. In today’s job market, employers seek a balance between these two kinds of skills to ensure holistic employee performance.
Key Takeaways
- Hard skills are specific, technical skills necessary for a job.
- These skills are gained through education and practical experience.
- Soft skills, such as teamwork, are equally important but more challenging to quantify.
- Hard skills can be proven through certifications and experience, whereas soft skills often manifest through behavior and interpersonal interactions.
- Successful careers often require a mix of hard and soft skills.
Understanding Hard Skills
Hard skills are the technical proficiencies needed to perform specific tasks or to qualify for particular positions. These skills are often industry-specific. For example, the hard skills required by a financial analyst vary greatly from those needed by a carpenter. However, certain hard skills, such as fluency in multiple languages, can benefit diverse professions.
Recruiters typically seek evidence of hard skills in resumes and interviews. Demonstrating hard skills can be bolstered by certificates, degrees, or relevant work experiences. For highly specialized roles, employers might conduct skills tests during the recruitment process. While hard skills focus on practical capabilities, soft skills emphasize behavioral attributes, making both integral to career success.
Types of Hard Skills
Common Hard Skills
- Computer software proficiency
- Graphic design
- Data analysis
- Project management
- Marketing techniques
- Copywriting prowess
- Computer programming
- Multilingual abilities
- Search engine optimization (SEO)
Top Hard Skills for 2023
- Customer service
- Sales tactics
- Accounting principles
- Business development strategies
- Marketing expertise
- Digital marketing
- Sales management
- Financial acumen
- Social media savvy
- Financial analysis
- Engineering knowledge
- SQL (Structured Query Language)
Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills
The principles behind hard skills remain constant regardless of business or cultural context. For instance, a programmer’s coding practices are generally uniform across different companies. Conversely, soft skills like communication are greatly influenced by company culture and management styles.
Education, training, or on-the-job experience can teach hard skills. Defining levels of competency and steps for achievement in fields such as accounting is straightforward. For example, one can take introductory to advanced courses, earn a relevant degree, accredit professional experience, and pass certification exams like the CPA.
Soft skills are often not part of traditional curricula but are crucial. Programs designed to foster skills like teamwork, problem solving, and leadership can significantly enhance an employee’s efficacy. Common soft skills include:
- Communication
- Team collaboration
- Adaptability
- Problem-solving
- Conflict resolution
Engage with your employer regarding possible training programs that can further develop both hard and soft skills.
Example of Hard Skills
In the accounting profession, technical skills form the backbone of daily operations. These include:
- Mastery in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
- Proficiency in industry-specific software, such as Intuit’s QuickBooks
Accountants must also interpret financial statements and reports, implement efficient financial recording processes, and maintain accounting controls. Beyond technical skills, effective communication and diplomacy are essential soft skills for interacting with clients and auditors.
Key Hard Skills for Your Resume
When tailoring your resume, ensure it highlights relevant hard skills specific to the desired job. Focus on the following steps:
- Identify Skills Relevant to the Job: Reference the job listing to understand required skills.
- List Certifiable Skills: Include any formally acquired skills that offer tangible evidence of your expertise.
- Provide Practical Examples: Mention any work experience that involved the listed skills.
How to Acquire Hard Skills
Steps to Follow:
- Online/In-person Classes: Enroll in relevant courses at universities or other educational institutes.
- Practice Regularly: Develop proficiency through consistent practice.
- Experience in the Workplace: Seek opportunities to apply and refine your hard skills on the job.
Is Critical Thinking a Hard Skill?
No, critical thinking is typically categorized as a soft skill. Despite its teachable nature, it doesn’t translate into a technical ability with a clear development path like most hard skills.
The Bottom Line
Success in the professional world involves a hybrid of hard and soft skills. Regardless of your profession—whether firefighting or marketing—possessing and continually developing a blend of these skills will provide a competitive advantage in the job market. Embrace every opportunity to enhance both technical capabilities and interpersonal traits to pave the way for a thriving career.
Related Terms: career skills, job qualifications, technical abilities, soft skills.
References
- Indeed. “82 Examples of Hard Skills to Boost Your Resume (Plus Tips)”.
- Monster. “Soft Skills to Help Your Career Hit the Big Time”.
- Glassdoor. “Top Hard Skills Employers Look For”.
- LinkedIn. “Learn Top Skills to Help You Future-Proof Your Career”.
