Hard Skills vs Soft Skills Employers Value
Employers look for two kinds of skills: soft skills and hard skills.
In job descriptions, employers often ask for a combination of hard and soft skills. Hard skills are related to specific technical knowledge and training while soft skills are personality traits such as leadership, communication or time management. Both types of skills are necessary to successfully perform and advance in most jobs.
What are hard skills?
A hard skill is related to specific technical knowledge and training, which is measured by a test. It doesn’t matter what job they are used for, these skills can be learned through formal education or on-the-job training. In contrast, soft skills are driven by characteristics such as leadership, communication, or time management. Soft skill is not a specific skill but is one that applies to all occupations.
Hard Skills Examples
- Gathering Software Requirements
- Forklift Operation
- Marketing Skills
- Phlebotomy
- Financial Modeling
- Shelf Stocking
- IT Skills
What are soft skills?
Soft skills are character traits and interpersonal skills that characterize a person’s relationships with other people. In the workplace, soft skills are considered to be a complement to hard skills, which refer to a person’s knowledge and occupational skills.
Soft Skills Example
- Interpersonal Skills
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Problem Solving
- Leadership
Difference between hard skills and soft skills?
Hard skills are something which you learn to adapt to a new career. example: Accounting, Engineering, Design, etc.
Soft skills are something that you learn or adapt from. the very childhood example communication, attitude, mental mindset, flexibility, etc
Out of the two hard skills can be learned through sheer will and dedication, but soft skills are a bit tricky as it is ingrained in our bio-physiology, but it can be learned through proper guidance, training and ability to observe from a distance.
During the interview process, highlight your skills
During an interview, you will demonstrate both your soft skills and your hard skills.
What Do Employers Look For?
Include your most impressive skills in your resume summary-Highlight your best relevant skills in your resume summary. Recruiters can also find evidence of your skills in the experience section of your resume. You can prove you have experience using your skills in real-world situations by providing specific examples of how you applied them in previous roles. When you demonstrate your skills in your cover letter, you stand out as genuinely qualified. Employers look for proof you’ve got the right hard and soft skills. The throng of unwashed applicants says, “I’m hard-working, energetic, and a great communicator. ”That’s like a soft drink can that says”, “Tastes Great!” It means nothing. You need to pick the exact resume skills the employer wants, then prove them. I’ll show how in a bit.
