When you are building your resume, you'll often hear that you need to include a mix of hard and soft skills. But what exactly is the difference between hard skills vs. soft skills? And more importantly, how do you effectively showcase both to potential employers?
The short answer is that hard skills are specific, teachable abilities that can be defined and measured, such as typing, writing, math, reading, and the ability to use software programs. Soft skills, on the other hand, are less tangible and harder to quantify, such as etiquette, getting along with others, listening, and engaging in small talk.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the differences between hard and soft skills, provide extensive examples of each, and explain how you can highlight them on your resume to stand out to recruiters and hiring managers.
What are hard skills?
Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities or skill sets that are easy to quantify. Typically, you'll learn hard skills in the classroom, through books or other training materials, or on the job. These are the skills that are often listed in job descriptions as requirements or qualifications.
For example, if you are applying for a job as an accountant, the hard skills required might include proficiency in accounting software, knowledge of tax regulations, and the ability to prepare financial statements. If you are applying for a job as a software engineer, the hard skills required might include proficiency in programming languages like Python or Java, experience with database management, and knowledge of software development methodologies.
Because hard skills are specific and measurable, they are often easy to test. An employer might ask you to take a coding test, complete a writing assignment, or demonstrate your proficiency in a particular software program during the interview process.
Examples of hard skills
Hard skills vary widely depending on the industry and the specific job. Here are some examples of hard skills across different fields:
Technical skills
Technical skills are specific abilities that are required to perform a particular job. They often involve the use of specialized software or equipment.
- Programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, C++, JavaScript)
- Data analysis and visualization (e.g., SQL, Excel, Tableau, Power BI)
- Web development (e.g., HTML, CSS, React, Node.js)
- Network security and administration
- Cloud computing (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
Design skills
Design skills involve the ability to create visual content, such as graphics, websites, and user interfaces.
- Graphic design (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design
- Web design (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD)
- Video editing (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro)
- Animation and motion graphics
Writing and communication skills
While communication is often considered a soft skill, specific types of writing and communication can be classified as hard skills.
- Copywriting and content creation
- Technical writing
- Grant writing
- Foreign language proficiency
- Translation and interpretation
Business and financial skills
Business and financial skills are required for roles in accounting, finance, management, and administration.
- Accounting and bookkeeping
- Financial modeling and forecasting
- Project management (e.g., Agile, Scrum, PMP)
- Business analysis
- Sales and negotiation
What are soft skills?
Soft skills, also known as interpersonal or people skills, are subjective skills that are much harder to quantify. They relate to the way you relate to and interact with other people. Soft skills include communication, active listening, empathy, teamwork, and leadership.
Unlike hard skills, which are specific to a particular job or industry, soft skills are transferable across different roles and fields. For example, strong communication skills are valuable whether you are a software engineer, a salesperson, or a healthcare professional.
Soft skills are often more difficult to learn than hard skills. While you can take a course to learn a programming language or how to use a specific software program, it is much harder to teach someone how to be empathetic, how to work well in a team, or how to manage their time effectively.
Because soft skills are subjective, they are also more difficult to test during the interview process. Employers often assess soft skills through behavioral interview questions, such as "Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult coworker," or "Describe a situation where you had to work under a tight deadline."
Examples of soft skills
Soft skills encompass a wide range of interpersonal and behavioral attributes. Here are some common examples of soft skills that employers look for:
Communication skills
Communication skills involve the ability to convey information clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Active listening
- Verbal communication
- Written communication
- Presentation skills
- Negotiation
- Public speaking
Teamwork and collaboration
Teamwork and collaboration skills involve the ability to work effectively with others towards a common goal.
- Conflict resolution
- Empathy
- Collaboration
- Relationship building
- Accepting feedback
- Diplomacy
Problem-solving and critical thinking
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills involve the ability to analyze complex situations and develop effective solutions.
- Analytical thinking
- Creativity
- Innovation
- Logical reasoning
- Troubleshooting
- Decision-making
Leadership and management
Leadership and management skills involve the ability to guide, motivate, and inspire others.
- Team building
- Mentoring and coaching
- Delegation
- Strategic planning
- Conflict management
- Motivation
Adaptability and flexibility
Adaptability and flexibility skills involve the ability to adjust to new situations and changing circumstances.
- Resilience
- Open-mindedness
- Willingness to learn
- Stress management
- Patience
- Agility
Hard skills vs. soft skills: Key differences
To better understand the difference between hard skills vs. soft skills, it can be helpful to compare them side-by-side. Here are some of the key differences between the two:
| Characteristic | Hard Skills | Soft Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Specific, teachable abilities that are easy to quantify. | Subjective interpersonal skills that are harder to quantify. |
| How they are learned | Through formal education, training programs, or on the job. | Through life experience, social interactions, and self-awareness. |
| Transferability | Often specific to a particular job or industry. | Highly transferable across different roles and fields. |
| How they are tested | Through practical tests, exams, or demonstrations. | Through behavioral interview questions or personality assessments. |
| Examples | Programming, accounting, foreign languages, graphic design. | Communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving. |
While hard skills are essential for performing the technical aspects of a job, soft skills are equally important for success in the workplace. In fact, many employers prioritize soft skills when hiring, as they believe that hard skills can be taught, while soft skills are much harder to develop.
For example, an employer might be willing to hire a candidate who lacks some of the required hard skills but has excellent communication and teamwork skills, believing that the candidate can learn the necessary technical skills on the job. On the other hand, a candidate who has all the required hard skills but lacks the ability to work well with others may struggle to succeed in the role.
How to showcase skills on your resume
Now that you understand the difference between hard skills vs. soft skills, how do you effectively showcase both on your resume? Here are some tips to help you highlight your skills and stand out to potential employers:
1. Tailor your skills to the job description
Before you start adding skills to your resume, carefully review the job description for the role you are applying for. Identify the specific hard and soft skills that the employer is looking for, and make sure to highlight those skills on your resume.
For example, if the job description mentions that the ideal candidate will have "strong communication skills and proficiency in Python," you should ensure that both of those skills are prominently featured on your resume.
2. Create a dedicated skills section
One of the most effective ways to showcase your skills on your resume is to create a dedicated skills section. This section should be easy to read and scan, and it should include a mix of both hard and soft skills.
When formatting your skills section, consider using bullet points or a grid layout to make it visually appealing. You can also group your skills into categories, such as "Technical Skills," "Language Skills," and "Interpersonal Skills," to make it easier for the recruiter to find the information they are looking for.
3. Incorporate skills into your work experience
In addition to listing your skills in a dedicated section, you should also incorporate them into your work experience descriptions. Instead of simply stating that you have a particular skill, provide specific examples of how you have used that skill in the past.
For example, instead of just listing "project management" as a skill, you could write a bullet point in your work experience section that says, "Successfully managed a cross-functional team of 10 people to deliver a complex software project on time and under budget."
When describing your soft skills, focus on the impact that those skills had on the organization. For example, instead of just listing "communication skills," you could write, "Improved team communication by implementing a weekly check-in process, resulting in a 20% increase in productivity."
4. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements
When describing your skills and experiences on your resume, use strong action verbs to make your bullet points more impactful. Words like "managed," "developed," "implemented," and "optimized" can help to demonstrate your abilities and achievements.
Whenever possible, quantify your achievements with specific numbers or metrics. For example, instead of saying, "Increased sales," you could say, "Increased sales by 15% over a six-month period." Quantifying your achievements helps to provide context and demonstrate the tangible impact of your skills.
5. Don't exaggerate or lie about your skills
It can be tempting to exaggerate your skills on your resume in order to make yourself look more qualified for a job. However, this is a dangerous game to play. If you claim to have a skill that you don't actually possess, you could easily be exposed during the interview process or after you are hired.
Instead of exaggerating your skills, focus on highlighting the skills that you do have and demonstrating your willingness to learn and grow. Employers value honesty and integrity, and they are often willing to provide training and support for candidates who show potential and a strong work ethic.
In conclusion, understanding the difference between hard skills vs. soft skills is essential for building a strong resume and advancing your career. By identifying your unique combination of hard and soft skills, and effectively showcasing them on your resume, you can position yourself as a well-rounded and highly desirable candidate in the eyes of potential employers. Remember to tailor your skills to the specific job description, incorporate them into your work experience descriptions, and always be honest about your abilities. With the right mix of hard and soft skills, you'll be well on your way to achieving your career goals.