Hard Skills vs Soft Skills: All you need to know

Have you ever wondered why some people get the job while others are rejected? 

Or why some get promoted while others remain stagnant? 

There are two major skills recruiters look out for before hiring. 

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In this article, you'll learn about them and know which of them is more important in a workspace. 

What you'll understand from this post

• Definition of hard skills  
• Definition soft skills 
• List of hard skills and soft skills 
• Differences between hard skills and soft skills
• Which is more important?

Definition of hard skills 

Hard skills are specific abilities you attain through training that you need for success in a job. Hard skills come with degrees or certifications gotten through formal education, online courses and also on-the-job training (apprenticeship).

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For example, the hard skills required for John to be a teacher are a Bachelor's degree in education, Bachelor's degree in other fields, and a Higher national diploma from a government-approved higher institution. 

Also; Tracy, an aspiring medical doctor, would need to have a bachelor's degree in medicine as a hard skill. 

These hard skills are job-related knowledge and are required to perform a specific job. 

Definition of soft skills 

Soft skills are personal characteristics or traits that help you interact with others and succeed in the workplace. 

These soft skills come naturally but you can also learn them and they don't require traditional training. 

Soft skills account for 85% of success in long-term careers, according to Watts and Watts (2008; as cited in Robles, 2012), with hard skills accounting for 15%.

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Using the same illustration; John's soft skills as a teacher include; Patience, good communication skills, stress management, organization, problem-solving, and time management. 

These skills are important because they help John enhance his ability as a teacher. 

Soft skills Tracy should improve as a medical doctor include; empathy, stress management, leadership, teamwork, and risk assessment. These soft skills enhance her ability to provide patients with effective and individualized care. Click here to learn this things faster.

List of hard skills and soft skills 

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Examples of hard skills in demand now include: 

• Basic Coding
• Project Management
• Google Analytics
• Digital Marketing learn more
• Machine Learning
• Blockchain
• App Development
• Artificial Intelligence
• Carpentry
• Construction 
• UI/UX design 
• Video editing 
• Graphics design 
• Civil engineering 
• Photo editing 
• Mobile & web development
• Statistical analysis
• Database Management
• Design
• Editing
• Electrical Repair
• Engineering
• Financial
• Healthcare

Examples of soft skills to develop include: 

• Creativity
• Persuasion
• Teamwork
• Adaptability
• Emotional Intelligence
• Critical thinking 
• Problem-solving 
• Time management 
• Leadership 
• Communication 
• Listening abilities 
• Openness to criticism 
• Stress management 
• Critical thinking 
• Decision making 
• Organizational 
• Conflict management 
• Resourcefulness

Differences between hard skills and soft skills 

Hard Skills	Soft Skills
Hard skills are job-related knowledge that you need to execute your job duties effectively.	Soft skills are personal qualities that help you thrive in the workplace.
Hard skills are learned and teachable.	Soft skills come naturally but you can also learn them.
Hard skills are the backbone of the services or business.	Soft skills are less defined skills that don't only apply to one specific job.
Hard skills get you hired.	Soft skills are abilities related to how you work and interact with others.

Which is more important? 

Based on the results of this study, you should know that the major difference between hard skills and soft skills is how they are acquired. 

photo credit: unsplash

Now back to our illustration. 

John with multiple certifications and degrees in education with Tracy's soft skills can't be a doctor. 

Why? Because he lacks the technical abilities (hard skills).

On the other hand, Tracy with the hard skills required to be a doctor but lacks the necessary soft skills won't be a good doctor. 

Why? Because she lacks the soft skills to be a good fit in the workplace. 

All jobs require a blend of hard skills and soft skills.

Soft skills in the workplace allow organizations to effectively and efficiently use their technical (hard) skills and understanding without being held back by interpersonal issues.

Do you think one is more important? Comment below to share your thoughts. 

 

written by GERARD