During interviews, recruiters constantly evaluate a potential candidate’s skills. They ensure an individual has the appropriate knowledge and abilities in order to be successful in a job. However, there are two distinct types of skills that companies value: hard skills and soft skills. Understanding the interplay between your hard and soft skills is a game-changer in today’s competitive job market. By leveraging tools like the HIGH5 strengths assessment, you gain invaluable insights into your natural talents, allowing you to strategically develop and showcase hard skills that align with these strengths.
This powerful combination not only enhances your performance but also presents you as a uniquely qualified candidate who brings both technical prowess and self-awareness to the table. In this article, we’ll explore how to identify, develop, and articulate your hard skills in the context of your strengths, providing you with a competitive edge that can transform your career trajectory and significantly boost your chances of landing your dream job.
What are hard skills?
Hard skills are technical and practical abilities and specific knowledge acquired through education, practice, and life experiences [1]. And when we refer to a “skill” it is a person’s ability to complete tasks by using relevant resources that come from training, previous experience and their mental or physical abilities and capacity [2]. While these skills are often more tangible and straightforward to learn than soft skills, their true power lies in how they align with your natural strengths.
By taking the HIGH5 strengths assessment, you can identify which hard skills complement your innate talents, allowing for more focused and effective skill development. This alignment not only enhances your job performance and value to employers but also increases job satisfaction and competitiveness in the market. Understanding the interplay between your strengths and hard skills is key to unlocking your full professional potential.
Pro Tip From HIGH5
After completing your HIGH5 strengths assessment, create a personalized hard skills development plan. Focus on acquiring and honing skills that naturally align with your top strengths. For instance, if ‘Strategic Thinking’ is one of your strengths, prioritize learning data analysis or project management skills to leverage this strength in your career.
18 examples of hard skills
Skills can be broken down into a few key areas that include [3]:
- Motor skills – involve being able to coordinate the body, or movements of the body to produce specific actions
- Cognitive skills – this requires someone to be able to think logically, make decisions and problem-solving
- Social skills – involve being able to communicate effectively, and interact with people
- Perceptual or sensory skills – require an individual to be able to receive sensory data (visual, auditory etc) and interpret this information and act on it or respond to it in some way
Although many hard skills are job-specific, here are some examples of some common hard skills [1] along with an explanation of each:
- Writing
- Design
- Computer skills
- Marketing
- Project management
- Data analysis
- Engineering
- Foreign language
- Skills management
- Programming
- SEO
- Hard communication skills
- Copywriting
- Accounting
- Agile software
- Corporate management
- Leadership
- Social media
Writing
The ability to compose clear, structured, and effective written communication for various purposes, such as reports, articles, and emails.
Design
Skills in creating visual content using tools like Adobe Creative Suite, including graphic design, UX/UI design, and product design.
Computer skills
Proficiency in using computers and related technology, including basic software applications, troubleshooting, and navigating operating systems.
Marketing
Skills in promoting products or services, including market research, advertising, branding, and developing marketing strategies.
Project management
The ability to plan, execute, and oversee projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and within budget, often using tools like MS Project or Asana.
Data analysis
The ability to collect, process, and interpret data to derive meaningful insights and support decision-making, often using tools like Excel, R, or Python.
Engineering
Technical skills and knowledge in designing, building, and maintaining structures, systems, or products, specific to fields like civil, mechanical, electrical, or software engineering.
Foreign language
Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in a language other than one’s native language, which can aid in communication and translation.
Skills management
The ability to identify, develop, and manage employees’ skills to improve organizational performance and career development.
Programming
The ability to write and maintain code in various programming languages such as Python, Java, C++, or JavaScript to develop software applications.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Techniques used to improve a website’s visibility on search engines involve keyword research, on-page optimization, and link building.
Hard communication skills
Specific technical communication abilities, such as writing reports, delivering presentations, or creating technical documentation.
Copywriting
The skill of writing persuasive and compelling content for marketing and advertising purposes, aimed at promoting products or services.
Accounting
The ability to manage financial records, prepare financial statements, conduct audits, and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
Agile software
Proficiency in Agile methodologies for software development, focusing on iterative development, collaboration, and adaptability.
Corporate management
Skills in overseeing business operations, including strategic planning, resource allocation, and performance monitoring.
Leadership
Leading and motivating a team, managing conflict, and driving organizational goals through effective decision-making and communication.
Social media
Expertise in using social media platforms to engage audiences, create content, and implement marketing strategies to enhance brand presence.
4 real-life scenarios of hard skills in a workplace
Hard skills can be utilized in a variety of ways. The way one uses their skills depends heavily on the industry one enters and the career path one wishes to follow [1]. Below is a list of examples where hard skills are used in the workplace:
Data skills
Data analysis skills are often used in computer science or statistical analysis. It allows one to use data to make more informed decisions.
Technical skills
Technical skills encompass a vast array of abilities. For example, CAD, prototyping, troubleshooting, linear regression, or systems administration are all forms of technical skill. Coding in multiple programming languages, such as Python or JavaScript, is another example.
Marketing/design skills
Design skill examples include UX design, UI design, and graphic design. For marketers, career-specific skills are SEO, PPC, copywriting, email advertising, or social media marketing.
Administrative skills
For managers, administrative skills are immensely important. Business knowledge, finance, accounting, and team management make up this crucial skill set.
How and where to list your hard skills in a resume or a CV?
To effectively showcase your hard skills in a resume or CV, follow these guidelines:
- Summary or objective section: Mention key hard skills relevant to the job at the top of your resume in the summary or objective section.
- Skills section: Create a dedicated skills section where you list hard skills relevant to the position you are applying for. Use bullet points for clarity.
- Work experience: Highlight your hard skills within your job descriptions. Describe how you applied these skills in your previous roles, using specific examples and achievements.
- Education section: Include hard skills learned during your education, such as degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework.
- Certifications and licenses: List any certifications or licenses you have obtained that demonstrate your proficiency in specific hard skills.
Pro Tip From HIGH5
Use the HIGH5 strengths assessment results to create a ‘Strengths and Skills Matrix’ for your resume. In this matrix, list your top 5 strengths on one axis and your most relevant hard skills on the other. Where they intersect, provide brief examples of how you’ve used that strength to excel in that particular skill area. This visual representation can be a powerful addition to your application, clearly demonstrating the unique value you bring to the role.
How can I acquire hard skills?
Acquiring hard skills involves a combination of formal education, practical experience, and continuous learning [1]. You can start by enrolling in relevant courses or degree programs offered by universities or online platforms like Coursera and Udemy. Gaining practical experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering in your field is also crucial. Additionally, earning certifications can validate your expertise in specific areas.
Regularly updating your skills by attending workshops, webinars, and industry conferences ensures you stay current with technological advancements and industry trends. Consistent practice and application of these skills in real-world scenarios will solidify your proficiency and make you more competitive in the job market [4].
Hard skills for teachers
Teachers need a diverse set of hard skills to manage their classrooms and support student learning effectively [5]. Here are five essential hard skills for teachers:
Communication
Effective communication is crucial for teachers to convey information and new knowledge/concepts clearly and interact with students, parents, and colleagues. It involves not just speaking and writing, but also listening actively and providing constructive feedback.
Time management
Time management skills help teachers plan lessons, grade assignments, and balance various responsibilities efficiently. Being able to prioritize tasks and manage classroom time effectively ensures that educational objectives are met.
Management
Classroom management skills are essential for maintaining a productive learning environment. This includes setting clear rules, managing student behavior, and fostering an atmosphere of respect and engagement.
Organization
Organizational skills enable teachers to keep track of lesson plans, student records, and teaching materials. Staying organized helps in planning effective lessons and ensuring that the classroom runs smoothly.
Patience
Patience is vital in dealing with diverse student needs and behaviors. It allows teachers to remain calm and supportive, even in challenging situations, and to provide the necessary time for students to understand complex concepts.
Hard skills for students
While soft skills are useful in most job settings, hard skills should not be overlooked. They are the key to your technical success.
You will find a list of hard skills for students that can contribute to your current and long-term success below [6]. Some of these are job-specific but can give you a competitive edge even if the job does not specifically require this skill.
Considerable experience within a field
If you can volunteer or become an intern in a field before searching for a full-time job, employers will see that you are dedicated and have more knowledge and applied skills than other new graduates.
Search engine optimization
If you work with a digital company/in marketing, knowing even basic SEO shows you can help the brand rank higher in Google and gain potential clients.
Experience with CRM software
Already knowing how to navigate common software tools a company uses gives you a competitive advantage, as the business will not have to spend as much time teaching you how to use certain programs.
Cash flow management
This skill shows you know how to manage and organize business information and budgets.
Sales
Sales is not just about selling “units” or physical items, it can be getting people to pay attention to a service or product, or even selling an ethos, brand or yourself. As a student, selling yourself can be difficult. However, if you master sales techniques you will not only be able to sell yourself to an interviewer but also sell the company’s products.
Knowing another language
Translation can be handy in many fields. If you are bilingual, you can serve as an in-house translator for a specific language and benefit the whole team.
Writing skills
Writing a thorough resume and personal statement can potentially land you a job if your resume skills are at an advanced proficiency level. But many jobs will also require a component of writing or recording things, so this is a good, general skill to have.
Public speaking
You can be a great representative for a team if this skill is strong, making you an appealing leader throughout your career. Being able to speak confidently in large groups will also ensure you have the skills to communicate your needs, ideas and suggestions.
Scheduling
This is another hard skill that shows you can manage and organize aspects of a team.
Hard skills for nurses
Nurses require a variety of hard skills to provide high-quality care and ensure patient safety [7]. Here are five essential hard skills for nurses:
Patient safety
Ensuring patient safety is a fundamental skill for nurses. This involves following protocols to prevent infections, administering medications accurately, and monitoring patients for any changes in their condition.
Critical thinking
Critical thinking skills enable nurses to assess situations quickly and make informed decisions. This is particularly important in emergencies, where timely and accurate judgments can significantly impact patient outcomes.
Administering medication
Administering medication safely and correctly is a core responsibility for nurses. This includes understanding dosages, recognizing potential side effects, and ensuring patients take their medications as prescribed.
Empathy
Empathy allows nurses to connect with patients on a personal level, providing emotional support and understanding. This skill is crucial for building trust and ensuring patients feel cared for during their treatment.
Leadership
Leadership skills are important for nurses in supervisory roles or when coordinating care among a team. Effective leadership involves guiding and motivating colleagues, managing conflicts, and ensuring high standards of care are maintained.
Hard skills for entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs need a diverse range of hard skills to successfully analyze needs, identify gaps in the market, and start and grow their businesses [8]. Here are five essential hard skills for entrepreneurs:
Leadership
Effective leadership is crucial for entrepreneurs to inspire and guide their teams. Strong leadership skills involve setting a clear vision, motivating employees, making strategic decisions, and fostering a positive company culture.
Time management
Time management skills help entrepreneurs prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and balance various aspects of running a business. Efficiently managing time ensures that critical business operations are executed smoothly and goals are achieved.
Analysis
Analytical skills enable entrepreneurs to assess market trends, evaluate business performance, and make data-driven decisions. This includes understanding financial statements, conducting market research, and analyzing competitors.
Problem-solving
Problem-solving skills are vital for entrepreneurs to navigate challenges and find innovative solutions. Whether dealing with operational issues or unexpected setbacks, being able to think critically and creatively is essential for business success.
Financial skills
Financial skills are critical for managing budgets, forecasting revenue, and ensuring the financial health of the business. Entrepreneurs need to understand accounting principles, manage cash flow, and make informed investment decisions to sustain and grow their ventures.
Why are hard skills important?
Hard skills are associated with employment opportunities and prospects [1]. Developing hard skills has a multitude of benefits. For starters, consider the value of an education. Employers understand that with a certificate, or degree comes knowledge, some require minimum amounts of work experience, and in order to complete the course it requires dedication, commitment, hard work, resilience and good organizational skills.
This makes you a valuable employee, which is the true point of learning such skills. Although education might seem like a long process in order to reach the outcome of employment at the end it provides you with life-long skills, but also a formal recognition of those skills. If your career requires you to intern at a company, you will develop many new skills whilst “on the job”. These will depend upon the specific company you intern for but expect these hard skills to be valuable for years to come. Although you can always list these skills on your resume, understand that they might not always stay relevant. So, make sure you put in the effort to stay up-to-date on your technical skills. Doing so is especially important, as technology is constantly evolving.
Focus on your most relevant hard skills
To impress potential employers and find long-term success in your career of choice, identify your own skills. These should be relevant to the particular field you work in. This way, you are not forced to learn every skill in existence. Rather, you can focus on those which will bring the most benefit to your work. There is no one definition of an important skill. However, you can easily identify the skills an employer demands by looking at a job description. Then, you can easily target these particular skills to develop them further and become a top candidate for the job.
Additionally, finding adjacent skills to work on can make you stand out from the rest of the job prospects. Every industry has a general skills list that applies across employers. Consider the ideal candidate for your employer: what qualities do they have? Does the job description mention specific job duties? If so, think of skills that can make performing these tasks easier and try to acquire them. This way, you stay focused on only the most relevant skills for your job.
Difference between hard skills and soft skills
Soft skills are personal attributes that candidates have that allow them to succeed in the workforce [1]. Like with hard skills, there is a vast amount of soft skills that differ from person to person and industry to industry. However, common soft skills include communication skills, interpersonal skills, creativity, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and collaboration skills [1]. Notice that these are traits, not technical skills or experience. Because of this, it is often stated that soft skills are more difficult to teach. They require a person to truly change their personality rather than simply observing information to acquire the skill.
Soft skills often aren’t learned through formal education, but instead, they require things like self-reflection and self-improvement [1]. Having both soft and hard skills is key to career success, as they both allow a candidate to develop strengths and become more connected with their work. Hard skills are more tangible and easier to teach, hard skills are far more tangible, and it is easier to assess whether someone has a hard skill [1]. They include job training, education, life experience, certificates, and skills gained through prior employment.
How to use hard skills to be a more effective teammate?
Now that you know how to display your skills on a resume, you may be wondering how to transfer these skills into a real work environment.
There are a number of key hard skills you can utilize in order to become a great team player, or good at managing teams. They can include things like; effective communication which allows you to effectively convey your ideas and share vital information with your team. Another is conflict resolution skills. When you work in a team there are lots of different ideas and opinions and being able to navigate conflict can help the team maintain good relationships as well as maintain progress against shared goals. Other skills that can help you in a team are having good time-management skills and problem-solving skills. This can help you be seen as a valued member of the team when you have good output and contribute consistently and fairly to group goals and objectives.
And if someone needs assistance from you, collaborate to move the team forward. Another hard skill that could be beneficial toward becoming a better team member is UX design. Using this skill, you can get a clearer understanding of your customer base. With this, you can give your team more information on how to improve a user’s experience. Also, once you begin to understand the customer, apply the same strategies you use to understand and collaborate with your team. Presenting data clearly and communicating are just two strategies that can contribute to your relationship with your colleagues.
What are hybrid skills?
If a candidate has hybrid skills, they possess both hard and soft skills. Each employer will have a different definition of what an ideal hybrid candidate looks like. If you are looking to determine how much of each skill an employer believes is ideal, take a look at the description of duties the employer provides on the job description. See which skills are required to perform these duties well. Additionally, visit the employer’s website to see if they mention any soft skills they value and what their company culture demands. Having hybrid skills does not mean that 50% of your skills are hard and the other 50% are soft. It is more about having a mix of both skills that will contribute to your workplace and your specific role. You can still have these strengths in varying proportions, so long as both hard and soft skills contribute to your success at work.
Conclusion
Obtaining both hard and soft skills is a crucial aspect of developing as an employee and becoming a competitive job candidate. Every industry requires some level of these two skills, and it is up to job seekers to determine how to build their knowledge in those fields. If individuals fail to harness the power of either skill type, they risk not being hired or progressing in their careers. Being aware of your hard and soft skills also contributes to your long-term happiness and job satisfaction, and having this knowledge of your attributes and strengths can make them an even more powerful tool for self-development and professional growth.
Hard skills FAQ
What are your top 5 skills?
If you don’t know what your top 5 skills are, you can use the HIGH5 strengths assessment to determine your top skills. It’s useful to compare these against the job description for your ideal role and see what’s missing or where your relative strengths are.
Is critical thinking a hard skill?
Yes, critical thinking is considered a hard skill as it involves specific, teachable techniques for analyzing and evaluating information.
Is driving a hard skill?
Yes, driving is a hard skill because it requires technical knowledge and practice to operate a vehicle safely.
How do I find my hard skills?
Identify your hard skills by reflecting on your education, training, work experience, and any certifications or technical abilities you possess. You can also complete the HIGH5 strengths assessment to find out more about your particular strengths and see if these align with, or are hard skills.
References:
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