Hard Skills vs Soft Skills

What Are Soft Skills?
Soft Skills Definition: Soft skills are abilities not unique to any job. Are you a great communicator? Do you collaborate with others like Steve Rogers? Those are softer skills.
 
For example:

• Communication Skills
• Management Skills

But—you can’t just say you’ve got them and expect the phone to jangle. Scroll down to find out how to pick the perfect ones for a resume, and how to prove them so employers drool a little.
 
What Are Hard Skills?
Hard Skills are teachable abilities or skill sets that are easily measurable. We define hard skills as the technical abilities that fit the job. Normally, you can acquire hard skills in the classroom, in an online course, through books and other materials, or on the job.
 
If you’re in retail, that means closing cash drawers or restocking shelves. In tech? Your list of hard skills for resumes might have Java coding or network configuration.
 
Hard skills examples of accountants are asset management and account analysis. Hard professional skills for nurses are patient education and phlebotomy.
 
A prime example of hard skills for desk jockeys is computer skills.
You’d think hard skills matter most.
You’d be wrong.
The truth is that the demand for soft skills has been growing since at least 1980.
 Another study, by LinkedIn, actually suggests that 57% of employers value soft skills more than hard skills.
 
What’s the Difference Between Soft Skills vs Hard Skills?
Hard skills are teachable and measurable abilities, such as writing, reading, math, or the ability to use computer programs. By contrast, soft skills are the traits that make you a good employee, such as etiquette, communication, and listening, getting along with other people. 
 
Need more help? See these examples of hard skills and soft skills in the workplace:
 
Soft Skills Examples

• Interpersonal Skills
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Problem Solving
• Leadership

 
Hard Skills Examples

• Gathering Software Requirements
• Forklift Operation
• Marketing Skills
• Phlebotomy
• Financial Modeling
• Shelf Stocking