Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills

by Michael Cheary

When it comes to landing your dream job, not all skills are created equal… 

Some will get you through the door, while others will help you thrive once you’re inside.

Understanding the difference between hard skills and soft skills is crucial for creating a winning CV and excelling in your career. Whether you’re a recent graduate entering the job market or an experienced professional looking to change careers, knowing how to demonstrate both types of skills can make all the difference.

Here’s what makes each type of skill unique, why employers value them, and how you can develop and showcase them effectively:

What is the difference between hard skills and soft skills?

The main difference between hard skills and soft skills lies in how they’re learned and measured.

Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities that you can learn through formal education, training programmes, or hands-on experience. They’re quantifiable and easy to demonstrate – think coding languages, certifications, or technical qualifications.

Soft skills, on the other hand, are more about your interpersonal ability and personal qualities. These include things like communication, leadership, and problem-solving. They’re harder to measure but equally important for workplace success.

Both hard skills and soft skills work together to create a well-rounded professional profile. Think of hard skills as your toolkit and soft skills as knowing how to use those tools effectively with others.

What are hard skills?

Hard skills are concrete, measurable abilities that are specific to particular jobs or industries. They’re the technical knowledge and expertise you need to perform specific tasks effectively.

These skills are typically learned through formal education, professional training, certifications, or on-the-job experience. 

The great thing about hard skills is that they’re objective – you either know how to use Excel or you don’t, you either speak French or you don’t.

Hard skills examples

Here are some common hard skills across different industries:

Technical skills:

• Computer programming languages (Python, Java, C++)
• Software proficiency (Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite)
• Data analysis tools (SQL, Tableau, R)
• Digital marketing (SEO, Google Analytics, social media platforms)

Industry-specific skills:

• Bookkeeping and accounting
• Project management methodologies (Agile, PRINCE2)
• Foreign language fluency
• Graphic design and web development
• Medical procedures and healthcare protocols

Academic and professional qualifications:

• Degrees and diplomas
• Industry certifications (CIM, CIPD, ACCA)
• Professional licenses
• Technical trade qualifications

Why are hard skills important?

Hard skills often serve as the foundation for getting hired. They demonstrate that you have the technical competency to perform the core functions of a role.

Many employers use hard skills as initial screening criteria – they’re looking for specific qualifications, certifications, or technical abilities before they even consider your application. For roles in fields like IT, healthcare, or engineering, certain hard skills are absolute requirements.

Hard skills also provide credibility and confidence. When you can point to specific qualifications or technical abilities, it gives employers concrete proof of your capabilities.

How to develop your hard skills

The beauty of hard skills is that they can be learned and improved with dedicated effort:

• Take courses and training: Browse thousands of professional development courses on Reed Courses to build new technical skills or strengthen existing ones.
• Pursue certifications: Industry-recognised certifications can significantly boost your CV and demonstrate your commitment to professional development.
• Practice regularly: Like any skill, hard skills need regular practice to maintain and improve. Set aside time to work on projects or practice exercises.
• Learn on the job: Take advantage of training opportunities at work, shadow colleagues, or volunteer for projects that stretch your technical abilities.

How to show hard skills on your CV

Hard skills are relatively straightforward to showcase because they’re concrete and verifiable:

• Create a dedicated skills section: List your most relevant technical skills, software proficiencies, and certifications prominently on your CV.
• Include specific examples: Rather than just listing ‘computer skills’, specify which programmes you’re proficient in and to what level.
• Quantify when possible: If you can type 80 words per minute or speak conversational French, include these specifics.
• Match the job description: Always tailor your hard skills section to emphasise the abilities mentioned in the job posting.
• Use a skills-based CV template if needed: If you’re changing careers or have limited experience, a skills-focused format can help highlight your technical abilities.

What are soft skills?

Soft skills are personal attributes and interpersonal abilities that shape how you work and interact with others. Unlike hard skills, they’re not specific to any particular job but are valuable (and transferable) across virtually every industry and role.

These skills are typically developed through life experiences, work situations, and personal interactions. They’re about your character, work ethic, and how you navigate professional relationships and challenges.

Soft skills examples

Here are some key soft skills that employers consistently value:

Communication skills:

• Verbal and written communication
• Active listening
• Presentation abilities
• Interpersonal ability with colleagues and clients

Leadership and teamwork:

• Skill leadership in projects and teams
• Collaboration and team working
• Mentoring and coaching others
• Conflict resolution

Problem-solving abilities:

• Critical thinking
• Creativity and innovation
• Analytical reasoning
• Decision-making under pressure

Work ethic and personal qualities:

• Time management and organisation
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Reliability and punctuality
• Self-motivation and initiative
• Emotional intelligence

Why are soft skills important?

Soft skills are increasingly recognised as crucial for career success. Research shows that most workplace failures are due to soft skill deficiencies rather than lack of technical ability.

These skills determine how effectively you can work with others, handle pressure, and adapt to change. In leadership roles, soft skills become even more critical as you need to inspire, motivate, and guide teams.

Employers also value soft skills because they’re transferable – someone with strong communication and problem-solving abilities can adapt to different roles and industries more easily.

How to develop your soft skills

While soft skills may seem more natural or innate, they can definitely be developed and strengthened:

• Ask for feedback: Ask colleagues, managers, or mentors for honest feedback about your interpersonal skills and areas for improvement.
• Take on leadership opportunities: Volunteer to lead projects, mentor new team members, or coordinate team activities to build leadership skills.
• Practice active listening: Make a conscious effort to listen more than you speak in meetings and conversations.
• Join professional groups: Networking events, professional associations, and industry groups provide excellent opportunities to practice interpersonal skills.
• Consider training courses: Many organisations offer workshops on communication, leadership, and other soft skills.
• Read and learn: Books, articles, and online resources about emotional intelligence, leadership, and communication can provide valuable insights.

How to show soft skills on your CV

Soft skills are trickier to demonstrate than hard skills because they’re less tangible – but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it. Here’s how:

• Use specific examples: Instead of simply stating ‘good communication skills’, describe a situation where you successfully communicated complex information or resolved a conflict.
• Apply the STAR method: Describe the Situation, Task, Action, and Result to provide concrete evidence of your soft skills in action.
• Include them in your personal statement: Your CV’s opening statement is perfect for highlighting key soft skills that make you an ideal candidate.
• Weave into job descriptions: When describing your previous roles, include examples of how you used soft skills to achieve results.
• Get references: Strong professional references from previous managers or colleagues (or character references from people who know you in a personal capacity) can vouch for your soft skills in ways that you can’t easily demonstrate yourself.

Frequently asked questions

Can soft skills be taught?

Yes, soft skills can definitely be developed and improved, though it may take more time and practice than learning hard skills. Through training, mentorship, and conscious effort, you can strengthen abilities like communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence.

Which is more important – hard skills or soft skills?

Both are important, but their relative importance depends on the role and industry. Generally, hard skills get you considered for a position, while soft skills help you succeed in it. Senior roles typically require stronger soft skills, while entry-level technical positions may emphasise hard skills more heavily.

How do I identify which hard skills to develop?

Look at job descriptions for roles you’re interested in and note which technical skills appear frequently. Research industry trends and speak with professionals in your field to understand which skills are in high demand. Consider which skills would add the most value to your current or desired career path.

Can you give examples of transferable skills?

Transferable skills are typically soft skills that apply across different roles and industries. Examples include project management, problem-solving, communication, leadership, time management, and analytical thinking. These skills are valuable regardless of your specific job or sector.

How long does it take to develop new skills?

The timeframe varies significantly depending on the skill and your starting point. Basic hard skills might be learned in weeks or months through intensive training, while complex technical abilities could take years to master. Soft skills often develop gradually over months or years through practice and experience.

Should I include all my skills on my CV?

No, you should tailor your skills section to match the specific job you’re applying for. Focus on the most relevant skills that align with the job description and company needs. Quality is more important than quantity – it’s better to highlight 8-10 highly relevant skills than to list 20 skills that may not all be applicable.

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Final thoughts on hard skills vs soft skills

The hard skills vs soft skills debate isn’t really about choosing one over the other – successful professionals need both. Hard skills might get you the interview, but soft skills will help you land the job and progress in your career.

The most effective approach is to:

• Build a strong foundation of relevant hard skills for your industry and target roles
• Continuously develop your soft skills to enhance your ability to work effectively with others
• Showcase both types of skills strategically on your CV and in interviews
• Keep learning and adapting as both skill requirements evolve with changing workplace needs

Remember, the specific balance of hard skills and soft skills will vary depending on your role, industry, and career stage. A software developer might need more technical hard skills, while a manager might rely more heavily on leadership and communication abilities.

The key is understanding what combination of skills your target role requires and working to develop both areas continuously throughout your career.

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Ready to get started? Browse a wide range of training courses now, or view all available jobs to put your skills to work.