Last Updated on February 5, 2024 by Career Reload Team
One of the most notable sections that employers evaluate for a prospective employee’s resume is the skills section. They pay particular attention to the skills as these could be the greatest indicator of what an individual can bring to the company, and therefore a determinant in whether you move ahead in the hiring process.
Hard vs. soft skills
An ideal employee will have a healthy mix of hard skills and soft skills when being considered by a potential employer. Individuals seeking employment are encouraged to highlight both their best soft and hard skills to be considered a candidate who is valuable and well-rounded. It is important to also reflect on how the two skill types relate to each other and can serve to enhance one another over time.
What are hard skills?
Hard skills are those skills that are learned. These are typically technical in nature and are skills that one comes equipped with after attending school, skill-specific training, a certification program, or prior employment experience. Hard skills are when an individual is proficient in certain learned, quantifiable, and definable skills.
Examples of in-demand hard skills
- Data Analysis
- Programming (Python, Java, C++, etc.)
- Web Development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc.)
- Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Data Science
- Cybersecurity
- Mobile App Development (iOS, Android)
- UI/UX Design
- Project Management
- Digital Marketing
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Content Creation and Copywriting
- Database Management (SQL, MongoDB, Oracle)
- Statistical Analysis
- Automation and Robotics
- Network Administration
- Financial Modeling and Analysis
- Quality Assurance and Testing
- Video Production and Editing
The demand for specific hard skills may vary based on industry, location, and current trends. It’s important to research the requirements of your target industry or job role to identify the most sought-after hard skills relevant to your career goals.
What are soft skills?
Soft skills are those skills that are more inherent and apply to and useful in any profession or job. They are often referred to as “social skills” or “people skills” and are less learned and more natural to one’s persona.
Soft skills are typically personality traits that are harder to learn, unlike hard skills that can be taught, studied, and enhanced. Soft skills often serve to sharpen and improve one’s hard skills. Patience, self-motivation, and attention to detail are typically great tools to enhance one’s software learning and programming skills. This makes soft skills very valuable to employers.
Examples of in-demand soft skills
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Adaptability
- Leadership
- Critical thinking
- Time management
- Creativity
- Emotional intelligence
- Teamwork
- Decision-making
- Resilience
- Flexibility
- Conflict resolution
- Empathy
- Active listening
- Negotiation
- Interpersonal skills
- Presentation skills
- Customer service orientation
These soft skills are highly transferable and can be valuable in various professional contexts. Employers often look for candidates who not only possess the necessary hard skills but also exhibit strong soft skills that contribute to effective collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability in the workplace.
Identifying your best skills
So how does one determine their top skills for the resume? If you are not sure which skills to highlight, think back to your former employment. What was your strongest area? What would your coworkers say you excelled at? Here are some steps to help you identify and assess your skills:
Self-reflection
Take some time for self-reflection and consider the skills you possess. Think about your past experiences, both personal and professional, and the tasks or challenges you handled effectively. Ask yourself:
- What tasks or activities do I excel in?
- What skills do I rely on to accomplish my goals?
- What feedback have I received from others about my skills or strengths?
Job descriptions
Look at job descriptions for roles you are interested in or similar positions within your industry. Identify the skills that employers commonly seek. Pay attention to both the hard skills (technical skills) and soft skills (interpersonal skills) mentioned in these job descriptions.
Seek feedback
Reach out to colleagues, supervisors, mentors, or trusted individuals who can provide feedback on your skills. Ask them about their observations regarding your strengths and areas for improvement. Their perspectives can offer valuable insights into your skills.
Online assessments
Take advantage of online assessments and tools designed to evaluate your skills. There are various platforms and quizzes available that can help you assess both your soft and hard skills. Examples include the CliftonStrengths assessment, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), or specific technical skill assessments.
Comparison to competencies
Review competency frameworks relevant to your field or industry. These frameworks outline the skills and behaviors necessary for success in specific roles or professions. Compare your own skills against the competencies outlined in these frameworks to identify areas where you align or may need further development.
Feedback from performance reviews
If you have had performance reviews or evaluations in previous jobs, revisit them to identify any mentions of your skills. Look for patterns or consistent feedback regarding your strengths or areas where improvement was suggested.
Skill development resources
Explore resources such as books, online courses, workshops, or industry conferences that can help you further develop and enhance your skills. Engaging in continuous learning and skill development is essential for professional growth.
Listing your skills on your resume
You likely have multiple areas of strength, however, your inclusion of these areas on your resume should be more strategic and targeted at those strengths which are the most relevant to the job you are applying for.
You can do this easily by reviewing and understanding the job description and seeing what skills are required for the job, then matching them up against your own. Keep your skills section concise and specific. You will be better able to elaborate on any additional skills you feel you possess that you did not mention in the resume when you are called in for an interview.
Here are a few ways to include soft and hard skills in your resume:
Work experience section
In this section, you can highlight your skills by incorporating them into your bullet points or descriptions of your work experience. Provide an overview of your responsibilities and achievements in the role, and incorporate relevant soft and hard skills within the description.
Here’s an example:
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills by successfully leading a team of 10 employees to achieve a 20% increase in sales revenue.
- Utilized advanced data analysis skills to identify cost-saving opportunities, resulting in a 15% reduction in operational expenses.
Summary/objective statement
Your summary or objective statement is a concise introduction to your resume. It’s an excellent opportunity to highlight your key skills and strengths.
Example 1 (soft skills):
- Dynamic and collaborative professional with exceptional communication and teamwork skills. Proven ability to build strong relationships and drive cross-functional collaboration to achieve project goals.
Example 2 (hard skills):
- Results-oriented data analyst with advanced proficiency in Python, SQL, and data visualization tools. Experienced in extracting actionable insights from complex datasets and presenting them to stakeholders effectively.
Skills section
Dedicate a specific section to highlight your skills. Divide it into two subsections: soft skills and hard skills.
Soft skills:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities
- Effective time management and multitasking skills
- Proactive and adaptable approach to new challenges
Hard skills:
- Programming languages: Python, Java, C++
- Data analysis: SQL, Excel, Tableau
- Project management: Agile methodology, Scrum certification
- Graphic design: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator
Tailor the skills you list in each section to align with the job requirements. Choose skills that are most relevant to the specific job you are applying for and provide examples or achievements to support your claims whenever possible.
Here are some resume layouts that show you how to list skills on your resume:
Modern resume template with skills section »
ATS-friendly resume template with a skills section »
Are soft and hard skills keywords?
Soft and hard skills are considered as keywords. In the context of job applications and resume screening, resume keywords are specific words or phrases that are used to identify relevant skills, qualifications, or experiences. They are often used by employers and recruiters to filter and match candidates to job requirements.
Soft and hard skills are commonly included as keywords in job descriptions, and candidates can strategically incorporate these keywords in their resumes and cover letters to demonstrate their suitability for the position.
For example, if a job description emphasizes the need for strong communication skills and proficiency in Java programming, using keywords like “excellent communication skills” and “Java programming” in your resume and cover letter can help you stand out to employers or applicant tracking systems (ATS) that are scanning for these specific skills.
By including relevant soft and hard skills as keywords, you increase the chances of your application being noticed and considered for further evaluation. However, it’s important to ensure that the skills you mention are accurate and genuinely reflect your abilities and experiences.
How are soft and hard skills different from action verbs?
Action verbs, soft skills, and hard skills are distinct elements in the context of a resume or job application. Action verbs are strong, action-oriented words used to describe your accomplishments, responsibilities, and experiences. They are used in bullet points or sentence fragments to convey your achievements and showcase your qualifications. Action verbs help bring your experiences to life and demonstrate your proactive approach. Examples of action verbs include “led,” “managed,” “created,” “implemented,” “analyzed,” and “resolved.”
Action verbs are dynamic words used to describe your achievements and responsibilities, while soft and hard skills represent different categories of skills. Soft skills pertain to interpersonal qualities and abilities, while hard skills are specific technical competencies related to a particular job or industry. All three—action verbs, soft skills, and hard skills—play important roles in showcasing your qualifications and suitability for a job.
Pin/share/bookmark this post for later:
We’re a team of writers dedicated to providing insights and tips for navigating the professional world. With a collective wealth of experience across various industries and roles, our team understands the challenges and opportunities that come with seeking meaningful work and advancing your career. We help job seekers to better their careers by offering career advice & free resources. Download free Word resume templates and resume templates for Google Docs.
The practical tips here are helpful especially during the pandemic where job lost is everywhere. Thank you for sharing the comparison between soft and hard skills. It’s a good guide for job hunters.