Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills: Understanding the Benefits of Both
What are skills are in general: simply put, it’s all knowledge, competences, experience, and attitudes.
Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills
Hard skills
These are specific, measurable features necessary to perform a given job. They can be confirmed by diplomas, certificates, or notes. This group of skills primarily includes our knowledge and competences. Hard skills are acquired through formal education, participation in training and courses, as well as work in a given position. This development, therefore, depends on the occupation we pursue.
Examples of hard skills:
- Knowledge of a foreign language
- Ability to use programs / computer / MS Office
- Driving license
- Specialist knowledge
Why are hard competences so important?
They are important because they tell your employers what kind of work you can perform, what abilities you have, and what you will need to learn.
Soft skills
They focus on human behavior, attitudes, and way of living. Soft skills help you “dealing with people” and help with interpersonal issues. They mainly concern self-management, motivation, and interpersonal skills.
Examples of soft skills:
- Self-presentation
- Assertiveness
- Teamwork
- Creativity
- Time management
- Resistance to stress
Soft skills can also be practiced and developed. However, this process is more difficult and more complex than learning hard skills. Nevertheless, there are various courses or training (e.g. assertiveness) that can help you to improve your soft skills.
Many employers are looking for people with developed soft skills. A potential employee is expected to be independent, creative, responsible, and have good teamwork skills. Employees with well-developed soft skills are more effective at work, especially when interacting with people. This is particularly important for positions where face-to-face contact with customers (and not only) is required. Soft skills are often necessary for the efficiency and productivity of any business.
Both hard and soft skills affect the quality of our efficiency at work.
The employers want a candidate to have expertise in a certain hard skill required by the position, but if that person is unable to work well with others, then no matter how talented they are, there are going to be problems.
To find more information about the benefits of hard skills and soft skills check out THIS article.
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