Soft Skills vs. Hard Skills: What Recruiters Are Really Looking For

The Balancing Act

Hard skills show you can do the job. Soft skills show how you will do the job. To land the role, you need a compelling mix of both.

Defining Hard Skills

These are teachable abilities or skill sets that are easy to quantify. Examples include:

• Proficiency in a foreign language
• A degree or certificate
• Typing speed
• Machine operation
• Computer programming

The Power of Soft Skills

Soft skills are subjective skills that are much harder to quantify. They are also known as "people skills" or "interpersonal skills." Examples include:

• Communication
• Flexibility
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Time Management

How to List Them

Create a dedicated "Skills" section for your hard skills. For soft skills, it's often better to weave them into your bullet points in the "Work Experience" section, effectively demonstrating them in action.