Mastering Your Hard and Soft Skills for Job Success
Written on
Identifying Your Skills
Many individuals underestimate the breadth of their skills, which can make them appealing candidates for a wide variety of positions.
Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash
Regardless of your current career stage, recognizing the value of your skills can open up new job prospects or empower you to negotiate a raise in your existing position.
Job advertisements typically feature extensive lists of qualifications, including years of experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities required for each role. It's common for candidates to find that they don't meet all of these criteria, even if they have relevant experience in that field.
Feeling discouraged during your job hunt is normal, especially if you think you lack sufficient qualifications for roles that pique your interest.
Understanding Hard Skills and Soft Skills
Job descriptions often highlight the key traits desired for the position. Hard skills are typically industry-specific and require prior experience, while soft skills are more personal and can be developed over time. These may include attributes such as motivation, empathy, and adaptability.
Author Alain Polo elaborates on soft skills, defining them as follows:
- Communication Skills: The ability to articulate thoughts clearly and listen effectively.
- Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve common goals.
- Flexibility: Being adaptable and willing to adjust plans as needed.
- Leadership Skills: Guiding others, making decisions, and instilling confidence.
The following image outlines examples of both hard and soft skills.
Created by Author, with Canva8 Top Skills for Resumes
According to Indeed.com, consider including these essential skills on your resume:
Skill list created by Author, with Canva
Combining Skills for Job Applications
Most job listings require a blend of hard and soft skills. Reflect on your existing abilities and how they can be combined to fulfill the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Combined skills comparison created by Author, with Canva
Searching for a new role or shifting careers can be daunting. However, assessing your past experiences, daily interactions, and activities may reveal that you are qualified for more opportunities than you initially realized.
Thank you for engaging with this content! Feel free to share examples of soft skills that helped you succeed in different roles.
This first video discusses the differences between hard and soft skills on a resume, offering five actionable steps to enhance your job application.
The second video focuses on effectively highlighting both hard and soft skills on your resume to attract potential employers.