Soft Skills vs Hard Skills

Hard skills are skills you can gain through education, training programs, certifications, and on-the-job training. These are typically quantifiable skills that can be easily defined and evaluated. For example, a hard skill for an IT professional might be computer programming, while a hard skill for a carpenter might be a knowledge of wood framing.

Examples of hard skills include:

Proficiency in a foreign language

A degree or certificate

Typing speed

Machine operation

Computer programming

Soft skills, on the other hand, are interpersonal (people) skills. These are much harder to define and evaluate. While hard skills are job-specific, most employers are looking for similar soft skills in their job candidates. Soft skills include communication skills, listening skills, and empathy, among others.

Examples of soft skills include:

Communication

Flexibility

Leadership

Motivation

Patience

Persuasion

Problem Solving Abilities

Teamwork

Time Management

Work Ethic

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