Hard Skills & Soft Skills

Hard V Soft

Programmers manipulate their codes. Designers invent their artwork. Engineers employ their equations. Attorneys practice their laws.

But growing an entire business out of your core competencies requires a whole separate set of skills. Your “hard skills” are vital, but the truth is, they’re only “Square One.” What else do you need? Soft skills

Soft skills? Do I already have these?

Soft skills are non-technical skills and attitudes. Soft skills with technical skills and knowledge are key to employability, not only in IT specific jobs but in all jobs!


Soft skills complement hard skills, which are the knowledge, understanding and technical skills required to do a job. 

 

Over the next few weeks (and indeed the rest of your working life) you need to appreciate the soft skills you already possess and look at those soft skills that you need to develop further to become an effective employee. Soft skills are more elusive and intangible than a hard skill. An example might be a bedside manner, a pleasant voice or a cooperative spirit. Leadership, creativity and the ability to teach and learn are all considered soft skills and they are really the 'meat' of what an employer is looking for in a job applicant.

Listen to this Podcast on why soft skills are so important today 

How are you going to do this? You will identify and consider your own soft skills and, through practise, improve these skills. Update your Personal Development Plan over the next week, adding a Soft skill strength and/or weakness. Discuss with your group member how you are going to improve this soft skill, even ask them for help or advice.

 

Hard Skills

Hard skills are specific and can be easily taught, such as being able to read or type a letter. They represent the minimum skills necessary to do a job and are the first screen employers use to weed out applicants who are obviously not qualified for the position at hand.

Differentiating between soft skills such as leadership and negotiating, listening and conflict mediating are just as important as hard skills such as education, experience and level of expertise in today’s global workforce. 
 
Mr Uday Zokarkar, Chief Business Officer of Clickjobs.com said

A positive work ethic, good attitude and the desire to learn and be trained were among the most important characteristics that an employer looks for in his or her employees. Analytical thinking, leadership and team-building skills, the ability to communicate effectively, creativity, problem-solving skills, listening skills, diplomacy, change-readiness, giving and receiving feedback, criticism and compliments were some of the effective soft skills needed in the workforce. Adopting a “winner” attitude was the most efficient way to improve a person’s soft skills.

Have a look at this video on Why soft skills are important?

What soft skills do you have?  Which ones do you need to improve?  Let me know and add a comment