When preparing your resume or advancing in your career, you often hear terms like “hard skills” and “technical skills.” While both are essential to your professional success, they are not quite the same thing. Understanding the differences between these two types of skills and knowing when to highlight them can make a significant impact on your career prospects.
In this blog post, we’ll break down what hard skills and technical skills are, how they overlap, and how you can use both to boost your resume and stand out to employers.
What Are Hard Skills?
Hard skills are measurable, teachable abilities or knowledge sets acquired through education, training, or experience. They are job-specific and often include quantifiable results that demonstrate your expertise.
These skills can typically be assessed through tests, certifications, or practical demonstrations. Hard skills are fundamental for completing tasks and achieving success in a role.
Examples of Hard Skills:
- Data analysis using tools like Excel or SQL
- Language proficiency (e.g., French, Mandarin)
- Accounting and bookkeeping
- Project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum)
- Operating heavy machinery or specialized tools
- Coding or programming languages (e.g., Python, Java)
Pro Tip: Employers love to see hard skills that are directly aligned with the requirements of the job posting. Always tailor these skills to fit the role.
What Are Technical Skills?
Technical skills are a subset of hard skills that specifically relate to using technology, tools, or systems to perform tasks. These skills are often more focused on areas like IT, engineering, digital marketing, data management, or other technology-driven fields.
While all technical skills are hard skills, not all hard skills are technical skills. Technical skills require specialized knowledge of specific tools or systems that allow you to perform a job more effectively.
Examples of Technical Skills:
- Programming languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript, C++)
- Proficiency in software tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Salesforce, Adobe Creative Suite)
- Data analysis platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, SPSS)
- Cybersecurity knowledge
- Cloud computing systems (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, Azure)
- IT networking (e.g., troubleshooting and system management)
Pro Tip: For technical skills, listing certifications or software proficiencies can help solidify your expertise. For instance, “Certified AWS Cloud Practitioner” or “Proficient in Tableau for data visualization.”
Key Differences Between Hard Skills and Technical Skills
| Aspect | Hard Skills | Technical Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Broad, teachable abilities for a job. | Specific skills focused on technology and tools. |
| Application | Applicable across many industries. | Often industry-specific (IT, digital, engineering, etc.). |
| Examples | Data analysis, project management. | Coding, cloud computing, software proficiency. |
| Measurement | Tests, certifications, or demonstrations. | Certifications, tool-specific tasks, or portfolio samples. |
| Scope | Can include both general and technical skills. | A specialized subset of hard skills. |
While hard skills can be broader, technical skills are laser-focused on your ability to leverage technology, software, and tools to achieve results.
Why Both Skills Matter
Both hard skills and technical skills play an essential role in showcasing your qualifications to employers. Here’s why both are equally valuable:
1. Hard Skills Highlight Your Overall Capability
Hard skills demonstrate your ability to perform job-related tasks. These skills act as a foundation for excelling in your field, whether you’re an accountant, marketer, or engineer.
2. Technical Skills Show Your Mastery of Tools
Technical skills emphasize your ability to work with industry tools, systems, and platforms. In roles such as IT, software development, or data analysis, technical proficiency is often the deciding factor for hiring decisions.
Example: For a digital marketing role, hard skills may include “SEO strategy” and “content creation,” while technical skills might focus on “Google Analytics proficiency” or “HubSpot CRM management.”
How To Highlight Hard and Technical Skills on Your Resume
To position yourself as the best candidate for a role, it’s essential to include both hard and technical skills in your resume. Here’s how:
1. Read the Job Description Carefully
Identify which hard and technical skills the employer values most. Use keywords from the job posting to tailor your skills section.
2. Create a Dedicated Skills Section
Split your skills into categories. For example:
- Hard Skills: Project Management, Budgeting, Negotiation
- Technical Skills: Microsoft Project, Tableau, Salesforce CRM
3. Include Results-Oriented Examples
Back up your skills with real-world accomplishments.
- Example: “Managed projects using Agile methodologies, achieving a 15% reduction in delivery time.”
- Example: “Developed data dashboards using Tableau, improving reporting efficiency by 20%.”
4. Highlight Certifications and Tools
If you have certifications in technical areas, list them prominently. For example:
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification
Final Thoughts
Hard skills and technical skills are closely related, but they are not identical. Hard skills encompass a broad range of job-specific abilities, while technical skills focus on proficiency with specific tools, systems, or technologies.
By understanding the difference and effectively showcasing both on your resume, you can position yourself as a well-rounded candidate who has the expertise to succeed in any role. Whether you’re building a technical foundation or expanding your hard skills, the right combination will help you stand out and advance in your career.
Start updating your resume today to highlight the unique mix of hard and technical skills that employers are looking for!
