Hard Skills and Soft Skills

Both hard skills and soft skills are important components of any resume and can often be as clear as mud regarding their definitions.

The difference is that hard skills are complex and will require technical training. Using specific programs to send emails, create and update spreadsheets, copywriting or track customers (usually called CRM software), can show expertise in your career field, and help you get ahead. Hard skills are things you can learn to do, such as using a specific program like Microsoft Word.

Soft skills are easier to learn and often come more naturally. Leadership, for example, is one. You won’t usually find a training course in them. You can, however, develop these skills by attending workshops where you connect with others in a variety of industries. These are sometimes called characteristics and can include things like determination, verbal and written communication skills, and passion.