If you are currently looking for work, you have undoubtedly heard of “hard skills” and “soft skills.”
To put it simply, these are two types of skill categories that are becoming increasingly noteworthy in today’s job market. There is an ongoing debate between the value of soft skills in comparison to hard skills.
While both are important for professional success, it’s the unique blend of these skills that will lead to professional and personal growth that aligns with your strengths and core beliefs.
When it comes to the job search, there is a place for both skillsets. Understanding the differences and effectively leveraging them can be a game-changer. Staff Australia works hard to provide the right opportunities to job seekers and employers alike.
When did Soft and Hard skills come to be?
The origins of “hard” and “soft” skills can be traced all the way back to the 1950s. In 1951, the US Army established a behavioural science institute aimed at researching and creating more effective training programs to military officers. Psychologist Paul G. Whitmore was the first person to conclusively define the terms. In the beginning, Whitmore used the term “hard skills” to define the tactical abilities involved in operating military equipment, focusing on “weapons of aluminium and steel.”
On the contrary, “soft skills” refer to the job-related abilities that involve little or no interaction with the physical mechanics of operating machinery. Despite initial concerns over the term “soft” appearing weak, the two phrases stuck and were adopted widely in organisational and leadership contexts both personally and professionally. Eventually, the term “soft skills “was published in the 1972 US Army training manual.
What are Hard Skills?
Hard skills are practical abilities and knowledge-based expertise that can be measured, taught, and learned. Hard skills are often tangible, easy to quantify, and critical for meeting the technical demands of a job or task.
Most people can acquire these skills through academic education, training programs, and hands-on experience. Many employers highly value hard skills because they are directly related to job efficiency and operations. Hard skills are often listed as the primary requirements and qualifications in a job description. To succeed in any role, you must first know how to perform the required technical demands, therefore hard skills often take precedence, and are the end-all be-all to employers and hiring managers in blue-collar or labour-intensive industries.
Examples of hard skills include:
- Machine Operation
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Engineering
- Welding
- Forklift operation
- Inventory control
What are Soft Skills?
On the other hand, soft skills are more personal, and are distinctly unique to an individual’s personality. These skills are often behavioural or learned by nature, therefore they are not so easily developed through schooling or training programs in the same way hard skills tend to be. These skills are personal traits that often influence how you interact with other people and the working environment.
Soft skills are important for creating and maintaining a positive and productive workplace. They allow for individuals to build stronger relationships, resolve conflicts, and lead teams more effectively.
According to LinkedIn, 92% of talent professionals and hiring managers report that soft skills are equally or more important than hard skills, with 89% of employers favouring candidates who harness soft skills that will support their company culture and improve workplace efficiency.
For those who want to climb the corporate ladder or break the glass ceiling, the secret is sometimes less to do with hard skills and everything to do with soft skills. Some of the most effective and long-lasting teams are managed by leaders who demonstrate effective communication techniques and people-pleasing capabilities.
Examples of soft skills include:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Adaptability
- Emotional intelligence.
The Power of Being Both:
Harnessing both hard skills and soft skills are important for job success and career growth. These skills are unique to you, and they are your most powerful assets. Your unique traits can include creativity, resilience, curiosity, passion, and unique perspective.
You will always have something different and special to bring to the table. These are your selling points. They belong on your resume.
A highly valued attribute in today’s job market is adaptability. This soft skill is vital in industries where technology is continually evolving. Deloitte highlights that companies with a strong emphasis on soft skills, can outperform their peers by up to 147% in earnings per share. These statistics indicate the importance of utilising your soft skills for both individual success and workplace performance.
The bottom line:
In the end, the common debate between soft skills and hard skills often misses the mark. It’s not about choosing one over the other but about recognising the value of every individual ability.
As the job market evolves, the demand for these essential skills will only grow, highlighting their critical role in the workforce. Remember, it’s your own blend of skills and traits that truly makes you powerful and sets you apart in any field of work.
Staff Australia. Realise your potential.
