Why are they important to your career?

These two classifications of skills have been the subject of extensive research, debate and scrutiny for many years. Understanding them is not only necessary but also useful.

Hard skills are job-specific skills and knowledge you need to perform a job. They are skills you can gain through education, training programs, certifications, and on-the-job training. They are typically quantifiable skills that can be easily defined and evaluated.

Examples of hard skills include computer programming, web design, typing, accounting, finance, writing, mathematics, legal and other quantifiable skills that are included in the requirements for a job.

On the other hand, soft skills refer to a broad set of skills, competencies, behaviours, attitudes, and personal qualities that enable people to effectively navigate their environment, work well with others, perform well, and achieve their goals.

Soft skills are the personal attributes, personality traits, inherent social cues, and communication abilities needed for success on the job. Soft skills characterize how a person interacts in his or her relationships with others.