Hard skills land the job.Soft skills build the career. You can master the tools but can you lead the team, handle pressure, or communicate with clarity?In today’s workforce, technical know-how gets your foot in the door.But it’s the human skills that keep you in the room. That’s why we’re breaking down the difference between hard and soft skills and why you need both to truly thrive.
What Are Hard Skills?
Hard skills refer to the specific, teachable abilities you can list on your resume. These are the measurable competencies you need to perform particular tasks. From coding languages like Python and JavaScript to technical expertise in areas such as graphic design or financial modeling, hard skills are acquired through education, certification programs, and hands-on experience.
Employers value hard skills because they are tangible and can directly impact a company’s ability to meet its objectives. A skilled software developer, for instance, is essential to building a product, while a certified accountant is necessary to ensure proper financial management. These are the skills that typically get you through the first stage of the hiring process—getting your foot in the door.
The Power of Soft Skills
While hard skills can get you hired, it’s soft skills that help you thrive in the workplace. Soft skills are often referred to as interpersonal or emotional intelligence skills. These are the non-technical traits that allow individuals to navigate their work environments and collaborate effectively with colleagues. Soft skills include things like communication, adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving.
According to a 2023 LinkedIn study, hiring managers now value soft skills as much as—or even more than—hard skills. The reason? In today’s collaborative workspaces, teams need individuals who can not only perform tasks but also communicate, work together, and think critically. A highly skilled technician who struggles with communication may not perform as well in a team setting as someone who brings emotional intelligence and the ability to problem-solve under pressure.
Why Soft Skills Are More Important Than Ever
Soft skills are often the differentiator when it comes to career advancement. While technical skills can be taught, soft skills are far harder to develop. A study by Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation, and Stanford University found that 85% of job success is linked to soft skills, with only 15% attributable to technical expertise. This finding speaks to the importance of emotional intelligence, leadership, and interpersonal communication when managing teams, navigating office politics, and adapting to changes.
Today’s workplaces are increasingly dynamic and unpredictable. The ability to adapt to new technologies, work remotely, or shift priorities in response to market changes requires more than just technical knowledge. It requires agility, emotional intelligence, and the ability to collaborate effectively—qualities that fall under the umbrella of soft skills.
Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills in Hiring
It’s no surprise that hard skills are essential for getting hired. After all, companies need employees who can perform specific tasks efficiently. However, once you’ve made it through the door, it’s your soft skills that determine whether you’ll remain and thrive in that role.
For example, while a graphic designer might be hired for their proficiency in Photoshop or Illustrator, they must also be able to collaborate with marketing teams, incorporate feedback, and communicate their ideas clearly. A person with strong hard skills but poor soft skills might struggle in a workplace that demands collaboration, feedback, and adaptability.
This shift in priorities is evident in the hiring trends of today. More employers are emphasizing soft skills in their hiring processes. Behavioral interviews, which focus on how candidates handle different situations, are becoming more common. This allows hiring managers to assess a candidate’s ability to interact with colleagues, manage stress, and make decisions in complex situations. The results of these assessments often play a crucial role in deciding who gets the job.
The Role of Soft Skills in Leadership
Leadership is another area where soft skills take the lead. Strong technical skills may help you succeed in your role, but if you’re aiming for a management position, it’s your soft skills that will help you inspire, motivate, and guide others.
A study by the Center for Creative Leadership found that 75% of successful leadership is based on soft skills, including communication, empathy, and conflict resolution. These skills are essential for maintaining morale, building relationships with employees, and ensuring effective decision-making. As businesses continue to prioritize agility, soft skills are becoming an essential asset for anyone looking to lead teams or manage projects.
Building a Balance Between Hard and Soft Skills
While both hard and soft skills are crucial, achieving a balance between the two is key. In today’s world, you can no longer afford to focus solely on technical proficiency and neglect your interpersonal development. On the other hand, being a people person without the requisite technical expertise may not get you far either. The ideal candidate is someone who brings both to the table.
According to a 2023 study by McKinsey, companies that train their employees in both hard and soft skills are more likely to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. Employees with a balanced skillset are not only more versatile but also better prepared to handle the complexities of modern business environments.
Investing time in building both hard and soft skills is essential for long-term career growth. While hard skills can be honed through online courses or formal education, soft skills often require real-world practice and self-awareness. Developing emotional intelligence, effective communication, and resilience takes time but pays off in the form of career success and job satisfaction.
Luyanda is a digital marketing & SEO professional. She is a part of the Minority Business Review digital marketing team. She is a Boston Media House Graduate who obtained a Diploma in Media Practice majoring in Digital Marketing.