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As a boss, you need to understand the difference between hard skills and soft skills.
Hard skills are easier to quantify and assess since they’re the specific skills and knowledge that a person needs to do a job. Soft skills, on the other hand, are more difficult to quantify. They include things like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
Many people make the mistake of thinking that hard skills are more important than soft skills. This is not the case because studies have shown that soft skills are equally essential in the workplace.
If you’re not sure what the distinction between hard skills and soft skills is, or if you’re not sure which ones are most crucial for your business, read on.
What are hard skills?
Hard skills are the specific abilities and knowledge that a person needs to do a job. They’re measurable, and they can be learned and improved through training and practice.
Some common hard skills include math skills, computer skills, writing skills, and speaking another language. Most jobs require at least a few hard skills, so it’s vital to know what they are before you start hiring.
If you’re not sure what specific hard skills your vacancy requires, you can always ask professionals who are responsible for interviewing and hiring candidates. They will be able to tell you what to look for in candidates and assess whether or not a candidate has the required skills.
What are soft skills?
So what are soft skills? Soft skills are the personal attributes that make you good at your job. Some of the most necessary soft skills include empathy, organization, and time management.
Most of these skills can be learned, but some people are just naturally good at them. And that’s why it’s so crucial to test for soft skills in interviews. You want to make sure you’re hiring someone who has the right personal attributes to be successful in the role.
How to find candidates with the right skills
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Ideally, you want to find candidates who have both hard skills and soft skills. But if you’re only looking for candidates with hard skills, you’re going to miss out on a lot of talented people. The same is true if you’re only looking for candidates with soft skills.
So how do you find candidates with the right mix of hard and soft skills? It’s not straightforward, but there are a few things you can do. First, take a look at the job requirements and see which skills are essential for the position. Then try to find candidates who have those skills.
You can also ask your current employees to refer potential candidates. And finally, use online tools such as LinkedIn to search for candidates with the right mix of mastery.
How to train employees to develop the right skills
Now that you understand the differences between hard skills and soft skills, it’s vital to know how to train existing employees to develop the right skills.
One way to do this is by signing them up for courses or seminars and providing feedback regularly. Be sure to allow employees to share their thoughts regarding what they have learned with the whole team. This will allow them to reflect on the sessions they have attended and be more motivated to learn new things in the future.
It’s also good to be patient. Not everyone learns at the same pace, and some people might need more time than others. Just be sure to keep an open mind, be supportive, and provide the necessary resources.
As we close, it’s necessary to understand the difference between hard skills and soft skills when you’re hiring new employees. Hard skills are task-oriented and can be easily measured, while soft skills are based more on personality and attitude. When you’re interviewing candidates, ensure you enquire about their hard skills and their soft skills. This will help you choose the most satisfactory person for the job position.
