Updating your CV: How to write soft skills and hard skills

When applying for work, employers usually check what your skills are to gauge if you meet the job requirements and expectations for the role. Generally, there are two types of skill sets: soft skills and hard skills. Both are important for recruiters to check to know if you have what it takes to succeed at work.

What are soft skills?

Soft skills are personality traits or attributes you need to succeed in your career. These are part of your habits, and include your behavior (as a person, not limited/ specifically towards your work) and how well you work both individually and in a group setting.

Employers check your soft skills to gauge how you can thrive in your role. If you are updating your CV, ask yourself what your strengths are and list them down.

Quick tip: Here are the most in-demand soft skills for 2020:

• Creativity
• Adaptability
• Collaboration
• Persuasion
• Emotional intelligence

What are hard skills?

On the other hand, hard skills are your technical skills. Hard skills are acquired through education and enhanced with experience. These can vary depending on your course in college and your work experience. Unlike soft skills, these can be measured. Employers can check your certifications and give you an exam to check your proficiency. If you are applying for a certain role that needs specific hard skills, you can upskill through training and certification courses.

These are the most in-demand hard skills for 2020:

• Blockchain
• Analytical reasoning
• UX design
• Affiliate marketing
• Scientific computing
• Cloud computing
• Artificial intelligence
• Business analysis
• Sales
• Video production

What if you don’t have the hard skills that most companies need? Don’t worry! We believe that your strengths can lead you to a fulfilling career. If there’s a role that you see yourself in, take trainings that will equip you for it.

Show employers that you are the best fit for their company! Update your skills on your Xcruit profile.