Hard Skills: What They Are, Why You Need Them, and How to Improve Your Hard Skills

Hard skills are skills that are necessary to perform a specific job. These skills are typically acquired through education and training and are required to pursue and be successful in a particular career field. Most job listings will include a list of hard skills that candidates must have in order to qualify for the position. For example, if you’re applying for a position as an editor, a hard skill you’ll need for that job is the ability to edit copy.

This type of skill is often obtained via apprenticeships, training courses, certification programs, college programs, and on-the-job training. Most hard skills can be evaluated and measured in a quantifiable way. Some companies require you to have proof that you possess a hard skill such as a certification. You may also be asked to complete a test during an interview to show you’re capable of performing a particular hard skill.

The following are examples of popular hard skills that employers seek in candidates:

Analytical skills

Analytical skills are the ability to research a problem and devise a viable solution to solve that problem. This type of skill set is used in a variety of settings and includes looking for patterns, brainstorming, and interpreting information in order to make sound decisions. Examples of common analytical skills include:

• Strategic planning.
• Process management.
• Deductive reasoning.
• Data interpretation.
• Troubleshooting.
• Predictive modeling.

Data analysis

Data analysis is the ability to examine large quantities of data and find trends in the data in order to make informed decisions. This skill goes beyond simply researching data to identify relevant information related to the problem you’re trying to solve. Examples of data analysis in the workplace include:

• Business analysis.
• Cost analysis.
• Financial analysis.
• Quantitative analysis.
• Industry research.
• Prescriptive analytics.
• Credit analysis.

Computer skills

Computer skills are required by many positions and can refer to several specific skills related to using a computer and various computer software. Most employers look for candidates who possess some level of computer skills that range from basic to highly specialized. Common computer skills include:

• Spreadsheets.
• Email.
• QuickBooks.
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Access).
• Database management.
• Typing.
• Google Drive.
• Social media.
• Adobe Suite.

Programming abilities also fall under the computer skills category. Popular programming skills that employers search for include:

• Python.
• Java.
• SQL.
• C++.
• JavaScript.
• PHP.
• HTML/CSS.

Marketing skills

Marketing positions require individuals to possess both soft and hard skills to be successful in their jobs. Popular hard marketing skills include:

• A/B testing.
• Search engine optimization (SEO).
• Search engine marketing (SEM).
• Affiliate marketing.
• Marketing research.
• Social media marketing.
• Pay-per-click (PPC).
• Google Analytics.
• UX design.

There are several ways you can improve your hard skills and make yourself more marketable when applying for new positions. The most common ways to acquire or hone your hard skills include:

• Certifications: There are several certifications available for a variety of hard skills. Acquiring a certification is a great way to improve or learn a hard skill and provides you with solid evidence of that skill that you can put on your resume.
• Online courses: Taking an online course is a convenient way to learn a new skill or improve existing hard skills.
• Practicing: Regularly practicing hard skills is key to getting better at them. Choose one hard skill to practice every day for a few weeks. Once you’ve mastered that skill, move on to another skill.

Here are a few ways you can incorporate hard skills into your day-to-day work duties:

• Spend time editing your emails and other online communications. Editing is a hard skill many employers prefer their employees to have, and it’s also a skill you can easily implement into your daily work. Before sending an email or another form of correspondence, take a few minutes to edit it for proper grammar, sentence structure, and spelling.
• Use computer software when possible. While most positions require you to have some level of computer skills, you can take this a step further by getting familiar with other software programs used at your place of work. Spend some time each day working with a computer software program, and, when you feel comfortable, ask to contribute your know-how in a meaningful way.
• Look for places to contribute. If you have a hard skill that isn’t utilized in your daily work, consider offering to help in a department where you possess relevant hard skills. For example, you could offer to help with your organization’s social media marketing efforts for an hour each week.

Here are a few ways to highlight your hard skills so potential employers quickly see what you bring to the table:

On your resume

There are several areas on your resume where you can highlight your hard skills. These places include in a skills section and in your work history section. In the skills section, list out each relevant hard skill you possess, such as proficiency with Java or copyediting skills. In your work history, mention important hard skills when describing your previous responsibilities for past jobs.

On your cover letter

Choose two or three hard skills that are most relevant to the position you’re applying for and mention them in the body of your cover letter. Give a specific example for each.

In a job interview

You can highlight your hard skills in an interview in several ways. If you’re asked to complete a test, such as a typing test, this is a great way to show off your abilities. You can also provide examples of how you’ve used particular hard skills in this past. Before the interview, think of a few times in which you used each hard skill so you’re prepared to discuss these instances.