Soft Skills vs. Hard Skills: What Recruiters Really Want in Your CV
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The skills section of your CV might seem simple — but it’s one of the first things recruiters scan. So which matters more: soft skills or hard skills?
Let’s break it down.
What Are Hard Skills?
Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities. They're easy to quantify, test, or prove. Examples include:
- Programming languages (e.g., JavaScript, Python)
- Graphic design (e.g., Adobe Illustrator)
- Data analysis
- Accounting
- Foreign languages
You usually learn hard skills through courses, training, or job experience.
What Are Soft Skills?
Soft skills are personal traits that affect how you work and interact with others. They’re harder to measure, but equally important. Examples:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Leadership
- Time management
You build soft skills through everyday experiences, not just formal education.
Which Do Recruiters Want?
Both. Most roles require a combination of technical ability (hard skills) and people-oriented traits (soft skills). For example:
- A web developer needs to know JavaScript (hard skill) but also collaborate with a design team (soft skill).
- A project manager needs tools like Trello (hard) and conflict resolution (soft).
How to Include Skills in Your CV
-
Match the Job Description
Look at the required skills and mirror that language in your CV. -
Be Specific, Not Generic
Instead of “Good communication,” write “Led weekly team briefings for 12+ staff.” -
Use a Skills Section + Evidence in Experience
List your core skills, but also show them in action in your job descriptions. -
Balance Both Types
Aim for a healthy mix — don't overload your CV with only one type.
Final Tip
Use the skills section strategically. It’s not about listing everything you know — it’s about showing what matters for the role you want.
Skills tell your story just as much as experience does. Make them count.