Whether through written exams, group or solo interviews, an interviewee is determined to test as many skills in the applications as possible. Such an extensive line of questioning is necessary because knowledge in a specific subset isn’t enough to excel at a job.
This fact extends to the bustling industry of Information Technology (IT), as well. As a computer technology-based industry, it is irrefutable that hard skills or “technical” skills are an absolute mandate for performing well in this sector.
But, a prudent employee would know that soft skills are just as necessary for manifesting those hard skills effectively.
This article delineates the many differences between hard skills and soft skills and describes a few cardinal examples of both. Furthermore, we try to tackle which IT skills get preferred by the industry.
If you’ve ever wished to have these doubts answered, then this article is primed just for you!
What are Soft Skills and Hard Skills?
Soft Skills and Hard Skills are two subsets of skills that are looked for when evaluating any potential employee.
Earlier, hard skills were the most important qualities an employee could possess, irrespective of their field. But, with the advent of globalization, much importance has been placed on the advantages of soft skills, as well. Both subsets differ in a myriad way.
Below, we describe the features of both subsets, along with an emphasis on relevant skills.
Hard Skills
Hard skills are those skills that can be learned and certified via institutions. They are specific to the roles and occupations one is trying to apply. For example, statistics is a learned skill a statistician or research professor studies at school or college.
Thus, due to being institutionally delivered and taught, hard skills can be easily measured and acquired.
Some other features of hard skills are:
- They are quantifiable.
- They are learned and can be taught easily to others.
- They are a testament to your intelligence, knowledge, and hard work.
- They are measurable via your degree, courses, research work, and general academic/professional accolades.
What Are Some of the Most Beneficial IT Hard Skills?
Data Analytics
Data Analytics is an amalgamation of different analytical applications. Their services capitalize on market trends and processing to amplify business revenue, develop attractive marketing strategies, and maximizing customer experiences.
Data Analytics is an incredibly vast field and includes a plethora of supplementary courses and learnings such as
- Statistics
- Modeling
- Quantitative research
- Needs analysis
Coding and Programming
Even if an IT job doesn’t list either of the two as essential categories, a candidate will look very impressive if they are adept and qualified at one of the many programming languages out there. The ability to write codes is always appreciated and looked out for by many tech industries.
Some of the many languages are Python, JAVA, C++, HTML, and many more! If your institute doesn’t teach these languages, countless flexible and affordable online courses can help you understand the basic concepts.
Computer Networking
Computer Networking is a broad subject that tackles information surrounding computer usage and its attached networks. Many IT jobs require knowledge about computer and technology-related systems like wireless modems, cloud services, and more.
What Are Soft Skills?
Soft skills are those skills that aren’t necessarily learned at school or college but are acquired naturally. These skills could be products of one’s social environment or genetics.
Soft skills are often difficult to define and measure. For example, it is difficult to ascertain “how much” creativity and adaptability one possesses. However, both traits are favorable in many environments like teaching, engineering, event managing, etc.
What Are Some of the Most Advantageous IT Soft Skills?
Communication
Often elucidated upon, communication skills are indeed one of the most impressive and note-worthy soft skills to possess. It is a crucial trait that makes you stand out amongst your peers and facilitate rapport with most senior associates.
Apart from interpersonal and official relations, communication skills are vital in the job, as well. Easy, lucid, and patient communication skills are needed when interacting with consumers and clients.
Apart from verbal skills, communication skills also boil down to a strong skillset in oral and written skills.
Leadership
A skill that may not seem critical in the initial stages, but leadership skills can help you progress to great heights. Most IT members are required to manage or lead teams on big or small projects.
Leadership skills include many subsets of skills such as:
- Assertiveness
- Team building
- Organizational abilities
- Collaboration
Such skills are useful for dealing with pesky clients and tackling huge cases.
Creativity
IT professionals are geared towards an inventive and innovative future. Solving tech problems and finding novel solutions require extensive creativity and imagination. High levels of creativity can considerably aid problem solving, as well.
Some critical aspects of creativity are:
- Open-mindedness
- Imagination
- Flexibility
This creativity can considerably help with the employee’s presentation skills, as well.
So, What Does the IT Sector Value More?
Hard skills are necessary as they ensure that every employee has the minimum level of competence needed to perform their job. However, soft skills greatly amplify the quality of work produced and impact the work environment, clients, and industry as a whole. Hence, there isn’t a straight-cut answer to the better skillset!
Most employers require a hybrid collection of skills in an ideal employee. Hiring in an IT sector is infinitely higher if individuals can effectively note their hybrid skills in their resumes.
Conclusion
The IT industry is a high-activity, dynamic job sector in requirement of equally responsive employees. Nowadays, technical skills aren’t the only factors gauged in an ideal candidate in a job search and interview.
Soft skills and hard skills are two subsets of very different skills from one another but are equally advantageous.
Hard skills are skills that are measurable, specific, attainable, and are specific to certain roles. For example, coding, statistics, foreign languages, painting, and more.
Soft skills are those qualities that are in contrast; they are immeasurable, challenging to attain, non-specific and difficult to certify. For example, leadership skills, flexibility, negotiation, multitasking, creativity, and more.
Both skills have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. However, both subsets are essential in equilibrium depending on the type of job post one is applying for.
