In today's dynamically changing world of work, soft and hard skills play a key role in the recruitment process.
For Generation Z and Y, understanding how to effectively showcase these skills on a CV can be crucial to landing your dream job .
See what exactly soft philippines number whatsapp and hard skills are, how to distinguish them and how to best present them in your CV!
What are hard skills?
Hard skills are specific, measurable abilities that are necessary to perform specific tasks in a given profession.
Examples of hard skills include knowledge of foreign languages, programming, use of specialized software or analytical skills . They are usually acquired through formal education, training or certifications and are easy to verify.
What are soft skills?
Soft skills are personality traits and interpersonal skills that affect the way we work with other people.
Soft skills include communication, teamwork , creativity , problem-solving, and time management. They are harder to measure, but are just as important, if not more important, in many professions.
You must have these soft skills on your CV!
How to introduce hard skills ?
It is relatively easy to present hard skills on your CV because they can be clearly defined and documented. It is important to place them in the "Skills" or "Competencies" section and adapt them to the requirements of a specific job offer.
For example, when applying for a programmer position , it is a good idea to mention knowledge of programming languages such as Python, Java or SQL , as well as completed certificates and courses . It is also a good idea to include the level of advancement, e.g. instead of writing "knowledge of Excel", it is better to write "advanced knowledge of Excel: creating array formulas, pivot tables, data analysis".
Remember to always list only those skills that you actually possess at an advanced level. These skills may be tested during the interview process , which can expose any inaccuracies in your CV.
Example:
Skills:
Knowledge of programming languages: Python, Java, SQL
AWS Certified Solutions Architect certification
Knowledge of analytical tools: Google Analytics, Tableau
How to introduce soft skills?
Soft skills can be more difficult to showcase on a CV because they are not easy to document. The best way to showcase them is to use specific stories or examples from previous work experiences that illustrate these skills in practice.
Soft skills can be added in the "Work Experience" section by describing a situation in which you used your soft skills to achieve a specific goal.
Example:
Professional experience:
XYZ Company, Marketing Specialist (2018-2021)
I managed a project team of 5 people, which led to a 20% increase in campaign effectiveness.
I conducted negotiations with key clients, which resulted in the signing of 5 new contracts with a total value of PLN 500,000.
I organized and coordinated corporate events, which helped improve the company's image on the market.
This approach not only showcases your soft skills, but also shows how they influenced the achievement of specific results.
Don't forget about your professional summary!
The “Professional Summary” section at the beginning of your CV is crucial. This is a short paragraph that should include the most important information about you as a candidate, including both hard and soft skills. This is the place where you can make a good first impression and interest the recruiter to continue reading your CV.
Example:
Professional Summary: Experienced marketing specialist with 5 years of experience in managing project teams and negotiating with key clients. I have skills in data analysis, managing marketing campaigns and organizing events. I am creative, proactive, with excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a dynamic environment.
Use keywords in your CV
It is also worth remembering that recruiters are increasingly using ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) systems that scan CVs for keywords.
That’s why it’s important to use the right keywords that are included in the job posting to increase your chances of passing the initial screening. An example would be using phrases like “team management”, “negotiations” or “event organization” in the context of soft skills.
Summary
Effectively presenting soft and hard skills on a CV requires both precise description and context that illustrates how these skills are used in practice.
For Generation Z and Millennials, who often have diverse experiences and a dynamic approach to their careers, it is crucial to tailor your CV to the specific job offer and highlight the skills that are most relevant to the position.
Remember that your CV is your business card – do everything to make it as convincing and professional as possible.