hard skill
Measurable learned expertise
A hard skill is a specific, teachable ability that can be measured and certified—typing speed, fluency in Spanish, proficiency with Excel, welding certification.
Hard skills contrast with soft skills like communication or leadership, which are harder to quantify.
Job listings typically specify required hard skills: Candidates must have hard skills in Python and SQL.
Maintaining financial records
- bookkeepingRecording financial transactions systematically
- project managementOverseeing work toward goals
- financial analysisExamining economic performance data
- legal researchInvestigating applicable law
auditing · tax preparation · contract negotiation · grant writing · budgeting · payroll · medical coding · underwriting
Writing software instructions
- codingWriting software instructions
- softwarePrograms directing computer operations
- data analysisSystematic information interpretation
- cybersecurityProtection of digital systems
machine learning · database management · cloud computing · web development · SEO · networking · hardware · system administration
Science of quantity and structure
- statisticsCollected numerical information
- analyticsSystematic examination of datasets
- econometricsStatistical analysis of markets
- calculusMathematical analysis system
data modeling · financial modeling · forecasting · risk assessment · quantitative research · algorithms · probability · cryptography
Heat-fusing metal pieces
- plumbingWater and waste infrastructure
- electricalInvolving conducted current
- carpentryWood construction trade
- machiningSubtractive metalworking process
HVAC · masonry · automotive repair · drafting · blueprint reading · equipment maintenance · soldering · surveying
Tongues not one's own
- translationConverting between languages
- transcriptionWritten version of speech
- copywritingCreating promotional text
- editingRefining content for clarity
proofreading · interpreting · localization · sign language · medical terminology · legal writing · grant writing · subtitling
Procedures for scientific experimentation
- microscopyTechnique using powerful lenses
- spectroscopyStudy of light-matter interaction
- chromatographyTechnique separating mixtures by differential migration
- PCRDNA amplification technique
cell culture · clinical research · pharmacology · biotechnology · chemical analysis · genome sequencing · sterilization · scientific writing
accounting
Maintaining financial records
- bookkeepingRecording financial transactions systematically
- project managementOverseeing work toward goals
- financial analysisExamining economic performance data
legal research · auditing · tax preparation · contract negotiation · grant writing · budgeting · payroll · medical coding · underwriting · logistics
programming
Writing software instructions
- codingWriting software instructions
- softwarePrograms directing computer operations
- data analysisSystematic information interpretation
cybersecurity · machine learning · database management · cloud computing · web development · SEO · networking · hardware · system administration · blockchain
mathematics
Science of quantity and structure
- statisticsCollected numerical information
- analyticsSystematic examination of datasets
- econometricsStatistical analysis of markets
calculus · data modeling · financial modeling · forecasting · risk assessment · quantitative research · algorithms · probability · cryptography
welding
Heat-fusing metal pieces
- plumbingWater and waste infrastructure
- electricalInvolving conducted current
- carpentryWood construction trade
machining · HVAC · masonry · automotive repair · drafting · blueprint reading · equipment maintenance · soldering · surveying · heavy equipment
foreign languages
Tongues not one's own
- translationConverting between languages
- transcriptionWritten version of speech
- copywritingCreating promotional text
editing · proofreading · interpreting · localization · sign language · medical terminology · legal writing · grant writing · subtitling · content writing
laboratory techniques
Procedures for scientific experimentation
- microscopyTechnique using powerful lenses
- spectroscopyStudy of light-matter interaction
- chromatographyTechnique separating mixtures by differential migration
PCR · cell culture · clinical research · pharmacology · biotechnology · chemical analysis · genome sequencing · sterilization · scientific writing · experimental design
- skillsability, abilities, competencies, talent, expertise
hard skillsoft skill
Non-technical professional competency
emotional intelligence · empathy · teamwork · collaboration · adaptability
hard, skill, harder, hardest, hardly, hardness, harden, hardened, hardening