What is hard skills? What is soft skills?

Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities that may be required in a given context, such as a job or university application.

Examples of hard skills include:

* facility with spreadsheets
* typing
* proficiency with software applications
* operating machinery
* software development
* speaking a foreign language
* calculus

Other attributes, such as the ability to empathize with others or to remain calm under pressure, are sometimes known as soft skills.

Soft skills are personal attributes that enhance an individual's interactions, job performance and career prospects. Unlike hard skills, which tend to be specific to a certain type of task or activity, soft skills are broadly applicable.

Soft skills are sometimes broken down into personal attributes, such as:

* optimism
* common sense
* responsibility
* a sense of humor
* integrity
* time-management
* motivation.

and interpersonal abilities, such as:

* empathy
* leadership
* communication
* good manners
* sociability
* the ability to teach.

It's often said that hard skills will get you an interview but you need soft skills to get (and keep) the job.