Hard skills: what they are and how to identify them in your employees
Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2025 6:19 am
Employees are the backbone of any business, as the performance of any company depends on their ability. Even if you don't have employees, knowing your soft skills and hard skills is vital to take advantage of your abilities. In this post we will explain what the latter are , with examples, and how to identify them .
What are hard skills?
Hard skills are technical abilities and specific knowledge that we acquire through education, training and practical experience .
best programming courses
You may also be interested in: What companies look for when hiring new employees
These skills are tangible and objectively measurable , which differentiates them from soft skills, which are more subjective and related to personal interactions and emotional management: sales skills, stress management, communication skills... All of this can be trained and improved.
On the other hand, hard skills are technical abilities new zealand phone number lead and specific knowledge that can only be acquired through study . We are going to give you some examples of hard skills so that you understand the concept.
Programming: knowing how to write code in languages like Python, Java, or C++ is a hard skill.
Data analysis: competence in using tools such as Excel, SQL, or statistical analysis software.
SEO: knowledge of SEO and use of tools such as Semrush or Marfeel Compass .
Graphic design: use of design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator or InDesign.
Project management: knowledge and use of methodologies and tools such as Agile, Scrum or Microsoft Project.
How to identify hard skills in your employees
communication skills
You may also be interested in: Management indicators you should know
Depending on the business or company you have, you may be interested in certain hard skills. Therefore, it is important to identify the technical skills of your employees to detect any development and training opportunities. Remember that it is always better to retain talent than to seek it out.
So the best thing you can do is identify your employees' hard skills in order to take advantage of their capabilities. To do so, follow these tips.
Review the resume
One of the most direct ways to identify hard skills is to review an employee’s resume and certifications . Academic degrees, course certificates, and specific training programs are what will provide insight into this.
Technical interviews
During interviews, you can ask specific technical questions that allow employees to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a given context . Technical interviews can reveal a lot about an employee's technical competence and problem-solving ability, as they will be demonstrating their experience and skills.
For example, it is common for IT positions to require a technical test to confirm programming knowledge.
Periodic evaluations
Taking regular assessments will help you find new hard skills.
Feedback
Feedback from colleagues and teammates can be very useful in identifying hard skills . Employees who work together on a daily basis are the ones who will best identify these types of skills. So don't hesitate to talk to different work teams.
At MASMOVIL NEGOCIOS we hope to have helped you understand what hard skills are, their importance in any business and how to identify them in your employees.
What are hard skills?
Hard skills are technical abilities and specific knowledge that we acquire through education, training and practical experience .
best programming courses
You may also be interested in: What companies look for when hiring new employees
These skills are tangible and objectively measurable , which differentiates them from soft skills, which are more subjective and related to personal interactions and emotional management: sales skills, stress management, communication skills... All of this can be trained and improved.
On the other hand, hard skills are technical abilities new zealand phone number lead and specific knowledge that can only be acquired through study . We are going to give you some examples of hard skills so that you understand the concept.
Programming: knowing how to write code in languages like Python, Java, or C++ is a hard skill.
Data analysis: competence in using tools such as Excel, SQL, or statistical analysis software.
SEO: knowledge of SEO and use of tools such as Semrush or Marfeel Compass .
Graphic design: use of design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator or InDesign.
Project management: knowledge and use of methodologies and tools such as Agile, Scrum or Microsoft Project.
How to identify hard skills in your employees
communication skills
You may also be interested in: Management indicators you should know
Depending on the business or company you have, you may be interested in certain hard skills. Therefore, it is important to identify the technical skills of your employees to detect any development and training opportunities. Remember that it is always better to retain talent than to seek it out.
So the best thing you can do is identify your employees' hard skills in order to take advantage of their capabilities. To do so, follow these tips.
Review the resume
One of the most direct ways to identify hard skills is to review an employee’s resume and certifications . Academic degrees, course certificates, and specific training programs are what will provide insight into this.
Technical interviews
During interviews, you can ask specific technical questions that allow employees to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a given context . Technical interviews can reveal a lot about an employee's technical competence and problem-solving ability, as they will be demonstrating their experience and skills.
For example, it is common for IT positions to require a technical test to confirm programming knowledge.
Periodic evaluations
Taking regular assessments will help you find new hard skills.
Feedback
Feedback from colleagues and teammates can be very useful in identifying hard skills . Employees who work together on a daily basis are the ones who will best identify these types of skills. So don't hesitate to talk to different work teams.
At MASMOVIL NEGOCIOS we hope to have helped you understand what hard skills are, their importance in any business and how to identify them in your employees.