Hard skills – like those related to the STEM subjects – are quantifiable and teachable: they include the specific technical knowledge and abilities required for a job.

Dr Johnston says examples of hard skills include computer programming, accounting, and data analysis. Some can be learned on the job, while others, such as surgical skills, are first learned in a classroom and then refined through work practice.

“One difference between hard skills and soft skills,” says Dr Johnston, “is that you can easily list hard skills on a resume, while soft skills may come across more clearly during an in-person job interview.”

Hybrid skills include a combination of technical and non-technical skills. Many positions require employees to incorporate both soft and hard skills in their skill set to succeed in the role
Transferable skills can apply to many different career fields. These include soft skills like critical thinking and problem solving, or hard skills such as writing and math ability
Job-specific employment skills are those necessary for a particular position. For example, a hairstylist must know hair-coloring techniques, a payroll clerk must have payroll skills, and a nutritionist must have diet-management knowledge.

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