Definition

hard 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.

Related glossary terms: soft skills, IT strategy (information technology strategy), Internet addiction, human resource management (HRM), job hopper, emotional intelligence (EI)

This was last updated in May 2008

Posted by: Margaret Rouse

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