Hard Skills vs Soft Skills are important to emphasise, especially if you are a nurse or healthcare worker. Nurses and healthcare workers serve a great purpose in each of our lives every day. Just like any other occupation, however, prospective healthcare workers have to have certain skills and have to go through the same process as any other job seeker. Skills are known as either the ability to do something well or training obtained to do a particular task.   

There are two types of skills: hard skills and soft skills. Understanding the differences between the two and why both are important to get the specific job/shift you applied for, will make it easier for you to get the job.

What are hard skills?

Hard skills are normally learned in school, through books or other training materials, or in the workplace, also known as a set of abilities that can be taught and measurable. When compiling a resume, these are the skills that get mentioned/listed, and potentially gets you the job.  

Hard skills include: 

• A degree or certificate 

• Language proficiency 

• Computer literacy 

• Education 

What are soft skills?

Soft skills, also known as "people skills" or "interpersonal skills," are the ways in which you relate to and interact with other people. Unlike hard skills, soft skills are much more subjective and are difficult to quantify.

Soft skills include:

• Patience 

• Communication 

• Flexibility 

• Leadership 

If you are applying for your dream job, it is important to emphasise both hard and soft skills, especially if you are a nurse or healthcare worker. The A24Group team has put together resources to help you achieve success and develop your skills.  

More reading: The Fundamental Skills Nurses Need

There are many exciting opportunities to put your skills to the test and work as a locum doctor, agency nurse, AHP or HCA care assistant with the A24Group. Some medical staff work with us on a full-time basis – others choose occasional evenings or weekends, or during holiday periods. All select the A24Group because we offer maximum flexibility in the hours and locations where medical staff wants to work. 

Which hard skills vs soft skills are most important to you?

Let us know what you think by commenting on our social media channels.