Should You Include Soft Skills or Just Hard Skills on Your Resume?
When updating your resume, do you focus only on technical abilities like coding or data analysis? Or do you also highlight qualities like communication and teamwork? The debate between emphasizing soft skills vs hard skills isn’t new—but modern hiring trends demand both.
Hard skills show you can do the job, while soft skills prove you can thrive in the environment. Employers want candidates who balance technical expertise with emotional intelligence. But how do you strike that balance without overcrowding your resume?
Why Including Both Soft Skills and Hard Skills Wins Jobs
- ATS Compatibility: Applicant Tracking Systems scan for hard skill keywords but also flag resumes that mention teamwork or leadership.
- Stand Out Faster: 75% of hiring managers say soft skills help them choose between equally qualified candidates.
- Industry Relevance: Tech roles need coding (hard), but collaboration (soft) ensures projects succeed.
- Future-Proofing: Automation handles tasks; humans handle creativity and problem-solving.
Resume Templates That Showcase Both Skill Types
Use these professionally designed templates from StylingCV:
- The Modern Hybrid: Combines a skills matrix with a “Key Strengths” section for soft skill storytelling.
- Chronological Pro: Ideal for corporate roles—lists technical expertise first but includes leadership bullets under each job.
- Minimalist Innovator: Uses sidebar icons for hard skills while weaving soft skills into project descriptions.
How to Balance Soft Skills and Hard Skills Like a Pro
- Quantify hard skills: “Increased sales by 30% using Python” grabs attention.
- Use action verbs for soft skills: “Led cross-functional teams” shows leadership.
- Match keywords from the job description—if they mention “collaboration,” include it!
- Add a “Core Competencies” section with 3-4 soft skills paired with technical ones.
Your Soft Skills vs Hard Skills Questions Answered
1. Should I list soft skills if my industry is technical?
Yes! Even in engineering roles, employers value communication and adaptability.
2. How do I prove soft skills without sounding vague?
Tie them to achievements: “Resolved client conflicts (soft skill) leading to 95% retention (hard result).”
3. Can I skip hard skills if my soft skills are strong?
No—hard skills validate your ability to perform tasks. Blend both.
4. Where’s the best place to add soft skills?
In summaries, achievement bullets, or a dedicated “Skills” section.
5. Do remote jobs require more soft skills?
Yes! Self-motivation and time management are critical for remote work success.
Craft a Resume That Balances Skills & Gets Noticed
A well-designed resume isn’t just about looking professional—it’s about framing your soft skills and hard skills in a way hiring teams can’t ignore. Templates from resources like StylingCV help organize your strengths without clutter.
Explore resume templates here, pick one that aligns with your goals, and start telling your full story today.
