Hard skills are technical competencies that are essential for a specific position. They enable candidates to demonstrate their mastery of a particular field, making the recruitment process easier for recruiters.
What are hard skills?
Defining hard skills
These are measurable, job-specific technical skills. They are generally acquired through experience, professional training or certification. Unlike soft skills, hard skills are easily assessed and demonstrated through tests, diplomas or concrete achievements.
What are the differences between hard and soft skills?
Hard skills are distinguished from soft skills by their technical and specific nature. Hard skills relate to the knowledge, know-how and practical abilities required to accomplish specific tasks. Soft skills encompass the behavioral and interpersonal skills that facilitate interaction within the team and with customers. For example, mastering a programming language or social networks is a hard skill, while stress management is a soft skill.
How important are hard skills in recruitment?
These skills are crucial when recruiting, as they ensure that the candidate has the necessary technical skills to carry out the required tasks. They also enable recruiters to filter applications efficiently and quickly identify profiles that match job requirements. In today's competitive world of work, hard skills are a major asset when it comes to standing out from the crowd.
How do you assess your candidates' hard skills?
There are many effective methods:
- Practical tests: Administer job-specific exercises. For a developer, propose a live coding challenge or a task to be carried out on a relevant programming language such as Python or Java. This provides a direct measure of the candidate's technical mastery.
- Case studies: Present real-life scenarios that the candidate might encounter in his/her role. Among other things, this allows you to assess time management and stress resistance. For example, ask a project manager to plan a project using a tool like Microsoft Project or Asana, which assesses his or her ability to manage complex projects.
- Verification of certifications and diplomas: Make sure the candidate has the certifications or diplomas required for the position. For example, PMP certification for a project manager or Cisco certification for a network specialist.
- Portfolios and previous projects: Ask candidates to submit previous projects or a portfolio, especially for design or digital marketing professions. This offers tangible proof of their technical skills and professional experience.
- Technical interviews: Conduct in-depth interviews focusing on specific technical skills. Ask detailed questions about the technologies and tools candidates have used in their professional careers. Also ask about the technical challenges they have encountered and how they overcame them.
- Job simulations: Organize simulations in which the candidate is asked to perform a real job-related task. For example, a financial analyst might be asked to analyze a set of financial data and present his or her findings.
Using a tool like Marvin Recruiter allows these assessments to be structured efficiently, by integrating specific tests and adapted assessment strategies.
What are the different categories of hard skills?
Here are a few examples of hard skills:
Technical & IT skills
Technical skills in IT include mastery of programming languages such as Python, Java or C++. For example, a web developer needs to be able to use frameworks like React or Angular to create dynamic applications. In engineering, knowledge of design software such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks is essential.
Language skills
Mastery of several foreign languages is a valuable hard skill, especially in international companies. For example, a project manager in the digital marketing sector needs to be able to communicate effectively in English to collaborate with international teams and foreign customers.
Analytical skills
Analytical skills include the ability to interpret data, perform statistical analysis and make decisions based on quantitative information. A financial analyst, for example, must be able to manipulate databases and use software such as Excel or Tableau to create detailed reports.
Digital marketing skills
In digital marketing, technical skills include mastery of advertising campaign management, SEO/SEM and web analytics tools. For example, an SEO specialist needs to know natural referencing techniques and be able to use tools like Google Analytics and SEMrush to optimize website rankings.
Design & creation skills
They include mastery of graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. A graphic designer must be able to create attractive visuals for advertising campaigns, websites or marketing materials. In the product design sector, the ability to use prototyping tools is also essential.
Financial skills
They include mastery of accounting software, budget management and financial analysis. An accountant must be able to use software such as QuickBooks or SAP to manage a company's finances, while ensuring compliance with tax regulations.
Project management skills
Project management requires mastery of tools such as Microsoft Project, Asana or Trello. A project manager must be able to plan, execute and close projects on time and on budget. Knowledge of Agile or Scrum methodologies is also a major asset.
Industrial skills
In the industrial sector, technical skills include knowledge of manufacturing processes, equipment maintenance, and the use of production management software. A production engineer needs to master tools like SAP to optimize workflows and ensure efficient operations.
Administrative skills
Administrative skills include managing documents, scheduling meetings, and using office software such as Microsoft Office. An administrative assistant must be able to manage daily tasks efficiently, while maintaining rigorous organization.
Legal skills
Legal skills include knowledge of industry-specific laws and regulations. An in-house lawyer must be able to interpret and apply labor laws, trade regulations and contracts to protect the company's interests.
Talent management skills
Talent management and succession planning skills to anticipate future employment needs and prepare for the integration of new employees. For example, a job and skills planning manager must identify the key skills required for the company's future development, and plan recruitment and training accordingly.
Detect key hard skills with intelligent profile analysis
With Marvin Recruiter, recruiters can use advanced tools to assess and identify candidates' key hard skills. Our SaaS software integrates features such as talent management, skills analysis and skills mapping. It enables accurate and efficient assessment of candidates' technical skills.
Using artificial intelligence algorithms, Marvin Recruiter can analyze candidate profiles in depth, highlighting relevant technical skills and facilitating decision-making for recruiters. This reduces recruitment time and increases the quality of hires.
To find out how Marvin Recruiter can transform your recruitment process, see our page dedicated to the HR interview or visit our features page at Marvin Recruiter.
Hard skills are technical competencies that are essential for a specific position. They enable recruiters to assess a candidate's ability to perform the required tasks and integrate effectively into the team. Marvin Recruiter offers advanced tools for identifying, assessing and valorizing these skills, thus optimizing your recruitment process.
FAQ : Your questions about hard skills
The hard skills most in demand
The hard skills most in demand vary according to sector and position. In IT, mastery of programming languages such as Python, Java and C++ is highly sought-after. For digital marketing positions, skills in SEO/SEM, advertising campaign management and web analytics are essential.
In the financial sector, mastery of accounting software and financial analysis are highly prized. In engineering, knowledge of design software such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks is essential. These technical skills enable employers to ensure that candidates have the necessary qualifications to carry out the specific tasks of the job.
How do you translate hard skills into a CV?
To effectively translate hard skills into a CV, it's important to list them under a specific heading entitled "Technical Skills" or "Hard Skills". Use relevant job-related keywords to optimize your application in the eyes of recruiters. For example, mention skills such as "Mastery of Python and Java", "PMP certification in project management", or "Expertise in SEO/SEM".
Also provide concrete examples of the application of these skills in your past work experience. For example, "Developing web applications using React and Angular", or "Managing advertising campaigns with Google Ads and SEMrush". This will demonstrate the mastery and added value of your hard skills to employers.
What are mad skills?
Mad skills" are exceptional or unique competencies that set a candidate apart from the rest. They may be hard skills or soft skills, but what makes them "mad" is their rarity and their significant impact on professional performance.
For example, advanced expertise in artificial intelligence, mastery of several rare programming languages, or exceptional project management skills are considered "mad skills". These skills bring particular added value to the company and can greatly increase a candidate's chances of being hired.
