# Hard Skills vs Soft Skills
Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities--programming languages, tools, certifications, methods. Soft skills are interpersonal traits--communication, teamwork, adaptability. Both matter; hard skills often drive ATS keyword match, while soft skills are best proven through what you achieved.
## Deeper Context

Put hard skills in experience bullets and a concise Skills section when useful. Demonstrate soft skills with outcomes ("Led a cross-functional team of eight to ship on schedule") rather than listing "leadership" alone. ATS scans hard skills and job-description keywords more reliably than abstract trait words.

## Related Terms

- [resume](https://foliox.me/glossary/resume)
- [resume-keywords](https://foliox.me/glossary/resume-keywords)
- [ats-friendly](https://foliox.me/glossary/ats-friendly)
- [resume-format](https://foliox.me/glossary/resume-format)


## FAQ

### What are examples of hard skills?

Languages (Python, SQL), tools (Figma, Excel), frameworks (React), and certifications (AWS, PMP). Match them to the job you want.

### Should I list soft skills on my resume?

Show them through accomplishments instead of a standalone list. Outcome bullets carry more weight in screening and interviews.

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