Success in the workforce depends on both technical abilities (hard skills) and interpersonal competencies (soft skills). While hard skills are job-specific and gained through training (e.g., coding, bookkeeping, machine operation), soft skills determine how well you work with others and navigate workplace challenges (e.g., communication, teamwork, adaptability). Employers seek candidates with a balance of both to ensure long-term professional growth.

This unit introduces the importance of employability skills, helping participants identify their strengths, recognize areas for improvement, and develop a plan to enhance both hard and soft skills.

Key Learning Objectives

By the end of this unit, participants will:

• Define and differentiate hard skills vs. soft skills.
• Identify why employers value both skill sets.
• Recognize personal strengths and areas for improvement.
• Apply strategies to develop and showcase these skills in resumes, cover letters, and interviews.

Time Commitment - 2 Hours

Resources Needed

• Paper & Pen (for personal reflection and note-taking)
• Laptop or Mobile Device (for self-assessment activities)
• Skill Development Checklist (print or digital format)
• Projector or Screen (for video materials, if in-person)

Supplemental Reading

• Harvard Business Review – Soft Skills Are Hard Skills.
• Forbes – Top Soft Skills Employers Look For in 2025.

Video Analysis: (Total ~10 min watch time)

• Looking for a Job? Highlight Your Ability, Not Just Experience (6:30 min) https://youtu.be/guXxy8LH2QM
• Soft Skills: Have You Got Them? (1:37 min) https://youtu.be/tKKPUYfOkvw
• Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills: What’s the Difference? (1:52 min) https://youtu.be/0FFLFcB9xfQ

Discussion Prompt:

• Why do employers value soft skills just as much as hard skills?

Self-Assessment Activity:

• Complete the Skill Development Checklist (individually or in pairs).
• Reflect on which skills come naturally and which require improvement.

Application Exercise:

• Small Group Discussion: Share examples of hard and soft skills used in past experiences (school, work, volunteer roles).
• Personal Reflection: Write one action step to improve a key soft skill.

Wrap-Up & Takeaways:

• Hard skills get you the job; soft skills help you keep it and grow.
• Assessing and improving both skill types is an ongoing process.