Hard Skills: Identify and assess technical skills

Hard skills are essential technical skills required for a specific position. They allow candidates to demonstrate their mastery in a particular field, thus facilitating the recruitment process for recruiters.

What are hard skills?

Definition of hard skills

These are measurable, job-specific technical skills. They are generally acquired through experience, professional training, or certifications. Unlike soft skills, hard skills are easily assessed and demonstrable through tests, diplomas, or concrete achievements.

What are the differences between hard skills and soft skills?

Hard skills are distinguished from soft skills by their technical and specific nature. Hard skills encompass the knowledge, know-how, and practical abilities necessary to accomplish specific tasks. Soft skills include the behavioral and interpersonal skills that facilitate interaction within the team and with clients. Thus, proficiency in a programming language or social media is a hard skill, while stress management is a soft skill.

How important are hard skills in recruitment?

These skills are crucial during recruitment because they ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary technical skills to perform the required tasks. They also allow recruiters to effectively filter applications and quickly identify profiles that match the job requirements. In a competitive job market, hard skills are a major asset for standing out.

How do you assess the hard skills of your candidates?

There are many effective methods:

• Practical tests : Administer job-specific exercises. For a developer, propose a live coding challenge or a task to be completed using a relevant programming language such as Python or Java. This allows you to directly assess the candidate's technical proficiency.
• Case studies : Present real-life scenarios that the candidate might encounter in their role. This allows you to assess, among other things, their time management and stress resistance. For example, ask a project manager to plan a project using a tool like Microsoft Project or Asana, which evaluates their ability to manage complex projects.
• Verification of certifications and degrees : Ensure that the candidate possesses the certifications or degrees required for the position. For example, a PMP certification for a project manager or a Cisco certification for a network specialist.
• Portfolios and previous projects : Ask candidates to present previous projects or a portfolio, especially for design or digital marketing roles. This provides tangible evidence of their technical skills and professional experience.
• Technical interviews : Conduct in-depth interviews focused on specific technical skills. Ask detailed questions about the technologies and tools candidates have used in their professional experience. Also, ask them about the technical challenges they have encountered and how they overcame them.
• Work simulations : Organize simulations where the candidate must perform a real-world task related to the position. For example, a financial analyst could be asked to analyze a set of financial data and present their findings.

Using a tool like Marvin Recruiter allows you to structure these assessments effectively, by integrating specific tests and tailored assessment strategies.

What are the different categories of hard skills?

Here are some examples of hard skills:

Technical & IT Skills

Technical skills in IT include proficiency in programming languages ​​such as Python, Java, or C++. For example, a web developer must be able to use frameworks like React or Angular to create dynamic applications. In the field of engineering, knowledge of design software such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks is essential.

Language skills

Fluency in several foreign languages ​​is a valuable hard skill, especially in international companies. For example, a project manager in the digital marketing sector must be able to communicate effectively in English to collaborate with international teams and foreign clients.

Analytical skills

Analytical skills include the ability to interpret data, perform statistical analyses, 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 the field of digital marketing, technical skills include proficiency in advertising campaign management tools, SEO/SEM, and web analytics. For example, an SEO specialist must be familiar with organic search engine optimization techniques and be able to use tools like Google Analytics and SEMrush to improve website rankings.

Design & creative skills

These skills include proficiency in graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. A graphic designer must be able to create compelling visuals for advertising campaigns, websites, or marketing materials. In the product design sector, the ability to use prototyping tools is also essential.

Financial skills

These skills include proficiency in 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 proficiency with tools such as Microsoft Project, Asana, or Trello. A project manager must be able to plan, execute, and close projects while respecting deadlines and budgets. 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 must be proficient in tools like SAP to optimize workflows and ensure operational efficiency.

Administrative skills

Administrative skills include document management, meeting scheduling, and the use of office software such as Microsoft Office. An administrative assistant must be able to manage daily tasks efficiently while maintaining a rigorous organizational system.

Legal skills

Legal skills include knowledge of laws and regulations specific to a sector. An in-house lawyer must be able to interpret and apply labor laws, commercial regulations, and contracts to protect the company's interests.

Talent management skills

Talent management and succession planning skills are essential for anticipating future employment needs and preparing for the integration of new employees. For example, a workforce planning manager must identify the key skills needed for the company's future development and plan recruitment and training accordingly.

Identify 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 evaluation of candidates' technical skills.

By 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 discover how Marvin Recruiter can transform your recruitment process, see our dedicated HR interview page or visit our Marvin Recruiter features page.

Hard skills are essential technical skills required for a specific position. They allow recruiters to assess candidates' ability to perform the required tasks and integrate effectively into the team. Marvin Recruiter offers advanced tools to identify, evaluate, and showcase these skills, thereby optimizing your recruitment process.

FAQ: Your questions about hard skills

The most in-demand hard skills

The most sought-after hard skills vary depending on the sector and the position. In the IT field, proficiency in programming languages ​​such as Python, Java, and C++ is highly valued. For digital marketing positions, skills in SEO/SEM, advertising campaign management, and web analytics are essential.

In the financial sector, proficiency in accounting software and financial analysis is highly valued. In engineering, knowledge of design software such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks is essential. These technical skills allow employers to ensure that candidates possess the necessary qualifications to perform the specific tasks of the position.

How to translate hard skills into a CV?

To effectively showcase your hard skills on your resume, it's important to list them in a dedicated section titled "Technical Skills" or "Hard Skills." Use relevant keywords related to the job to optimize your application for recruiters. For example, mention skills such as "Proficient in Python and Java," "PMP Project Management Certification," or "SEO/SEM Expertise."

Also provide concrete examples of how you applied these skills in your past professional experiences. For example, "Web application development using React and Angular," or "Managing advertising campaigns with Google Ads and SEMrush." ​​This demonstrates your mastery and the added value of your hard skills to employers.

What are mad skills?

"Mad skills" refer to exceptional or unique abilities that set a candidate apart from others. They can 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 the candidate's chances of being hired.