What are Technical Skills?

When you’re looking for a job, it’s important to identify all your skills. There are two general types of skills: soft skills and hard skills. Soft skills are those you gain from your life experiences rather than through school or coursework. Hard skills, also known as technical skills, are those you gain through performing various tasks or learn through education.

Why is it important to know the difference? 

Often, technical skills are specific to a particular job or career. For example, if you apply for a position in a greenhouse, the employer will be more interested in your knowledge of plant care than your customer service skills. Reading a position description will help you identify which skills an employer value most.

How do these skills transfer to your next job?

Technical skills, like soft skills, can apply to many different types of jobs. To know which technical skills you should have before applying for a job, look under the “Required Qualifications” or “Education and Experience” section of the position advertisement. There you will find a list of the skills an employer is looking for. As an example, an advertisement for a position as an Assistant Grower in a greenhouse lists:

• Minimum Qualifications:
  
  • Intermediate math skills
  • Solid reading skills
  • Ability to accurately identify irrigation needs for various crops

Your resume and cover letter should explain how and where you have used these skills previously and why you think your experience will benefit the employer.

Taking inventory of your skills

How do you know what skills you may possess, and which ones are transferable? When you are analyzing your skills, think about the tasks you did with them rather than the job or career associated with them. When you finish writing down your skills, compare your list with jobs that you are interested in and see how the skills help you qualify. This way, you can identify areas where you need more training or experience for your desired job.

How can Ticket to Work help?

Through the Ticket Program, a service provider can help you identify your technical skills and even help you develop your inventory. They can help you highlight your skills in a resume or cover letter and where they might fit when applying for jobs. Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. You can also learn more by registering for a free, online Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar. Or you can text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.