Differentiating Hard Skills and Soft Skills on Fashion Resumes

Hard skills encompass the specific technical or tangible abilities and knowledge that are directly relevant to a particular job or field. These skills are often acquired through formal education, training, certifications, and hands-on experience. Examples of hard skills might be related to technical aspects of garment construction, running fit sessions, cost management or and proficiency in industry-specific software tools.

Soft skills refer to the interpersonal attributes, personality traits, and qualities that contribute to effective communication, collaboration, and overall success in any work environment. These skills are often more challenging to quantify and may include things like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, emotional intelligence, leadership, and time management.

Presenting Hard Skills and Soft Skills on a Resume

Hard Skills:
When presenting hard skills on a resume, it’s essential to be specific and concise. Use bullet points or a dedicated “Skills” section to highlight relevant hard skills that are directly related to the job you’re applying for. List any technical abilities, tools, languages, software, or certifications that demonstrate your competence in the required areas. For instance:

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator and Photoshop) for creating detailed technical sketches and design illustrations.
• Demonstrated strong color theory knowledge through the creation of harmonious color palettes in previous sleepwear design projects.
• Created comprehensive tech packages for production, showcasing attention to detail in construction, fabric, and trim specifications.
• Stayed current with sleepwear fashion trends by attending trade shows and conducting thorough market research.
• Utilized PLM software to create detailed design and trim packages, improving communication and streamlining the sample development process.

Soft Skills:
Soft skills should not only be mentioned on your resume but also demonstrated through your achievements and experiences. Incorporate them in your “Work Experience” section by describing situations where you successfully utilized these skills to achieve outcomes. You can also create a separate section titled “Key Skills” or “Soft Skills” and provide a short list of qualities that align with the job description. For example:

• Creativity: Generated innovative sleepwear design concepts that captured the brand’s identity while catering to customer expectations.
• Attention to Detail: Ensured the accuracy and consistency of design sketches and technical packages, resulting in streamlined production processes.
• Adaptability: Successfully pivoted design directions based on changing market trends, leading to increased customer engagement.
• Communication: Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams, translating design ideas into actionable instructions for production and technical design.
• Team Collaboration: Worked closely with colleagues from various departments to align design concepts with marketing strategies and production capabilities.

A successful employee requires a blend of both hard and soft skills. When presenting them on a resume, it’s crucial to strike a balance between showcasing your technical prowess and your ability to thrive in a collaborative and dynamic work environment. Tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for, highlighting the skills that are most relevant to that position while also demonstrating your interpersonal strengths.

A well-crafted resume will not only highlight your hard skills but also weave in your soft skills through specific examples of your accomplishments. This combination provides potential employers with a comprehensive view of your capabilities, making you a strong candidate both on paper and in person.

Click here to learn how to use ChatGPT to determine which Hard Skills and Soft Skills you should include on your resume!