Hard Skills vs Soft Skills

Question 1

Break … down

Answer 1

phrasal verb
Fixing a complex issue by making it into smaller, more manageable parts
* We need to break this down to its most basic parts.
* They were able to successfully break the problem down.

Question 2

Concrete

Answer 2

adjective
Clear & certain, based on facts
* He gave us a very concrete proposal.
* The police had no concrete evidence.

Question 3

Coding

Answer 3

noun
The process of writing computer software
* We need to hire someone who is is good at coding.
* He was coding the whole night.

Question 4

Interpersonal skills

Answer 4

noun
The ability to communicate well with other people
* She has great interpersonal skills for someone so young!
* He has gone on a course to try and improve his interpersonal skills.

Question 5

Adaptability

Answer 5

noun
The ability to change to suit different conditions
* Adaptability is an essential skill to have for this job.
* Her adaptability is her greatest strength.

Question 6

Objective

Answer 6

adjective
Based on real facts
* He was able to deliver a very objective report.
* I’m trying to have an objective attitude about this issue.

Question 7

Possess

Answer 7

verb
To have or own something
* She possesses all of the skills we are looking for.
* They possess several overseas companies.

Question 8

Certification

Answer 8

noun
A document proving that someone is qualified for a particular job
* We will need to see all of your certifications before the interview can progress.
* I’m working hard to earn that certification.

Question 9

Pretty

Answer 9

adverb
Quite, but not extremely
* It’s pretty cold today!
* She was pretty happy to hear that news.

Question 10

Specific

Answer 10

adjective
Relating to one thing and not others
* Is there any specific reason why you want these files?
* Please be more specific with your questions.

Question 11

Required

Answer 11

adjective
Something that is necessary according to the rules
* It is required that we wear suits to that event.
* This is the minimum amount of money required.

Question 12

Over time

Answer 12

phrase
To happen / do something gradually over a long period
* He was able to learn French gradually over time.
* We will assess your progress over time.

Question 13

… comes naturally

Answer 13

verbal phrase
To find something easy to do and quickly become good at it
* Being on stage just came naturally to her.
* Being confident comes naturally to some people.

Question 14

Evaluate

Answer 14

verb
To judge the quality, importance or value of something
* It’s very hard to evaluate these results.
* We need to evaluate the effectiveness of this program.

Question 15

Despite

Answer 15

preposition
Without being influenced / prevented by …
* We still went on a picnic despite the weather.
* Despite his illness he was still able to finish the task.

Question 16

Hirable

Answer 16

adjective
To be qualified for employment
* If you complete this course you will be much more hirable.
* These are all hirable skills to have.