Skill

What’s a skill? Actually, the question should be: Why should
we know what skills are? Skills are often mistaken for abilities, knowledge
and even tools or technologies. Knowing the difference between each of these
terms can be what sets you apart on the job market, whether you’re a job-seeker or an
employer. When it comes to skills, being on the same
page really pays off. To understand skills, let’s look at one
skill as an example. Cooking. It’s a skill that most of us have acquired. Some master it. Some don’t. And some do ok. Can you chop vegetables? Good. That’s an ability, though, not a skill. An ability is the capacity required to engage
in a task. Do you know what salt tastes like? Not a skill, either. That’s knowledge. Knowledge means being acquainted with information. But knowledge alone doesn’t make you a chef. A skill, by definition, is the ability obtained
from knowledge to do something well. In other words, it’s where ability and knowledge
meet to add up to something greater. So if you sprinkle salt on vegetables and
roast them at 425 for 30 minutes, now you’re cooking. And that’s a skill. But skills are not to be confused with tools
or technologies. In their resume, job-seekers often list different
software under skills. Employers and recruiters do the same in their
job listings. It’s a common mistake. But you wouldn’t put “knife” or “thermometer”
on your CV if you were a chef. Those are devices used to carry out a task. Like other tools and technologies. And to wield them, you need skills. Making sense of it all might not seem important. In fact, it’s critical. When employers communicate their skill needs
clearly, it gives job-seekers and career professionals insights to make informed decisions regarding
training, education and job opportunities. In short, knowing which skills are in demand
allows each person to follow a rewarding career path in their field of interest. So, why should we know what skills are? Because it benefits us all.