Difference Between Competencies and Skills: The Guide for All Job Seekers!

Job descriptions usually list the required competencies and skills for the position. Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they have diverse meanings. This post explains the difference between competencies and skills, clarifying what employers seek in candidates.

Our article explains the differences between competencies and skills, as well as how they work together. Understanding these terms will help you recognize your strengths and abilities, which is helpful during job applications and career development. By the end of this article, you'll better grasp these concepts and how to make the most of them.

The difference between competencies and skills

We will begin by examining the definition of each term in order to distinguish the differences between competencies and skills. To better comprehend the meaning, we will also provide some examples.

What are competencies?

Below, we have provided a breakdown of the definition of competence, a combination of professional attitude, skills, and knowledge that enables you to perform to the best of your capabilities in the workplace.

• The first element of competency is your understanding, which encompasses not only theoretical knowledge of your area but also hands-on work experience.

• The second element of competency is your skill level, which pertains to how well you have learned and applied specific physical and mental actions.

• The last aspect of competency is your professional attitude, which pertains to your behavior towards colleagues, clients, or customers. This attitude is often learned and involves your approach and conduct toward others in a professional setting.

Examples of competencies

To provide a more tangible explanation of the above, we would like to present three examples of competencies in the list below:

• The competence of creating support involves using a blend of knowledge, skills, and attitude to motivate individuals to initiate changes or improvements. This requires proficiency in areas such as negotiation, persuasion, and influence.

• Adaptability is a competency that enables you to work efficiently, even in the face of structural changes at the workplace. This competency requires good organizational skills and sufficient professional knowledge to maintain a balanced perspective.

• Working and thinking from a sense of connection is what defines collegiality as competence. This requires excellent communication skills, an attentive ear, and the power to work effectively in a team.

What are Skills?

Now that you understand what competency is, let's look closely at skills. A skill is an activity or task you have mastered to a high level. Skills can be trained and improved through experience, particularly for those that you use frequently. Simply having theoretical knowledge is not enough to master a skill; practical experience is essential.

Examples of skills

Here are some examples that illustrate what we mean by skills. Each example is tailored to a specific profession and field:

• The most important skill for a developer in the IT sector is building a website in a specific programming language.

• Every nurse has mastered the skill of applying a pressure bandage.

• Text editing is an indispensable skill for editors employed by publishing houses.

• Mental arithmetic is important for those working in retail or behind a cash register.

• Interpersonal skills make it easier for salespeople to engage customers and resolve conflicts.

• Commercial skills include having commercial insight, good listening skills, persuasion skills, and the ability to empathize with customers.

How do these terms relate to each other?

Competence comprises knowledge, attitude, and skills. Skills alone are insufficient to succeed in your career since competence is a combination of these components. Developing overarching competencies, not just personal skills, enhances your professionalism.

The difference between competencies and skills in practice

Understanding the distinctions between competencies and skills brings more self-awareness and career insights. Knowing your strengths and areas for improvement is valuable for job application materials, interview preparation, and career planning.

Conclusion

If you possess valuable skills that are not fully utilized due to a lack of competencies, consider seeking help from a career coach or your workplace's HR department. Professional coaching can help you achieve your goals faster and stay motivated with the necessary accountability.