Technical Skills
Technical Skills refer to the practical, hands-on abilities that allow someone to perform specific job tasks. Unlike general skills like communication or teamwork, these are specialized abilities learned through training or experience. They might include operating machinery, using specialized tools, following safety procedures, or working with specific materials. When this term appears in job descriptions, employers are looking for candidates who have concrete, practical abilities relevant to their trade or profession. Think of technical skills as the "know-how" that lets someone actually do the physical or practical parts of their job.
Examples in Resumes
Demonstrated Technical Skills in operating CNC machinery and reading technical drawings
Applied Technical Skills to troubleshoot and repair industrial equipment
Enhanced Technical Skills through completion of advanced welding certification program
Typical job title: "Technical Skills Trainers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Technical Skills Trainers
Professional Organizations
Online Resources
Industry Connections
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you assess and validate technical skills in a workplace setting?
Expected Answer: A senior trainer should discuss creating assessment criteria, practical testing methods, observation techniques, and ways to document skill progression. They should mention safety considerations and industry standards.
Q: How do you develop a technical training program from scratch?
Expected Answer: Should explain needs assessment, curriculum development, choosing appropriate teaching methods, creating practical exercises, and establishing evaluation criteria. Should also discuss budget considerations and resource management.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you adapt your training approach for different learning styles?
Expected Answer: Should discuss various teaching methods like hands-on practice, visual demonstrations, written instructions, and how to combine these approaches to meet different learner needs.
Q: How do you ensure safety while teaching technical skills?
Expected Answer: Should explain safety protocols, proper equipment usage, risk assessment, emergency procedures, and how to maintain a safe learning environment while allowing hands-on practice.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What methods do you use to demonstrate technical skills to learners?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic demonstration techniques, step-by-step instruction methods, and ways to break down complex skills into manageable parts.
Q: How do you track student progress in technical skill development?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic progress tracking methods, skill checklists, practice sessions, and ways to provide constructive feedback to learners.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic instruction techniques
- Following established curriculum
- Safety awareness
- Basic assessment methods
Mid (2-5 years)
- Curriculum modification
- Multiple teaching methods
- Progress tracking
- Safety management
Senior (5+ years)
- Program development
- Training strategy creation
- Quality control implementation
- Team leadership
Red Flags to Watch For
- No hands-on experience in the skills being taught
- Poor safety awareness or practices
- Inability to explain complex concepts simply
- Lack of patience with learners
- No experience with practical demonstrations
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Forget Coding—Can You Communicate? Why Soft Skills are the New Hard Skills
Unlocking Hidden Talent: Spotting Transferable Skills in Non-Traditional Candidates
Skill-Based Hiring: The Surprising Future of Talent Acquisition
