The difference between technical skills and domain skills is a common career question. In simple words, technical skills are job-specific abilities like coding, data analysis, or design, while domain skills are industry-specific knowledge, such as finance, healthcare, or marketing. Understanding both matters because employers want candidates who can apply the right tools in the right business context.
Quick Overview of Technical vs Domain Skills
Here’s a simple comparison to understand both skills:
| Aspect | Technical Skills | Domain Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Practical, hands-on abilities used to perform tasks. | Industry knowledge and subject expertise. |
| Purpose | To complete job functions using tools/techniques. | To align work with industry standards. |
| Key Elements | Coding, software use, data analysis, design. | Healthcare laws, financial processes, marketing trends. |
| Common Mistakes | Listing outdated tools or irrelevant skills. | Using jargon without showing real expertise. |
| Benefits | Shows capability in job execution. | Shows understanding of business environment. |
Why Technical vs Domain Skills Matter?
Employers don’t just want someone who “knows tools.” They need professionals who can apply technical expertise in a domain-relevant way.
Example (Resume Line):
- ❌Weak: “Good at Excel and Power BI.”
- ✅Strong: “Used Power BI to build financial dashboards that reduced reporting time by 30% in the banking domain.”
The strong version blends technical skill (Power BI) with domain skill (banking knowledge), exactly what recruiters look for.
Checklist for Technical and Domain Skills
✅ Do This
- List relevant technical tools for the job.
- Show how you applied them in the industry.
- Use keywords from the job description.
- Add measurable results (e.g., “increased efficiency by 15%”).
❌ Avoid This
- Writing skills without context (e.g., “knows SQL”).
- Mixing unrelated domain expertise (finance + healthcare together).
- Using generic phrases like “strong analytical skills.”
- Forgetting to update with the latest tools or trends.
FAQs on Technical vs Domain Skills
Q1. Which is more important, technical or domain skills?
Both matter. Technical skills show you can do the job; domain skills prove you understand the business environment.
Q2. Can freshers have domain skills?
Yes, even internships or academic projects in a specific industry can give you domain exposure.
Q3. How should I show both in my resume?
Mention technical tools under Skills, and highlight domain expertise through projects, internships, or achievements.