Formal and Informal Competences – Two Sides of the Same Working Life
Formal and Informal Competences – Two Sides of the Same Working Life
When we talk about skills in the workplace, many people first think of degrees, certificates, and training courses. But that’s only one side of the story. Formal competences show what you have learned – informal competences reveal how you apply it. In a world where collaboration, adaptability, and lifelong learning are increasingly valued, it’s the combination of both that truly makes a difference.
What Are Formal Competences?
Formal competences are the qualifications you can document. They include academic degrees, vocational training, professional certifications, and accredited courses. They demonstrate that you have completed a structured programme and achieved specific technical or theoretical knowledge.
Employers often use formal competences as a starting point when assessing candidates. They provide reassurance that you have a solid foundation and understand the core principles of your field. However, they don’t necessarily show how you perform in real-life situations.
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Informal Competences – The Mark of Experience and Personality
Informal competences are the abilities you develop through experience, everyday life, and social interaction. They include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, empathy, and resilience – qualities that are often learned outside the classroom.
These competences might come from volunteering, hobbies, parenting, or previous jobs. They are harder to measure, but they often determine how effectively you can apply your formal knowledge.
For example, a person may hold a formal qualification in management, but it’s their informal competences – the ability to motivate a team, handle conflict, and adapt to change – that decide whether they succeed as a leader.
Why Both Types of Competence Matter
In today’s fast-changing job market, it’s rarely enough to rely on formal or informal competences alone. The two complement each other.
Formal competences provide structure, credibility, and technical expertise. Informal competences bring flexibility, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Together, they form a complete skill set that enables you not only to perform tasks but also to innovate and grow.
Many UK employers now look for candidates who can combine professional knowledge with interpersonal strengths. It’s not just about what you know on paper, but how you use that knowledge in practice.
How to Highlight Your Informal Competences
Even though informal competences don’t appear on a certificate, you can still make them visible – both in your CV and during interviews.
- Use concrete examples. Describe situations where you solved a problem, worked across teams, or managed a challenge successfully.
- Link them to results. Instead of simply saying “I’m a good communicator,” explain how your communication improved collaboration or customer satisfaction.
- Ask for feedback. Colleagues and managers can often identify strengths you might overlook.
- Engage in voluntary or community work. It’s a great way to develop and demonstrate new competences in a different context.
By articulating your informal competences, you show that you understand your own value – and that you can turn experience into action.
Lifelong Learning – The Bridge Between the Two
The line between formal and informal competences is becoming increasingly blurred. Many people now take short online courses, attend workshops, or learn new skills through practice. Learning no longer happens only in schools or universities – it continues throughout life.
Organisations that recognise and nurture both types of competences are stronger for it. They gain employees who combine professional depth with human insight – and who can adapt to a constantly changing world.
Two Sides of the Same Working Life
Formal and informal competences are not opposites but two sides of the same working life. One gives you the tools; the other gives you the ability to use them effectively. When you understand and value both, you don’t just become a capable employee – you become a well-rounded professional.
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