Have you ever found yourself feeling stuck in your career? Maybe you’re looking to make a change, but you’re not sure if you have the necessary skills to succeed in a new role or industry. This is where transferable skills come into play. Transferable skills are those skills that can be applied to a variety of roles and industries, regardless of your specific job experience.
In this article, we’ll explore what transferable skills are, why they’re important, how to identify them, and the best ways to showcase them to potential employers.
What are transferable skills?
Transferable skills, also known as soft skills, are the skills you can take with you from one job or industry to another. These skills are not specific to a particular job function or industry but rather are general skills that can be applied in a wide range of settings. Transferable skills can include things like communication, problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability, among others.
Why are transferable skills important?
Transferable skills are important because they allow you to be flexible in your career path. Not everyone follows a linear career path, and transferable skills can help you pivot into a new role or industry without having to start from scratch.
Additionally, transferable skills are highly valued by employers because they demonstrate that you have the ability to adapt and succeed in a variety of settings.
In fact, a study by LinkedIn found that 57% of leaders say soft skills are more important than hard skills.
Examples of transferable skills
There are many transferable skills that can be applied to a variety of roles and industries. Here are just a few examples:
- Communication: the ability to effectively communicate ideas and information to others, whether it be through written or verbal means.
- Problem-solving: the ability to identify problems, analyze information, and develop effective solutions.
- Leadership: the ability to inspire and motivate others, as well as manage and delegate tasks effectively.
- Adaptability: the ability to adjust to new situations and environments, and remain productive in the face of change.
- Teamwork: the ability to work effectively with others to achieve a common goal.
- Time management: the ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively to meet deadlines.
How to identify your transferable skills
Identifying your transferable skills can be a challenge, especially if you’ve been working in the same role or industry for a long time.
Here are a few tips to help you identify your transferable skills:
- Look at job postings: Review job postings for roles that interest you, and identify the skills and qualifications that are required. This can give you a good idea of the transferable skills that are valued in that particular industry or role.
- Conduct a self-assessment: Reflect on your past job experiences and think about the skills you used to be successful in those roles. Consider what you enjoyed about those roles and what you didn’t, and try to identify the skills that were most important to your success.
- Seek feedback: Ask colleagues or supervisors for feedback on your strengths and weaknesses. This can help you identify areas where you excel and where you may need to improve.
Showcasing your transferable skills on your resume
Once you’ve identified your transferable skills, the next step is to showcase them on your resume. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Use keywords: Use keywords that are relevant to the job or industry you’re applying for. This can help your resume get past applicant tracking systems (ATS) and into the hands of a human recruiter.
- Use specific examples: Use specific examples to demonstrate your transferable skills. For example, if you’re applying for a role that requires strong communication skills, highlight a specific project or accomplishment that demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively.
- Use bullet points: Use bullet points to break up your resume and make it easy to read. Keep your bullet points concise and focused on your transferable skills.
Tips for developing your transferable skills
If you’re looking to develop your transferable skills, here are a few tips to get you started:
- Take on new challenges: Look for opportunities to take on new challenges, whether it be at work or in your personal life. This can help you develop new skills and build confidence in your ability to adapt and succeed.
- Seek feedback: Seek feedback from colleagues or supervisors on your performance. This can help you identify areas where you excel and where you may need to improve.
- Attend training or workshops: Attend training or workshops to develop new skills and stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.
How to leverage your transferable skills for a career change
If you’re looking to make a career change, leveraging your transferable skills is key. Here are a few tips to help you do that:
- Research your desired industry: Research the industry or role you’re interested in and identify the transferable skills that are valued in that industry.
- Network: Network with professionals in your desired industry to learn more about the skills and qualifications that are valued in that field.
- Be open-minded: Be open-minded to roles or industries that may not seem like an obvious fit. You may be surprised at how your transferable skills can apply to a variety of settings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, identifying and showcasing your transferable skills can open up new career opportunities and position you for success.
By understanding the importance of transferable skills, identifying your own transferable skills, and learning how to effectively showcase those skills to potential employers, you can unlock your hidden potential and take your career to the next level.
So, take the time to identify your transferable skills, and don’t be afraid to leverage those skills to pursue new and exciting career opportunities.
