Is it time for a career change? Maybe you want to try out a new industry in an area that’s always piqued your interest. Or, perhaps this is your year to transition toward retirement, or toward making the time you spent working remotely during the pandemic your permanent MO – and that would require changing your professional direction.
Whatever the reason, as you plan for what’s ahead, prepare to focus on your transferable skills as you update your resume, profiles and portfolio and launch your upcoming job search.
Transferable skills are those that can be applied to multiple jobs, roles or industries. Their strength lies in their portability: you can take them with you and use them to your advantage when you make a career move. And even if you have very little experience in a certain field or industry, they will still serve you well as you compete for a job.
There are many valuable transferable skills, but here are some of the best:
Communication
Even highly technical roles require effective communication with coworkers, managers, key stakeholders and others, even if that’s not the main focus of your work.
Active Listening
Top among your communication strengths should be active listening: listening with understanding and empathy, including attention to body language and non-verbal cues.
Emotional Intelligence (EI)
EI is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, rather than let them take control of a situation – as well as recognize and influence the emotions of those around you.
Data Analysis
Data drives business today in ways that were unimaginable even just a few years ago. So like or not, you need to know how to read, interpret and crunch the numbers relevant to your work.
Project Management
Project management skills include being able to work with a team, provide leadership, and effectively delegate and deliver feedback – all in a timely fashion. Strong general organizational and time management strengths are among those that fall under the project management realm.
Leadership
If you’ve worked in a leadership position, convey this message clearly during your job search. If not, focus on specific instances where you were required to take on the responsibilities of a leader. Effective leadership can mean taking charge, motivating others, solving problems, resolving conflicts, making and implementing decisions, and coaching others
Teamwork
Employers want to hire people who not only step up to the plate themselves, but also encourage others to do the same – all for the greater good of helping their company. True team players share credit, are receptive to the ideas and suggestions of their colleagues, and work continuously to build rapport and establish effective communication channels.
If recruiting is your chosen career path – whether you’d be trying it out for the first time or changing gears within the talent acquisition world – Search Wizards can help. We want to do more than just find you a new job. We want to be your long-term partner in building your future. Contact us today to learn more.
