“You can’t take it with you … “
Or can you?
When it comes to transferable job skills, the answer is a hard “yes.” Strengths that are valuable in many different jobs and career paths are a huge selling point as you vie for your next position. They may be hard skills, like proficiency on a current software platform or fluency in a second language, or soft skills, like time management or natural attention to detail. The right combination can position you well ahead of your competition in the job market. And as their name implies, they’re especially helpful if you plan to steer things in a new professional direction.
Examples of Transferable Skills
Every job requires a combination of skills. Some are hard; in other words, teachable and easier to quantify. Others are soft – more innate to an individual. What sets transferable skills apart is that they can be readily applied across various roles and industries. For example, communication strengths are a plus whether your interest is in recruiting school teachers, sales reps, registered nurses, or warehouse managers.
What are your transferable skills? Are you a natural at:
- Listening
- Problem-solving
- Written and/or verbal communication
- Leadership
- Delegation
- Teamwork
- Negotiation
- Conflict resolution
- Goal setting
- Data entry
- Data analysis
- Software installation, use, maintenance, and troubleshooting
- Website design
- Project management
This list will get you started as you consider your most valuable transferable skills. When a position piques your interest, study the job description, and see which specific skills an employer is looking for. Then, find examples of where you have successfully applied these skills in the past. Make this information clear on your resume and throughout your interview process.
How to Acquire Transferable Skills
You can develop transferable skills through employment, education, internships, hobbies, or volunteer experiences. Or, you may already have them but simply need to repackage your resume and brand so you can better present them. For example, you may be passionate about landing an HR position at a local non-profit, but your work experience is in sales in the for-profit world. Emphasize your strengths and success in time management, communications, and organization. Portland State University offers a helpful worksheet for pinpointing transferable skills.
Land Your Next Job with Search Wizards
It’s your unique skillset that makes you valuable and can move you to the front of the job candidate line. It also helps to work with a niche job search partner when making connections, landing interviews, and sealing the perfect deal. If talent acquisition is your wheelhouse, contact Search Wizards today. Because, that’s all we do – and we’re ready to make it happen for you.
