Transferable skills are abilities and qualities that can be applied across different roles, industries and situations. In today’s competitive job market, having the right combination of skills can make a difference. If you are seeking a job change, entire career change or have been out of the market for a while, highlighting your transferable skills effectively can help boost your chances of standing out to recruiters and hiring managers.
Transferable skills can be a combination of soft skills (to a greater degree) and hard skills. Hard skills are specific, often technical, and are generally required to meet the technical demands of a role. Depending on their complexity, a prospective employer may have the time and resources to teach these, but they are typically acquired through education or training. Soft skills, on the other hand, are more about how you work and interact with people; and how you navigate professional situations that enhance your overall effectiveness.
We show some examples of Transferable Skills in the infographic below to get you started.
How to Showcase your Transferable Skills
Identify Relevant Skills
Review job descriptions, and read job ads closely, to identify key skills the employer is seeking. Think about ways to match these with your own transferable skills and experiences.
Provide Examples
Use specific examples from your previous work, volunteer experiences, or education to illustrate how you've effectively applied these skills in different contexts.
Use the STAR Method
When discussing your experiences in interviews or cover letters, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This can help showcase your skills and achievements clearly.
Highlight Skills in Your Resume
Include a skills section in your resume where you list transferable skills such as problem-solving, leadership, communication, and teamwork. Tailor this section to each job application.
Show Continuous Learning
Highlight any courses, certifications, or workshops you've completed that demonstrate your commitment to learning and improving your skills.
Network and Seek Feedback
Networking with professionals in your desired industry can provide insights into which transferable skills are most valued. Additionally, seek feedback from trusted people on your applications to continually refine how you present your skills.
To summarise, it is really worth taking the time to identify what your transferable skills are. From a job-hunting perspective, once you have done that, you can leverage that information to write compelling applications and support yourself through interview stages where you will be asked to speak to why you are the best candidate for the job.
You’ve got this!