Earlier in our Job search guide, we discussed transferable skills and how understanding them can open up more job opportunities. In this article, we want to discuss that notion more deeply so you can write down the transferable skills that can open new pathways for you.
Discovering your transferable skills
So, you're considering a career change or entering the job market for the first time. The first step? Identify your skills, strengths, weaknesses, and then your transferable skills - those invaluable assets that help you seamlessly transition from one role to another.
What are transferable skills, and which do you have?
Take a moment to reflect on your experiences, both professionally and personally. Consider the tasks you excel at, the projects you've managed, and the challenges you've overcome. These are the building blocks of your transferable skills list.
They usually fall into seven categories:
Communication
Teamwork
Problem-solving
Adaptability
Time management
Leadership
And critical thinking.
And they signal your versatility and adaptability in the workplace.
What are key transferable skills?
Sometimes, an employer might ask for your key transferable skills. These are the universal competencies that make you an asset in their workplace, working your specific role. They demonstrate a fit for the job and your broader position in the team.
An example is a solar engineer's ability to problem-solve machinery challenges. Not only is this skill essential to their job, but their effectiveness at that skill affects other team members' ability to do their jobs.
Why you want to show them off on your resume
The beauty of transferable skills lies in their broad applicability. Think beyond industry-specific expertise; consider interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and a knack for learning quickly as equally valuable assets.
Employers are actively looking for a flexible workforce that they can trust to manage situations collectively. Finding the right players in a team is about ensuring versatility when situations arise.
But I can't think of any transferrable skills for my CV. Can you help me?
Understanding transferable skills is one of the most often overlooked aspects of a candidate's skill set in our experience, yet everyone has them.
Let's break down our seven transferable skill examples to help you understand which are your strongest and what you could add to your CV and cover letter.
Communication
Effective communication extends beyond words. It's about articulating ideas, listening actively, and fostering understanding. Highlight instances where you successfully conveyed complex information or facilitated collaboration. Write these down and be ready to use them in applications where communication is required.
Example:
● Scenario: Sarah is transitioning from a marketing role to a leadership position and wants to showcase her strong communication skills.
● Highlighted project: Sarah effectively communicates the team's vision to influence stakeholders and foster collaboration, leading to the successful implementation of a strategic marketing campaign.
● Transferable Skills:
● Verbal Communication
● Influence
● Collaboration
Teamwork
Teamwork isn't just about playing well with others; it's about using your diverse strengths to achieve common goals. Reflect on experiences where you collaborated, resolved conflicts, and contributed to collective success.
Example:
● Scenario: Emma, working in a multicultural team, encountered communication challenges.
● Highlighted project: Emma navigated cultural differences, fostered teamwork, and resolved conflicts, creating a harmonious work environment that positively impacted team performance.
● Transferrable skills:
● Teamwork
● Conflict Resolution
● Cross-Cultural Communication
Problem-solving
The ability to solve problems is a universal asset. Recall instances where you identified issues, analysed root causes, and implemented adequate solutions. Showcase your analytical prowess and resourcefulness.
Example:
● Scenario: Amira, an accountant, pursued a career transition into data analytics. While Amira is great with numbers, she needs help understanding data analytic programs.
● Highlighted project: Amira engaged in continuous learning, adapted her skills to the data analytics domain, and successfully made a career transition, demonstrating the versatility of transferable skills.
● Transferrable skills:
● Continuous Learning
● Adaptability
● Analytical Thinking
Adaptability
In any team or job role, adaptability is a prized quality. Reflect on instances where you thrived in changing environments, embraced that change and successfully navigated challenges.
Example:
● Scenario: Samir, an IT professional, is forced to work with new technology he doesn't understand.
● Highlighted project: Samir embraced continuous learning, swiftly adapted to new technologies, and used problem-solving skills to streamline processes, positioning himself as an indispensable asset to the company.
● Transferrable skills:
● Adaptability
● Continuous Learning
● Problem-solving
Time management
Time is a precious resource, and employers value those who use it wisely. Examples include organising tasks, meeting deadlines, and maintaining high-quality work, even under pressure.
Example:
● Scenario: James, a project manager, faced tight deadlines and competing priorities.
● Highlighted project: James efficiently managed time, prioritised tasks, and maintained high-quality project deliverables, showcasing his exceptional organisational skills.
● Transferrable skills:
● Time Management
● Prioritisation
● Organisation
Leadership
Leadership isn't confined to managerial roles. List instances where you inspired others, took the initiative and played a pivotal role in achieving objectives. Remember, leadership is about influence, not just authority.
Example:
● Scenario: Yara, a team member, showcased leadership qualities without a managerial title.
● Highlighted project: Yara took the initiative, collaborated with team members, and exhibited leadership qualities, contributing significantly to the success of a high-impact project.
● Transferrable skills:
● Leadership
● Initiative
● Collaboration
Critical thinking
Critical thinkers excel at analysing information, evaluating alternatives, and making informed decisions. Share experiences where your essential thinking skills led to innovative solutions or improved processes.
Example:
● Scenario: Maria, a crisis management consultant, handled a major organisational crisis.
● Highlighted project: Maria employed critical thinking to analyse the situation, devised effective solutions, and demonstrated resilience in leading the organisation through a challenging period.
● Transferrable skills:
● Critical Thinking
● Problem-solving
● Resilience
Remember that your transferable skills can also be highlighted in your portfolios, social media, networking, and interviews. They shouldn't just be confined to CVs and cover letters. Think about how you can craft narratives that show off your potential as a well-rounded employee. Some of those stories you wrote down could become part of that discussion.
Why you should continuously develop these skills
Developing transferable skills ensures you remain adaptable to industry shifts, resilient in a changing job market, and equipped to navigate complex challenges. It also provides a competitive edge in a job market that values versatile professionals.
How do you continuously improve?
Start by looking at our seven key transferable skills and what you've written for each. Where could you develop your skill set to give a better answer?
Career services: How they can help you with developing transferable skills for your CV
Career services are more than just a means to finding your next job - they can help you develop existing and alternative skills to get the job you want. Here at mselect, we are incredibly passionate about this, which is why we offer a wide range of vocational courses.
So, what's next in your job search? Join us as we help you identify your career goals and preferences.