Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
June 16, 2023
Are you thinking about making a major change in your career? Perhaps you’re feeling a bit stuck in your current job and are looking for new opportunities to grow and expand your horizons.
Whatever the case may be, you’ll find that one of the most valuable assets you can have in your career change is a set of transferable skills.
Transferable skills are those skills that you have developed in one role or industry that can be utilized in another role or industry. They are often considered to be soft skills, such as communication, problem-solving, leadership, and time management, among others. Transferable skills are important because they show potential employers that you have the ability to adapt and apply your skills in new and challenging situations.
Additionally, transferable skills can also help you in your personal life. For example, if you have developed strong communication skills in your professional life, you can use those skills to improve your relationships with family and friends. Similarly, if you have developed strong leadership skills, you can use those skills to take on leadership roles in your community or volunteer organizations. Transferable skills are not only important for your career, but also for your personal growth and development.
One of the biggest benefits of transferable skills is that they can help you stand out from other candidates who may not have as much experience in your desired field. They also demonstrate to employers that you are a well-rounded candidate who can bring a unique perspective to the role.
Additionally, transferable skills can make the transition to a new career smoother and more successful. These skills can be applied to a variety of industries and job roles, allowing you to adapt quickly to new environments and responsibilities. This can lead to a faster learning curve and increased job satisfaction as you feel more confident in your abilities.
Identifying your transferable skills is an important step in making a successful career change.
Take some time to think about the skills you’ve developed in your current job, as well as any other experiences you’ve had that have helped you develop important skills. You may also want to consider taking an online assessment or working with a career coach to help identify your transferable skills.
It's important to note that transferable skills can come from a variety of experiences, not just your current job. For example, volunteering, participating in extracurricular activities, or even hobbies can help you develop skills that are valuable in the workplace. Don't be afraid to think outside the box when identifying your transferable skills.
You can highlight your transferable skills on your resume and cover letter by using keywords and phrases that are relevant to the new role you’re applying for. Be sure to provide specific examples of how you’ve applied these skills in your previous roles.
It’s also important to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job you’re applying for. This means researching the company and the job description to understand the skills and qualities they are looking for in a candidate. Once you have this information, you can highlight your transferable skills that match those requirements. This will show the employer that you have taken the time to understand their needs and that you have the skills and experience to meet them.
During your interview, be sure to provide concrete examples of how you’ve applied your transferable skills in previous roles. Focus on the results you achieved and how your skills contributed to those results.
It's important to research the company and the specific job you're interviewing for, so you can tailor your examples to align with their needs and goals.
This will demonstrate your understanding of the company and your ability to adapt your skills to meet their needs. Additionally, don't be afraid to ask questions during the interview to clarify the company's expectations and how your transferable skills can benefit them. This shows your interest in the position and your willingness to collaborate with the company to achieve success.
There are countless examples of people who have successfully made a career change by utilizing their transferable skills.
For example, a marketing professional may be able to transition to a role in sales by utilizing their strong communication and relationship-building skills. A teacher may be able to transition to a role in instructional design by utilizing their strong curriculum development skills.
Another example of a successful career change utilizing transferable skills is a journalist who transitions to a role in public relations. Journalists have strong writing and communication skills, which are highly valued in the public relations industry. They also have experience working under tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously, which are important skills in the fast-paced world of PR.
Upskilling and reskilling are ways to help build transferable skills as well. Upskilling and reskilling play an important role in building your transferable skills. Consider taking courses or training programs that can help you develop new skills that are relevant to your desired career path.
If you want to build stronger transferable skills, consider taking on new projects and responsibilities in your current role that will help you develop new skills.
You may also want to consider volunteering or taking on part-time work in a new field to gain experience.
As the workplace continues to evolve, transferable skills will become increasingly important.
Employers are looking for candidates who can adapt to new technologies and changing work environments, and transferable skills will be key to demonstrating this ability.
If you’re considering a career change, developing your transferable skills can help set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your ability to adapt and succeed in new and challenging environments.
By taking the time to identify your transferable skills and highlight them in your resume, cover letter, and interview, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for your desired role.
