Want to change career? Notice your transferable skills.
If you are considering a career or career change, you need to ensure transferable skills as mentioned in the resume. But what do transferable skills mean?
Yes, in this article, we will discuss what transferable skill is, their definition, examples, why transferable skills are essential for successful employment – etc.
What are transferable skills?
Transferable skills are acquired through your previous position, university or college life experience, volunteering, hobbies, etc. You can apply them to a new profession or job.
Such as communication skills. Employers usually want to see this skill in job seekers. If you can easily share information with colleagues, it will put you ahead in the workplace.
Suppose a person is applying for a position of management level in an educational institution. He has to keep in touch with different people, including students, teachers, and parents. Understand the needs of others and take action accordingly. If the person’s communication skills are good, he will be ahead in getting the job.
Now how will his communication skills be better? Maybe he has volunteered with various organizations in his education. He has played a leading role in multiple events of the organization. Through this, his communication skills have increased. He can use that skill in his student life and his professional life.
Transferable skills definition
No precise definition of transferable skills is found. Different people have defined it differently.
The Cambridge Dictionary states: “Skills used in one job or career that can also be used in another.”
In other words, transferable skills are skills used in a job or career that can be used elsewhere.
The Balance Career website states that skills that can be used in various professions or jobs are called transferable skills. Such as time management and language skills can be used in different workplaces.
Wikipedia says – A transferable skill is an ability or expertise which may be used in a variety of roles or occupations.�
That means – Transferable skills are any ability or special knowledge to be used in different roles or professions.
Skill related website Skill You Need writes-
Transferable skills are skills and abilities that are relevant and helpful across different areas of life: socially, professionally, and at school.
That means transferable skills are relevant and valuable skills for different areas of life: social, professional, or school.
Example of Transferable Skills
These skills can be of different types. Below is a discussion with examples.
1. Communication skills
It can be verbal communication skills such as public speaking, team leadership, and phone sales. Skills like writing, speaking in front of the camera, graphic design, etc., can also be mentioned.
As a sales team member, the communication skills that a person acquires can be used in marketing.
2. Interpersonal skills
Candidates with strong interpersonal skills know how to work in a team to achieve common goals. In some cases, the employees of the organization have to lead. At some point, you have to encourage others to lead. People with strong interpersonal skills know how to do both.
3. Time-management skills
Time management skills are essential in tasks that require project implementation within a specified time. If you have experience meeting targets in a previous job, you can use that experience in your next appointment, even if the second job is not the same as the last job.
4. Organizational skills
Companies need professionals with organizational skills to work in database management, content management, and customer care. If a person is responsible for maintaining customer databases in the old job, he may be able to use them in the new position on social media platforms.
5. Technical skills
If you have experience in software or web programming or have an idea about using Microsoft Office and Google Drive – you can transfer that experience to a new job or workplace.
6. Problem-Solving Skills
Finding creative solutions to new problems helps professionals improve customer support, technical support, project management, and strategic branding.
7. Leadership skills
Even if you are new to an organization, you can succeed by using your leadership skills in the previous organization. Encouraging colleagues and forming and managing collaborative teams are among the leadership skills.
List of transferable skills
All transferable skills are essential. However, here is a list of some of the essential skills:
- Problem-Solving Skill
- Analytical Reasoning
- Critical Thinking
- Leadership
- Adaptability
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Writing
- Listening
- Creativity
- Project management
- Relationship Building
- Computer skills
- Management
- Research and planning etc.
Note that these skills can use for your resume.
Why are transferable skills important?
What are the advantages of transferable skills?
Transferable skills are essential in all cases. These contribute significantly to your success and the success of the team, customer, or organization.
It also helps you take control of your career path and reduce stress during career promotions and job changes.
Transferable skills are equally beneficial for recruiters. Because from the first day of recruitment, you can use this skill to contribute to the improvement of the organization. That’s why employers will want to select these skilled people.
Moreover, every year a lot of money has to be spent on the training of apprentices. But hiring people with these skills saves the employer a lot of money on training costs.
Job skills : definition with Examples and ways to achieve it
How to highlight transferable skills in a resume?
List your transferable skills; when creating a CV for a job. Then pick the relevant skills from there.
In other words, select the skills that will be useful for your desired job and mention them in your CV or resume. Especially if you do not have experience in the desired position, you must highlight these skills.
And if you have experience in related work, mention it separately in the experience section of your CV or resume.
Many people present their skills and experience in the same section. You don’t do that. Because in the eyes of employers, your CV may not look good.
Arrange your transferable skills nicely so that these are in the eyes of the employer.
You may often feel that you do not have the skills required for the job. Don’t worry about it. Instead, focus on the skills you have. By highlighting them in the cover letter, try to convince the employer that you are very confident about the job.
Source:
- Wikipedia
- The Job Network
- Career Intelligence