Transferable skills are employability skills that can be applied in any setting. Some skills that are easily
transferable across industries include soft skills and technological skills. In order to facilitate any transition to a new role, your CV should contain transferable skills and measurable key accomplishments. If your skills and knowledge are valuable to only one employer or company, then you need to redefine your skills. Additionally, ensure that you are positioned in a role
that will allow you to improve and develop the transferable skills that you use strategically to unlock new opportunities.
Ask yourself questions such as: “What do I know about that company?”,“ Have I built up connections on LinkedIn with people in that company?”, “Have I tailored my CV and cover letter to show my transferable skills in the areas that match the job description requirements?”.
Being specific and strategic will give you the opportunity to stand out from other candidates applying for that job. Becoming aware of your strengths and the environment in which you operate will enable you to master your strengths and personalize the circumstances.
- Define your transferable skills that may be applied to another job. Understand how each
allows you to do your job better. - Read the job description and identify which of your transferable skills apply.
Tailor your CV and Cover letter for each position you seek. Do not blindly apply for 20
applications per day on Indeed or Career Portals, but rather focus on each application and
strategically tailor your professional documents for it. - Write a qualifications summary that shows which transferable skills applicable to the position you
are seeking. Include how you use your transferable skills to accomplish the company’s goals.
Do not put anything on your resume that you cannot back up. - In each of your past experience, list key transferable skills that apply to the new role; stress
the quantifiable key accomplishments for each transferable skill. - Practice how you describe your strengths and transferable skills in interviews or at
networking events. - Be confident that the skills defined above will position you as an asset to any organization.
- Network with professionals that are in similar roles in the prospective company using
LinkedIn searching for companies and groups. - Celebrate your success and small achievements
Leverage your transferable skills extensively when considering a career change. This will increase your success rate in finding a new opportunity. As Steve Maraboli said, “Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don’t.”