Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time or making your next career move, transferable skills will play a pivotal role when applying for a job.
What are transferable skills?
Transferable skills are a core set of skills, talents and abilities that can be applied in different jobs and career paths. No matter what industry you’re in or your level of experience, most people develop such skills throughout their life, at school, university and past work experience or even through your home and social life.
Why are transferable skills important?
Transferable skills help you stand out to employers in your job search as they see a lot of value in them. Because they can be used across many kinds of work, they are considered valuable as they will benefit the workplace.
What skills should I list on my resumé?
When applying for a job, you should remember that the type of transferable skills you highlight on your resumé should complement the position for which you’re applying and the industry you work in. Transferable skills can vary from organisation and execution skills, communication skills, people skills, analytical skills, leadership & interpersonal skills.
Here’s a list of 10 valuable transferable skills you should consider highlighting on your resumé. Remember, it’s important to identify whether you have these skills and to give examples of you applying them in a professional setting.
1. Problem-Solving
Problem-solving skills can vary from being able to identify an issue, work out what is causing the problem and find a way to implement a solution.
2. Teamwork
Teamwork goes beyond being friendly and cooperative with your colleagues – instead it means being receptive to different ideas, sharing credit and responsibility with others, establishing open communication and making positive contributions. Employers look for employees who will be a part of a team and not just on a team.
3. Initiative
One of the most important transferable skills to have. Having initiative means going above and beyond the job description. Employers want employees who can take responsibility, seek opportunities and share ideas that will benefit everyone, not just themselves.
4. Delegating
A pivotal skill to have when applying for a senior position or leadership role. Delegating means being able to step back and decide what needs to be done, who the best person to do it is and when they need to complete the task.
5. Time Management
This is an indispensable skill to have no matter what industry you’re in. Don’t be afraid to get specific when listing your time management skills. Employers look for people who can manage their own time, work to deadlines, prioritise tasks, stay focused and can effectively eliminate distractions.
6. Flexibility
Being flexible showcases your true character to employers. In an incredibly competitive job market, recruiters will look for people who are not only able to diversify, but those who are willing to adapt to change and new situations.
7. Work Ethic
Demonstrating a positive approach to work indicates to employer’s trust and the level of commitment you’ll apply in a job. When highlighting your work ethic, give examples of you being open to learning new things, taking on positive feedback and having a company’s best interests at heart.
8. Multitasking
Multitasking means being good at time management, effectively juggling more than one obligation at a time and being organised. Employers value people who learn quickly, adapt and tend to be self-sufficient.
9. Motivating
Being self-motivated and motivating others is a highly desirable trait to have. Good leadership requires optimism, positivity and encouraging others to work to the best of their abilities for the overall success of the organisation.
10. Listening & Communicating
While the most basic of skills – no matter the industry you work in – listening & communicating are absolutely essential. The key to all successful communication is through listening as it shows that an employee has the ability to understand and interpret messages. Communicating, either verbal, written or in another form, highlights your ability to convey information clearly and concisely.
