Your most valuable skills are the ones that you carry with you.
Whether you're moving on to a new project, taking on a new role, or taking the leap to a new job, you're never truly starting from scratch. Sometimes it feels like it though, especially if you jumped into a new industry or face a new set of software and tools.
But with deliberate attention to your day-to-day work, you can build a foundation of transferable skills and capabilities that will serve you in any role, in any organization.
These portable skills encompass abilities and skills that you’ve picked up throughout your life that come in handy in any role or industry. For example, strong communication skills make you a better team member or leader, no matter the type of work or what job you’re after. Any employer will value the ability.
Let’s dive into the meaning of transferable skills, which ones are essential, and ways to highlight them through career change.
What are transferable skills?
Transferable skills are talents and abilities that are useful across different jobs, industries, and even different areas of your life.
Here are four examples of transferable skills that we’ll take a closer look at:
- Communication skills
- Analytical skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Adaptability
Everyone gains a set of transferable skills throughout their life. You can learn them in school or from your experience in different jobs, mentorships, or volunteering. For instance, writing essays in college taught you research skills, while you might have learned project management skills or data analysis in your current role.
Transferable skills are a mix of soft skills and technical skills, although employers often place more importance on soft skills. These human skills like persuasion or time management are more difficult to train because you develop and refine them through real-life practice. As a result, they are very sought-after.
Because transferable skills are useful in different job roles and lines of work, they’re extremely valuable and in-demand with employers. The more transferable skills you can master, the more attractive you become as a job candidate. And the easier it is to transition to different roles or even change career paths.
These proficiencies aren’t just confined to your work. They can be useful in everyday life. For example, strong interpersonal skills can help you make friends more easily.
What are non-transferable skills?
Non-transferable skills are specific talents or abilities that are typically only applicable or useful within a particular job, industry, or context. Unlike transferable skills, which can be applied across various roles and situations, non-transferable skills are more narrowly focused and may not be as easily transferable to different areas of work or life.
How do I identify my transferable skills?
Identifying your transferable skills involves reflecting on your past experiences to pinpoint the abilities and strengths that have been consistently valuable across different situations. You can start by considering tasks or responsibilities in which you've excelled, the feedback you've received from others, and any challenges you've successfully navigated. Additionally, seeking input from mentors, peers, or career advisors can provide valuable insights into your transferable skills.
What is the difference between transferable skills and soft skills?
Transferable skills and soft skills are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle distinction between the two. Transferable skills refer to talents and abilities that can be applied across various jobs, industries, and life situations. Soft skills, on the other hand, encompass non-technical skills that are valuable in the workplace but may not necessarily be transferable to every context.
Why should I include transferable skills on my resume?
Think of your resume as a marketing tool. The better you position yourself to hiring managers, the better your odds of landing your next job. According to a 2021 Monster.com report, 70% of employers want candidates to better articulate their transferable skills.
Including transferable skills on your resume shows employers the types of competencies you already have. It also shows them your potential. Although everyone has some transferable skills, not everyone has the awareness to understand how to apply their skills across different situations and challenges.
Employers want to see that you understand your own growth and development and know how to apply learning from one experience into a new role. For example, if you’re a recent graduate, transferable skills show employers what you can bring to the table even if you have little work experience under your belt.
That being said, you should avoid jamming too many skills on your resume. Stick to the ones that are relevant to the job title you’re applying for, but be ready to talk in more depth about how they fit together when you get that interview.
17 essential transferable skills employers look for
So, what are the transferable skills that are the most important to have?
All transferable skills are valuable. However, some abilities will always be relevant and in-demand. Here’s a list of transferable skills that will make you a marketable job candidate to potential employers.
1. Communication
Communication skills are the bread and butter of your transferable skills toolkit. Communication is a top skill in any role or industry because it’s made up of a multitude of abilities, including:
Whether you’re communicating with clients, peers, or leaders, it’s important to know how to express your thoughts and ideas and listen with intent.
2. Decision making
Decision-making skills and critical thinking skills involve the ability to evaluate options, weigh alternatives, and make informed choices to achieve desired outcomes. Individuals with strong decision-making skills can analyze information critically, assess risks, and consider potential consequences before taking action. By making timely, well-informed decisions, they can solve problems effectively, seize opportunities, and drive progress, contributing to personal and organizational success.
3. Creativity
A recent LinkedIn Learning report revealed that creativity was the most in-demand skill of 2019 and 2020. Creative thinking helps you solve problems and use the resources you have available in new and different ways. According to McKinsey, creativity is linked to superior performance and innovation.
While some people are naturally creative, the good news is that creativity can be fostered through learning and practice.
4. Organization skills
Organization skills are essential for maintaining order, efficiency, and productivity in both professional and personal settings. Individuals with strong organizational skills can manage information, resources, and tasks effectively, minimizing clutter, confusion, and delays. By establishing systems for prioritizing, categorizing, and storing information, they can streamline workflows, optimize resource utilization, and meet deadlines consistently.
5. Adaptability
Change is inevitable in today’s world. Adaptability is how well you’re able to adjust to new circumstances. Someone who’s mastered this skill usually has the following characteristics:
6. Problem-solving
Problem-solving skills are essential in navigating the challenges and complexities of any job or industry. Individuals with strong problem-solving abilities can effectively identify issues, analyze root causes, and develop innovative solutions. Whether it's troubleshooting technical issues, resolving conflicts among team members, or devising strategies to improve processes, the capacity to approach problems systematically and creatively is highly valued by employers.
7. Listening skills
Listening skills are critical for effective communication and understanding the needs, perspectives, and concerns of others. Individuals with strong listening skills can focus attentively, comprehend information accurately, and respond thoughtfully. By actively listening to colleagues, clients, or stakeholders, they can build trust, foster collaboration, and address issues effectively, contributing to positive relationships and successful outcomes.
8. Collaboration
Employers seek out job candidates that work well with others. Collaboration leads to increased productivity, innovative ideas, and overall better results.
Teamwork also creates harmonious relationships at work. Solving problems together helps employees form a connection and feel a sense of belonging.
9. Analytical skills
In a 2021 Zety survey, 53% of recruiters and hiring managers picked analytical skills as the most important hard, transferable skill.
Analytical skills are the ability to use logic, research, and critical thinking to draw informed conclusions and solve problems.
10. Interpersonal skills
Interpersonal skills, also known as people skills or social skills, are vital for building positive relationships and collaborating effectively with others. These skills encompass the ability to communicate clearly, empathize with others, resolve conflicts diplomatically, and build rapport. Whether interacting with colleagues, clients, or stakeholders, individuals with strong interpersonal skills can foster trust, mutual respect, and cooperation, contributing to a harmonious work environment and achieving common objectives.
11. Emotional intelligence (EQ)
Emotional intelligence, or EQ, isn’t an easy skill to teach, which makes it very valuable.
People with a high level of EQ know how to manage their emotions and are also able to perceive how others are feeling. These qualities make them a great fit for any role, including leadership.
12. Leadership skills
Leadership is a core competency because it’s a combination of all the other transferable skills. Resilience, empathy, and communication are just some of the values that make a good leader. These skills allow you to guide and inspire the people you work with.
13. Time management
Effective time management is crucial for maximizing productivity and achieving goals in both professional and personal contexts. Individuals with strong time management skills can prioritize tasks, set realistic deadlines, and allocate resources efficiently. By organizing their workload and optimizing their use of time, they can meet deadlines, minimize procrastination, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
14. Project management
Project management skills involve the ability to plan, organize, execute, and oversee projects from inception to completion. Individuals with strong project management skills can define project goals, develop detailed plans, allocate resources, monitor progress, and mitigate risks. By coordinating tasks, managing timelines, and ensuring deliverables meet quality standards, they can drive successful project outcomes and contribute to the achievement of organizational objectives.
15. Relationship building
Relationship-building skills involve the ability to establish and nurture connections with others based on trust, mutual respect, and shared interests. Individuals with strong relationship-building skills can network effectively, forge meaningful connections, and cultivate long-term partnerships. By cultivating rapport with colleagues, clients, or stakeholders, they can enhance teamwork, foster collaboration, and drive shared goals, contributing to personal and professional success.
16. Dependability
Dependability is the reliability and consistency with which individuals fulfill their commitments and obligations. Individuals with strong dependability can be trusted to deliver results, meet deadlines, and follow through on promises. By demonstrating reliability, accountability, and integrity in their actions, they can inspire confidence, build credibility, and earn the trust of others, contributing to a positive reputation and successful outcomes.
17. Written communication
Written communication skills are essential for conveying ideas, information, and messages effectively through written channels such as emails, reports, and documents. Individuals with strong written communication skills can articulate thoughts clearly, concisely, and persuasively, adapting their style and tone to suit the audience and purpose. By communicating with clarity, coherence, and professionalism, they can convey information accurately, facilitate understanding, and achieve desired outcomes.
Why do employers seek transferable skills?
Employers place a lot of value on transferable skills.
Many transferable skills are hard to learn and even harder to teach. So hiring someone with a strong set of existing transferable skills saves employees time and money.
Take the teacher from the previous example. Because they’ve mastered in-demand skills in their previous role, they already have a solid foundation for sales. Once they’re hired, a sales manager can easily teach them the technical side of sales through a training program.
Even if they’re technically qualified for a job, employers may overlook job seekers that lack certain transferable skills.
Transferable skills also show hiring managers you have versatility. Versatility is the ability to perform many roles and tasks within the organization.
How to add transferable skills to your cover letter or resume
Unsure how to show off your transferable skills on a cover letter or resume?
You’re not the only one. In a recent LiveCareer survey, almost 60% of displaced workers admitted they’re not sure how to include transferable skills on their resumes. Here are some helpful tips to help you highlight your talents and land a new job.
Display them prominently
Add your transferable skills in a prominent place. Placing them at the top of your resume in the “Professional Summary” section makes them a focal point for the hiring manager.
Tailor your skills to the role you’re applying for
Don’t clutter your resume with all the transferable skills that come to mind. Only list skills that match the competencies listed in the job description. A common way to showcase them is under a separate “Skills” section.
Show, don’t tell your achievements
Hiring managers want to see results. Show how you’ve used some of these skills to drive results using the challenge-actions-results (CAR) formula.
The CAR method highlights the contributions you’ve made to previous companies. It also shows hiring managers you know how to put your transferable skills to good use.
Be descriptive
Listing “creativity” as a skill on your resume isn't enough. Your employer wants to know more.
Describe what kind of environment you worked in during your previous role. What required you to be creative? What positive impact did your creativity have? The more specific you are, the easier it’ll be for the hiring manager to see if you would fit into their work environment.
Transferable skills give you a competitive edge
Transferable skills are some of the most powerful tools in your arsenal.
These talents and abilities will always be in demand no matter what career path you choose to take. Developing transferable skills makes you a stronger job candidate and a more confident employee.
Start identifying your core transferable skills today. Are there any new skills you’d like to develop? If you need help discovering your strengths and reaching your full potential, BetterUp's personalized support and development can help you get there.
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