Are you pivoting to a new industry or changing job postions? Then it is important that you identify your transferable skills. Knowing your transferable skills will give you the upper hand in life. So, step back and think on your experiences to identify some transferable skills you possess.
So what are transferable skills?
Transferable skills are general skills that are needed in different areas of life, either socially or professionally. They make you flexible in taking a new job so you don’t have to stress yourself before you’d be able to identify them. These transferable skills have been developed throughout your life from your home background, upbringing, hobbies, interests, previous experiences, projects and jobs. Some examples of transferable skills are listening, teamwork, problem solving, work ethics, communication, research, leadership and more.
Don’t be discouraged because you have not spent years in a particular career. You can still go ahead in the career path. There are some specific sets of skills to have when you want to change careers or change job positions. These skillsets belong to a particular niche, job or industry.
Here are the steps to identify your transferable skills:
1. Think about your achievements
Think about moments you felt good about yourself and received praise from your co-worker or boss. These moments also include when you were able to solve problems by yourself. These show the skills you have with great determination.
2. Try to understand your past and current job description
Relax and go through your resume to jot down the unique skills you developed while carrying out your job roles.
3. Ask yourself questions
You can engage yourself by asking questions such as, “What is my passion? What aspects am I good at? How did I overcome the probIems have faced? What are my unique qualities? What are my greatest achievements?” Then, you can use your answers to highlight your transferable skills. This exercise is to understand what you can offer your employer.