Undertaking a career change can be daunting, but identifying your transferable skills can ease the transition. Whether you’re moving to a new industry or advancing in your current one, knowing how to leverage your existing abilities is crucial for career success.
What Are Transferable Skills?
70% of employers value transferable skills over academic degrees. (Source: LinkedIn)
Research indicates that many employers prioritize candidates’ skills over their formal education, highlighting the significance of transferable skills.
How to Identify Your Transferable Skills
- •Reflect on Past Experiences: Think about your previous jobs and volunteer work to identify occasions when you used valuable skills.
- •Seek Feedback: Ask colleagues or managers about skills they believe you excel in; an external perspective can reveal strengths you may overlook.
- •Review Job Descriptions: Look for common skills required in your industry of interest and assess how your skills align with those.
- •Utilize Skills Assessment Tools: LeadRises offers various assessments that can help you pinpoint your strengths and suggest improvements.
- •Create a Skill Inventory: Write down your skills and categorize them into soft and hard skills to get a clearer view of what you have to offer.
- •Network: Engage with professionals in the field you’re targeting and inquire about the skills they find most valuable.
- •Update Your Resume: Once identified, make sure to incorporate these skills into your resume using strong action verbs.
Pro Tip
When identifying your transferable skills, consider using LeadRises’ skill assessments as they offer tailored insights into your abilities. This can provide a more structured approach and enhance your confidence in your self-identified skills.
Transferable Skills in Demand
What if I have no work experience?
Even if you have limited work experience, you can identify transferable skills from other areas of your life. Consider your educational background, volunteer work, or group projects. Skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication can be developed in various contexts, not just professional ones.
How do I demonstrate my transferable skills in interviews?
To demonstrate your transferable skills during interviews, use the STAR technique: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Prepare examples that clearly showcase how you've applied your skills in past experiences, whether in a professional setting, during school projects, or in volunteer roles.