Transferable Skills are something we all have and are skills that you can leverage to get your next role if you know how to leverage them. Transferable skills can be both technical and soft skills. Examples of technical skills could include knowing how to use a specific computer program, and soft skills could include communication and conflict resolution skills. Knowing how to use your transferable skills is beneficial in your career because these skills can be used in various aspects of different jobs. 

Using and Recognizing Transferable Skills 

When searching for a job, identifying and showcasing your transferable skills can set you apart from other candidates. Begin by assessing your previous roles, volunteer experiences, or educational background to determine skills that could apply to your desired position. For example, if you have excellent problem-solving skills while managing projects, these can easily translate into roles requiring strategic thinking and adaptability.

Using Your Transferable Skills on Your Resume and Cover Letter

Next, tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight these skills concerning the job description. When looking at the job posting, highlight in the posting what you know you can do based on your transferable skills. Think about these skills and explain in your own words in your cover letter how you can help the employer. Don’t say directly that you have never done these activities in a role, but rather, explain how you have had a similar experience and how you can be suitable for the role. 

Use specific examples—did your proficiency in time management help reduce project delays? Did your communication skills foster collaboration across teams? These narratives not only demonstrate your capabilities but also illustrate your potential impact.

The resume and cover letter are your documents to get you into the interview. You do not need to explain everything in the job posting but focus on 2 to 3 important aspects of the job in the cover letter and use the top part of your resume to focus on examples of how your skills will be useful in the role. Remember – recruiters spend 10 seconds on average to screen a resume. 

Interviews

During interviews, emphasize your ability to adapt and learn. Employers value candidates who can bring versatile skills to the table, especially in dynamic work environments. By recognizing the breadth and utility of your transferable skills, you’ll build confidence and present yourself as an adaptable, capable professional ready to make meaningful contributions.

Go to interviews prepared with actual examples. Use the STAR method. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Come up with 3 to 4 examples related to your experience or transferable skills and how they can be used in the role. Use situations or examples that can be flexible to relate to different types of interview questions that could be asked.

Jennifer Bouley is a Career Development Practitioner located in St Stephen. She has a passion for helping others find wellness in their careers, while finding fulfilling jobs. Jennifer can be reached at blissplusyou@gmail.com.