Transferable skills

What are transferable skills? Transferable skills are the skills you have learned or utilized which can be used to enhance your future job experiences. They are the abilities and talents you possess which can be employed in an array of work related positions.

When you understand how many transferable skills and abilities you have, you are better prepared to market yourself to employers. It's difficult to explain to others what you are capable of when you haven't taken the time to figure it out yourself. The more time you take to identify your skills and abilities, the better prepared you will be to create an excellent resume – and perform well in an interview.

How do you determine which transferable skills you possess? Make a list of your work experience, hobbies, volunteer work, and positions or offices you hold or have held (in various associations, committees and/or clubs). Have you played any sports? Have you worked on programs at your church? This will help you start to realize just how much you have done in the past. In a little bit, you will see how those experiences can be related to your future employment.

Here is a list of possible transferable skills:

Communication skills
Negotiating ability
Creativity
Listening skills
Teaching ability
Leadership skills
Editing ability
Organization skills
Taking initiative
Management skills, etc.
Goal oriented
Conducting research
Motivational skills
Planning ability
Cooperative attitude
Math Aptitude
Providing constructive feedback
Computer literacy
Work well under pressure

Making a list of the transferable skills you possess (accomplishments and skills) is very helpful. It is important especially when you do not have a wealth of real world experience from which to pull.

Here is something else you ought to consider: Have quantifiable examples of each of your transferable skills so that you truly stand out to the prospective employer. It is one thing to tell an employer that you are a good facilitator. It is another thing entirely to be able to back that statement up with solid measurable examples. It’s especially important when you have some concrete experience in a given field.

To be able to make these transferable skills work for you, some research may need to be done to determine the exact needs of the employer for the position you are interested in. Find out what is required and then tailor your skill set to that one position.

Job duties may change from job to job, but there are a great many skills that transfer well from one position to another. Being able to recognize and clearly relate those transferable skills to a prospective employer is a huge benefit to both you and the employer.



Written by Carla Vaughan, Owner of Professional-Resume-Example.com

Professional-Resume-Example.com is a web site devoted to assisting candidates in the job-search process. Carla holds a B.S. in Business from Southern Illinois University and has authored several books.