Transferable skills are talents and abilities you acquire that are relevant and essential to future job interests. Identifying transferable skills can assist you in marketing yourself more effectively, and in highlighting your potential contributions to employers.

Here are six key elements to transferable skills:

  • Your skills are born out of a combination of things including your knowledge (e.g. operating heavy equipment, childhood development, skincare), strengths (e.g. mathematical intelligence, leadership, public speaking ), attitude (enthusiasm, professionalism, courtesy), and experience.
  • Skills become transferable when you can utilize them effectively to serve you in multiple settings. These skills can develop from work experience, internships, class lessons, school organizations, volunteer opportunities, and even from your everyday life roles.
  • You can identify your transferable skills by choosing one of your experiences to examine. For example, write down the position you held and your responsibilities. From each of your responsibilities, write down one skill you learned or developed that will benefit your future employer. Reviewing job postings can assist you in identifying these necessary skills.
  • The more transferable skills you have to offer, such as attention to detail, customer service, and critical thinking, the more you will be able to present yourself as adaptable and diverse; giving you the opportunity to set yourself apart from other applicants.
  • Showcase your transferable skills on your resume through bulleted, action statements describing past jobs. Elaborate on these skills in your cover letter to effectively convey your achievements and abilities.
  • Research transferable skills within your career field through websites such as the Occupational Outlook Handbook and O*Net.
  • Life and work experiences shape each one of us uniquely. Explore your skills, research your industry, and stand out in the crowd. 

Learn more at careers.waketech.edu