Transferable skills are various abilities, knowledge, and behaviors that can apply to any type of work in any industry. Most soft skills – or now more commonly known as human skills- are transferable because they are related to general work habits and attitudes toward the organization.
Transferable skills are important because:
– You become more adaptable
Employers want people who can multitask and fill different roles whenever needed. When you have skills that apply to a wide variety of things, employers will take note.
– You already have transferable skills
You don’t only learn transferable skills from work, but everywhere, at home and in life in general. No matter what you do or where you do it, right or otherwise, you have skills. As long as you can figure out how to market your skills to a hiring manager, you’ll be in a good position.
– You get to keep the transferable skills
You are constantly accumulating transferable skills and no one can take them away from you. These portable skills go with you from job to job. Take account of your skillset and you’ll see how you can apply it to your job search.
– The skills help you land a job
Employers want job candidates to have experience and skills before they hire them. Transferable skills are a way for you to show that you can do the job, even if you aren’t the perfect match for the job description. Therefore the more relevant skills that you have, the more likely you will be to land the job. Transferable skills can highlight your potential to be an asset to a company.
Top 7 transferable skills
Here are some of the top job skills that will help you succeed in any industry, based on the job search site, Indeed.
1. Decision-making
The ability to make good decisions and commit to them is a highly sought-after skill in any industry. Good decision-making requires you to be able to analyze a situation and predict the outcomes of possible actions. Decision-making shows confidence as well as good judgment, which are both useful regardless of the industry you work in or the position that you hold.
2. Creative problem-solving
Creative problem-solving involves thinking of unconventional solutions to complex issues. Demonstrating creative problem-solving skills can make you an asset in any situation. Having a creative approach to problems is a skill that can make you an essential part of almost any workplace. Both highly technical careers in fields such as medicine and more service-oriented jobs need people who can creatively solve problems to overcome obstacles in operations.
3. Communication
Good communication is key to becoming successful in any field by setting clear expectations with your manager and coworkers. Many companies use different methods to communicate depending on the type of work and whether their employees work in a central office or remote locations. To apply your communication skills to a new work environment, you should ask others about how others usually communicate in the workplace.
4. Integrity
Integrity and trustworthiness is an important quality in your career because you will use it every day, regardless of what type of work you do, especially in the current work from home or hybrid setting. Establishing yourself as a person who is honest and supportive to others can help you network and find career opportunities while building a good reputation within your field.
5. Initiative
Being initiative and able to self-motivate yourself to pursue new tasks and produce a high quality of work can take your career to a whole new level. People who are highly motivated and show initiative are often successful regardless of the industry they choose to work in.
6. Leadership
Leadership skills can help you in all aspects of your career. They enable you to motivate others to complete tasks, work toward shared goals and improve morale. Leadership skills exist at all levels, from entry-level to CEOs.
7. Teamwork
Teamwork means working well with clients, colleagues, managers, and others in the workplace. Working with others is required in most industries and positions, so having the skills to communicate well, actively listen and be responsible and honest is essential.