I'd like to spend some time exploring transferable skills.
I’ve coached over 70 individuals in the last 6 months, who were recently made redundant.
Many had been in the same type of role for 10, 20, 30— some even 40 years!
Given their payout and the chance for change, many decided it was time to explore a new career path.
I’ve seen incredible career transitions: a tech guru transitioning into dog training, a project manager moving into disability care, and another client shifting from IT network architecture to starting a handyman and gardening business. These are significant changes, and it’s natural to feel daunted by the idea of starting fresh.
But here’s the truth: you’re not starting from scratch.
You have a wealth of skills, strengths, and experiences that are incredibly valuable across various industries.
The key lies in recognising these transferable skills—the ones you use in every job, no matter the title or field.
They include hard skills like coding, data analysis, project management, and foreign language proficiency, as well as soft skills like communication, problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork.
Think of them as tools in your career toolbox—they follow you wherever you go!
Why Do Transferable Skills Matter?
Employers love transferable skills. They save companies time and money on training because they show that you can adapt quickly, go beyond your job description, and add value to any role. These skills are your key to a successful career change. They help bridge the gap between your previous career and the new one you’re pursuing.
Even if you don’t tick every box on a job description, your transferable skills can make you a strong candidate.
How to Recognise Your Transferable Skills
We often underestimate our abilities, overlooking our best skills because they come naturally to us. Or, we’ve been in a role for so long that we forget the other skills we’ve gained along the way.
Here’s how to uncover your hidden transferable skills:
Think Beyond Your Job Title. Don’t limit yourself by your current or previous job titles. Consider all your experiences, from paid work to volunteering, hobbies, side projects, community involvement, sports, parenting, travel, or even challenging life situations. For instance, managing a household budget and kids sport, music and social logistics demonstrates strong organisational and financial planning skills, which are highly valuable in many roles.
Ask Yourself These Questions
What did I accomplish in these experiences?
What challenges did I overcome?
What skills did I use to succeed?
Look for Patterns. Identify the tasks or activities you consistently enjoy and excel at. What do people often compliment you on or ask for your help with?
Don’t Limit Yourself. Even if you haven’t done something professionally, you might have transferable skills that can easily apply to a new role. For example, if you’ve coached a sports team for years, that experience could translate beautifully into team management and mentoring in an organisation.
A client of mine moved into disability care after caring for his brother, who requires disability support, for decades. He also has 40 years of experience teaching music, which he’s woven into his new role as a support worker—clients are absolutely loving it!
Example: From Business Development to Project Management
Imagine you’ve worked in business development and want to transition into project management. While the titles may seem worlds apart, many of the skills you’ve honed are directly transferable:
Planning and developing processes: In business development, you likely created strategies for acquiring new clients or launching products. These skills translate to developing project plans, outlining workflows, and setting objectives in project management.
Setting timelines and meeting deadlines: Managing client expectations in business development required strong time management skills—essential for tracking progress and meeting deadlines in project management.
Team organisation: Building relationships and collaborating with internal teams in business development involves leadership, communication, and teamwork—key for motivating project teams and resolving conflicts in project management.
Top Transferable Skills Employers Seek
Here are some of the most sought-after transferable skills:
Problem-Solving: Identifying challenges and developing effective solutions.
Analytical Reasoning: Breaking down complex issues into manageable parts.
Critical Thinking: Evaluating information to form well-reasoned conclusions.
Leadership: Inspiring and guiding teams towards common goals.
Adaptability: Embracing change and adjusting to new situations.
Teamwork: Collaborating effectively and respecting diverse perspectives.
Communication: Conveying information clearly, both verbally and in writing.
Listening: Understanding others’ perspectives and fostering collaboration.
Creativity: Thinking outside the box to generate innovative solutions.
Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy and precision in all tasks.
Project Management: Planning and organising tasks to achieve goals.
Relationship-Building: Establishing productive relationships with colleagues and clients.
Computer Skills: Proficiency in software and tools relevant to the field.
Management: Overseeing and guiding individuals or teams to success.
The Future-Proof Skills
In a world where automation and AI are reshaping the job market, transferable skills are the future. They can’t be easily replicated by machines, and recognising their value will give you the confidence to pursue your goals and land your dream role.
Remember...
You are not starting from scratch.
Transferable skills are essential for any job, showing employers that you can learn and adapt.
Identify and showcase your skills in your CV, cover letter, and interviews—make it clear how your experience translates to the new role.
Believe in yourself—you have more to offer than you think!
Until next time,
Binny
Binny Langler champions the radical idea that even though work is being reimagined...
The future is yours to define.
Unearth your Superpowers | Design the Work Life you Want Find Meaning in your Work | Feel Happiness Again
As Founder & Director of The Inkling Effect, Binny has over 20 years of experience in helping professionals discover and apply their unique strengths to create more fulfilling and meaningful work.
A certified Executive, Gallup Global Strengths Coach & Career Change Coach - with a Masters of Entrepreneurship & Innovation.
Her mission is to be a change catalyst for curious professionals who are seeking a fresh start in their career journey. She uses a fast-track process that reveals your superpowers to enable you to script the next chapter of your work story with intention and purpose. Binny specialises in challenging the status quo, utilising Design-Thinking to empower her clients to embrace their potential and pursue brilliance, whether that be in their current role, or transitioning to something entirely different.
Book a Free Career Strategy Chat HERE
Coaching options:
Elevating individuals through a group coaching program
Personalised private 1:1 coaching Executive Coaching
Transforming teams via tailor-made coaching programs
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