Transferable skills (sometimes referred to as ‘portable skills’) are abilities, behaviours and knowledge that can be used in multiple situations, such as working in different jobs.
They are essential for anyone who wants to make a successful career change. When you don’t have experience in your target role or industry to fall back on, being able to demonstrate that you still have the necessary skillset is a must.
The importance of each transferable skill depends on the job. However, the list below highlights some examples which are vital for a variety of occupations.
Written Communication
An obvious place to start. Report writing, blogging, emails, presentation creation, newsletters, press releases…the list goes on. Being able to express yourself on paper, or on screen, is vital for so many roles.
Verbal communication
As above. Whether you’re a call centre advisor, a newsreader or a car salesperson, being clear and articulate can lead to many opportunities.
Negotiating
It could be arranging for a debtor to pay back money, ironing out the terms of a large contract or arranging to second staff from another department within the same firm. Regardless of the circumstances, being able to show that you can negotiate will make you a more employable candidate.
Complaint Handling
Every organisation gets it wrong sometimes. And even when they don’t, some customers are still unhappy. So, the ability to either resolve issues or explain why the customer isn’t always right can prove invaluable.
Customer Service
Whether they’re referred to as customers, clients or any other term, the way they are treated is vital to the wellbeing of any organisation or industry. That goes from the basics of a warm and friendly greeting on the phone or face-to-face, to going the extra mile to complete an order or keeping the customer happy.
IT Skills
Word processing packages, spreadsheets, presentation programmes, databases, content creation systems and customer relationship managers. All used daily by a wide range of companies.
Adaptability
A quality that’s always been important, but never more so than in 2020. Coping with changing tasks, roles and working environments is a huge advantage for any career changer.
Time Management
When you move into a completely different line of work, it may take time to settle. Being able to prioritise your workload while meeting deadlines will be a massive plus in the early days.
Leadership
While the job itself will be new, many of the qualities required to be a successful supervisor or manager will be the same.
Numeracy
It could involve counting cash, bookkeeping, budgeting or carrying out calculations. Mathematical skills are important for so many careers.
Data Analysis
Linked to numeracy, the ability to interpret data and then use it for the benefit of your organisation is a huge asset when looking to change careers.
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