Highlighting Transferable Skills in Career Pivots

Identifying Your Transferable Skills: A Crucial Step

When considering a career pivot, one of the most important steps is identifying your transferable skills. These are the abilities and experiences you’ve developed that are applicable in multiple roles or industries.

How to Identify Your Transferable Skills

1. Look at Past Roles and Responsibilities: Reflect on the roles you’ve held and the tasks you performed. Think about how your skills in previous positions can apply to your new role. For example, if you’ve managed projects, your organizational skills are highly transferable to many industries.

   
   

2. Assess Your Soft Skills: Soft skills such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving are highly valued in every job. If you’ve ever resolved conflicts, led a team, or effectively communicated in a fast-paced environment, these are transferable skills that will serve you well in your new role.

   
   

3. Evaluate Your Technical Skills: Technical abilities like proficiency in Microsoft Excel, data analysis, or using project management software are valuable in many fields. Even if you’re transitioning into a completely different industry, your comfort with technology and data can give you an edge.

   
   

4. Seek Feedback from Colleagues or Mentors: Sometimes, it’s hard to recognize the skills we use daily. Asking trusted colleagues or mentors to give you feedback can provide new perspectives. They might highlight skills you didn’t consider transferable, such as your ability to stay calm under pressure or manage a team.

   
   

   

   
   

Examples of Transferable Skills

• Project Management: Whether you’ve managed a team, a marketing campaign, or a product launch, project management skills are widely applicable across many industries, including tech, healthcare, and education.

  
  

• Customer Service: Experience in handling customer inquiries, resolving complaints, or providing support can be transferred to roles in sales, client relations, and even leadership positions.

  
  

• Leadership and Teamwork: Managing teams, providing mentorship, or collaborating with others to achieve goals are skills that will benefit you in virtually any career.

Once you’ve identified your transferable skills, the next step is to showcase them effectively in your job search. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight these skills in both your job descriptions and your skills section.

If you need help finding it, Wright's Resumes and Connections is here to guide you every step of the way. You’ve got this!