Transferable skills
Today’s job market is undoubtedly competitive, and it can sometimes feel daunting whether you’re applying for your first job, changing careers or exploring various roles. However, transferable skills are the key to versatility and can help make you stand out. Knowing how to utilise transferable skills can be a great tool to help bridge the gap between different experiences and potential job opportunities.
Starting a job search, whether it’s your first or part of a career change, can feel overwhelming. At ARU Temps, we understand how daunting it can be to know where to begin. The good news is that even if you’ve never had formal work experience or are transitioning into a new field, your academic and personal experiences have already equipped you with plenty of transferable skills that employers value.
Research and Analytical Skills
The ability to gather, evaluate, and interpret information is highly sought after in a wide range of jobs. Strong research and analytical skills can help you identify patterns, draw conclusions, and solve complex problems effectively.
Examples include:
- A marketing assistant researching audience trends to tailor campaigns.
- An event steward observing crowd behaviour to identify potential risks and adapt plans.
- A conservation volunteer comparing data from different ecosystems to recommend effective management strategies.
Communication skills
Expressing ideas clearly, listening actively, and tailoring your message to different audiences are crucial communication skills. Whether you’re working with colleagues, customers, or clients, the ability to engage effectively is invaluable.
Examples include:
- A customer service representative explaining product features and resolving concerns.
- A fundraiser persuading donors to contribute to a campaign.
- A tutor adapting their teaching style to suit different learning needs
Problem-solving skills
Being able to identify challenges, find creative solutions, and implement them is essential in any job. Employers value individuals who approach problems with resourcefulness and critical thinking.
Examples include:
- A cashier finding a workaround during a system outage to process transactions manually.
- A project coordinator resolving scheduling conflicts to ensure deadlines are met.
- A support worker adapting to a client’s changing needs to maintain comfort and care.
Time management and organisation
Prioritising tasks, meeting deadlines, and staying organized are skills that ensure efficiency and productivity in any role.
Examples include:
- An office administrator managing multiple calendars and booking meetings seamlessly.
- An event planner coordinating venue setup, catering, and guest logistics.
- A student balancing exam preparation with extracurricular responsibilities, demonstrating effective multitasking.
Empathy and interpersonal skills
Empathy and interpersonal skills are vital for building relationships, resolving conflicts, and fostering a collaborative environment.
Examples include:
- A healthcare assistant listening to patients’ concerns and offering reassurance.
- A team member mediating conflicts to maintain harmony in a group project.
- A retail associate creating a welcoming atmosphere for customers by understanding their needs.
How to identify your transferable skills
- Attention to detail
- Communication
- Public speaking
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Organisation and planning
- Data analysis and research
- Leadership and delegation
- Interpersonal skills
- Adaptability and patience
- Negotiation and persuasion
- Teaching and mentoring
- Flexibility and cooperation
- Listening and evaluating
- Decision making
Now that you’ve got a better idea of what transferable skills are, it’s time to figure out which ones you excel at. Here’s a simple way to get started:
Pick your top 10 skills
Look at the list of skills and choose 10 that feel the most like you. These could be things you’re naturally good at or skills others have pointed out in you.
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Think about how you use them
For each skill, jot down all the ways you’ve put it into action—whether in your personal life, at school, or through volunteer work. Don’t hold back! Whether it’s leading a group project or helping a friend through a tough time, it all counts.
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Narrow it down to five
Once you’ve got your list of 10, think about which five skills have made the biggest difference for you. These might be the ones you’ve relied on the most or that have helped you stand out in certain situations.
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Highlight your wins
For each of those five, note down a specific moment where that skill really came through for you. Maybe it was solving a tricky problem, organising an event, or staying calm under pressure.
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Rank them by impact
Finally, rank your five skills from the most impactful to the least. This isn’t about deciding which ones are “better”—it’s just a way to see which skills have played the biggest role in your journey so far.
Taking the time to identify your transferable skills not only helps you understand your strengths but also makes it easier to talk about them when you’re applying for jobs or exploring new opportunities.
ARU Temps – Afrika Priestley
Visit the Career Centre for resources on how to develop your CV and prepare for job you want.