Ever felt like you were starting from scratch when looking at a new job or industry? You scan the job description and think, "I've never done that before." It's a common feeling, but here's a secret: you're likely more qualified than you think. Your career superpower is your set of transferable skills.
Think of these skills as your professional copyright—they are valuable abilities you've picked up in one job, school, or life experience that can travel with you to any new role. They are the universal language that all hiring managers understand and value.
What Exactly Are Transferable Skills?
Before we dive into the list, let's get crystal clear on what we're talking about. Transferable skills are:
Here are some of the most in-demand transferable skills to get you started:
A Comprehensive List of Transferable Skills (with Examples)
Ready to take inventory of your own skill set? Here’s a detailed breakdown of skills, categorized to help you identify what you bring to the table.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
These are the skills that determine how well you work with others. They are non-negotiable in almost every role.
Leadership and Management Skills
You don't need a "Manager" title to have these skills. They're about taking initiative and guiding others.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
This is your ability to analyze information, think creatively, and overcome challenges.
Technical and Digital Skills
While some technical skills are job-specific, many are now universally valuable.
Personal and Professional Attributes
These are soft skills related to your work ethic and character.
How to Weave Transferable Skills into Your Resume
Identifying your skills is half the battle. Now, you need to showcase them so a hiring manager can't miss them. Here’s how.
In Your Resume Summary or Objective
Start strong by including 2-3 of your top transferable skills in the summary at the top of your resume.
In Your Work Experience Section (The STAR Method)
Don't just list your skills—prove them with examples. Use the STAR method to describe your accomplishments:
In a Dedicated Skills Section
Create a section titled "Skills" or "Core Competencies" to list your most relevant abilities. This is a great place for both hard and soft skills. Putting this all together can feel overwhelming, but a well-designed template can make it much easier. Tools like resumost.com offer professionally structured templates that have dedicated sections for your skills, helping you present them in a clear and impactful way.
You Have the Skills—Now Go Get the Job
Your career history has equipped you with a treasure trove of valuable, transferable skills. They are proof of your ability to learn, adapt, and succeed. The key is to recognize them in your own experience and articulate them clearly to potential employers.
Take a few minutes to brainstorm all the things you’ve done—in jobs, volunteer work, or even personal projects. You'll be surprised at how many of these powerful skills you already possess. Now, update that resume in Resumost and go after the role you truly deserve.