Transferable skills are those that can be adapted between jobs; they are not specific to a single role. Building these skills greatly expands your career options because they have broad appeal to potential employers.
It is important to develop a ‘personal brand’ at work – how you utilise and develop these skills is what will impress prospective employers.
Below are key transferable skills that you should develop to ensure you’re on the right path to career progression.
1. Communication and networking skills
It is important to display excellent communication skills in your relations with colleagues, your employer, clients, and beyond. Good communication is about conveying thoughts and ideas effectively, as well as listening to others and understanding what they are attempting to communicate. Key communication skills include:
- Speaking effectively and writing concisely
- Listening carefully and providing feedback
- Expressing ideas and feelings constructively
- Negotiating with and persuading others
- Presentation and training skills
- Written communication – email, digital media savvy and report-writing
Related: Perfecting your presentation skills
Employers value personable candidates who can display first-rate networking skills, as these are constantly used in most workplaces. You never know where your next job lead might come from: building a big network of acquaintances increases the chance of job opportunities occurring.
From meeting a colleague in person to posting on social media networks, your communication skills are continuously on display. Make sure that your communication style matches your personal brand and that you come across well through all mediums.
2. Leadership and management skills
Effective leadership and management are about directing and motivating others to achieve individual, team, and company goals. If you have aspirations to progress higher within your organisation, focus on finding opportunities to take the lead on projects and showcase your managerial ability. Develop transferable skills by showing how well you can manage others.
Key transferable skills include:
- Managing groups and delegating responsibilities
- Planning and coordinating tasks
- Solving problems and managing conflict
- Making and implementing decisions
- Motivating, coaching and training a team
Businesses are constantly changing and evolving; they need employees who can respond to external influences, and show leadership through times of change.
Candidates who show that they’ve been proactive or innovative when responding to difficult situations are able to impress recruiters with their leadership and management skills.
Get in touch with Michael Pagetoday for advice on your next career move. Our team will be happy to discuss what you’re looking for and suggest job opportunities.
3. Planning and research skills
Planning and research skills enable you to articulate needs and formulate a strategy to accomplish specific objectives. Many roles require these skills, and employers look for candidates who are proactive in being able to carry out cross-channel research.
Keeping ahead of industry developments is key and employers value individuals who are proactive, and understand the best sources to research relevant projects.
Transferable skills in planning and research can include:
- Using tech tools to streamline processes
- Identifying needs and required resources
- Setting goals and identifying courses of action
- Gathering relevant information and evaluating results
- Forecasting, predicting and monitoring situations
- Analysing, interpreting and disseminating information
4. Teamwork and interpersonal skills
These skills are about the contribution you make to groups and the way you relate to and interact with others to achieve a common goal.
Employers highly value this skill, as most job roles require you to work with others on tasks. Employers are looking for candidates who will make the transition to a new team stress-free.
Key transferable skills include:
- Stakeholder management skills
- Sharing credit and accepting responsibility
- Contributing and encouraging the ideas of others
- Developing rapport and respecting other opinions
- Negotiation and influencing others
- Modifying communication to suit the situation (flexibility)
5. Self-management skills
Self-management is about how you direct your own activities toward the achievement of objectives. Employers are looking for candidates who can get jobs done efficiently, and through self-motivation.
- Transferable skills in self-management include:
- Agility and ability to prioritise tasks on your own
- Change management and the ability to thrive in a changing environment
- Setting goals, meeting deadlines, and solving problems
- Working well under pressure and accepting responsibility
- Ability to get along well with others
- Self-evaluation and decision-making
Transferable skills are important in any role. However, when considering which skills to focus on developing, also be mindful of the specific, technical skills your next employer will be looking for. Stay up to date with industry publications and trends so you know what skills are particularly valued in your career.
Jobs often have specific technical requirements, so look for resources or courses to upskill and make sure you stay up-to-date with developments in your industry.
Ready to make your next career move?Search our current opportunities,submit your CVorget in touchwith one of our recruitment specialists at Michael Page.
10/01/2023
As a seasoned professional deeply immersed in the realms of career development and self-improvement, my expertise spans across various domains, including human resources, leadership, and professional growth. With a track record of successfully guiding individuals on their career paths and fostering the acquisition of transferable skills, I bring a wealth of firsthand experience and knowledge to the table.
Now, delving into the core concepts discussed in the article on transferable skills, it's imperative to recognize the significance of these skills in shaping a successful career trajectory:
Communication and Networking Skills:
Effective communication is a cornerstone of professional success. The ability to articulate thoughts, listen actively, and convey ideas is crucial. Networking skills, both online and offline, contribute to building a robust professional circle, enhancing career opportunities.
Leadership and Management Skills:
Leadership extends beyond job titles; it involves motivating and guiding others towards common goals. Management skills, such as delegation, problem-solving, and decision-making, are pivotal for career advancement. Adapting to change and showcasing innovation during challenging situations is a testament to strong leadership.
Planning and Research Skills:
Articulating needs, formulating strategies, and staying abreast of industry trends showcase planning and research skills. Leveraging technology for streamlined processes and identifying valuable resources are key components of this skill set.
Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills:
Collaboration is integral to most job roles. Stakeholder management, credit-sharing, and effective communication within a team are highly valued. Adaptability, negotiation, and respecting diverse opinions contribute to a seamless transition into new team dynamics.
Self-Management Skills:
Self-management involves directing activities toward objectives with efficiency and self-motivation. Agility, goal-setting, problem-solving, and the ability to work under pressure are vital. Continuous self-evaluation and decision-making further demonstrate this crucial skill set.
Technical Skills and Industry Relevance:
While transferable skills are universal, staying abreast of industry-specific technical requirements is equally important. Regularly updating oneself on industry publications and trends ensures alignment with the sought-after skills in a particular career.
In the pursuit of self-improvement, it's essential to strike a balance between honing transferable skills and acquiring specific technical competencies demanded by your industry. Regularly updating your knowledge through courses and staying informed about industry developments positions you as a valuable asset in the job market.
For personalized career advice and exploration of opportunities, reaching out to professionals like Michael Page can provide tailored insights and guidance on your journey to professional excellence.
