Transferable skills, the skills you take with you from one job to another, are certainly a consideration for employment and career changers. These skills are essential to your employability. They give you control over your career path while easing the stress during times of change. These skills always stay in style and will follow and support your success. If you are seeking a change, it is time to consider your transferable skills.
Common Transferable Skills
Before you apply for a new job, consider the skills you possess that are transferable to a new employer. Are you still trying to figure it out? Read job descriptions for roles that interest you and pay close attention to the required skills and experience. Are there skills you lack or need to improve? These are professional development opportunities, so seek ways to build these skills. Here are common transferable skills that all employers across all industries seek in employees:
- Critical thinking. Critical thinking, the ability to evaluate, synthesize, and analyze information to produce an original insight, is crucial. Those who can think critically prompt themselves and others to think deeply about issues ensuring the conceptualization of ideas.
- Problem-solving. The ability to find solutions to complex issues is a valuable skill. A problem solver is great at identifying the reasons a problem exists and then executing a plan to resolve it.
- Adaptability. Being adaptable is being able to adapt to new situations quickly. Those who are adaptable succeed in unfamiliar situations.
- Teamwork. Working well with others while putting a company’s good ahead of personal interest is an excellent skill. You will be in demand if you are good at supporting teammates, motivating others, and giving constructive feedback.
- Attention to detail. Attention to detail is the ability to ensure the quality of the finer aspects of a project. Those workers with attention to detail can focus on the minute aspects of a task that others might overlook.
- Management. Effective managers are adept at supervising, directing, and scheduling. Managers are also skilled at understanding how team members fit into the organization’s or project’s larger picture.
How to Develop Transferable Skills
Stay calm if you need more transferable skills. There are ways to gain these skills regardless of where you are currently in your career. Here are a few ways to gain transferable skills that might help you:
- Study abroad. Study abroad, and you will gain many transferable skills. When stepping into a new way of living, the experience forces you to adapt. You will have better listening skills due to living in a foreign-speaking country, problem-solving, and time management.
- Volunteer work. Volunteering is a traditional way of gaining soft skills. Hands-on experience and a commitment to helping others can help you develop key skills such as teamwork, perseverance, and organizational and communication skills.
- Tutoring. Perhaps you are a musician, a skilled chess player, or great at math. Offer your services for pleasure. You will gain time management, goal setting, motivation, and communication skills.
- Casual work. Do simple work for a business or a friend. It can help you develop soft skills like communication and customer service while filling in gaps in your resume.
Best of luck developing your transferable skills! If you are changing careers, check out the incredible opportunities at PrideStaff!
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