What Are the 7 Transferable Skills?

If you’re putting together a resume, perhaps you’ve gotten the advice to include transferable skills. What does that actually mean?

Below, we’ll outline the top 7 transferable skills you can cultivate at any job and include on your resume. You can also check out this post to learn more about transferable resume skills.

What Are Transferable Skills?

Transferable skills have been defined as “aptitudes or abilities that are useful across industries and job titles.” They are those skills that set you apart as a great potential employee, no matter your field.

Transferable skills are especially valuable if you are moving from a general entry-level job to a position in your chosen field, or if you are making a career change. Although your past work experience may not directly relate to your career goals, you can bring the benefits of transferable skills with you.

You might even be able to demonstrate transferable skills gained outside of your work experience. For example, if you’ve been a stay-at-home mom, you might be able to cite teaching skills. Certain types of volunteer work could include public speaking or communication skills.

Next, we’ll examine seven important transferable skills that you can hone while at your current job.

• Teamwork

Teamwork involves a subset of skills including cooperation, collaboration, team building, respect, relationship building, and building rapport. It aligns closely with communication, which we will discuss later.

You can increase your teamwork aptitude by looking for opportunities to support your workmates. For example, do you always come up with ideas and do things your own way? Why not ask for input from your team and give their suggestions a try? Support their efforts rather than taking over.

• Technology and Computer Skills

Office productivity software, cloud computing, video conferencing, troubleshooting – understanding computer hardware and software is essential in today’s workplace. You’ll be using similar programs at most jobs, and a basic understanding will help you master specialized software quickly.

• Communication

Verbal communication skills are so important for every job. You’re going to have contact with other people, and you’ll need to communicate meaning to them.

Communication can involve public speaking before a group, conflict resolution, negotiation, networking, active listening, and showing empathy. You should also be able to build relationships with coworkers, clients, customers, and vendors. 

You can cultivate your communication skills by observing the reactions of others. Was your meaning clear? How did your words affect them emotionally? You should also improve your listening skills. Ask questions, and repeat key phrases back to a speaker to confirm that you’ve gotten an accurate understanding. 

• Attention to Detail

Do you notice everything? That is attention to detail. You can practice attention to detail by actively noticing your surroundings and all parts of a project. Make sure each detail is correct. When you write your resume, you can cite examples of important details you noticed that needed correction.

• Adaptability

Adaptability and agility involve making adjustments when technology, the economy, or customer needs change. The next time you face a challenge, see if there are new skills you can learn or a way that you can pivot your work strategy. When you write your resume, include specific examples of how you adapted to changing circumstances.

• Problem-solving/Critical Thinking

Problem-solving is the ability to identify that there is a problem, analyze possible causes, and ultimately find a solution. Problem-solving is closely linked to analytical reasoning – breaking down a larger problem into smaller parts – and critical thinking, evaluating and interpreting information in order to make a decision.

You can practice your problem-solving skills at work and in everyday life. When you encounter a challenge, think about it carefully. Identify precisely which element is causing the difficulty, and brainstorm possible solutions. 

When you write your resume, be sure to include specific examples of problems you helped solve.

• Writing

Writing is sometimes overshadowed by the broader category of communication, discussed earlier. We’ve decided to list it separately, however, because it is just that important.

In an age of short, clipped text messages, not everyone has retained the ability to write clearly, concisely, and compellingly. That’s what makes writing ability or written communication an in-demand skill.

You can cultivate your writing skills when you send emails, correspondence, or make reports for work. Learn the rules of grammar and spelling, and always apply them. Use a proofreading tool like Grammarly to both check your work and help you learn to avoid future mistakes. You can also practice your writing skills by contributing to a blog, journaling, or simply writing stories.

In Conclusion

It is important to develop transferable skills so that you’ll be an asset at any job. Top transferable skills include teamwork, technology and computer skills, communication, attention to detail, adaptability, problem-solving, and writing.