When it comes to a job search, your skills can make or break your ability to land a job. But as you read through job descriptions, you may feel like you lack many of the skills and abilities employers want in candidates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fortunately, these lists are often more like \u201cwish lists,\u201d and employers don\u2019t expect candidates to possess every skill. However, to improve your chances of landing the job, consider highlighting your transferable skills to help show why you\u2019d make a great addition to the team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Transferable skills are<\/strong> the skills you use in any job, no matter the role or the industry<\/strong>. You can learn these skills in school or on the job, and they are an essential part of your overall skill set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your skills will generally fall into two categories: hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills<\/a> are specific to a job or field (like coding or bookkeeping) and usually require specialized training. Soft skills<\/a> are more general but no less important to your career success (think: communication or management).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hard and soft skill sets have transferable skills<\/strong>. For example, speaking a foreign language is a hard skill but is transferable to many professions. Problem-solving is a soft skill that you\u2019ll likely use no matter what your job is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Transferable skills can give you an edge over other job seekers. While every applicant possesses them, not everyone will highlight those skills to employers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Calling attention to your transferable skills isn\u2019t enough, though. Explain to the employer how you will use them to the company\u2019s advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, if you\u2019re a writer, a stellar portfolio of content will help you stand out. But if you\u2019re a writer that also understands the ins and outs of SEO (a hard and transferable skill), you\u2019re a more valuable candidate to the employer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And career changers<\/a> can fill in experience gaps<\/a> with transferable skills. If you\u2019re currently a customer service representative and you want to switch to a marketing role, highlighting your transferable skills (like conflict resolution) can help the employer see how you\u2019ll excel in the role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some of the most sought-after transferable skills<\/a> you may want to include in your next job application:<\/p>\n\n\n\n No matter what kind of job it is, you will use your written and verbal communication skills. The ability to adapt your communication skills is vital, though. The way you communicate with a client isn\u2019t the same as how you\u2019d communicate with the CEO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the ability to solve a math problem is important, problem-solving abilities mean that you\u2019re able to figure things out on your own<\/strong>. Whether it\u2019s a tech issue or improving a process, problem-solvers get things done.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy Transferable Skills Matter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Examples of Transferable Skills<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Communication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Problem-Solving<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Leadership<\/h3>\n\n\n\n