Many job seekers wonder how they can convey transferable skills to potential employers. You can use a number of simple methods to help you broadcast your skills and get the job you deserve.
Identify Your Skills
Identifying your transferable skills is the first step in the process. Keep in mind that transferable skills can be gained through education, previous employment, volunteer work or even your personal hobbies. Think of the environments that you have been a part of, and consider what skills you possess that can be utilized in the work environment you plan to enter.
Examine the Job Description
If you want to know what transferable skills may be most valuable for an employer, you must study the job description well. Consider what skills would be needed to fulfill the position’s daily responsibilities and demands. Think of what types of transferable skills a particular employer may be looking for in the perfect candidate.
Optimize Your Resume Accordingly
If you want to share your transferable skills with employers, the next step is to include them on your resume. Place your skills in a clear format near the top of your resume so employers can take them into consideration when reviewing your application. Use action verbs to help you describe your abilities to employers to optimize your resume. On your resume, you can also list the transferable skills gained from each position or experience when describing your duties in past jobs.
Refer to Your Experiences in Person
An employer does not know what you have learned from previous positions unless you tell them, so don't wait for an employer to ask you first. If you have transferable skills you gained from previous employers, speaking about your various job experiences during the interview is wise. Provide real examples from work situations where you used your skills to solve a problem or finish a project. Don't be afraid to share various accomplishments proudly to provide evidence of your transferable skills to the interviewer. If you have no work experience, focus on the skills you gained in college and in life.
Discuss Relevant Skills Only
It is important to discuss and share transferable skills that are relevant to the position you are applying for. For example, a talent in cooking could help you attain a restaurant job, but mentioning your culinary talents during an interview for a business position is unnecessary. Focus on sharing relevant transferable skills to impress employers and capture their attention.
Show Confidence
If you want a prospective employer to believe you can bring strong transferable skills to the table, you need to show that you are confident in your own abilities. When describing your skills, use a vibrant tone, clear language and maintain great posture. Avoid looking away while you are speaking, or an employer may think you are inflating your skills in order to get the job.
Conveying your transferable skills on your resume and in person can land you the job you are looking for, so don’t hesitate to present them properly. Keep in mind that the transferable skills you share with one employer may not be relevant with another, so remain mindful as you share. When an employer sees that you have excellent transferable skills, you can get hired for the position.
Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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