Transferable skills are qualities that are helpful and relevant across different walks of life. These are qualities that you can transfer from one job to another. You develop these skills throughout your life. These skills are not specific to any one job or industry. Transferable skills mature over time and help you in professional, academic, and social situations.

Some top transferable skills include communication, teamwork, leadership, problem solving, critical thinking, and time management. However, people only think about their transferable skills when they are thinking about a career change or applying for a job.

Why are transferable skills important?

You develop transferable skills throughout your career. Improving your transferable skills can also help maximise your career progression.

Transferable skills are important for a number of reasons.

They make you adaptable.

The current job market is extremely competitive. Employers are looking for versatile employees, people who can fit into different roles when the need arises. When you have several transferable skills that can be applied to a wide variety of professional aspects, you are sure to impress your employers.

You already have them.

Transferable skills are not developed only in professional situations. You develop them throughout your life. You learn these skills everywhere, whether you are at home, school, or at work. All your experiences in life will dictate the kind of transferable skills you have. Whatever you do in life, these transferable skills are always with you. All you need to do is own these skills to show that you are the best person for the job.

You accumulate transferable skills throughout your life.

You constantly gather transferable skills throughout your life. These skills go with you from one job to the next. When you are aware of your transferable skills, you can work to improve them or develop more. You may develop skills like communication and teamwork right from your childhood. Other skills in decision-making and technology can be learned over time.

They are important for career growth.

Employers always want to hire candidates that have the right skills and experience for the job. Your qualifications or technical skills could perfectly fit the job description, but your transferable skills show that you can do a lot more for the job. The relevant transferable skills could help you land a job even when you may not be a perfect match for the job description. These skills reflect your potential for becoming a valuable asset to any company and are essential for career growth.

How can you identify your transferable skills?

Everyone has transferable skills that can be put to great use in any job or industry.

Here’s how you can identify yours.

Analyse your entire career

If you want to identify your transferable skills, you should consider your entire career. You should also consider any training and voluntary work that you may have undertaken. Create a list of all the skills that you may have acquired in different areas. You should also note down your proficiency level in each skill. For instance, if you have noted down communication skills, you could consider yourself “very skilled” at it if you are confident delivering presentations or training sessions.

Do a job profile search

Are you trying to identify your transferable skills because you are looking for a career change? If you are unsure of which career path to follow, then a job profile search could be useful. You will come across a variety of jobs, and you may be able to identify the career path you would like to pursue. Look for the skills needed in the jobs you want to pursue and match them with the ones you have developed over time.

Analyse yourself

Analysing yourself could also be an effective way to identify your transferable skills. You could analyse the current job you are in and the roles and responsibilities that you perform daily. You can also look at your daily life to identify the skills, strengths, and assets that you could bring to a new career. Think about all your accomplishments and any recognition you may have received from your employers, friends, or colleagues.

When you have created a comprehensive list, you can do a keyword search with your top skills to find matching job postings.

Take a self-assessment test

It may sometimes be hard to analyse your skills and talents. There are several self-assessment tests available that could help you identify your interests as well as your strengths and weaknesses. Such an assessment could also potentially lay down the foundation for a new career.

Understanding what your transferable skills are can help you put your career goals into perspective. If you are looking for a career change, knowing your transferable skills can help you identify new job opportunities.