Looking to switch careers but not sure if you have the right experience? You might be more qualified than you think.
Transferable skills are powerful tools that can show employers your true potential even if your past jobs don’t directly align with the role you’re applying for. The best part? Everyone has them.
If you’re wondering how to highlight these skills on your CV and stand out to employers, here’s everything you need to know.
What Are Transferable Skills?
Transferable skills are abilities and strengths you’ve gained over time that can be applied across a variety of roles and industries. These skills aren’t limited to what you’ve learned in a specific job they can come from volunteering, personal projects, hobbies, education, or even life experience.
Whether you’ve led a community event, balanced coursework with part-time work, or coached a sports team, you’ve likely built a range of transferable skills without even realising it.
Why Are Transferable Skills So Valuable?
While they may not be as technical as hard skills, transferable skills are highly valued by employers. They help show:
- How adaptable and capable you are
- Your ability to fit into new environments
- What you’ve learned from your past experiences
- Your potential to grow within a company
They’re especially useful if you’re applying for entry-level roles or making a career change. Transferable skills help bridge the gap between your current experience and your new career goals.
Key Transferable Skills Employers Look For
Here are some of the most valuable transferable skills to consider highlighting on your CV:
Leadership
Leadership isn’t just for managers. Any time you’ve taken the initiative, supported a team, or guided others toward a shared goal, you’ve demonstrated leadership. This might include leading a work project, running a club, or mentoring others.
Example:
Successfully coordinated a team of volunteers for a community clean-up initiative, meeting all goals on time and under budget.
Time Management
This skill shows your ability to organise, plan, and meet deadlines efficiently. Employers look for people who can stay on top of tasks without constant supervision.
Example:
Balanced part-time work with full-time university studies while consistently meeting academic deadlines.
Prioritisation
Knowing how to prioritise tasks ensures productivity and focus. It’s not just about working hard it’s about working smart.
Example:
Reorganised a team’s workflow by prioritising high-impact tasks, resulting in a 20% boost in overall productivity.
Delegation
Delegation is more than just handing off tasks. It involves knowing who is best suited for what and ensuring responsibilities are shared appropriately.
Example:
Trained a new colleague on internal systems, ensuring a smooth handover during a departmental restructure.
Listening
Being a good listener leads to fewer misunderstandings, better collaboration, and stronger client relationships.
Example:
Delivered tailored customer service solutions by actively listening to client feedback, resulting in a 95% satisfaction rating.
Communication
Clear communication is crucial in any workplace, whether you’re writing emails, presenting ideas, or collaborating with others.
Example:
Facilitated regular team meetings to improve project transparency and stakeholder alignment, reducing miscommunication issues by 30%.
Research and Analysis
The ability to gather, interpret, and apply information is essential in data-driven environments and decision-making roles.
Example:
Conducted market research for a student marketing project, identifying key trends that informed a successful social media strategy.
How to Choose the Right Transferable Skills for Your CV
Not sure which skills to include? Start by reviewing the job description carefully. Look for the soft skills or competencies the employer has listed. Then, think about where you’ve demonstrated similar strengths in your past roles or experiences.
Match your skills to the employer’s needs and always provide real examples that show how you’ve applied those skills in action.
How to Present Transferable Skills on Your CV
Don’t just list skills prove them. Employers want evidence.
Instead of writing:
“Strong communication skills”
Try:
“Strong communication skills demonstrated through regular client interactions and problem resolution in a high-pressure customer service role.”
Real examples add depth and credibility to your application. They show that you understand how your experiences connect to the role and that you’re not just copying buzzwords.
Final Thoughts
Everyone has transferable skills. The key is identifying them, understanding how they align with the roles you’re targeting, and communicating them clearly on your CV.
Whether you’re changing careers, starting out, or looking to level up, these skills can make all the difference.
Need help with a career transition or writing a skills-based CV? Explore our resources and downloadable templates at Resource Provider Ltd to take the next step in your career with confidence.