In a rapidly evolving job market, sometimes it seems like the only constant is change. We’ve seen once-hot careers displaced by automation, whole industries disrupted by new technology, or job sites moving to other states — or even other countries. Not to mention a pandemic forever changing our concept of “the workplace,” introducing hybrid environments that many of us were never exposed to pre-pandemic.
While changes like these can leave us scratching our heads about our next career move, there’s one area job seekers can always count on to make themselves stand out to prospective employers: Transferable skills.
You Can Take It With You
Also known as “portable skills,” transferable skills are areas of expertise or know-how that are useful not only in your current job but across a wide variety of jobs and even industries.
Skills like excellent communication, proven leadership, and problem-solving abilities are in demand everywhere. Unsurprisingly, job seekers who possess these abilities are typically viewed as more desirable than those without them, so understanding what’s in demand can make a big difference in your job hunt.
Beyond that, these skills can make a difference in how successful you are at the job you choose. A demonstrated talent for leadership or technology, for example, in the lower echelons of an organization, may qualify you for a promotion where those skills are in demand.
What’s Hot
Since not every skill is portable, and not every transferable skill is in equal demand, let’s take a look at some skill categories that are likely to get a candidate more attention.
- Technical Fluency. Mastery of common technology — like Microsoft or Adobe suite products — is highly desirable in the modern job market. A demonstrated ability to quickly learn new technology is a substantial advantage for any candidate.
- Reliability. Teams need people they can depend on. Timeliness is a major component of reliability, so a great work ethic and a track record of on-time performance — whether for shift-start or deadline delivery — is another big advantage.
- Analytical Capability. Employers highly prize the ability to analyze situations and solve complex problems.
- Leadership. Leadership of even small teams or initiatives is often indicative of future success. Be prepared to demonstrate decisiveness, accountability and follow-through when discussing your leadership capabilities.
- Collaboration. Success is built by teamwork. Your ability to work and get along with others is a vital indication of your potential contribution. Demonstrating empathy, understanding, and respect are key skills that will serve you well in any employment scenario.
- Communication. The ability to communicate effectively and wisely — whether in person, via email, using presentation technology, or even social media — is a critical transferable skill that’s always in high demand.
- Persuasion. Whether it’s in sales, inter-departmental dialog or strategic planning, the ability to effectively persuade others is a skill that can make a team member really stand out.
As you’re considering your next employment move, a good exercise to complete is recalling and recording everything — even the so-called “little” things — you’re skilled in. Then, try to fit them into one (or more) of the categories above by writing short action statements about each that can be repurposed across multiple job-search tools — resume, cover letter, online profiles, interview prep, etc.
You’ll be able to quickly identify areas where you can boost your experience to make you more competitive. You may also be surprised to find that you’ve got more to offer than you thought.
Make It Shine
Once you’ve identified your transferable skills, you’ve got to make sure the right people know about them. Start by focusing on three main presentations:
- Online Profile. Employers are increasingly interested in candidates’ online profiles. In particular, make sure your transferable skills are prominently visible in your LinkedIn or Indeed profiles as well as on any other platforms you’re using to job hunt. More and more employers are also investing in smart sourcing tools, to help them quickly and easily scout profiles and connect with qualified candidates that meet certain keyword search criteria. So, make sure your profiles are packed with keywords relative to the in-demand skills you have to offer.
- Resume. A well-crafted resume is critical to showcasing your skills. Include a cover letter to directly tie your skills to the job you’re seeking, and use strong action statements — rather than a plain list of responsibilities — to illustrate how your skills have historically made a positive impact.
- Interview. Now that you’ve nailed the resume, make sure you’re thoroughly prepared to discuss your skills — in a face-to-face interview. The interview is an important part of being able to show off your communication skills, and an ability to quickly tie your experience and capabilities to common interview questions will serve you well.
By refining and rehearsing how you’ll call attention to your flexible skillset, you’ll position yourself as a clear choice for employers looking to add solid contributors to their team.
Know Your Value
Understanding the value of transferable skills is vital to professional development. Once you know which skills to focus on, you can develop a powerful and flexible range of abilities that will make you a highly valued member of any team you join.
By knowing your particular skills and how to showcase them, you’ll maximize your opportunities to work with great companies and dynamic teams.
We are actively seeking individuals with such skills. If you have an avid interest in advancing your career with a company that prizes talent and dedication, we’d love to hear from you!
ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.
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