Exploring Transferable Skills: Making Your Experience Count

When you’re looking for a new job, especially if you’re changing industries, returning to work after a break, or aiming for a step up, it’s easy to focus on what you don’t have. But the truth is, many of the skills you’ve gained in past roles, education, or even voluntary work are highly valuable to employers in all sectors.

These are known as transferable skills and knowing how to identify and present them effectively can make all the difference in your job search.

What are transferable skills?

Transferable skills are abilities and qualities that aren’t tied to a specific job or industry. They can be applied across different roles and workplaces. Think of them as your professional toolkit - adaptable, portable, and often underrated.

Common examples include:

• Communication: Writing clearly, active listening, and presenting ideas confidently.
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others, resolving conflicts, and supporting team goals.
• Organisation: Managing time, prioritising tasks, and meeting deadlines.
• Problem-solving: Analysing issues, thinking critically, and offering solutions.
• Leadership: Motivating others, managing workloads, and taking initiative.
• Digital literacy: Using software tools, navigating online platforms, and adapting to new technology.

How to identify your transferable skills

Start by reflecting on your experiences - paid work, volunteering, education, or caring responsibilities and ask yourself:

• What tasks did I regularly complete?
• What skills did I use to overcome challenges?
• What achievements am I proud of?
• How did I help others or contribute to a team?

It can help to review old job descriptions or performance reviews, or ask a trusted colleague or friend for their perspective.

Presenting transferable skills to employers

Once you’ve identified your key skills, the next step is to tailor them to the role you're applying for. Here’s how:

1. Tailor your CV and cover letter

Look closely at the job advert. What skills are they asking for? Use similar language and provide real examples from your past that match those requirements. For example:
“In my previous role as a customer service advisor, I developed strong problem-solving skills, often resolving customer complaints quickly and calmly to maintain satisfaction.”

2. Be Ready with Examples for Interviews

Employers want to see how your experience translates to their business. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and show the impact of your skills.

3. Show Willingness to Learn

SMEs especially value people who are adaptable, proactive, and ready to pitch in. Emphasise your enthusiasm to learn new systems, understand different roles, or take on a variety of tasks.

Final Thought: Don’t Undersell Yourself

Whether you’ve worked in retail, healthcare, education, administration, or been out of the workplace altogether, you’ve gained valuable experience. Your transferable skills are evidence of what you can do and smart employers know that potential is just as important as experience.

So next time you apply for a role, take confidence in the skills you bring. Because making your experience count starts with recognising its worth.