Transferable Skills To Show Off To Potential Employers
Transferable skills, also know as soft or portable, are skills you may learn while doing one job, but can be used in any other job and in different areas of your life. These skills usually support job-content skills.
Although not all skills apply to all jobs or fields, most are used by a majority of job seekers. Here are some important ones that you want to show off to potential employers.
Planning
Planning shows that you are focused and know what you are doing. Knowing what you will be doing both in the short and long-term shows employers that you are in control and have a vision of where you are and where you want to be.
Organizational
Being organized stems from being a good planner. Employers usually access this by how well you are organized for the interview: Having organized thoughts and material with you that may be relevant (such as writing samples or a portfolio) say a lot. Organization means that you are a straight-thinker and are likely to get more done. It also means you can clearly explain ideas, organize your time and communicate in a capable fashion – something every employer dreams of.
Analytical/Critical/Creative Thinking
No one wants to hire a robot. Being able to put things together, analyze information, and thinking out of the box are all great assets for employers. It means you need less supervision and are more prone to take care of things, as well as contribute to the organization with ideas. Preparing examples of when you previously solved a problem using these skills for an interview is advisable.
Problem-Solving
No one wants to hire someone who goes running to their boss, supervisor, or peers every single time something goes wrong. Employers want someone who can effectively deal with problems and solve them, and not with their help every time. Taking initiative and solving problems on your own, when possible, is a much-appreciated skill.
Multi-Tasking
Most employers want someone who can handle several tasks simultaneously and, when needed, other projects that may not be directly related to their job. Being able to do all these things together is a tough but demanded skill. This is especially important in today’s market where employers have cutting costs on the top of their agenda. Preparing examples of this for an interview and showing interest in handling several projects at the same time would be wise.
Communication
If you can’t communicate chances are you have big problems. Communication happens on some level in every organization. The absence of this skill means that you will have problems with your superiors, peers and subordinates and therefore will affect your performance and your team’s performance – something no one wants.
Team Player
Most jobs in today’s market require at least some team effort. This means if you can’t work with a team, you are probably not what they want. Working within a team helps the company reach goals faster and more efficiently. Those with poor team skills usually make everyone’s job difficult.
Leadership
Leadership qualities are important for everyone, even those who in managerial/supervision positions. Leadership skills mean that you can manage people and are able to take initiative. Being able to see and plan ahead, acquire knowledge and have people look up to you are all leadership qualities.
Other Skills
There are other skills that may be important to potential employers, depending on your job. These may include:
- Strong ethics
- Willingness to teach others
- Delegation
- Interpersonal