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Using our transferable skills

By Sheila Ramsay, AACC Member

What are transferable skills?

In very simple terms, transferable skills are skills which can be used in more than one setting. They can be “moved” or “transferred” from one setting to another. Transferable skills are not only gained in the workplace. They are also acquired by volunteering; by life experiences; by study or training or perhaps by being involved in an interest or hobby. In order not to undersell your skills to a prospective employer, knowledge of your transferable skills are very important when changing jobs or when entering the job market for the first time.

Examples of transferable skills:

Transferable skills are usually listed under five broad skill areas:

  • Communication
  • Research and planning
  • Human relations
  • Organisation, management and leadership
  • Work survival.

Under each heading, more specific skills can then be identified. A list of transferable skills is included at the end of this article.

Who has these transferable skills?

Everyone has them – even young school leavers. As previously mentioned, transferable skills can be gained from a variety of settings therefore everyone has the opportunity to acquire them. A young person will have gained transferable skills from school, from casual or part time jobs and from their life to date. They may also have skills from their hobbies or sport they play. Very useful social skills can be gained from friendships and social activities.

Parents who have been at home bringing up a family have also gained useful transferable skills. Some of these could be budgeting; negotiating; teaching; time management and organising.

How can transferable skills be identified?

The checklist at the end of this article can be used to identify your transferable skills. Tick each skill which applies to you and alongside state when you have demonstrated this skill. This will be very useful if asked about your skills at an interview.

Alternatively, you could:

  1. Take a large piece of paper and split it into 3 columns. Head the columns ‘Positions held’ ‘Tasks’ and ‘Skills’
  2. Write down every job, voluntary or paid you have ever had in the first column Remember to also include positions held in relation to your interests or hobbies
  3. The second column gets filled with the variety of tasks you have undertaken
  4. The final column is where you identify the relevant skills to the tasks
  5. Finally, combine all your skills into the five broad groups mentioned above.

How do you use transferable skills?

Transferable skills can be used when job seeking. Once you have identified your particular skills, put them on your resume. List the ones relevant to the particular job you are applying for. This means that you need to research the requirements of every job you apply for.

Knowledge of your transferable skills is also necessary when attending an interview. It is important that you know what skills you possess and can supply evidence of how you have achieved them and also be able to give examples of when you have used them. As an example you may say that you have excellent communication skills. In particular, you can express ideas and speak effectively. This was demonstrated by being selected for the school debating team.

Transferable skills checklist

  1. Communication

    • Listen attentively
    • Speak effectively
    • Write concisely
    • Express ideas
    • Negotiate
    • Provide effective feedback
    • Persuade others
    • Report information
    • Describe feelings
    • Interview
  2. Research and planning
    • Create ideas
    • Identify problems
    • Solve problems
    • Gather information
    • Identify resources
    • Set goals
    • Define needs
    • Prioritise
    • Analyse
    • Develop evaluation strategies
  3. Human relations
    • Listen actively
    • Develop rapport
    • Provide support for others
    • Motivate
    • Counsel
    • Advocate for others
    • Co-operate with others
    • Delegate with respect
    • Perceive situations
    • Be assertive
  4. Organisation, management and leadership
    • Co-ordinate tasks
    • Initiate new ideas
    • Manage groups
    • Coach others
    • Promote change
    • Influence others
    • Manage conflict
    • Delegate responsibility
    • Supervise others
    • Prioritise tasks
  5. Work survival
    • Co-operate with others
    • Be punctual
    • Manage time
    • Meet goals
    • Diligent with detail
    • Accept responsibility
    • Be reliable
    • Set and meet deadlines
    • Make decisions
    • Implement decisions.

Useful online resources:

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