I write a lot of career change resumes and transferable skills are vital.
Technology is replacing many aspects of work with new opportunities and roles for expanding industries.
Which is good news for some and bad for others.
If you’re in administration, you might want to take note of AI.
Increasingly, we are seeing the workforce shift toward project-and contract work.
Transferable skills are important because, for example, if you’re a team leader now, then you will have developed skills such as management, team leadership, mentoring – skills that aren’t limited by the sector that you’re in.
I have Iisted some ‘timeless’ skills that most employers look for. Use real life examples in your resume.
Leadership skills: Take your existing leadership skills and apply them to a one-off project at work or in your spare time. In a rather over-glorified example, Richard Branson applied his leadership skills to run businesses across multiple industries including publishing, music, fashion, and airlines.
Interpersonal skills: Being able to effectively interact with other people is integral regardless of how dramatically the workforce changes. This means building effective business relationships.
Problem solving: Problem solving is an essential skill. Work on it and refine it. In a cover letter, briefly state what a problem was at work, how you solved it, and what the good result was.
Time management: If you’re someone who struggles to stick to deadlines or prioritise, find ways to build this skill. In a resume, demonstrate your ability to deliver projects, not only to budget but on deadline.
Creativity: You can be creative in any industry you’re in, it’s just a matter of finding novel solutions to problems. In a resume or cover letter, give a concrete example.
You have more transferable skills than you think.