Transferable skills have no specific niche and are relevant to various roles and industries. They are picked up through day-to-day tasks, develop throughout your career, and are the foundation for success in almost any professional setting. Increasingly, companies want staff with an extensive skill set that they can capitalise on when necessary. Potential employers highly value transferable skills, as they are a great way to show what you can bring to a role regardless of previous experience. They ultimately help to expand your career options.
Job vacancies in the UK have reached a 20-year high. In their most recent report, the Office for National Statistics has reported 1.1 million vacancies between July and September – it is the highest number since records began in 2001. Applicants looking to land a new job can showcase the value they can bring to an organisation through their universal skill set, which can be especially useful for job seekers looking to enter a new sector.
Transferable skills can highlight your ability to quickly adapt to any situation and shows employers that you will be an all-around productive employee. Some of the most in-demand skills across all industries are:
Communication
Good communication skills – both orally and written – are central for success in any role. The ability to communicate effectively allows you to share and understand information efficiently and can be extremely useful when interacting with co-workers, clients, or customers. Good communication skills are indispensable and enable you to constructively express your thoughts and ideas, whether in a meeting or general conversations. It can also be beneficial when speaking with others and understanding the message they are trying to communicate with you.
Adaptability
Adaptability is another critical skill that can highlight your capacity to reinvent your working style to suit any situation that may arise. It shows that a person can promptly change their course or approach, which is extremely attractive to potential employers. It demonstrates a candidate’s ability to take on new ideas and concepts. Employers are always looking for agile workers who can thrive in an ever-changing work environment.
Organisation/Planning
Organisational skills can help boost productivity and efficiency and are particularly significant for roles where you need to delegate tasks and coordinate a team. The ability to monitor your workload and organise tasks, goals, and projects also shows excellent time management. Time management skills can show recruiters that you can make the most of your time and accomplish a good deal within a short time frame.
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking or problem-solving skills are essential across the board. Problems will emerge in every workplace; employers value potential hires who have a knack for devising logical solutions. Critical thinking skills will help you stand out from the crowd. Company leaders want resourceful staff whom they can trust to make objective decisions that will positively impact their organisation.
Teamwork
More often than not, successful outcomes require input from multiple people. Employers and recruiters are looking for individuals who have a proven track record of working in a group towards a common goal. Being on a team and being part of a team are two entirely separate concepts. Collaboration is a must in almost any role and shows you are committed to the overall success of your organisation.
In a competitive job market, versatility is paramount. Transferable skills can be refined through all walks of life: at school, your previous work experience, or your personal life. We often use these skills without realising. However, if you are committed to enhancing these abilities, you will be putting yourself in a great position to progress in your career. They are a great way to show why you would be fit for a role and allow you to draw on prior experiences when encountering an unfamiliar situation in a new position. These skills are desirable to potential employers as they are a tell-tale sign of high productivity, reduced training costs, and future success.