Are you considering a career change? Leaning into your transferable skills is one way to make the transition easier. Transferable skills, also known as portable skills, are the abilities you can bring with you from one job to the next, independent of the sector or position. They can speak of soft skills like empathy and flexibility or hard skills like accounting and computer programming. Because transferable skills enable you to make an immediate impact in nearly any field, it is especially important to highlight them when changing careers. Additionally, as businesses find it difficult to fill positions, skills-based hiring is growing in popularity. As a result, employers place a higher value and demand on transferable skills.

Conducting in-depth research on your desired position is one method to determine your transferrable skills. Examine job descriptions carefully, taking note of the qualifications and experience needed. Talk to those who work in that field to learn about the skills they employ on a daily basis. Next, examine yourself thoroughly to identify the most pertinent ones. For example, social skills like empathy and active listening will come in very handy if you’re a marketing professional looking to make the move to career counseling. Or, drive and problem-solving skills are crucial if you’re an accountant aiming to launch a consulting firm.

It’s not always necessary to start over after changing careers. In a labor market that is constantly changing, these transferrable skills will help you get started right away when changing careers.

Headship

Being a team manager is not the only thing that goes into being a leader. Team building, delegation, and project management are examples of leadership abilities. Because employers respect individuals who can inspire others and think quickly, these skills are applicable to a wide range of professions and sectors.

Solving issues

You can solve complicated problems when you are good at solving problems. Businesses depend on individuals who can dissect complex problems into their most basic components. Solution-oriented thinking is therefore crucial whether you want to start a business or change careers.

Flexibility and resilience

The work environment of today is vague and unpredictable. Fears of inflation, layoffs, and a recession have everyone concerned about their job security. Therefore, employees must possess the ability to recover from difficult situations. Resilience and adaptability are therefore essential for professional success.

Drive and self-knowledge

More innovation, productivity, and retention are advantages of employee motivation. Your ability to drive, commit, and exert energy will help you achieve your professional objectives. If you want to be your own boss, motivation is also essential because there will inevitably be obstacles in your path. You can successfully navigate the unavoidable highs and lows of being a business owner by making the most of your drive.

Inventiveness and a lifelong education

Lifelong learning is an essential skill because non-linear career paths are quickly becoming the new norm. People are working longer hours, for starters. One in six people will be 60 years of age or older by 2030, predicts the World Health Organization. It is anticipated that number will double by 2050. Furthermore, during the next ten years, the workplace will undergo a significant transformation as companies search for skills that are nonexistent now. Workers who value curiosity and lifelong learning will therefore be in high demand.

Digital proficiency

Digital literacy is now essential for everyone, regardless of whether you want to work, start a business, or just socialize. Employees might find it difficult to carry out duties that are essential to their roles without it. Additionally, considering the rise in remote work since the pandemic, digital literacy is essential. In fact, according to the World Economic Forum’s 2023 Future of Jobs Report, technology literacy is the core skill that is growing at the third fastest rate.

Sensitivity and attentive hearing

Employees are burnt out from years of constant change in the political, economic, and social spheres. Toxic work environments are another reason why burnout is more common than it was in previous years. The Surgeon General declared last year that one of the top five health crises is toxic workplaces, with 87% of workers claiming they are being choked by unhealthful work cultures. Empathy in the workplace is therefore more crucial than ever. One effective strategy for identifying and reducing employee burnout is active listening. Strong relationships are cultivated through empathy, which further enhances a positive work environment.

It is important to recognize the importance of transferrable skills if you intend to change careers. They can give you the chance to differentiate yourself from the competition and raise your value in the job market. Transferable skills will grow even more in demand over time. By enhancing and utilizing them, you’ll put yourself in a better position to secure your professional future.