What Are Transferable Skills?

Transferable skills are one of the most valuable assets an individual can bring to the workplace. But what are they, exactly? It’s important for people to understand what transferable skills are and how they can be used to make a lasting impression on potential employers. Let’s take a look at what these skills are and why they matter.

What is a Transferable Skill?

Transferable skills are the abilities you gain from one job or activity that can be applied to another job or activity. These skills aren’t necessarily tied to any one industry or position; instead, they can be transferred from one place to another. That means that no matter where you work or what kind of job you do, there will always be some form of transferable skill that you have acquired that you can use in a new setting.

Examples Of Transferable Skills

Communication is perhaps the most important transferable skill since it applies to almost every profession. Being able to effectively communicate with others is key in any job, whether it’s giving presentations, writing emails, or having conversations with clients and colleagues. Transferable skills can be organised into broad categories of specific competencies and strengths (Ramos et al., 2013).

• Literacy Skills – reading and writing documents, memos, forms, or reports.
• Numeracy Skills – working with numbers or using advanced mathematical and statistical tools.
• Leadership Skills – coaching and motivating staff, developing staff competencies, planning activities, making strategic decisions, and managing resources.
• Physical Skills – physical strength, dexterity with your hands, endurance and stamina.
• Problem Solving Skills – spotting and analysing problems, identifying causes, and finding solutions.
• Influencing Skills – advising customers, persuading others, dealing with people, making speeches and presentations.
• Teamwork Skills – working in teams, listening to colleagues, and paying attention to details.
• Planning Skills – time management, organizing, and planning tasks.
• Emotional Labour – language skills, negotiation, emotion regulation, and managing other people's feelings.

The Benefits Of Developing Transferable Skills

Transferable skills give individuals an edge when it comes to entering the workforce because employers know that these individuals already possess certain abilities that will help them succeed in their job. Knowing how to navigate different roles and situations is essential for long-term success in any career path, so having well-developed transferable skills will set you apart from other applicants when applying for jobs. Furthermore, developing your transferable skills allows you to stay up-to-date on industry trends and better prepare yourself for future positions or promotions within your organisation.

Concluding Thoughts

Developing your transferable skills is an important part of professional growth and success. For students looking to enter the workforce after graduation, having well-developed transferable skills gives them an advantage over other applicants by allowing them to demonstrate their ability to transition between roles quickly and easily while still providing value in each situation they encounter. If you want to stand out as a student looking for work after graduation, start building your arsenal of transferable skills now!