What are transferable skills?

Transferable skills, commonly known as soft skills in Scotland, are abilities and qualities that can be applied across various roles, industries, and situations. Transferable skills are not specific to a particular job or profession but can be adapted and used in different contexts, and they often complement technical or hard skills (like project management, data analysis, or marketing, for example).

Are transferable skills important?

In Scotland’s dynamic job market, adaptability is the key to success. As industries evolve and job roles transform, the ability to transfer skills from one context to another has become more crucial than ever.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking to switch careers or a recent graduate entering the workforce, understanding and harnessing transferable skills can be a game-changer in your job search.

Recognising and highlighting your transferable skills can enhance your employability, especially when transitioning from one career or industry to another.

Examples of transferable skills:

• Communication
• Organisation
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Adaptability
• Time management
• Leadership
• Interpersonal skills
• Initiative

These skills are highly valued by employers because they indicate an individual’s capacity to thrive in diverse work environments and contribute positively to the overall dynamics of a team, department, or organisation.

How to showcase skills effectively in your job search

• Identify skills you’ve gained in previous roles that are applicable to the job(s) you’re applying for
• Customise your CV and cover letter for each job application, emphasising relevant transferable skills
• Include specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you’ve applied transferable skills in real-world situations
• Use action verbs (like achieved, managed, developed, implemented, improved, and led) to convey a sense of proactivity and accomplishment.

Examples

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Professional Profile:

Dedicated and adaptable customer service professional with a demonstrated history of success in enhancing customer satisfaction. Proven expertise in managing projects and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless service delivery. Exceptional communication and organisational skills refined through hands-on experience in various customer-centric roles.

Highlighting your key skills in your professional profile sets a positive tone for the rest of your CV.

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Work Experience:

Customer Support Representative | s1jobs

Utilised strong communication and interpersonal skills to resolve customer enquiries, resulting in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction.

Project Coordinator | s1jobs

Successfully led cross-functional teams, showcasing effective teamwork and collaboration, resulting in the on-time completion of multiple projects within budget.

Incorporating key skills in the work experience section of your CV not only demonstrates your versatility and adaptability but also showcases how your diverse skill set can directly contribute to the success of your prospective employer.

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Education:

Earned an MSc in Marketing Management from the University of Aberdeen, where coursework in strategic communication and project management honed my skills in articulating ideas effectively and coordinating diverse and complex projects. Through collaborative group projects, I demonstrated adaptability and teamwork, showcasing the ability to thrive in diverse professional environments.

By thoughtfully and strategically incorporating transferable skills, your CV and cover letter will effectively communicate your value to prospective employers, making you a standout candidate in your job search.

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Good luck!