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Writer's pictureSonja Passmore

Transferable Skills: What They Are and How to Identify Them

Transferable skills are the abilities and qualities that you have developed over time that can be applied to different roles, industries, or situations. These skills can be highly valuable in helping you make a career change or transition to a new role within your current industry. In this blog post, we'll explore what transferable skills are and how to identify them.


Examples of transferable skills include:

  • Communication: the ability to convey information clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.

  • Leadership: the ability to inspire and motivate a team to achieve a common goal.

  • Problem-solving: the ability to identify and analyse problems, and develop and implement effective solutions.

  • Time management: the ability to prioritise tasks and manage your time effectively.

  • Adaptability: the ability to adjust to new situations and environments.

  • Teamwork: the ability to work collaboratively with others to achieve a common goal.

  • Creativity: the ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas.

Identifying your transferable skills is the first step in leveraging them to make a career change or transition to a new role.


Here's a worksheet you can use to identify your transferable skills:


Job Duty

Skills Used

Transferable Skill

  1. In the "Job Duty" column, list the tasks, responsibilities, and projects that you've worked on in your current or previous roles.

  2. In the "Skills Used" column, for each job duty, identify the skills that you used to perform that duty. This can include both technical and soft skills.

  3. In the "Transferable Skill" column, look for patterns in the skills that you've identified. Are there certain skills that you use consistently across different job roles or industries? These are likely your transferable skills.

  4. Research job descriptions for the job roles or industries you're interested in. Look for the skills that are required or desired for those roles. Do any of those skills match the transferable skills you've identified? If so, note them in the "Transferable Skill" column.

By completing this worksheet, you'll be able to identify and track your transferable skills, making it easier to market yourself to potential employers and demonstrate your ability to succeed in a new role or industry.


In conclusion, identifying and highlighting your transferable skills is a critical step in making a successful career change or transition. By taking the time to reflect on your past experiences and the skills you have developed along the way, you can better understand your unique value proposition and how it can be applied to different roles and industries. With this knowledge, you can confidently navigate a job search, or interview process, or even start your own business. Remember, making a career change may be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. By focusing on your transferable skills and following the steps outlined in this blog post, you'll be on your way to a fulfilling and successful new career. Good luck!

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