The Power of Transferable Skills:
Using What You Already Know to Land Your Next Job
Looking for a new role doesn’t mean starting from scratch. Often, the skills you’ve developed in previous jobs or even through study, volunteering, or personal projects are exactly what employers are seeking. These are called transferable skills, and they can give you a significant advantage in the job market.
What Are Transferable Skills?
Transferable skills are abilities that can be applied across various roles and industries. They are valuable because they show your potential to succeed in different environments, making you adaptable and capable of thriving in a wide range of jobs. Here are some of the most common transferable skills:
Communication: Speaking, writing, and listening clearly.
Teamwork: Working effectively with others to achieve common goals.
Problem-solving:
Finding solutions when challenges arise.
Time management: Prioritising tasks and meeting deadlines.
Customer service: Assisting people and handling issues with care.
How to Highlight Transferable Skills in Your Application
Employers want candidates who can not only perform the job but also grow with the role. To stand out from the competition, follow these steps to highlight your transferable skills:
Tailor your CV: Include a “Skills Summary” at the top of your CV and make sure it aligns with the role description.
Use examples: Rather than just listing skills like “teamwork,” show how you worked with others to achieve results.
Bring them into your cover letter:
Explain how your transferable skills will contribute to your success in the new role.
These tactics demonstrate to employers that you have the skills they need and are capable of adding value right away.
Why Employers Care About Transferable Skills
Employers are always looking for candidates who can adapt to new situations, and transferable skills show your capacity to handle various challenges. A mix of transferable skills and past experience indicates that you’re not only ready for the job but also capable of growing into more responsibilities.
Tip: Don’t underestimate the value of the skills you already possess. By showcasing them with the right examples, you’ll prove to employers that you’re job-ready, versatile, and the perfect fit for the role.
Case Study: From Retail to Care and how Transferable Skills Open New Door
Meet Samantha Lee, who spent five years working in retail before deciding to transition into a career in aged care. At first, Samantha worried that her retail experience wouldn’t be relevant, but as she reflected on her skills, she realised they were highly transferable to a care role.
Skills Samantha Built in Retail
Customer service: Assisting people with patience and empathy.
Communication:
Listening carefully and explaining things clearly.
Problem-solving: Resolving complaints and finding quick solutions.
Time management:
Balancing tasks during busy shifts.
Teamwork:
Collaborating with colleagues to meet targets.
Attention to detail: Managing stock and ensuring transaction accuracy.
Connecting Skills to a Care Role
In the aged care sector, employers need individuals who can provide compassionate, reliable support to residents. Samantha highlighted how her customer service skills, including her ability to assist others with care and respect, directly aligned with the needs of elderly residents.
Her teamwork skills demonstrated her ability to collaborate with nurses and support staff, while her problem-solving abilities reassured employers that she could stay calm and react effectively in challenging situations.
Samantha’s Job Application (Excerpt)
"Through my five years in retail, I’ve developed strong customer service skills, including patience, empathy, and the ability to communicate clearly. These experiences have prepared me to support residents in daily tasks with care and respect. My teamwork and time management skills will allow me to contribute positively to your staff, while my problem-solving abilities will help me respond effectively to residents’ needs. I am eager to bring these skills into a meaningful career in care."
How WorkPro Ready Supports Your Next Step
Every skill you have earned deserves to be recognised. WorkPro Ready helps you bring your experience, learning, and credentials together in one profile that shows employers you are prepared and capable. It gives you a clear starting point, the confidence to apply, and the tools to take the next step toward your career goals.
No matter your background, your skills have value. By reflecting on how your past experiences translate into new roles, you can make a compelling case for your next job, even in a completely different industry.
