Changing careers can be both exciting and daunting! One of the biggest challenges is the fear that your past experience won’t translate to the new role. The average person possesses around 500-700 different skills and abilities ranging from both technical skills and abilities skills like communication, problem solving and critical thinking, according to the National Endowment for the Arts. Recognizing and showcasing these skills is important to making a smooth transition into a new role. Here are some transferable skills to highlight during your career change:
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Communication Skills
Emails, meetings, presentations and daily interactions among professionals are vital communication touchpoints. The ability to clearly convey information, collaborate with others and engage with different audiences is invaluable across any industry. Communication skills will assist in achieving goals, resolving issues, building relationships and adapting to multiple environments.
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Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
Every job involves solving problems that require troubleshooting, identifying opportunities for improvement or developing solutions. Problem-solving and critical thinking are necessary skills across all industries. Utilize problem-solving and critical thinking to overcome challenges, streamline processes or drive results. Exemplifying these skills will reassure employers’ confidence in their decision to hire.
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Leadership & Teamwork
Leadership doesn’t always mean being a manager. Showcasing leadership can happen at any level! Get involved in mentoring colleagues, coordinate efforts across teams or take initiative on projects. Employers value employees who can thrive both independently and collaboratively.
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Adaptability and Flexibility
Change is inevitable in any career, and the ability to adapt to new situations, technologies or priorities is critical. Successfully navigating change within different roles and adapting to new tools and processes are highly sought after skills.
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Time Management and Organization
Managing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines is key to productivity. Balancing several projects or handling shifting priorities is a result of well-developed organizational skills. Managing time, staying organized and meeting deadlines showcases an ability to handle a demanding workload in a new career.
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Emotional Intelligence
Understanding and managing emotions is essential in any workplace. Emotional intelligence helps with conflict resolution, teamwork and leadership. Empathizing with colleagues or clients and managing difficult situations effectively helps with the smooth integration into a new work culture.
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Project Management
Project management skills like budgeting, coordinating tasks and meeting deadlines are highly transferable. Demonstrating leadership or contribution to previous projects, especially with a focus on delivering results within a set timeline, illustrates project management capabilities.
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Customer Service Orientation
Experience interacting with customers or clients is valuable in any role. Whether providing direct service or supporting customers behind the scenes, the ability to solve problems, communicate clearly and maintain professionalism can transfer to many fields.
When making a career transition, it’s crucial to emphasize transferable skills in resumes and cover letters. Here’s a few tips to set your resume apart from the others:
- Identify common skills across different roles by analyzing job descriptions and matching past experiences with the skills employers seek.
- Provide specific examples of how skills were applied in previous roles and quantify achievements to make the examples more impactful.
- Fill skill gaps if certain skills are needed for the new career. Taking a course or obtaining certifications can make the transition into a new position smoother.
Ultimately, it is important to remember that even though a career change may seem intimidating, transferable skills gained in previous roles are valuable assets that can lead to success in a new career. Communication, problem-solving and leadership are highly regarded skills across all industries. By focusing on how past experience aligns with the needs of a new field, you can confidently navigate your career transition and open doors to exciting new opportunities.
Earn Up is helping to shape the workforce of the future by developing curriculum and programming that prepares the next generation. Earn Up’s extensive resources can assist in all your career pathway needs!
