We've saved this document on your profile. 5 Minutes Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy URL Carry It Forward How to Identify Transferable Skills When searching for a role in a new industry, you may see a job description and sigh in frustration over the required experience and qualifications you don't have. That's where identifying your transferable skills is integral. When Stephanie Hall decided to create her own business after working as a lawyer for a decade, she didn't shy away from applying the knowledge and skills she'd mastered to her new role as entrepreneur. In fact, Stephanie utilized her expert negotiation and argumentation skills like a boss to establish the legitimacy of her burgeoning company. What skills do you already have that you may not realize can apply to a new role? Use this checklist to help identify those transferable skills and put them to good use. 1 Make a list of all your past and current jobs, no matter the relevance to your desired role or industry. Use your resume as a guide. YouRock! 2 Beneath the first job title, build out brief bullet points of your responsibilities and accomplishments (much like on your resume). Include as many as come to mind. WayTo Go 3 For each bullet point, list out 1-3 skills you learned and/or employed to fulfill those responsibilities. Or more! Now's not the time for humility. GoGirl! 4 Repeat this process for each of the job positions you've held — and don't hold back. Let's see 'em all! WayTo Go 5 Begin to group the skills you've listed based on similarity. Categorize each under the associated skill group: communication, leadership, critical-thinking, problem-solving, interpersonal, negotiation, creativity, collaboration, management, organization, etc. YouRock! 6 As you peruse job descriptions for roles in a new industry, consider how you can apply a particular skill or skill group to a required qualification. WayTo Go 7 Write down specific examples of how you demonstrated those skills and how that experience can be applied to a particular role you're considering. Keep these in your back pocket to whip out in an interview or use in a cover letter. GoGirl! 8 Refer to these lists when searching and applying for positions outside of your industry — or when you need a quick reminder of just how badass you are. You've already come a long way, and there's more ground to cover! GoGirl!
