Employment

Transferable Skills: Definitions and Examples That Companies Want

Charles BrecqueCharles Brecque
Last updated on:
May 18, 2023
Published on:
June 30, 2022

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Working in a specific field allows you to learn and acquire various skills to help you professionally. These skills may be career-specific, technical, or transferable. Every employee has transferable skills that can help them get jobs in industries they would not otherwise qualify.

However, while this is true, there are certain transferable skills that companies and employees seek. This article will discuss these transferable skills. What Are Transferable Skills?

Transferable skills can be used in various aspects of life. These skills can be used professionally, socially, and otherwise. Transferable skills are also known as portable skills that can be transferred or used regardless of the job and industry.

Transferable skills differ in type. Some transferable skills are hard skills, such as coding, while others are technical or soft skills, such as communication and leadership skills.

Why Do Employers Want Transferable Skills?

Most employers seek employees with transferable skills because they have higher skill sets and are adaptable and versatile. Employers value transferable skills because they are applicable in various situations and contexts.

How Can Companies Attract Employees With Transferable Skills?

Employees who want to change careers or work in a new industry may look into different roles and companies. It is advisable that your company's culture aligns with the values and interests of employees. There are three company cultures that employees look out for, including equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Equality

Transferable skills can be used in various roles, and finding an organisation that has been certified as an equal opportunity employer is crucial for employees because choosing a company that has a proven commitment to equality and a supportive work environment will go a long way in helping them succeed and develop a fulfilling career.

Diversity

For employees, finding a job that suits their transferrable skills also means finding an organisation that prioritises diversity. Companies that value diversity hire a variety of people with different backgrounds, cultures, education, and skillsets. A company that actively welcomes and celebrates diversity will attract employees with strong transferable skills, promoting success in the workplace.

Inclusion

Inclusion can also attract new employees with transferrable skills that are applicable to a variety of work settings and industries. Inclusion fosters a culture of acceptance and open-mindedness, as well as a safe space for employees to be themselves. Employees who feel welcomed and valued by their employer are more likely to be productive and engaged at work.

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Types of Transferable Skills That Companies Want

There are different types of transferable skills that most companies and employers seek. Below are some of these skills.

  1. Leadership Skills

Having leadership skills means leading and directing people to complete projects successfully. Being a good leader requires more than just being able to inspire confidence in your team. It also means setting high standards, setting clear expectations, and giving your team room to grow.

  1. Teamwork

Teamwork entails the ability to work cooperatively with others and as a group to accomplish a common goal or initiative. Being a team member is not sufficient; employers seek employees who can work collaboratively, as this fosters collective effort, faster results, and achievement of goals.

  1. Communication Skills

Most jobs require you to communicate with coworkers, and being able to communicate properly is a transferable skill that every employer seeks. Being able to communicate means that you can share your thoughts and properly disclose any information you need to share clearly, leaving no room for misunderstanding.

Communication skills also go beyond being able to communicate ideas properly, and it also comes in handy when dealing with conflicts and disputes. Communication skills ensure speaking efficiently and clearly is properly understood.

  1. Computer/Tech Skills

The world has gone technical and what this means is that tech skills are overly appreciated and welcome in almost all workspaces and careers. You do not need to be a tech guru or programmer, but you need to have simple tech skills and computer skills. You can also gain these various computer and tech skills by reading books, attending classes, or coding bootcamps like Coding Dojo, General Assembly, Thinkful, Springboard, and App Academy.

  1. Creativity

When we talk about creativity, we don't necessarily mean the creatives, such as painting, but rather how you think about and approach situations and problems in the workplace. Do you like to think outside the box? Do you come up with new solutions to problems as they arise? Creativity as a skill allows you to evaluate tasks and issues in new ways and come up with new solutions.

  1. Project Management

Project management is an important skill to have in the workplace. Project management is the process of leading and managing all tasks assigned to you. Having project management skills allows you to manage your tasks until they are completed and be on time with your deliveries or projects. It is not enough to receive tasks; it is also necessary to understand how to supervise those tasks and complete them effectively and on time.

Should I Have Transferable Skills?

Yes, you should have transferable skills. Transferable skills, as we have seen above, are important regardless of the job you do or the industry you work in. These skills not only serve you professionally, but they serve you socially and in other aspects of your life. If you lack these skills, you can gain them by reading books, attending classes, training, and even online bootcamps.

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