Are you looking to pivot into a new function or industry? One of the most valuable assets you can have is transferable skills. These are skills that can be applied to multiple jobs, roles, or industries, regardless of the specific function that you perform. In this blog post, we will explore how you can leverage your transferable skills to make a successful career change.
Let’s jump into what these skills are and how they can be utilized in your career pivot. Transferrable skills can be hard skills, such as coding or data analysis, or soft skills, such as communication and relationship building. These skills are highly valued by employers because they demonstrate that you have an extensive skill set that can be used in any professional setting.
If you are looking to pivot into a new function or industry, transferable skills can be a valuable asset. Here are some steps you can take to leverage your transferable skills:
- Identify your transferable skills: Make a list of the skills you have gained from your previous jobs, internships, volunteer work, and other experiences. Consider both hard and soft skills, and think about how they could be applied to different roles or industries.
- Research your target industry: Look into the industry you want to pivot into and identify the skills that are in demand. This will help you determine which of your transferable skills are most relevant to your new career path.
- Highlight your transferable skills in your WAIV story, on WAIV, and on your resume and cover letter: Use your resume and cover letter to showcase your transferable skills and how they can be applied to your new role. Be specific and provide examples of how you have used these skills in the past.
- Network with professionals in your target industry: Networking can help you learn more about your target industry and identify opportunities to use your transferable skills. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with people on LinkedIn.
- Be adaptable and willing to learn: Pivoting into a new function or industry can be challenging
Transferable skills are a valuable asset when pivoting into a new function or industry. By identifying your transferable skills, researching your target industry, highlighting your skills on your resume and cover letter, networking with professionals, and being adaptable and willing to learn, you can successfully leverage your skills to make a career change. Remember, transferable skills are highly valued by employers because they demonstrate that you have an extensive skill set that can be used in any professional setting. So, if you are looking to make a career pivot, start by identifying your transferable skills and exploring how they can be applied to your new role.