In today’s job market, it is likely that you will experience different roles and working environments throughout your lifetime.
To reach your full potential it pays to be flexible and adaptable, especially if you’re looking at a change in career. A good way to start is by recognising your transferable skills, nidirect has the following advice:
What are transferable skills?
Transferable skills are skills built up over your lifetime, including those gained through the workplace or through leisure and social activities. If you’re applying for a type of job that you haven’t done before, transferable skills can help to show an employer that you have the right skills for the job.
Examples of transferable skills are:
• communication
• teamwork
• leadership
• initiative
• solving problems
• flexibility and being able to adapt
• being self-aware
• commitment and motivation
• interpersonal skills
• numeracy
You probably already have valuable transferable skills that could make you a good candidate for a job.
Think back through the jobs you have done, your hobbies and the other things you’re involved in.
Then, using the list above, write down the skills that you have.
Developing your skills helps you to find work, stay in work and get further in your career. You can develop new skills in a variety of ways.
You may want to consider:
• doing some voluntary work
• taking part in a hobby, committee or group
• doing some part-time work
• registering with a recruitment agency and doing some temporary work
• going on a training course
As well as helping you further your career, these activities can help you develop new skills, experiences and can help boost self-confidence!
Further advice on job hunting, CVs and applications, interviews and much more here.