8 Transferable Skills that companies are looking for!

Monday 2nd May 2022

8 Transferable Skills that companies are looking for!

Transferable skills are exactly what they sound like: skills that you use in every job, no matter the title or the sector and they can be learnt in school, through internships or volunteering, from your hobbies or in the workplace.

Some transferable skills are hard skills and are more specific to the industry you want to work in, for example, coding, data analysis or other technical skills, but the main transferable skills which companies are looking for are known as soft skills. This blog post will uncover the top 10 transferable skills which companies are looking for when hiring!

8 Important Transferable Skills EVERYONE should have:

All transferable skills are important; however, employers seek out some transferable skills over others. They are skills which you will use in any job and by having these, can turn you from a good employee into an invaluable employee. Having transferable skills like the ones listed below are desirable because you already hold them, so your employer doesn’t need to worry about training you on them. Plus, if you already have these skills, it’ll give the employer a little bit more of an insight into the type of person and worker you are.

Communication

Your communication skills are your ability to share ideas and information in a clear and concise manner, leaving no room for misunderstanding. Having this ability is vital especially for roles which require working in a team.

Teamwork

Teamwork is all about working together as a group to achieve a common goal and will most likely be listed as one of the desirability’s that the employer is looking for. Employers don’t want employees who do not help their team accomplish its goals, they want people who make positive contributions, and welcoming and enjoy helping the team succeed.

Problem-solving

Being a problem-solver means identifying that there is a problem and finding a way to implement a solution. Showing initiative will make your employer appreciate you when you are finding more efficient ways of specific procedures or processes.

Adaptability

Unexpected changes often happen in business, so demonstrating that you can adopt to change shows you are able to go with the flow while maintaining a positive attitude and getting your work done.

Attention to Detail

Being detailed-oriented means your employer can count on you to pay attention to every detail in a project, and to catch errors and correct them as needed. It also means that you spend time thinking about your work and want to always ensure your work is to the best of your abilities.

Computer Skills

You don’t have to be a computer wizard, but it is always good to stay up to date with software which is used in businesses. If you are applying for a specific role which requires knowledge around a specific programme, make sure that you have learnt how to use the software and can do the basics. For all jobs though, you should make sure you have a understanding of Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Office.

Listening

To solve a problem for a client, or for a business, you must be able to listen and understand what the problem is. If you are not a good listener, you may not truly understand what the speaker is trying to convey and therefore struggle to resolve any issues.

Critical Thinking

Similar to problem solving, critical thinking is the evaluation and interpretation of information to help you choose a course of action. It is all about looking at the matter at hand and evaluating your options to help decide on your outcomes. Employers want staff who can find logical solutions to the company’s problems.

 

Why Are Transferable Skills So Important?

As important as transferable skills are to employers, they are just as important to you and play a vital role in helping you grow in your career. Being able to take your skills and apply them to new challenges and scenarios demonstrates to your employer that you are adaptable and versatile and flexible.

Many job applications will list a series of skills that the companies want from applications, and though you may not have all the requested skills, if you are able to confidently demonstrate your transferable skills, you have a good shot of still getting the job, even if you don’t seem to be a perfect fit.

Especially if you are not someone who has had a full-time job yet, having a range of transferable skills will give you lots to talk about during the interview process.

Still want to learn more about transferable skills? Why not join ICAEW on Thursday 5th May to find out what core skills they look for and gain some helpful tips and tricks to implement these skills in your career path! You can also read about how Accountants present transferable skills in their CV, check it out!