“Transferable Skills” The Meat & Potatoes to Finding A Career Opportunity

  • Published on:
    January 13, 2020
  • Reading time by:
    8 minutes

Having bread and butter is a nice way to start a luxurious meal. It’s the introductory appetizer to a full course meal. It’s the small talk before the most important portion of the meal, and the “let’s get to know you” before the real business conversation starts. Most companies’ bottom line goal of an interview is to observe applicants demonstrating techniques and past experiences to solve the current challenges of the company or department.

Let’s get this straight: 

When you notice a now hiring acquisition, that application means the company is now looking for a replacement or hiring for a new job role. The ideal objective is to express to the company how your current skills will be the best fit for their problems.  

Transferable skills-  knowledge that you can take from one career opportunity to another.  Techniques that have been utilized in various opportunities that created a desirable outcome for the sake of achievement.

You should demonstrate your transferable skills in behavior form by acknowledging overcome challenges, received achievements/recognitions, and your ability to work well with others.

Overcome challenges:

Companies enjoy when applicants can demonstrate their methods to solving problems. Problems are inevitable, and your ability to overcome them is essential. This behavioral form method is one of the most sought after skills. The objective here is to paint a picture and share a story of a time in which you were a challenge and your way of overcoming the obstacle. Please note: reading the job description is important when it comes to answering this question. The job description will assist an applicant in knowing what the company is looking for. Your response should be centered on an essential skill noted in the job description.

Received achievements/recognitions:

Companies enjoy interviewing achieved employees or applicants. Please share with the company accolades and achievements received for a job well done. This is important for entry-level employment as well as seasoned employees. This method aid applicants in demonstrating their desire to excel and defeat challenges. Remember: The reason why you are interviewing is because of a current problem the company is trying to solve. For example: If have expert knowledge in Excel and having experience working with Excel is a preferred skill for the job opportunity, then you have a great story to share. Your story will be intriguing and is a great example to further demonstrate your ability to handle the job key responsibilities.

Work Ethics & Professionalism: 

Are you easy to get along with? Does your previous superior or co-workers solicit advice and recommendations from you in regards to completing tasks? Will your references speak highly on your ability to be versatile, accept change, and motivate others? The workplace environment and culture is another key decision-maker when interviewing for different roles. Employers want you to demonstrate in (behavior form) your abilities to communicate and work well with others. Study the company’s culture and values. Be able to compare and contrast your values to their values. Ask questions that pertain to their work environment and certainly express things that are important to you.

The bottom line is: transferable skills are valuable.

Companies want you to demonstrate:

#1. How you can create a seamless transition
#2. How you can be a vital addition to solving the problems of their company.

Remember to do your homework. Learn everything about the company so that when an opportunity is presented, you are able to compare your skills to their needs and demonstrate how you can ensure a smooth transition!

BY: Chandria Lucious,
Founder of BeYoung & Determined, HR Professional,
Writer for Womenontopp.com.
www.chandrialucious.com.

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