Education & Workforce Development
Making a Career Transition? Make sure these transferable skills are on your resume BY BRIAN SELEYO
“I’ve been working in my chosen field for many years now, and I’ve developed a very strong, specific skillset. Now I must transition, but how do I make these specific skills I have developed apply to a broader audience?” THIS HAS BECOME A SIGNIFICANT CONCERN for many people entering the job market. As jobs disappeared during the pandemic1, the reality of making a specific set of skills fit the needs of as many potential employers as possible is a huge challenge. One key to navigating through this job market is the importance of transferrable skills. Transferable skills are those capabilities that are required in every job, regardless of the title or the field. Often referred to as “soft skills,” these are the qualities that a job seeker making a transition must highlight to attract the eye of more employers. But what are they? Here are some key traits almost anyone can emphasize. Project Management. We all manage projects—identify what needs to be done, set schedules, assign tasks, track progress, and overcome obstacles that arise. It’s important to see the big picture and the path to success. Attention to detail and exceptional communication are always valuable skills. Employers value people who can not only see a task through but who can visualize what needs to happen on a project from start to finish. Problem Solving. How do you resolve complex issues in the workplace? Demonstrating that you can identify a problem, react to it calmly, and implement a solution is key for all employers. Can tasks be done more efficiently? Are we vulnerable in how we currently do things? An effective problem-solver can be a huge asset.
As the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic continues, experts suggest that many of the 22 million jobs that disappeared could be gone forever. Forbes Magazine, “Many of the 22 Million Lost Jobs ‘May Never Return’ and a Recovery is Already ‘Plateauing,” quoting Philadelphia Federal Reserve President Patrick T. Harker. December 2, 2020. 1
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Teamwork. Teamwork is the art of being effective as part of the group while also making everyone around you a stronger contributor. A team player is the ideal culture fit. Employers want employees who work cohesively and don’t take away from the rest of the team. They want people who make positive contributions individually while helping the whole team succeed. Leadership. Think of some of the keys to being a leader. Exceptional leaders lead by example. They motivate, inspire, and empower their team. They are innovators who create a vision for the future while setting the tone for a great culture. Good leaders also know how to build relationships. Partnering between departments or with clients, resolving differences, and communicating shared goals ensures there will be a business. How do you build relationships, manage conflict or differing goals, and reach win-win solutions? When searching for a job or transitioning careers, you are marketing yourself. Make sure that your marketing pitch shows the clearly demonstrated transferrable skills you have developed over the years to win that next opportunity! n
Brian J. Seleyo has been in the staffing industry for nearly 20 years. For the last five years he has led Placers’ Strategic Accounts division, developing best practices for across the company.
Se p t e m b er / Oc t o b e r 2021 | DELAWARE BUSINESS
