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Create a transferable skills-based CV
Posted On November 10, 2022
We meet a lot of talented individuals with extensive experience aligned to one specific industry. If you have worked only one job most of your life, how do you break the mould and find something new? The first step in a career change is creating a transferable skills-based CV.
What are transferable skills?
Transferable skills are a core set of skills and abilities which are non-specific to a particular role or industry.
Common skills include:
- General; multi-tasking, organisation, time management, creativity
- IT & Tech; Information handling, machine learning
- Interpersonal; relationship management, building rapport, motivating others, teamwork
- Critical thinking; forecasting, planning, analytics
- Management; leadership, decision making, delegation, entrepreneurship
- Numeracy; budgeting, forecasting
- Clerical; managing information, computer literate
- Communication; listening, writing, negotiating, persuasion
Why are they important?
When you don’t have the specific requirements listed in a job vacancy/ job description, it is your transferable skills you need to highlight to a potential employer.
When an employer lists a vacancy they will have their own checklist of skills they are looking for in a prospective employee. You need to communicate your existing skills and relate them to the skills required in the job description in a way in which your potential employer understands the value you can bring to the role.
Convey a positive attitude
Whilst experience and skills are key, your own personality traits and work ethic are also something employers take seriously. Many will go for attitude and willingness to learn over experience. Your CV needs to convey positive personality traits such as:
- Hardworking
- Adaptable
- Positive
- Dependable
- Punctual
Experience isn’t everything
Tailor your CV to demonstrate you possess valuable transferable skills, a positive personality, the willingness and enthusiasm for the organisation and you will present a compelling proposition for your prospective employer.
The easiest and highly effective way to promote your transferable skills is to have your Recruitment Specialist educate and highlight all your skills and attributes to a potential employer. If you are looking to transition to a new industry, I encourage you to get in touch with us to explore your options.
Robyn brings with her a wealth of local knowledge and connections. She has worked in a range of businesses and industries including; account management/sales (both locally and nationally), healthcare, media, real estate, manufacturing and NZ tourism. This gives Robyn the ability to draw on personal experience and apply these skills to your business or personal situation.
Phone 06 280 2401 Mobile 027 699 9077 Email
