Transferable skills are the abilities and qualities that you can apply to different roles and contexts, regardless of your industry or background. They include communication, problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, creativity, and adaptability. To identify your transferable skills, think about the tasks and projects you have completed in your previous or current roles, and how they demonstrate these skills. You can also use online tools, such as skill assessments or career quizzes, to discover your strengths and areas for improvement.
Not just identify them, you've got to prove you can create positive business results by using or having them. Especially when you lack an apples-to-apples experience. Let's say you've evaluated the role you want to go after and Identified a skill you need is problem-solving. Look to your experience to make a clear connection of the benefits you've delivered in the past in using this skill. - Improved client satisfaction scores and closed 98% of open cases in 48 hours by uncovering, resolving, and alerting team of underlying issue of a duplicate step within the closing cycle. Bonus: this also shows leadership, collaboration, communication, and analytical skills which are all valuable skills to a team, client, and company.
In the dynamic world of marketing, especially when it comes to Facebook advertising, the ability to adapt and creatively solve problems is paramount. My experience has taught me that these transferable skills are not just buzzwords but the backbone of successful campaigns. Identifying and honing these skills can significantly elevate your marketing strategies, making you an invaluable asset across various sectors. Whether it's crafting compelling ad copy or analyzing campaign data to glean insights, these skills are the secret sauce to thriving in any marketing role.
Your resume and cover letter are your first impressions to potential employers, so make sure they highlight your transferable skills and value. Avoid using jargon or acronyms that are specific to your previous sector, and focus on the results and achievements that are relevant to the role you are applying for. Use keywords and phrases from the job description, and quantify your impact with numbers, percentages, or examples. For instance, instead of saying "Managed a team of 10", you could say "Led a cross-functional team of 10 to deliver a project on time and within budget, resulting in a 15% increase in customer satisfaction".
The above tips are excellent for any resume submission, not just a career change. With a career change, we need a little more strategy. Here are two easy to implement strategic actions: 1 Make your intention clear. Create a headline at the top of your resume: "Target: [Desired Job Title]". You're stating your intention without misleading the reader about your experience. 2 Address skills gaps head-on. If you don't have a required skill, but know you can pick it up quickly, show this with a like-like comparison with skills you have: "Able to quickly learn X software, having previously mastered comparable Y software in two weeks." These are just two pieces that can guide readers to focus on the value you bring, not what you lack.
Interviews are your opportunity to showcase your transferable skills and value in action. Before the interview, research the company, the industry, and the role, and prepare some examples of how you have used your skills in different situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, and show how you can adapt to new challenges and learn from feedback. You can also ask questions that demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the role, such as "What are the main goals and priorities for this position?" or "How do you measure success in this role?".
If you're proving value with results and how you achieved them in your resume, you're already prepping with STAR: Achieved ABC result by executing X action during Y task in Z situation. (or use situation to set the stage in your interview) → Go a step further by rethinking your bullet points. After the initial value (customer satisfaction) look for more benefits in the same story: accelerated resolution time, streamlined processes, or strengthened team communication. Now your stories have greater flexibility and value. →Ask relevant, unique vs boring questions: "What's an underrated quality you think is needed for success in this role that we haven't discussed?" →It's a two-way street. Interview is just another word for conversation.
Research the company website, blogs, media pages, LinkedIn page and Glassdoor reviews. Review the job description and practice answering interview questions. Relevant stories should be used to describe your answers using the STAR method. Highlight and practice ones that gives you a hard time with your friends/family. Have a few questions to ask the employer about the role. Showcase your transferable skills by creating projects, or initiating and creating case studies. Confirm the street location when booking your interview, just in case they have multiple offices in your city. I recommend that you drive there a few days beforehand, during the timeframe of your scheduled interview, to observe the traffic flow and scope out places to park.
Networking can help you learn more about the sector you want to enter, and connect with people who can offer you advice, referrals, or opportunities. You can use online platforms, such as LinkedIn or Twitter, to follow and engage with industry leaders, influencers, and professionals. You can also join online communities, groups, or events related to your field of interest, and participate in discussions, webinars, or workshops. When networking, be respectful, genuine, and helpful, and avoid asking for favors or jobs directly. Instead, focus on building relationships, sharing your value proposition, and asking for feedback or guidance.
LinkedIn is THE platform for career support. 👍 → Follow thought leaders & influencers in your targeted field for daily industry insights & trends delivered right to you! → Search for people in roles or industries you're targeting. Request informational interviews to get their insights, not job leads. Be genuinie in learning from them. → People on LinkedIn, I find, generally enjoy sharing advice - as long as they're approached respectfully, professionally, and without expectations. → Building authentic relationships and offering value is the key to success in on LinkedIn AND in your career. → As you're shifting or building your value proposition, engage authentically, be gracious, and be ready to pay it forward when your turn comes.
In the dynamic world of marketing, networking isn't just about making connections; it's about learning and growing. As a seasoned digital marketer, I've found platforms like LinkedIn invaluable for staying ahead of trends and connecting with fellow marketing mavens. Engaging in online communities has not only broadened my perspective but also opened doors to collaborations that were pivotal for my projects. Remember, every interaction is a chance to showcase your expertise and passion for marketing, making genuine connections that can evolve into opportunities.
One of the best ways to demonstrate your transferable skills and value is to show that you are willing and able to learn and grow. You can take online courses, certifications, or workshops to update your knowledge and skills in the sector you want to enter. You can also read blogs, podcasts, books, or reports to stay informed about the latest trends and developments. You can also seek feedback from mentors, peers, or coaches to identify your gaps and areas for improvement. By showing that you are proactive, curious, and committed to your professional development, you can impress potential employers and increase your chances of landing your dream job.
A foundation of managing your career is to speak toward where you're going, not where you've been. To clarify that language and strategy, ask these 3 questions: 1 What's the bottom line purpose(s) of the job? 2 What's required to achieve that/those purpose(s)? 3 How is success measured in this role? Regardless of your next move - lateral shift to a new company, step up into a promotion, or complete pivot into a new position/industry, answering these questions will help you align your career past, present, and future. → Think of it this way: you're not looking for a new job, you're strategically transitioning toward your next career milestone 👍 Better yet - you're going on your next career adventure - with confidence & clarity! 👍