Transferable skills are those that you have gained in one context — in or outside work — that can be used in another. Many of your existing skills could well be useful in a new job, career or industry.
Transferable skills tend to be generic skills that most employers will be looking for to some degree, such as numeracy, IT literacy or leadership. But different sectors and professions put different emphasis on these skills. If you are thinking of moving into teaching, for example, coaching or presentation experience could stand you in good stead. If you think the finance industry is for you, then you will almost certainly need to be numerate.
Career moves
Before embarking on any career move — whether it’s looking for promotion, returning from a career break, changing careers, or getting your first job — you should re-evaluate the skills you have and compare them with what employers in your chosen field are looking for.
Trade and professional associations are a good source of information and the Higher Education Research Opportunities (HERO) website carries a comprehensive list in its research and reference pages.
Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) can also help. These are employer-led bodies charged with raising skill levels across the UK. They cover most industries and sectors and most carry extensive information on the skills and qualifications employees need to succeed in the sector.
Returning to work
Skills gained away from the workplace are often just as valuable to a new employer as those gained in work. For example, voluntary work often involves all the softer communications, motivation and leadership skills that employers value.
If you are returning to work after a career break, write a list of everything you have done since you left your last job and list your achievements. Think about how you might use these to convince an employer that you have the skills he needs. If you are still in touch with your employer or colleagues, ask them for help. They will have a more up-to-date view of the workplace than you.
New to work
Those seeking work for the first time will also have transferable skills. They could have been gained on the sports field, in an amateur production or through voluntary work. Prospective employers will know from your CV that you do not have extensive work experience, but they will be looking to see if you use your other achievements as evidence that you have what they want.
This is especially important for students seeking their first graduate job because employers will want them to hit the ground running. University careers services are well aware of this and many carry extensive lists on their websites of the skills undergraduates will have gained that can transfer to the workplace. Visit our Graduate Zone for more information.
Types of transferable skill
These can include technical skills such as driving, languages or IT, or they can be limited to softer interpersonal skills. The following list is not exhaustive, but it gives guidance about the type of skills employers are seeking that you might have:

• IT literacy– there are fewer and fewer jobs that can be done without some IT skills. Make a list of all the packages and software programs you have used. You might be surprised by how much you know.
• Leadership– being able to motivate and coach others is crucial for anyone with management ambitions. But employers also look for these skills in the wider workforce.
• Research skills– the ability to gather accurate information and compare and contrast your sources is invaluable in most jobs. You should be able to demonstrate this if you have recently completed a period of study.
• Foreign languages– the expansion of the European Union and the globalisation of trade are putting a premium on language skills. But your prospective employer might want Polish or Chinese, not French and German.
• Presentation skills– these could relate to verbal or written presentations, or both. You might have formal experience pitching to clients or, perhaps, you regularly present your ideas on a work issue to colleagues.
• Organisational skills– these concern self-discipline and the ability to meet deadlines. Think of the times you have had to balance several activities at once. It could have been at work, home or a mix of the two.
• Problem-solving– employers want people who can think issues through logically, determine what the issues are and come up with possible solutions.
• Numeracy– most jobs need a degree of numeracy, so if this is your strength, be ready to emphasise it to an employer. Managing the local playgroup or tennis club accounts could be hugely valuable in the workplace.
• Commitment – employers want people who are self-motivated and who can get on with the job. Workplace examples are best here but, if your experience is not great, consider your other achievements. It takes time and commitment, for example, to learn an IT package, musical instrument or other skill.
• Driving– don’t assume that everyone drives, or underestimate how useful this can be to an employer.