Transferable Skills
Transferable, or soft, skills may be used in multiple professions and multiple roles. Look at the list of soft skills below and start to think about how you use these skills and how you might describe how skilled you are in your employment documents or employment conversations.
| Dependable and punctual (showing up on time, meeting deadlines, being accountable for actions) | Adaptable and flexible (willing to change and take on new challenges) | Willing to learn (lifelong learner) |
| Enthusiastic | Committed | Effective problem-solver |
| Self-motivated | Efficient time management | Collaboration and teamwork |
| Critical thinking | Positive attitude | Strong communication skills |
| Receptive to constructive feedback | Ethical and honest | Safety-conscious |
These skills are transferable because they are positive attributes that are valuable in practically any kind of work. Soft skills are a big part of who you are. This is not to suggest that either you’re born with these skills or you’re not. Each of the skills listed above is different, and you will be stronger in some than in others. In addition, soft skills can be worked on and improved, and there are lots of resources to help develop them.
Think of each soft skill like playing a sport—basketball, for example. Some people are inherently athletic and will pick up a basketball and play well from their first time on a court. Other people will need lots of practice, but eventually, they can build up to a solid game—and have fun playing as well.
Identify the soft skills that show you off the best, and identify the ones that prospective employers are looking for. By comparing both sets, you can more directly focus your job search to take advantage of your strongest professional qualities.
Soft Skills
You can view the transcript for “3 tips to boost your confidence” here (opens in new window).
You can view the transcript for “Why you procrastinate even when it feels bad” here (opens in new window).
You can view the transcript for “What is imposter syndrome and how can you combat it?” here (opens in new window).
Learn More
For a more extensive exploration of your skills check out the following sources:
- The National Association of Colleges and Employers describes eight categories of career skills that are important to being career ready.
- “The Key Attributes Employers are Looking for on Graduates’ Resumes”
- O*NET Online allows you to look up specific jobs and see a list of skills required in the job profile.