How to Use Transferable Skills to Land a Job or Transition into Tech

“Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have last-minute stamina, they have to be a little faster, they have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.” – Muhammed Ali

This quote by the legendary boxer captures the essence of what it takes to succeed in any field: transferable skills. Transferable skills are the skills that you can use in any job, no matter the title or the field. They are the skills that ensure you do your job well, such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking.

Transferable skills are highly prized by employers, especially in the tech industry, where innovation and collaboration are essential.

But what if you don’t have a tech background? What if you want to switch careers or land a new job in this fast-growing sector? You might be surprised by how many transferable skills you already have and how they can help you break into tech.

In this article, you will learn what transferable skills are, why they matter, and how they can help you land a job or transition into tech. You will also find out how to identify your own transferable skills and how to highlight them on your resume and in interviews. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to use your transferable skills to achieve your career goals.

 What are transferable skills?

Transferable skills are skills that you can apply to different situations and contexts. They are not specific to a particular job or industry, but they can be useful in any work environment. Some examples of transferable soft skills for tech jobs are:

– Communication: Clear and effective communication is vital in any industry, and tech is no exception. Being able to convey complex ideas in a simple and concise manner is highly valued.

– Problem-solving: Tech companies thrive with problem solvers. Whether you have a background in customer service, teaching, or marketing, your ability to analyze issues, think critically, and devise innovative solutions is highly prized in the tech world

– Teamwork and collaboration: Tech projects often require collaboration and teamwork. The ability to work well with others towards a common goal, as well as respecting diversity and handling conflict cannot be over-emphasized.

– Critical/Analytical thinking: The ability to evaluate information objectively and form sound judgments based on evidence and reasoning. Tech companies rely on data-driven decision-making. Showcase your ability to extract meaning from data, identify trends, and provide valuable insights.

– Adaptability and learning agility: The ability to adjust to changing situations and expectations, as well as learn new skills and technologies. Technology is constantly evolving, and the ability to adapt to new tools, platforms, and methodologies is crucial.

– Leadership: Tech companies value individuals who can motivate others, take ownership, and drive results.

– Creativity: The ability to generate original and innovative ideas and solutions, as well as think outside the box. Since the dawn of civilization, people with great creative thinking capabilities are highly valued.

– Time management and organization: Ability to prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, and effectively balance multiple projects simultaneously.

These are just some of the many transferable skills that you may have or can develop. You can also think of other skills that are relevant to your field of interest or expertise, such as data analysis, project management, customer service, etc.

Why do transferable skills matter?

In today’s rapidly changing job market, being adaptable is key. Transferable skills allow individuals to adapt to changes in their current role or pivot towards a new career path altogether.

Transferable skills matter because they enable individuals to transition into new roles and industries. For instance, if someone has extensive experience working with people as part of a customer service team but wants to transition into a tech company’s HR department – they may still have an advantage over other applicants. This is due to their ability to work well with others.

Employers also value transferable skills as they demonstrate an individual’s ability to learn and apply knowledge across different contexts. Many employers prioritize soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving over technical expertise when hiring for entry-level positions.

Moreover, possessing transferable skills means that you have more options when it comes to your career development. You may discover that your existing skillset can help you thrive in a completely different industry than the one you started out in.

How can transferable skills help you land a job or transition into tech?

Transferable skills can help you land a job or transition into tech by showing employers that you have what it takes to succeed in this dynamic and competitive industry. Tech jobs require not only technical skills but also soft skills that are essential for working with people, data, and systems.

According to a report by LinkedIn, some of the most in-demand soft skills for tech jobs in 2023 are communication, analytical skills, teamwork, leadership, and research.

These are all examples of transferable skills that you may already have or can develop further. By showcasing these skills on your resume and in interviews, you can demonstrate your fit for the tech culture and environment.

How to identify your transferable skills

Before highlighting your transferable skills to potential employers, you need to identify them first. This may seem like a daunting task, especially if you have a lot of work or academic experiences to draw from. 

However, there are some strategies that can help you narrow down your list of transferable skills and focus on the ones that are most relevant and valuable for your target tech job or industry.

To identify your transferable skills effectively, consider the following strategies:

1. Challenge yourself to explore unfamiliar territories and view them as learning experiences. Don’t dismiss opportunities based on initial reservations; instead, uncover hidden talents or interests. For instance, if invited to present at a conference, seize the chance to showcase your communication and leadership skills.

2. Ask for feedback from colleagues, managers, mentors, professors, or friends who know you well. They may shed light on skills you may take for granted or fail to recognize as transferable. For example, if you regularly organize team events or volunteer activities, they may commend your organization and teamwork skills.

3. Review your previous work or academic experiences, achievements, and accolades to identify recurring patterns or themes that signify transferable skills. Sources like resumes, portfolios, performance reviews, awards, certificates, or testimonials can provide valuable evidence. For instance, if you’ve excelled in research projects or publications, you likely possess strong data analysis, critical thinking, and creative abilities.

4. Take advantage of online tools and assessments that evaluate your transferable skills based on factors like personality, interests, values, or goals. Numerous free or affordable resources are available online to gain insights into your skill set. For example, CareerOneStop’s Skills Matcher tool matches your skills to relevant careers.

Once you’ve identified your transferable skills, prioritize them based on their relevance and importance to your desired tech job or industry. Conduct thorough research on job requirements and expectations from potential employers. Online platforms like O*NET OnLine or LinkedIn Skills can help you identify in-demand skills for various tech occupations.

Remember, the goal is to focus on the important transferable skills that align with your career goals and differentiate you from other candidates. Instead of listing all transferable skills, emphasize the ones that are most relevant and impressive on your resume and during interviews.

How to highlight your transferable skills on your resume and in interviews

After identifying and prioritizing your transferable skills, the next step is to highlight them on your resume and in interviews. This will help you showcase your value and potential to employers and convince them that you’re the right fit for the tech job or industry.

Tips on how to highlight your transferable skills on your resume and in interviews:

– Use keywords related to your target tech job or industry throughout your resume and cover letter. For example, if you’re applying for a web developer position, use words like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, web design, user interface (UI), user experience (UX), etc. This will help your resume get past the applicant tracking systems (ATS) that scan resumes for relevant keywords.

– Use examples: Use specific examples from your previous work or academic experiences that showcase your transferable skills in action. For example, if you want to highlight your problem-solving skill for a web developer position, you could write something like this on your resume:

Developed an interactive website for a local nonprofit organization using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript; solved various technical issues such as broken links, slow loading speed, and compatibility with different browsers.

– Use numbers: Use numbers or metrics to quantify your achievements and demonstrate the impact of your transferable skills. For example, if you want to highlight your communication skill for a web developer position, you could write something like this on your resume:

Presented the website design and functionality to the client and received positive feedback; increased the website traffic by 50% and the conversion rate by 25% within six months.

– Use stories: Use stories or anecdotes to illustrate how you used your transferable skills in different situations and contexts. To illustrate, if you want to highlight your adaptability skill for a web developer position, you could tell a story like this in an interview:

One time I was working on a website project for a client who wanted a minimalist design with a lot of white space. However, a few days before the deadline, the client changed their mind and wanted a more colorful and dynamic design with animations and videos. I had to quickly adapt to their new preferences and redesign the website using different tools and techniques. I managed to finish the project on time and meet their expectations.

Conclusion

Congratulations, fellow tech enthusiast! You have unlocked the secret to a successful tech journey – your amazing transferrable skills. Remember, the tech industry isn’t just for coding geniuses or computer science majors. Your transferrable skills can help you make a successful transition into the tech industry, regardless of your non-technical background. By harnessing your problem-solving abilities, effective communication, adaptability, analytical thinking, teamwork, leadership, and time management skills, you’ll stand out as a valuable candidate in the competitive tech job market. 

Embrace your unique experiences and let them fuel your passion for technology. Remember, the journey doesn’t end here – keep learning, networking, and staying curious. With your superpowers, the possibilities are limitless in the exciting world of tech. So go forth, unleash your potential, and embark on an extraordinary tech career!