Transferable Skills
Transferable skills develop throughout your career - know what they are and set targets for
improving them to maximise your job progression.
Here are some of the most in demand transferable skills:
Motivation and enthusiasm
Your next employer is investing in you so they need to see that you are enthusiastic about working
and motivated in your career. If you are lacking in motivation this may have a negative impact on
your work.
Initiative
Using your own initiative in your job is highly valuable. An employer needs to know that you can
think for yourself. Approach this with caution and start small, you have got your whole career to
develop your skills. Do not act outside of your authority.
Organisation and planning
Prioritisation of tasks and time management are key tactics of every job you will do. You need
evidence of your administration skills to prove to your next interviewer that you will be able to
perform to your full potential and excel in your role.
Communication
Effective communication is essential in any role. Make records of times when you overcame complex
issues through clarifying things with colleagues. Future employers need to know that you are
capable of explaining your thoughts to anybody in their company and also able to understand the
viewpoints of others.
Teamwork
Any employer needs to know that you will be able to work with their other staff to get the job done.
Take opportunities to work in groups and communicate with people from every department of the
company in order to prove to your next employer that you can get along with everyone and
communicate effectively to deliver results.
Leadership skills
Leaders take responsibility and delegate tasks effectively. Most roles involve at least some aspect of
leadership, especially beyond the initial stages of your career. Look for opportunities to manage
projects and other people as early as possible to begin developing this key transferable skill.
Problem solving
Training can only take you so far, sometimes you will find yourself in a situation where you need to
figure out a new solution. Make a note when you really have to dig deep and figure something out.
Use these examples in your interviews.
Flexibility
You will be expected to specialise in your role to some extent although understanding the functions
of your colleagues’ positions and departments will allow you to work with them better. Being
flexible means making time for others and not expecting them to respond to your requests instantly.
Look for examples of how your flexible approach to work will benefit the company.
Self-awareness
Being able to recognise your areas of weakness is almost as important as developing and using your
strengths. Your potential employer needs to know that you realise you aren’t perfect. If appropriate,
mention areas you are keen to develop in your new position as well as presenting the skills you bring
to the role.
Promotions
How to get a promotion
Promotions aren’t given to anyone in a business, therefore you need to impress your employer by
proving your ready to take the next step in your career. With smart preparation, the right attitude
and a good support network, you will be in a strong position to take that step. Below are some tips
that can help you secure a promotion.
The right company
When applying for jobs, research the company and make sure there is room to grow. Look for a
company that is growing and will therefore be able to present you with opportunities in the future.
Talk to your manager
It is crucial that your boss is a key supporter of your promotion. Those who get results get ahead, so
remind them of everything you do that adds real value. Discussing your ambitions with your
manager also helps them to understand your goals so they can help you reach them. Show initiative
by asking them how you can take on more responsibility within or outside your own team in order to
broaden your experience.
Find a mentor
Finding a mentor is one of the smartest ways to get ahead in your career. You can draw on their
experience to find out how to navigate the company, and they can provide valuable guidance to
advance your career. Building a strong relationship with someone higher in the company can also
help to open doors; they can spread the good word about you and act as a referee when you apply
for a new opportunity or promotion.
Staying marketable
Staying fresh and marketable is essential in being considered for promotion. Employers do not want
to promote someone who has gone stale and is lacking both new skills and motivation. A good way
to increase your skills is to volunteer for opportunities and duties that arise. Try to help out with
work from the level above you to demonstrate that you are capable of that position.
Prove your worth
To maximise your chances of being considered for promotion, you must first exceed expectations in
your existing role. In addition to strong technical competence, earning a reputation for being a
dependable, capable, hard worker is also essential. Try to cultivate these attributes to help prove
your worth:
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Reliable: keep your promises and meet deadlines
Professional: take responsibility for your mistakes and learn from them
Proactive: take the initiative to improve what you do
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Creative: offer well-considered ideas and innovative solutions
People-focused: be a team player and be willing to get involved in activities
Visible: find ways to get yourself and your work in front of senior people
Problem-solver: use your expertise to solve problems for others
Dedicated: do more than is required in your own role and for your team
Committed: give your best effort no matter how small the job
Visionary: believe in yourself and in the bigger goals of your team and company.
Show initiative
Apply for jobs within the company and don’t wait for a promotion to fall in your lap. Many
companies will require you to go through the application and interview process, and you may have
to compete with other candidates. Take a look at our CV and interview tips to help impress your
employer.