Interviewing for a New Career: How to Talk about Transferable Skills
Rantoul, IL - May 31, 2023
The job market is highly competitive these days - standing
out from a sea of job seekers requires more than just a presentable resume. The
interview process is your chance to demonstrate to potential employers that
you’re the best candidate for the job. One of the best ways to do this is by
discussing your transferable skills. In this post, an expert in career
services will discuss what transferable skills are, how to identify them,
and how to talk about them in an interview to help you land your dream job.
Understanding
Transferable Skills
Transferable skills are skills that you’ve developed through
your work and life experiences that can be used in other jobs and industries.
They are often referred to as ‘soft skills’ and can include communication,
problem-solving, leadership, critical thinking, and teamwork. It’s important to
identify your transferable skills as they can be a major advantage in the
hiring process.
Identifying
Your Transferable Skills
Identifying your transferable skills requires some
self-reflection. Start by reviewing your past experiences - both personal and
professional. Think about how you’ve demonstrated your skills in the past and
how they apply to the job you’re applying for.
Consider asking friends, colleagues, and past employers for
their feedback. Once you’ve made a list of your transferable skills, practice
discussing them clearly and succinctly.
Demonstrating
Your Transferable Skills in an Interview
When it comes to interviewing for a job, it’s important to
be able to articulate your transferable skills in a way that resonates with the
interviewer and shows how it matches the requirements of the job.
Be specific when talking about your skills - provide
examples of how you used them in previous roles and how they helped you achieve
success. Showing a clear connection between your transferable skills and the
job requirements will help convince the interviewer that you’re the right
candidate for the job.
Practice
Makes Perfect
As with any skill, practice makes perfect. Before the
interview, make a list of potential questions the interviewer may ask about
your transferable skills. Practice your answers to ensure you’re comfortable
discussing them clearly and concisely.
Don’t forget to also practice your body language and tone
when speaking about your transferable skills because non-verbal cues are
important as well.
Other Tips
for Discussing Your Transferable Skills
Finally, there are a couple of other tips to keep in mind
when discussing your transferable skills in an interview. Firstly, focus on the
skills that match the job description - the more closely your skills align with
what the employer is looking for, the more persuasive your argument will be.
Secondly, be honest about your skills - don’t oversell or
exaggerate them. Honesty is always the best practice, and it’s better to be
honest about areas where you may need more development, rather than attempting
to fake expertise.
According to many leaders in professional
placement services, demonstrating your transferable skills can set you
apart from the competition and help you land your dream job. By identifying
your skills, practicing, discussing them clearly and concisely, and being
honest about your abilities, you’ll be well on your way to impressing
interviewers and securing your next career move. Remember, your transferable
skills are an asset, so make sure to highlight them during the interview
process.
About Us:
Locally owned and operated, Express Employment Professionals in Rantoul, IL is
a full-service employment agency. We eliminate stress by offering a truly
customized full-service staffing solution.
Express Employment Professionals of Rantoul, IL
200 North Turner Drive
Rantoul, IL 61866
(217) 892-4000
https://www.expresspros.com/RantoulIL