Transferable Skills: Your Secret Weapon in Changing Course

Are you thinking of making a career shift? If yes, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will be looking at transferable skills - the magic ingredients that can help you shift course–if you know how to market them.

So what exactly are transferable skills, you might ask? These are the skills that go beyond job titles and industries, making you a versatile and sought-after candidate. The best part is that you have probably been using these skills all along, without even realizing it.

Remember that assay that just would NOT work at first, and all of the troubleshooting you did to make it work in the end? How about the time you had to teach a very green intern the ropes? You developed transferrable skills during those process!

Let's break it down.

1. The Art of Self-Discovery:

Start your self-reflection journey by taking a moment to deeply analyze yourself. Explore your unique strengths and discover what ignites your passion and motivation, making you wake up each morning with a big smile.

These strengths often align with your innate abilities and can smoothly transition from one job to another. Maybe you have exceptional communication skills, effortlessly connecting with others. Or perhaps you excel as a creative problem solver, finding solutions where others stumble.

Additionally, you may be well-known for your incredible teamwork abilities, consistently fostering a collaborative and harmonious work environment. Embrace and nurture these qualities, as they are the driving force behind your path to success!

2. Speak the Language of the Job Description:

Job descriptions hold valuable clues that can guide you in effectively messaging and marketing your transferable skills. Do a close read of the description to identify the language used in the job you're interested in and identify the key skills they are seeking.

Once you have compiled a list, it's time to connect the dots between your past experiences and those desired skills. Use impactful language, showcasing measurable accomplishments and achievements to demonstrate that despite not possessing every single 'hard' skill, you are still a perfect fit for the role. By vividly portraying your capabilities, you'll leave no doubt that you are the ideal candidate for the job.

3. Embrace Your Inner Chameleon:

In a world that's always evolving, adaptability becomes a superpower. Just think about all the things you've learned! When I was growing up, I couldn't have imagined the technology I now use in my business every single day. But here I am, absolutely loving every minute of learning and adapting.

How about you? Have you successfully navigated change in your previous roles? Have you learned new skills on the fly? Show them off proudly, and let employers know that you're not just a candidate; you're a versatile asset ready to take on any challenge with a smile.

4. The Power of Problem-Solving:

Every workplace presents its own set of challenges. In the field of Biotech, whether you're in finance, project management, or working at the bench, the ability to solve problems is highly valued across the board.

Share instances where you identified an issue, implemented a solution, and made a tangible impact. If you're early in your career, this could have been in an academic setting. For those with more experience, it might have been in a role you're looking to move away from.

Problem-solving is a skill that transcends titles and job functions, so lean into your past expertise being a solutions-driven person.

5. Network, Network, Network:

When shifting career paths, leveraging your network can be incredibly valuable. People who truly know you can vouch for your skills and help you land interviews. Don't underestimate the power of having someone endorse your transferable skills.

Moreover, reaching out to your network can reveal hidden job opportunities and roles you may not have thought of before. You might be pleasantly surprised to see how your experiences align with these exciting prospects.

6. Craft Your Story:

Now that you've pinpointed your transferable skills, it's time to weave them into a captivating narrative. Ultimately, this is a marketing challenge! You'll need to caft a story that highlights your journey, emphasizing how your skills have evolved and adapted to various challenges. Keep it engaging, make it memorable – remember, you're the hero of your own story.

If you need help crafting your story into a great value proposition, join us in the Slack community. We love exploring everyone's unique stories and helping people create a narrative to market their skills. We're also good at pep talks!