What are transferable job skills? Anything you have done in the past which can be used to enhance your future job experiences are transferable skills. They are the skills and talents you possess which can be employed in an array of work related positions.

When you understand how many transferable skills and abilities you have, you are better prepared to market yourself to employers. Its difficult to explain to others what you are capable of when you havent taken the time to figure it out yourself.

How do you determine which transferable skills you possess? Make a list of your work experience, hobbies, volunteer work, positions or offices you hold or have held (in various associations, committees and/or clubs) and/or sports in which you have played. This will help you start to realize just how much you have done in the past. In a little bit, you will see how those experiences can be related to your future employment.

Here is a list of possible transferable skills:

• Communication skills
• Negotiating ability
• Creativity
• Listening skills
• Teaching ability
• Leadership skills
• Editing ability
• Organization skills
• Taking initiative
• Management skills, etc.
• Goal oriented
• Conducting research
• Motivational skills
• Planning ability
• Cooperative attitude
• Math Aptitude
• Providing constructive feedback
• Computer literacy
• Work well under pressure

Making a list of your job-related accomplishments and the skills you have mastered is very helpful. It is important, not only when determining what to list on your resume, but also when relating your experience in an interview. Have quantifiable examples of each of your transferable skills so that you truly stand out to the prospective employer. It is one thing to tell an employer that you are a good facilitator. It is another thing entirely to be able to back that statement up with solid measurable examples. Its especially important when you have little concrete experience in a given field.

To be able to make these transferable skills work for you, a significant amount of research may need to be done to determine the exact needs of the employer for the position you are interested in. Find out what is required and then tailor your skill set to that one position. List the transferable skills you possess only if they will make a difference in how the employer views you.

Job duties may change from job to job, but there are a great many skills that transfer well from one position to another. Being able to recognize and clearly relate those transferable skills to a prospective employer is a huge benefit to both you and the employer.