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Ever wished your skills could follow you to a new job like a loyal sidekick? Transferable skills are exactly that: valuable abilities that can be seamlessly applied from one role to another. These skills are especially crucial for students, recent graduates, and career changers, as they effectively showcase your potential to employers, even if you don't have direct experience.
Qualities such as adaptability, teamwork, and initiative are highly sought after by employers. Highlighting these transferable skills alongside your technical expertise on your CV can position you as a more versatile and compelling candidate. And we're here to guide you every step of the way to land that dream role!
In this article, we cover:
The importance of transferable skills
How to add transferable skills to your CV
Examples of good transferable skills for different positions
How to explain transferable skills in a cover letter or during an interview.
What are transferable skills?
Transferable skills are abilities and qualities you’ve developed in one context, through work, education, volunteering, or everyday life, that can be applied to new roles or industries. These can include communication skills, problem-solving, time management skills, and leadership skills. They demonstrate to employers that you can adapt, learn new abilities, and succeed in various environments.
Transferable skills are often referred to as soft skills...
But they also include practical or technical competencies that are relevant across roles, such as data analysis, teamwork, and project management. So, don't just list these skills on your CV. Instead, provide specific examples of how you've applied them in different situations to show your versatility.
Why are transferable skills important?
Employers value candidates who can bring proven skills from a variety of experiences, whether from past jobs, education, training, or other life roles. Highlighting these transferable skills on your CV demonstrates that you already possess the essential abilities needed to thrive, even if you’re changing industries or just entering the workforce.
For instance, being able to resolve conflicts, manage time effectively, or work under pressure demonstrates flexibility and a strong skill set that fits many positions. These abilities also make a strong impression during job interviews and competency-based questions, especially when you can provide concrete examples.
Examples of good transferable skills to put on a CV
While a dedicated skills section is essential for any good CV, the best thing about transferable skills is that you can weave them throughout the entire document to enhance your professional document. Here’s a list of in-demand transferable skills to include on your CV:
1. Communication skills
Writing, speaking, and active listening skills
“Effectively communicated complex information to clients and colleagues through reports and presentations, ensuring clarity and alignment across departments.”
2. Teamwork and collaboration
Working effectively with others
“Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time, fostering a supportive and solution-focused working environment.”
3. Problem-solving
Identifying issues and finding creative solutions
“Resolved workflow inefficiencies by developing a new scheduling system that improved productivity by 20%.”
4. Leadership skills
Motivating and guiding teams
“Led a team of five through a high-pressure project, providing direction and motivation that resulted in exceeding performance targets.”
5. Organisation and time management skills
Meeting deadlines and prioritising tasks
“Managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritising key deliverables and meeting all deadlines without compromising quality.”
6. Adaptability
Staying calm and productive during change
“Adapted quickly to shifting priorities during organisational restructuring, maintaining consistent performance and positive team morale.”
7. Critical thinking
Analysing situations and making decisions
“Assessed data trends to recommend process improvements, leading to more informed decision-making and measurable efficiency gains.”
8. Attention to detail
Ensuring quality and accuracy
“Reviewed and proofread technical documentation, ensuring error-free reports and compliance with company standards.”
9. Digital literacy
Using modern tools and software efficiently
“Utilised CRM software, data visualisation tools, and Microsoft 365 to streamline reporting and improve client communication efficiency.”
10. Creativity
Generating innovative ideas and approaches to improve outcomes
“Developed creative marketing concepts that increased audience engagement by 30% and strengthened brand visibility across digital platforms.”
Examples of transferable skills by industry and role
Here are examples of transferable skills for various backgrounds, along with guidance on how to effectively write them in context for your CV:
| Receptionist CV |
|---|
| Communication: Greeted and assisted visitors professionally, ensuring a positive first impression and clear information delivery. |
| Organisation: Managed appointment scheduling and office correspondence, maintaining smooth daily operations. |
| Customer Service: Handled client inquiries with efficiency and empathy, resolving issues promptly to enhance satisfaction. |
Complete writing guides: Receptionist CV and receptionist cover letter.
| Student CV |
|---|
| Research: Conducted in-depth academic research and data analysis to support coursework and group projects. |
| Presentation: Delivered persuasive presentations on complex topics, tailoring communication style to different audiences. |
| Teamwork: Collaborated effectively in group assignments, balancing responsibilities and meeting deadlines consistently. |
Complete writing guides: Student CV and student cover letter.
| Retail Assistant CV |
|---|
| Sales: Advised customers on products, leading to a 15% increase in upselling and repeat purchases. |
| Active Listening: Understood customer needs by asking the right questions, ensuring tailored recommendations and satisfaction. |
| Problem-Solving: Resolved customer complaints quickly and diplomatically, maintaining brand reputation and loyalty. |
Complete writing guides: Retail CV and retail cover letter.
| HR Assistant CV |
|---|
| Communication: Drafted employee correspondence and facilitated onboarding processes with professionalism and clarity. |
| Empathy: Provided confidential support to employees, promoting trust and workplace wellbeing. |
| Data Entry: Maintained accurate HR records and processed sensitive employee data with attention to detail and discretion. |
Complete writing guides: HR CV and HR cover letter.
| Waitress/Waiter CV |
|---|
| Customer Service: Delivered friendly and efficient service, ensuring a positive dining experience for every guest. |
| Teamwork: Worked closely with kitchen and floor staff to coordinate timely and accurate orders. |
| Adaptability: Thrived in a fast-paced environment, adjusting to changing customer volumes and priorities with ease. |
Complete writing guides: Waiter CV and waiter cover letter.
| Teacher CV |
|---|
| Leadership: Led classrooms of 30+ students, fostering engagement and discipline through clear expectations and guidance. |
| Mentoring: Supported individual student growth through tailored feedback and one-on-one support sessions. |
| Organisation: Developed lesson plans and assessments aligned with curriculum goals, ensuring consistent progress tracking. |
Complete writing guides: Teaching assistant CV and teaching assistant cover letter.
| Nurse CV |
|---|
| Empathy: Provided compassionate care to patients, ensuring comfort and emotional support during treatment. |
| Critical Thinking: Assessed patient symptoms quickly and accurately to make informed care decisions under pressure. |
| Teamwork: Collaborated with doctors and healthcare staff to deliver seamless, high-quality patient care. |
Complete writing guides: Nurse CV and nurse cover letter.
How to identify your transferable skills
1. Review your previous experience
Take time to reflect on your career so far, focusing on your key achievements and the challenges you’ve overcome. Consider the roles you’ve held, projects you’ve worked on, and milestones you’ve reached.
Be specific and quantify your successes where possible (e.g., "Increased sales by 20%" or "Managed a team of 10").
Pro tip
Keep a running list of accomplishments as you go through your career. It’ll make this step much easier when preparing for job applications or performance reviews.
2. Look for patterns
Analyse your experiences to identify recurring strengths. Are you consistently recognised for teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, or organisational skills? These patterns can reveal your core competencies.
Pro tip
Use a notebook or spreadsheet to map out your skills and traits. This will give you a clear visual of your strengths and help you spot connections you might not immediately notice.
3. Compare with job descriptions
Review job postings for roles you’re interested in and identify the skills and qualifications employers are looking for. Highlight the skills you already possess that match their requirements. Tailor your CV and cover letter to emphasise these skills.
Pro tip
Use AI tools to pick out frequently mentioned skills. This can help you refine your application to align with what employers prioritise.
4. Ask for feedback
Reach out to trusted colleagues, mentors, or managers for feedback on your strengths and areas for improvement. They may identify skills or qualities you’ve overlooked. Constructive feedback can also highlight areas to focus on for growth.
Pro tip
Be specific when asking for feedback. For example, “What do you think are my top three strengths as a team member?” This encourages actionable insights rather than vague comments.
How to highlight transferable skills on your CV
When including transferable skills in your CV, think about each skill and decide the best way to present it:
Does it need context? Some skills benefit from a brief explanation or an example that shows how you applied them in a previous role.
Is a simple list better? For other skills, especially hard skills, a concise, bulleted list in a dedicated "Skills" section can be more effective.
Here are some tips on how to effectively showcase your transferable skills.
In your personal profile
Your personal profile should capture who you are, what you excel at, and how your transferable skills align with your career goals.
"Detail-orientated and analytical software developer with strong problem-solving and teamwork skills. Experienced in collaborating on cross-functional projects, writing clean and efficient code, and adapting quickly to new technologies. Passionate about creating innovative digital solutions that improve user experience and performance."
Complete writing guides: Software developer CV and developer cover letter.
"Reliable and hardworking cleaner with excellent organisation, time management, and attention to detail. Skilled in maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene across various environments. Known for efficiency, consistency, and a proactive approach to completing tasks with minimal supervision."
Complete writing guides: Cleaner CV and cleaner cover letter.
"Enthusiastic and customer-focused bartender with strong communication and multitasking skills. Experienced in managing busy shifts, maintaining a positive atmosphere, and resolving issues calmly under pressure. Dedicated to providing outstanding service and building rapport with customers."
Complete writing guides: Bartender CV and bartender cover letter.
Pro tip
Tailor your personal profile for each role by mirroring key skills mentioned in the job description.
In your work experience section
Demonstrate transferable skills through strong action verbs and quantifiable achievements in your job history.
“Led a small team to streamline internal reporting processes, improving data accuracy by 25%.”
“Managed multiple client accounts while maintaining a 98% satisfaction rate through effective communication and problem-solving.”
“Adapted quickly to a new software system, training colleagues and reducing task completion time by 15%.”
Pro tip
Every bullet point in your work history should highlight at least one transferable skill, even if it’s not an exact match for your new industry.
In your skills section
Your skills section is one of the first things a recruiter scans, so make it count. The way you present your transferable skills depends on the type of skill, with hard skills being measurable and role-specific, and soft skills being behavioural and people-focused, best shown in context.
| Transferable hard skills | Transferable soft skills |
|---|---|
| Data analysis | Communication: “Clearly presented ideas and updates to clients and colleagues, ensuring understanding and alignment.” |
| Project management | Emotional intelligence: “Used empathy and active listening to resolve conflicts and strengthen team relationships.” |
| Digital marketing | Teamwork: “Collaborated with cross-functional teams to meet tight deadlines and deliver high-quality results.” |
| Microsoft Excel | Problem-solving: “Identified workflow inefficiencies and introduced solutions that improved performance by 15%.” |
| Coding | Adaptability: “Adjusted quickly to new systems and responsibilities during company-wide restructuring.” |
| Research | Leadership: “Motivated and guided a small team to achieve consistent monthly sales targets.” |
| Copywriting | Time management: “Prioritised multiple tasks efficiently, ensuring all projects were delivered on schedule.” |
| CRM | Attention to detail: “Reviewed and proofread documents to maintain accuracy and quality standards.” |
| Data entry | Critical thinking: “Evaluated data trends to make informed recommendations for business improvements.” |
| Social media management | Creativity: “Developed new campaign ideas that increased customer engagement by 25%.” |
Pro tip
List hard skills in a dedicated "Skills" section, grouping related ones for readability. As for your soft skills, weave them into your personal profile and work experience to provide concrete examples of how you've put them into practice.
Transferable skills essentials
Transferable skills demonstrate adaptability and potential. They’re abilities gained through past experiences that can be applied to new roles or industries.
Employers highly value skills such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving, as they indicate readiness to contribute, even with no direct experience in your CV.
Tailoring is crucial. Highlight your most relevant transferable skills in your personal statement, skills section, and work experience to match each job description.
Concrete examples strengthen credibility. Use specific achievements to show how you’ve successfully applied these skills.
Identifying your transferable skills starts with reflection. Review your experiences, identify recurring abilities, compare them with job requirements, and seek feedback to uncover overlooked strengths.
Next steps?
Accelerate your job search with our professional CV templates, or customise one of our comprehensive CV examples. Complete your application by pairing your CV with a polished cover letter template from our collection. For expert assistance, explore our CV Writing Services, where you'll receive guidance on all your career documents. Additionally, discover valuable insights in our articles covering topics such as mastering results-driven interview questions, finding seasonal work, and understanding the UK's average salary.
FAQs
How to highlight transferable skills in a cover letter?
A good cover letter is the perfect place to connect your transferable skills to the job you’re applying for. Rather than simply listing abilities, use short examples that show how you’ve applied those skills successfully.
Communication skills
“In my previous role, I regularly communicated complex information to non-technical stakeholders, ensuring projects stayed on track and expectations were clear, a skill I can bring to effective client communication in this position.”
Teamwork
“Collaborating with cross-functional teams taught me how to balance different perspectives and work towards shared goals, which I’m confident will help me contribute effectively to your team culture.”
Problem-solving
“When faced with a workflow bottleneck, I identified the issue and proposed a new tracking system that reduced delays by 20%. I look forward to applying this proactive approach to improving processes in your organisation.”
Adaptability
“During a period of company restructuring, I quickly adapted to new software tools and reporting systems, ensuring my team met all deliverables on time. I thrive in fast-changing environments like yours.”
Leadership
“As a team lead, I guided junior staff through tight deadlines by delegating effectively and maintaining open communication, skills that will help me motivate and support colleagues in this role.”
How to highlight transferable skills during an interview?
During job interviews, you’ll likely be asked common behavioural questions that assess your transferable skills. Prepare examples that show how you used these skills in real situations, such as resolving conflicts, leading a project, or solving a difficult problem. Use the STAR interview technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
Can you tell me about a time you solved a difficult problem?
“In my previous role as a retail assistant, our inventory system was causing frequent stock discrepancies (Situation). I took the initiative to review our process and discovered that updates weren’t syncing between systems (Task). I worked with my manager to design a simple daily checklist and trained staff on it (Action). Within a month, our errors dropped by 40%, saving time and improving customer satisfaction (Result).”
How do you handle working in a changing environment?
“During a major company restructure, my responsibilities shifted from admin to client support (Situation). I quickly learned new tools and communication styles to handle client queries effectively (Task/Action). By staying adaptable and asking for feedback, I maintained strong client relationships and met all service goals despite the transition (Result).”
Which skill is high in demand in the UK?
In the UK, communication, adaptability, and digital literacy are among the most in-demand skills across industries. Employers also highly value problem-solving, teamwork, and project management, particularly in hybrid and tech-driven workplaces. As automation increases, emotional intelligence and critical thinking are also becoming essential to complement technical abilities.
For more insights, explore our article on how AI can transform your job and skills.
How do you say your skills are transferable?
You can express that your skills are transferable by linking past experiences to new job requirements.
“My project management experience in education has equipped me with strong organisation and leadership skills that transfer directly to coordinating business operations.”
Pro tip
Use phrases like “relevant to this role,” “applicable across industries,” or “skills I can apply in new contexts” to clearly show their adaptability.
Are soft skills and transferable skills the same?
While transferable skills and soft skills often share common ground, they are not identical.
Soft skills refer to personal qualities that influence how you work with others, like empathy, communication, and teamwork.
Transferable skills include both soft skills and versatile technical skills that can be applied in different roles, such as data analysis, project management, or digital literacy.
In short, all soft skills are transferable, but not all transferable skills are soft.
