We all know that the economic downturn has had a significant negative impact on many market sectors. Retail and manufacturing for example have both suffered badly in recent times and consequently there have been significant job losses as a result. But what of the people who worked in these areas? If those sectors are not recruiting presently, what can they do? Well..as potential employees for other sectors, they remain skilled and valuable – all thanks to their “transferable job skills”.

But what exactly are “transferable job skills?…”

Well, the phrase itself is often used within HR and Recruitment to refer to generic or general skills which can be used across many different market sectors and industries. Typically they are skills which you have developed and used in one environment but which can be used with equal effect in an entirely different environment. Being aware of your own transferable job skills can go some way towards making your job search a more successful one.

Examples of transferable job skills include:

Communication Skills
These skills are important for every job type, in every market sector. Every employer wants an employee who can communicate effectively with other employees and with any clients or customers that they come into contact with. Specific examples of these types of skills include:

• speaking clearly and effectively
• developing and building rapport with others
• negotiating effectively
• being an active listener
• providing feedback
• writing clearly and accurately

Leadership and Management Skills
Any role which requires any supervisory duties will require an individual with these skills, which again can be acquired in all types of environments. Examples of these skills include:

• decision making
• coordinating group activities
• delegating tasks
• conflict management and resolution
• management of resources
• team and individual development

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