Transferable Skills: 10 Skills That Work

Across Industries
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/transferable-skills
Jennifer Herrity

Updated March 2, 2023

Top transferable skills

Before applying for new jobs, take time to consider which skills you currently possess that can
be transferred to a new employer. If you’re unsure, read a few job descriptions for the role
you’re interested in, paying close attention to their required skills and experience. Each
individual’s list of transferable skills will vary, but some common skills employers seek include:

1. Communication

Strong communication is the ability to impart information to others by speaking, writing or in

another medium. Communication skills help you know when and how to ask questions, how to
read body language and how to talk to people in many contexts. In the workplace, employers
value strong communicators for their ability to work with others and move projects forward.

Transferable communication skills include:

● Active listening
● Written communication
● Verbal communication
● Confidence
● Giving and receiving feedback
● Nonverbal communication
● Responsiveness
● Public speaking

2. Dependability

Dependability encompasses qualities that make you a trusted employee. It includes punctuality,
organization and responsibility. Every employer seeks candidates who can be trusted to
accomplish tasks well and in a timely manner. They often trust these same people to
successfully manage relationships, assignments and goals.

Transferable dependability skills include:

● Punctuality
● Integrity
● Work ethic
● High-achiever
● Meets deadlines
● Honesty

Related: Soft Skills: Definitions and Examples

3. Teamwork

Teamwork skills involve the ability to work with others towards a common goal. Effective
teamwork requires several other qualities such as empathy, active listening and strong
communication. Providing successful teamwork examples during interviews can help employers
understand how you’ll work with others in their company.

Transferable teamwork skills include:

● Relationship building
● Active listening
● Collaboration
● Self-awareness
● Conflict resolution

Read more: How to Show You’re a Team Player on Your Resume

4. Organization

A well-organized person has a strong, neat structure in their workspace, tasks and relationships.
Organized employees typically meet deadlines, communicate with others in a timely manner
and follow instructions well. Employers can trust organized workers to meet deadlines, take
notes and ensure projects are completed efficiently.
Transferable organization skills include:
● Time management
● Attention to detail
● Analytical thinking
● Prioritization

Read more: What Are Organization Skills? (With Examples)

5. Adaptability

Adaptability skills are used to continue working towards goals even as teams, projects,
management or products change. Employers hire flexible candidates who can quickly learn new
skills and processes to ensure work is done quickly, efficiently and with a positive attitude.

Transferable adaptability skills include:

● Creativity
● Positive attitude
● Flexibility
● Patience

Read more: Adaptability Skills: Definition and Examples

6. Leadership

Leadership skills include traits like strong communication, relationship building and
dependability. You can transfer leadership skills to many different industries because most
employers value people who can organize teams to reach shared goals.

Transferable leadership skills include:

● Delegation
● Interpersonal skills
● Conflict resolution
● Project management
● Team building
● Risk-taking
● Goal setting
Related: 6 Key Leadership Skills: Definitions and Examples

7. Decision-making

Decision-making is appealing to employers across the board as it shows confidence and good
judgment, which is valuable in any industry. Decision-making requires you to analyze a situation,
predict possible outcomes and come up with a solution or action in an efficient time frame.

Transferable decision-making skills include:

● Problem-solving
● Creativity
● Critical thinking
● Analytical

Read more: Decision-Making Skills: Definition and Examples

8. Empathy

Having strong empathy and emotional intelligence promotes a healthy work environment and
helps build strong relationships with clients and colleagues. As many jobs involve working or
interacting with other people having empathy is a skill that is desirable to most employers.

Transferable empathy skills include:

● Listening skills
● Mediation
● Perspective taking
● Curiosity

Read more: How to Be Empathetic in the Workplace

9. Initiative

Being able to motivate yourself in the workplace is a skill that’s impressive regardless of the
industry you’re in. Taking initiative to pursue new tasks, contribute ideas and produce
high-quality work helps show commitment to your job and often results in advancing your
career.

Transferable initiative skills include:

● Self-motivation
● High-achiever
● Process improvement
● Eagerness
● Goal setting

Read more: 9 Ways To Take Initiative at Work

10. Technology literacy

Technology literacy is your comfort with and ability to navigate new technology. Nearly every
position in every industry will require the use of technology at some level. In an increasingly
technological workplace, employers value candidates who can learn new tools and software
quickly to complete tasks.

Transferable technology literacy skills include:

● Troubleshooting
● Programming skills
● Point of sale software
● Customer relationship management software
● Productivity software