Tips for Developing Transferable Skills for Career Success

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲?  You’re not alone.  Recently I’ve been receiving countless inMails asking for advice on making an industry switch.   A recurring theme caught my attention, so I dug into the data.  1. 𝟳𝟴% 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝟰𝟬 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰.   2. 𝟳𝟳% 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆.  The pandemic didn’t just shift routines. It shifted priorities.  But here’s what I hear most often:   “𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘢, 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 10+ 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺?”  My answer? Yes, it is. And if you’ve successfully pivoted before, you’ve already proven your ability to adapt, learn, and excel in new environments. That’s a message employers want to hear.  Here’s how to approach it:  𝟭. 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀.   What have you mastered that transcends industries?   Leadership, communication, problem-solving - these are gold everywhere.  𝟮. 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀.   If you’ve pivoted before, showcase it. Success in new settings proves your adaptability and resilience.  𝟯. 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗽.   Learn about your target industry.   Take courses, join webinars, or find a mentor to sharpen your knowledge.  𝟰. 𝗧𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆.   Align your CV, LinkedIn, and interview pitch to the industry you’re targeting.   Be clear about the value you bring.  𝟱. 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆.   Connect with professionals in your desired field.   Join groups, attend events, and start meaningful conversations.  𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴: Be crystal clear on your WHY.  I once had a candidate tell me they wanted to pivot because “I live close to your office.”   A career change takes courage and commitment from both sides. Your reasons need to reflect your vision, not convenience.  What about you?   Are you considering a career change in 2025?   Or did you successfully pivot in 2024? Share your story, I’d love to hear it!  

Considering a Career Transition? Doing this one thing can make the difference between being overlooked or being selected for an interview and landing an offer. ✅ Be the obvious choice – Don’t assume recruiters will connect the dots. They’re often scanning for an exact title match. Your job? Bridge the gap for them. Translate your past experience into the language of your target role so they see you as a natural fit. Example:  Transition from a Project Manager → Product Manager Let’s say you’ve been a Project Manager for years but want to move into a Product Manager role. A recruiter or hiring manager might not immediately see the connection because they’re looking for candidates with direct Product Management titles. Instead of listing: ❌ “Managed project timelines, budgets, and stakeholder communications.” Reframe it to match Product Management language: ✅ “Led cross-functional teams to deliver customer-focused solutions, prioritizing features based on business impact and user needs.” Why this works: “Led cross-functional teams” aligns with how product managers work across engineering, design, and marketing. “Customer-focused solutions” signals an understanding of product development, not just project execution. “Prioritizing features based on business impact and user needs” shows a product mindset—something critical for a PM role. ✨ Bonus: 📎📄 Attached is an in-depth example of how to identify your transferable skills and effectively highlight them as relevant experience. This can be a tool that assists you with your resume, interviewing and negotiating. 💡 Need guidance? Assisting clients with career pivots and transitions is something I excel at. Plus - I’ve successfully navigated several transitions in my own career, so I’ve lived it. Let’s connect! #CareerChange #CareerAdvice #JobSearch #CareerTransition #Laidoff #CareerDevelopment #CareerGrowth #JobSeeker #CareerPivot

Stop disqualifying yourself from jobs. Start connecting your transferable skills instead 👇🏼 A hard truth I've learned from years as a career coach: Most qualified candidates never apply because they focus on what they lack instead of what they bring. Last month, I worked with Alex who wanted to transition into project management but kept saying "I don't have PM experience." Wrong mindset. This thinking keeps amazing candidates on the sidelines while less qualified (but more confident) people get hired. I helped Alex reframe his background using 3 strategies that landed him 2 offers: ✅ 1 // Map your transferable skills to their actual needs. Don't focus on job titles—focus on problems you've solved. Alex coordinated cross-functional teams, managed budgets, and delivered complex initiatives on time. That's project management, just without the official title. ✅ 2 // Highlight measurable achievements that translate across industries. We repositioned his "event coordination" as "managed $500K budgets and 50+ stakeholders to deliver projects 2 weeks ahead of schedule." Suddenly, his experience looked relevant. ✅ 3 // Reach out to decision makers before jobs are posted. Instead of waiting for perfect job postings, Alex researched target companies and connected with department heads on LinkedIn. He shared insights about challenges they were facing. The result? Two interviews for positions that were never advertised publicly. Both companies extended offers. They were impressed at how well he communicated his experience. The unfortunate reality is most people eliminate themselves from opportunities before employers ever get the chance to. Remember: Companies hire people who can solve their problems, not people with perfect resumes. 📌 Question: What's a role you've talked yourself out of applying for? What transferable skills do you actually have?

Thinking about a career change? Here’s how to actually make it happen, step by step. I’ve spoken with hundreds of people stuck between “I don’t want to do this anymore” and “But where do I even start?” Here’s the truth: Changing careers isn’t about starting over. It’s about repackaging what you already know, and proving you can solve a new set of problems. Here’s how to do it (with examples): 1. Start with your story. What’s pulling you away from your current path—and what’s pulling you forward? ✅ Example: “I’ve spent 6 years in education, but what I really loved was designing systems and learning tools. I’m now pivoting into UX design for edtech.” Make the shift clear and intentional. 2. Identify your transferable skills. You’ve built real value, name it. ✅ Example: Sales → Relationship-building, persuasion, handling objections Ops → Process design, cross-functional collaboration, execution List your strongest 4–6 skills and align them with your new target role. 3. Learn the language of the new industry. Every field has its own lingo. Start speaking it. ✅ Tip: Search 10 job listings in your target role. Write down the top 5 repeated words/phrases. Mirror those in your LinkedIn, resume, and pitch. 4. Rewrite your resume to match the direction, not the past. Lead with relevance, not chronology. ✅ Example: Add a “Career Summary” section: “Operations leader transitioning into product management, with 7+ years leading cross-functional teams, driving process improvements, and delivering results.” 5. Build proof fast. Don’t wait to get hired to show your skills. ✅ Options: Freelance Volunteer Build your own project Take a short course and create a case study Demonstrate that you’re not just interested, but also taking action. 6. Apply smart, not just often. Instead of applying everywhere, focus on quality roles in flexible environments. ✅ Pro tip: Use DailyRemote to find legit, remote-friendly roles across industries. It’s especially helpful for career changers who want fresh opportunities and a bit more breathing room. 7. Network with purpose. Start with conversations, not asks. ✅ DM example: “Hi Alex, I saw your post about transitioning into UX. I’m making a similar shift from content strategy. Would love to hear about your journey, no pressure at all.” Career changes take courage. But they’re absolutely possible. You’re not starting from scratch. You’re starting from experience. Now package it with purpose, and go get what’s next.

What I Would Do Differently. Looking back at my journey—from navigating homelessness to landing roles at Amazon, ExxonMobil, and Microsoft—I’m grateful for the path, but if I had a Career Restart Button, here’s what I would do differently to accelerate the process and avoid unnecessary detours. My biggest realization is that the sheer hustle was necessary, but it often lacked strategic efficiency. First, I would stop focusing on what I didn't have (a degree, a traditional background) and double down on articulating my transferable skills much earlier. My ability to solve problems under extreme pressure and adapt quickly was my superpower. I'd learn to frame my story immediately as resilience and leadership, not as a hardship to overcome. This would have saved years of feeling like an imposter. Second, I would have prioritized building a portfolio of practical projects over collecting certifications. Employers at top companies want to see evidence of your capabilities. Instead of just learning Python syntax, I'd build a small, functional AI agent or an app to solve a problem in my community. Practical application always trumps academic knowledge in a technical interview. Third, I would have been more aggressive and focused in my networking. I’d stop cold-applying to jobs and instead focus on building 10 genuine relationships with people already working at my target companies. This is how you get internal referrals and vital market intelligence. I would start every networking conversation with, "How can I help you?" rather than "Can you help me?" The power of a focused network is the single biggest cheat code in the modern career. Don't wait; start building your future today by strategically connecting with the people who inspire you. If you could tell your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be? #CareerAdvice #TechCareer #TransferableSkills #WhatIDoDifferently

My secret weapon when I pivoted from to tech from a non-tech background: Emphasizing my transferable skills. Here's how to leverage them the right way to land the job of your dreams: 1/ 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 ↳ Review all your work, volunteer activities, education, and personal projects. Don't just focus on job titles - think about what you actually did day-to-day. 2/ 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 ↳ For each role or experience, identify specific tasks you performed and results you achieved. Ask yourself: What problems did I solve? How did I communicate? What did I manage or organize? 3/ 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 ↳ Group them into categories like communication, leadership, problem-solving, technical abilities, project management, or analytical thinking. These broader categories usually apply across industries. 4/ 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 ↳ Analyze relevant job postings and map them to the categories from step 3, even if you used them in different contexts. 5/ 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 ↳ When you identify a transferable skill, prepare specific stories that demonstrate it. Quantify your impact when possible - numbers make your experience more compelling. ♻️ Reshare this post for an aspiring career switcher and follow Megan Lieu for more!

STOP underestimating your "unrelated" skills and experience when you're looking for a new job. When I was in college, I had a bunch of odd jobs including working at UCLA’s Campus Call Center. My main objective was to jump on cold calls and convince high schoolers who got accepted to UCLA to come to the school. I knew I really wanted to work in sports, media and entertainment. And this job at the time didn't make any sense to my career growth, but I had to make some money one way or another to pay the bills because my financial aid only got me so far. But with this job, I didn’t see any route or direction that would lead me to my goals. Up to that point, my only "real" jobs were working at Forever 21 as a summer retail associate, YMCA as a referee, and as an afterschool assistant for an elementary school. So each day I’d dial 100+ of calls for work. Then I’d get home and apply for 100s of jobs for me. And it'd lead to rejection after rejection. I couldn’t figure out what I needed to say or do differently to get noticed by organizations. It wasn’t until I realized my current job wasn't just about me making calls. It was about me using skills like: - Relationship management  - Persuasive communication - Marketing strategies By reframing my experience, I transformed my “unrelated” job into a stepping stone for my career. This mindset shift was what helped me finally land a job at UCLA Athletics in student-athlete recruiting where I was now convincing high school athletes recruited by UCLA to commit to our programs. So keep in mind that every experience you’ve had, no matter how small, may already be the game changer you’ve been looking for. The key is identifying those transferable skills that align with your dream opportunities. Questions to ask yourself: - What skills am I truly developing? - How can I articulate these skills to potential employers? - Where else could these abilities be valuable?   What are “unrelated” skills / past experiences that have helped you in other roles? #CareerAdvice #SportsBiz #Media #Entertainment 

One big misconception about switching careers to data science is… ✨You need to start from scratch… 3 years ago, I was grading papers and teaching high school math. It's been a challenging but rewarding journey. Tips for those who are considering a similar path: 1. Leverage Your Transferable Skills Your existing skills are more relevant than you might think. Utilize them as you pivot into data science. 2. Embrace Continuous Learning The field of data science is always changing. To be successful, prioritize learning and growing. 3. Build a Strong Network Network with other data scientists and industry professionals to gain crucial guidance, support, and opportunities for a successful career transition. ✨Switching careers is not about starting over. It’s about building on what you already know. P.S. How are you leveraging your transferable skills?

Feeling stuck in your career and want to make a change into a new role, company or industry? As a career coach, for over 20 years I've guided mid-career professionals through successful transitions, and here are 5 tips to help you navigate your career change too. 1️⃣ First, 𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 ♥️ It's completely normal to feel apprehensive about change, especially after specialising in one area for so long. With years of experience, you will have developed many skills and experiences that are valuable and can be transferable. 2️⃣ Start by 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 🧭 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 What excites you? What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Sometimes, our hobbies and interests can point us toward fulfilling career paths we hadn't considered. 3️⃣ Next, 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 🙋🏼 Reflect on your current role and list the skills you've developed over the years. Communication, leadership, project management—these are all assets that can be applied in various fields. 4️⃣ 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 Connect with professionals in the 🧑🏻🏫🧑🏽🍳 industries 👩⚖️👨🏻🔬🕵🏼 you want to explore. Attend events, join groups, and don't hesitate to ask for informational interviews. Most people are willing to share their experiences and insights (and are flattered to be asked!) 😊 5️⃣ Lastly, 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 🕰️ 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳. Career transitions take time and effort, but with determination and the right support, you can find a job that brings you joy and fulfilment. If you're feeling overwhelmed, as mentioned first, acknowledge your feelings and know that it is ok to take one step at a time. Let’s have an exploratory 15-minute chat and find out how I can help you www.janejacksoncoach.com #careercoach #careers #jobseekers #careerchangecoach #sydneycareercoach #janejackson

I worked two jobs in a busy showroom and a demanding supermarket as well as attending college while serving as a student governor for over a year…… It was a challenging yet rewarding journey. Here's why these experiences and transferable skills will make me a great lawyer: #BalancingPriorities:I had to manage expectations for multiple stakeholders across different organisations, often dealing with conflicting deadlines. #EffectiveTimeManagement: I often balanced my work alongside college assignments, frequently going straight from college to work or from one workplace to another. #AddressingConflictsOfInterest: While studying business at college, I had to acknowledge and identify any conflicts of interest when examples referenced my workplaces. This skill transferred into my apprenticeship, where I understood potential #COI from working in a regulated entity to then working in the regulator. #Communication: Whether communicating with customers, delivering positive or negative messages, or representing students' views at the board level, I ensured all interactions were handled with consideration and care. #Agility: I managed all these responsibilities through a global pandemic, demonstrating my ability to adapt and stay focused under pressure. #Resilience: Balancing highs and lows across different areas of my life taught me to remain resilient and not let challenges in one area affect others. These experiences have prepared me well for a successful career in law. And although, not directly related to the law - I have developed many transferrable skill sets for my career ahead. ⚖️ #LawyerInTheMaking #Resilience #TimeManagement #Communication #CareerJourney #LegalSkills #AspiringLawyer