Transferable skills: 17 examples to boost your resume & career

Transferable skills are one of your most valuable assets in a rapidly changing world and job market.

Whether you're making a career pivot, looking for new opportunities, or re-entering the workforce, you're never starting from scratch. Transferable skills like communication, adaptability, and problem-solving move with you across industries and roles. 

These skills shape how you collaborate, solve problems, and add value, no matter your role. And when you can identify and communicate your transferable skills, it’s easier to tell your career story and land your next opportunity with confidence.

What are transferable skills?

Transferable skills are abilities you can apply across different roles, industries, and work environments. They’re often developed through experience, such as past jobs, school projects, or volunteer work. Transferable skills reflect how well you adapt, collaborate, and contribute in new situations.

For example, a teacher who transitions into a project management role might not have a background in business operations. But their transferable skills in communication, time management, and conflict resolution help them lead meetings, manage timelines, and keep teams aligned. The context may be new, but the underlying skill set carries over.

Transferable skills vs. soft skills

Soft skills and transferable skills often overlap, but they’re not the same thing.

Soft skills are a type of transferable skill. Common soft skills in the workplace include communication, emotional intelligence, leadership, and teamwork. These human skills help you navigate relationships and collaborate effectively. 

But transferable skills encompass more than soft skills. Hard skills, like project management, data analysis, or technical writing, are also often transferable. These kinds of technical skills aren’t tied to a specific job or industry and can be applied in many different roles.

Think of it this way: soft skills are specifically about how you work. Transferable skills are about what you carry with you from one job to the next, whether it’s the way you solve problems, lead teams, or manage tools and processes.

Why do employers value transferable skills?

As the skills employers are looking for change, transferable ones are more important than ever. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 projects that 40% of core job skills will shift by 2030. The demand for technical knowledge, like AI and cybersecurity, is rising, but employers are also looking for transferable skills like creativity, resilience, and leadership.

Employers place a lot of value on transferable skills because they signal potential. They show that you can adapt, grow, and contribute across different roles, even if your background doesn’t match a specific job description.

In addition, many transferable skills are difficult to teach. They’re often developed through experience, not training programs. So when an employer hires someone who already has these skills, they’re saving time, reducing risk, and investing in someone who can hit the ground running.

6 types of transferable skills

Transferable skills fall into a few key categories. Understanding them can help you recognize the strengths you already have. While some are people-focused and others are more technical, all of them help you contribute across roles, industries, and teams.

Here are a few of the most common types of transferable job skills:

• Communication skills: These include writing, public speaking, active listening, and the ability to tailor your message to different audiences. Strong communication is the foundation of great teamwork and leadership.
• Interpersonal and emotional intelligence skills: Skills like empathy, collaboration, conflict resolution, and self-awareness help you build trust and show up effectively in the workplace.
• Organizational and planning skills: Think time management, attention to detail, and the ability to juggle multiple priorities. These skills are essential for productivity and reliability in any environment.
• Analytical and critical thinking skills: These transferable skills help you gather and interpret data, solve complex problems, and make informed decisions. Whether you’re in operations or marketing, this type of thinking drives results.
• Leadership and management skills: Leading a project, mentoring a teammate, and setting goals for a team all require transferable leadership skills, regardless of your title.
• Technical skills: Proficiency with software, tools, or platforms, like spreadsheets, CRMs, or design programs, can easily translate across industries. These are hard skills that often get overlooked as transferable, but are highly valuable.

Recognizing the types of transferable skills you’ve developed can help you stand out to potential employers and walk into your next job interview with confidence.

How do I identify my transferable skills?

Identifying your transferable skills starts with looking back at what you’ve already done and noticing what keeps showing up. These are the strengths that helped you succeed across roles, industries, or life experiences. They often say more about your potential than your job title ever could.

Here are a few ways to start identifying your transferable skills: 

• Reflect on past roles and responsibilities. Then, consider the underlying skills required to do those tasks well. Managing a weekly team meeting, for example, requires communication and leadership skills. Creating reports might involve data analysis, attention to detail, and technical proficiency.
• Look for patterns in your strengths. Moments when you felt highly focused, proud, or in a flow state may reveal your core strengths. For example, teamwork, adaptability, and critical thinking are valuable skills that tend to show up when you’re operating at your best.
• Pay attention to feedback. Consider what colleagues, managers, or peers have consistently acknowledged in your work. If others frequently turn to you for support with planning, decision-making, or collaboration, those are likely transferable skills.
• Reflect on challenges you’ve overcome. The way you handled a tough deadline, difficult client, or major transition can reveal emotional intelligence or leadership skills.
• Ask others. Sometimes, people around you can see strengths you overlook. Mentors, colleagues, or a career coach can help you name and articulate your unique skill set.

17 examples of transferable skills employers look for

No matter where you are in your job search, some skills will always stand out. These strengths help you adapt to challenges, solve problems, and lead across different roles, teams, and industries. 

Whether you're refreshing your resume or preparing for a job interview, the transferable skills listed below will help you connect the dots between your experience and what hiring managers value most.

1. Communication

Communication skills are the bread and butter of your transferable skills toolkit. Communication is a top skill in any role or industry because it’s made up of a multitude of abilities, including:

• Writing skills
• Giving and receiving feedback
• Public speaking

Whether you’re communicating with clients, peers, or leaders, it’s important to know how to express your thoughts and ideas. 

2. Decision making

Decision-making skills and critical thinking skills involve the ability to evaluate options, weigh alternatives, and make informed choices to achieve desired outcomes. 

Individuals with strong decision-making skills can analyze information critically, assess risks, and consider potential consequences before taking action. By making timely, well-informed decisions, they solve problems effectively, seize opportunities, and drive progress, contributing to both personal and organizational success.

3. Creativity

Creative thinking helps you solve problems and use the resources you have available in new and different ways. According to McKinsey, creativity is linked to superior performance and innovation in the workplace. While some people are naturally creative, creativity can also be fostered through learning and practice.

4. Organization skills

Organization skills are essential for maintaining order, efficiency, and productivity in both professional and personal settings. Individuals with strong organizational skills can manage information, resources, and tasks effectively, minimizing clutter, confusion, and delays. 

By establishing systems for prioritizing, categorizing, and storing information, they can streamline workflows, optimize resource utilization, and meet deadlines consistently.

5. Adaptability

Adaptability is one of the top transferable skills employers are looking for, according to LinkedIn's recent Most In-Demand Job Skills List. 

Adaptability is how well you’re able to adjust to new circumstances, and it's a crucial skill in today's rapidly changing world. Someone who is highly adaptable usually has the following characteristics:

• Resilient when dealing with a stressful situation
• Easily fits into a new work environment
• Willing to alter previously held beliefs and learn from others
• Flexible and open to change

6. Problem-solving

Problem-solving skills are essential in navigating the challenges and complexities of any job or industry. Individuals with strong problem-solving abilities can effectively identify issues, analyze root causes, and develop innovative solutions.

Whether it's troubleshooting technical issues, resolving conflicts among team members, or devising strategies to improve processes, the capacity to approach problems systematically and creatively is highly valued by employers.

7. Listening skills

Listening is a soft skill that's critical for effective communication and understanding the needs, perspectives, and concerns of others. Individuals with strong listening skills focus attentively, comprehend information accurately, and respond thoughtfully.

By actively listening to colleagues, clients, or stakeholders, they can build trust, foster collaboration, and address conflict effectively, contributing to positive relationships and successful outcomes.

8. Collaboration

Employers seek out job candidates that work well with others. That's because collaboration leads to increased productivity, innovative ideas, and overall better results. Teamwork also creates harmonious relationships at work. Solving problems together helps employees form a connection and feel a sense of belonging.

9. Analytical skills

Analytical skills also made LinkedIn's most recent Most In-Demand Skills list. This transferable skill involves using logic, critical thinking, and data to identify patterns, solve problems, and make informed decisions. Analytical skills are essential in roles that involve research, reporting, or process improvement. 

While often considered a technical skill, analytical thinking is highly transferable because it applies across industries and job functions. Whether you're interpreting customer feedback, reviewing financial data, or improving internal systems, the ability to analyze and act on information adds value in any workplace.

10. Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills, also known as people skills or social skills, are vital for building positive relationships and collaborating effectively with others. These skills encompass the ability to communicate clearly, empathize with others, resolve conflicts diplomatically, and build rapport.

Whether interacting with colleagues, clients, or stakeholders, individuals with strong interpersonal skills can foster trust, mutual respect, and cooperation. This contributes to a harmonious work environment and supports the achievement of common objectives.

11. Emotional intelligence (EQ)

Emotional intelligence, or EQ, isn’t an easy skill to teach, which makes it very valuable. People with a high level of EQ know how to manage their emotions and are also able to perceive how others are feeling. These qualities make them a great fit for any role, including leadership.

12. Leadership skills

Leadership is a core competency because it’s a combination of all the other transferable skills. Resilience, empathy, and communication are just some of the values that make a good leader. These skills allow you to guide and inspire the people you work with.

13. Time management

Effective time management is crucial for maximizing productivity and achieving goals in both professional and personal contexts. Individuals with strong time management skills can prioritize tasks, set realistic deadlines, and allocate resources efficiently. By organizing their workload and optimizing their use of time, they can meet deadlines, minimize procrastination, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

14. Project management

Project management skills involve the ability to plan, organize, execute, and oversee projects from inception to completion. Individuals with strong project management skills can define project goals, develop detailed plans, allocate resources, monitor progress, and mitigate risks.

By coordinating tasks, managing timelines, and ensuring deliverables meet quality standards, they can drive successful project outcomes and contribute to the achievement of organizational objectives.

15. Relationship building

Relationship-building skills involve the ability to establish and nurture connections with others based on trust, mutual respect, and shared interests. Individuals with strong relationship-building skills can network effectively, forge meaningful connections, and cultivate long-term partnerships.

By cultivating rapport with colleagues, clients, or stakeholders, they can enhance teamwork, foster collaboration, and drive shared goals, contributing to personal and professional success.

16. Dependability

Dependability is the reliability and consistency with which individuals fulfill their commitments and obligations. 

Individuals with strong dependability can be trusted to deliver results, meet deadlines, and follow through on promises. By demonstrating reliability, accountability, and integrity in their actions, they can inspire confidence, build credibility, and earn the trust of others, contributing to a positive reputation and successful outcomes.

17. Written communication

Written communication skills are essential for conveying ideas, information, and messages effectively through written channels such as emails, reports, and documents. Individuals with strong written communication skills can articulate thoughts clearly, concisely, and persuasively, adapting their style and tone to suit the audience and purpose.

By communicating with clarity, coherence, and professionalism, they can convey information accurately, facilitate understanding, and achieve desired outcomes.

How to add transferable skills to your cover letter or resume

Your resume isn’t just a list of jobs. It’s a story about how your skills have evolved and where they can take you next. Transferable skills help fill in the gaps, especially if you're changing industries or returning to work after a career break. 

Here are a few ways to bring your transferable skills to life on your resume and in your cover letter:

1. Display them prominently

Add your transferable skills in a prominent place. Placing them at the top of your resume in the “Professional Summary” section makes them a focal point for the hiring manager. Sometimes called a resume objective statement, this brief paragraph helps position your experience and show how your skill set aligns with the role you're applying for.

2. Tailor your skills to the role you’re applying for

Don’t clutter your resume with all the transferable skills that come to mind. Only list skills that match the competencies listed in the job description. A common way to showcase them is under a separate “Skills” section.

3. Show, don’t tell your achievements

Hiring managers want to see results. Show how you’ve used some of these skills to drive results using the challenge-actions-results (CAR) formula. The CAR method highlights the contributions you’ve made to previous companies. It also shows hiring managers you know how to put your transferable skills to good use.

4. Be descriptive

Listing “creativity” as a skill on your resume isn't enough. Your employer wants to know more. Using action verbs, describe the circumstances that required you to be creative and the positive impact. The more specific you are, the easier it will be for the hiring manager to see if you would fit into their work environment. Your cover letter is also a great place to describe your transferable skills in action. 

5. Incorporate transferable skills into your bullet points

In the work experience section of your resume, don’t just list responsibilities—embed your transferable skills into each accomplishment. For example, instead of saying “Led weekly team meetings,” say “Led weekly team meetings to improve cross-functional collaboration and project delivery timelines.”

Transferable skills give you a competitive edge

Transferable skills will always be in demand, no matter your career path. When you recognize and build on these skills, you become a more confident employee, a stronger teammate, and a standout job candidate.

If you need support moving forward in your career, a BetterUp Coach can help you set goals, identify your strengths, and align your work with your passions and skills.