What Are Transferable Skills?

Transferable skills are abilities and strengths you’ve developed in one role or life experience that can be applied to another. These skills aren’t tied to a specific job or industry—they’re versatile and valuable across many roles.

Some common examples include:

• Communication – Writing clearly, speaking effectively, or active listening
• Problem-solving – Thinking critically and finding solutions
• Teamwork – Collaborating with others to achieve a goal
• Leadership – Motivating, guiding, or mentoring others
• Time management – Prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines
• Adaptability – Adjusting to change and learning new things quickly

How to Identify Your Transferable Skills

Here’s a simple process to help you uncover the skills you already have:

Reflect on Your Experience
Think about your past jobs, volunteer work, school projects, or even hobbies. Ask yourself:

• What tasks did I enjoy doing?
• What challenges did I overcome?
• What did others often rely on me for?

You might realize that organizing events, training new team members, or managing a household budget all demonstrate valuable skills.

Look at Job Descriptions
Find a few job postings that interest you—even if they’re in a different field. Look for repeated keywords or phrases like “strong communication,” “project management,” or “customer service.” These are clues to the skills employers value.

Then, match those to your own experiences. For example, if a role requires “attention to detail,” think about times you proofread reports, managed schedules, or handled data entry.

Ask for Feedback
Sometimes others see strengths in us that we overlook. Ask a former coworker, manager, or mentor what they think your top skills are. Their insights can help you build confidence and clarity.

Search for Skill-Matching Tools and Career Resources

Not sure where to start? Try searching online using phrases like:

• “how to identify my transferable skills”
• “career change skills assessment”
• “free career strengths quiz”
• “what skills do I bring to a new job”
• “resume skills for career switchers”

These search terms can lead you to helpful articles, self-assessments, and career planning tools that guide you in recognizing your strengths and how they align with different roles.

Showcasing Your Skills at Citizens

When applying to a role at Citizens, use your resume and cover letter to highlight how your transferable skills align with the job. Be specific—use examples that show how you’ve used those skills to make an impact.

For instance:
“In my previous role as a retail associate, I developed strong customer service and problem-solving skills by helping customers find solutions quickly and efficiently. I’m excited to bring that same energy and care to a client-facing role at Citizens.”

Your Skills Matter—Even If Your Background Is Different

At Citizens, we're investing in the ongoing skill development of our colleagues, with tools like Citizens Talent Matters™. It's our promise to help prepare you, and our company, for the future. Your unique background could be exactly what we’re looking for. So don’t count yourself out—count your skills in.