Having the right essential skills to succeed in a career is crucial. There are many skills that can be learned that are attractive to future employers, even in roles completely unrelated to the ones you have had in the past. These are known as transferable skills. It is crucial to hone these types of skills as they are universally sought after in almost all industries.
Transferable skills are often not taught in the classroom and can be honed and developed through your professional experience. If you are unsure of where you want your career to take you or are considering a career change in the future, it is crucial to focus on developing essential skills that will benefit you in any role.
1. Curiosity
Having a natural curiosity can help you engage with your work better, understand processes and give you an edge when learning new things. While it is hard to practice curiosity, you can develop a habit of questioning the things around you. Ask questions about tasks and processes and find out how different projects contribute to the broader goal of the company.
The more you understand how the different parts of a business work together, the better placed you will be to offer unique insights and suggestions on how the business can improve.
2. Thirst For Knowledge
Similar to curiosity, it is vital to show potential employers that you are keen to learn and grow. It can also help to find ways to develop your professional skills yourself outside of work. This can show employers that you are serious about your future career and are willing to put in the work to get where you need to be. You could consider taking up volunteer work or completing online courses that will give you a foundation of knowledge to use in the future.
3. Communication
Good communication skills are crucial to help you work effectively as a team. They are also an essential skill for anyone aspiring to a leadership position. You can improve your communication skills through practice. Some of the most crucial elements for effective communication include persuasive and negotiation skills. It may help to put yourself in situations where you can hone these skills and become a confident communicator.
4. Empathy
Being able to understand the perspective of others can be invaluable in almost any career. It is crucial in making others feel seen and heard. Empathy is an ability that almost all people possess to some extent and can be challenging to develop.
It may help to make a habit of putting yourself in the shoes of others. Consider how your actions may impact other people and how you yourself would react when treated a certain way. Treating others as you would like to be treated can be an excellent way to have empathy for all.
5. Multitasking
Many roles will require you to juggle multiple responsibilities and tasks at once. Showing proficiency in multitasking will show employers that you are an asset to their company. Avoiding distractions is key to multitasking, as is the ability to prioritize effectively.
6. Organization
Good organization skills can help you hit targets and meet deadlines. It is likely that you will have picked up some organizational skills throughout your time in education and in most previous employment. Time management is a key element to a good organization. You can show that you have excellent time-keeping skills by being punctual, meeting your targets, and having a clear plan of action for all work.
7. Agility
Agility is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after skills for businesses. Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, many businesses are recognizing the importance of being able to adapt quickly and effectively to rapid changes to demands, both internal and external. Agile employees can think on their feet and come up with practical solutions to problems quickly.
One excellent way to show your agility skills to potential employers is by becoming an agile coach. Being an agile coach can be a career in its own right, with plenty of formal and informal training options to help you along the way. Businesses like Easy Agile are ideal for anyone looking to improve their agility skills.
8. Initiative
Having the ability to take the initiative is a highly valued skill in today’s job market. Not only does it allow you to work independently and effectively, but it can also help you come up with innovative ideas and solutions to company problems.
The initiative is one of the critical essential skills that employers look for when choosing candidates for promotions. You can show that you have initiative by requesting new and challenging work and volunteering to head up projects and other opportunities when given a chance.
9. Integrity
Being a trustworthy and reliable employee is crucial. You can show your integrity through your work by consistently delivering on your promises, helping out other team members, and being honest in your interactions with others. It can also help to build a strong work history, as the longer you remain in a role, the clearer it will be that you have loyalty to your employer.
10. Leadership
Leadership skills can be invaluable in any industry. Showing that you can help manage others while excelling with your own work can be a great asset when looking for a new role. If you haven’t had the chance to prove your leadership skills in a professional capacity, it may help to use evidence from your personal life. For instance, if you were the captain of a sports team, leader of a club, or volunteer with a charity, this can show that you have the ability to lead a group.
11. Problem Solving
The ability to develop solutions to problems quickly and independently is a crucial skill for any employee. Many high-powered careers are fast-paced and require the ability to think on your feet. You can hone this skill over time, but it is crucial that you understand how to apply logic to a problem and learn how to identify issues before they arise.
12. Collaboration
Working well as part of a team is a vital skill. Being able to communicate and interact with people from all walks of life can make you an extremely attractive asset to an employer. A harmonious team is a happy and productive one, so it is crucial that you show that you can work well with others. Again, there are many ways you can show this through professional and personal experience.
13. Creativity
Creativity can be a tricky skill to learn, but it is crucial for most employment opportunities. Being creative allows you to think outside the box and find solutions to problems that others may not consider. You could hone your creativity in your personal life by taking up hobbies such as blogging, writing short stories, or crafts.
Conclusion
You can pick up transferrable essential skills from a wide range of professional and personal experiences. It is crucial that you understand the different transferrable skills needed to succeed in any career path. Often you may find that you have picked up more transferable skills than you realize throughout your life.
Consider the experiences you have from education, part-time jobs, and any sporting or social clubs you are part of. It can also help to put yourself out there and practice as much as possible. While many of the essential skills above cannot be taught, they can be improved through practice.
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