There are two types of transferable skills:  (1) skills that are required of most any positions (2) what the armed services term as "like" skills in the civilian marketplace.  We are going to discuss the former in this entry and will do a special entry for transitioning service members in the weeks to come.

So what the heck are transferable skills anyway and are they really that important.  I would say it depends on how badly you want to work.  Transferable skills can be used as the tipping point when all other factors are equal. 

Let's say you are currently a deputy dispatcher for an emergency hotline.  Your primary duties might include:

- supervision of phone operators
- receiving calls requiring emergency services
- providing customer service to walk-in traffic
- dispatching first responders
- relaying information between callers and first responders

So primarily you are working the phones and assisting team members.  Now ask yourself:

- Did you get trained?
- Do you train others?
- Do you interview people?
- Do you make others feel welcome?
- Do you draft and then report details?
- Do you calm callers down?
- Does your job involve stress?
- Are you willing to stay on the line after your shift ends to complete a call?
- Are you able to separate fact from fiction?
- Are you able to receive information, initiate a plan of action, coordinate the plan and follow through to execution of the plan?

OK, the last question was a bit leading but it helps define what skills might be transferable.  You have to think about ALL the many things you do to complete your tasks.  What are the things that make you successful?

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to deal with external and internal stressors and deliver timely results.
- Ability to train others in communication equipment and situational protocol.
- Willing to exert personal resources in order to satisfy the customer.
- Focused on detail, delivering consistent and concise feedback.

All of the sudden you are now the top candidate because you are bring all these other skills to the table that the employer didn't even know they needed.

Leanne King
President, SeeKing HR