How to Identify and Market Your Transferable Skills

Thinking of switching careers but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. Many mid-career professionals feel unsure whether their past experience "counts" in a new industry.

Here’s the truth: You don’t have to start from scratch.

Transferable skills — those strengths that show up in every role — are your secret weapon. In this post, you'll learn how to identify and use them to make your pivot smoother, smarter, and more strategic.

What Are Transferable Skills?

Transferable skills are abilities you’ve built across different roles, industries, or even life experiences. They're not tied to one job title — they travel with you.

Examples include:- Leading teams- Solving complex problems- Managing time and priorities- Communicating across levels- Working with data or systems- Training or mentoring others

If you're pivoting careers at 40 or 50+, these skills become your bridge to a new role.

Why They Matter in a Career Pivot

Companies care less about job titles and more about outcomes.

Your transferable skills show:- You can step into the work with confidence- You already solve problems like the ones they face- You bring a fresh perspective—without being a total newbie

They’re especially helpful if you’re switching careers with 20 years of experience or more. You’re not “starting over” — you’re repositioning.

How to Identify Your Transferable Skills

Try this three-step approach:

1. Look back at past roles.What were you consistently asked to do? What did people rely on you for?

2. Write out your wins.Think of 3–5 accomplishments you’re proud of. What skills helped you succeed?

3. Match to your future roles.Search job descriptions in your new field. What skills keep showing up? Where do your strengths line up?

You can also ask a colleague or coach. Sometimes others see patterns we overlook.

How to Showcase Them (Without Stretching the Truth)

On your resume:- Create a summary focused on your skills and career goals- Use keywords from your target roles- Frame your past work in terms of transferable value (“Led cross-functional teams to deliver on-time results”)

On LinkedIn:- Use your headline to reflect your direction (“Operations Pro → Project Manager | Data-Informed Decision Maker”)- In the About section, lead with the skills that are relevant now- Share posts that reflect your thinking and interest in your new field

In interviews:- Say: “While I haven’t done X in that exact industry, here’s how I’ve done something similar...”- Use START stories: Situation, Task, Action, Result—and Tie it back to the role- Position yourself as someone who can ramp up fast and contribute quickly

Want help identifying your most marketable skills? Let’s have a Career Chat